How do I suggest a research project for the USGS?
Unsolicited proposals for both research and research-related awards are a valuable means for the USGS to obtain innovative methods or approaches from outside the government to accomplish our mission.
In order to be considered, proposals must:
- Be innovative and unique
- Be independently derived and developed (prepared without government supervision)
- Include enough detail to determine whether government support would be cost-effective and would benefit the USGS mission
For detailed information on how to write and submit a proposal, see our Guide for the Submission of Unsolicited Proposals in Earth Science Research.
Related Content
Can you add a link for my website to the USGS website?
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is a bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior. Per Department of the Interior policy , the USGS does not provide links to organizations outside the federal government unless they are official research partners of the USGS.
How should I cite a USGS website or publication?
The USGS does not require a specific format when citing our websites. You should follow the citation guidelines provided by instructors or publication editors as appropriate. Unless you're citing a specific USGS publication, the author of a USGS website is almost always "U.S. Geological Survey." Also acceptable: "United States Geological Survey" or "USGS." Most USGS informational websites are...
What is the USGS policy about coming onto private property to conduct research?
When conducting research on private property, United States Geological Survey (USGS) employees must comply with State and Tribal laws, including trespassing and privacy laws. USGS employees are required to obtain permission from the landowner when conducting new research and must make the data available at the landowner's request. Learn more: USGS Survey Manual: Obtaining Permission for Access to...
Can the USGS do a survey or study of my private property?
No. The USGS Organic Act (43 U.S. Code § 31) prohibits the USGS from making surveys or examinations for private parties or corporations. On rare occasion, however, the USGS might request access to private property as part of a larger study. If you need to engage a professional land surveyor, hydrologist, geologist, or geotechnical engineer, the following organizations should be able to identify...
Related Content
Can you add a link for my website to the USGS website?
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is a bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior. Per Department of the Interior policy , the USGS does not provide links to organizations outside the federal government unless they are official research partners of the USGS.
How should I cite a USGS website or publication?
The USGS does not require a specific format when citing our websites. You should follow the citation guidelines provided by instructors or publication editors as appropriate. Unless you're citing a specific USGS publication, the author of a USGS website is almost always "U.S. Geological Survey." Also acceptable: "United States Geological Survey" or "USGS." Most USGS informational websites are...
What is the USGS policy about coming onto private property to conduct research?
When conducting research on private property, United States Geological Survey (USGS) employees must comply with State and Tribal laws, including trespassing and privacy laws. USGS employees are required to obtain permission from the landowner when conducting new research and must make the data available at the landowner's request. Learn more: USGS Survey Manual: Obtaining Permission for Access to...
Can the USGS do a survey or study of my private property?
No. The USGS Organic Act (43 U.S. Code § 31) prohibits the USGS from making surveys or examinations for private parties or corporations. On rare occasion, however, the USGS might request access to private property as part of a larger study. If you need to engage a professional land surveyor, hydrologist, geologist, or geotechnical engineer, the following organizations should be able to identify...