2026 National Geological Geophysical Data Preservation Program

The National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program (NGGDPP), administered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), invites applications for its 2026 grant cycle. The NGGDPP is rooted in legislative authority from the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which mandates the preservation, cataloging, and accessibility of geological, geophysical, and engineering data for public and research use. Its mission aligns with growing national priorities to preserve and make accessible important scientific data to support research, infrastructure development, environmental management, and economic competitiveness, especially in the realm of geosciences. The program is part of the USGS Core Science Systems Mission Area and contributes to strengthening public access to vital geoscience resources. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) under the 2026 cycle supports two core priorities. Priority 1 is focused on the preservation of geoscience resources including the development and/or improvement of digital and physical infrastructure supporting the preservation, archiving, and delivery of geologic and geophysical data, samples, and historical materials. Priority 2 addresses the preservation of data and samples related to critical minerals. This includes activities such as compiling borehole information, developing strategic plans for critical mineral resources, and submitting geochemical sample analyses. Both priorities align with the broader goals of modernizing the national geoscience data framework and supporting critical mineral security initiatives like Earth MRI (Earth Mapping Resources Initiative). Projects funded under this program must align with the NGGDPP metadata schema and be submitted in the ReSciColl standard. For Priority 1, activities must be matched 1:1 with state funds and proposals must include metadata submissions for the preserved geoscience materials. Priority 2 activities, focused on critical minerals, also require a 1:1 state match and may include efforts such as borehole metadata compilation, preservation planning, geochemical analysis, and the delivery of results aligned with ReSciColl and Earth MRI data standards. Both priorities expect applicants to document and justify their preservation activities with robust metadata and support structures that enhance public access and scientific utility. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov no later than 6:00 PM ET on February 17, 2026. The application package must include a completed SF-424 form, budget documentation, project summary, data management plan, and necessary assurances and certifications. A clearly formatted project narrative must describe the goals, expected outcomes, and methodologies in compliance with NGGDPP metadata requirements. All applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Matching funds documentation must be included, and separate budgets must be submitted for each Priority if applying under both. Evaluation of proposals will be based on four criteria: technical merit, societal benefits, knowledge and experience of the team, and the reasonableness of the proposed budget. Each criterion is weighted equally at 25%. Reviewers will assess the clarity, relevance, and potential impact of the proposed preservation work. Awards are expected to support up to 35 projects, with individual award ceilings at $200,000 and floors at $5,000. Total estimated program funding is $2 million. Eligibility is restricted to state geological surveys, as defined by federal statute, with the allowance for universities to apply on behalf of a state survey if formally organized under a state system. The point of contact for technical inquiries is Margaret Eastman at [email protected] or (703) 648-7366. The program is highly competitive and requires rigorous documentation, data planning, and stakeholder coordination. Funded projects will begin upon award notification and are expected to comply fully with metadata and reporting requirements as stipulated in the NOFO. Recurring annually, the next anticipated cycle is expected to open in February 2027.

Ensure metadata compliance with ReSciColl standards; Avoid non-allowable expenses such as travel and tuition; Confirm 1:1 state match per priority.