Opportunity Information: Apply for USGS 19 FA 0417
The EARTH MRI (Earth Mapping Resources Initiative) funding opportunity, numbered USGS 19 FA 0417, is a discretionary grant program run by the Department of the Interior through the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Its core mission is to support the collection of geophysical, geologic, and topographic data in parts of the United States that have strong potential for critical mineral resources. In practical terms, the program is aimed at improving the underlying mapping and subsurface information needed to better understand where important minerals may occur and to guide future resource assessments and related public planning.
This opportunity is offered as a Cooperative Agreement, which generally signals a more collaborative relationship with the federal agency than a standard grant. Under this kind of award, the USGS typically expects to have substantial involvement in the project, such as coordination on technical approaches, data standards, deliverables, or integration of results into broader national mapping efforts. The funding activity category is Natural Resources, and the associated CFDA number is 15.808, indicating it aligns with established federal assistance programming within USGS.
Eligibility is limited to public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, meaning the intended applicants are state universities and similar public academic entities. The posting indicates an expected total of one award, with an award ceiling of $400,000. That combination suggests a single, competitively selected project of moderate size, likely focused on a defined geographic area or a specific set of data-collection tasks that fit within the Earth MRI national priorities.
The opportunity was created on September 6, 2019, and had an original closing date of September 19, 2019, reflecting a short application window. Overall, the grant is best understood as targeted support for acquiring and improving foundational earth-science datasets (geophysics, geology, and topography) in strategically chosen areas, with the broader public benefit of strengthening the nation’s understanding of critical mineral potential and enabling better science-based decision-making.Apply for USGS 19 FA 0417
- The Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "EARTH MRI" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.808.
- This funding opportunity was created on Sep 06, 2019.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Sep 19, 2019. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $400,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.
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EARTH MRI (USGS 19 FA 0417) Grant Opportunity FAQs
What is the EARTH MRI (Earth Mapping Resources Initiative) funding opportunity?
EARTH MRI is a discretionary funding opportunity run by the Department of the Interior through the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The program supports projects that collect and improve foundational earth-science datasets, specifically geophysical, geologic, and topographic data, in parts of the United States with strong potential for critical mineral resources.
What is the opportunity number for this funding announcement?
The funding opportunity number is USGS 19 FA 0417.
Which federal agency administers this program?
The program is administered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) within the Department of the Interior.
What is the main purpose or mission of this grant?
The core mission is to support the collection of geophysical, geologic, and topographic data in U.S. areas that have strong potential for critical mineral resources. The intent is to improve mapping and subsurface information so that mineral occurrence can be better understood and future resource assessments and public planning can be better informed.
What kinds of data collection does the program emphasize?
Based on the opportunity description, the program emphasizes acquiring and improving geophysical, geologic, and topographic datasets. These are described as foundational datasets used to strengthen mapping and subsurface understanding in priority areas.
What type of award is being offered?
This opportunity is offered as a Cooperative Agreement.
How is a Cooperative Agreement different from a standard grant in this opportunity?
The posting indicates that a Cooperative Agreement typically involves a more collaborative relationship with the federal agency than a standard grant. Under this award type, USGS generally expects substantial involvement, such as coordinating on technical approaches, data standards, deliverables, or integrating results into broader national mapping efforts.
What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?
The funding activity category is Natural Resources.
What CFDA number is associated with this program?
The associated CFDA number is 15.808.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to public and state-controlled institutions of higher education. In practical terms, that means state universities and similar public academic institutions are the intended applicants.
How many awards are expected to be made?
The posting indicates an expected total of one award.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling is $400,000.
What does an expected single award with a $400,000 ceiling suggest about the project size and scope?
The description suggests a single, competitively selected project of moderate size. It likely focuses on a defined geographic area or a specific set of data-collection tasks that align with Earth MRI national priorities.
When was this opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on September 6, 2019.
What was the original application closing date?
The original closing date was September 19, 2019.
How long was the application window based on the dates provided?
Based on the creation date of September 6, 2019 and the closing date of September 19, 2019, the application window was short (about two weeks).
What geographic focus does the program target?
The program targets parts of the United States that have strong potential for critical mineral resources, with the goal of improving mapping and subsurface information in those areas.
What broader public benefits are highlighted for this funding?
The posting describes public benefits such as strengthening the nation’s understanding of critical mineral potential and enabling better science-based decision-making, including guiding future resource assessments and related public planning.
What level of involvement from USGS should applicants expect?
Because the award type is a Cooperative Agreement, applicants should expect substantial USGS involvement, which may include coordination on technical approaches, alignment with data standards, agreement on deliverables, and integration of results into broader national mapping efforts.
Is this a formula-based program or a discretionary grant?
This is described as a discretionary grant program.
What is the overall theme of projects supported by this opportunity?
The overall theme is targeted support for acquiring and improving foundational earth-science datasets (geophysics, geology, and topography) in strategically chosen U.S. areas to better understand critical mineral resource potential.
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