Notice of Intent - Reduction of Earthquake Losses in the Extended Mediterranean Region | USGS 17 FA 0281

Opportunity Information: Apply for USGS 17 FA 0281

The Notice of Intent titled "Reduction of Earthquake Losses in the Extended Mediterranean Region" is a discretionary funding opportunity issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). It is identified by Funding Opportunity Number USGS 17 FA 0281 and falls under the Natural Resources funding activity category (CFDA 15.808). The purpose, as stated in the title and brief description, is to support work that contributes to reducing earthquake-related losses across the extended Mediterranean region, which generally implies activities aimed at improving understanding of seismic risk and translating that understanding into practical risk-reduction outcomes.

This opportunity uses a Cooperative Agreement as the funding instrument. In practical terms, that typically signals an award structure where the USGS expects to be actively involved with the recipient during the period of performance, rather than simply providing funds with minimal federal participation. Cooperative agreements are often used when the agency anticipates substantial collaboration, coordination on technical approaches, data sharing, or joint planning and review of deliverables. While the short summary provided does not spell out specific tasks, the general theme of earthquake loss reduction commonly includes efforts such as seismic hazard and risk assessment support, development or improvement of regional datasets, advancement of methodologies for evaluating vulnerability and exposure, and capacity-building or coordination activities that help turn scientific information into actionable resilience measures.

The eligible applicant category is limited to nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education. That means the competition, as posted, is geared toward certain nonprofit entities that fall outside 501(c)(3) classification; universities and colleges are explicitly carved out as an exception to the "other than institutions of higher education" phrasing, but the eligibility line as written emphasizes non-501(c)(3) nonprofits. Applicants would need to confirm their organizational status aligns precisely with this eligibility requirement, since eligibility screening is typically strict in federal grant processes.

Financially, the award ceiling is listed at $97,500, and the USGS anticipated making one award. With a single expected award and a relatively modest ceiling, this looks like a focused, targeted project rather than a large multi-recipient program. The posting date (Creation Date) is September 6, 2017, with an original closing date of September 20, 2017, indicating a short application window of about two weeks. That short timeline is often characteristic of notices of intent or opportunities where the agency has a specific collaboration need, a time-sensitive project, or a narrowly scoped objective.

Overall, the opportunity is best understood as a small, collaborative USGS-supported project aimed at tangible progress on earthquake loss reduction in the extended Mediterranean region, implemented through a cooperative agreement with one selected recipient, and limited to a specific subset of nonprofit applicants as defined in the eligibility statement.

• The Department of the Interior, Geological Survey in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Notice of Intent - Reduction of Earthquake Losses in the Extended Mediterranean Region" 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 Sep 06, 2017.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Sep 20, 2017. (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 $97,500.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

Apply for USGS 17 FA 0281

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