External Research Support

About External Research Support

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides support for research that will assist in achieving the goals of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP). The goal of NEHRP is to mitigate earthquake losses that can occur in many parts of the nation by providing earth science data and assessments essential for land-use planning, engineering design, and emergency preparedness decisions.

The USGS participates in the NEHRP with the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the last having the lead role to plan and coordinate the national effort. In addition to activities performed by USGS staff, expertise in earthquake studies that exist outside the Federal Government is applied through a substantial program of grants, cooperative agreements, and/or contracts with universities, state, regional and local government agencies, and private industry. External research is solicited in order to develop information, knowledge, and methods which are relevant to the major program elements.

Specific objectives and research tasks identified as measures of progress towards the goals of these program elements are described in greater detail in the past or current Research Priorities section of the Announcement of Funding Opportunities. The application period for grants is generally open from mid-February until mid-May each year.

Unsolicited Proposals may be submitted out of cycle only in cases where there is a compelling circumstance or emergency that must be acted on before the next competitive grant cycle.  Proposers should contact the appropriate Regional or Topical Coordinator prior to submitting out-of-cycle proposals. See Guidance for submitting unsolicited proposals.