Earth Mapping Resources Initiative
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
The primary purpose of the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative is to facilitate new geological and geochemical mapping activities, new geophysical data collection (and obtain associated datasets), and new mine waste research and data gathering/acquisition as part of a larger initiative to collect geophysical, geologic, and topographic data in areas of critical mineral potential across the Nation. This effort supports Executive Order 13817 ("A Federal Strategy to Ensure Secure and Reliable Supplies of Critical Minerals"). In order to respond to this Executive Order, the US Geological Survey (USGS) established this initiative to support advanced mapping of the geologic resources of the Nation - with the USGS designated as the lead Federal agency for geologic map data. Additionally, as of FY2022, Earth MRI is now mandated by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (PL 117-58, signed on 11/15/21) - directing the USGS to accelerate efforts to carry out fundamental integrated topographic, geologic, geochemical, and geophysical mapping activities – as well as mine waste research and data gathering - all focused on the assessment of critical minerals. This advanced geologic mapping and airborne geophysics has the potential to significantly close the gap in the essential data needed to enhance economic development and technological innovation, while advancing our understanding of the fundamental ways that geology informs public policy and every aspect of daily life.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- State
- Government (general)
State geological surveys and related state government agencies may make application for support by a named principal investigator. Due to limited availability of funds to support new external projects, consultation with USGS is strongly recommended prior to submission of applications.
Beneficiaries
- 4
Profit organizations, public nonprofit institutions/organizations, private nonprofit institutions/organizations, and State and local governments, industry and public decision makers, research scientists, engineers, and the general public will ultimately benefit from knowledge gained under the program.
How to Apply
Application Procedure
2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program.
This program is subject to the provisions of 2 CFR Part 200 and Department of the Interior regulations 2 CFR Part 1402. 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 cooperative agreement from a U.S. Geological Survey contracting officer through GrantSolutions (https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/)
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 90 to 120 days
Estimated no more than 3-4 months after receipt of formal proposal through Grants.gov.
Program details & compliance
Description
Earth MRI directly benefits the Nation by expanding upon the understanding of domestic critical mineral resources through advanced mapping of above and below ground subsurface geologic resources through geologic, geochemical, and mine waste mapping, airborne geophysical surveys, and topographic (lidar) data acquisition. Additionally, these efforts also directly benefit the understanding of domestic resources of other economically valuable mineral and energy resources, groundwater resources and water security, geologic hazards, and infrastructure dependencies on subsurface geology. Through the USGS National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program and USGS Mineral Resources Program, Federal and State geologic mappers will coordinate efforts to plan and carry out research and data collection activities in critical minerals focus areas nationwide – with the USGS facilitating critical planning and regional synthesis. This proposed Earth MRI activity represents the State contribution to this larger Federal-State partnership in nationwide geologic mapping focused on critical minerals, as well as some airborne geophysical data collection activities. This effort also includes above ground critical mineral mapping and data acquisition efforts that support the inventorying and characterization of critical mineral resources in mine waste sites across the Nation. The implementation model for Earth MRI is based on multi-agency partnership with the State Geological Surveys for geologic framework data collection, with the USGS acting in a lead program management role to facilitate planning and acquisition for the broader community.
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Applications must be for scientific research projects which are within the Survey's area of responsibility. The majority of funds are used to support research that will enhance existing, long-term collaborative projects. Funds can be used for attendance at national conferences for the dissemination of project results. Further, conferences and symposia will be supported only if it is clear that equivalent results cannot be obtained at regular meetings of professional societies. Office furniture, office equipment, and foreign travel are not normally considered for support. Funds are set aside for discretionary activities.
Required Documentation
Proposals must furnish evidence of the applicant's qualifications for performance of the proposed research. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.
Reporting & Compliance
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