Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) Mine Waste Cooperative Agreements FY2026
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The Geological Survey’s Earth Mapping Resources Initiative is seeking cooperative agreements to support State geological survey mine waste activities under CFDA 15.073. The program funds mine waste inventory and characterization data compilation and acquisition, along with sampling and mapping work that supports ongoing Earth MRI efforts, and it also allows requests for travel funds to the 2026 Earth MRI workshop. Eligible applicants are limited to State geological surveys, with a university allowed to apply on behalf of a survey only when the survey is organized under a state university system, and surveys overdue on prior Earth MRI deliverables or progress reports may not be considered. Projects may run up to 24 months, with the earliest start date after USGS receives FY2026 BIL funding or July 15, 2026, whichever is later, and the latest start date is September 30, 2026; all deliverables are due 90 days after the end of the performance period. Proposals are due May 4, 2026, with approximately $5 million available, an award ceiling of $356,000, and about 14 awards expected.
Eligible Applicants
Only State geological surveys are eligible to apply to this Notice of Funding Opportunity under the – Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law: 117-58, Sec. 40201). A university may submit a proposal on behalf of a State geological survey if the State geological survey is organized under a state university system. If a State geological survey is overdue on deliverables or progress reports on ANY previous or ongoing Earth MRI-funded agreements at the time of proposal submission, proposal may not be considered for funding.