The United States Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Hazards Program (EHP) is offering competitive external research support through its annual Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Fiscal Year 2026. This opportunity supports projects that contribute to understanding earthquake hazards, earthquake physics, occurrence, and related safety policies. The program is established under the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 and its subsequent amendments, including the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2018.

The EHP aims to advance earthquake science through the development of hypotheses, data acquisition tools, analytical methods, and products to better assess and communicate earthquake hazards. Research projects must align with EHP’s four major program elements and regional or topical research priorities, as detailed in Attachment A of the NOFO. Proposals may include collaborative work between institutions and with USGS internal projects, provided all collaborators submit separate proposals and comply with collaboration documentation requirements.

An estimated total of $5 million is available, with approximately 50 to 70 awards anticipated. Although no official maximum or minimum funding amounts are specified, typical awards range from $30,000 to $120,000. Proposals may span one or two years. For two-year proposals, continued funding for the second year depends on performance and fund availability. All applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by May 28, 2025, at 6:00 pm EDT. The anticipated award notification is in November 2025, and projects must begin between January 1 and September 1, 2026.

The opportunity is open to all U.S. and non-U.S. entities and individuals, with exceptions. Ineligible applicants include U.S. federal agencies and employees, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, and those with potential conflicts of interest. Additional eligibility limitations apply to certain proposal types, such as those for seismic monitoring or operational support of geodetic networks. Proposals involving subcontracts exceeding 50% of direct costs are also disqualified.

Applicants must complete required registrations in SAM.gov and Grants.gov before applying. The application package includes mandatory federal forms (e.g., SF-424), a 15-page project narrative, a data management plan, curriculum vitae, budget documents, and signed collaboration letters if applicable. The proposal narrative must include sections on significance, methodology, related research, institutional qualifications, and data dissemination plans.

Applications will undergo an eligibility review followed by a merit-based peer review by multidisciplinary panels. Evaluation criteria include alignment with research priorities, scientific merit, team competence, project relevance, and budget appropriateness. Each proposal must be directed to a specific research panel. Following reviews, award decisions will be based on panel recommendations and available funds. All projects are expected to submit progress and final technical reports, and publicly share data and results as part of the USGS’s commitment to open science.

For technical assistance, applicants can contact Jill Franks at jfranks@usgs.gov or 571-294-1718. For administrative assistance, contact Margaret Eastman at mrussell@usgs.gov or 703-648-7366. Full details, including attachments, are available on the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program’s external grants website.