National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation

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Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)

$1.9M FY2026

$969K

FY17

$1M

FY18

$2.1M

FY19

$1.9M

FY20

$1.8M

FY21

$4.3M

FY22

$5.9M

FY23

$4.3M

FY24

$6.7M

FY25*

$1.9M

FY26*

* estimated

Funded Projects

Examples of what this program has supported.

FY2024 In 2024, states submitted 39 applications, with 36 states awarded at least partial funding, to total $4,808,817. The funding supports 24,116 student hours. Funded data preservation efforts include: digitization and standardization to GeMS format of paper geologic maps and databases to enable integration with other maps and spatially-relevant data; compiling, digitizing and making available maps, geochemical data, geophysical logs, field notebooks and mining records relevant to critical minerals; developing databases for geochemical, oil and gas, and critical minerals data; compiling borehole information, preserving, photographing, and publicly exposing on the Web valuable rock cores for study and analysis and preserving well records and related cuttings collections to advance geologic studies and resource development. The geoscience data, collections, and artifacts preserved by state geological surveys are described in ReSciColl (Registry of Scientific Collections), at https://webapps.usgs.gov/rescicoll/index.html and information about the NGGDPP is available at https://datapreservation.usgs.gov.

FY2025 In 2025, states submitted 37 applications, with 31 states awarded at least partial funding, to total $6,742,454. The funding supports 33,926 student hours. Funded data preservation efforts include: digitization and standardization to GeMS format of paper geologic maps and databases to enable integration with other maps and spatially-relevant data; compiling, digitizing and making available maps, geochemical data, and mining records relevant to critical minerals; developing databases for geochemical, oil and gas, and critical minerals data; compiling borehole information, preserving, photographing, and making valuable rock cores available to the public online to allow for further study and analysis, and preserving well records and related cuttings collections to advance geologic studies and resource development. The geoscience data, collections, and artifacts preserved by state geological surveys are described in ReSciColl (Registry of Scientific Collections), at https://webapps.usgs.gov/rescicoll/index.html and information about the NGGDPP is available at https://datapreservation.usgs.gov.

FY2026 The NGGDPP anticipates receiving approximately 35 project proposals and awarding 30 to 32 grants. The Notice of Funding Opportunity for NGGDPP grants is expected to be issued in August of 2025. No further information is available.

Program Objective

To preserve and provide access to geological, geophysical, and engineering samples (and any related data) extracted from the Earth to improve the breadth of information available and to inform science and decision making now and in the future.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

State governments

State geological surveys are eligible to apply. For State geological surveys organized under a State university system, such universities may submit a proposal on behalf of or through the State geological survey.

Beneficiaries

Research scientists, engineers, and the general public will ultimately benefit from the program.

How to Apply

Application Procedure

This program is subject to the provisions of 2 CFR Part 200 and Department of the Interior regulations 2 CFR Part 1402 and 43 CFR Part 12. Application form Standard Form (SF) 424 must be used. The application requirements as contained in the announcement package and the above regulations must be used for this program. Applications may be made only through the internet site http://www.grants.gov.

Award Procedure

Notification of an award is by receipt of a grant or cooperative agreement from a U.S. Geological Survey contracting officer.

Three to six months after submittal of proposal or bureau receipt of appropriations, whichever is later.

Program details & compliance

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

Specific objectives are identified in the annual program announcement. Applications from States for proposals not covered by one of the objectives are not solicited. For more information, please contact the Program Office. For further information, please contact the regional office.

Specific objectives are identified in the annual program announcement. Applications from States for proposals not covered by one of the objectives are not solicited. For more information, please contact the Headquarters Office.

Required Documentation

Proposed research application responsive to the instructions issued by the USGS.

Matching Requirements

In order to gain the greatest leverage of limited Federal and State funds, each proposed State originated program must show a 1:1 Federal/State match of direct-and indirect-cost dollars.

Reporting & Compliance

Audit Required

Yes

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

Subpart B — General Provisions
Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
Subpart E — Cost Principles
Subpart F — Audit Requirements