Assistance Listing 15.073
Earth Mapping Resources Initiative
Department of the Interior · Us Geological Survey
Assistance Listing 15.073, “Earth Mapping Resources Initiative,” is a federal program administered by Department of the Interior. It provides cooperative agreement assistance. GrantsJunction currently tracks 0 open, 0 forecasted and 3 closed opportunities under this listing. The agency reported $15.9M in obligations for fiscal year 2025.
Program objective
The primary purpose of the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative is to facilitate new geological and geochemical mapping activities, new geophysical data collection (and obtain associated datasets), and new mine waste research and data gathering/acquisition as part of a larger initiative to collect geophysical, geologic, and topographic data in areas of critical mineral potential across the Nation. This effort supports Executive Order 13817 ("A Federal Strategy to Ensure Secure and Reliable Supplies of Critical Minerals"). In order to respond to this Executive Order, the US Geological Survey (USGS) established this initiative to support advanced mapping of the geologic resources of the Nation - with the USGS designated as the lead Federal agency for geologic map data. Additionally, as of FY2022, Earth MRI is now authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (PL 117-58, signed on 11/15/21) - directing the USGS to accelerate efforts to carry out fundamental integrated topographic, geologic, geochemical, and geophysical mapping activities – as well as mine waste research and data gathering - all focused on the assessment of critical minerals. This advanced geologic mapping and airborne geophysics has the potential to significantly close the gap in the essential data needed to enhance economic development and technological innovation, while advancing our understanding of the fundamental ways that geology informs public policy and every aspect of daily life.
As published in the SAM.gov Assistance Listing.
Current opportunities under 15.073
No open or forecasted opportunities are currently posted under this listing. Programs often post notices on an annual cycle — see recently closed opportunities below for timing.
Eligible applicants (program level)
- Department or Agency of a U.S. State Government
- State
- U.S. State Government (including the District of Columbia)
State geological surveys and related state government agencies may make application for support by a named principal investigator. Due to limited availability of funds to support new external projects, consultation with USGS is strongly recommended prior to submission of applications.
Intended beneficiaries: U.S. State Government (including the District of Columbia), State and Department or Agency of a U.S. State Government.
Program-level eligibility from SAM.gov. Each funding notice sets its own requirements.
Reported obligations by fiscal year
Historical data · not a predictionRange and average of financial assistance (from the listing): Past Fiscal Year (2024): Geologic Mapping/Geochemical Mapping/Geophysics: Range: $211,353 - $4,250,000; Average: $574,940 Mine Waste: Range: $2,283-$353,894; Average: $98,527 Current Fiscal Year (2025): Geologic Mapping/Geochemical Mapping/Geophysics: Range: $330,000 - $4,250,000; Average: $545,320 Mine Waste: Range: $3,868 - $355,615; Average: $123,839 Budget Fiscal Year (2026): Earth MRI solicitation process scheduled to begin early 2026; given that IIJA funding will not be available in FY2026, it is possible that award ranges and averages for FY2026 will be lower relative to FY2025 awards.
Source: SAM.gov Assistance Listing 15.073. Hatched bars are agency estimates. These totals do not indicate approval rates.Recently closed under 15.073
| Opportunity | Status | Award range | Closes | ALN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | $3K – $356K | May 14, 2025 | 15.073 | |
| Closed | $2K – $354K | Apr 2, 2024 | 15.073 | |
| Closed | $2K – $304K | Apr 12, 2023 | 15.073 |
Frequently asked questions
What is ALN 15.073?
15.073 is the Assistance Listing Number for “Earth Mapping Resources Initiative.” Assistance Listing Numbers (formerly CFDA numbers) identify federal assistance programs; individual grant opportunities reference the listing they are funded under.
Who can apply under ALN 15.073?
The SAM.gov listing names these applicant types: Department or Agency of a U.S. State Government, State and U.S. State Government (including the District of Columbia). Each funding notice under the program sets its own eligibility, so check the specific opportunity.
How much funding does 15.073 provide?
The agency reported $15,879,912 in obligations for FY2025 in the SAM.gov Assistance Listing. These are program-wide totals reported by the agency, not a prediction of future awards.