Earth Mapping Resources Initiative

 

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.

Active 15.073 U.S. Geological Survey, Department of The Interior B - Project Grants Fiscal Year 2023 Earth MRI geologic mapping/geochemical mapping/geophysics is in the process of providing funding to 14 states for 17 projects total in FY2023; Earth MRI mine waste in the process of providing funding to 15 states for 15 projects total in FY2023.
Fiscal Year 2024 In FY24, anticipate funding, at the very least, 15-20 projects via Earth MRI geologic mapping/geochemical mapping/geophysics; anticipate funding ~16 states via Earth MRI mine waste. Public Law 117-117-58
Public Law 117-117-81
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (“IIJA”), Pub. L. No. 117-58 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. 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. 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. Preapplication coordination is not applicable. 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. 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. 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/) Applications requested through the formal USGS Earth MRI Solicitation for FY2023 will be accepted on a rolling basis from May 2023 through November 2023. Applications requested through the formal USGS Earth MRI Solicitation for FY2024 will be accepted on a rolling basis from May 2024 through November 2024. From 90 to 120 days. Estimated no more than 3-4 months after receipt of formal proposal through Grants.gov. Not applicable. Not applicable. Scientists within the Geological Survey will review and evaluate all applications consistent with authorized USGS program purposes. Criteria for judging applications will include scientific excellence and relevance to the solution of important problems within the mission of the Geological Survey. Applications will be funded only to the extent permitted by available funds. 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. Performance Reports: Performance Reports: Recipients are responsible for monitoring performance for each award and sub-award under this program in accordance with 2 CFR 200. Recipients are subject to the audit requirements of 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F. All records must be maintained for 3 years after submission of the final financial report. Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing.

Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. Programs obligate funds and send a notice of award to successful applicants. Recipients request funds in accordance with 2 CFR 200, Subpart E-Cost Principles, unless otherwise dictated by program-specific legislation or special award terms. Program will include any special payment terms and conditions in the notice of award. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Recipients request payment as needed throughout the award period. None/Not specified. Warren Day
Box 25046 MS 973 Denver Federal Center
Denver, CO 802250046 USA
wday@usgs.gov
Phone: 3033842682 https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/earth-mri 14-0804-0-1-306 (Cooperative Agreements (Discretionary Grants)) FY 22$0.00; FY 23 est $14,595,000.00; FY 24 est $20,000,000.00; FY 21$0.00; - FY2024 estimated based on FY2023 actuals and possible increases for FY24, including increase from $2.5M to $5M for Mine Waste awards. FY 2024 obligation estimate is subject to the availability of appropriations provided by Congress. Past Fiscal Year (2022): N/A - New Assistance Listing for FY2023 Current Fiscal Year (2023): Geologic Mapping/Geochemical Mapping/Geophysics: Range: $330,000 - $4,250,000; Average: $711,471 Mine Waste: Range: $4,000 - $304,000; Average: $160,000 Budget Fiscal Year (2024): Earth MRI solicitation process scheduled to begin early 2024; assuming consistent funding levels, it is expected that award range and average for FY2024 will be similar to FY2023 awards. Estimated award range per award: $4,000 - $6M / Estimated average: $350K Not applicable. Fiscal Year 2023 Geologic mapping and sampling of high-potential graphite- and vanadium-bearing host rocks in the northern Alabama Piedmont.
Fiscal Year 2024 An example of a possible future Earth MRI project, funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), is as follows: Continued 3D Mapping and Geochemical Investigation of the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District and the Midwest Permian Ultramafic District; 1) surficial mapping, sampling, and geochemical analysis of near surface fluorsparoccurrences, soils, andoxidized and regolith zones near these deposits; 2)field mapping and geochemical analysis of metasomatic bedrock.