The Educational Component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program

The Educational Component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (EDMAP) is a federal initiative administered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to support and train the next generation of geologic mappers. It achieves this by funding mentored geologic mapping projects proposed by faculty at accredited U.S. colleges and universities. These projects are carried out by graduate and upper-level undergraduate students. EDMAP is the education arm of the larger National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP), which was authorized by the National Geologic Mapping Act and aims to improve the geologic framework of the United States through systematic mapping and data development. The FY26 opportunity continues the EDMAP tradition of capacity-building in geosciences, emphasizing skill development, collaboration with state surveys and USGS personnel, and contributions to national databases like the National Geologic Map Database. The purpose of EDMAP is to provide financial assistance for students to perform geologic mapping that supports the mission of the NCGMP. Projects must lead to the creation of geologic maps that characterize the solid Earth and its materials, and include a mentored field experience. Each proposal must identify one or more "Primary Student Mappers," who must be either graduate (Master’s or PhD) or upper-level undergraduate students. Faculty members (PIs) submit and oversee these projects but are not permitted to receive salary from the award. Each student’s deliverable must be an original geologic map, and the map must meet the defined technical and formatting criteria, including adherence to the Geologic Map Schema (GeMS) Standard. The program encourages field-based and data synthesis projects, with the majority of the budget supporting student effort and training. The award structure limits funding to $45,000 per graduate student and $25,000 per undergraduate student per 12-month period, with a cap of $90,000 and $50,000 respectively for 24-month projects. A 1:1 non-federal match is required, covering both direct and indirect costs. Acceptable match sources include faculty time, tuition, field expenses, and certain in-kind services. Notably, federal funds (including those from other federal programs) may not be used as matching contributions. Tuition may not exceed 50% of the total proposed match. Up to 18% of total direct costs may be used to claim indirect costs. All projects are cooperative agreements, meaning the USGS will maintain substantial involvement, including approval of deliverables and oversight of progress and any award modifications. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by 5:00 PM ET on May 26, 2026. Required documents include SF-424 forms, budget sheets, project abstracts, support letters from relevant state geologists or USGS project leads, biosketches, data management plans, and a 10-page technical narrative. The technical narrative must include a detailed plan for the mapping project, student mentoring, safety, and expected deliverables. All deliverables must be submitted within 90 days of the performance period end date and include the geologic map (PDF), final report (e.g., student thesis), and metadata. Projects may begin as early as August 1, 2026 and must begin no later than December 31, 2026. The period of performance can be 12 to 24 months. Proposals will be evaluated by a panel consisting of USGS scientists, academic faculty, and State Geologists using criteria such as coordination with state surveys, project justification, scientific quality, mentorship plan, and budget justification. Recipients are required to submit annual progress and financial reports, and adhere to federal regulations related to geospatial data, conflict of interest, and post-award management. Notably, publication of project results must credit the EDMAP program, and specific restrictions apply to data involving Tribal Nation lands, including limitations on publication if the data are deemed sensitive. Overall, EDMAP serves a dual purpose: strengthening the nation's geologic mapping capacity and fostering the professional development of geoscience students. It also reinforces partnerships between academic institutions, the USGS, and state geological surveys, while ensuring high standards for data quality, scientific integrity, and responsible stewardship of public resources.

Include training in the GeMS digital mapping standard; strong student mentorship plans improve scoring; clear deliverables tied to educational outcomes are valued.