2026 National Geological & Geophysical Data Preservation Program

The USGS National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program (NGGDPP) issues this annual Program Announcement for assistance to support preservation, cataloging of and access to geological and geophysical data and materials for research and education use and address the Department of Interior’s Secretarial priorities. This activity is authorized by Section 351 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-58, Sec. 351) which was amended by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (Public Law 117-58). To read the authorization, visit:https://www.usgs.gov/core-science-systems/national-geological-and-geophysical-data-preservation-program/authorizingThe objectives of the Program as outlined in the Acts are to:archive geologic, geophysical, and engineering data, maps, well logs, and samples;provide a national catalog of such archival material; andprovide technical and financial assistance related to the archival material.provide for preservation of samples to track geochemical signatures from critical mineral (as defined in section 7002(a) of the Energy Act of 2020 (30 U.S.C. 1606(a))) ore bodies for use in provenance tracking frameworks. For more information about the NGGDPP, read the "Implementation Plan for the National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program" (2006) which is available at: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/national-geological-and-geophysical-data-preservation-program/implementation-plan. The two NGGDPP FY 2026 Priorities include:1. Priority 1 - Preserve Geoscience Resources Including Digital and Physical Infrastructure Development: preservation of geoscience resources including development and/or improvement of digital and/or physical infrastructure supporting the preservation, archiving, and/or delivery of geological and geophysical data, samples, and/or related historical materials; and2. Priority 2 - Critical Minerals Data Preservation: preservation of geoscience materials and data focused on critical minerals; development of a strategic plan for critical minerals; development of a strategic plan for critical minerals specific to mine waste and mine lands; and submission for analysis of existing geochemical samples relevant to critical minerals assessments. Funded projects require submission of metadata records describing preserved resources in conformance with the NGGDPP metadata schema to ReSciColl to increase discovery, access and reuse by researchers, resource managers, decision-makers, and the public for the benefit of society. Priority 1 projects that are solely physical infrastructure development (construction/remodel) or digital infrastructure (e.g. databases, web services) will not require submission of metadata records. The proposal must describe projects that address the FY 2026 priorities and requirements to complete comprehensive activities to inventory, describe, and preserve specific collections. It is possible for proposed Priority 1 and/or 2 projects to receive reduced or no funding. Preserving USGS assets (e.g. maps, reports, photos etc.) using NGGDPP funds is not allowed; collections proposed for preservation should be owned by your state geological organization. Strong justification and documentation that the data will be made public (e.g., data sharing agreement or transfer of ownership), is required for preserving collections owned by a private or another state entity (for example, state oil and gas commission). Non-allowable expenses under the NGGDPP include preservation of USGS assets, duplicate digitization/conversion of artifacts produced and preserved by other agencies, tuition, computer maintenance or travel to a conference or workshop.