Notice of Intent: Digital Bedrock Topographic and Drift Thickness Maps and Glacial Stratigraphy of the Slippery Rock 7.5-Minute Quadrangle, Butler, Mercer, and Lawrence Counties, Northwestern Pennsylvania | USGS FA 19 0317

Opportunity Information: Apply for USGS FA 19 0317

This funding notice describes a planned (notice of intent) cooperative agreement from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), within the Department of the Interior, to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), specifically the Pennsylvania Geological Survey (PaGS). The project focuses on the Slippery Rock 7.5-minute quadrangle, which covers parts of Butler, Mercer, and Lawrence Counties in northwestern Pennsylvania, and it is framed as a natural resources mapping effort under CFDA 15.808.

The main purpose of the award is to produce digital geologic mapping products that describe two closely related subsurface themes: bedrock topography (the shape and elevation of the rock surface beneath soil and unconsolidated materials) and drift thickness (the thickness of glacial and other unconsolidated sediments overlying bedrock). In practical terms, the work will result in a bedrock-surface map and a sediment-thickness map for the quadrangle, delivered in standard digital forms that support both analysis and broad distribution. The opportunity explicitly calls for the products to be provided in GIS formats as well as raster formats, which typically means users will be able to work with the information as layered spatial datasets (useful for geospatial analysis, overlay with other data, and integration into planning tools) and also as map images suitable for viewing and printing.

A significant component of the deliverables is documentation of the underlying subsurface evidence used to build the maps. The notice indicates that a borehole log and sampling results will be completed, along with an interpretation of the sediments. This signals that the mapping will be grounded in point-based subsurface observations (for example, water well logs, geotechnical borings, or project-specific drilling and sampling where available), and that the project will not only compile raw records but also translate them into a coherent geologic interpretation of the glacial and related deposits across the area. The mention of "glacial stratigraphy" highlights that the work is intended to clarify the layering, distribution, and characteristics of glacial sediments, which can be complex and highly variable over short distances in parts of Pennsylvania impacted by Pleistocene glaciation.

In terms of publication and public access, the notice states that the final mapping outputs will be released as PaGS Open-File reports and made available at no cost through the PaGS website. Open-File release generally implies a focus on timely dissemination of useful mapping and supporting data, and it also suggests that the products are meant to be used broadly by stakeholders such as local and county planners, water-resource managers, engineers, environmental consultants, educators, and researchers. By distributing both the interpreted maps and supporting borehole/sediment information, the project supports transparent, reusable science that can help with groundwater and well-siting questions, evaluation of aggregate or construction materials, understanding geologic hazards and constraints, and improving general understanding of subsurface conditions for land-use and infrastructure decisions.

Administratively, the opportunity is categorized as a discretionary grant action using a cooperative agreement mechanism, which typically indicates substantive involvement by the federal agency during the project rather than a hands-off pass-through. The listing shows an opportunity number of USGS FA 19 0317, a creation date of August 2, 2019, and an original closing date of August 16, 2019. The funding details point to a single expected award with an award ceiling of $29,410, and eligibility is limited to state governments, aligning with the intended recipient being PaGS under DCNR.

• The Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Notice of Intent: Digital Bedrock Topographic and Drift Thickness Maps and Glacial Stratigraphy of the Slippery Rock 7.5-Minute Quadrangle, Butler, Mercer, and Lawrence Counties, Northwestern Pennsylvania" 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 $29,410.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments.

Apply for USGS FA 19 0317

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