U.S. Geological Survey

Notice of Funding Opportunity

USGS Cooperative Landslide Hazard Mapping and Assessment Program Announcement for Fiscal Year 2026

Funding Opportunity Number

G26AS00010

Table of Contents

BASIC INFORMATION

ELIGIBILITY

Cost Sharing Requirement

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

Program Description

Legislative Authority

Type of Award

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format

Application Documents

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package

Submission Dates and Times

Submission Instructions

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Eligibility Review

Merit Review

Review and Selection Process

Risk Review

AWARD NOTICES

POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Administration and National Policy Requirements

Reporting

Attachment A. Public Law 116-323

Attachment B. Landslide National Strategy for Landslide Loss Reduction

Attachment C. Guidance Criteria for FY 2026

Attachment D. Application Instructions and Template

Attachment E. Annual Progress Report Template

Attachment F. Final Technical Report Template

Attachment G. Special Terms and Conditions

BASIC INFORMATION

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: G26AS00010

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.821

Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,000,000

Expected Number of Awards: 10

Award Ceiling: $250,000

Award Floor: $10,000

Cost Sharing Required?

No. The National Landslide Preparedness Act (Public Law 116-323) specifies that proposals will receive funding prioritization if at least 50 percent of the total cost is matched by non-Federal sources. These sources can include state, local, non-governmental, Tribal, territorial, or private funds. Further details on what qualifies as non-Federal support, referred to as "match," are provided in the Eligibility section below.

Closing Date Explanation

Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.

OMB Control Number:

1028-0142

Have Questions? Stephen Slaughter – USGS Project Officer, sslaughter@usgs.gov, 720-483-

Executive Summary

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Landslide Hazards Program announces a funding opportunity under the Cooperative Landslide Hazard Mapping and Assessment Program, established by the National Landslide Preparedness Act (Public Law 116-323). This program provides resources to assist state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments in reducing landslide risk through hazard mapping, risk assessments, public education, and interagency coordination.

Landslides occur in every U.S. state and territory, often with little warning, causing fatalities, disrupting transportation and commerce, and inflicting billions of dollars in damage annually.

This program addresses these challenges by funding projects that:

• Enhance Risk Assessments: Develop detailed landslide hazard maps and analyses to identify high-risk areas.

https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/PLAW-116publ323 mailto:sslaughter@usgs.gov https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/PLAW-116publ323

• Improve Community Preparedness: Deliver outreach campaigns, workshops, and educational materials that empower residents and decision-makers to recognize warning signs and prepare for landslide events.

• Promote Collaboration: Build partnerships among government agencies, universities, and local organizations to share knowledge and resources for effective risk reduction.

Eligible applicants include state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments. Universities may participate on behalf of state geological surveys or other eligible offices. Each proposal must address at least one Guidance Criterion (hazard mapping, planning and coordination, education and outreach, or Alaska-specific hazards).

Alignment with Federal Priorities This program fulfills statutory requirements and advances key federal directives emphasizing preparedness, hazard mitigation, scientific integrity, and interagency coordination:

• EO 14303 - Restoring Gold Standard Science (5/23/2025): Alignment: Reinforces scientific integrity and evidence-based decision-making, which aligns with the grant’s emphasis on rigorous methodologies, transparent data management, and peer-reviewed dissemination of results.

• EO 14239 – Achieving Efficiency Through State and Local Preparedness (3/19/2025):

Alignment: Supports coordination with state and local governments for emergency preparedness, which aligns with landslide grants’ focus on improving community preparedness and interagency collaboration.

• EO 14308 – Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention and Response (6/12/2025):

Alignment: Promotes hazard mitigation and interagency coordination for natural disasters; landslide preparedness often overlaps with wildfire recovery and postfire slope stability concerns.

• EO 14313 – Establishing the President's Make America Beautiful Again Commission (7/3/2025): Alignment: Encourages environmental stewardship and community engagement, complementing landslide grant objectives for public education and outreach.

• SO 3438 – Managing Federal Energy Resources and Protecting the Environment (8/1/2025): Alignment: Balances resource development with environmental protection, which resonates with landslide hazard mapping goals to safeguard communities and infrastructure.

• SO 3443 – Elevating and Unifying DOI's Wildland Fire Management Program (9/10/2025): Alignment: Enhances wildfire management and interagency coordination, which is relevant because landslide risks often increase after wildfires due to destabilized slopes.

Funding this program is essential to protect lives, infrastructure, and economic stability while advancing federal mandates and strategic priorities.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/05/restoring-gold-standard-science/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/achieving-efficiency-through-state-and-local-preparedness/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/06/empowering-commonsense-wildfire-prevention-and-response/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/07/establishing-the-presidents-make-america-beautiful-again-commission/ https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order/so-3438-managing-federal-energy-resources-and-protecting https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order/so-3443-elevating-and-unifying-dois-wildland-fire-management

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants

State governments

County governments

City or township governments

Special district governments

Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

Additional Information on Eligibility

This Notice of Funding Opportunity is open to state, Tribal, territorial, and local governments. A university may submit a proposal on behalf of a state geological survey or other state office if they are organized under a university system. Direct any questions about eligibility to the USGS Project Officer.

Cost Sharing Requirement

Cost Sharing Required?

No

This program does not have a match requirement; however, the National Landslide Preparedness Act (Public Law 116-323) states that funding prioritization shall be given to projects for which at least 50 percent of the total cost of the project is matched by non-Federal sources (i.e., state, local, non-governmental, Tribal, territorial, or private). As part of the non- Federal entity's cost sharing or matching, shared costs or matching funds and all contributions, including cash and third-party in-kind contributions, are acceptable following 2 CFR 200.3061.

The contributions must be verifiable in the applicant’s records, not included as contributions to any other Federal award, necessary for the project work, not paid by the Federal Government through another award (except where authorized) and must be documented in the Detailed Budget Narrative (Attachment D).

If you plan to use datasets such as lidar or geophysical data as match, you must explain how these datasets will improve or enhance the proposed product. If the datasets are being used as a cost share, ensure that:

• No Federal funds were used to collect the data;

• The reported data cost is pro-rated based on the portion of area covered by the proposed mapping;

• The dataset must not have been used for a previous cost share.

GET READY TO APPLY

Required System Registrations

Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov Registration

Before applying, all applicants except individuals applying as a natural person must be registered in SAM.gov. During the SAM.gov registration the entity will obtain their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

The SAM.gov registration process can take several months. If your organization is not already registered in SAM.gov, begin the registration process as soon as possible.

To register in SAM.gov, go to the SAM.gov website and use the available resources to complete registration.

• Financial assistance registrants must review and certify compliance with the SAM.gov

“Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications”.

• Already registered? You already have a Unique Entity ID. Before applying, check that your “Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications” on SAM.gov is complete. Remember to renew your registration every year to keep it active while you have an award or application in progress. You can update your registration whenever you need, including during renewal.

• Need help? For additional information and contact information on the SAM.gov Help page.

Refer to Attachment – Submission Instructions & Tips.

GRANTS.GOV

This program accepts applications through Grants.gov so once you receive your UEI return to Grants.gov to register with Grants.gov. Please allow 30 days to register and set up a Workspace in Grants.gov. See Submission Instructions section below for additional details.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Program Goals

The USGS Cooperative Landslide Hazard Mapping and Assessment Program aims to improve understanding of landslide hazards and enhance public safety. Expected performance goals include: increased awareness of landslide risks, better risk assessment and mapping, and improved community preparedness. The funds will support activities such as developing detailed hazard maps, conducting educational outreach, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. Project outputs may be measured by the number of risk reduction products created (for example hazard maps, educational materials, community meetings), members of the workforce or public trained, or possibly the size of the population, infrastructure, or resources impacted by the work. Data will be collected through the required Final Technical https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://sam.gov/content/help https://sam.gov/content/help https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration

Report (Attachment F), project reports such as maps and publications, and feedback from grant recipients. This information will be reported to USASpending.gov with each award made under this funding opportunity.

Program Description

The overarching purpose of this funding is to assist state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments in assessing and managing landslide risks effectively, thereby protecting lives and property from the potentially devastating impacts of landslides. By investing in projects that focus on hazard mapping, public education, and community preparedness, the program seeks to significantly reduce the risks associated with landslides, ultimately promoting overall public safety.

The program is expected to achieve several key outcomes for the public good. First, by funding educational initiatives, it aims to raise awareness about landslide risks among residents in susceptible areas. This increased understanding will empower communities and decision makers of all levels to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their property, as well as the infrastructure and resources they depend upon. Second, the program supports the development of detailed hazard maps that identify areas susceptible to landslides. These maps will provide critical information for emergency and resource management, planning, and land use decisions, all enhancing public safety. Additionally, through outreach campaigns and workshops, the program will promote preparedness strategies, enabling communities to respond effectively to landslide events, which is crucial for minimizing injuries and property damage. Lastly, the program encourages partnerships among various stakeholders, including government agencies, universities, and local organizations, fostering a collaborative approach to landslide risk management at the regional-local scale that enhances the effectiveness of risk reduction strategies.

Certain costs are deemed unallowable under this program, including

• Long-term operation of landslide monitoring, monitoring networks, or instruments.

• Proposals in which there is a real or apparent conflict of interest.

• Proposals principally involving the direct procurement of a product or equipment.

• Projects seeking funding for capital improvements for landslide damaged infrastructure, landslide mitigation design, repairing landslide damaged property, or similar activities.

• Construction expenses related to physical infrastructure and land acquisition costs for purchasing property

• Unapproved equipment purchases that do not meet program guidelines

• Pre-award costs

• Indirect costs that exceed established legal caps or deviate from OMB-approved rates.

Eligibility for this funding is limited to state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments. While universities can participate, they must do so on behalf of eligible state geological survey or other state offices. This ensures that the funding is directed toward entities capable of implementing effective landslide hazard assessments and risk reduction strategies, ultimately enhancing public safety across affected communities. In summary, the USGS Cooperative Landslide Hazard Mapping and Assessment Program is committed to advancing public safety by providing essential resources and support to manage landslide risks effectively, thereby safeguarding lives and property in susceptible areas.

Projects can select either 1- or 2-year periods of performance, only. Two-year projects require an Annual Progress Report (Attachment E) due 90 days after the end of the first year. Both 1-and 2-year projects require a Final Technical Report (Attachment G) due 90 days after the end of the performance period.

Legislative Authority

This announcement is part of the Cooperative Landslide Hazard Mapping and Assessment Program, authorized by the National Landslide Preparedness Act (P.L. 116-323) and funded through appropriations to the USGS.

Type of Award

Projects will be funded through G (Grant).

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format

A complete application contains five components. The first is Forms/Assurances/Certifications which are described in the section below and required by grants.gov. The remaining four components are the Project Narrative, Project Narrative Supporting Documentation, Detailed Budget Narrative and Budget Summary Table, and Additional Information. Much of the remaining four components are used to describe your proposal to help the peer review panel and USGS Landslide Hazards Program Office assess your proposal. The last four components are described in detail in Attachment D.

Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following forms with their application as specified below.

Instructions for accessing and submitting application forms are provided in the Submission Instructions section of this document below. For instructions on completing form fields, see the form instructions on the Grants.gov Forms Repository.

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement

SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance Required from all applicants https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html

Forms/Assurances/Certifications Submission Requirement

Note: For applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Representative’s signature (or electronic equivalent) on the Application for Federal Assistance form also represents their certification of the statements in Appendix A to 43 CFR 18-Certification Regarding Lobbying

SF-424A, Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs

Required for non-construction projects

SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

Required if requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funds and the applicant has used or plans to use funds other than Federal appropriated funds for lobbying related to the proposed project.

Project Abstract Summary (OMB 4040-0019). Must include, in plain language:

• Project Title

• Project Period

• Award Purpose

• Activities to be Performed

• Expected Deliverables or Outcomes

• Intended Beneficiaries

• Subrecipient activities (if known or specified at time of award)

Required from all applicants

DOI Research and Development (R&D) – Current and Pending (Other) Support Note: This form is available on the DOI website.

Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment.

Required for research projects.

DOI Research and Development (R&D) – Biographical

Sketch Note: This form is available on the DOI website.

Applicants must download the form and include the completed form as an application attachment.

Required for research projects.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18#Appendix-A-to-Part-18 https://www.doi.gov/grants/policies-and-guidance https://www.doi.gov/grants/policies-and-guidance

Project Narrative

The Project Narrative is a comprehensive description of the proposed project that the peer review panel and the USGS Landslide Hazards Program Office will use to evaluate your proposal. This narrative should clearly outline the project’s purpose, methodology, and expected outcomes. To assist you in crafting a strong project narrative, detailed instructions and a template are provided in Attachment D. Closely following the instructions in Attachment D will ensure that your proposal is well-organized and meets the program requirements.

Budget Narrative

Applicants must describe and justify items and costs listed in their budget. The budget narrative must identify the following cost items: total estimated costs, non-Federal cost share, third-party contributions, and any pre-award costs. Total project cost is the sum of all allowable costs, including required and voluntary cost share and third-party contributions.

Budget items must be:

• Reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary

• Compliant with 2 CFR §200 Subpart E cost principles

Indirect Costs: Applicants must indicate in their budget narrative how they will charge indirect costs, including the rate to be applied:

• De Minimis Rate: If eligible, state if your organization is opting to use the de minimis rate of up to 15% of total modified direct costs. Entities that do not have a current Federal negotiated indirect cost rate (including provisional rate) may propose to use the de minimis rate. For more information, refer to 2 CFR 200.414(f).

• Negotiated Rate: State if you will negotiate with your cognizant agency. If your organization has previously negotiated a rate, attach a copy of the most recently negotiated rate agreement (active or expired).

Conflict of Interest and Unresolved Matters Disclosures

If any actual or potential conflict of interest exists related to this project at the time of application, the applicant must provide sufficient information to support a program determination of significance per 2 CFR 1402.112. Refer to 2 CFR 200.112 Conflict of Interest and 2 CFR 200.113.

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement:

Applicants must state in their application if the activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel proposed in this application overlap with those in any other Federal proposal or award or not. If no overlap exists, include a statement to that effect. If any overlap exists, provide:

• Activities: Description any overlapping activities.

• Costs: Description of any overlapping costs.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402#1402.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113

• Time: Description of any overlapping key personnel time.

• A copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity.

• Details on when any overlapping proposal was submitted, to whom, and the expected date of the funding decision.

Other Required Information

Additional information is required for a complete application. Guidance is provided in Attachment D.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package

The application package is available through Grants.gov. General information on the grant is available on the USGS Landslide Hazards Program External Grants website:

https://www.usgs.gov/programs/landslide-hazards/science/external-grants-overview If there are questions or problems finding the application package, please contact the USGS Project Officer.

Submission Dates and Times

Closing Date for Applications: 06/08/2026

Closing Date Explanation

Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.

Submission Instructions

Only electronic submissions through grants.gov are permitted.

Apply Through Grants.gov

To apply through Grants.gov, please follow the instructions in the Quick Start Guide for Applicants. Before applying, ensure that at least one person at your organization is registered and has the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). Only the AOR can submit the application. If you need more users, they must create their own Grants.gov account. Follow these steps below to apply:

• Create a Workspace: Creating a workspace allows you to complete it online and route it through your organization for review before submitting.

• Complete a Workspace: Invite participants to the workspace so you can collaborate on the application. Required applications forms are included in the Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Package and can be completed in the Workspace, unless noted otherwise in the Required Forms table above. Check for errors before submission.

• Submit a Workspace: An application may be submitted through workspace by clicking the Sign and Submit button on the Manage Workspace page, under the Forms tab https://www.usgs.gov/programs/landslide-hazards/science/external-grants-overview https://grants.gov/register https://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants http://www.grants.gov/quick-start-guide/applicants

• Track a Workspace Submission: After successfully submitting a workspace application, a Grants.gov Tracking Number (GRANTXXXXXXXX) is automatically assigned to the application.

The system generates a date and time stamp and sends it to the applicant’s AOR via email as proof of submission. Make sure your application passes the Grants.gov validation checks. Do not encrypt, zip, or password-protect any files. Only registered individuals in SAM as both a user and an AOR can submit applications. Please allow 30 days to register in Grants.gov.

Application System Technical Support: For Grants.gov technical registration and submission, downloading forms, and application packages, contact Grants.gov Customer Support at 1-800- 518-4726 or by email at Support@grants.gov.

APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Eligibility Review

During the eligibility review, the application is checked for timely submission, completed packages (see Application Documents above) and alignment with the requirements of this announcement. The Federal agency may remove an application if it does not pass the eligibility review.

The USGS Project Officer and DOI Grant Specialist review all submitted applications to ensure the applications are complete. If an application does not meet all requirements specified in the Program Announcement, the application will be rejected, and the institution and Principal Investigator will be promptly notified that the proposal will not be reviewed and the reason for its rejection.

If an applicant selected for funding hasn't finished their SAM.gov registration (see 2 CFR 25.200 and 2 CFR 25.110) when the federal agency is ready to make an award, we may decide that the applicant is ineligible for the award and choose to grant it to someone else. Please refer 2 CFR

25.205 for more information.

Prior to making an award, the DOI checks the anticipated recipient and their key project personnel against the current list of prohibited or restricted persons or entities in the SAM.gov Exclusions database. We are prohibited from making an award if a recipient or any key personnel are found ineligible, prohibited, restricted, or otherwise excluded from receiving or participating in an award, as their ineligibility condition applies to this program.

If removed from consideration for ineligibility, the Federal agency will notify the applicant in writing.

Merit Review

All proposals are evaluated by a peer review panel of 4 to 7 members, which includes scientists, engineers, and other experts from academic, federal, state, local, regional, and Tribal governments, non-profits, and private industry. Most proposals are evaluated by a single mailto:Support@grants.gov https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-25.200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-A/section-25.110 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-B/section-25.205 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25/subpart-B/section-25.205 review panel. However, additional panels may be formed to address specific regions or topic areas. For example, one panel might focus on proposals related to landslides in Appalachia, while another could review proposals centered on social science.

Regional or topical panels include members with expertise in the relevant area and make up at least 50% of the panel’s membership. The Program Office and Grants Coordinator determine when additional panels are needed. If additional panels are formed, they review only the proposals related to their specific region or topic.

Evaluation Criteria

Each proposal is evaluated individually using four equally weighted evaluation criteria.

• Technical Merit and Quality: This factor assesses the proposed technical approach in addressing one or more of the Guidance Criteria described in Attachment C and the probability of achieving positive results within the period of performance. The assessment includes analysis of methodologies, technology, and/or workflows and whether they are appropriate to achieve positive results.

• Societal Benefits: This factor assesses the value of the landslide deliverable(s) in advancing scientific understanding, improving the knowledge base, workforce development, and(or) increasing public safety.

• Knowledge, Performance, and Experience: This factor considers the scientific and technical ability of the PI and team and the promptness with which the results of previous projects/funding were disseminated to the user community. This factor includes performance records and capability to provide the necessary facilities and support that will ensure satisfactory completion of the proposed work, including dissemination to the intended audience.

• Appropriateness and Reasonableness of the Budget: This factor considers whether the proposed budget is commensurate with the level of effort needed to accomplish the project objectives and whether the cost of the project is reasonable relative to the value of the anticipated results.

Cost sharing/match is not an eligibility criterion nor is it an evaluation criterion used by the review panel. Instead, cost sharing is a prioritization criterion used by the Landslide Hazards Program Office during the final decision-making process. As stated in the “Cost Sharing” section above, proposals will receive funding prioritization if at least 50 percent of the total cost is matched by non-Federal sources. If less than 50 percent of the total cost is matched by non- Federal sources, this is considered “no match”. An example of how the Landslide Hazard Program Office would use prioritization is if the review panel scores two proposals equally and one proposal has >50 percent match and the other has no match, the proposal with the 50 percent or higher match is ranked higher for funding than the proposal with no match.

Review and Selection Process

This program reviews proposed budgets to ensure:

• figures are correct

• estimated costs are necessary and reasonable and clearly linked to project narratives

• avoid obviously unallowable costs

• identify costs requiring prior approval

• ensure indirect cost rates are applied correctly

• confirm cost sharing requirements are reflected in the budget.

This program reviews applications for potential overlap or duplication between the proposed project and any other funded or proposed project. Depending on the circumstances, DOI may choose not to make an award.

• If an application does not meet all requirements specified in this Program Announcement, as determined by the Grant Specialist and in consultation with the USGS Project Officer, the institution and Principal Investigator will be promptly notified that the proposal will not be reviewed and indicating the reason for its rejection.

• All proposals are considered in accordance with the Merit Review criteria described above. All criteria are weighed equally by the review panel when deriving their overall score. Panel members are asked to not compare proposals and instead assess each proposal individually according to the Merit Review criteria. Each panel member assigns a score for each proposal.

• Review panel members are required to review all submitted proposals and make recommendations on each proposal based on the merit criteria described above. At the end of the review period (usually 6-8 weeks), panel members meet virtually to discuss each proposal. After discussion, individual scoring is shared leading to a panel ranking of the proposals.

• The Landslide Hazards Program Office and Project Officer use the review panel rankings, panel comments, and discussion notes, to make recommendations for final selection of proposals for funding. Final funding decisions based on the review panel's recommendations, the Landslide Hazards Program science priorities, Guidance Criteria described in Attachment C, and the priorities outlined for the grant program in the National Landslide Preparedness Act

• Organizations with an existing No Cost Extensions from a previous landslide grant will result in a penalty during the review and selection process.

Risk Review

Prior to making an award, the program assesses the risk posed by the applicant per 2 CFR

200.206. If an award will be made, the program may apply special conditions corresponding to the risk assessed. For awards over the simplified acquisition threshold (currently $250,000), the program reviews eligibility and financial integrity information in the applicant’s SAM.gov records per 2 CFR 200.206(a). The program also assesses financial management capabilities, project delivery experience, staffing resources, past performance, administration and reporting compliance records, and overall project complexity and potential challenges.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.206 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200#p-200.206(a)

AWARD NOTICES

Notices of Federal Award are sent electronically via GrantSolutions or e-mail. These notices outline the terms, conditions, and payment instructions per 2 CFR 200.211. The Notice of Federal Award signed by an authorized Grants Officer is the legal instrument obligating financial assistance to a recipient. Any other prior notice is not an authorization to begin work. If the program allows pre-award costs per 2 CFR 200.458, beginning performance before receiving a Notice of Federal Award is at the applicant’s own risk.

Anticipated Project Start Date: 07/01/2026

Anticipated Project End Date: 06/30/2027

All projects must propose start dates between 07/01/2026 and 09/30/2026. The start date requested in the applicant’s submitted proposal is considered the applicant's official start date and may not be changed by the applicant. If federal funding delays do not allow for a project to be funded by the applicant's requested start date, the award will be issued as soon as funds become available, and the applicant will be notified of the new start date by the USGS Contracting Officer.

We expect that all applicants should hear a response from the USGS Project Officer around mid- June, about two weeks after the closing of the application period. Due to delays in posting this NOFO, the review period is significantly condensed.

POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

Administration and National Policy Requirements

For award administration and national policy requirements, see the DOI General Terms and Conditions. Infrastructure projects require the use of American iron, steel, manufacture products, and construction materials per 2 CFR 184.

See Attachment G for the USGS Special Terms and Conditions.

Geospatial Data

If you receive financial assistance from the Department of the Interior (DOI), recipient must follow these rules for geospatial data:

Follow Federal Standards: All geospatial data you collect or create must meet the standards set by the Federal Geospatial Data Committee (FGDC) or the Department of the Interior. This is required by the Geospatial Data Act of 2018, which is part of Public Law 115-254, specifically in Subtitle F (Geospatial Data), sections 751-759C (codified at 43 U.S.C. §§ 2801–2811).

Include Metadata: Your Geographic Information Systems (GIS) files must include complete metadata. Metadata is information that describes the data, such as where it came from, how accurate it is, and how it should be used. This is to ensure that anyone using the data understands its context and quality.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.211 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.458 https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions https://www.doi.gov/grants/doi-standard-terms-and-conditions https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-184 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=2019&path=%2Fprelim%40title43%2Fchapter46&req=granuleid%3AUSC-2019-title43-chapter46&num=0&saved=L3ByZWxpbUB0aXRsZTQzL2NoYXB0ZXI0Ng%3D%3D%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy1wcmVsaW0tdGl0bGU0My1jaGFwdGVyNDY%3D%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim

Check for Existing Data: Before you start collecting new geospatial data, you need to check GeoPlatform.gov. This is to see if there is already existing geospatial data from federal, state, local, or private sources that can meet your needs and is available for free. If such data is available, you should use it instead of gathering new data.

These rules help ensure that geospatial data is reliable, high-quality, and that resources are used efficiently.

Reporting

The recipient’s Notice of Award will detail all reporting requirements, including frequency, due dates, and instructions for requesting extensions. In general, but not limited to, recipients must:

• Submit Federal Financial reports and Program Performance reports.

• Use the Federal Financial Report (SF-425) form for financial reporting,

• Monitor award activities and report on program performance per 2 CFR 200.329,

• Promptly notify the awarding program in writing of any issues, delays, or conditions impairing award objectives per 2 CFR 200.329(e),

• Disclose any conflicts of interest related to their award that arise during the award period per 2 CFR 1402.112,

• Report on the status of real property acquired under the award in which the Federal government retains an interest per 2 CFR 200.330, and

• Report all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the Federal award per 2 CFR 200.113.

• Report any matters related to recipient integrity and performance to SAM.gov per Appendix XII to 2 CFR 200.

• If the Federal share of the award is more than $100,000 and the recipient makes or agrees to make any payment using non-appropriated funds for lobbying in connection to the award, disclose those activities using the Disclosure of Lobbying (SF-LLL) form per

43 CFR 18.100.

• Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA) and 2 CFR 170 require certain recipients to report information on executive compensation, and information on all sub-awards, subcontracts, and consortiums equal to or over $30,000 to SAM.gov.

Other Information

• Two-year projects must complete an Annual Progress Report (template is Attachment E) and an Annual Financial Report (SF425) which is due 90-days after the end of the first year.

• Grant recipients must complete a Final Technical Report (template is Attachment F) and share a digital copy of all products developed (for example: hazard maps, databases of events, landslide studies, educational material, etc.) as part of the grant funding. Note that scientific or technical journal publication does not count for the requirements of a Final Technical Report. The Final Technical Report is due 90-days after the end of the https://grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/post-award-reporting-forms https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.329 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.329 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402/subpart-B/section-1402.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR36520e4111dce32/section-200.330 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#Appendix-XII-to-Part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-A/part-18 period of performance. If any products are still in progress after 90-days, please submit the Final Technical Report with drafts of the final products and include an estimated time to complete the product(s).

Attachment A. Public Law 116-323

Link: PUBL323.PS (congress.gov) or https://www.congress.gov/116/plaws/publ323/PLAW- 116publ323.pdf

Attachment B. Landslide National Strategy for Landslide Loss Reduction

Link: ofr20221075.pdf – National Strategy for Landslide Loss Reduction (usgs.gov) or https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2022/1075/ofr20221075.pdf https://www.congress.gov/116/plaws/publ323/PLAW-116publ323.pdf https://www.congress.gov/116/plaws/publ323/PLAW-116publ323.pdf https://www.congress.gov/116/plaws/publ323/PLAW-116publ323.pdf

Attachment C. Guidance Criteria for FY 2026

Guidance Criteria for the USGS Cooperative Landslide Hazard Mapping and Assessment Program The National Landslide Preparedness Act established the National Landslide Hazards Reduction Program to address four goals:

1. Identify and understand landslide hazards and risks:

2. Reduce losses from landslides;

3. Protect communities susceptible to landslide hazards; and

4. Help improve communication and emergency preparedness, including by coordinating with communities and entities responsible for infrastructure that are exposed to landslide hazards.

To meet these four goals, the National Strategy for Landslide Loss Reduction (hereafter the “Strategy”) was written in coordination with a Federal interagency working group, identifying specific goals and strategic actions applicable to all levels of government. In consideration of the four goals above and the goals and strategic actions identified in the Strategy, the following Guidance Criteria (GC) have been articulated for Risk Reduction Proposals associated with the Cooperative Landslide Hazard Mapping and Assessment Program and are described in detail below:

GC1. Landslide hazard mapping and assessment GC2. Planning and coordination GC3. Education and outreach

In addition, for FY2026 a fourth Guidance Criteria has been included focused on landslide hazards in Alaska and is designated GC4.

GC4. Landslide hazards in Alaska

Proposals submitted to this grant program must address at least one of the Guidance Criteria (GC1, GC2, GC3, GC4). This document summarizes some of the relevant goals and strategic actions discussed above; the USGS invites those submitting a proposal to also review the National Landslide Preparedness Act and the Strategy (Attachment A and Attachment B, respectively) to improve their proposal alignment. The identified Guidance Criteria are not an exhaustive list of all potential proposal topics, nor intended to discourage submission of proposals to accomplish other important landslide risk reduction tasks. PIs are encouraged to reach out to USGS Project Officer to discuss potential topics. Note that ‘landslide’ is an inclusive term that includes all types of mass wasting processes, including and not limited to rockfall, debris avalanches, earthflows, debris flows, postfire debris flows, etc.

Guidance Criteria GC1: Landslide hazard mapping and assessments Characterizing societal risk from landslides is an interdisciplinary endeavor that requires data collection and analysis in collaboration and coordination with local, Tribal, state, territorial, and federal agencies, as well as input from susceptible communities, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector. Key to the effectiveness of this work in reducing landslide https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/PLAW-116publ323 https://www.usgs.gov/publications/national-strategy-landslide-loss-reduction https://www.usgs.gov/publications/national-strategy-landslide-loss-reduction losses is the development of better landslide hazard mapping and assessments. The hazard assessments can then be used to inform vulnerability and risk-assessment activities, which can in turn help identify where more-detailed hazard assessments and improved monitoring are needed to reduce the uncertainty of where, when, and why landslides could occur. These maps and assessments, combined with place-based sociological research, can also help focus outreach and communications about landslide risk reduction and preparedness. NOTE: for ANY mapping project, please provide a map of the proposed mapping area and note the size of the area to be mapped in square miles. Specific protocols, methods, tools, and processes to be used for project work must be articulated for projects that involve mapping landslides, susceptibility, risk, or other spatial analysis.

Risk Reduction Proposal topics may include:

• Landslide hazard mapping following an established protocol and using a lidar (3DEP) DEM base map. Hazard mapping may include landslide inventory, susceptibility, runout, exposure, and risk modeling for a region, municipality, or other defined area within the applicant’s jurisdictional responsibility.

• Postfire debris flow hazard mapping such as alluvial/debris fan mapping, pre-fire hazard maps, historic postfire debris flow mapping, and other related products.

• Landslide event database creation that describes spatial and temporal information related to storm events, earthquakes, or other regional landslide events. Data collected may include landslide timing, precise location, land use, damage estimates, losses, or other influences to improve the collective understanding of the impact that landslides have on people, the built environment, and ecosystem services.

• Assessments to improve our understanding of landslide behavior, including where landslides will initiate and where debris could travel after an event.

• A study of the influence of land use and land management practices on landslide likelihood and magnitude.

• Development of best practices and tools for landslide mapping in collaboration and coordination with state, Tribal, territorial, Federal, and local governments.

• Collecting and analyzing loss data from landslides.

• Other topics relevant to this Guidance Criteria.

Note that for any mapping efforts that require topographic data, applicants are strongly encouraged to use lidar DEMs (e.g., data from the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP)) and to describe their usage in their proposals. It is strongly encouraged that if a proposal includes requested funding for lidar collection, the PI email the USGS 3DEP program to inquire on planned lidar collections and whether your area of interest may already be part of a planned lidar collection. Please contact 3DEP@usgs.gov and include a summary of your conversation in your proposal.

Guidance Criteria GC2: Landslide planning and coordination Reducing landslide losses requires strategies for improved preparedness and mitigation, and for expanded regional-local capacity to respond to and recover from landslides that impact communities, infrastructure, and other equities. Improving preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery requires planning, collaboration, and coordination across Federal agencies; state, https://www.usgs.gov/3d-elevation-program mailto:3DEP@usgs.gov

Tribal, territorial, and local governments; academia; private industry; and nongovernmental and community organizations. Guidance Criteria 2 seeks to fund projects aimed at improving planning and coordination among research, private industry, land management, and emergency management communities, as well as across various levels of government to ensure that the right information is in the right hands at the right time.

Efforts to improve planning and coordination may include: workforce development through professional training, improved event messaging and evacuation planning, network linkages between landslide hazard science entities and operational entities responsible for providing watches and warnings, and assessment and improvement of communication strategies.

Formalizing roles and responsibilities for landslide response and research, as well as increasing coordination, will streamline landslide hazard responses and can result in improved short- and long-term outcomes to protect lives, property, infrastructure, and the environment.

Proposal topics may include:

• Development of landslide (including postfire debris flow) emergency and technical response protocols, roles and responsibilities, procedures, products, and trainings to address local landslide emergencies. Partners may include emergency, land, and infrastructure managers, and others.

• Development, coordination, and facilitation of a landslide (including postfire debris flow) working group that shares best practices and lessons learned for effective landslide outreach, preparedness planning, education, land use practices, and other areas of landslide risk reduction and consisting of landslide experts and emergency, land, and transportation managers, planners, and others.

• Other topics relevant to this Guidance Criteria.

Guidance Criteria GC3: Landslide education, engagement, and outreach The production of information on landslides and related hazards alone is not sufficient to reduce landslide risk and losses. Stakeholder buy-in is a critical step in information acceptance, adoption, and use. Active engagement with the user community in the development, application and interpretation of landslide hazard information is needed for effective risk reduction. Ensuring comprehension of landslide risk reduction products by decision makers at all levels is crucial to reduce landslide losses.

For the best available scientific information to be used, it must be delivered in a manner that is tailored to the scale and intent of the decisions and actions of its users. Effective loss reduction also requires education and training for people and communities, for land managers, and for other entities exposed to landslide hazards. Incorporating landslide hazard information into all-hazards planning efforts enables land managers and communities to: (a) address exposure of existing and future assets to landslide risk; (b) mitigate potential losses to the built environment, natural and cultural resources, and habitats that may be in these areas; and (c) respond and recover in ways that reduce the long-term effects of landslides.

Proposal topics may include:

• Development of materials promoting landslide (such as postfire debris flow) education, outreach, and engagement to the public.

• Provide collaborative engagement opportunities (workshops, trainings, etc.) for specialists and practitioners that facilitate addressing important challenges, such as:

landslide hazard mitigation, response, preparedness, resilience, or similar.

• Advance coordination of messaging across multiple agencies by examining resources for education, crowdsourcing, and emergency management tools, for disseminating landslide information, landslide hazard products, and landslide emergency response.

• Engage user communities to assess the efficacy of existing landslide products and elicit their suggestions for improvements and new products.

• Develop new tools and products for increasing awareness of landslide hazards within the public and targeted user groups, such as emergency responders, public utilities, risk managers, decision makers, developers, and engineers.

• Develop approaches for providing landslide hazard information needed for risk assessments, and landslide mitigation and response planning to decision makers, emergency responders, and the public, particularly that cross local, state, Tribal, and territorial boundaries, and various levels of government.

• Develop landslide preparedness curricula and training modules for the public and for government officials including utility workers, planners and emergency, land, resources, and infrastructure.

•…