Geodetic Surveys and Services (Geodesy and Applications of the National Geodetic Reference System)

Geodetic and Hydrographic Surveys
CFDA 11.400 Active Cooperative Agreement

Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$1.6M FY2026
$3.9M
FY24
$3.9M
FY25
$1.6M
FY26*
* estimated

Funded Projects

Examples of what this program has supported.

FY2025 4 awards totaling over $3.9 million

Program Objective

The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) is a program office within the National Ocean Service (NOS) that provides the authoritative coordinate system for all positioning activities in the Nation. Known as the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS), NGS’ authoritative coordinate system defines latitude, longitude, height, gravity, and shoreline information, which supports a wide range of important activities, including mapping and charting, navigation, transportation, infrastructure, flood risk determination, national security, and environmental observations. NGS also develops industry guidelines, specifications, and standards and provides training for surveyors, mapping professionals, scientists and other users of the NSRS. The goals of this financial assistance listing are 1. To conduct research in the field of geodesy and improve applications of geodesy and the National Spatial Reference System 2. To improve the techniques and technology of geodetic and hydrographic surveys and related data, products, and services 3. Extend the National Spatial Reference System into areas not adequately covered to meet infrastructure needs. 4. To provide education and outreach in the field of geodesy.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • Unrestricted by Entity Type

Institutions of higher education, state, local and Indian tribal governments may apply for assistance. Federal agencies or institutions and foreign governments may not be the primary recipient of awards under this announcement, but are encouraged to partner with eligible applicants when appropriate.

For Joint Ocean and Coastal Mapping Centers, only Institutions of higher education may apply

How to Apply

Award Procedure

The applications recommended for funding by the Selecting Official will be forwarded to the NOAA Grants Management Division (GMD) by the Program Office. The applicant will be notified by the program office by email that its application was recommended for funding. Unsuccessful proposals will not be returned to the applicant. The applicant must be aware that the notification by the program office that a proposal was forwarded to GMD is NOT the official award notice. Official notification happens only when the applicant receives an award notice from the Grants Officer either by postal mail or electronically. Costs incurred prior to receiving notice from an authorized federal grants or procurement officer are solely at one's own risk of these costs not being included under the award.

Decision Timeline

  • Approval: From 120 to 180 days

Up to 240 days

Program details & compliance

Description

The purpose of this notice is for the National Geodetic Survey to solicit grant proposals from eligible organizations to implement activities that modernize and improve the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) and advance the science of geodesy in the United States. NOAA encourages proposals submitted in response to this announcement to include student collaboration and education. The program priorities under this grant program include; 1) Research and develop new methodologies for defining and applications for working with the NSRS; 2) develop and evaluate tools, models, and guidelines to access, analyze, and manipulate geodetic data; 3) enhance infrastructure of geodetic control, coastal remote sensing data, survey measurements, and other physical datasets that comprise the NSRS; 4) support education, capacity building, and technology transfer for the future of geodesy; 5) coordinate through partnerships with local, state, and regional users (e.g. state and local governments, universities, and/or the public sector).

Mission Categories

Primary: Earth and Environment

Other categories:
Research and Development

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

1. To conduct research in the field of geodesy and improve applications of geodesy and the National Spatial Reference System 2. To improve the techniques and technology of geodetic and hydrographic surveys and related data, products, and services 3. Extend the National Spatial Reference System into areas not adequately covered to meet infrastructure needs. 4. To educate and provide outreach to the public on applications of geodesy, hydrography and related data products, and services.

Reporting & Compliance

Audit Required
Yes — Annual
Records Retention
3 years

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

Contacts

Marian Westley
240-533-0481
1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Julie Whitaker
808-725-5296
1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2026-02-19. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-05-31 02:00:22.