USGS Earthquake Hazards Program External Research Support Announcement for Fiscal Year 2027 | G27AS00075

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): USGS Earthquake Hazards Program External Research Support (FY2027)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program (EHP) External Research Support Announcement for Fiscal Year 2027. It is a competitive federal grant opportunity to fund external research that advances understanding of earthquake hazards, earthquake physics, earthquake occurrence, and earthquake safety policy.

2) What is the purpose of the program?

The core purpose is to generate scientific knowledge and practical situational awareness products that help reduce earthquake-related deaths, injuries, and economic losses, while improving public safety and national resilience.

3) What legal authority supports this program?

The work is authorized under the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 and later amendments, including the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) Reauthorization Act of 2018.

4) What kinds of research does USGS want to support?

The announcement supports research that advances understanding of earthquake hazards, the physics of earthquakes, earthquake occurrence, and earthquake safety policy, including work that produces practical situational awareness products.

5) Why does the program emphasize external partnerships?

A major emphasis is leveraging external partnerships (such as universities, state and local agencies, and private industry) to pursue research areas where USGS may not have sufficient in-house expertise.

6) How much total funding is expected to be available?

For FY2027, USGS estimates about $4 million will be awarded through this solicitation, with the possibility of reaching up to $7 million total depending on appropriations and program decisions.

7) About how many awards will be made?

Historically, the program funds roughly 50 to 70 new awards each year, and the opportunity lists an expected award count around 60.

8) Is there a maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

No formal maximum award ceiling is stated. Applicants can request any amount as long as the scope and budget are well justified. However, most funded projects tend to fall between $30,000 and $120,000.

9) What type of funding instrument is used?

The funding instrument is a grant.

10) What is the activity category for this grant?

The activity category is Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

11) What are the CFDA and opportunity numbers?

The CFDA number associated with this program is 15.807, and the opportunity number is G27AS00075.

12) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes individuals and many organization types, including public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status), small businesses, and governmental entities (state, county, city/township, special districts, and independent school districts). Federally recognized tribal governments and certain tribal organizations are also eligible, along with public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities.

13) Are U.S. government agencies or federal employees allowed to apply?

No. Proposals submitted by U.S. government agencies or by U.S. government employees are not allowed.

14) Are Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) eligible?

No. FFRDCs are explicitly excluded.

15) What kinds of proposals are explicitly ineligible?

The program will not consider proposals focused on regional seismic monitoring or establishing data centers, and it will not support the long-term operation of geodetic networks or instruments. Projects that primarily look like direct procurement of a product, equipment, or service are also not eligible under this assistance-focused competition.

16) Does the program fund regional seismic monitoring or building data centers?

No. Proposals focused on regional seismic monitoring or establishing data centers are explicitly ineligible.

17) Does the program fund long-term operation of geodetic networks or instruments?

No. Proposals for the long-term operation of geodetic networks or instruments are explicitly ineligible.

18) Can I submit a proposal that is mainly for buying equipment or procuring a service?

No. Projects that look primarily like direct procurement of a product, equipment, or service are not eligible under this assistance-focused competition.

19) Are there restrictions related to conflicts of interest?

Yes. Proposals are ineligible if there is a real or apparent conflict of interest. Applications involving real or apparent conflicts connected to federal employees will not proceed to evaluation.

20) Can subcontractors perform most of the work?

No. USGS will not consider proposals where subcontracts make up 50 percent or more of the total direct costs. This effectively limits how much of the core work can be outsourced.

21) What compliance checks does USGS perform before making an award?

USGS will check the SAM.gov Exclusions database prior to making an award and cannot fund entities or key project personnel who are listed as ineligible or otherwise excluded from receiving federal assistance (as applicable to this program).

22) Can federal employees (including USGS staff) participate on an application in any role?

No. Federal employees, including USGS staff, are prohibited from serving in any capacity on an application, whether paid or unpaid, and they may not assist in proposal development.

23) Can I collaborate scientifically with USGS at any point?

Yes, but only after an award is in place. The notice clarifies that scientific collaboration with USGS can occur after an award is in place, consistent with the program's approach to cooperative research.

24) When is the application due?

The application deadline is June 4, 2026. Submissions are due by 6:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time.

25) How do I submit my application?

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov.

26) What happens if I submit late?

Late proposals will not be considered.

27) Should I submit early?

Yes. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit early to avoid last-minute system or connectivity issues.

28) Can I revise or correct my proposal after submitting?

Yes. During the open period, you may resubmit through Grants.gov to revise or correct a proposal. The revised package must include a cover letter as the first page stating that it is a revision and that the earlier submission should be withdrawn from consideration. Revisions must be completed by the same deadline: June 4, 2026.

29) How can I receive updates about this opportunity?

Applicants are encouraged to use the Grants.gov subscription service to receive updates and announcements related to EHP funding opportunities.

30) When are awards expected to start?

Awards are anticipated to begin around January 1, 2027.

31) What project start dates are allowed?

Proposed projects must request a start date between January 1, 2027 and September 1, 2027.

32) Can I change the start date after submitting the proposal?

Generally, no. The start date listed in the submitted proposal is treated as the applicant's official requested start date and generally cannot be changed by the applicant.

33) What if USGS cannot meet the requested start date due to funding delays?

If there are funding delays that prevent USGS from meeting the requested start date, USGS will issue the award as soon as funds are available and will notify the applicant of the adjusted start date through the USGS Contracting Officer.

34) Where can I find additional program details?

Additional program details, including external grants information and context for collaborative proposals, are available at: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/science/external-grants