Mod 2 2026 NGGDPP NOFO.pdf

This is a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the U.S. Geological Survey's 2026 National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program (NOFO number G26AS00024). The program provides approximately $2,000,000 in total funding with an expected 35 awards, ranging from $5,000 (floor) to $200,000 (ceiling) per award. Electronically submitted applications must be received by February 26, 2026 at 6:00 PM EDT through Grants.gov. Awards may begin as early as May 1, 2026 and no later than August 1, 2026, with a 12-month performance period. The program addresses two fiscal year 2026 priorities: Priority 1 focuses on preserving geoscience resources including digital and physical infrastructure development supporting preservation, archiving, and delivery of geological and geophysical data, samples, and related materials. Priority 2 targets critical minerals data preservation including preservation of geoscience materials focused on critical minerals, development of strategic plans, and submission of geochemical samples for analyses. Eligible applicants are state governments only—specifically state geological surveys—though universities may submit proposals on behalf of state geological surveys organized under state university systems.

Cost sharing requirements mandate that all federal funds requested for Priority 1 must be matched at minimum 100 percent with state funds, and the same applies to Priority 2 funds, with the federal share not exceeding 50 percent of total project costs. Projects must align with FY 2026 priorities and address comprehensive activities to inventory, describe, and preserve specific collections. Priority 1 projects that are solely physical infrastructure development or digital infrastructure development do not require submission of metadata records. States requesting Priority 1 funding must update all existing ReScicoll collection and item records to current metadata standards, with up to $5,000 available for this metadata update task (requiring 1:1 state match). All projects require submission of a Final Technical Report within 90 days of project completion using the designated template, which must include a 500-word summary with specific examples of user success stories and a 300 DPI image. The program does not support interpretive activities, research, or derivative products; does not allow preservation of USGS assets using NOFO funds; and prohibits duplicate digitization of artifacts previously preserved by other agencies. Non-allowable expenses include tuition, computer maintenance, and travel to conferences.