Notice of Intent: Michigan Great Lakes Geologic Coalition Mapping Project | USGS FA 19 0315

Opportunity Information: Apply for USGS FA 19 0315

The Notice of Intent titled "Michigan Great Lakes Geologic Coalition Mapping Project" (Funding Opportunity Number USGS FA 19 0315) is a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Department of the Interior discretionary funding action to make a single cooperative agreement award to the Michigan Geological Survey (MGS), operating under Western Michigan University. The opportunity sits in the natural resources funding category (CFDA 15.808) and is structured specifically as a cooperative agreement, which generally signals active involvement and collaboration between the federal agency and the recipient rather than a more hands-off grant arrangement. The posting was created on August 2, 2019, with an original closing date of August 16, 2019, indicating a short turnaround typical of a targeted award where an intended recipient is already identified.

At a high level, the project is about improving geologic mapping and interpretation in southwest Michigan and using that work to support broader Great Lakes coastal science. The award ceiling is $89,835, and the USGS anticipated making one award, reinforcing that this is a focused, partner-specific effort rather than an open competition among many applicants. Eligibility is limited to public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, which matches the proposed recipient arrangement through Western Michigan University.

The work is organized into two linked project tracks. Project 1 focuses on surficial geologic mapping in Cass County, Michigan, specifically the Edwardsburg Quadrangle. "Surficial geology" refers to the materials and landforms at or near the ground surface, such as glacial deposits, sands and gravels, tills, lake sediments, and other unconsolidated materials that strongly influence groundwater movement, soil development, aggregate resources, construction conditions, and environmental behavior. The core objective here is to produce a surficial geologic map for the Edwardsburg quadrangle and to continue compiling county-scale geologic interpretations in neighboring Van Buren, St. Joseph, and Berrien counties. A key emphasis is consistency: the project aims to align interpretations across county boundaries and ensure that mapping conforms to current mapping products and standards. This is important because geologic units and landforms do not stop at administrative borders, and inconsistent interpretations can reduce the usefulness of maps for regional planning, hydrologic studies, and resource management. The end goal is progress toward a final, coherent Southwest Michigan map product that integrates these adjacent areas into a unified geologic picture.

Project 2 shifts from 2D mapping toward regional synthesis and modeling, described as the "FEDMAP- Great Lakes 3D Geologic Frameworks and Coastal Dynamics Project." The intent is for MGS to help develop a collaborative research and mapping coalition with the USGS and other state geological surveys. The coalition concept signals a multi-organization effort that pools data, expertise, and mapping products to address shoreline resiliency along the Lake Michigan coast. Building a 3D geologic framework model means moving beyond surface maps to characterize subsurface layers and structures in three dimensions, which is critical for understanding coastal processes, bluff stability, erosion susceptibility, sediment pathways, groundwater-surface water interactions, and how coastlines may respond to storms and changing lake levels. By tying state survey mapping capacity to federal programs such as the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP) and related efforts referenced in the description (including EDMAP and coalition activities), the project aims to strengthen regional coordination and improve the scientific foundation for coastal management decisions.

In practical terms, this opportunity is designed to deliver two kinds of outcomes: a near-term mapping product for a specific area in Cass County plus improved cross-county compilation work, and a longer-term collaborative pathway toward an integrated 3D geologic understanding of the Lake Michigan shoreline that supports assessments of shoreline resiliency. The cooperative agreement structure and the explicit identification of MGS as the intended partner underscore that the USGS is seeking an active, coordinated relationship to produce standardized mapping products and advance Great Lakes coastal geologic framework development.

• The Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Notice of Intent: Michigan Great Lakes Geologic Coalition Mapping Project" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.808.
• This funding opportunity was created on Aug 02, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 16, 2019. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $89,835.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.

Apply for USGS FA 19 0315

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