USGS Cooperative Landslide Hazard Mapping and Assessment Program Announcement for Fiscal Year 2026

The U.S. Geological Survey administers the Cooperative Landslide Hazard Mapping and Assessment Program as part of its broader Landslide Hazards Program, which operates under the authority of the National Landslide Preparedness Act. This federal initiative is designed to address the widespread and often unpredictable risks posed by landslides across the United States and its territories. Landslides can result in significant loss of life, economic disruption, and infrastructure damage, making hazard mitigation and preparedness a national priority. Through this program, the USGS provides financial assistance to governmental entities to improve scientific understanding, risk assessment, and community resilience related to landslide hazards. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that enhance landslide hazard mapping, improve public awareness and preparedness, and strengthen coordination among agencies and stakeholders. Funded projects may include the development of detailed hazard maps, creation of landslide inventories, educational outreach campaigns, and collaborative planning efforts. The program emphasizes activities that contribute to identifying high-risk areas, informing land-use decisions, and enabling communities to respond effectively to landslide events. It also encourages partnerships across federal, state, local, Tribal, and academic institutions to maximize the impact of funded efforts. Funding is provided through grants with an estimated total program allocation of $1,000,000, supporting approximately ten awards. Individual awards range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $250,000. While cost sharing is not required, proposals that include at least 50 percent non-federal matching funds may receive prioritization during final funding decisions. Allowable uses of funds include hazard mapping, data analysis, outreach, and coordination activities. However, certain costs are explicitly unallowable, including construction, infrastructure repair, long-term monitoring operations, equipment procurement not aligned with program guidelines, and pre-award expenses. Eligibility is limited to state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments, including counties, cities, special districts, and federally recognized Tribal governments. Universities may apply only on behalf of eligible state agencies such as geological surveys. This ensures that funded projects are implemented by entities with jurisdictional authority and capacity to influence public safety and land management decisions. All applicants must complete required registrations in SAM.gov and Grants.gov prior to submission. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by the authorized organizational representative. Required components include standard federal forms such as SF-424 and SF-424A, a project narrative, supporting documentation, and a detailed budget narrative. The project narrative is a critical component that outlines objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and alignment with program guidance criteria. Additional requirements include disclosures related to conflicts of interest, overlapping funding, and data management planning. Applications are evaluated through a multi-stage review process including eligibility screening, peer merit review, and final selection based on program priorities. Evaluation criteria are equally weighted and include technical merit, societal benefits, applicant experience and capacity, and budget appropriateness. Proposals must address at least one of the program’s guidance criteria, which include hazard mapping and assessment, planning and coordination, education and outreach, or Alaska-specific landslide hazards. Projects may be proposed for either one-year or two-year performance periods, with reporting requirements including annual progress reports for multi-year projects and a final technical report for all awards. The application deadline is June 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Award notifications are expected approximately two weeks after the deadline, with anticipated project start dates beginning July 1, 2026. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle, supporting ongoing federal efforts to reduce landslide risks and improve community resilience nationwide. For questions, applicants may contact the USGS Project Officer directly via email or phone for guidance on eligibility and proposal development.

Align proposal clearly with at least one guidance criterion; demonstrate strong technical methodology; ensure budget justification is detailed and reasonable; emphasize societal benefits and community impact