Federal Register #USGSE&M20260001

USGS Seeks Comments on Earth MRI Cooperative Agreement Information Collection

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), part of the Department of the Interior, is seeking public input on the renewal of its information collection process for the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) Cooperative Agreement Program. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Department of the Interior - Program Overview: - Earth MRI aims to modernize geologic mapping across the U.S. and identify areas with potential mineral resources - Supports mine-waste activities and is authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) - Scope of Request: - Notice requests comments on the information collection burden for managing and monitoring cooperative agreements with State Geological Surveys - Information collection includes applications, progress reports, and final reports from State partners - Agreement Details: - Competitive cooperative agreements with State Geological Surveys - Each agreement may last up to two years - Notable Requirements: - No specific products, OEMs, or vendors are mentioned - Focus is on information collection and compliance with federal assistance requirements

Description

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), part of the Department of the Interior, has published a notice regarding the proposed renewal of an information collection related to the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI). The initiative aims to modernize geologic mapping of the United States to identify potential mineral resource areas. The USGS seeks comments on the information collection by August 3, 2026, to ensure compliance with federal assistance requirements and to manage cooperative agreement awards with State Geological Surveys. The program supports mine-waste activities and involves competitive cooperative agreements with State geological surveys lasting up to two years.

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