The UCGIS solicits proposals from individuals at its member institutions to conduct exploratory studies of the NSGIC/FGDC Framework Survey. This call for proposals is expected to result in funding for at least two projects by academic researchers to evaluate the survey results and processes, and to use the data from the survey for further research into technical and organizational aspects of the framework. Innovative methods of exploring the framework survey data are encouraged.
Possible areas of exploration could include, but are not limited to:
Project deliverables
1. Meet with FGDC staff to discuss and confirm research methodology
and timeline for completion
2. Present the results of the project at a meeting to be mutually agreed
upon by the FGDC and the principal investigator
3. Submit findings to a peer-reviewed journal
4. Submit a final report to FGDC in a format to be mutually determined
Funding amount
Each proposal should include a draft budget of no more than $30,000 including university overhead, and a timeline for completion of all deliverables not to exceed one year.
Additional guidelines
To the proposal, attach brief biographical sketches (maximum 2 pages) of the Principal Investigator(s) including up to five related publications over the past three years.
Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of overall quality of the proposal, documented qualifications of the principal investigator(s), relevance of the anticipated findings to evaluating framework activities, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovativeness of the proposed approach.
In order that UCGIS can plan a timely review process, a letter of intent should be sent by Monday, July 12, by those who intend to submit a proposal. Letters of intent are not required, however. Please send letters of intent by fax or e-mail to the Chair of the UCGIS Research Projects Committee (see contact information below). In order to be considered, proposals are due Friday, July 30, 1999, by 5 PM Eastern Standard time. Submit proposals by e-mail or by fax (see contact information below). A hard copy letter or form, with the principal investigator's original signature and an official authorized to commit the organization in business and financial affairs, is due within 7 days of electronic or FAX submission.
Questions about the RFP may be directed to UCGIS President Greg Elmes (gelmes@wvu.edu, phone 304-293-5603, extension 4325, fax 304-293-6522). Funding of the project will be conditional on the availability of funds from FGDC.
Send letters of intent and proposals to:
Max J. Egenhofer, Chair
or
Robert D. Rugg, Vice-Chair
Geographic data constitute a significant part of the cost of developing a GIS -- as much as 80%. Many organizations have a recurring need for certain basic themes of data. If a reliable standardized source of basic data themes could be provided, many organizations would benefit. Framework data include seven basic layers of data that most organizations use on a regular basis as a foundation for GIS activities. These layers are geodetic control, orthoimagery, elevation, transportation, hydrography, governmental units, and cadastral information.
In 1996, the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) entered into a cooperative agreement with the National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC) to survey current framework activity throughout the country, with a focus on local government. The tasks of this cooperative agreement were:
The first step of this project has been completed. From November 1997 through September 1998, NSGIC state coordinators surveyed data producers in Federal, state, local, and tribal governments and private and non-profit organizations. Over 5,000 questionnaires were returned. The survey project team processed the data following documented quality assurance/ quality control procedures. The data are available through the FGDC website at http://wwww/fgdc.gov/framework/survey_results/readme.html . The website includes an Arcview 3.1 project that allows the results of the survey to be mapped.
Investigators who wish to respond to this call for proposals should familiarize themselves with the survey in advance of submitting a proposal. A national status publication is currently in preparation.