Opportunity Information: Apply for USGS 19 FAC 0314
This Notice of Intent is a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) cooperative agreement opportunity focused on improving how strong motion earthquake data are collected, processed, standardized, and delivered for engineering and public safety use. The work is centered on coordination across major U.S. strong motion monitoring efforts, especially the Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS) regional seismic networks and the National Strong Motion Network (NSMN). The main thrust is not simply gathering more data, but making sure the data and the accompanying metadata move reliably between organizations, are processed in consistent ways, and end up in modern, accessible systems that engineers, researchers, and response agencies can depend on during both routine operations and earthquake events.
A core part of the effort is to coordinate strong motion data and metadata transfer between the ANSS regional networks and the NSMN. In practical terms, this means improving interoperability and handoffs so that waveform recordings, station information, sensor details, timing and calibration records, and event metadata are consistently packaged and transmitted. Strong motion data can be difficult to use if metadata are incomplete or inconsistent, so the emphasis on both data and metadata suggests the project aims to reduce errors, eliminate ambiguity in station and instrument descriptions, and streamline ingestion into downstream archives and products.
Another major objective is to modernize and improve the Center for Engineering Strong Motion Data (CESMD). CESMD serves as an engineering-facing distribution point for strong motion records, and modernization typically implies upgrading the underlying data infrastructure, improving data discovery and access, refining formats and documentation, and potentially enhancing automated pipelines so records are available faster and with clearer provenance. The opportunity also explicitly calls for assistance in processing NSMN and ANSS strong motion data for CESMD, indicating hands-on technical work to prepare records for publication, which can include baseline correction practices, filtering choices, unit consistency, quality control checks, and creation of derived parameters that engineers use.
The opportunity also highlights collaboration with COSMOS (the Consortium of Organizations for Strong-Motion Observation Systems) to revise strong motion guideline documents. Guideline documents are important because they define best practices for instrumentation, installation, operations, data quality, processing steps, and reporting conventions. Updating these guidelines suggests the program wants to align current practice with evolving technology, new lessons from recent earthquakes, and the practical needs of the user community. This also ties directly into the stated goal of standardization across agencies and networks.
A specific interagency deliverable is coordination with USGS and the California Geological Survey (CGS) to standardize ground motion data processing methods and techniques and to develop a USGS/CGS standard strong motion processing engine. This implies the project intends to reduce differences in how agencies process recordings (for example, differences in filtering, instrument response handling, or quality control thresholds) by converging on a shared processing approach and possibly a shared software toolchain. A standard processing engine would help ensure that records produced by different groups are comparable, traceable, and defensible, which is especially important when data are used for building codes, post-event engineering assessments, hazard models, and research studies.
The scope also includes workforce development and operational continuity tasks. The awardee is expected to work with a new National Strong Motion Project (NSMP) data center manager to train them on USGS data processing systems, and also to work with a new NSMP field operations manager on field operations standards, techniques, and supervisory responsibilities. That indicates the project is partly about transferring institutional knowledge and ensuring that new leadership can maintain consistent operational practices. Field operations standards can include sensor installation methods, site characterization considerations, maintenance schedules, troubleshooting, data telemetry checks, and documentation routines, all of which influence data quality and network reliability.
Beyond routine data operations, the opportunity includes assisting with earthquake response coordination. That typically means supporting rapid data processing and dissemination immediately after events, helping prioritize station checks and data recovery, and coordinating communication pathways so that strong motion records and related products reach responders and technical partners quickly. Strong motion data are often critical after damaging earthquakes for estimating shaking intensity patterns, validating models, informing situational awareness, and supporting structural and geotechnical evaluations.
The project also calls for work on geotechnical array operations, data processing, and analysis. Geotechnical arrays are specialized instrument deployments that measure how ground motion changes with depth and across different soil conditions, which is vital for understanding site response, liquefaction potential, and other near-surface effects that strongly influence damage. Operational support here can involve maintaining borehole and surface arrays, validating sensor health, processing multi-depth time series consistently, and analyzing results to characterize amplification and frequency-dependent behavior.
Finally, the awardee may participate in the Earthquake Monitoring and Shaking, Damage, and Failure Projects, including management and training support as needed. This suggests integration with broader USGS earthquake hazards efforts where strong motion data contribute to monitoring, shaking products, and assessments of damage mechanisms. The mention of management and training indicates the role may include planning, documentation, procedure development, and helping teams adopt consistent practices across projects.
Administratively, this is a USGS opportunity under the Department of the Interior, listed as an "Other" opportunity category and funded through a Cooperative Agreement, meaning substantial involvement or collaboration with the federal partner is expected rather than a hands-off grant. The activity category is Environment, and the CFDA number is 15.808. Eligibility is limited to public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, pointing toward a university-based partner with relevant seismic network, strong motion, data management, or earthquake engineering expertise. The opportunity was created on Aug 02, 2019, with an original closing date of Aug 31, 2019. The award ceiling is $50,000, with one expected award, suggesting a targeted, specialized engagement rather than a large multi-institution research program.
In summary, this Notice of Intent is aimed at strengthening the end-to-end strong motion ecosystem: improving data and metadata exchange among ANSS and NSMN participants, updating community guidelines with COSMOS, modernizing CESMD, aligning USGS and CGS processing into a standardized engine, supporting routine and event-driven processing for data publication, training new operational leaders, and contributing to earthquake response and geotechnical array work. The overall goal is consistent, high-quality, rapidly usable strong motion information that better supports engineering applications, hazard analysis, and coordinated earthquake response.Apply for USGS 19 FAC 0314
- The Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey in the environment sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Notice of Intent" 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 31, 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 $50,000.00 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.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is this funding opportunity about?
This Notice of Intent describes a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) cooperative agreement focused on improving how strong motion earthquake data are collected, processed, standardized, and delivered for engineering and public safety use. The emphasis is on coordination and interoperability across major U.S. strong motion monitoring efforts, especially the Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS) regional seismic networks and the National Strong Motion Network (NSMN).
What is the main goal of the project?
The main goal is to strengthen the end-to-end strong motion data ecosystem so that waveform data and the associated metadata move reliably between organizations, are processed in consistent ways, and are delivered through modern, accessible systems that engineers, researchers, and response agencies can depend on during routine operations and earthquake events.
Is the focus on installing more instruments or collecting more data?
Based on the description provided, the main thrust is not simply gathering more data. The focus is on improving coordination, standardization, reliable transfer of data and metadata, consistent processing, and modernized delivery through systems used by engineering and response communities.
Which organizations and networks are central to this work?
The work is centered on coordination across major U.S. strong motion monitoring efforts, particularly the ANSS regional seismic networks and the NSMN. The opportunity also highlights collaboration with COSMOS (the Consortium of Organizations for Strong-Motion Observation Systems) and coordination with the California Geological Survey (CGS) alongside USGS.
What does "strong motion data" mean in this context?
In this context, strong motion data refers to earthquake ground motion recordings (waveforms) used heavily for engineering applications and public safety needs. The opportunity specifically emphasizes that these recordings are most usable when accompanied by complete, consistent metadata.
Why is metadata such a big part of the project?
The opportunity notes that strong motion data can be difficult to use if metadata are incomplete or inconsistent. Metadata such as station information, sensor details, timing and calibration records, and event metadata help reduce errors and ambiguity, support consistent processing, and streamline ingestion into downstream archives and engineering products.
What are the key technical objectives described?
The information provided describes several major objectives: (1) coordinating strong motion data and metadata transfer between ANSS regional networks and NSMN; (2) modernizing and improving the Center for Engineering Strong Motion Data (CESMD); (3) assisting in processing NSMN and ANSS strong motion data for CESMD; (4) collaborating with COSMOS to revise strong motion guideline documents; (5) coordinating with USGS and CGS to standardize processing methods and develop a USGS/CGS standard strong motion processing engine; and (6) supporting geotechnical array operations, data processing, and analysis.
What does it mean to coordinate data and metadata transfer between ANSS and NSMN?
It means improving interoperability and handoffs so that waveform recordings and accompanying metadata are consistently packaged and transmitted between organizations. The description highlights the need for consistent transfer of station information, sensor details, timing and calibration records, and event metadata so downstream systems can ingest and use the data reliably.
What is CESMD and why is it included?
CESMD (the Center for Engineering Strong Motion Data) is described as an engineering-facing distribution point for strong motion records. The opportunity calls for modernizing and improving CESMD, which generally implies upgrading infrastructure, improving discovery and access, refining formats and documentation, and enhancing automated pipelines so records are available faster and with clearer provenance.
What types of hands-on data processing work are expected for CESMD?
The opportunity explicitly calls for assistance in processing NSMN and ANSS strong motion data for CESMD. The description indicates this may involve practices such as baseline correction, filtering choices, unit consistency, quality control checks, and creation of derived parameters that engineers use, along with preparing records for publication and distribution.
What is COSMOS and what role does it play here?
COSMOS is identified as the Consortium of Organizations for Strong-Motion Observation Systems. The opportunity highlights collaboration with COSMOS to revise strong motion guideline documents that define best practices for instrumentation, installation, operations, data quality, processing steps, and reporting conventions.
What are "strong motion guideline documents" and why update them?
Guideline documents define best practices for how strong motion systems are deployed and how data are processed and reported. Updating them suggests an intent to align current practice with evolving technology, lessons from recent earthquakes, and the practical needs of the user community, while also supporting standardization across agencies and networks.
What does the opportunity mean by standardizing processing methods with USGS and CGS?
The scope includes coordination with USGS and the California Geological Survey (CGS) to standardize ground motion data processing methods and techniques and to develop a USGS/CGS standard strong motion processing engine. The purpose is to reduce differences across organizations in how recordings are processed so outputs are more comparable, traceable, and defensible.
What is a "standard strong motion processing engine" in this description?
Based on the text, it refers to a shared processing approach and potentially a shared software toolchain used by USGS and CGS to process strong motion recordings more consistently. The opportunity links this to producing records that can be relied upon for building codes, post-event engineering assessments, hazard models, and research studies.
Does the work include training and knowledge transfer?
Yes. The awardee is expected to work with a new National Strong Motion Project (NSMP) data center manager to train them on USGS data processing systems and to work with a new NSMP field operations manager on field operations standards, techniques, and supervisory responsibilities.
What kinds of field operations standards are mentioned or implied?
The description indicates field operations standards can include sensor installation methods, site characterization considerations, maintenance schedules, troubleshooting, data telemetry checks, and documentation routines. These operational elements influence data quality and network reliability.
Is earthquake response support part of the scope?
Yes. The opportunity includes assisting with earthquake response coordination, which typically involves supporting rapid data processing and dissemination after events, helping prioritize station checks and data recovery, and coordinating communication pathways so strong motion records and related products reach responders and technical partners quickly.
Why is rapid post-earthquake delivery of strong motion records important?
The description explains that strong motion data are critical after damaging earthquakes for estimating shaking intensity patterns, validating models, informing situational awareness, and supporting structural and geotechnical evaluations.
What are geotechnical arrays and how do they fit into the project?
Geotechnical arrays are specialized instrument deployments that measure how ground motion changes with depth and across different soil conditions. The opportunity includes work on geotechnical array operations, data processing, and analysis to support understanding of site response, liquefaction potential, and other near-surface effects that influence damage.
What kinds of tasks are included for geotechnical array work?
The description indicates operational support can involve maintaining borehole and surface arrays, validating sensor health, processing multi-depth time series consistently, and analyzing results to characterize amplification and frequency-dependent behavior.
How does this opportunity connect to broader USGS earthquake projects?
The awardee may participate in Earthquake Monitoring and Shaking, Damage, and Failure Projects, including management and training support as needed. This suggests integration with broader earthquake hazards efforts where strong motion data contribute to monitoring, shaking products, and assessments of damage mechanisms.
What type of award is this?
This is funded through a Cooperative Agreement. The description notes that this implies substantial involvement or collaboration with the federal partner rather than a hands-off grant.
Which federal agency and department are sponsoring this?
The sponsoring agency is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) under the Department of the Interior.
What is the opportunity category and activity category?
The opportunity is listed under an "Other" opportunity category, and the activity category is Environment.
What is the CFDA number listed for this opportunity?
The CFDA number provided is 15.808.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, which points to a university-based partner with relevant seismic network, strong motion, data management, or earthquake engineering expertise.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling is $50,000.
How many awards are expected?
One award is expected, suggesting a targeted, specialized engagement rather than a large multi-institution research program.
When was the opportunity created and when was it originally due?
The opportunity was created on Aug 02, 2019, and the original closing date was Aug 31, 2019.
What kinds of outcomes does USGS appear to be aiming for?
Based on the description, the intended outcomes include more reliable data and metadata exchange between networks, consistent and standardized processing methods across agencies, an improved and modernized CESMD distribution system, updated best-practice guidelines through COSMOS collaboration, strengthened operational continuity through training, and improved readiness for earthquake response and geotechnical array support.
What is the practical benefit of standardization across networks and agencies?
The description emphasizes that standardization helps ensure records produced by different groups are comparable, traceable, and defensible. This is particularly important when the data are used for engineering applications such as building codes, post-event engineering assessments, hazard modeling, and research studies.
Does the scope appear to involve both routine operations and event-driven surge work?
Yes. The opportunity references routine operations like consistent processing and publication for CESMD as well as event-driven needs like earthquake response coordination and rapid dissemination after damaging earthquakes.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Environment
Next opportunity: State, Local, Tribal and Territorial (SLTT) Security Operations Center (SOC) Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC)
Previous opportunity: Trail Repairs on Ridge Trail Northwest Section at Redwood National Park
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for USGS 19 FAC 0314
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (USGS 19 FAC 0314) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| 15.678 Apply for F19AS00327 Funding Number: F19AS00327 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment Funding Amount: $249,305 |
| Tribal Training Support for the Community and Tribal Air Quality Programs Apply for EPA OAR OAQPS 19 06 Funding Number: EPA OAR OAQPS 19 06 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Document and Assess Condition of Historic Structures Associated with the Old Natchez Trace: Mount Locust and the Gordon House Apply for NPS NOI 19 1092 Funding Number: NPS NOI 19 1092 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Environment Funding Amount: $30,000 |
| Notice of Intent Relationships of feeding ecology and contaminant Apply for USGS 19 FAC 0335 Funding Number: USGS 19 FAC 0335 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Environment Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Expansion of LandScope Chesapeake Apply for NPS 19 NERO 0092 Funding Number: NPS 19 NERO 0092 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Environment Funding Amount: $65,000 |
| Mapping Illicit Supply Networks to Combat Conservation Crimes at their Convergence Apply for SFOP0006106 Funding Number: SFOP0006106 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Oceans - Int. Environmental - Scientific Category: Environment Funding Amount: $1,137,500 |
| National Farmworker Training Program Apply for EPA HQ OPP 2019 004 Funding Number: EPA HQ OPP 2019 004 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $2,500,000 |
| Connecting People to the Historic and Natural Resources of the James River Apply for NPS 19 NERO 0098 Funding Number: NPS 19 NERO 0098 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Environment Funding Amount: $208,835 |
| Upper Coosa Habitat Restoration Apply for F19AS00334 Funding Number: F19AS00334 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Planning, Educational, and Recreational Initiatives at SEF Apply for NPS 19 NERO 0101 Funding Number: NPS 19 NERO 0101 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Environment Funding Amount: $82,105 |
| Clean Vessel Act Apply for F19AS00240 Funding Number: F19AS00240 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Chesapeake Bay Program Office Fiscal Year 2019 Request for Applications for Chesapeake Bay Optimization Tool Development Apply for EPA R3 CBP 19 05 Funding Number: EPA R3 CBP 19 05 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $956,400 |
| New Jersey Pinelands Reserve Apply for NPS 19 NERO 0126 Funding Number: NPS 19 NERO 0126 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Environment Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Ducks Unlimited Black Rail Initiative Apply for F19AS00347 Funding Number: F19AS00347 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Intent to Award to Colorado River Indian Tribe Apply for BOR LC 19 N029 Funding Number: BOR LC 19 N029 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Category: Environment Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Notice of Intent to Award to Southern Nevada Water Authority Apply for BOR LC 19 N028 Funding Number: BOR LC 19 N028 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Category: Environment Funding Amount: $448,818 |
| Wildlife Diagnostic and Surveillance Capacity for the Thailand National Wildlife Health Center (Thailand-NWHC)/Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals (MoZWE) Apply for USGS 19 FA 6903 Funding Number: USGS 19 FA 6903 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Environment Funding Amount: $165,000 |
| Notice of Intent to Award to Navajo Nation Apply for BOR LC 19 N030 Funding Number: BOR LC 19 N030 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Category: Environment Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Manage Local Government Compliance Assistance Center Apply for EPA OECA MAMPD 19 01 Funding Number: EPA OECA MAMPD 19 01 Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Category: Environment Funding Amount: $450,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit Apply for F19AS00372 Funding Number: F19AS00372 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment Funding Amount: $35,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "USGS 19 FAC 0314", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.