The State Component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program

The State Component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, commonly referred to as STATEMAP, is administered by the U.S. Geological Survey within the Department of the Interior. This program operates under the authority of the National Geologic Mapping Act and supports the development of a coordinated national geologic framework. STATEMAP is designed as a cooperative agreement program in which federal and state geological entities collaborate to produce geologic maps and associated datasets that are essential for resource management, hazard mitigation, infrastructure planning, and scientific advancement. The program aligns with broader federal priorities related to energy development, natural resource stewardship, and national security. The primary purpose of STATEMAP is to fund State Geological Surveys in conducting geologic mapping projects that address state-specific and national needs. Mapping priorities are determined by each state’s geological leadership in consultation with a State Mapping Advisory Committee, ensuring that funded projects respond to pressing scientific, economic, or societal issues. The program supports a wide range of activities, including the creation of new geologic maps, derivative products such as hazard or resource maps, geologic data compilations, subsurface modeling, database standardization, and updates to statewide geologic frameworks. These outputs must adhere to national standards such as the Geologic Map Schema and are intended to contribute to the National Geologic Map Database. Funding under STATEMAP is distributed through cooperative agreements with substantial federal involvement. Awards are determined through a competitive merit review process conducted by a panel of state and federal geologists. The total program funding for the fiscal year is estimated at $18,000,000, with approximately 45 awards anticipated. Individual awards may not exceed $800,000. Importantly, the program requires a statutory 1:1 cost-sharing match, meaning recipients must provide non-federal funds equal to the federal award amount. Matching contributions may include direct and indirect costs, services, or third-party contributions, but must comply with strict eligibility and documentation requirements. Eligibility for STATEMAP is limited to State Geological Surveys, though universities may apply on their behalf if the survey is housed within a university system. Applicants must maintain an active State Mapping Advisory Committee that meets annually and provides guidance on mapping priorities. Additionally, applicants must be in good standing with prior STATEMAP awards, with no outstanding deliverables or compliance issues. The program includes detailed restrictions on allowable costs, prohibiting expenditures such as equipment purchases, tuition payments, and certain printing or maintenance costs from being used as either federal expenses or matching contributions. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by May 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. The application package includes standard federal forms such as SF-424 and SF-424A, a project abstract, detailed proposal narrative, budget documentation, and supporting materials such as letters from advisory committees and data management plans. Proposals must clearly define project objectives, methodologies, deliverables, and alignment with program priorities. The technical section is subject to page limits and must demonstrate scientific merit, feasibility, and societal relevance. Proposals undergo a multi-stage review process, including eligibility screening, merit evaluation, and risk assessment. Evaluation criteria include the quality and impact of proposed mapping activities, technical rigor, alignment with state and federal priorities, budget justification, and past performance on previous STATEMAP awards. Final funding decisions are based on panel scores and programmatic considerations. Successful applicants receive formal award notifications and must submit revised budgets or project scopes if funding levels differ from requested amounts. The anticipated period of performance ranges from 12 to 24 months, with project start dates expected between July 15, 2026, and January 1, 2027. Deliverables must be submitted within 90 days after the project period ends, and draft products must be finalized within one year. The program requires ongoing reporting, adherence to federal data standards, and compliance with geospatial and metadata requirements. STATEMAP is a recurring annual program, providing ongoing opportunities for states to contribute to the national geologic knowledge base while addressing local and regional challenges.

Align proposals clearly with State Mapping Advisory Committee priorities; ensure strict 1:1 budget match; provide detailed and itemized budgets; demonstrate strong technical methodology and societal impact; ensure compliance with GeMS standards