USGS Earthquake Hazards Program External Research Support Announcement for Fiscal Year 2027

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), within the Department of the Interior, administers the Earthquake Hazards Program (EHP) to advance scientific understanding of earthquakes and reduce associated risks across the United States. This Notice of Funding Opportunity supports external research partnerships that complement internal USGS capabilities by funding scientific investigations into earthquake hazards, earthquake physics, occurrence patterns, and safety policy. The program is authorized under the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act and its subsequent reauthorization, reflecting a long-standing federal commitment to improving hazard awareness, resilience, and public safety. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to generate actionable scientific knowledge and tools that contribute to reducing deaths, injuries, and economic losses from earthquakes. Funded projects are expected to address priority research areas defined by the EHP, including improving hazard assessments, understanding earthquake processes, enhancing early warning systems, and strengthening risk communication. The program emphasizes innovation, hypothesis-driven research, and the development of new analytical methods, datasets, and dissemination strategies that can improve national preparedness and response capabilities. Funding is provided through grants, with an estimated total program funding of approximately six million dollars and an expected sixty awards. While there is no fixed award ceiling or floor, historical award amounts typically range from thirty thousand to one hundred twenty thousand dollars. Applicants may propose higher or lower budgets if justified. Projects must be designed for one- or two-year durations, and funding decisions are contingent upon merit review, available appropriations, and alignment with program priorities. Cost sharing is not required, allowing applicants to focus fully on proposed research activities. Eligibility for this program is broad and inclusive, encompassing state and local governments, tribal entities, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and individuals. However, certain restrictions apply, including the exclusion of federal agencies, federally funded research and development centers, and proposals primarily focused on equipment procurement or long-term operational support. Additionally, applicants must ensure compliance with federal requirements such as SAM.gov registration and must avoid conflicts of interest, particularly involving federal employees. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes a structured set of documents such as standard federal forms, a project narrative, budget details, data management plan, and supporting materials. The proposal narrative must clearly articulate the significance of the research, methodology, expected outcomes, and alignment with EHP priorities. Applications are limited to fifteen pages for the main narrative and must adhere to strict formatting and content guidelines. Submissions must be completed electronically by June 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM Eastern Time, with no exceptions for late submissions. Applications undergo a rigorous multi-stage review process, beginning with eligibility screening followed by peer review panels composed of subject matter experts. Proposals are evaluated based on research relevance, technical quality, investigator qualifications, and budget appropriateness. Final funding decisions are made by the USGS based on panel recommendations and program priorities. Applicants are typically notified of outcomes by late November, with awards anticipated to begin on January 1, 2027. Award recipients must comply with post-award requirements including financial and performance reporting, data sharing, and dissemination of results. Final technical reports are required within ninety days of project completion, and research findings are expected to be published in peer-reviewed outlets. The program emphasizes transparency, data accessibility, and adherence to federal scientific integrity standards, ensuring that funded research contributes meaningfully to national earthquake hazard mitigation efforts.

Align proposal with EHP research priorities and clearly identify applicable panel; ensure strict compliance with formatting and submission rules; submit early to avoid Grants.gov delays; emphasize scientific merit and feasibility