ED Map (EDMAP) Funding

Since 1996, more than $4 million from the NCGMP have supported geologic mapping efforts of more than 600 students working with more than 214 professors at 131 universities in 44 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Funds for graduate projects are limited to $15,000 with undergraduate project funds limited to $7,500. These funds are used to cover field expenses and map production, but not faculty salaries. The college or university matches the EDMAP funding.

The actual amount of Federal funds that are available each year to the EDMAP component is based on a formula determined by the National Geologic Mapping Act and its latest reauthorization.

Funding Milestones

• September: Program Announcement opens.
• Mid November: Program Announcement closes and proposals are submitted online to the USGS
• Early January: EDMAP Evaluation Panel meets.
• February: Final funding decisions are made.
• March: Funds are distributed to colleges and universities based on project start dates.

Application Process

Each September, the EDMAP Program Announcement is distributed online. Detailed instructions for submitting EDMAP proposals can be found in the Program Announcement. It is imperative that they be precisely followed.

Applications are processed through the Grants.gov Web site. Colleges and universities have until November to complete their project proposals and submit them online to the USGS Office of Acquisitions and Grants, where they are processed and then forwarded to the NCGMP for evaluation. Copies of the proposals are sent to the EDMAP Evaluation Panel, which meets in early January to evaluate each proposal. Once funding levels are finalized for the current fiscal year, the Program Coordinator/s determine the amount to be allocated to each EDMAP proposal. Actual funds are distributed to individual colleges and universities according to project start dates.

Proposal Prioritization

Evaluation Panel

A National EDMAP Evaluation Panel, which has three USGS members, five university members, and two State Geologists, meets each January to evaluate EDMAP proposals. Each project proposal is given a numerical score based on its coordination with State Geological Survey or USGS ongoing projects, project justification, technical quality, mentoring strategy, and budget justification. The amount of funding is tied to this score.

Evaluation of Deliverables

Deliverables are due from each project one year from its start date, although an extension of a few months may be granted. These products are examined by the Program Coordinator/s as they are received. If the products are not received by the due date, or the quality of the products does not meet agreed-upon terms, the college or university is not eligible for funding in the next proposal cycle.

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