CONTRACTING WITH THE USGS
Mission
The mission of the U.S. Geological Survey is to provide biological, geologic,
topographic, and hydrologic information that contributes to the
wise management of the Nation's natural resources and promotes
the health, safety, and wellbeing of the people. This information
consists of maps, data bases, and descriptions and analyses of
the water, energy, and mineral resources, land surface, underlying
geologic structure, and dynamic processes of the Earth.
To accomplish its mission, the Survey:
- Conducts and sponsors research in biology, geology, hydrology, mapping,
and related sciences.
- Produces and updates biographic, geographic, cartographic, and remotely
sensed information in graphic and digital forms.
- Describes the onshore and offshore geologic framework and
develops an understanding of its formation and evolution.
- Assesses energy and mineral resources, determines their origin
and manner of occurrence, and develops techniques for their discovery.
- Collects and analyzes data on the quantity and quality of
surface water and ground water, on water use, and on quality of
precipitation.
- Assesses water resources and develops an understanding of
the impact of human activities and natural phenomena on hydrologic
systems.
- Evaluates hazards associated with earthquakes, volcanoes,
floods, droughts, toxic materials, landslides, subsidence, and
other ground failures, and develops methods for hazards prediction.
- Participates in the exploration of space and prepares geologic
and other maps of the planets and their satellites.
- Publishes reports and maps, establishes and maintains earthscience
data bases, and disseminates earthscience data and information.
- Provides scientific and technical assistance for the effective
use of earthscience techniques, products, and information.
- Coordinates topographic, geologic, and land use mapping, digital
cartography, and waterdata activities.
- Develops new techniques for the collection, coordination and
interpretation of earthscience data.
- Provides scientific support and technical advice for legislative,
regulatory, and management decisions.
- Cooperates with other Federal, State, and local agencies,
and with academia and industry.
Organization
The USGS has a matrix organization, with programmatic leadership provided by
scientific Discipline, but management and program execution carried out on
Regional lines. The four program disciplines of the Survey are described
below.
- The Geography Discipline provides geographic and
cartographic information, maps, and technical assistance, and
conducts related research.
- The Geology Discipline is responsible for geological field
and laboratory research in the U.S., the Antarctic region, and
the submerged edges of the continent.
- The Water Resources Discipline is responsible for appraising
the quantity and quality of the Nation's water and for research
on hydrologic problems related to the occurrence and distribution
of both surface and ground water.
- The Biological Resources Discipline which is responsible for
providing the scientific understanding and technologies needed
to support the sound management and conservation of our Nation's
biological resources. A fundamental part of our mission is embodied
in our deep commitment to make data and information on the Nation's
biological resources more accessible to more people.
The bureau's administrative functions are carried out in the Office of Program Support
and three Offices of Regional Services. The components support the various scientific
programs of the Geological Survey through its financial, budgeting, personnel, procurement,
property, and supply services.
Contracting with U.S. Geological Survey
The U.S. Geological Survey has its Headquarters in the National
Center in Reston, Virginia. The Survey has three Regional Offices
located in:
- Eastern Region - Reston, Virginia
- Central Region - Denver, Colorado
- Western Region - Menlo Park and Sacramento,
California
USGS also has a number of field offies around the US with simplified
acquisition authority. Annual procurement for
the Geological Survey totals approximately $255 million, including $65 million
in charge card purchases.
The Geological Survey contracts for:
Cartographic Services
- Map Photorevision
- Land Use and Land Cover Mapping
- Aerial Photography
- Satellite Imagery
- Imagery Production and Processing Services
- Photogrammetry
- Photographic Service and Supplies
- Standard Map Revisions
Research and Development
- Geologic and Mineral Sources Studies
- Collection and Analysis of Geophysical Data
- Oil Shale Studies
- Earthquake Prediction Studies
- Earthquake Hazard Assessment Studies
- Rock Physics and Studies
- Data Processing
- Exploratory Well Drilling
- Geothermal Activities
- Flood Plain Studies
- Coal Resource Occurrence and Coal Potential Projects
- Induced Seismicity Studies
Scientific Commodities
- Scientific Equipment
- Scientific Research Vehicles
- Laboratory and Field Supplies
- Chemicals
- Geochemical
- Geophysical
Information Technology (including Telecommunications)
- IT Equipment and Maintenance
- Telecommunications Equipment and Maintenance
- Software Development
- Supplies
- Software Lease/Purchase
- Data Entry
- Time Sharing
- Map Digitizing
- Local Area Network
Technical Services
- Scientific Equipment Calibration Services
- Architectural and Design Engineering
- Ground Surveying
- Laboratory Water and Soil Sample Analysis
- Well Drilling
- Moving/Drayage Services
- Miscellaneous Other Technical Services
Consulting, Management Support Services, and Training
- Management Consulting Services
- Symposiums
- Training
Facilities Support Services
- Building and Grounds Maintenance Services
- Building and Grounds Security Services
- Janitorial Services
- Transportation/Shuttle Services
Miscellaneous Commodities
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Industrial Supplies and Equipment
- Printing Equipment and Maintenance
- Safety Equipment
- Construction
Federal Assistance
The U.S. Geological Survey also issues assistance awards (grants
and cooperative agreements) primarily to educational and other
nonprofit institutions. Please refer to our Federal
Assistance page for more information on these programs. See also
"Earth Science Research: A Guide for the Submission of Unsolicited Proposals."
Contact for more information: Ric Heilemann
USGS Contracts Home Page
