FY26 EDMAP NOFO - FINAL.pdf

U.S. Geological Survey

Notice of Funding Opportunity

The Educational Component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, EDMAP

Funding Opportunity Number: G26AS00012

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

BASIC INFORMATION

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: G26AS00012

Assistance Listing Number(s): 15.810

Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,500,000

Expected Number of Awards: 15

Award Ceiling: $180,000

Award Floor: $0

Funds for each award will be determined on the basis of an anonymous Panel process. Each proposal will be scored on the basis of Evaluation Criteria provided within. Only the higher scoring proposals will be funded.

Cost Sharing Required? Yes

Closing Date Explanation

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

OMB Control Number: 1028-0088; Expiration Date 04/28/2027

Have Questions?

USGS Office of Acquisitions and Grants Point of Contact:

Amber Brazil

Grants Specialist

U.S. Geological Survey

Phone: (541) 285-6810

Email: abrazil@usgs.gov

Technical Questions Related to this Announcement:

Daniel Colwell

Co-Program Officer for EDMAP

EDMAP Component Lead

National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program

U.S. Geological Survey

Phone: (571) 512-2209

Email: dcolwell@usgs.gov; edmap@usgs.gov

Financial Questions Related to this Announcement:

Mike Marketti

Administrative Program Manager

Co-Program Officer for EDMAP

National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program mailto:abrazil@usgs.gov mailto:statemap@usgs.gov

U.S. Geological Survey

Phone: (703) 648-6976

Email: mmarketti@usgs.gov; edmap@usgs.gov

Executive Summary

The primary objective of the EDMAP component of the National Cooperative Geologic

Mapping Program (NCGMP) is to train the next generation of geologic mappers. To do this, the

NCGMP provides funds for graduate student and upper-level undergraduate student projects relevant to the creation of geologic maps (defined broadly as maps that characterize the solid

Earth and/or its constituents). Through these cooperative agreements, the NCGMP hopes to expand the research and educational capacity of national academic programs that teach Earth science students the broad range of techniques relevant to geologic mapping and the analysis of field, geophysical, borehole, and remote sensing data. As of 2024, EDMAP has funded more than 1,501 students from more than 177 universities. A list of funded FY2025 EDMAP projects can be found in Attachment D of this announcement. For more information about the USGS

NCGMP EDMAP Program please visit: EDMAP | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov) or email

EDMAP@usgs.gov.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants –

☒Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

Additional Information on Eligibility

• Proposals may be submitted by a faculty member (including adjunct faculty) affiliated with geoscience or related departments or programs at an accredited university or college in the United States. However, faculty or adjunct faculty members who are also employed by the Federal government may neither submit a proposal nor serve as PI or co-PI on an EDMAP project.

• Only one proposal will be accepted from an individual Principal Investigator (PI; faculty advisor). Multiple proposals can be accepted from a single institution if authored by different PIs. PIs may submit proposals containing multiple sub-projects (i.e., proposal can support multiple Primary Student Mappers) so long as a different geologic map deliverable is proposed for each project/Primary Student Mapper. The PI is required to write and submit the proposal.

• PIs that have been previously funded under EDMAP must comply with the requirements specified in the previous EDMAP award(s) and must be in good standing (i.e., no delinquent deliverables still pending on a previous award without a Program-approved extension). Additionally, a PI may only have two active EDMAP Projects at any given time. As an example to help clarify this – in order to be eligible for EDMAP funding in

FY2026, a PI must have no more than one currently active EDMAP project at the time that FY2026 EDMAP funding decisions are made.

mailto:mmarketti@usgs.gov mailto:statemap@usgs.gov https://www.usgs.gov/programs/national-cooperative-geologic-mapping-program/science/edmap-0 mailto:EDMAP@usgs.gov

• EDMAP Primary Student Mappers should be graduate (Master’s and Doctoral) students and/or upper level (junior and senior) undergraduate students. Graduate and undergraduate students must have received appropriate geoscience or related training prior to the time that they begin the proposed project.

• A Primary Student Mapper may be supported by no more than a total of 36 months of

EDMAP funding or no more than three EDMAP awards during their academic career.

Students may be funded on consecutive EDMAP awards, or a student may be supported by an EDMAP award from different institutions, degrees, or PIs. However, a given student is only eligible for 36 months of cumulative funding.

• An EDMAP request may not exceed $45,000 per 12 months for each Graduate Primary

Student Mapper ($3,750 per month). An EDMAP request may not exceed $25,000 per 12 months for each Undergraduate Primary Student Mapper ($2,083 per month). An

EDMAP award may not exceed 24 months ($90,000 maximum per Graduate Primary

Student Mapper; $50,000 per Undergraduate Primary Student Mapper). These maximum requests include ALL associated costs: tuition, field work, laboratory analyses, stipend, etc.

Cost Sharing Requirement

Cost Sharing Required?

Yes

The EDMAP Program is required by statute (Public Law 117-58, Sec. 40202: “National

Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program”) to be carried out on a 1:1 matching basis. Each recipient must match each Federal dollar with a non-Federal dollar (direct and indirect costs).

Applicants will be held to the proposed match provided in their application. A modification will not be issued to reduce the match amount. Proposing an overmatch is allowed; however, an increased match does not increase the chances of receiving an award. Federal regulations prohibit the matching of Federal funds with other Federal funds.

The source(s) of the university/proposing institution contribution (i.e., match) must be listed in the proposal.

The following is a summary of what is required for the 1:1 match:

(i) A 1:1 Federal/Proposing Institution match is required for “TOTAL DIRECT COSTS”

(salaries, fringe benefits, field expenses, miscellaneous supplies, tuition costs if requested);

**Note that tuition costs can be counted as “total direct costs” to meet match requirements but cannot be included in indirect cost calculations.

(ii) A 1:1 Federal/Proposing Institution match is required for “TOTALS” (Total Direct

Costs + Indirect Costs).

Both “Totals” must meet the 1:1 match requirement. Failure to meet the matching requirement will result in automatic ineligibility and the proposal will not be evaluated.

Up to 18% of a Proposing Institution’s total direct costs may be used as a Proposing Institution match on the Proposing Institution indirect cost line. If a Proposing Institution chooses (or is required) to show a higher than 18% rate on the Proposing Institution’s indirect cost line, then this rate can be listed under “uncollected indirect costs” on the University/proposing Institution side, and the result will be a higher Proposing Institution budget total than the Federal budget total - however, any “uncollected indirect costs” cannot be claimed as additional University match. If the Proposing Institution approved rate is less than 18%, then the approved rate must be used. These stipulations also apply to subawards; if a subaward is issued for a portion of a project, then the same rules apply to the 18% cap for indirect costs on the federal side. In proposals with PIs from multiple institutions, partial match from each institution is allowed so long as the total reaches the 1:1 threshold.

Matching funds may include:

• direct financial match in dollars to cover project expenses;

• faculty (PI or non-PI) salary for time spent mentoring students on the project, student salary and/or Primary Student Mapper tuition, (although Primary Student Mapper(s) tuition may not exceed 50% of total proposed match for the entire proposal);

• Research Assistantships (RA) are an allowable request or match but only for students working exclusively on the proposed project. RAs supported by other Federal funds are not eligible to be used as matching funds;

• volunteer services by professional and technical personnel, consultants, or other skilled or unskilled labor (except for services or volunteer time from Federal employees), if the services are an integral and necessary part of the project (Information documenting rates and amounts for in-kind support should be included, for example, letters of commitment for in-kind support);

• purchased, rented, and/or donated property such as field supplies, laboratory supplies, or office supplies that are justified to support the project (the value of donated property must not exceed the fair market value of the property at the time of the donation);

• field travel and field accommodations, including per diem for meals and incidentals;

• sample preparation and sample analysis costs;

• analytical costs at a Federal facility;

• purchase or rental of capital equipment, such as GPS units, rock hammers, Brunton compasses, hand lenses, cameras, or other nonexpendable items, provided that the equipment is directly related and essential to the project, and that the cost is prorated for project use;

• Purchase of field tablets given that they abide by the definition of expendable property

(less than $5,000 with a shelf life not to exceed 24 months).

Matching funds may not include:

• Federal funds (e.g., Federal employee salary, National Science Foundation grants, services provided by a Federal laboratory or other Federal facility);

• volunteer time from a Federal employee;

• costs associated with travel to or registration for professional meetings;

• tuition for mapping/field assistants;

• teaching assistantship salaries;

• software licenses and maintenance contracts (although software cost is an allowable match if the proposed project is a Data Synthesis Project and the software purchase is justified and prorated);

• items or facilities (computers, computer facilities, plotters, rock lab, office space, etc.)

that are already included as university/department/institution overhead expenses. These items should be covered by indirect costs.

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.

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

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

Program Goals

Detailed geologic maps are the basis of most Earth science investigations and can be used for energy and mineral resource assessments and discovery, natural hazard mitigation, infrastructure planning, and more. To establish a coordinated program that prioritizes the geologic mapping requirements of the Nation and to increase production of geologic maps, the 102nd Congress passed the National Geologic Mapping Act, referred to within as “the

Act.” Signed into law in 1992, the Act created within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) the

National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP).

The objectives of the NCGMP, as outlined in the Act, are to:

1. Determine the Nation’s geologic framework through the systematic development of geologic maps.

2. Submit aforementioned maps to the National Geologic Map Database

(NGMDB); and develop complementary national databases that provide value-added information to the NGMDB.

3. Apply cost-effective mapping techniques that assemble and disseminate geologic map information, and that render such information of greater application and benefit to the public.

4. Develop public awareness of the role and application of geologic map information to the resolution of national issues of land use management.

Program Description

The EDMAP Program represents the Education Component of the NCGMP and is a partnership between the USGS and participating colleges and universities. The EDMAP Program provides mentorship and training for U.S. Earth science students while carrying out the NCGMP mission and addressing Administration and Department of the Interior Secretarial priorities. EDMAP cooperative agreements provide funds, matched 1:1 by the receiving institution, for training students in skills needed to produce geologic maps. Geologic mapping training supported by

EDMAP provides the foundational capacity to describe and interpret the geologic framework information necessary to manage America's land and natural resources, and strengthen national security, foster economic development, and adapt to changes in the environment. In addition, EDMAP support helps to maintain strong academic geologic mapping programs, which in turn produce a healthier workforce at geological surveys throughout the Nation.

Many EDMAP projects include lands of American Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Tribes, and

Alaska Native Corporations (hereafter referred to as Tribal Nations). The NCGMP supports the fulfillment of the federal trust responsibility to Tribal Nations by recognizing their sovereignty and responding to the science needs expressed by Tribal communities. The

NCGMP works closely with EDMAP PIs to ensure that Tribal Nations are appropriately notified of NCGMP-supported geologic mapping activities inclusive of Tribal Nation land.

Legislative Authority

Public Law 102-285

Type of Award

Projects will be funded through CA (Cooperative Agreement).

Recipient should expect the Federal agency to have substantial involvement in the project. The

NCGMP will monitor progress towards fulfilling deliverables at the end of the period of performance. The NCGMP will also review and approve any award modifications, has the authority to direct or redirect recipient work at any stage in the process, and may immediately halt work due to failure to meet agreement objectives. The NCGMP will review and approve all submitted deliverables to ensure compliance with Cooperative Agreement terms and conditions.

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Application Content and Format

Pre-Application Requirements and Information

General Proposal Requirements

• EDMAP project proposals may be submitted for any length of time between 12 and 24 months duration.

• There is no limit on proposed number of Primary Student Mappers so long as Federal request can be matched 1:1 by the Institution.

• Each Primary Student Mapper must be the first author of their own geologic map.

• Funds for one Primary Student Mapper include ALL potential costs/match for the project:

field expenses and supplies, salary, sample analyses, tuition.

• The maximum amount that can be requested for one Graduate Primary Student Mapper

(and any field assistants associated with the deliverable) is $3,750 per month for no more than 24 months ($90,000 maximum over 24 months; $45,000 maximum over 12 months).

• The maximum amount that can be requested for one Undergraduate Primary Student

Mapper (and any field assistants associated with the deliverable) is $2,083 per month for no more than 24 months ($50,000 maximum over 24 months; $25,000 maximum over 12 months).

• The bulk of the award is intended to support the student’s proposed efforts (field work and/or synthesis work, mentored geologic mapping training, tuition, salary/research assistantship). No faculty salary is allowed, although the PI may ask for minor logistical financial support (e.g., travel funds) to mentor the student(s) in the field for a credible amount of time.

• EDMAP agreements can support primary student mapper tuition and research assistantships. Up to 50% of the total proposed request may be used for primary student mapper tuition. Additionally, primary student mapper tuition may comprise no more than

50% of the proposed match.

• Any support investigations (e.g., drilling and analytical services), chartered transportation, and other purchased assets should sum to less than 20 percent of the overall project budget.

• Collaborative Proposals: Proposals may involve collaborations between more than one institution. A PI must be named for each institution, and all PIs and co-PIs (all of whom are considered “PIs” within this program announcement) share equally in the responsibility for the completion of the project. One PI must be designated on the proposal as the point of contact for NCGMP communication, preferably the academic advisor of the funded student. Funding will be received by the designated PI’s institution only and can be dispersed to other institutions via inter-institutional agreements. The

NCGMP will not engage in inter-institutional agreements, nor participate in enacting their provisions.

• PIs must plan mapping projects in coordination with other FEDMAP or STATEMAP mapping projects in the field area, because the NCGMP will not fund two maps of the same area of equitable scale or of similar purpose.

• The Geologic Map Schema (GeMS) Standard is used for all NCGMP-funded digital map products produced by the USGS and State Geological Surveys. Proposals including training in and the production of a GeMS database will be prioritized over proposals that do not include training in and submission of a GeMS database.

Resources and guidance on GeMS can be found at https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/standards/GeMS/.

• All EDMAP proposals must include a mentored field experience focusing on aspects of geologic mapping.

• All proposals must inform and coordinate with the State Geological Survey in the state of the proposed study site. If a proposed study site does not have a State Geological Survey, then please inform and coordinate with a USGS Project Lead that is funded by the

National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (to obtain contact information for State

Geological Surveys, see Attachment C or visit: http://www.stategeologists.org/).

• A written letter of acknowledgement or support from the State Geologist (or designee) of the proposed study site (or a USGS Project Lead if the study site does not have a State

Geologist) must accompany all proposals (see Proposal Evaluation Criteria, p. 25).

EDMAP recipients are encouraged to discuss publication options with the State Geologist of the proposed study site.

Each Proposed EDMAP project must fall into one of two categories: Field-Focused or Data

Synthesis.

Type of Project Proposals: Field-Focused

• Field-Focused Projects are those that perform mapping and generate a geologic map at a detailed or intermediate scale (ranging from 1:24,000 up to but not including

1:250,000), displaying specific geological strata or rock units, on the basis of extensive mentored field mapping.

• The primary emphasis of Field-Focused Projects must be on student(s) doing geologic mapping in the field.

http://www.stategeologists.org/

• The EDMAP definition of a 2D geologic map created by a Field-Focused Project is a robust material-properties-based framework of geological units and features that can be interpreted into various customized and user-friendly derivative map products.

o At minimum, the geologic map should include: (1) a clear and legible base

(include base map credit and map projection); (2) scale (fractional and bar) and contour interval; (3) north arrow and magnetic declination; (4) title, authorship, publisher (or the institution that carried out the mapping), and date; (5) index map delineating mapping contributions by the student author(s) and by previous mappers across the new map area; (6) field data or field data stations; (7) description of map units; (8) explanation of map symbols; and (9) unit symbols on map.

o All maps submitted under EDMAP also must show the bounding coordinates in degrees-minutes-seconds (DMS) notation or decimal degrees notation.

o If a submitted map does not include these minimum criteria, then it will be returned.

Types of Project Proposals: Data Synthesis

• Data Synthesis Projects incorporate emerging geologic mapping skills and field experiences to support the evolving need for broadly defined geologic mapping now and in the future.

• A proposed project would be considered eligible for Data Synthesis Project funding so long as the student both learns skills that enable the creation of maps or spatially referenced models that are relevant to Earth science, and ultimately produces a geologic map.

• Project must generate a geologic map (defined broadly as any map that characterizes the solid Earth and/or its constituents) at a detailed or intermediate scale (ranging from

1:24,000 up to but not including 1:250,000) by using computational tools or other innovative technologies, such as machine learning, smartphone applications, modeling, remote sensing, drones, etc. (e.g., using machine learning to classify rock types on the basis of remote sensing data).

• Data Synthesis Projects could also involve the collection of new data, analysis of preexisting data, or resolution of anomalies in existing datasets so that data can be geospatially merged (e.g., mapping critical minerals or hazardous wastes in soils in an urban environment to address specific sources of contamination in runoff).

• The activities proposed under a Data Synthesis Project can take many forms; however, the goal of the project must be to train students in geologic mapping.

• The major focus of a Data Synthesis Project, and the way that the deliverables will document student learning related to geologic mapping, must be clearly described in the proposal.

• In the case of a Data Synthesis Project, a geologic map is defined broadly as any map that characterizes the solid Earth and/or its constituents.

o At a minimum (if applicable), the geologic map should include: (1) a clear map projection; (2) scale (fractional and bar); (3) north arrow and magnetic declination; (4) title, authorship, publisher (or the institution that carried out the mapping), and date; (5) field data or field data stations, if field data were collected; (6) description of relevant discrete or continuous map units; (7) explanation of map symbols; and (8) unit symbols on map.

o If a submitted map does not include these minimum criteria, then it will be returned.

• Data Synthesis Project field experiences may be different than a traditional weeks-long mapping effort in the field. For example, the mentored field experience could be a guided field trip along transects aimed at understanding regional geology across a province.

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

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

Required from all applicants

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

Required for non-construction projects

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

• 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.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository.html 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

Proposals must be arranged according to the format and order provided below. Following this format ensures that every proposal contains all essential information and is evaluated equitably.

All documents (except the SF-424 forms) must be combined and submitted as one PDF file.

All proposals must include the following documents:

1. Standard Form 424 (SF-424), Application for Federal Assistance (mandatory form provided in grants.gov): The person who electronically submits the SF-424 must have the authority to bind the University/Institution to the terms of the assistance award.

2. Standard Form 424A, Budget Information: Non-Construction Programs (mandatory form provided in grants.gov).

3. Standard Form 424B, Assurances: Non-Construction Programs (mandatory form provided in grants.gov).

4. Negotiated Rate Agreement: If requesting indirect costs, then a copy of the University’s negotiated indirect cost rate agreement is required. Per the program authority for EDMAP, indirect costs are capped at 18%. Please note that in the absence of a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, the maximum indirect rate that may be charged is the de minimis rate of 15% (see 2

CFR 200.414(f)).

5. Project Abstract Summary (OMB 4040-0019): Along with the requirements listed in the table above, please also provide the proposed project title and period of performance on this document.

6. DOI Research and Development (R&D) – Current and Pending (Other) Support: See instructions in table above.

7. DOI Research and Development (R&D) – Biographical Sketch: See instructions in table above.

8. Support letter from study-site State Geologist (or USGS Project Lead if there is no State

Geologist for the study site): A letter of acknowledgement or support is mandatory. This letter must come from the State Geologist(s) in the state(s) where the study site is located. If the study site does not have a State Geologist (e.g., Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico), then a letter of support from an NCGMP-funded USGS Project Lead working in that area is sufficient. If an NCGMP-funded USGS Project Lead is not identified, then please contact the Co-Program Officers for

EDMAP. It is highly recommended that discussions occur with the State Geologist/State Survey prior to the request for a letter of support. If other institutions or organizations are supporting the proposed project, then additional letters of support are welcome. See Attachment C for State contacts.

9. Mandatory EDMAP Proposal Cover Sheet: See Attachment A for required format.

10. Proposal Technical Section: This section of the proposal is limited to 10 single-spaced pages, no smaller than 11-point font size, and 1-inch margins. Remember that a graphic can be far more beneficial than text, and the Proposal Evaluation Panel has many proposals to read. The

10-page limit includes all text, the budget narrative, figures, references, and personnel information. Letter(s) of support, attachments, budget sheets, and data management plan are not included in the 10-page limit. The technical section of the proposal must include the following:

Abstract. The abstract must be no more than 350 words and include:

• statement of purpose, objective, or hypothesis;

• research methods to accomplish the goal;

• expected scientific or societal impacts of the research;

• expected conclusions or outcomes; and

• statement that identifies the state and quadrangle or areas that will be mapped or otherwise addressed through mapping-related activities.

Introduction. The introduction should be a brief description of the problem and background.

Reference should be made to any previous or current geologic mapping in the area. Please state if this project is a significant part of a thesis or dissertation. Discuss any coordination with a

State Geological Survey or USGS.

• If the PI has received prior EDMAP funding, then please include a discussion of previous projects, results, impacts of previous results, and if/how this previous work relates to the work being proposed. Please be as specific as possible and include a bibliography of previous EDMAP products.

Location and geologic setting. The proposed study area must be located within the United

States and (or) U.S. Territories. A clear, readable map (with scale) showing the location (with coordinates) of the project area must accompany the text.

• If the project area footprint (i.e., spatial boundary) of the proposed work includes Tribal

Nation land, then please indicate the name(s) of the Tribal Nation(s) and provide the following details:

o whether physical access to Tribal Nation land(s) is desired and if so, the land area designation/name (e.g., reservation, village, pueblo);

o whether or not the proposed activity would include soil disturbance (e.g., sample collection) on or near Tribal Nation lands; and o details on pre-coordination, request for access, or other communication with

Tribal Nations on the proposed project (if applicable).

Purpose and Justification. This section should answer the following simple, but important questions: Why are you doing this project? What scientific questions are you addressing? What benefits will society receive from the mapping? If you have previously proposed similar research, then please convey how the current proposal is related to but different from this other research.

Strategy for Performing the Project. This section should explain how the student will achieve the scientific results presented in the previous section through geologic mapping or other activities related to geologic mapping. If multiple students are involved, then please be specific about the roles and individual projects and deliverables of each student. A short discussion about the digital cartography and GIS component related to the project is also beneficial. If the objectives can only be accomplished with the support of drilling, analytical services such as geochronology or geochemistry, or through the purchase of third-party assets (e.g., datasets), then please describe these activities here.

Mentoring strategy and timetable. Provide a realistic mentoring approach and timetable for completing the mapping project.

• A table embedded in the proposal can be a clear and concise way of conveying this information.

• Explain how much time the PI/faculty advisor will spend directly engaged with the student(s) and what the PI/faculty advisor specific role(s) will be.

• Clearly discuss how the PI/faculty advisor will mentor the student(s) (Primary Student

Mapper(s) and field assistants) before, during, and after the field experience.

o If the student mappers have experience in geologic mapping (for example, a second year EDMAP student), then explain why there may be a more flexible mentoring schedule versus working with a junior or senior undergraduate student who might have less experience with geologic mapping.

o If the PI plans to be closely engaged with the student(s) throughout the project

(e.g., in the field with the student mapper for the entire duration of the mapping project), then please explain how the student(s) will gain independent experience with the techniques being learned.

• If applicable, explain exactly what the field assistant(s) role(s) will be and how they will be mentored.

• State where there will be any student interaction with or mentorship from State

Geological Survey staff or USGS scientists.

• Proposals must include a discussion of field safety as part of the overall mentoring plan. The NCGMP strongly encourages geologic mapping projects to utilize a buddy system approach to promote safe field practices.

Deliverables. Please provide a list of all deliverables.

• If maps are produced by the proposed project, then they must be submitted (with accompanying technical reports) by quadrangle, portion of quadrangle, or study area

(indicate bounding coordinates).

• Keep in mind that the Primary Student Mapper must be the first author of the deliverable, whereas other students (e.g., mapping assistants) will be secondary authors or acknowledged on the deliverable.

• If two primary mappers are funded on a project, then two separate map deliverables and an indication of which map deliverable will be authored by which student are required.

• All EDMAP map deliverables, when possible, are required to be delivered as high-quality digital PDF files.

• All GeMS submissions must comport with GeMS Level 3 requirements and must be verified for compliance using the validation and geologic names checking scripts provided by the NGMDB via the GeMS website; these scripts and related guidance can be found here: https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/standards/GeMS/.

• A final report (can be the student’s thesis) and a transmittal letter must be submitted as deliverables with the geologic map(s) and should explicitly be listed in this section.

Project Personnel. Proposed personnel must include the name of the PI, other supervising professor(s), and student(s). Clearly list the Primary Student Mapper(s) and any students that will be assistants.

• A short biography of each person will assist the Proposal Evaluation Panel to judge both the qualifications of the professor(s) and the ability of the student(s) to complete the geologic mapping project. Full CV/resumes are not required if sufficient biographical information is provided.

o Proposals submitted that do not identify the students who will do the project are allowed, giving PIs several extra months to identify students to undertake the project.

▪ If students have not been selected at time of proposal submission, then the proposal must specify whether each proposed student is an undergraduate, a master’s, or a Doctoral student, and must include the minimum educational requirements and qualifications for each student.

o The name, contact information, and biography/qualifications of ALL students involved in the project (e.g., Primary Student Mapper and any assistants) must be submitted to the USGS in order to issue the cooperative agreement.

• The PI should include information about the student’s prior geologic educational experience (e.g., field camp, analysis projects, or other mapping projects), and any course work that would help significantly in the project.

• The PI and other supervising professors should include teaching experience relevant to the proposed project.

• For projects that include inter-institutional collaborations, please include the expected contribution and relevant background of each PI, co-PI, and all other faculty serving in a defined role. It is important that the proposal make it clear that the combined skills and knowledge of the faculty team warrant a collaborative approach to the project.

o Federal employees may not serve as PI or co-PI on an EDMAP project.

o Be sure to identify which faculty member is the point of contact for NCGMP.

o The point of contact must be a faculty member (either faculty or adjunct faculty) at the lead institution (i.e., the institution submitting the proposal and receiving funds).

Other support. If the student has pending requests for support to perform a similar project from other institutions, then these requests should be listed.

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

This program has a mandated cap on indirect costs or approved rate deviation.

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).

It is important that the Proposal Evaluation Panel understands the proposed budget to determine if it is adequately justified for the proposed mapping project. The budget justification section should explain in detail the itemized budget entries in the included Budget Sheet (Attachment B).

Please include a description of the cost share (cash vs. in-kind). If cost share includes support from another institution or organization outside of the proposing institution, then please include a letter from that institution or organization as evidence.

Proposals must include a copy of the Indirect Negotiated Cost Rate between the institution and the Federal Government. NOTE: The 2021 Reauthorization of the National Geologic Mapping

Act (Public Law 117-58, Section 40202) states that the USGS and recipients of EDMAP grants shall not use more than 15.25% of Federal funds to pay indirect, servicing, or program management charges (which is equivalent to 18% of total direct costs). In collaborative proposals, different rates and amounts are allowed based on the direct costs to be received by each institution. A copy of the Indirect Negotiated Cost Rate must be included for each institution claiming indirect charges. Note that indirect costs cannot be applied to any requested or matched funds for primary mapper tuition; please ensure that any indirect costs calculations apply to all direct costs less any tuition.

11. USGS Data Management Plan: Proposals submitted to the USGS must include a supplementary document of no more than two pages labeled "Data Management Plan" (DMP).

This supplementary document should describe how the proposal will conform to USGS policy on the dissemination and sharing of research results and associated data. A valid DMP may 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 include only the statement that no detailed plan is needed (e.g., “No data are expected to be produced from this project”), if the statement is accompanied by a clear justification. This supplementary document (DMP) may include:

• the types of data, samples, physical collections, software, curriculum materials, and other materials to be produced during the project;

• the standards to be used for data and metadata format and content (if existing standards are absent or deemed inadequate, then this situation should be documented along with any proposed solutions or remedies);

• policies for access and sharing to include provisions for appropriate protection of privacy, confidentiality, security, intellectual property, or other rights or requirements;

• provisions for re-use, re-distribution, and the production of derivatives; and

• plans for archiving data, samples, and other research products, and for preservation of free public access to them.

Additional guidance on data management plans is available from the USGS Data Management web site here: https://www.usgs.gov/data-management/data-management-plans

12. Budget Sheet (Attachment B): Only one budget sheet per proposal is required, following the template provided (Attachment B). The Budget Sheet should contain the following:

• Salaries and/or Tuition.

o List all students' salary rate, tuition rate (if requesting or matching with tuition), and amount of time on project for each student.

o Faculty salary may not be requested (but can be used as match for time spent mentoring students on the project).

o In collaborative proposals that involve more than one student, if the students are from different institutions, then it is permissible to use different salary levels, but these different salary levels must be justified in a manner that demonstrates that any differential remains equitable.

o As a reminder, no more than 50% of the request may be for primary student mapper tuition, and no more than 50% of the total proposed match may be for primary student mapper tuition.

• Fringe Benefits.

o Propose rates/amounts of any fringe benefits.

o Faculty fringe benefits may not be requested (but can be used as match).

o If rates are audit approved, then include a copy of the audit agreement and/or the name of the audit agency.

o In collaborative proposals that involve more than one student, if the students are from different institutions, then it is permissible to use different fringe benefit levels, but these different levels must be justified in a manner that demonstrates any differential remains equitable.

o Audit approval documentation should be provided for each institution.

• Field Expenses.

o Itemize the estimated travel costs (i.e., number of people, number of travel days, per diem rate, mileage rate, airfare or other transportation, and any other travel costs).

o Justification for these costs should be provided in the Budget Narrative section.

https://www.usgs.gov/data-management/data-management-plans

• Miscellaneous.

o Use this section to itemize costs that are not identified elsewhere on the budget sheet. Provide an estimated breakdown to include number and cost for each item.

o Potential miscellaneous costs include base maps, aerial photographs, petrographic thin sections, field tablets, datasets, and other expendable field and office supplies.

o List any contractual services and associated costs in this section.

• Drilling and analytical expenses.

o Drilling and analytical laboratory costs (e.g., geochemistry, geochronology, geophysics) are to be capped to less than 20 percent of the total proposal costs

(i.e., request + match).

o Please note that Federal EDMAP funds (i.e., request) are prohibited from being used to fund analytical work at any Federal facility.

• Total Direct Charges.

o Sum of salaries, tuition, fringe benefits, field expenses, miscellaneous items, and drilling and analytical expenses.

o Total Direct Charges must be matched dollar for dollar. Failure to do so will result in automatic ineligibility and the proposal will not be further evaluated.

Proposed match may be greater than request, but must meet the 1:1 match requirement.

o In collaborative proposals, partial match from each institution is allowed if the total combined match adheres to the 1:1 threshold.

• Indirect Charges.

o See Budget Narrative section for more information on Indirect Charges.

o Note that indirect costs cannot be applied to any requested or matched funds for primary mapper tuition; please ensure that any indirect costs calculations apply to all direct costs less any tuition.

Non-Allowable Requested or Matched Funds

• Teaching Assistantships.

o EDMAP funds may be used to support student research assistantships if the student is working exclusively on the EDMAP project.

• Professional Meetings.

o Federal EDMAP funds are not intended for travel to or registration for professional meetings, nor are they an acceptable Federal match.

• Software.

o Software licenses and maintenance contracts are non-allowable as request or match if the proposed project is Field-Focused. Data Synthesis Projects may match or request software costs if the purchase is justified and prorated.

• Overhead Expenses.

o Items or facilities (e.g., computers, plotters, rock lab, office space costs, etc.) may not be used as match if they are already covered by Institution overhead.

If, for logistical reasons, the budget request for one student is significantly different than that of another student, then it may be useful to submit separate, individual budget sheets.

• Please itemize budget sheet and include rates for salary and travel logistics.

• If there is a cost item that represents a large proportion of the proposal budget, then the

Proposal Evaluation Panel will want to know details. Provide such details in the Budget

Narrative section of the Proposal.

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.

• 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

N/A

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

Address to Request Application Package

Applicants/PIs are responsible for the proposal to be electronically submitted into

GRANTS.GOV (www.grants.gov) by May 26, 2026 @ 5:00 p.m. (EST). This website includes step by step instructions for GRANTS.GOV. Please be aware that the electronic submission system is relatively complex for first-time users and involves several preliminary registration steps before the proposal can be submitted (go to: www.grants.gov and click on the “Register” link at the top of the page). Be advised that it is virtually impossible to begin the process of electronic submission for the first time if starting just a few days before the proposal submission due date. Please contact the Office of Sponsored Programs of the applicant’s institution because this office may already have completed the registration process and should work with the applicant to submit the application.

Please allow sufficient time for the proposal to be submitted electronically and allow time for possible computer delays. It is strongly advised not to wait until the last minute for submission.

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 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-B/section-200.113 https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/

A proposal received after the closing date and time will not be considered for award, and the applicant will be notified immediately.

All Federal grant programs are required to use GRANTS.GOV to advertise program announcements. Any form that is not available online may be submitted as an attachment at the end of the proposal through the online application process.

Submission Dates and Times

Closing Date for Applications: May 26, 2026 @ 5:00 p.m. (EST)

Closing Date Explanation

*Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 3:00 PM, ET, on the listed application due date.

Submission Instructions

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…