2026 National Geological Geophysical Data Preservation Program

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) administers the National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program (NGGDPP) to support the preservation and enhancement of geological and geophysical data, maps, samples, and related materials across the United States. This initiative aligns with federal mandates outlined in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and serves to improve public and scientific access to valuable geoscience records. The FY 2026 funding opportunity under this program (Funding Opportunity Number: G26AS00024) aims to strengthen national geological data infrastructure and ensure that critical geoscience resources are digitally and physically preserved for future research, education, and policy use. The NGGDPP is structured around two major priorities. Priority 1 focuses on preserving geoscience resources, including the development or enhancement of digital and physical infrastructure for storing geological and geophysical data, as well as related materials. Priority 2 centers on the preservation of critical minerals data, supporting activities like compiling metadata for borehole data, developing state-level critical mineral preservation plans, and enhancing analysis of geological samples. These priorities reflect the growing national interest in securing domestic sources of critical minerals essential to energy, defense, and manufacturing sectors. Funding will be provided through grants with a maximum federal award ceiling of $200,000 and a minimum floor of $5,000 per project. All awards under Priority 1 and Priority 2 require a 100% non-federal match (1:1), meaning applicants must match each federal dollar with non-federal funds. Specific sub-allocations are identified, including up to $5,000 for ReSciColl metadata compilation under Priority 1 and laboratory support funding for geochemical analyses under Priority 2, which are routed through the USGS lab system. Indirect costs, where applicable, and separate project components under each priority must be distinctly budgeted and justified. Eligibility is limited to state geological surveys as recognized by state statute or equivalent governance. Universities may apply only on behalf of a state survey if no formal survey exists or if the university operates the state geological survey. Each proposal must clearly address at least one of the two FY 2026 NGGDPP priorities. Applications that do not align with these priorities will not be considered. Additional program expectations include submission of metadata to ReSciColl and adherence to USGS metadata and data quality standards, particularly for digital products. The application process requires registration with SAM.gov and submission through Grants.gov. Required documents include Standard Forms (e.g., SF-424, budget forms), a project narrative, data management plan, and project abstract. Proposals must be submitted electronically no later than 6:00 PM EST on February 17, 2026. The application narrative must include a description of project goals, data preservation workflows, proposed products, and budget justification. Key personnel roles and qualifications must also be documented. Applications will be evaluated on four criteria: technical merit, societal benefits, knowledge and experience of project staff, and budget appropriateness. Each criterion holds equal weight (25%). The expected number of awards is approximately 35, with total program funding estimated at $2 million. The NGGDPP is a recurring opportunity and has been funded annually. The next expected cycle will likely open in February 2027. Contact for technical inquiries is Margaret Eastman at mrussell@usgs.gov or (703) 648-7366.

Ensure match requirement is clearly justified; Address one of the FY 2026 priorities explicitly; Avoid exceeding page limits; Provide strong rationale for data preservation value