The State Component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program | G24AS00043

STATEMAP (USGS) Grant Opportunity FAQs

1) What is the STATEMAP program?

STATEMAP is the State Component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program administered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). It is a funding opportunity that helps states build and refine their geologic framework by supporting modern geologic mapping in areas that matter most to public well-being and decision-making.

2) What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?

The central goal is to produce detailed, modern geologic map information for locations that are vital to a state and to the nation for economic, social, or scientific reasons. The program is intended to support mapping that informs real-world decisions and addresses important earth science needs.

3) What kinds of decisions or activities can STATEMAP-supported mapping inform?

Based on the notice description, STATEMAP mapping products can support:

• Natural resource planning
• Infrastructure development
• Land-use decisions
• Groundwater and surface-water management
• Understanding geologic hazards

4) Who sets the mapping priorities under STATEMAP?

Mapping priorities are set at the state level. The State Geologist, Survey Director, Chief Scientist, or an equivalent senior official is responsible for choosing the mapping priorities.

5) Is there an expectation to consult others when setting priorities?

Yes. Priority decisions are expected to be made in consultation with a State Mapping Advisory Committee (SMAC).

6) What is the SMAC (State Mapping Advisory Committee)?

The SMAC is described as multi-representational and multidisciplinary. This indicates that states should seek input from a range of stakeholders and technical perspectives rather than relying on a single agency or specialty.

7) How should states choose priority mapping areas?

The notice describes two broad need categories for selecting priority mapping areas:

• High-demand locations: areas where the state needs geologic map information due to multiple overlapping issues, or where a strong single issue creates an urgent need for mapping.
• Critical earth science problem-solving: locations where mapping is needed to resolve important earth science questions or problems.

8) Does a state's previous relationship or agreements with USGS affect its priority?

No. The notice states that a state does not gain or lose priority based on previous agreements with the USGS. Current needs and scientific or public-value drivers are emphasized as the basis for what gets mapped.

9) What type of federal award is STATEMAP under this announcement?

The award is offered as a discretionary cooperative agreement under the USGS.

10) What funding activity area is associated with this opportunity?

The funding activity area is listed as science and technology and other research and development.

11) What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number provided is 15.810.

12) What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is G24AS00043.

13) What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The stated award ceiling is $800,000, which indicates the maximum possible federal share per award under this announcement.

14) Will every award be $800,000?

Not necessarily. The notice indicates that actual award sizes may vary depending on the project scope, the number of awards made, and available appropriations.

15) What was the application closing date listed for this opportunity?

The original closing date for applications was January 9, 2024.

16) When was the opportunity record created?

The opportunity record shows a creation date of September 18, 2023.

17) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is narrow: only State Geological Surveys are eligible to apply for STATEMAP funding, consistent with the National Geologic Mapping Act (Public Law 116-9).

18) Can a state university apply?

Yes, in a specific way. Because many State Geological Surveys are housed within state university systems, the announcement allows a state university to submit a proposal on the Survey's behalf, as long as the application is functionally representing the State Geological Survey.

19) Why is eligibility limited to State Geological Surveys?

The structure is intended to ensure the program directly supports state-led geologic mapping capacities and products while accommodating different administrative arrangements across states (such as surveys that sit within university systems).

20) What is the legal authority referenced for eligibility?

The notice references the National Geologic Mapping Act (Public Law 116-9) in describing eligibility.

21) What is the practical output STATEMAP is trying to produce?

In practical terms, the program is meant to produce detailed geologic map information that agencies, communities, and researchers can rely on for planning, management, and hazard understanding.

22) Is STATEMAP designed to be federally dictated or state-driven?

It is state-driven. A defining feature of STATEMAP is that mapping priorities are set at the state level rather than dictated by prior federal arrangements.