The State Component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program | G25AS00030

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the STATEMAP funding opportunity?

STATEMAP is the State Component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) funding opportunity that supports state-led geologic mapping. Its focus is on producing modern geologic map information that strengthens the foundational geologic framework for areas important to a state's and the nation's economic, social, or scientific well-being.

What is the main purpose of STATEMAP-funded projects?

The central aim is practical and problem-driven: to generate updated geologic map information for locations where decisions about resources, hazards, land use, infrastructure, water, and environmental management depend on an accurate understanding of underlying geology. The program emphasizes mapping where the need is clear and where the resulting products can help address pressing public needs or significant earth-science questions.

Is STATEMAP intended to support general geologic mapping anywhere in a state?

No. STATEMAP is not framed as a generalized mapping exercise. It is designed for mapping in places where the need is clearly defined and where the resulting products are expected to help solve significant earth-science questions or address urgent public needs.

Who sets the mapping priorities for STATEMAP proposals?

Mapping priorities are determined at the state level. The State Geologist, Survey Director, Chief Scientist, or an equivalent leader sets priorities in consultation with a multidisciplinary State Mapping Advisory Committee (SMAC).

What is the role of the State Mapping Advisory Committee (SMAC)?

The SMAC provides multidisciplinary input to help ensure mapping areas reflect real-world state requirements and broad stakeholder perspectives, rather than only internal preferences. This consultative structure is meant to guide selection of mapping priorities that are relevant and widely supported.

What types of needs guide selection of STATEMAP mapping areas?

Priority-setting is guided by two main considerations: (1) areas where geologic map information is needed to address multiple issues at once, or where there is a compelling single-issue need (such as a specific hazard or resource concern); and (2) areas where mapping is necessary to resolve critical earth-science problems, meaning locations where existing geologic knowledge is not sufficient to answer high-impact scientific or applied questions.

Can STATEMAP support mapping in areas with overlapping policy or management challenges?

Yes. The program highlights multi-issue areas as a priority category, such as regions where groundwater management, aggregate resources, slope stability, and development pressures overlap and where improved geologic mapping can inform multiple decisions.

Can a proposal focus on a single compelling need rather than multiple issues?

Yes. The program notes that a compelling single-issue need, such as a particular hazard or resource concern, can be an appropriate driver for selecting a mapping area.

Does STATEMAP allow states to change priorities from past USGS mapping agreements?

Yes. The opportunity specifies that priorities do not depend on past agreements with USGS, indicating that states are not locked into prior project patterns and can propose work based on current needs.

What type of federal assistance instrument is used for this opportunity?

This opportunity is offered as a discretionary cooperative agreement under USGS assistance programs.

What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement rather than a standard grant?

A cooperative agreement implies a collaborative relationship where USGS may have substantial involvement compared with a standard grant. The description notes that this often includes technical coordination, adherence to standards, or programmatic alignment typical of national mapping efforts.

Which federal program category and CFDA number apply to this opportunity?

The opportunity is within the science and technology and other research and development category, with CFDA number 15.810.

What is the funding opportunity number and official title?

The funding opportunity number is G25AS00030, and the opportunity title is "The State Component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program."

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The listed award ceiling is $800,000.

When does the application period close?

The original closing date listed is January 7, 2025.

When was this funding opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on September 25, 2024.

Who is eligible to apply for STATEMAP funding?

Eligibility is defined by statute under the National Geologic Mapping Act (Public Law 116-9). Only State Geological Surveys are eligible to apply.

Can a state university submit the application?

Yes. Because many State Geological Surveys are administratively housed within state university systems, the opportunity allows a state university to submit an application on behalf of the State Geological Survey.

Why does the opportunity allow a state university to apply on behalf of the State Geological Survey?

This allowance is intended to accommodate common administrative structures while maintaining the legal intent that the funding supports official State Geological Survey programs.

What kinds of decisions are STATEMAP geologic maps intended to support?

The program emphasizes decisions related to resources, hazards, land use, infrastructure, water, and environmental management, particularly where accurate understanding of underlying geology is essential.

What is meant by building a "foundational geologic framework"?

In this context, it refers to producing modern geologic map information that serves as a baseline reference for applied and scientific work in areas important to a state and the nation.