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 authorized 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
- U.S. State Government
- Department/Agency of U.S. State
- State
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
- U.S. State Government
- Department/Agency of U.S. State
- State
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
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
The primary purpose of Earth MRI is to facilitate new geologic mapping activities and related data collection as part of an initiative to collect geophysical, geologic, and topographic data in areas of critical mineral potential across the Nation. This effort directly supports Administration and Departmental priorities. Additionally, Earth MRI is authorized through Public Law 117-58, directing the USGS to accelerate efforts to carry out fundamental integrated topographic, geologic, geochemical, and geophysical mapping activities focused on the assessment of critical minerals. Earth MRI will directly benefit the Nation by expanding upon the understanding of domestic critical mineral resources through advanced airborne geophysical surveys and advanced mapping of subsurface geologic resources. These efforts will 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.
Mission Categories
Primary: Earth and Environment
Other categories:
MineralsEconomic Development
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