[Federal Register: January 19, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 11)]
[Notices]
[Page 3091-3120]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr19ja10-135]
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Part IV
Department of Commerce
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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Application Numbers and Proposed Exemptions; Notice
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[Docket No. 0907081109-91435-03; I.D. GF001]
RIN 0648-ZC10
Availability of Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2010 and Request for
Comments on Proposed Implementation Guidelines for the Coral Reef
Conservation Program
AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration publishes
this noticeto provide the general public with a consolidated source of
program and application information related to its competitive grant
and cooperative agreement (CA) award offerings for fiscal year (FY)
2010. This Omnibus notice is designed to replace the multiple Federal
Register notices that traditionally advertised the availability of
NOAA's discretionary funds for its various programs. It should be noted
that additional program initiatives unanticipated at the time of the
publication of this notice may be announced through subsequent Federal
Register notices. All announcements will also be available through the
Grants.gov Web site. In addition, this notice solicits comments on
Proposed Implementation Guidelines for the Coral Reef Conservation
Program.
DATES: Proposals must be received by the date and time indicated under
each program listing in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this
notice.
ADDRESSES: Proposals must be submitted to the addresses listed in the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice for each program. The
Federal Register and Full Funding Opportunity (FFO) notices may be
found on the Grants.gov Web site. The URL for Grants.gov is http://
www.grants.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please contact the person listed
within this notice as the information contact under each program.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Applicants must comply with all requirements
contained in the Federal Funding Opportunity announcement for each of
the programs listed in this omnibus notice. These Federal Funding
Opportunities are available at http://www.grants.gov.
There is no guarantee that sufficient funds will be available to
make awards for all qualified projects. The exact amount of funds that
may be awarded will be determined in pre-award negotiations between the
applicant and NOAA representatives. Publication of this notice does not
oblige NOAA to award any specific project or to obligate any available
funds.
It is possible that additional funding may be allocated beyond that
stated for any listed program in the current or a future Fiscal Year.
If additional allocations of funding are made available, the
responsible program, at the discretion of the Program Manager, may fund
additional qualified projects rather than re-compete the funding.
The list of entries below describe the basic information and
requirements for competitive grant/cooperative agreement programs
offered by NOAA. These programs are open to any applicant who meets the
eligibility criteria provided in each entry. To be considered for an
award in a competitive grant/cooperative agreement program, an eligible
applicant must submit a complete and responsive application to the
appropriate program office. An award is made upon conclusion of the
evaluation and selection process for the respective program.
Table of Contents
I. Background
II. Electronic Access
III. Evaluation Criteria and Selection Procedures
IV. NOAA Project Competitions Listed by NOAA Mission Goals
V. NOAA Project Competitions
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
1. 2010 Hawaii Seafood Program
2. 2010 Marine Education and Training Mini Grant Program
3. 2010 Western Pacific Demonstration Projects
4. 2011 Mid-Atlantic Research Set-Aside Program
5. Fisheries Science Program--FY2010
6. NOAA Great Lakes Habitat Restoration Program Project Grants
under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
7. Proactive Species Conservation Program
National Ocean Service (NOS)
1. Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program--FY 2011
Competition
2. FY10 Bay Watershed Education and Training Program, Adult and
Community Watershed Education in the Monterey Bay
3. FY2010 Integrated Ocean Observing System Community Modeling
Environment To Support a Super-Regional Test Bed
4. Joint Hydrographic Center
5. Marine Debris Prevention and Outreach Partnership Grants
National Weather Service (NWS)
1. NWS Severe Weather Program
2. Tsunami Social Science Program
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR)
1. NOAA Marine Aquaculture Initiative 2010
Office of the Under Secretary (USEC)
1. Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
2. Environmental Literacy Grants for Informal/Nonformal Science
Education
3. Financial Assistance To Establish Five NOAA Cooperative
Science Centers at Minority Serving Institutions Announcement
National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service
(NESDIS)
1. Satellite Climate Data Record Program for 2010
VI. Request for Comments on Proposed Implementation Guidelines for
the Coral Reef Conservation Program
I. Background
Each of the following grant opportunities provide: A description of
the program, funding availability, statutory authority, catalog of
federal domestic assistance (CFDA) number, application deadline,
address for submitting proposals, information contacts, eligibility
requirements, cost sharing requirements, and intergovernmental review
under Executive Order 12372.
In addition, this notice announces information related to a request
for comments on Proposed Implementation Guidelines for the Coral Reef
Conservation Program.
II. Electronic Access
The full funding announcement for each program is available via the
Grants.gov web site at: http://www.grants.gov. Electronic applications
for the NOAA Programs listed in this announcement may be accessed,
downloaded, and submitted to that Web site. The due dates and times for
paper and electronic submissions are identical. NOAA strongly
recommends that you do not wait until the application deadline to begin
the application process through Grants.gov. Your application must be
received and validated by Grants.gov no later than the due date and
time. Please Note: Validation or rejection of your application by
Grants.gov may take up to 2 business days after your submission.
Please consider the Grants.gov validation/rejection process in
developing your application submission time line.
Grants.gov
Getting started with Grants.gov is easy. Users should note that
there are
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two key features on the Web site: Find Grant Opportunities and Apply
for Grants. The site is designed to support these two features and your
use of them.
While you can begin searching for grant opportunities immediately,
it is recommended that you complete the steps to Get Started (below)
ahead of time. This will help ensure you are ready to go when you find
an opportunity for which you would like to apply.
Applications From Individuals
In order for you to apply as an individual the announcement must
specify that the program is open to individuals and it must be
published on the Grants.gov Web site. Individuals must register with
the Credential Provider (see Step 3 below) and with Grants.gov (see
Step 4 below).
Individuals do not need a DUNS number to register (see Step 4
below) and submit their applications. The system will generate a
default value in that field.
Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures
This section provides the application submission and receipt
instructions for NOAA program applications. Please read the following
instructions carefully and completely.
1. Electronic Delivery. NOAA is participating in the Grants.gov
Initiative that provides the Grant Community a single site to find and
apply for grant funding opportunities. NOAA encourages applicants to
submit their applications electronically through: http://
www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp.
2. The following describes what to expect when applying on line
using Grants.gov/Apply:
a. Instructions. On the site, you will find step-by-step
instructions which enable you to apply for NOAA funds. The Grants.gov/
Apply feature includes a simple, unified application process that makes
it possible for applicants to apply for grants online. There are six
``Get Started'' steps to complete at Grants.gov. The information
applicants need to understand and execute the steps can be found at:
http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp. Applicants should
read the Get Started steps carefully. The site also contains
registration checklists to help you walk through the process. NOAA
recommends that you download the checklists and prepare the information
requested before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and
assembling required information before beginning the registration
process will make the process fast and smooth and save time.
b. DUNS Requirement. All applicants applying for funding, including
renewal funding, must have a Dun and Bradstreet Universal Data
Numbering System (DUNS) number. The DUNS number must be included in the
data entry field labeled ``Organizational Duns'' on the form SF-424.
Instructions for obtaining a DUNS number can be found at the following
Web site: http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp.
c. Central Contractor Registry. In addition to having a DUNS
number, applicants applying electronically through Grants.gov must
register with the Federal Central Contractor Registry. The http://
www.grants.gov Web site at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_
registered.jsp provides step-by-step instructions for registering in
the Central Contractor Registry. All applicants filing electronically
must register with the Central Contractor Registry and receive a User
Name and password from Grants.gov in order to apply on line. Failure to
register with the Central Contractor Registry will result in your
application being rejected by the Grants.gov portal. The registration
process is a separate process from submitting an application.
Applicants are, therefore, encouraged to register early. The
registration process can take approximately two weeks to be completed.
Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it
does not impact your ability to meet required submission deadlines. You
will be able to submit your application online anytime after you
receive your e-authentication credentials.
d. Electronic Signature. Applications submitted through Grants.gov
constitute submission as electronically signed applications. The
registration and e-authentication process establishes the Authorized
Organization Representative (AOR). When you submit the application
through Grants.gov, the name of your authorized organization
representative on file will be inserted into the signature line of the
application. Applicants must register the individual who is able to
make legally binding commitments for the applicant organization as the
Authorized Organization Representative.
3. Instructions on how to submit an electronic application to NOAA
via Grants.gov/Apply:
Grants.gov has a full set of instructions on how to apply for funds
on its Web site at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_
grants.jsp. The following provides simple guidance on what you will
find on the Grants.gov/Apply site. Applicants are encouraged to read
through the page entitled, ``Complete Application Package'' before
getting started.
Grants.gov allows applicants to download the application package,
instructions and forms that are incorporated in the instructions, and
work off line. In addition to forms that are part of the application
instructions, there will be a series of electronic forms that are
provided utilizing an Adobe Reader.
Note for the Adobe Reader, Grants.gov is only compatible with
versions 8.1.1 and above. Please do not use lower versions of the Adobe
Reader. Mandatory Fields on Adobe Reader Forms. In the Adobe forms you
will note fields that appear with a yellow background and red outline
color. These fields are mandatory and must be completed to successfully
submit your application. Completion of SF-424 Fields First. The Adobe
forms are designed to fill in common required fields such as the
applicant name and address, DUNS number, etc., on all Adobe electronic
forms. To trigger this feature, an applicant must complete the SF-424
information first. Once it is completed the information will transfer
to the other forms.
Customer Support. The Grants.gov Web site provides customer support
via (800) 518-4726 (this is a toll-free number) or through e-mail at
support@grants.gov. The Contact Center is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Eastern time, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays, to
address Grants.gov technology issues. For technical assistance to
program related questions, contact the number listed in the Program
Section of the program to which you are applying.
4. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission.
a. Electronic Submission. All applications must be received by
http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp by the Time on
the due date established for each program. Proof of timely submission
is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic time stamp is
generated within the system when the application is successfully
received by Grants.gov. The applicant will receive an acknowledgement
of receipt and a tracking number from Grants.gov with the successful
transmission of their application. Applicants should print this receipt
and save it, along with facsimile receipts for information provided by
facsimile, as proof of timely
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submission. When NOAA successfully retrieves the application from
Grants.gov, Grants.gov will provide an electronic acknowledgment of
receipt to the e-mail address of the AOR. Proof of Timely submission
shall be the date and time that Grants.gov receives your application.
Applications received by Grants.gov, after the established due date for
the program will be considered late and will not be considered for
funding by NOAA. Please Note: Validation or rejection of your
application by Grants.gov may take up to 2 business days after your
submission. Please consider the Grants.gov validation/rejection process
in developing your application submission time line.
NOAA suggests that applicants submit their applications during the
operating hours of Grants.gov, so that if there are questions
concerning transmission, operators will be available to walk you
through the process. Submitting your application during the Contact
Center hours will also ensure that you have sufficient time for the
application to complete its transmission prior to the application
deadline. Applicants using dial-up connections should be aware that
transmission may take some time before Grants.gov receives it.
Grants.gov will provide either an error or a successfully received
transmission message. Grants.gov reports that some applicants abort the
transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during the
transmission process. Please be patient and give the system time to
process the application. Uploading and transmitting many files,
particularly electronic forms with associated XML schemas, will take
some time to be processed.
III. Evaluation Criteria and Selection Procedures
NOAA has standardized the evaluation and selection process for its
competitive assistance programs. There are two separate sets of
evaluation criteria and selection procedures (see below), one for
project proposals, and the other for fellowship, scholarship, and
internship programs.
Project Proposals Review and Selection Process
Some project proposals may include a pre-application process that
provides for feedback to applicants that responded to a call for
letters of intent or pre-proposals; however, not all programs will
include this pre-application. If a program has a pre-application
process, it will be described in the Summary Description section of the
announcement and the deadline will be specified in the Application
Deadline section.
Upon receipt of a full application by NOAA, an initial
administrative review will be conducted to determine compliance with
requirements and completeness of the application. A merit review will
also be conducted to produce a rank order of the proposals.
The NOAA Program Officer may review the ranking of the proposals
and make recommendations to the Selecting Official based on the
administrative and/or merit review(s) and selection factors listed
below. The Selecting Official selects proposals after considering the
administrative and/or merit review(s) and recommendations of the
Program Officer. In making the final selections, the Selecting Official
will award in rank order unless the proposal is justified to be
selected out of rank order based upon one or more of the selection
factors below. The Program Officer and/or Selecting Official may
negotiate the funding level of the proposal. The Selecting Official
makes final award recommendations to the Grants Officer authorized to
obligate the funds.
Evaluation Criteria. Each reviewer (one mail and at least three
peer review panel reviewers) will individually evaluate and rank
proposals using the following evaluation criteria:
1. Importance and/or relevance and applicability of a proposed
project to the program goals: This ascertains whether there is
intrinsic value in the proposed work and/or relevance to NOAA, Federal
(other than NOAA), regional, state, or local activities.
2. Technical/scientific merit: This assesses whether the approach
is technically sound and/or innovative, if the methods are appropriate,
and whether there are clear project goals and objectives.
3. Overall qualifications of applicants: This ascertains whether
the applicant possesses the necessary education, experience, training,
facilities, and administrative resources to accomplish the project.
4. Project costs: The project's budget is evaluated to determine if
it is realistic and commensurate with the project needs and timeframe.
5. Outreach and education: NOAA assesses whether this project
provides a focused and effective education and outreach strategy
regarding its mission to protect the Nation's natural resources.
Selection Factors. The merit review ratings will be used to provide
a rank order to the Selecting Official for final funding
recommendations. A Program Officer may first make recommendations to
the Selecting Official applying the selection factors listed below. The
Selecting Official shall award in the rank order unless the proposal is
justified to be selected out of rank order based upon one or more of
the following factors:
1. Availability of funding.
2. Balance/distribution of funds:
a. Geographically,
b. By type of institutions,
c. By type of partners,
d. By research areas, and
e. By project types.
3. Whether the project duplicates other projects funded or
considered for funding by NOAA or other federal agencies.
4. Program priorities and policy factors.
5. Applicant's prior award performance.
6. Partnerships and/or participation of targeted groups.
7. Adequacy of information necessary for NOAA to make a National
Environmental Policy Act determination and draft necessary
documentation before funding recommendations are made to the Grants
Officer.
Fellowship, Scholarship and Internship Programs
Review And Selection Process. Some fellowship, scholarship and
internship programs may include a pre-application process that provides
for feedback to the applicants that have responded to a call for
letters of intent or pre-proposals; however, not all programs will
include this pre-application. If a program has a pre-application
process, the process will be described in the Summary Description
section of the announcement and the deadline will be specified in the
Application Deadline section.
Upon receipt of a full application by NOAA, an initial
administrative review will be conducted to determine compliance with
requirements and completeness of the application. A merit review will
also be conducted to produce a rank order of the proposals.
The NOAA Program Officer may review the ranking of the proposals
and make recommendations to the Selecting Official based on the
administrative and/or merit review(s) and selection factors listed
below. The Selecting Official selects proposals after considering the
administrative and/or merit review(s) and recommendations of the
Program Officer. In making the final selections, the Selecting Official
will award in rank order unless the proposal is justified to be
selected out of rank order based upon one or more of the selection
factors below. The Program Officer and/or Selecting Official may
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negotiate the funding level of the proposal. The Selecting Official
makes final award recommendations to the Grants Officer authorized to
obligate the funds.
Evaluation Criteria. Each reviewer (one mail and at least three
peer review panel reviewers) will individually evaluate and rank
proposals using the following evaluation criteria.
1. Academic record and statement of career goals and objectives of
the student.
2. Quality of project and applicability to program priorities.
3. Recommendations and/or endorsements of the student.
4. Additional relevant experience related to diversity of
education; extra-curricular activities; honors and awards; and
interpersonal, written, and oral communications skills.
5. Financial need of the student.
Selection Factors. The merit review ratings will be used to provide
a rank order by the Selecting Official for final funding
recommendations. A Program Officer may first make recommendations to
the Selecting Official by applying the selection factors listed below.
The Selecting Official shall award in the rank order unless the
proposal is justified to be selected out of rank order based upon one
or more of the following factors:
1. Availability of funds.
2. Balance/distribution of funds:
a. Across academic disciplines,
b. By types of institutions, and
c. Geographically.
3. Program-specific objectives.
4. Degree in scientific area and type of degree sought.
IV. NOAA Project Competitions Listed by NOAA Mission Goals
1. Protect, Restore, and Manage the Use of Coastal and Ocean Resources
Through an Ecosystem Approach to Management
Summary Description: NOAA's goal to protect, restore, and manage
the use of living marine and coastal and ocean resources is critical to
public health and the vitality of the U.S. economy. With its Exclusive
Economic Zone of 3.4 million square miles, the United States manages
the largest marine territory of any nation in the world. The value of
the ocean economy to the United States is more than $138 billion. The
value added annually to the national economy by the commercial and
recreational fishing industry alone is over $47 billion. U.S.
aquaculture sales total almost $1 billion annually. To achieve balance
among ecological, environmental, and social influences, NOAA has
adopted an ecosystem approach to management, a concept that is central
to the recommendations of the 2004 report of the U.S. Commission on
Ocean Policy and the Administration's response to it, the U.S. Ocean
Action Plan. NOAA's Ecosystems Goal responds to a specific mandate from
Congress for NOAA to be a lead federal agency in this conservation,
management, and restoration effort. Recent statutory revisions (e.g.,
the Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act and the Marine Debris
Research, Prevention and Reduction Act) and emerging legislative
changes are broadening this mission for NOAA, opening a new chapter in
NOAA's stewardship of the nation's living marine resources and
management of the coasts. Funded proposals should help achieve the
following outcomes:
1. Healthy and productive coastal and marine ecosystems that
benefit society
2. A well-informed public that acts as a steward of coastal and
marine ecosystems
Program Names:
1. NOAA Marine Aquaculture Initiative 2010
2. Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
3. Marine Debris Prevention and Outreach Partnership Grants
4. Proactive Species Conservation Program
5. 2010 Hawaii Seafood Program
6. 2010 Marine Education and Training Mini Grant Program
7. Fisheries Science Program--FY2010
8. 2010 Western Pacific Demonstration Projects
9. NOAA Great Lakes Habitat Restoration Program Project Grants
under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
10. Financial Assistance To Establish five NOAA Cooperative
Science Centers at Minority Serving Institutions Announcement
11. 2011 Mid-Atlantic Research Set-Aside Program
12. FY10 Bay Watershed Education and Training Program, Adult and
Community Watershed Education in the Monterey Bay
13. Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program--FY 2011
Competition
14. FY2010 Integrated Ocean Observing System Community Modeling
Environment to Support a Super-Regional Test Bed
2. Serve Society's Needs for Weather and Water Information
Summary Description: Floods, droughts, hurricanes, tornadoes,
tsunamis, wildfires, and other severe weather events cause $11.4
billion in damage each year in the United States. Weather is directly
linked to public health and safety, and nearly one-third of the U.S.
economy (approximately $4 trillion, in 2005 dollars) is sensitive to
weather and climate. With so much at stake, NOAA's role in
understanding, observing, forecasting, and warning of environmental
events is expanding. NOAA will continue to collect and analyze
environmental data and to issue forecasts and warnings that help
protect health, life, and property and enhance the U.S. economy. Future
needs can be better met by exploring new concepts and applications
through robust weather and water research. A commitment to public
benefits shapes NOAA's role within the U.S. weather enterprise,
including its partners in the private sector, academia, and government.
These partners add value to NOAA services and help disseminate critical
environmental information. We will work more closely with our partners
and will develop new partnerships so that the public understands and is
satisfied with our information. Together, NOAA and its partners will
continuously improve existing service and expand to support evolving
national needs, including space weather, freshwater and coastal
ecosystems, and air quality prediction services.
Funded proposals should help achieve the following outcomes:
1. Reduced loss of life, injury, and damage to the economy
2. Better, quicker, and more valuable weather and water information to
support improved decisions
3. Increased customer satisfaction with weather and water information
and services Program Names:
1. Tsunami Social Science Program
2. NWS Severe Weather Program
3. Financial Assistance To Establish five NOAA Cooperative Science
Centers at Minority Serving Institutions Announcement
4. FY2010 Integrated Ocean Observing System Community Modeling
Environment to Support a Super-Regional Test Bed
3. Understand Climate Variability and Change To Enhance Society's
Ability To Plan and Respond
Summary Description: Climate variability and change influence the
wellbeing of society, the environment, and the economy. Numerous long-
term changes in climate already have been observed. The changes include
those in arctic surface temperatures and sea ice, ocean salinity and
carbonate chemistry,
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and frequency and intensity of extreme weather such as heat and cold
waves, droughts, and floods. Decision makers are challenged with
addressing major climatic events compounded by issues such as
population growth, economic growth, public health concerns, changes in
geographic distribution of marine species, loss of habitat, and changes
in land-use practices. They require a new generation of climate
services. Through legislation, executive orders, and international
agreements, NOAA has a long-standing commitment to provide reliable and
timely climate research and information. To meet the demand for
expanded services, the Climate Goal will focus research to improve
understanding of complex climate processes and to enhance the
predictive capacity of the global climate system. The Climate Goal's
priority is to focus on the development and delivery of climate
information and services that assist decision makers with national and
international policy decision making, and assessing risks to ecosystems
and the U.S. economy in sectors and areas that are sensitive to impacts
from climate variability and change.
Funded proposals should help achieve the following outcomes:
1. A predictive understanding of the global climate system on time
scales of weeks to decades to a century with quantified uncertainties
sufficient for making informed and reasoned decisions
2. Use of NOAA's climate products by climate-sensitive sectors and the
climate-literate public to support their plans and decisions
Program Names:
1. Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
2. Satellite Climate Data Record Program for 2010
3. Financial Assistance To Establish five NOAA Cooperative Science
Centers at Minority Serving Institutions Announcement
4. FY2010 Integrated Ocean Observing System Community Modeling
Environment to Support a Super-Regional Test Bed
4. Provide Critical Support for NOAA's Mission
Summary Description: Satellite Subgoal: Environmental satellites
are a major component of NOAA's global efforts to better observe,
understand, and predict various environmental phenomena. The backbone
of the NOAA satellites includes the Geostationary Operational
Environmental Satellite (GOES) and Polar-orbiting Operational
Environmental Satellite (POES) programs. GOES and POES are operated to
provide critical atmospheric, oceanic, climatic, solar, and space data
to protect life and property across the United States. The satellites
carry scientific instruments and communications equipment to support
the delivery of weather information and aid search and rescue
operations. NOAA is acquiring the new generation of each satellite
system, including ground processing systems. In concert with the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), acquisition of
the next-generation geostationary satellite (GOES-R) series is
underway. The Department of Defense (DoD), NASA, and NOAA are joined
with industry partners to build the follow-on series of polar orbiting
satellites, the National Polarorbiting Operational Environmental
Satellite System. NOAA's satellite systems support other NOAA offices
in the delivery of improved severe storm warnings, weather forecasts,
climate predictions, oceanic and ecosystems research and analyses, and
satellite-aided search and rescue services.
Fleet Services Subgoal: NOAA operates a fleet of 20 ships and 10
aircraft to ensure continuous observation of critical environmental
conditions. The Fleet Services Subgoal manages these platforms to
increase the number of ship operating days and aircraft flight hours to
meet NOAA's data collection requirements. It provides ship and aircraft
support for NOAA's four Mission Goals, upgrades NOAA's fleet of ships
and aircraft, and partners with the programs to facilitate the
development, demonstration, and deployment of new observation
platforms, such as Autonomous Underwater Vehicles and Unmanned Aerial
Systems.
Modeling And Observing Infrastructure (MObI) Subgoal: The MObI
Subgoal's analyses and operational capabilities provide critical
infrastructure and support for the integrated monitoring and improved
understanding of the Earth's environment. The subgoal enables NOAA's
operational forecast products and services and provides NOAA a
strategic investment portfolio recommendation encompassing observing,
modeling, and high-performance computing capabilities. NOAA's internal
forecasting, assessment, and stewardship capabilities--as well as the
capabilities of partners and customers--require integrated oceanic and
atmospheric data. Furthermore, NOAA's operations require modeling
support, high-performance computing, observing system design and
analysis, research and development of improved modeling and data
assimilation, and guidance on the architecture of observation and data
management systems. MObI also manages the integration of NOAA's
observing systems and associated data with those of other federal
agencies and nations under the GEO System of Systems framework.
Leadership And Corporate Services Subgoal: The Leadership and
Corporate Services Subgoal strives to produce cost-effective, value-
added solutions in the cross-cutting areas of Line Office and
Headquarters management, workforce management, acquisition and grants,
facilities, financial services, homeland security, IT, and
administrative services. This is accomplished by effective and
strategic leadership at corporate and Line Office levels that optimize
agency performance and mission accomplishment through streamlined,
results oriented processes. The development of long-range facility and
IT modernization plans provides the investment framework to ensure that
NOAA's facility and IT portfolio will continue to support a safe,
secure, and state-of-the-art work environment. The development of
streamlined acquisition and workforce management processes will enable
NOAA to effectively fulfill its research and operational missions with
a competent workforce and effective third-party partnerships. The
public demand for financial stewardship and accountability requires
NOAA to maintain an effective financial and internal control program.
The national dependence on NOAA's services and information products
compels effective continuity of operations planning and all-hazards
incident management.
Funded proposals should help achieve the following outcomes:
1. A continuous stream of satellite data and information with the
quality and accuracy to meet users requirements for spatial and
temporal sampling and timeliness of delivery
2. Provision of the number of ship operating days and aircraft flight
hours needed to meet NOAA's data collection requirements with high
customer satisfaction
3. Integration of observing system architectures, data management
architectures, and computing and modeling capabilities to better enable
NOAA's mission
4. One NOAA working together--guided by a clear strategic vision for
planning, programming, and execution--to achieve NOAA's goals
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5. Secure, reliable, and robust information flows within NOAA and out
to the public
6. Modern and sustainable facilities providing safe and effective work
environment
7. Efficient and effective financial, administrative, and acquisition
management services
8. Workforce management processes that support a diverse and competent
workforce
9. Integrated Homeland Security and emergency response capabilities
Program Names:
1. Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
2. Financial Assistance To Establish five NOAA Cooperative Science
Centers at Minority Serving Institutions Announcement
3. Environmental Literacy Grants for Informal/Nonformal Science
Education
5. Support the Nation's Commerce With Information for Safe, Efficient,
and Environmentally Sound Transportation
Summary Description: NOAA responds to the specific demands of air,
sea, and surface transportation with consistent, timely, and accurate
information to aid sound and routine operational decision making. All
modes of transportation are affected by significant challenges as they
operate in the elements of nature. The natural environment is, in turn,
affected by our transportation systems. Safe, efficient, and
environmentally sound transportation systems are crucial to the
nation's commerce, and thus to the nation's economy. For example, more
than 78 percent of U.S. overseas trade by weight and 38 percent by
value comes and goes by ship. Nine million barrels of oil come through
U.S. ports daily, and 8,000 foreign vessels make 50,000 port calls
annually. Vessel traffic in the U.S. Marine Transportation System,
which ships over 95 percent of foreign trade by tonnage, will double by
2020 and contribute roughly $2 trillion annually to the U.S. economy.
NOAA provides information products for transportation systems,
including marine and surface weather forecasts, navigational charts,
real-time oceanographic information, and Global Positioning System
augmentation. NOAA works with the Federal Aviation Administration and
industry to improve the weather resilience of aviation systems. NOAA
also provides emergency response services to save lives and money and
to protect the coastal environment, including hazardous material spill
response and search and rescue functions. NOAA works with federal,
state, and local partners to ensure the efficient and environmentally
sound operation and development of ports.
Funded proposals should help achieve the following outcomes:
1. Safe, secure, efficient, and seamless movement of goods and people
in the U.S. transportation system
2. Environmentally sound development and use of the U.S. transportation
system
Program Names:
1. Financial Assistance to Establish five NOAA Cooperative Science
Centers at Minority Serving Institutions Announcement
2. Joint Hydrographic Center
3. FY2010 Integrated Ocean Observing System Community Modeling
Environment to Support a Super-Regional Test Bed
V. NOAA Project Competitions
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
2010 Hawaii Seafood Program
Summary Description: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA/
NMFS) is soliciting competitive applications for the 2010 Hawaii
Seafood Program. The 2010 Hawaii Seafood Program is designed to help
strengthen and to sustain the economic viability of Hawaii's fishing
and seafood industry through activities that promotes Hawaii fisheries
products as high-quality and safe domestic seafood produced by a
responsible and well-managed fishery. Projects may seek support for
cooperative seafood safety research, technical assistance, and/or
seafood education.
Funding Availability: Total funding available under this notice is
anticipated to be approximately $1,000,000. Actual funding availability
for this program is contingent upon FY 2010 Congressional
appropriations. Proposals in any amount may be submitted. Award amounts
will be determined by the proposals and available funds. There is no
set minimum or maximum amount, within the available funding, for any
award. There is also no limit on the number of applications that can be
submitted by the same applicant; however, multiple applications
submitted by the same applicant must clearly identify different
projects. If an application for a financial assistance award is
selected for funding, NOAA/NMFS has no obligation to provide any
additional funding in connection with that award in subsequent years.
Notwithstanding verbal or written assurance that may have been
received, pre-award costs are not allowed under the award unless
approved by the NOAA Grants Officer.
Statutory Authority: The statutory authority for the Hawaii Seafood
Program is 15 U.S.C. 713c-3(d).
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.452,
Unallied Industry Projects.
Application Deadline: Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. Hawaii
Standard Time March 5, 2010.
Address for Submitting Proposals: Proposals should be submitted
through Grants.gov. For those applicants without internet access,
proposals should be submitted to NOAA Federal Program Officer, Pacific
Islands Regional Office, 1601 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 1110, Honolulu,
Hawaii, 96814.
Information Contacts: If you have any questions regarding this
proposal solicitation, please contact Scott W.S. Bloom at the NOAA/NMFS
Pacific Islands Regional Office, 1601 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, Hawaii,
96814, by phone at 808-944-2218, or by e-mail at Scott.Bloom@noaa.gov.
Eligibility: Eligible applicants are individuals, institutions of
higher education, other nonprofits, commercial organizations,
international organizations, foreign governments, organizations under
the jurisdiction of foreign governments, and state, local and Indian
tribal governments. Federal agencies, or employees of Federal agencies,
are not eligible to apply. The Department of Commerce/National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (DOC/NOAA) is strongly committed to
broadening the participation of historically black colleges and
universities, Hispanic serving institutions, tribal colleges and
universities, and institutions that work in underserved areas. The
Hawaii Seafood Program encourages proposals involving any of the above
institutions.
Cost Sharing Requirements: No cost sharing or matching is required
under this program.
Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are
subject to Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.
2010 Marine Education and Training Mini Grant Program
Summary Description: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA/
NMFS) is soliciting competitive applications for the 2010 Pacific
Islands Region Marine Education and Training Mini-Grant Program.
Projects are being solicited to improve communication, education, and
training on marine resource issues throughout the region
[[Page 3098]]
and increase scientific education for marine-related professions among
coastal community residents, including indigenous Pacific islanders,
Native Hawaiians, and other underrepresented groups in the region.
Funding Availability: Total funding available under this notice is
anticipated to be approximately $150,000. Actual funding availability
for this program is contingent upon FY 2010 Federal appropriations.
Proposals in excess of $15,000 are unlikely to be funded. Award amounts
will be determined by the proposals and available funds. There is no
limit on the number of applications that can be submitted by the same
applicant; however, multiple applications submitted by the same
applicant must clearly identify different projects. If an application
for a financial assistance award is selected for funding, NOAA/NMFS has
no obligation to provide any additional funding in connection with that
award in subsequent years. Notwithstanding verbal or written assurance
that may have been received, pre-award costs are not allowed under the
award unless approved by the NOAA Grants Officer.
Statutory Authority: Authority for the 2010 Pacific Islands Region
Marine Education and Training Mini-Grant Program is provided under 16
U.S.C. 1855j.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.452,
Unallied Industry Projects.
Application Deadline: Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. Hawaii
Standard Time March 5, 2010.
Address for Submitting Proposals: Proposals should be submitted
through Grants.gov. For those applicants without internet access,
proposals should be submitted to NOAA Federal Program Officer, Pacific
Islands Regional Office, 1601 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 1110, Honolulu,
Hawaii, 96814.
Information Contacts: If you have any questions regarding this
proposal solicitation, please contact Scott W.S. Bloom at the NOAA/NMFS
Pacific Islands Regional Office, 1601 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, Hawaii,
96814, by phone at 808-944-2218, or by e-mail at Scott.Bloom@noaa.gov.
Eligibility: Eligible applicants are individuals, institutions of
higher education, nonprofits, commercial organizations, state, local
and Indian tribal governments. Federal agencies, or employees of
Federal agencies are not eligible to apply. The Department of Commerce/
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (DOC/NOAA) is strongly
committed to broadening the participation of historically black
colleges and universities, Hispanic serving institutions, tribal
colleges and universities, and institutions that work in undeserved
areas. The 2010 Marine Education and Training Mini-Grant Program
encourages proposals involving any of the above institutions.
Cost Sharing Requirements: No cost sharing or matching is required
under this program.
Intergovernmental Review: This federal funding opportunity is
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.'' An applicant should consult the office or official
designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more
information on the process the State requires to be followed in
applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for
review. The names and addresses of these contacts are available at
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. 2010 Western Pacific
Demonstration Projects.
Summary Description: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA/
NMFS) is soliciting applications for financial assistance for Western
Pacific Demonstration Projects. Eligible applicants are encouraged to
submit projects intended to foster and promote use of traditional
indigenous fishing practices and/or develop or enhance Western Pacific
community-based fishing opportunities benefiting the island communities
in American Samoa, Guam, Hawaii, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Funding Availability: Total funding available under this notice is
anticipated to be approximately $500,000. Actual funding availability
for this program is contingent upon FY 2010 Congressional
appropriations. Proposals in any amount may be submitted. Award amounts
will be determined by the proposals and available funds. There is no
set minimum or maximum amount, within the available funding, for any
award. There is also no limit on the number of applications that can be
submitted by the same applicant; however, multiple applications
submitted by the same applicant must clearly identify different
projects. If an application for a financial assistance award is
selected for funding, NOAA/NMFS has no obligation to provide any
additional funding in connection with that award in subsequent years.
Notwithstanding verbal or written assurance that may have been
received, pre-award costs are not allowed under the award unless
approved by the NOAA Grants Officer.
Statutory Authority: Authority for the Western Pacific
Demonstration Projects is provided under 16 U.S.C. 1855 note.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.452,
Unallied Industry Projects
Application Deadline: Pre-proposals (letters of intent) must be
received at the Pacific Islands Regional Office by 5 p.m. Hawaii
Standard Time, February 18, 2010. NOAA reserves 15 days to review pre-
proposals against NOAA's mission requirements. If an applicant
submitting a pre-proposal is invited to submit a full proposal, it must
be received by 5 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time, 75 days after publication
in the Federal Register. Anticipated start dates will be July 1, 2010.
Address for Submitting Proposals: Proposals should be submitted
through Grants.gov. For those applicants without internet access,
proposals should be submitted to NOAA Federal Program Officer, Pacific
Islands Regional Office, 1601 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 1110, Honolulu,
Hawaii 96814.
Information Contacts: Points of contact are Scott W.S. Bloom
(NMFS), NOAA Federal Program Officer for Western Pacific Demonstration
Projects, Pacific Islands Region, National Marine Fisheries Service,
1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 1110, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814; or by
telephone at 808-944-2218, or by e-mail at Scott.Bloom@noaa.gov; or
Charles Kaaiai, Indigenous Coordinator for the Western Pacific Fishery
Management Council, 1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1400, Honolulu, Hawaii,
96813 or by telephone at 808-522-8220, or by e-mail at
Charles.Kaaiai@noaa.gov.
Eligibility: Eligible applicants are limited to communities in the
Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Area, as defined at section
305(i)(2)(D) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), 16 U.S.C. 1855(i)(2)(D); and
meet the standards for determining eligibility set forth in section
305(i)(2)(B) of the Act, 16 U.S.C. 1855(i)(2)(B). The eligibility
criteria developed by the Council and approved by the Secretary was
published in the Federal Register on April 16, 2002 (67 FR 18512,
18514). The published criteria supplement those set forth in section
305(i)(2)(B) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and shall be applied equally
in determining a party's eligibility to participate in the
demonstration project. Given this, applicants must:
1. Be located within the Western Pacific Regional Fishery
Management Area (American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam or
Hawaii);
[[Page 3099]]
2. Consist of community residents descended from aboriginal people
indigenous to the western Pacific area who conducted commercial or
subsistence fishing using traditional fishing practices in the waters
of the western Pacific;
3. Consist of community residents who reside in their ancestral
homeland;
4. Have knowledge of customary practices relevant to fisheries of
the western Pacific;
5. Have traditional dependence on fisheries of the western Pacific;
6. Experience economic or other barriers that have prevented full
participation in the western Pacific fisheries and, in recent years,
have not had harvesting, processing or marketing capability sufficient
to support substantial participation in fisheries in the area; and,
7. Develop and submit a Community Development Plan to the Western
Pacific Council and the National Marine Fisheries Service. For the
purposes of determining eligibility to participate and receive funding
assistance authorized under Section 111(b) of the Sustainable Fisheries
Act, Public Law 104-297, as amended, and published in 16 U.S.C. 1855
note, a project proposal shall be considered a Community Development
Plan.
Cost Sharing Requirements: No cost sharing or matching is required
under this program.
Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs''. An applicant should consult the office or official
designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more
information on the process the State requires to be followed in
applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for
review. The names and addresses of these contacts are available at
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. 2011 Mid-Atlantic
Research Set-Aside Program.
Summary Description: NMFS, in cooperation with the Mid-Atlantic
Fishery Management Council (Council), is soliciting proposals under the
2011 Mid-Atlantic Research Set-Aside (RSA) Program that address
research priorities concerning the summer flounder, scup, black sea
bass, Loligo squid, Illex squid, Atlantic mackerel, butterfish,
bluefish, and tilefish fisheries. The Mid-Atlantic RSA Program was
created by the Council as a vehicle to fund research projects through
the sale of research quota. Under this program, the Council may set
aside up to 3-percent of the total allowable landings (TAL) from the
above listed species to fund selected projects. Proceeds from the sale
of research quota are used to pay for research costs and to compensate
fishing vessels that harvest research quota. Any additional funds,
generated through the sale of the fish harvested under the research
quota, above the cost of the research activities, shall be retained by
the vessel owner as compensation for use of his/her vessel.
Participating vessels may be authorized to harvest and land fish in
excess of Federal possession limits and/or during fishery closures. No
Federal funds are provided for research under this notification. NMFS
and the Council will give priority to funding proposals addressing the
research needs identified in Section I-B of the FFO.
Funding Availability: No Federal funds are provided for research
under this notification, but rather the opportunity to fish with the
catch sold to generate research funds and to provide compensation for
harvesting of RSA quota. The Federal Government may issue an exempted
fishing permit (EFP) to selected projects, which may provide special
fishing privileges, such as exemption from possession limits and
fishery closures. Funds generated from RSA landings shall be used to
cover the cost of the research activities, including vessel costs, and
to compensate boats for expenses incurred during the collection of the
set-aside species. For example, the funds may be used to pay for gear
modifications, monitoring equipment, additional provisions (e.g., fuel,
ice, food for scientists), or the salaries of research personnel. The
Federal Government is not liable for any costs incurred by the
researcher or vessel owner should the sale of RSA quota not fully
reimburse the researcher or vessel owner for his/her expenses. Any
additional funds, generated through the sale of the fish harvested
under the research quota, above the cost of the research activities,
shall be retained by the vessel owner as compensation for use of his/
her vessel. The Council, in consultation with the Commission, will
incorporate RSA quotas for each of the set-aside species for the 2011
fishing year into the Council's annual quota specification
recommendations. NMFS will consider the recommended level of RSA as
part of the associated rulemaking process. RSA quota available to
applicants under the 2011 Mid-Atlantic RSA Program will be established
through the 2011 quota specification rulemaking process. The Council is
scheduled to adopt quotas, including RSA quotas, by the end of 2010.
Based on Council recommendations, NMFS may choose to adopt less than 3
percent of TAL as a set-aside, or decide not to adopt any set-aside for
a given fishery. The value of RSA quota will be dictated by market
conditions prevailing at the time the compensation fishing trips are
conducted. To help researchers develop proposals and proposal budgets
for the 2011 Mid-Atlantic RSA Program, recent quota amount and quota
value information is listed below. This information is for guidance
purposes only; it does not reflect actual RSA quota amounts or quota
values that will be in effect for fishing year 2011. RSA quota amounts
are based on 2010 FMP specifications proposed by the Council. RSA quota
values are based on landings data taken from Fisheries of the United
States, 2008. This information is listed below in the following format:
Species/RSA quota amount (lb)/RSA quota total value/RSA value per
pound. -Summer flounder/663,900 lb/$1,656,845/2.50 lb -Scup/423,300 lb/
$478,327/$1.13 lb -Black sea bass/69,000 lb/$192,076/$2.78 lb -Loligo
squid/1,256,635 lb/$1,173,033/$0.93 lb -Bluefish/877,914 lb/$376,279/
$0.42 lb -Butterfish/33,069 lb/$17,282/$0.52 lb -Illex squid/1,587,328
lb/$0/$0.24 lb (no Illex squid was requested) -Atlantic mackerel/0 lb/
$0/$0.14 (no Atlantic mackerel was requested) -Tilefish/0 lb/$0/$2.26
lb (no tilefish RSA was allocated) Starting in 2010, successful
projects may not have more than 50 vessels authorized to conduct
compensation fishing at any given time unless sufficient rationale can
demonstrate that more than 50 vessels are needed. In addition,
principal investigators and project coordinators should be aware that
it may take NMFS up to 4 weeks to process requests to revise the list
of vessels that are authorized to conduct compensation fishing.
Statutory Authority: Statutory authority for this program is
provided under sections 303(b)(11), 402(e), and 404(c) of the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C.1853(b)(11),
16 U.S.C. 1881a(e), and 16 U.S.C. 1881(c), respectively. Statutory
authority for entering into cooperative agreements and other financial
agreements with non-profit organizations is found at 15 U.S.C. 1540.
Framework Adjustment 1 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass
FMP, Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish FMP, Bluefish FMP, and
Tilefish FMP established the Mid-Atlantic RSA Program (66 FR 42156,
August 10, 2001), which is codified in regulations at 50 CFR 648.21(g).
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.454,
Unallied Management Projects
[[Page 3100]]
Application Deadline: Applications must be received on or before 5
p.m. EST on March 22, 2010. Proposals received after the established
deadline will be rejected and returned to the sender without
consideration. For applications submitted through Grants.gov, a date
and time receipt indication will be the basis of determining
timeliness. For those not having access to the Internet, one signed
original and two hard copy applications must be received by the
established due date for the program at the following address: Cheryl
A. Corbett, NMFS, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, 166 Water Street,
Woods Hole, MA 02543. Use of U.S. mail or another delivery service must
be documented with a receipt. No facsimile or electronic mail proposals
will be accepted. January 1, 2011, should be used as the proposed start
date on proposals, unless otherwise directed by the Program Officer.
Address for Submitting Proposals: To apply for this NOAA Federal
Funding Opportunity, please submit applications to http://
www.grants.gov and use funding opportunity number NOAA-NMFS-NEFSC-2011-
2002247. Applicants who do not have Internet access may submit their
application to Cheryl A. Corbett, NMFS, Northeast Fisheries Science
Center, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543.
Information Contacts: Information may be obtained from Kathy
Collins, Public Affairs Specialist, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management
Council, by phone 302-674-2331 ext. 14, or via e-mail at
kcollins1@mafmc.org, or Cheryl A. Corbett, Cooperative Programs
Specialist, NMFS, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, 166 Water Street,
Woods Hole, MA 02543, or by phone at 508-495-2070, or fax at 508-495-
2004, or via e-mail at cheryl.corbett@noaa.gov; or from Ryan Silva,
Cooperative Research Liaison, NMFS, Northeast Regional Office, by phone
978-281-9326, or via e-mail at ryan.silva@noaa.gov.
Eligibility: 1. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher
education, hospitals, other nonprofits, commercial organizations,
individuals, and state, local, and Native American tribal governments.
Federal agencies and institutions are not eligible to receive Federal
assistance under this notice. Additionally, employees of any Federal
agency or Regional Fishery Management Council are ineligible to submit
an application under this program. However, Council members who are not
Federal employees may submit an application. 2. DOC/NOAA supports
cultural and gender diversity and encourages women and minority
individuals and groups to submit applications to the RSA program. In
addition, DOC/NOAA is strongly committed to broadening the
participation of historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic
serving institutions, tribal colleges and universities, and
institutions that work in underserved areas. DOC/NOAA encourages
proposals involving any of the above institutions. 3. DOC/NOAA
encourages applications from members of the fishing community and
applications that involve fishing community cooperation and
participation.
Cost Sharing Requirements: None required.
Intergovernmental Review: Applicants will need to determine if
their state participates in the intergovernmental review process. This
information can be found at the following Web site: http://
www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. This information will assist
applicants in providing either a Yes or No response to Item 16 of the
Application Form, SF-424, entitled ``Application for Federal
Assistance.'' Fisheries Science Program--FY2010.
Summary Description: The NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office (NCBO) is
directed by congressional mandate to provide technical assistance in:
(1) Identifying science-based management options for restoration and
protection of living resources and their habitats; (2) monitoring and
assessing the status of living resources and their habitats; and, (3)
evaluating the effectiveness of management plan implementation. For
FY2010, it is anticipated that approximately $500k could be made
available for projects that address multiple species interactions and
stock assessment research as identified in the Program Priority Section
(I.B.1 and I.B.2) of FFO.
Funding Availability: This solicitation announces approximately
$500,000 in federal funds that may be available in FY 2010 in award
amounts to be determined by the proposals. It is expected that these
funds will provide support for 5-10 projects at approximately $50,000
to $100,000 per project. Funding for subsequent years of work will
depend on the performance of grantees to successfully conduct
activities as determined by the Federal Program Officer through
performance reports, site visits, and compliance with award conditions.
There is no guarantee that sufficient funds will be available to make
awards for all qualified projects. The exact amount of funds that may
be awarded will be determined in pre-award negotiations between the
applicant and NOAA representatives. Publication of this notice does not
oblige NOAA to award any specific project or to obligate any available
funds. If applicants incur any costs prior to an award being made, they
do so at their own risk of not being reimbursed by the government.
Notwithstanding verbal or written assurance that may have been
received, there is no obligation on the part of NOAA to cover pre-award
costs unless approved by the Grants Officer as part of the terms when
the award is made.
Statutory Authority: The Secretary is authorized under the Fish and
Wildlife Coordination Act, as amended, at 16 U.S.C. 661, to provide
assistance to, and cooperate with, Federal, State, and public or
private agencies and organizations in the development, protection,
rearing, and stocking of all species of wildlife, resources thereof,
and their habitat, in controlling losses of the same from disease or
other causes, and in minimizing damages from overabundant species.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.457,
Chesapeake Bay Studies
Application Deadline: Full proposals must be received by 5:00 pm
eastern time March 5, 2010.
Address for Submitting Proposals: Applications submitted in
response to this announcement are strongly encouraged to submit via
http://www.grants.gov. Electronic access to the full funding
announcement for this program is also available at this site. If
internet access is unavailable, paper applications (a signed original
and two copies) may also be submitted to the NOAA Chesapeake Bay
Office, 410 Severn Avenue, Suite 107A, Annapolis, MD 21403. No
facsimile applications will be accepted. Institutions are encouraged to
submit Letters of Intent to NCBO within 30 days of this announcement to
aid in planning the review processes. Letters of Intent may be
submitted via e-mail to Derek.Orner@noaa.gov. Information should
include a general description of the program administration proposal.
Information Contacts: For further information about the Chesapeake
Bay Fisheries Science Program, please visit the NOAA Chesapeake Bay
Office Web site at: http://noaa.chesapeakebay.net/. For assistance with
forms, application requirements, or submission procedures please
contact Derek Orner, NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office; 410 Severn Avenue,
Suite 107A, Annapolis, MD 21403, or by phone at 410-267-5676, or fax to
410-267-5666, or via Internet at derek.orner@noaa.gov.
Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher
education, other
[[Page 3101]]
nonprofits, commercial organizations, foreign governments,
organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign governments,
international organizations, state, local and Indian tribal
governments. Federal agencies or institutions are not eligible to
receive Federal assistance under this notice. The Department of
Commerce/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (DOC/NOAA) is
strongly committed to broadening the participation of historically
black colleges and universities, Hispanic serving institutions, tribal
colleges and universities, and institutions that work in underserved
areas. The NCBO encourages proposals involving any of the above
institutions.
Cost Sharing Requirements: No cost sharing is required under this
program, however, the NCBO strongly encourages applicants to share as
much of the project costs as possible. Funds from other Federal awards
may not be considered matching funds. The nature of the contribution
(cash versus in kind) and the amount of matching funds will be taken
into consideration in the review process. Priority selection will be
given to proposals that propose cash rather than in-kind contributions.
Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program (CFDA
11.457, Chesapeake Bay Studies) are subject to Executive Order 12372,
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs. NOAA Great Lakes Habitat
Restoration Program Project Grants under the Great Lakes Restoration
Initiative
Summary Description: NOAA delivers funding and technical expertise
to restore Great Lakes coastal habitats. These habitats support
valuable fisheries and protected resources; improve the quality of our
water; provide recreational opportunities for the public's use and
enjoyment; and buffer our coastal communities from the impacts of
changing lake levels. Projects funded through NOAA have strong on-the-
ground habitat restoration components that provide social and economic
benefits for people and their communities in addition to long-term
ecological habitat improvements. Through this solicitation, NOAA seeks
to openly compete funding available for habitat restoration under the
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative as proposed in the President's
FY2010 Budget. Applications should be submitted for any project that is
to be considered for this funding, even for those projects already
submitted as applications to other NOAA competitions including the
recent American Recovery and Reinvestment Act solicitation. Competition
will ensure that the most beneficial restoration projects are selected
to realize significant ecological gains and ensure that projects are
truly ``shovel-ready.'' Applications selected for funding through this
solicitation will be implemented through a grant or cooperative
agreement, with awards dependent upon the amount of funds made
available to NOAA for this purpose by the Environmental Protection
Agency. NOAA anticipates up to $10 million may be available for Great
Lakes coastal habitat restoration; typical awards are expected to range
between $1 million to $1.5 million. Funds will be administered by
NOAA's Great Lakes Habitat Restoration Program (GLHRP).
Funding Availability: NOAA anticipates that up to $10 million may
be available for Great Lakes coastal habitat restoration; typical
awards are expected to range between $1 million and $1.5 million. NOAA
will not accept applications requesting less than $500,000 or more than
$2.5 million of federal funds under this solicitation. There is no
guarantee that sufficient funds will be available to make awards for
all applications. The number of awards to be made as a result of this
solicitation will depend on the number of eligible applications
received, the amount of funds requested for habitat restoration
projects by the applicants, the merit and ranking of the applications,
and the amount of funds made available. The exact amount of funds that
may be awarded will be determined in pre-award negotiations between the
applicant and NOAA representatives. Publication of this document does
not obligate NOAA to award any specific project or obligate all or any
parts of any available funds.
Statutory Authority: The Secretary of Commerce is authorized under
the following statutes to provide grants and cooperative agreements for
habitat restoration:--Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act 16 U.S.C. 661,
as amended by the Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970;--Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006, 16
U.S.C. 1891a;--Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act,
33 U.S.C. 1951 et seq.;--Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as
amended, 16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.--National Marine Sanctuaries Act, 16
U.S.C. 1431 et seq.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.463,
Habitat Conservation.
Application Deadline: Applications must be postmarked, provided to
a delivery service, or received by www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. EST on
February 16, 2010. Use of U.S. mail or another delivery service must be
documented with a receipt. No facsimile or electronic mail applications
will be accepted. Please Note: It may take Grants.gov up to two (2)
business days to validate or reject the application. Please keep this
in mind in developing your submission timeline.
Address for Submitting Proposals: If an applicant does not have
internet access, a hard copy application must be postmarked, or
provided to a delivery service and documented with a receipt, by 11:59
p.m. EST on February 16, 2010 and sent to: NOAA Restoration Center (F/
HC3) NOAA Fisheries, Office of Habitat Conservation, 1315 East West
Highway, Rm. 14730, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attn: Great Lakes Habitat
Restoration Project Applications. Applications postmarked or provided
to a delivery service after 11:59 p.m. EST February 1, 2010 will not be
considered for funding. Applications submitted via the U.S. Postal
Service must have an official postmark; private metered postmarks are
not acceptable. In any event, applications received later than 5
business days following the postmark closing date will not be accepted.
No facsimile or electronic mail applications will be accepted. Paper
applications should be printed on 8.5 x 11 paper
(12-point font with 1'' margins; reviewers generally prefer 1.5 line
spacing) and should not be bound in any manner.
Information Contacts: For further information contact Jenni Wallace
at (301) 713-0174 ext. 183, or by e-mail at Jenni.Wallace@noaa.gov.
Prospective applicants are invited to contact NOAA staff before
submitting an application to discuss whether their project ideas are
within the scope of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative's objectives
and NOAA's mission and goals. Additional information on habitat
restoration can be found on the World Wide Web at http://
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/restoration/.
Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher
education, non-profits, industry and commercial (for profit)
organizations, organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign
governments, international organizations, and state, local and Indian
tribal governments. Applications from Federal agencies or employees of
Federal agencies will not be considered. Federal agencies are strongly
encouraged to work with states, non-governmental organizations,
municipal and county governments, conservation corps organizations and
others that are eligible to apply. The Department of Commerce/National
Oceanic and
[[Page 3102]]
Atmospheric Administration (DOC/NOAA) is strongly committed to
broadening the participation of historically black colleges and
universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges and
universities, and institutions that work in under-served areas. The
GLHRP encourages applications involving any of the above institutions.
Cost Sharing Requirements: There is no statutory matching
requirement for this funding. NOAA typically leverages its Federal
funding with matching contributions and/or partnerships from a broad
range of sources in the public and private sector to implement locally
important coastal habitat restoration. To this end, applicants are
encouraged to demonstrate a 1:1 non-federal match for GLHRP funds
requested to conduct the proposed project. Applicants with less than
1:1 match will not be disqualified, however, applicants should note
that cost sharing is an element considered in Evaluation Criterion
4 ``Project Costs'' (Section V.A.4. of the FFO). Match to NOAA
funds can come from a variety of public and private sources and can
include in-kind goods and services and volunteer labor.
Applicants are permitted to combine contributions from non-federal
partners, as long as such contributions are not being used to match any
other federal funds and are available within the project period stated
in the application. Federal sources cannot be considered for matching
funds, but can be described in the budget narrative to demonstrate
additional leverage.
Applicants are also permitted to apply federally negotiated
indirect costs in excess of Federal share limits as described in
Section IV.E. ``Funding Restrictions'' of the FFO. Applicants whose
proposals are selected for funding will be bound by the percentage of
cost sharing reflected in the award document signed by the NOAA Grants
Officer. Successful applicants should be prepared to carefully document
matching contributions, including the overall number of volunteers and
in-kind participation hours devoted to habitat restoration projects.
Letters of commitment for any secured resources that will be used as
match for an award under this solicitation should be submitted as an
attachment to the application, see Section IV.B. of the FFO.
Intergovernmental Review: Applications submitted by state and local
governments are subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.'' Any applicant
submitting an application for funding is required to complete item 19
on SF-424 regarding clearance by the State Single Point of Contact
(SPOC) established as a result of EO 12372. To find out about and
comply with a State's process under EO 12372, the names, addresses and
phone numbers of participating SPOCs are listed in the Office of
Management and Budget's home page at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/
grants/spoc.html.
Proactive Species Conservation Program
Summary Description: The NMFS is seeking to provide federal
assistance, in the form of grants or cooperative agreements, to support
conservation efforts for the current list of marine and anadromous
species under the Proactive Species Conservation Program. The program
supports voluntary conservation efforts designed to conserve marine and
anadromous species before they reach the point at which listing as
threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) becomes
necessary. Such proactive conservation efforts can serve as an
efficient, non-regulatory, and cost-effective means of managing
potentially at-risk species. To raise awareness of potentially at-risk
species and to foster their proactive conservation, the NMFS created a
`species of concern' list in April 2004 (69 FR 19975). `Species of
concern' are species that are potentially at risk of becoming
threatened or endangered or may potentially require protections under
the ESA, yet for which sufficient data are lacking. The species-of-
concern status carries no procedural or regulatory protections under
the ESA. The list of species of concern and descriptions of each
species are available at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/concern/
#list. Under this solicitation, any state, territorial, tribal, or
local entity that has authority to manage or regulate these species or
activities that affect these species is eligible to apply to this grant
program. This document describes how to submit proposals for funding in
fiscal year (FY) 2010 and how the NMFS will determine which proposals
will be funded. This document should be read in its entirety, as some
information has changed from the previous year.
Funding Availability: This solicitation announces that
approximately $200,000 may be available for distribution in FY 2010
under the PSCP; there are no restrictions on minimum or maximum funding
requests. Applicants may apply for funds for up to 5 years (see below)
so the total amount requested over the life of the project may be more
than $200,000, but the limit for FY 2010 should be $200,000. Actual
funding availability for this program is contingent upon Fiscal Year
2010 Congressional appropriations. Applicants are hereby given notice
that funds have not yet been appropriated for this program. There is no
guarantee that sufficient funds will be available to make awards for
all qualified projects.
Publication of this notice does not oblige the NMFS to award any
specific project or to obligate any available funds; and, if an
application is selected for funding, the NMFS has no obligation to
provide any additional funding in connection with that award in
subsequent years. There is also no limit on the number of applications
that can be submitted by the same applicant. Multiple applications
submitted by the same applicant must clearly identify distinct
projects, and single applications should not include multiple,
unrelated projects. Notwithstanding verbal or written assurance that
may have been received, pre-award costs are not allowed under the award
unless approved by the Grants Officer in accordance with 2 CFR Part
225.
Statutory Authority: Authority for the Proactive Species
Conservation Program is provided by 16 U.S.C. 661.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.472,
Unallied Science Program.
Application Deadline: Applications must be postmarked, provided to
a delivery service, or received by http://www.grants.gov/ by 11:59 p.m.
Eastern Standard Time on February 11, 2010. Use of a delivery service
other than U.S. mail must be documented with a receipt. PLEASE NOTE: It
may take Grants.gov up to two business days to validate or reject an
application. Please keep this in mind when developing your submission
timeline.
Address for Submitting Proposals: For applicants without internet
access, paper applications can be mailed to NOAA/NMFS/Office of
Protected Resources, Attn: Dwayne Meadows, NMFS Office of Protected
Resources F/PR3, 1315 East-West Highway, SSMC3, Silver Spring, MD
20910. If it is necessary to submit a paper application, then one
signed original and two signed copies (including supporting
information) must be submitted; paper applications should not be bound
in any manner.
Information Contacts: If you have any questions regarding this
proposal solicitation, please contact Dwayne Meadows at the NMFS Office
of Protected Resources F/PR3, Endangered Species Division, 1315 East-
West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, by phone at 301-713-1401 x199,
or by e-
[[Page 3103]]
mail at Dwayne.Meadows@noaa.gov. You may also contact one of the
following people in your region for further guidance: Sarah Laporte,
Northeast Regional Office (Sarah.Laporte@noaa.gov, 978-282-8477),
Calusa Horn, Southeast Regional Office (Calusa.Horn@noaa.gov, 727-824-
5312), Krista Graham, Pacific Islands Regional Office
(Krista.Graham@noaa.gov, 808-944-2238), Susan Wang, Southwest Regional
Office (Susan.Wang@noaa.gov, 562-980-4199), Eric Murray, Northwest
Regional Office (Eric.Murray@noaa.gov, 503-872-2791), Brad Smith,
Alaska Regional Office (Brad.Smith@noaa.gov, 907-271-3023).
Eligibility: Eligible applicants are U.S. state, territorial,
tribal, or local governments that have regulatory or management
authority over one or more SOC or activities that affect one or more
SOC. A current list of SOC can be found at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/
species/concern/#list or obtained from the Office of Protected
Resources (see Section VII, Agency Contacts, of the FFO). Applicants
are not eligible to submit a proposal under this program if they are a
federal employee; however, federal employees may serve as Cooperators.
In addition, NMFS employees are not allowed to actively engage in the
preparation of proposals or write letters of support for any
application. However, if applicable, NMFS employees can write a letter
verifying that they are collaborating with a particular project. NMFS
contacts (see Section VII of the FFO) are available to provide
information regarding programmatic goals and objectives associated with
the PSCP, other ongoing ESA programs, regional funding priorities, and,
along with other Federal Program Officers, can provide information on
application procedures and completion of required forms.
Cost Sharing Requirements: There are no cost-sharing or matching
requirements under this solicitation.
Intergovernmental Review: Applications submitted by state and local
governments are subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.'' Any applicant
submitting an application for funding is required to complete item 16
on SF-424 regarding clearance by the State Single Point of Contact
(SPOC) established as a result of EO 12372. To find out about and
comply with a State's process under EO 12372, the names, addresses and
phone numbers of participating SPOC's are listed on the Office of
Management and Budget's home page at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/
grants/spoc.html.
National Ocean Service (NOS) Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation
Program--FY 2011 Competition
Summary Description: The purpose of this document is to advise
eligible coastal states and territories (requirements described below)
that OCRM is soliciting coastal and estuarine land conservation project
proposals for competitive funding under the CELCP. States and
territories must have submitted to NOAA a CELCP plan on or before
February 19, 2010, in order to be eligible to participate in the FY2011
funding opportunity. Funding is contingent upon the availability of FY
2011 Federal appropriations. It is anticipated that projects funded
under this announcement will have a grant start date between June 1,
2011 and October 1, 2011. The program authority is 16 U.S.C. 1456-1.
Funding Availability: NOAA anticipates that approximately 20-60
projects may be included on a competitively-ranked list of projects
that are ready and eligible for funding in FY 2011. Funding for
projects selected for the prioritized list is contingent upon
availability of Federal appropriations for FY 2011. Applicants are
hereby given notice that funds have not yet been appropriated for this
program. The FY 2011 President's Budget request for CELCP is $15
million. Annual appropriated funding levels for the CELCP have ranged
from $8-$50 million from FY 2002-2009. Eligible coastal states and
territories may select and submit up to three projects for this
competition, including subsequent phases of projects previously funded
by CELCP. Applicants may include multiple parcels in a project proposal
if the parcels are related; however, please note that NOAA will
evaluate project readiness and feasibility for completion within the
required 18 month timeframe. For such projects, NOAA recommends that
applicants limit the scope to acquiring no more than 5 separate parcels
(including parcels that would be acquired directly with CELCP funds as
well as those that would be counted an in-kind match). See Section
III.C of the FFO for additional details. The maximum amount that may be
requested for the Federal share of each project is $3,000,000.
The amount of funding per award in previous years has ranged from
$105,000 to $3,000,000 for competitively selected projects, depending
on the amount requested, size, and type of project. There is no
guarantee that sufficient funds will be available to make awards for
all qualified projects. Publication of this notice and the list of
projects deemed ready and eligible does not oblige NOAA to award any
specific project or to obligate any available funds. If an applicant
incurs any costs prior to receiving an award agreement signed by an
authorized NOAA official, they do so at their own risk of these costs
not being included under the award. In no event will NOAA or the
Department of Commerce be responsible for proposal preparation or other
project costs if this program fails to receive funding or is cancelled
because of other agency priorities. Recipients and sub-recipients are
subject to all Federal laws and agency policies, regulations, and
procedures applicable to Federal financial assistance awards. NOAA is
committed to continual improvement of the grants process and
accelerating the award of financial assistance to qualified recipients
in accordance with the recommendations of the NOAA Program Review Team.
If funding is appropriated in FY 2011 for projects recommended through
this competition, NOAA will request final grant applications from
successful applicants as soon as feasible in order to expedite the
grant process (see VI. Award Administration Information). Applicants
must be in good standing with all existing NOAA grants in order to
receive funds.
Statutory Authority: Authority for the CELCP is 16 U.S.C. 1456-1
(formerly authorized under 16 U.S.C. 1456d).
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.419,
Coastal Zone Management Administration Awards.
Application Deadline: Applications must be received by Grants.gov
or be delivered to the OCRM office (address listed in this
announcement) no later than 6:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on April 9,
2010. No facsimile or electronic mail applications will be accepted.
Paper applications delivered after the deadline will not be accepted,
regardless of postmark date. Please note that it may take Grants.gov up
to two (2) business days to validate or reject an application. Please
keep this in mind when developing your submission timeline; do not wait
until the last day to submit an application.
Address for Submitting Proposals: The proposal may be submitted
electronically through Grants.gov online at: http://www.grants.gov or
by mailing a signed original and four copies of each proposal to Attn:
Elaine Vaudreuil, NOAA, Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National
Policy and Evaluation Division (N/ORM7), 1305
[[Page 3104]]
East-West Highway, SSMC4, Station 10657, Silver Spring MD 20910.
Information Contacts: CELCP Program Manager, Elaine Vaudreuil,
Phone: (301) 713-3155 ext 103, E-mail: Elaine.Vaudreuil@noaa.gov.
Eligibility: Only coastal states and territories with Coastal Zone
Management Programs or National Estuarine Research Reserves approved
under the CZMA, and that have submitted a draft CELCP plan to NOAA on
or before February 19, 2010, are eligible to participate in the FY 2011
CELCP competition. A list of the status of each state and territory's
CELCP plan, including the states and territories eligible for this
competition, is available at http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/land/
media/CELCPplans_web.pdf, and will be updated as of February 19, 2010.
The designated lead agency for implementing CELCP in each state or
territory (``lead agency'') is eligible to submit projects for funding
under this competition. The lead agency is presumed to be the agency
designated as lead for implementing the state or territory's coastal
management program, as approved under the CZMA, unless otherwise
designated by the Governor. A list of lead contacts for each state and
territory is available on the CELCP Web site at http://
coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/land/media/celcpstateleadcontacts.pdf. The
designated lead agency may solicit, and include in their application,
project proposals from additional eligible state or territorial
agencies, local governments as defined at 15 CFR 24.3, or entities
eligible for assistance under section 306A(e) of the CZMA (16 U.S.C.
1455a(e)), provided that each has the authority to acquire and manage
land for conservation purposes. As defined at 15 CFR 24.3, local
government means a county, municipality, city, town, township, local
public authority (including any public and Indian housing agency under
the United States Housing Act of 1937), school district, special
district, intrastate district, council of governments (whether or not
incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under State law), any other
regional or interstate government entity, or any agency or
instrumentality of a local government. Under section 306A(e) of the
CZMA, an eligible entity may be a local government, an areawide agency
designated under Chapter 41, Subchapter II, Section 3334 of Title 42, a
regional agency, or an interstate agency. The public agencies/entities,
or types of entities, considered to be eligible within each state or
territory may be identified within the state or territory's CELCP plan.
A list of Web sites for state or territory CELCP plans is available at
http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/land/media/CELCPplans_web.pdf. The
lead agency will be responsible for: Ensuring that projects are
consistent with land conservation priorities outlined in the state or
territory's draft or approved CELCP plan; reviewing proposals for
completeness and eligibility requirements; prioritizing proposals
according to CELCP plan criteria; and nominating up to three proposals
to the national selection process at a requested funding level not to
exceed $3 million per proposal. For selected projects, NOAA may make
financial assistance awards to the lead agency, which will be
responsible for ensuring that allocated funds are used for the purposes
of and in a manner consistent with this program, including any funds
awarded to an eligible sub-applicant. NOAA may, with concurrence of the
state or territory's CELCP lead agency, make a grant directly to the
identified sub-applicant in order to expedite completion of an approved
project. In such cases, the sub-applicant (as the grant recipient) will
be responsible for ensuring that allocated funds are used for the
approved purposes and in a manner consistent with this program.
Interested parties should contact the appropriate CELCP lead in each
state or territory for additional information on their project
solicitation process. (See http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/land/
media/celcpstateleadcontacts.pdf for a list of lead contacts for each
state and territory.)
Cost Sharing Requirements: Federal funds awarded under this program
must be matched with non-Federal funds at a ratio of 1:1, with the
following exception. In accordance with 48 U.S.C. 1469a(d), the 1:1
matching requirement is waived for any project under $200,000 for
Insular Areas, defined as the jurisdictions of the U.S. Virgin Islands,
Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands. For any project equal to or greater than $200,000, the
matching requirement would be waived for the portion under $200,000.
The 1:1 match requirement would apply to the portion equal to or above
$200,000. Please note: Eligible applicants choosing to apply 48 U.S.C.
1469a(d) should note the use of the waiver and the total amount of
funds requested to be waived in the matching funds section of the
project proposal. Non-Federal matching funds may be derived from state,
local, non-governmental or private sources in the form of cash or in-
kind contributions. Eligible sources of match and other cost-sharing
requirements are specified in Section 2.7 of the CELCP Guidelines as
well as in the 2009 CELCP authorization (16 U.S.C. 1456-1), and are
outlined in detail in Section III.C. ``Other Criteria that Affect
Eligibility'' of the FFO. The following costs may not be counted toward
the non-Federal matching share: (1) Costs associated with CELCP-funded
properties that are incurred prior to the grant award. (2) Lands or
services previously used as match to a Federal grant. Any funds or in-
kind contributions, including the value of donated lands or services,
that have been previously used to satisfy the matching requirements of
this program or that that have been or will be used to satisfy another
Federal grant, may not be counted toward the non-Federal matching
share. (3) Lands or services acquired with Federal funds. Unless
otherwise provided by Federal law, the value of property, interests in
property or services acquired with Federal funding may not be used as
non-Federal match. (4) Cash contribution of Federal funds. Unless
otherwise provided by Federal law, funding that originated from Federal
sources may not be used as non-Federal match.
Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs'' for states that participate in this process. A list of the
participating states and the clearinghouse points of contact can be
found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
FY10 Bay Watershed Education and Training Program, Adult and Community
Watershed Education in the Monterey Bay
Summary Description: The California B-WET Program, Adult and
Community Watershed Education, is a competitively based program that
supports existing environmental education programs, fosters the growth
of new programs, and encourages the development of partnerships among
environmental education programs throughout the Monterey Bay watershed.
Funded projects provide meaningful watershed education to adults and
communities. The term meaningful watershed education is defined as
outcome-based programs that educate citizens about their role in
protecting water quality and demonstrate behavioral changes that
improve water quality and promote environmental stewardship.
Funding Availability: This solicitation announces that
approximately $200,000 may be available in FY 2010 in award amounts to
be determined by the
[[Page 3105]]
proposals and available funds. The Office of National Marine
Sanctuaries anticipates that approximately 3-6 grants will be awarded
with these funds and that typical project awards will range from
$20,000 to $60,000. The California B-WET Program should not be
considered a long-term source of funds; applicants must demonstrate how
ongoing programs, once initiated, will be sustained.
There is no guarantee that sufficient funds will be available to
make awards for all qualified projects. The exact amount of funds that
may be awarded will be determined in pre-award negotiations between the
applicant and NOAA representatives. Publication of this notice does not
oblige NOAA to award any specific project or to obligate any available
funds. If applicants incur any costs prior to an award being made, they
do so at their own risk of not being reimbursed by the government.
Notwithstanding verbal or written assurance that may have been
received, there is no obligation on the part of NOAA to cover pre-award
costs unless approved by the Grants Officer as part of the terms when
the award is made.
Statutory Authority: 33 U.S.C. 893 a(a).
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.429,
Marine Sanctuary Program
Application Deadline: Applications must be received and validated
by Grants.gov on or before 5 p.m. PST on February 12, 2010. Please
Note: It may take Grants.gov up to two (2) business days to validate or
reject the application. Please keep this in mind in developing your
submission timeline. Both hard copy and electronic proposals received
after that time will not be considered for funding and will be returned
to the applicant.
Address for Submitting Proposals: Application packages should be
submitted through Grants.gov. If an applicant does not have Internet
access, the applicant should send the application package to: Seaberry
Nachbar, B-WET Program Manager, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Office, 299 Foam Street, Monterey, CA 93940.
Information Contacts: Please visit the Office National Marine
Sanctuaries B-WET Web site for further information at: http://
sanctuaries.noaa.gov/BWET or contact Seaberry Nachbar, Monterey Bay
National Marine Sanctuary Office; 299 Foam Street, Monterey, CA 93940,
or by phone at 831-647-4204, or fax to 831-647-4250, or via Internet at
seaberry.nachbar@noaa.gov.
Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher
education, nonprofit organizations, state or local government agencies,
and Indian tribal governments. The Department of Commerce/National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (DOC/NOAA) is strongly committed
to broadening the participation of historically black colleges and
universities, Hispanic serving institutions, tribal colleges and
universities, and institutions that service undeserved areas. The
National Marine Sanctuary Program encourages proposals involving any of
the above institutions.
Cost Sharing Requirements: No cost sharing is required under this
program; however, the National Marine Sanctuary Program strongly
encourages applicants to share as much of the costs of the award as
possible. Funds from other Federal awards will not be accepted as
matching funds. The nature of the contribution (cash versus in-kind)
and the amount of matching funds will be taken into consideration in
the review process with cash being the preferred method of
contribution.
Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not
subject to Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.
FY2010 Integrated Ocean Observing System Community Modeling Environment
To Support a Super-Regional Test Bed
Summary Description: The Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS)
is working to link national and regional observations (observations
subsystem), data management (data management and communications
subsystem), and modeling and analysis subsystem to provide required
data and information on local to global scales to address IOOS seven
societal goals of: (1) Improve predictions of climate change and
weather and their effects on coastal communities and the nation, (2)
Improve the safety and efficiency of maritime operations, (3) More
effectively mitigate the effects of natural hazards, (4) Improve
national and homeland security, (5) Reduce public health risks, (6)
More effectively protect and restore healthy coastal ecosystems, and
(7) Enable the sustained use of ocean and coastal resources.
The IOOS modeling and analysis (MA) subsystem supports the ocean,
coastal and Great Lakes nowcasting/forecasting/hindcasting and decision
making capabilities of IOOS that are needed to address these societal
goals. IOOS observing subsystem and data management and communication
subsystems are supporting elements for the MA system. Modeling
expertise is available within the IOOS Regional Associations, other
academic and research institutes, private sector entities, the Federal,
local and state government. NOAA, along with other IOOS stakeholders,
views the development of a community modeling environment that
successfully demonstrates the capability for modeling scientists to
share the use of a wide range of oceanic, coastal, atmospheric,
hydrologic, and ecological models and associated data, tools and
techniques that supports systematic testing, evaluation and transition
as appropriate, into operations, as essential to a sustained and
operational IOOS. This modeling environment should be designed with the
potential to be used for a variety of different modeling problems and
over different geographies.
The program priorities for this funding opportunity are to conduct
a super-regional test bed demonstration of the community modeling
environment by transitioning models, tools, toolkits and other
capabilities to a Federal operational facility to improve the
understanding, prediction, and mitigation of the consequences of
extreme events and chronic conditions affecting the U.S. Atlantic and
Gulf Coasts. Of particular interest are phenomena that intersect the
mission goals of NOAA, other operational agencies and the IOOS Regional
Associations. This demonstration should also include estimates of the
potential costs and benefits of improvements in the current modeling
systems at Federal operational agencies.
NOAA seeks proposals for a single cooperative agreement that will
define and implement the community modeling environment and
demonstration of a super-regional test bed. This test bed is a common
environment in which identical variables, boundary conditions, initial
conditions, parameterizations and other inputs used in various models
to rigorously test and evaluate forecasting skill and the requirements
needed for transition to a Federal operational facility or other
entities as appropriate. The community environment and associated test
bed must also enable data integration and dissemination, and enable
scientists to share use of numerical models, observations, and tools;
and in addition, provide an environment for identifying, prioritizing
and resolving issues associated with interoperable coupling of a range
of models such as coastal, oceanic, atmospheric, hydrologic and
ecological. Such a test bed and community
[[Page 3106]]
modeling environment should include no less than 20 academic partners
and research institutions, and partnerships with appropriate Federal
operational modeling groups to guarantee it is multi-disciplinary,
inclusive of community-modeling, and able to address operational
constraints inherent in transitioning models into an operational
Federal environment.
Submitted proposals should address the following: (1) In
collaboration with Federal partners, development of metrics and a
system to evaluate the potential feasibility, costs, and benefits of
improvement to existing operational capabilities of transitioning
current and emerging community-based ocean, coastal and Great Lakes
models into Federal operational facilities. Cooperative development of
strategies and specific steps needed to transition existing models or
modeling systems into Federal operational facilities including
addressing issues of transition costs, reliability, expanded coverage,
etc. (2) Define and transition into a Federal operational facility one
or more models, tools, toolkits or other capabilities to advance an
operational capability to predict an environmental extreme event in the
U.S. Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. The transition to a Federal operational
agency is not intended to imply a model, tool or other capability is
operational, but rather has been implemented by the agency under pre-
operational conditions. (3) Use and build upon existing infrastructure,
models and expertise to maximize the benefits to the modeling community
and leverage existing resources, capacities and capabilities. (4)
Define roles and responsibilities of academic, government and private
sector modeling experts, infrastructure and capabilities in the
community modeling environment and test bed demonstration. (5)
Demonstrate engagement of customer or end users that define the
requirements for modeling improvements and provide feedback and
evaluation from beginning to end of the project. (6) Conduct the end-
to-end modeling process of data access and assimilation, interoperable
model coupling, model output delivery, model testing and evaluation,
analysis, visualization, skill assessment and user evaluation. (7)
Describe suggested strategies for sustaining the modeling test bed
infrastructure and expanding to other areas, models or problems.
Funding Availability: Total anticipated funding for the cooperative
agreement is subject to the availability of appropriations. The
anticipated federal funding for this announcement is up to
$4,500,000.00 for a single award. While the full funding amount will be
awarded in year one, applicants may submit proposals that identify how
this project will be implemented within a 1-3 year period.
Statutory Authority: Statutory authority for this program is
provided under the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act
of 2009, 33 U.S.C. 3601-3610.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.012,
Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS).
Application Deadline: Applications must be received no later than 5
p.m. EST, February 18, 2010. For applications submitted through http://
grants.gov/, a date and time receipt indication by Grants.gov will be
the basis of determining timeliness. Hard copy applications delivered
by mail will be date and time stamped when they are received.
Applications received after that time will not be reviewed or
considered. Important: All applicants, both electronic and paper,
should be aware that adequate time must be factored into applicant
schedules for delivery of the application. Electronic applicants are
advised that volume on Grants.gov is currently extremely heavy, and if
Grants.gov is unable to accept applications electronically in a timely
fashion, applicants are encouraged to exercise their option to submit
applications in paper format. Paper applicants should allow adequate
time to ensure a paper application will be received on time, taking
into account that guaranteed overnight carriers are not always able to
fulfill their guarantees.
Address for Submitting Proposals: If an applicant does not have
Internet access, the applicant must submit through surface mail one set
of originals (signed) and two copies of the proposals and related forms
to the NOAA IOOS Program. No e-mail or fax copies will be accepted.
Application packages for proposals are available through Grants.gov
APPLY. Full proposal application packages submitted by mail must be
received no later than the deadline. Any U.S. Postal Service
correspondence should be sent to the attention of Regina Evans, NOAA
IOOS; 1100 Wayne Avenue, Suite 1225, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910; or
by phone at 301-427-2422, fax at 301-427-2073, or e-mail at
Regina.Evans@noaa.gov.
Information Contacts: For questions regarding this announcement,
contact: Regina Evans, NOAA IOOS; 1100 Wayne Avenue, Suite 1225, Silver
Spring, Maryland 20910; or by phone at 301-427-2422, fax at 301-427-
2073, or e-mail at Regina.Evans@noaa.gov.
Eligibility: Eligible funding applicants are institutions of higher
education, non-profit and for-profit organizations, and state, local
and Indian tribal governments. Federal agencies or institutions and
foreign governments may not be the primary recipient of awards under
this announcement, but are encouraged to partner with applicants when
appropriate. If a federal partner is a NOAA office, the funds will be
transferred internally. If the Federal partner is an agency other than
NOAA, they must demonstrate that they have legal authority to accept
funds in excess of their appropriation. Because they would be receiving
funds from a non-Federal source, the Economy Act (31 U.S.C. 1535) would
not be an appropriate authority.
Cost Sharing Requirements: There is no requirement for cost sharing
or matching. NOAA appreciates that the proposers may utilize existing
modeling and information technology investments to further extend the
results of this funding opportunity. While a cost share of funding is
not required, applicants are encouraged to provide a description of
complementary funding and in-kind contributions from project partners
so that the government has a more complete picture of the overall
project and can better interpret progress reports and other project
outputs.
Intergovernmental Review: Funding applications under the Center are
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.'' It is the state agency's responsibility to contact their
state's Single Point of Contact (SPCO) to find out about and comply
with the state's process under EO 12372. To assist the applicant, the
names and addresses of the SPOCs are listed on the Office of Management
and Budget's Web site http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
Joint Hydrographic Center
Summary Description: The purpose of this notice is to solicit
proposals for a single cooperative agreement between NOAA and an
institution of higher learning to operate and maintain a Joint
Hydrographic Center as authorized in the Ocean and Coastal Mapping
Integration Act and the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act.
Proposals submitted in response to this announcement should advance the
purposes of the Acts including research and development of hydrographic
technologies necessary to ensure safe and efficient navigation;
research and development of innovative ocean and coastal mapping
technologies, equipment, and data products; mapping
[[Page 3107]]
of the United States Outer Continental Shelf and other regions; data
processing for nontraditional data and uses; advancing the use of
remote sensing technologies, for related issues, including mapping and
assessment of essential fish habitat and of coral resources, ocean
observations, and ocean exploration; and providing graduate education
and training in ocean and coastal mapping sciences. The program
priorities for this opportunity support NOAA's mission goal of: Support
the Nation's commerce with information for safe, efficient, and
environmentally sound transportation.
Funding Availability: This will be a 5-year, multiyear award. The
intent is to make a single 5-year award. Total anticipated funding for
this award is approximately $32,500,000 with approximately $6,500,000
to be released in FY 2010 and each subsequent year of the 5 years. This
award and the subsequent annual releases of funds are subject to the
availability of FY 2010 appropriations and the appropriations of each
subsequent FY.
The initial award and subsequent annual release of funds will be
adjusted based on available funding.
Statutory Authority: Statutory authority for this program is
provided under 33 U.S.C. 883a and 883d, the Coastal and Ocean Mapping
Integration Act, and the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.400,
Geodetic Surveys and Services (Applications of the National Geodetic
Ref System)
Application Deadline: Letters of Intent must be received by the
Office of Coast Survey no later than 4 p.m. ET February 3, 2010 . Full
proposals must be received by the Office of Coast Survey no later than
4 p.m. ET on March 5, 2010.
Address for Submitting Proposals: Letters of intent (LOI) may be
sent via e-mail to gretchen.imahori@noaa.gov. Insert ``FY 2010 Joint
Hydrographic Center LOI'' as the subject line of the e-mail. If hard-
copy LOIs are submitted, an original and 3 copies should be sent to the
attention of Gretchen Imahori at the Office of Coast Survey, 1315 East
West Highway, SSMC3 Station 6715, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3282, tel.
301-713-2777 ext. 123. Full proposal application packages, including
any letters of support, should be submitted through Grants.gov APPLY.
The standard NOAA funding application package is available at
www.grants.gov. Please be advised that potential funding applicants
must register with Grants.gov before any application materials can be
submitted. An organization's one time registration process may take up
to three weeks to complete so please allow sufficient time to ensure
applications are submitted before the closing date. The Grants.gov site
contains directions for submitting an application, the application
package (forms), and is also where the completed application is
submitted. If an applicant does not have Internet access, one set of
originals (signed) and 3 copies of the proposals and related forms
should be mailed to the attention of Gretchen Imahori at the Office of
Coast Survey, 1315 East West Highway, SSMC3 Station 6715, Silver
Spring, MD 20910-3282, tel. 301-713-2777 ext. 123. No e-mail or fax
copies of the full proposal will be accepted. Full proposal application
packages, including any letters of support, should be submitted
together in one package.
Information Contacts: For administrative and technical questions,
contact Gretchen Imahori at the Office of Coast Survey, 1315 East West
Highway, SSMC3 Station 6715, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3282, or contact
her at 301-713-2777 ext. 123 or via e-mail gretchen.imahori@noaa.gov.
Eligibility: Eligible funding applicants are institutions of higher
education in the United States. Federal agencies are not allowed to
receive funds under this announcement but may serve as collaborative
project partners and may contribute services in kind.
Cost Sharing Requirements: There is no requirement for cost
sharing.
Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.''
Marine Debris Prevention and Outreach Partnership Grants
Summary Description: The NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP), mandated
by the Marine Debris Research, Prevention and Reduction Act in 2006,
has a lead role in addressing marine debris affecting the marine
environment and navigation safety in the United States. The MDP defines
marine debris as any persistent solid material that is manufactured or
processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally,
disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment or the Great
Lakes. The MDP conducts reduction, prevention, and research activities,
as well as supports grants, partnerships, cooperative agreements, and
contracts to address marine debris. It has held regional, national, and
international workshops and an information exchange forum, and
established an interactive Web site (www.marinedebris.noaa.gov) which
includes a nation-wide web educational campaign. The MDP invites the
public to submit applications requesting funding to establish multi-
year national and regional partnerships focusing on utilizing existing
networks and expanding on existing resources to address marine debris
through prevention, education, and outreach activities, and the
dissemination and/or development of tools to support these activities.
Partnerships are expected to catalyze the public or a target audience
to address marine debris in a way that will benefit living marine
resources and/or navigation safety. NOAA envisions working jointly on
such partnerships through its Marine Debris Program to identify,
evaluate, fund, and administer projects that address marine debris and
help to restore NOAA trust resource species and habitats.
This document describes the types of marine debris partnerships
that NOAA envisions establishing, portrays the qualities that NOAA has
found to be ideal in previous partnerships, and describes criteria
under which applications will be evaluated for funding consideration.
Partnership applications selected through this announcement will be
implemented through a cooperative agreement, and will involve joint
selection of any multiple marine debris projects funded as sub-awards
made through the partner organization. Funding requested to establish
partnerships in FY2010 is expected to be greater than funds available
for this purpose and the selection process is anticipated to be highly
competitive. This is not a request for individual project proposals
addressing marine debris, rather it is a focused effort to establish
partnerships between the applicant and the MDP that will lead to joint
projects addressing marine debris prevention and outreach. Funding is
contingent upon the availability of Fiscal Year 2010 appropriations.
Funding Availability: Total anticipated funding for all partnership
awards is approximately $500,000 and is subject to the availability of
FY 2010 appropriations. Annual funding is anticipated to maintain
partnerships for up to 3 years duration, but this is dependent upon the
level of funding made available by Congress. Funding for subsequent
years will also depend on the ability of partners to successfully
perform partnership activities as stated in their applications.
Multiple awards are anticipated from this announcement. The anticipated
federal funding per partnership award (min-max) is approximately
$20,000 to $150,000 per
[[Page 3108]]
year. The anticipated number of partnerships ranges from one (1) to ten
(10), approximately, and will be adjusted based on available funding.
NOAA will not accept proposals with a single year budget under $15,000
or over $175,000 under this solicitation. Applicants can request
increases to continue scaling up partnership activities in subsequent
budget periods to a limit of 10% per year, however annual funding
levels and any increases over FY 2010 levels for successful applicants
will be dependent upon partnership success, regional priorities, and
the level of funding provided by Congress in the future.
In accordance with the NOAA Marine Debris Program Grant Program
Guidelines published on December 21, 2009 in the Federal Register, the
NOAA Marine Debris Division Chief (Chief) will determine the proportion
of funds available to the MDP on an annual basis that will be obligated
to national and regional partnerships each year. The number of
partnership awards to be made as a result of this solicitation will
depend on the number of eligible applications received, the amount of
funds requested for initiating partnerships by the applicants, the
merit and ranking of the proposals, and the amount of funds made
available to the MDP by Congress. NOAA anticipates that between 1 and
10 awards will be made as a result of this solicitation. There is no
guarantee that sufficient funds will be available to initiate
partnerships where funding has been recommended, and the number of
national and regional partnerships established will be up to the
discretion of the Chief. The exact amount of funds that may be awarded
to work within a marine debris outreach partnership will be determined
in pre-award negotiations between the applicant and NOAA
representatives, and multi-year funding requests are expected to be
funded incrementally on an annual basis. Publication of this document
does not obligate NOAA to establish any specific partnership proposed
or to obligate all or any parts of the available funds for partnership
activities.
Statutory Authority: The Administrator is authorized under the
under the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act (MDRPR
Act), 33 U.S.C. 1952, to provide grants and cooperative agreements to
address marine debris.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.463,
Habitat Conservation
Application Deadline: Full proposals must be received and validated
by Grants.gov, postmarked, or provided to a delivery service on or
before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time February 18, 2010. Validation or
rejection of your application by Grants.gov may take up to 2 business
days after submission. Please consider this process in developing your
submission timeline. Use of a delivery service must be documented with
a receipt. No facsimile or electronic mail applications will be
accepted.
Address for Submitting Proposals: Applications should be submitted
via www.grants.gov. If grants.gov cannot reasonably be used,
applications must be postmarked, or provided to a delivery service and
documented with a receipt, by January 30, 2010 and sent to: Attn: MD
Prevention and Outreach Partnership Applications. NOAA Marine Debris
Division (N/ORR), Office of Response and Restoration, N/ORR, 1305 East
West Highway, 10th Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
Information Contacts: For further information contact Sarah Morison
at 301-713-2989, or by fax 301-713-4389, or via e-mail at
Sarah.Morison@noaa.gov.
Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher
education, hospitals, other non-profits, commercial (for-profit)
organizations, Regional Fishery Management Councils and Commissions,
organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign governments,
international organizations, state, local and Indian tribal governments
whose applications propose to benefit NOAA trust resources.
Applications from federal agencies or employees of federal agencies
will not be considered. Federal agencies are strongly encouraged to
work with states, non-governmental organizations, national service
clubs or youth corps organizations and others that are eligible to
apply. The Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (DOC/NOAA) is strongly committed to broadening the
participation of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic
Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Universities in its
educational and research programs. The DOC/NOAA vision, mission, and
goals are to achieve full participation by Minority Serving
Institutions (MSI) in order to advance the development of human
potential, to strengthen the nation's capacity to provide high-quality
education, and to increase opportunities for MSIs to participate in,
and benefit from, Federal financial assistance programs. DOC/NOAA
encourages proposals for innovative national and regional partnerships
involving MSIs according to the criteria in this document, to
strengthen the capacity of MSIs to foster student careers, research and
workforce competitiveness in addressing marine debris through
identification, development, implementation and monitoring of marine
debris projects on a national or regional scale.
Cost Sharing Requirements: A major goal of the MDP is to provide
seed money to partnerships that leverage funds and other contributions
from a broad public and private sector to implement locally, regionally
or nationally important activities to benefit living marine resources
and navigation safety. To this end, the MDRPR Act requires applicants
to demonstrate a minimum 1:1 non-Federal match for MDP funds requested
for the proposed partnership. In addition to formal match, NOAA
strongly encourages applicants to leverage as much investment as
possible. However, the MDRPR Act allows the Administrator to waive all
or part of the matching requirement if the applicant can demonstrate
that: (1) No reasonable means are available through which applicants
can meet the matching requirement and (2) the probable benefit of such
project outweighs the public interest in such matching requirement. In
addition, the MDP may waive any requirement for matching funds by an
Insular Area (Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Trust Territory
of the Pacific Islands, and the Government of the Northern Mariana
Islands). Under 48 U.S.C.10.1469a(d.ii.i), any department or agency may
waive any requirement for matching funds otherwise required by law to
be provided by the Insular Area involved. Insular Area applicants
wishing to waive the match requirement must include a letter
specifically requesting the match waiver. All applicants should note
that cost sharing is an element considered in Evaluation Criterion
4. ``Project Costs.'' Match can come from a variety of public
and private sources and can include in-kind goods and services such as
private boat use and volunteer labor. Applicants are permitted to
combine contributions from non-federal partners, as long as such
contributions are not being used to match any other funds and are
available within the project period stated in the application. Federal
sources cannot be considered for matching funds, but can be described
in the budget narrative to demonstrate additional leverage. Applicants
are permitted to combine contributions from multiple non-federal
partners in order to meet the 1:1 match recommendation, as long as such
contributions are not being used to
[[Page 3109]]
match any other funds. Applicants are also permitted to apply federally
negotiated indirect costs in excess of federal share limits as
described in Section IV.E.2. ``Indirect Costs'' of the FFO.
Applicants should also note that the following activities, in
general, will not be considered as match under project awards: (1)
Activities that constitute legally required mitigation for the adverse
effects of an activity regulated or otherwise governed by local, state
or Federal law; (2) activities that constitute restoration for natural
resource damages under Federal, state or local law; and (3) activities
that are required by a separate consent decree, court order, statute or
regulation. However, the MDRPR Act allows the Administrator to
authorize, as appropriate, the non-Federal share of the cost of a
project to include money paid pursuant to, or the value of any in-kind
service performed under, an administrative order on consent or judicial
consent decree that will remove or prevent marine debris. Applicants
whose proposals are selected for funding will be bound by the
percentage of cost sharing reflected in the award document signed by
the NOAA Grants Officer. Successful applicants should be prepared to
carefully document matching contributions, including the names of
participating volunteers and the overall number of volunteer or
community participation hours devoted to individual marine debris
partnerships. Letters of commitment for any secured resources expected
to be used as match for an award should be submitted as an attachment
to the application.
Intergovernmental Review: Funding applications under NOAA are
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.'' It is the state agency's responsibility to contact their
state's Single Point of Contact (SPCO) to find out about and comply
with the state's process under EO 12372. To assist the applicant, the
names and addresses of the SPOCs are listed on the Office of Management
and Budget's Web site http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
National Weather Service (NWS)
NWS Severe Weather Program
Summary Description: This funding opportunity will support a study
that evaluates how customers and the public receive and interpret
operational products, and then make critical decisions. The study
should apply social science research techniques to evaluate the
effectiveness of current operational products, including graphics and
uncertainty information, and to suggest more effective alternatives. It
is expected the results of this study will be of interest to
operational units, as well as emergency managers, public officials, and
the weather enterprise as a whole.
Funding Availability: The total funding amount available for
proposals is anticipated to be approximately $125,000. However, there
is no appropriation of funds at this time and no guarantee that there
will be. An individual annual award in the form of a cooperative
agreement is limited to a maximum of $125,000 for one year. We
anticipate making one award.
Statutory Authority: Authority for the Severe Weather program is
provided by the following: 15 U.S.C. 313; 49 U.S.C. 44720 (b); 33
U.S.C. 883d; 15 U.S.C. 2904; 15 U.S.C. 2934.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.467,
Meteorologic and Hydrologic Modernization Development
Application Deadline: Full proposals must be received by Grants.gov
or by mail on or before 5 p.m. EDT, March 1, 2010. For proposals
submitted through grants.gov, a date and time receipt indication is
included and will be the basis of determining timeliness. Please note:
Validation or rejection of your application by Grants.gov may take up
to 2 business days after submission. Please consider this process in
developing your submission timeline. Hard copy proposals will be date
and time stamped when they are received in the program office.
Applications received after the deadline will be rejected/returned to
the sender without further consideration. No facsimile or electronic
mail applications will be accepted.
Address for Submitting Proposals: Proposals should be submitted
through www.grants.gov. For those organizations without internet
access, proposals may be sent to Suzanne Lenihan, NOAA/NWS, 1325 East-
West Highway, Room 14356, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910.
Information Contacts: The point of contact is Suzanne Lenihan,
NOAA/NWS; 1325 East-West Highway, Room 14356; Silver Spring, Maryland
20910-3283, or by phone at 301-713-1792 ext. 121, by fax to 301-713-
3107, or via e-mail at suzanne.lenihan@noaa.gov. An alternate point of
contact is Jennifer Sprague, NOAA/NWS; 1325 East-West Highway, Room
11404; Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-3283, or by phone at 301-713-0217,
by fax to 301-713-1239, or via e-mail at jennifer.sprague@noaa.gov.
Questions concerning this announcement must be made via e-mail to
suzanne.lenihan@noaa.gov or jennifer.sprague@noaa.gov.
Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher
education, other nonprofits, commercial organizations, foreign
governments, organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign
governments, and international organizations, state, local and Indian
tribal governments.
Cost Sharing Requirements: No cost sharing is required under this
program.
Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not
subject to Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.
Tsunami Social Science Program
Summary Description: The Tsunami Program's mission is to provide
reliable tsunami forecasts and warnings and promote community
resilience and the program is committed to ensuring that all customers
can receive, understand, and respond appropriately to NOAA forecast and
warning products. The Tsunami Program recognizes the need to integrate
social science information to support and improve its mission-related
activities. This RFA requests social science research support to
address three primary objectives: (1) Improve Tsunami Warning Center
(TWC) products, including warnings, advisories, watches, and
information statements, (2) Evaluate the Tsunami Ready Program
Improvement, and (3) Assess previous and on-going tsunami-related
social science studies including regional, state, and local efforts, to
determine how to best integrate such information at the national level.
Funding Availability: The total funding amount available to the
applicants over the course of the project is anticipated to be
$500,000.00. It is anticipated there will be one recipient of this
award. Individual annual awards are limited to a maximum of $166,667
per year for no more than three years.
Statutory Authority: 33 U.S.C. 3205.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.467,
Meteorologic and Hydrologic Modernization Development.
Application Deadline: February 19, 2010
Address for Submitting Proposals: Applications must be submitted
through www.grants.gov unless an applicant does not have internet
access. In that case, hard copies with original signatures may be sent
to: Jenifer Rhoades, NOAA/NWS, 1325 East West Highway, Room 13118,
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, Phone: 301-713-1677
[[Page 3110]]
x102, e-mail: jenifer.rhoades@noaa.gov. E-mail and fax submissions will
not be accepted.
Information Contacts: Jenifer Rhoades, NOAA/NWS, 1325 East West
Highway, Room 13118, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, Phone: 301-713-1677
x102, e-mail: jenifer.rhoades@noaa.gov. Lewis Kozlosky, NOAA/NWS, 1325
East West Highway, Room 13123, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, Phone:
301-713-1677 x108, e-mail: lewis.kozlosky@noaa.gov. Jennifer Sprague,
NWS Strategic Planning and Policy, NOAA/NWS, 1325 East West Highway,
Room 11404, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, Phone: 301-713-0217, e-mail:
Jennifer.sprague@noaa.gov.
Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher
education, other nonprofits, commercial organizations, foreign
governments, organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign
governments, and international organizations, state, local and Indian
tribal governments.
Cost Sharing Requirements: No cost sharing is required under this
program.
Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not
subject to Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR)
NOAA Marine Aquaculture Initiative 2010.
Summary Description: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) is seeking preliminary proposals and full
proposals for a two-level competition supporting the development of
environmentally and economically sustainable ocean, coastal, or Great
Lakes aquaculture. This competition falls under the NOAA Mission to
Protect, Restore and Manage the Use of Coastal and Ocean Resources
Through Ecosystem-Based Management. Small grant projects will support
regional or national outreach or informational dissemination activities
including, but not limited to, symposia, conferences, web resources and
synthesis publications dealing with important marine aquaculture
issues, with an emphasis on evaluating the social, economic and
environmental impacts of marine aquaculture on local coastal
communities. Large grant projects will support innovative, applied
research that results in short-term implementation of technologies that
advance economically and environmentally sustainable marine
aquaculture.
The top priorities for large grant and small grant projects FY 2010
and FY 2011 are: (1) Development of technologies and practices to
advance integrated multi-trophic systems, (2) development of
environmental and carrying capacity models and GIS tools to aid site
selection for new facilities in the context of marine spatial planning
and coastal management, and (3) development of alternative feedstuffs
and diets that reduce the use of marine forage fish for marine culture
species. Large grant projects that involve multiple partners (e.g.,
industry, academia, and community collaboration), outreach, and
specific resource leveraging are encouraged and will be given higher
rank and consideration.
Projects funded under this competition must support the NOAA Five-
Year Research Plan performance objective to increase environmentally
sound aquaculture production and NOAA's broader goals for its marine
aquaculture program to: (a) Establish a comprehensive regulatory
program for the conduct of marine aquaculture operations; (b) Develop
appropriate technologies to support commercial marine aquaculture and
enhancement of wild stocks; (c) Establish and implement procedures for
the environmental assessment and monitoring of marine aquaculture
activities; (d) Conduct education and outreach activities to establish
a well informed public on marine aquaculture; and (e) Meet
international obligations to promote environmentally sustainable
practices for the conduct of marine aquaculture. Accomplishment of
these goals should lead to a well-managed marine aquaculture industry
in the United States; a well informed public that understands U.S.
aquaculture issues, and improved access to the latest aquaculture
research results.
Funding Availability: Depending on the FY 2010 and FY 2011
Congressional appropriations and the quality of proposals, NOAA expects
to have available up to $4 million for FY 2010 and FY 2011, with
individual small grant projects up to $50,000 for a two-year period;
and large grant projects up to $500,000 for a two-year period. Some
funds in FY 2011 may be used to finish out projects started in FY 2010.
We intend to fund projects for the full two-year project period (2010
and 2011) using FY 2010 funds. However, some funds in FY 2011 may be
used to complete projects started in FY 2010. In addition we may use FY
2011 funds to start other two year projects identified through this
competition. We also reserve the option to use some FY 2012 funds to
finish projects started in FY 2011. It is anticipated that we will make
approximately three small grant awards and five large grant awards over
the two-year cycle.
Statutory Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1121 et seq.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.417, Sea
Grant Support.
Application Deadline: This is a two-level competition covering
fiscal years 2010 and 2011. NOAA administers a biennial competition for
marine aquaculture projects. This announcement is for the 2010-2011
cycle. This Federal Funding Opportunity includes information on
application and criteria for two levels of grant proposal. ``Small
grants'' are defined as those that request up to $50,000 in federal
funding for a two-year period. ``Large grants'' are those that request
$50,001-$500,000 in federal funding for a two-year period. The timing
of the application deadlines and review period differs for proposals
submitted under each level. Small grant projects only require a full
proposal. Small grant full proposals must be received and validated by
Grants.gov on or before by 4 p.m. EST on December 3, 2009. Large grants
require both a preliminary and a full proposal. Large grant preliminary
proposals must be received by 4 p.m. EST on August 25, 2009. Feedback
for large grant preliminary proposals is anticipated to be provided by
NOAA to project applicants by October 14, 2009. Large grant full
proposals must be received and validated by Grants.gov on or before 4
p.m. EST on December 10, 2009. The anticipated start date for both
small grant and large grant projects is June 1, 2010.
Address for Submitting Proposals: Full proposals must be submitted
through Grants.gov. Preliminary proposals for large grants must be sent
via electronic mail to oar.hq.sg.aquaculture@noaa.gov. For those
applicants without proven internet access, preliminary and full
proposals can be sent by hardcopy to Dr. Gene Kim,: NOAA Sea Grant;
1315 East-West Highway, SSMC3, R/SG; Silver Spring, MD 20910.
Facsimiles will not be accepted.
Information Contacts: Address to submit large grant preliminary
proposals: oar.hq.sg.aquaculture@noaa.gov. Agency contact for
information regarding the NOAA Marine Aquaculture Initiative: Dr. Gene
Kim, 301-734-1281; via e-mail at Gene.Kim@noaa.gov, Mailing Address:
NOAA Sea Grant; 1315 East-West Highway, SSMC3, R/SG; Silver Spring,
[[Page 3111]]
MD 20910. No facsimiles will be accepted.
Eligibility: Institutions of higher education, nonprofit
organizations, commercial organizations, Federal, State, local and
Indian tribal governments and individuals are eligible. Only those who
submit preliminary proposals by the preliminary proposal deadline are
eligible to submit large grant full proposals. Small grant projects do
not require preliminary proposals, but do require a full proposal.
Please note: Before non-NOAA Federal applicants may be funded, they
must demonstrate that they have legal authority to receive funds from
another Federal agency in excess of their appropriation. Because this
announcement is not proposing to procure goods or services from
applicants, the Economy Act (31 U.S.C. 1535) is not an appropriate
legal basis for federal eligibility.
Cost Sharing Requirements: Matching funds are NOT required.
However, non-federal matching funds offered by the applicant will be
considered positively in the Evaluation Criteria of Project Costs.
Further, those proposals that combine resources from different
institutions (e.g., private industry, universities, State agencies,
foundations) to address national or regional issues will be considered
in relation to Criteria One (Impacts) and Four (Project Cost and
Budget) in this solicitation. Any matching funds offered by the
applicant must be used as proposed and tracked and reported as a
condition of the award.
Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this Program are not
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.''
Office of the Under Secretary (USEC)
Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
Summary Description: The Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
provides support for independent graduate-level studies in
oceanography, marine biology or maritime archaeology (including all
science, engineering, and resource management of ocean and coastal
areas), particularly to women and minorities. Individuals who are U.S.
citizens and are applying to or have been accepted to a graduate
program at a U.S. accredited institution may apply. Scholarship
selections are based on academic excellence, letters of
recommendations, research and career goals, and financial need.
Applicants must have and maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average
each term and cumulatively and maintain full-time student status for
the duration of the appointment. Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarships may
provide, subject to appropriations, yearly support of up to $42,000 per
student (a 12-month stipend of $30,000 in addition to an education
allowance of up to $12,000), and up to $10,000 support for a four to
six week research collaboration at a NOAA facility. A maximum of
$94,000 may be provided to masters students (up to 2 years of support
and one research collaboration opportunity) and up to $188,000 may be
provided to doctoral students (up to 4 years of support and two
research collaboration opportunities). Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship
Program recipients will travel to Silver Spring, MD, during the week of
May 31, 2010, for a NOAA Orientation and to meet with National Marine
Sanctuaries Program staff. Awards will include travel expenses to
attend the mandatory Scholarship Program orientation. Dr. Nancy Foster
Scholarship recipients will also be required to participate in a
research collaboration at a NOAA facility. Master`s candidates will be
supported for one research collaboration opportunity and Doctoral
candidates will be supported for up to two research collaboration
opportunities over the duration of the scholarship.
The research collaboration opportunity is designed to allow
scholars to conduct their research at a NOAA facility and on NOAA
mission research for four to six weeks. Scholars are required to
provide their own health insurance coverage during the research
collaboration. Federal support for the research opportunity may be used
toward allowable travel costs such as: travel to and from the NOAA
facility, housing, and per diem; while conducting research at the NOAA
facility. Applicants who are awarded the Nancy Foster Scholarship will
identify their research collaboration opportunity(s) topic and NOAA
facility during the initial scholarship year. NOAA approval is required
prior to embarking on the research collaboration. Additional
Information about the scholarship can be obtained in the Federal
Funding Opportunity announcement.
Funding Availability: Subject to appropriations, approximately
$500,000 will be available for FY 2010. Up to 10 new awards may be
made, based on the availability of funds. The Dr. Nancy Foster
Scholarship Program provides yearly support of up to $42,000 per
student (a 12-month stipend of $30,000 in addition to a tuition
allowance of up to $12,000) and up to $10,000 support for a four to six
week research collaboration at a NOAA facility. A maximum of $94,000
may be provided to masters students (up to 2 years of support and one
research collaboration opportunity) and up to $188,000 may be provided
to doctoral students (up to 4 years of support and up to two research
collaboration opportunities). Travel support will also be provided to
Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program recipients to attend a NOAA
orientation in Silver Spring, MD, where they will also meet with
National Marine Sanctuaries Program leadership and staff.
Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1445c-1 and 16 U.S.C. 1445c.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.481,
Educational Partnership Program
Application Deadline: Completed applications must be received by
the Program Manager between January 1, 2010, and March 17, 2010, at 5
p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Please Note: All applicants, both
electronic and paper, should be aware that adequate time must be
factored into applicant schedules for delivery of the application. It
may take Grants.gov up to two (2) business days to validate or reject
the application. Please keep this in mind in developing your submission
timeline. Electronic applicants are advised that volume on Grants.gov
can be extremely heavy resulting in further delays. If Grants.gov is
unable to accept applications electronically in a timely fashion,
applicants are encouraged to exercise their option to submit
applications in paper format. Paper applicants should allow adequate
time to ensure a paper application is received on time, taking into
account that guaranteed overnight carriers are not always able to
fulfill their guarantees.
Address for Submitting Proposals: Except for institute
certification, transcripts, and letters of recommendation, as discussed
in Sections IV.B.6., IV.B.7, and IV.B.8. of the FFO, respectively,
applications must be submitted through Grants.gov. If an applicant does
not have internet access to complete the application through
Grants.gov, hard copy applications may be submitted in one envelope to:
Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program Attn: Dr. Priti Brahma NOAA Office
of Education 1315 East West Highway SSMC3, Room 10725 Silver Spring, MD
20910. Failure to submit all application items, except transcripts and
letters of recommendation, in one envelope will result in
disqualification of the application.
Information Contacts: Send requests for information to
fosterscholars@noaa.gov or mail requests to Dr. Nancy Foster
[[Page 3112]]
Scholarship Program, ATTN: Dr. Priti Brahma, Office of Education, 1315
East-West Highway, SSMC3, Room 10725, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
Eligibility: Only individuals who are United States citizens
currently pursuing a masters or doctoral level degree in oceanography,
marine biology or maritime archaeology (including all science,
engineering, and resource management of ocean and coastal areas) at a
U.S. accredited graduate institution are eligible for an award under
this scholarship program. In addition, students must have and maintain
a minimum cumulative and term grade point average of 3.0 and maintain
full-time student status for every term and for the duration of their
award. Universities or other organizations may not apply on behalf of
an individual. Prospective scholars do not need to be enrolled in a
graduate program at the time of application, but must be admitted to a
graduate level program in order to be awarded this scholarship.
Eligibility must be maintained for each succeeding year of support and
annual reporting requirements, to be specified at a later date, will
apply.
Cost Sharing Requirements: There are no matching requirements for
this award.
Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not
subject to Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.
Environmental Literacy Grants for Informal/Nonformal Science Education
Summary Description: The goal of this funding opportunity is to
support projects that engage the public in educational activities that
utilize emerging and/or advanced technologies and leverage NOAA assets
to improve understanding, and stewardship of the local and global
environment. There is specific interest in projects that use emerging
and/or advanced technologies to (1) facilitate outdoor experiences
involving scientific inquiry and exploration of the natural world apart
from formal K-12 curricula and (2) visualize, display, and interpret
data to improve understanding and provide a systems perspective of
Earth's dynamic processes. This program has two priorities. Priority 1
is for large-scale projects that occur over a longer duration with
regional to national implementation. Priority 2 is for small-scale
projects that occur over a shorter duration with local to regional
implementation. Funded projects will be between one and five years in
duration. This program meets NOAA's Mission Support goal to provide
critical support for NOAA's mission. It is anticipated that awards
under this announcement will be made by September 30, 2010 and that
projects funded under this announcement will have a start date no
earlier than October 1, 2010. Note: a PDF version of this announcement
is available at http://www.oesd.noaa.gov/funding_opps.html.
Funding Availability: NOAA anticipates the availability of
approximately $7,500,000 of total Federal financial assistance in FY
2010 and FY 2011 anticipated for Environmental Literacy Grants for
informal/nonformal science education. Approximately 5 to 10 awards in
the form of grants or cooperative agreements will be made. For Priority
1, the total Federal amount that may be requested from NOAA shall not
exceed $1,250,000 for all years including direct and indirect costs.
The minimum Federal amount that must be requested from NOAA for all
years for the direct and indirect costs for this priority is $500,001.
Applications requesting Federal support from NOAA of more than
$1,250,000 or less than $500,001 total for all years will not be
considered for funding. For Priority 2, the total Federal amount that
may be requested from NOAA shall not exceed $500,000 for all years
including direct and indirect costs. The minimum Federal amount that
must be requested from NOAA for all years for the direct and indirect
costs for this priority is $200,000. Applications requesting Federal
support from NOAA of less than $200,000 or more than $500,000 total for
all years will not be considered for funding. The amount of funding
available through this announcement will be dependent upon final FY 10
and FY 11 appropriations. Publication of this notice does not oblige
DOC/NOAA to award any specific project or to obligate any available
funds. It is likely that there will be no additional funding
opportunity issued for these types of projects in FY 11. If an
applicant incurs any costs prior to receiving an award agreement from
an authorized NOAA Grants Officer, the applicant would do so solely at
one's own risk of such costs not being included under the award. The
exact amount of funds that may be awarded will be determined in pre-
award negotiations between the applicant and NOAA representatives.
Statutory Authority: Authority for this program is provided by the
33 U.S.C. 893a(a).
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.008,
Mission-Related Education Awards.
Application Deadline: The deadline for letters of intent is 5:00 PM
EST February 16, 2010. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. EDT on
April 6, 2010. Applications submitted through Grants.gov are
automatically date/time stamped when they are validated and submitted
to the Agency. Hard copy applications must be provided to an expedited
shipping service by the deadline and proof of this must be provided by
the applicant. Please Note: When submitting through Grants.gov, you
will receive 2 e-mails. An initial e-mail will be sent to confirm your
attempt to submit a proposal. This is NOT a confirmation of acceptance
of your application. It may take Grants.gov up to two (2) business days
to validate or reject the application and send you a second e-mail.
Please keep this in mind in developing your submission timeline. An
informational teleconference with the program officers will occur on
January 21st 2010 (time TBD). Interested applicants should register by
contacting oed.grants@noaa.gov and include in the Subject line of the
e-mail: ``Interested in FFO Teleconference--Need Details'' and provide
the interested parties name, institution and telephone number in the
body of the e-mail. Whenever possible people from the same institution
should try to call in through the same phone line.
Address for Submitting Proposals: Address to submit letters of
intent: Letters of intent must be submitted by e-mail to
oed.grants@noaa.gov. If applicant does not have Internet access, a hard
copy of the letter will be accepted and should be delivered to: Stacey
Rudolph, Dept. of Commerce, NOAA Office of Education, 1401 Constitution
Avenue NW, HCHB 6863, Washington, DC 20230; Telephone: 202-482-3739.
Please note: hard copy applications submitted via the US Postal Service
can take up to 4 weeks to reach this office; therefore applicants are
advised to send hard copy applications via expedited shipping methods
(e.g., Airborne Express, DHL, Fed Ex, UPS). Address to submit
applications: Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov APPLY
(http://www.grants.gov). However, if an applicant does not have
Internet access or Grants.gov is overwhelmed with traffic, hard copy
applications will be accepted and should be delivered to: Stacey
Rudolph, Dept. of Commerce, NOAA Office of Education, 1401 Constitution
Avenue NW, HCHB 6863, Washington, DC 20230; Telephone: 202-482-3739.
Please note: hard copy applications submitted via the US Postal Service
can take up to 4 weeks to reach this office; therefore applicants are
[[Page 3113]]
advised to send hard copy applications via expedited shipping methods
(e.g., Airborne Express, DHL, Fed Ex, UPS).--See the Office of
Education's frequently asked questions site: http://www.oesd.noaa.gov/
elg/elg_faqs.html for more details.
Information Contacts: Please visit the OEd Web site for further
information at http://www.oesd.noaa.gov/funding_opps.html or contact
the Program Officers: Carrie McDougall at 202-482-0875; or Sarah
Schoedinger at 704-370-3528; or John McLaughlin at 202-482-2893 or by
e-mailing any of them at oed.grants@noaa.gov. Projects involving
spherical display systems require consultation with John McLaughlin,
john.mclaughlin@noaa.gov, 202-482-2893 or Carrie McDougall
carrie.mcdougall@noaa.gov, 202-482-0875 prior to submission of the
application. For those applicants without Internet access, hard copies
of referenced documents may be requested from NOAA's Office of
Education by contacting Stacey Rudolph at 202-482-3739 or sending a
letter to: Stacey Rudolph, Dept. of Commerce, NOAA Office of Education,
1401 Constitution Avenue NW., HCHB 6863, Washington, DC 20230;
Telephone: 202-482-3739.
Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher
education, other nonprofits, and state, local and Indian tribal
governments in the United States. For-profit organizations, K-12 public
and independent schools and school systems, foreign institutions,
foreign organizations and foreign government agencies are not eligible
to apply. For-profit and foreign organizations can be project partners.
Federal agencies are not eligible to receive Federal assistance under
this announcement, but may be project partners. The Department of
Commerce/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (DOC/NOAA) is
strongly committed to increasing the participation of Minority Serving
Institutions (MSIs), i.e., Historically Black Colleges and
Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribal colleges and
universities, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian institutions, and
institutions that work in underserved communities. Applications are
encouraged that involve any of the above types of institutions. An
individual may apply only once as principal investigator (PI) through
this funding opportunity. However institutions may submit more than one
application and individuals may serve as co-PIs or key personnel on
more than one application.
Cost Sharing Requirements: There is no cost share requirement.
Intergovernmental Review: Applications submitted to this funding
opportunity are not subject to Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental
Review of Federal Programs. Financial Assistance to Establish five NOAA
Cooperative Science Centers at Minority Serving Institutions
Announcement.
Summary Description: The purpose of this document is to announce to
the public that in the spring of 2010, NOAA's Office of Education
(OEd), Educational Partnership Program (EPP) with MSIs anticipates
soliciting applications from accredited postsecondary MSIs to establish
five NOAA Cooperative Science Centers (CSCs). These five Centers are
designed to create collaborative partnerships among MSIs and NOAA's
five Line Offices (LOs) including: National Environmental Satellite,
Data, and Information Service (NESDIS); National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS); National Weather Service (NWS); National Ocean Service
(NOS); and, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR). NOAA's
mission as stated in the FY2009--2014 NOAA Strategic Plan, is
understand and predict changes in Earth's environment and conserve and
manage coastal and marine resources to meet our nation's economic,
social, and environmental needs. Additional information about NOAA may
be found on the Web site: www.noaa.gov. Each NOAA Cooperative Science
Center must conduct research and education that directly supports
NOAA's mission. The purpose of these Centers at Minority Serving
Institutions is to: (1) Conduct research in collaboration with NOAA to
better understand the significance of changes in the Earth's ocean,
coasts, Great Lakes, weather and climate; (2) educate students in
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related to the
Centers' research to expand the size and diversity of NOAA and the
nations STEM workforce; and, (3) build capacity and sustainability at
all Center institutions. The Centers are to collaborate with NOAA by
partnering with NOAA employees to conduct research and education that
supports NOAA's mission. The Centers are to leverage this research and
education to train and graduate students in NOAA-mission STEM fields.
The Centers are to build sustainable capacity, including upgraded lab
facilities, additional faculty and other research capacity that will
enhance their ability to conduct NOAA research and education that
contributes to a pipeline of students trained in STEM fields. The EPP
is designed to enhance capacity at MSIs that educate, train, and
graduate students in STEM and serve the purpose of increasing
environmental literacy by establishing partnerships with academia, the
private sector, and other Federal, state, tribal and local agencies.
The program description of EPP may be found on the Web site:
www.epp.noaa.gov. Please consult both the Federal Register Notice (FRN)
and the Federal Funding Opportunity announcement that will be available
spring 2010. Letters of Intent (LOI) are not required. However,
interested parties may submit LOI to NOAA EPP no later than 2 p.m.
Eastern Standard Time, January 22, 2010. The LOIs will assist NOAA in
determining the number and locations for programmatic informational
sessions. NOAA plans to announce dates of the programmatic information
sessions in the spring 2010 FRN.
Funding Availability: Subject to Congressional appropriations, NOAA
anticipates making awards in the summer 2011. Awards will be made
annually for a five-year period and are subject to the availability of
funds and acceptable performance.
Statutory Authority: 15 U.S.C. 1540, 49 U.S.C. 44720, 33 U.S.C.
883d, 33 U.S.C. 1442, 16 U.S.C. 1854(e), 16 U.S.C. 661, 16 U.S.C.
753(a), 16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq., 16 U.S.C. 1431, 33 U.S.C. 883a;
Executive Orders 13230, 13256, 13270, 13336, and 13339; and, America
Competes Act H.R. 2272.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.481,
Educational Partnership Program.
Application Deadline: The application is July 19, 2010.
Address for Submitting Proposals: Letters of Intent may be e-mailed
to jacqueline.j.rousseau@noaa.gov or meka.laster@noaa.gov. Hard copies
may be sent to Jacqueline Rousseau or Meka Laster, NOAA Office of
Education, Educational Partnership Program, 1315 East-West Highway,
Silver Spring, MD 20910. The LOI may be faxed to 301-713-9465 and
directed to Jacqueline Rousseau or Meka Laster. In the Letters of
Intent please include the following information: (1) The name of the
MSI per the Department of Education web pages (see eligibility below);
(2) the full name of the Ph.D.-granting institution; and, (3) the NOAA
LO with which the Center will partner.
Information Contacts: Administrative and technical questions:
Jacqueline Rousseau (Federal Program Officer), telephone 301-713-9437
ext. 124, fax 301-713-9465, or e-mail jacqueline.j.rousseau@noaa.gov.
The alternative technical contact is Meka
[[Page 3114]]
Laster, telephone 301-713-9437 ext. 147.
Eligibility: For the purpose of this program, Historically Black
Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Indian
Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities, Alaska Native-Serving
Institutions, and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions, as identified
on the 2007 United States Department of Education, Accredited
Postsecondary Minority Institution list (http://www.ed.gov/about/
offices/list/ocr/edlite-minorityinst.html and http://www.ed.gov/about/
offices/list/ocr/edlite-minorityinst-list-tab.html) are eligible to
apply. A proposed Center's principal academic institution must be an
accredited MSI with a Ph.D. -granting degree program in a STEM field
that supports NOAA's mission. Applications will not be accepted from
non-profit organizations (that are not classified as Institutions of
Higher Education), foundations, auxiliary services or any other entity
submitted on behalf of MSIs.
Cost Sharing Requirements: Not Applicable.
Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.''
National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service (NESDIS)
Satellite Climate Data Record Program for 2010
Summary Description: For this program, NOAA announces an amendment
to the Federal Funding Opportunity (NESDIS-NESDISPO-2009-2001589)
entitled ``Scientific Data Stewardship Project Office for 2009,'' which
was originally announced in the Federal Register on Monday, October 6,
2008 (73 FR 58129). This change concerns the Funding Availability
published in the October 6, 2008 notice. In FY2010, the Satellite
Climate Data Record Program (CDRP) does not plan to solicit or accept
new proposals for FY2010 funding. FY2010 funds will be used to issue
additional awards for applications submitted in response to the FY2009
announcement. All other requirements published in the original
solicitation remain unchanged.
Funding Availability: The total anticipated federal funding in FY
2010 is $1,500,000.00 for new awards. The anticipated number of new
awards is from 3 to 8.
Statutory Authority: 49 U.S.C. 44720(b) and 33 U.S.C. 883d.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.440,
Environmental Sciences, Applications, Data, and Education.
Application Deadline: N/A.
Address for Submitting Proposals: N/A.
Information Contacts: Satellite CDRP Manager: Jeff Privette, NOAA
Satellite Climate Data Record Program Office, 151 Patton Ave,
Asheville, NC 28801; Phone: 828-271-4331; E-mail:
Jeff.Privette@noaa.gov. Satellite CDRP Grants Manager: Linda S.
Statler, NOAA Satellite Climate Data Record Program Office, 151 Patton
Ave, Asheville, NC 28801; Phone: 828-271-4657; E-mail:
Linda.S.Statler@noaa.gov.
Eligibility: N/A.
Cost Sharing Requirements: N/A.
Intergovernmental Review: N/A.
VI. Request for comments on Proposed Implementation Guidelines for the
Coral Reef Conservation Program
Summary
This is a request for comments on NOAA's proposed revisions to the
Grant Program Implementation Guidelines (Guidelines) for the Coral Reef
Conservation Program (Program) under the Coral Reef Conservation Act of
2000 (Act). The Act authorizes the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary),
through the NOAA Administrator (Administrator) and subject to the
availability of funds, to provide matching grants of financial
assistance for coral reef conservation projects under the Act. NOAA has
developed this set of proposed Implementation Guidelines for the Grant
Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 through FY 2015. NOAA proposes to
utilize several existing grant programs and mechanisms to implement the
Program. Specific Program information including available funding,
dates, detailed application requirements and proposal evaluation
criteria will be published annually in separate Federal Register
solicitations. In accordance with the Act, NOAA developed a National
Coral Reef Action Strategy (Strategy) in 2002 to provide an
implementation plan to advance coral reef conservation, including a
basis for funding allocations to be made under the Program. In response
to an external program review in 2007, a new program manager,
development of a ``Roadmap'' for the future of the Program, and
publication in 2009 of the Program's new 20-year Goals and Objectives
and International Strategy, the Program is revising its Grant Program
Implementation Guidelines to align more closely with the Program's new
direction. The Final Grant Program Implementation Guidelines will be
published concurrently with the FY 2011 solicitations in mid-2010.The
Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants
and Cooperative Agreements contained in the Federal Register notice of
February 11, 2008 (73 FR 7696), will be applicable to solicitations
under this Program. This request is not a solicitation for project
proposals.
Dates
In order to be considered, comments on this document must be
received by NOAA on or before February 12, 2010.
Addresses
Only written comments will be accepted. Please send your comments
by mail, e-mail or fax to: Jenny Waddell, NOAA Coral Reef Conservation
Program, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, NOAA National
Ocean Service, 1305 East-West Highway, 10th floor, Silver Spring, MD
20910, Fax: 301-713-4389. E-mail transmission of comments should be
directed to Jenny.Waddell@noaa.gov.
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, contact Jenny
Waddell, Grants and External Funding Coordinator, OCRM/Coral
Conservation Division, NOAA National Ocean Service, 1305 East-West
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910; 301-713-3155 extension 150, Internet:
jenny.waddell@noaa.gov; or Jennifer Koss, NMFS Habitat Conservation,
NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver
Spring, MD 20910; 301-713-3459 extension 195, E-mail:
Jennifer.Koss@noaa.gov.
Supplementary Information:
Background
The Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 6401 et seq.)
was enacted on December 14, 2000, for the following purposes:
1. To preserve, sustain and restore the condition of coral reef
ecosystems;
2. To promote the wise management and sustainable use of coral reef
ecosystems to benefit local communities and the Nation;
3. To develop sound scientific information on the condition of
coral reef ecosystems and the threats to such ecosystems;
4. To assist in the preservation of coral reefs by supporting
conservation programs, including projects that involve affected local
communities and non-governmental organizations;
5. To provide financial resources for those programs and projects;
and
6. To establish a formal mechanism for the collecting and
allocating of monetary donations from the private
[[Page 3115]]
sector to be used for coral reef conservation projects.
Under section 6403 of the Act, the Secretary, through the NOAA
Administrator (Administrator) and subject to the availability of funds,
is authorized to provide matching grants of financial assistance for
coral reef conservation projects. Section 6408(c) of the Act authorizes
up to $8,000,000 annually for projects under the Program. As required
under section 6403(j) of the Act, NOAA developed Implementation
Guidelines for the Program in 2002 and through this request, is
refining those Guidelines. The revised guidelines proposed herein are
intended to update and replace the existing guidelines in order to
shift focus toward implementation of the Program's 20-year Goals and
Objectives and International Strategy in an effort to narrow and
sharpen the focus of the Program. NOAA is making the revised guidelines
in this request available for public review and comment in advance of
implementation.
Each fiscal year the Program will publish Federal Register notices
to describe the availability of funds under each grant category and
solicit project proposals. These annual solicitations provide greater
detail on the year's program priorities, application process, and
proposal evaluation criteria. This request is not a solicitation for
project proposals.
Electronic Access
The Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 can be found on the
Internet at: http://thomas.loc.gov/(Select Bill Text, then select 106th
Congress, search on Bill Number HR 1653, select H.R. 1653.EH).
Information on the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, established June 11,
1998 under Executive Order 13089, can be found at: http://
coralreef.gov. The National Coral Reef Action Strategy, which was
published in 2002, is available at: http://coris.noaa.gov/activities/
actionstrategy/. The Program's 20-year Goals and Objectives, which were
published in 2009, can be found at: http://coralreef.noaa.gov/
aboutcrcp/strategy/currentgoals/resources/3threats_go.pdf and the
International Strategy, also published in 2009, is available at: http:/
/coralreef.noaa.gov/aboutcrcp/strategy/currentgoals/resources/intl_
strategy.pdf.
Coral Reef Conservation Program
The objective of the Grant Program is to provide financial
assistance for coral reef conservation programs and projects consistent
with the Act, the National Coral Reef Action Strategy, and the
Program's 20-year Goals and Objectives and International Strategy,
which were published in June 2009. NOAA's role in administering the
Program is to strengthen and support the development and implementation
of sound coral reef conservation projects, as well as ensure that the
most beneficial projects are recommended for funding.
Applicant Eligibility Requirements
As per section 6403(c) of the Act, eligible applicants include: Any
natural resource management authority of a state or other government
authority with jurisdiction over coral reefs or whose activities
directly or indirectly affect coral reefs or coral reef ecosystems, or
educational or non-governmental institutions with demonstrated
expertise in the conservation of coral reefs. Each category of funding
under this Program, as described in Section VII of the FFO, encompasses
a specific subgroup of eligible applicants.
As a matter of policy, funding of Federal agency activities under
this Program will be a low priority unless such activities are an
essential part of a cooperative project with other eligible
governmental or non-governmental entities.
NOAA agencies are not eligible for funding under this Program, as
funding for such activities is provided for under section 6406 of the
Act (National Program).
Eligible Coral Reef Conservation Activities
As described in section 6403(g) of the Act, projects considered for
funding under this Program must be consistent with the National Coral
Reef Action Strategy. Concordance with the Program's 20-year Goals and
Objectives and International Strategy guidance documents published in
2009 to narrow and sharpen the priorities included in the National
Coral Reef Action Strategy will be an additional criterion in
evaluating eligible projects and activities. In addition, coral reef
management priorities identified by states, territories and
commonwealths containing coral reef ecosystems through a formal
management priority setting process will be considered when evaluating
and selecting proposals once those processes have been completed in
2010. Further, per the same section, the Administrator may not approve
a project proposal unless it will enhance the conservation of coral
reefs by addressing at least one of the following:
1. Implementing coral conservation programs which promote
sustainable development and ensure effective, long-term conservation of
coral reefs;
2. Addressing the conflicts arising from the use of environments
near coral reefs or from the use of corals, species associated with
coral reefs, and coral products;
3. Enhancing compliance with laws that prohibit or regulate the
taking of coral products or species associated with coral reefs or
regulate the use and management of coral reef ecosystems;
4. Developing sound scientific information on the condition of
coral reef ecosystems or the threats to such ecosystems, including
factors that cause coral disease;
5. Promoting and assisting to implement cooperative coral reef
conservation projects that involve affected local communities,
nongovernmental organizations, or others in the private sector;
6. Increasing public knowledge and awareness of coral reef
ecosystems and issues regarding their long term conservation;
7. Mapping the location and distribution of coral reefs;
8. Developing and implementing techniques to monitor and assess the
status and condition of coral reefs;
9. Developing and implementing cost-effective methods to restore
degraded coral reef ecosystems; or
10. Promoting ecologically sound navigation and anchorages near
coral reefs.
Program Funding and Distribution
Section 6408(c) of the Act authorizes up to $8,000,000 annually for
financial assistance awards administered by the Coral Reef Conservation
Program. The number of individual awards to be made each year will
depend on the total amount of funds appropriated for coral reef
activities within NOAA and the portion of those funds that are
allocated to this Program.
More information about each category of funding, including the
total annual Program funding amount, suggested ranges for funding
requests, and specific funding categories under which an applicant may
choose to be considered, will be published in the Program's annual
Federal Register solicitations.
Program funding awarded during any given fiscal year will be
distributed, per section 6403(d) of the Act, in the following manner:
1. No less than 40 percent of funds available shall be awarded for
coral reef conservation projects in the Pacific Ocean within the
maritime areas and zones subject to the jurisdiction or control of the
United States;
2. No less than 40 percent of funds available shall be awarded for
coral reef conservation projects in the Atlantic
[[Page 3116]]
Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea within the maritime areas
and zones subject to the jurisdiction or control of the United States;
and
3. Remaining funds shall be awarded for projects that address
emerging priorities or threats, including international priorities or
threats, identified by the Administrator. When identifying emerging
threats or priorities, the Administrator may consult with the Coral
Reef Task Force.
Funding Categories and Mechanisms
In order to ensure adequate funding for each of the purposes
envisioned under the Act and provide for a balanced overall Program,
existing NOAA programs will be used to award funds in the funding
categories described below. Each of the categories references the
general activity and applicant eligibility requirements associated with
proposals submitted therein. Specific activity and applicant
eligibility information and proposal evaluation criteria for each
category, consistent with Guideline sections: Applicant Eligibility
Requirements, Program Funding and Distribution, Matching Funds,
Application Process, and Project Review, will be published in each
year's solicitations for proposals.
1. Coral Reef Management and Monitoring Cooperative Agreements
support U.S. state and territorial government coral reef conservation
management and monitoring activities, as described in section V(1-10)
of the Guidelines (section 6403(g) of the Act) for the purposes of
monitoring and comprehensively managing coral reef ecosystems and
associated fisheries within their jurisdictions. Monitoring of coral
reef ecosystems under this category includes the collection, analysis,
and reporting of long-term coral reef monitoring data pursuant to
scientifically valid methodologies and protocols. Eligibility to
receive an award is limited to one agency in each state or territory
with jurisdiction over coral reefs, as designated by the respective
governors. These proposals will be reviewed and awarded by the National
Ocean Service (NOS) Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management
(OCRM) and awarded under Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)
number 11.419.
2. General Coral Reef Conservation Grants provide funding to non-
governmental entities not eligible under other categories, for the
purpose of implementing cooperative coral reef conservation,
protection, restoration, or education projects, as described in section
V(1-10) of the Guidelines (section 6403(g) of the Act) and consistent
with the Program's 20-year Goals and Objectives, published in 2009.
These proposals will be reviewed and awarded by the National Ocean
Service (NOS) Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM)
under CFDA 11.419.
3. Fishery Management Council Cooperative Agreements support
projects to develop, improve, or amend Fishery Management Plans to
conserve, protect and restore coral reef habitats and associated
fishery populations within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, with the
overall goal of improving the management of coral reefs and associated
organisms through the avoidance of fishing impacts, ecosystem
management or similar approaches and practices, as described in section
V(3) of the Guidelines (section 6403(g)(3) of the Act) and consistent
with the Program's 20-year Goals and Objectives, published in 2009.
Eligible applicants include Regional Fishery Management Councils with
jurisdiction over coral reefs, as established under the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 USC 1801 et seq.).
These proposals will be reviewed and awarded by the NMFS Office of
Habitat Conservation under CFDA 11.441.
4. International Grants and Cooperative Agreements will be awarded
for the purpose of implementing cooperative coral reef conservation
activities as described in section V(1-10) of the Guidelines (section
6403(g) of the Act) and consistent with priorities identified in the
Program's International Strategy published in June 2009. Eligible
applicants include international governmental and non-governmental
entities, including those in the Freely Associated States of the
Pacific. These proposals will be reviewed and awarded by the NOS
International Programs under CFDA 11.463.
Annual solicitations published in the Federal Register will
establish the range of funds available and specific evaluation criteria
for each funding category. NOAA may add additional funding categories
in the annual solicitation based on available funding and/or the
Program's coral reef conservation priorities. Applicants will be
required to specify in their application the category(s) under which
they are applying for funding. Selected applications may be funded and
awards administered by NOAA, through either NMFS or NOS. Generally, one
award will be made for each proposal accepted for funding.
NOAA will determine the most appropriate funding mechanisms (grant,
cooperative agreement, or interagency agreement) for selected
individual projects, in consultation with the applicant, based on the
degree of direct NOAA involvement with the project beyond the provision
of financial assistance. Substantial federal involvement in cooperative
agreements may include participation of NOAA/CRCP staff in the
planning, development and implementation of projects and/or provision
of technical assistance, and will vary based on the category of
funding, type of project, and type and experience of the award
recipient. Proposals from non-Federal applicants that are selected for
funding will be funded either through a project grant or cooperative
agreement. Selected Federal proposals will be funded through
interagency agreements; however, under the Program, such agreements
must include a local sponsor of the coral reef conservation project.
Matching Funds
As per section 6403(b)(1) of the Act, Federal funds for any coral
conservation project funded under this Program may not exceed 50
percent of the total costs of such project, and NOAA strongly
encourages applicants to leverage as much investment as possible.
Matching funds may comprise a variety of public and private sources and
can include in-kind contributions and other non-cash support, but all
matching funds must be from non-Federal sources. Federal funds may not
be considered as matching funds. For applicants who cannot meet the
match requirement, as per section 6403(b)(2) of the Act, the Secretary
may waive all or part of the matching requirement if the Administrator
determines that the project meets the following two requirements:
1. No reasonable means are available through which an applicant can
meet the matching requirement, and
2. The probable benefit of such project outweighs the public
interest in such matching requirement.
Applicants must specify in their proposal the source and amount of
the proposed match and may be asked to provide letters of commitment to
confirm stated contributions. In the case of a waiver request, the
applicant must provide a detailed justification explaining the need for
the waiver, as described in section IX(6) of these Guidelines.
Notwithstanding any other provision herein, and in accordance with 48
U.S.C. 1469a(d), this Program shall waive any requirement for local
matching funds for any project under $200,000 (including in kind
contributions) to the governments of Insular Areas, defined as the
jurisdictions of the U.S. Virgin Islands,
[[Page 3117]]
Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands.
Application Process
NOAA will publish in the Federal Register annual notifications
soliciting project proposals under the categories described above and
pursuant to these Guidelines. Applications submitted in response to
solicitation notices will be screened for eligibility and conformance
with the Program Guidelines.
To submit a proposal, a complete NOAA standard grants application
package must be filed in accordance with the guidelines in this
document and instructions in the Department of Commerce Pre-Award
Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements
contained the Federal Register notice of February 11, 2008 (73 FR
7696).
A more detailed description of specific application requirements
will be published in the annual solicitation; however, pursuant to
section 6403(e) of the Act, each application must include the following
elements:
1. A cover sheet with the name of the individual or entity
responsible for conducting the project;
2. A description of the qualifications of the individual(s) who
will conduct the project;
3. A succinct statement of the purpose(s) of the project, including
the specific geographic location where the project will be carried out;
4. An estimate of the funds and time required to complete the
project including: a detailed breakdown by category of cost estimates
as they relate to specific aspects of the project, with appropriate
justification for both the Federal and non-Federal shares;
5. Evidence of support for the project by appropriate
representatives of states or other government jurisdictions in which
the project will be conducted, including obtaining or proceeding to
obtain all applicable State and/or Federal permits, consultations, and
consistencies. U.S. state or territorial applicants must also provide
evidence of coordination with all relevant state or territorial
agencies, including a list of agencies consulted in developing the
proposal;
6. Information regarding the amount of matching funding available
to the applicant. In the case of a waiver request, the applicant must
provide a detailed justification explaining the need for the waiver
including attempts to obtain sources of matching funds, how the benefit
of the project outweighs the public interest in providing match, and
any other extenuating circumstances preventing the availability of
match;
7. A description of how the project meets one or more of the goals
and objectives stated in section V of the Guidelines (section 6403(g)
of the Act) and contributes to the conservation needs identified in the
Program's 20-year Goals and Objectives and/or addresses jurisdiction-
specific management priorities established through CRCP's management
priority setting processes; and
8. Any other information the Administrator considers necessary for
evaluating the eligibility of the project for funding under this title.
Applicants must indicate under which category(s) (as described in
the ``Funding Categories and Mechanisms'' section of these Guidelines)
they are seeking funds, and ar encouraged to submit only one
comprehensive application per solicitation.
Project Review
As per section 6203(f) of the Act, NOAA will review eligible coral
reef conservation proposals using an external governmental review and
merit-based peer review. After such reviews, NOAA will implement an
internal ranking and selection process. The overall project review and
selection process will include the following five steps:
1. NOAA will request and consider written comments on the proposal
from each Federal agency, state government, or other government
jurisdiction, including the relevant regional Fishery Management
Councils established under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation
and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), or any National Marine
Sanctuary, with jurisdiction or management authority over coral reef
ecosystems in the area where the project is to be conducted. Pursuant
to this requirement of the Act, NOAA will apply the following standard
in requesting comments: (A) Proposals for projects in state or
territorial waters, including Federal marine protected areas in such
waters (e.g. National Marine Sanctuaries), will be submitted to that
state or territorial government's designated U.S. Coral Reef Task Force
point of contact for comment; (B) Proposals for projects in Federal
waters will be submitted to the relevant Fishery Management Council for
comment; (C) Proposals for projects which require Federal permits will
be submitted to the Federal agency which issued the permit for comment;
(D) Proposals for projects in Federal marine protected areas managed by
Federal agencies (e.g. National Wildlife Refuges, National Parks,
National Marine Sanctuaries, etc.) will be submitted to the respective
Federal management authority for comment; and (E) NOAA will seek
comments from other government entities, authorities, and/or
jurisdictions, including international entities for projects proposed
outside of U.S. waters, as necessary based on the nature and scope of
the proposed project. Specifically, agencies will be requested to
comment on: the extent to which the project is consistent with locally
established coral reef conservation priorities and projects; whether
the project has been coordinated with existing or planned projects;
suggestions for improving project coordination and/or technical
approach; and appropriate staff points of contact. Each entity will be
provided 21 days to review and comment on subject proposals. Comments
submitted will be part of the public record.
2. Each NOAA program office will provide for a merit-based peer
review and standardized documentation of that review for proposals
considered appropriate for funding under their respective category(s).
Each proposal will be reviewed by a minimum of three individuals with
knowledge of the subject of the proposal. Each reviewer will submit a
separate and individual review and reviewers will not provide a
consensus opinion. The identities of the peer reviewers will be kept
anonymous to the degree permitted by law. Specific evaluation criteria
for projects submitted under each funding category will be published in
the category's respective annual Federal Register solicitation.
3. Each NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program Office will
subsequently implement an internal review process to rank each proposal
that is appropriate for funding under their program based upon
consideration of: comments and recommendations from the reviews under
paragraphs (1) and (2), and their evaluation of each proposal
consistent with the five following criteria: (A) Direct Benefit to
Coral Reef Resources and Ecosystems. NOAA will evaluate proposals based
on the potential of the project to meet goals and objectives stated in
section 6403(g) of the Act. (B) Technical Merit and Adequacy of
Implementation Plan. Proposals will be evaluated on the technical
feasibility of the project and the qualifications of project leaders
and/or partners based on demonstrated abilities to: (i) Deliver the
conservation objective stated in the proposal; (ii) Provide educational
benefits, where appropriate; (iii) Incorporate assessment of project
success in terms of meeting
[[Page 3118]]
the proposed objectives; (iv) Demonstrate that the conservation
activity will be sustainable and long-lasting; (v) Provide assurance
that implementation of the project will meet all state environmental
laws and Federal consistency requirements by obtaining or proceeding to
obtain applicable permits and consultations; and (C) Past Performance.
Proposals will be evaluated on the previous accomplishments of the
applicants in achieving coral reef conservation objectives similar to
those outlined in section V. Eligible Coral Reef Conservation
Activities of these Guidelines. This includes the timely submission of
all required financial and progress reports and project products,
including data and FGDC-compliant metadata records if applicable.
Applicants submitting their first coral reef conservation project
should document past experience in successfully carrying out related
grant-funded activities; (D) Consistency with the National Coral Reef
Action Strategy, the National Action Plan to Conserve Coral Reefs, and
the Program's 20-year Goals and Objectives and International Strategy.
Proposals will be evaluated on how well they align with the
programmatic priorities outlined in these guidance documents and the
jurisdiction-specific priorities established in the CRCP's management
priority setting processes. Applicants are strongly encouraged to
review all relevant documents and identify in their application the
specific conservation objectives that their project proposal will
achieve; and (E) Cost-effectiveness and Budget Justification. Proposals
will be evaluated on their ability to demonstrate that significant
benefit will be generated for the most reasonable cost. Projects will
also be reviewed in terms of their need for funding and the ability of
NOAA funds to act as a catalyst to implement projects and precipitate
partnerships and other sources of funding to achieve conservation
objectives. Preference will be given to projects that will be completed
within a period of 12 months from the time the awards are distributed;
4. A NOAA review panel made up of representatives from each
relevant Program office will review the project rankings from each
program office and make consensus-based, final project selections and
funding recommendations to be presented to the NOAA Administrator, or
his designee, for final approval. The review panel and Administrator,
or designee, will ensure that the Act requirements for geographic
funding distribution and consistency with the overall Program goals
have been met. NOAA reserves the right to consult with applicants,
prior to making an award, to determine the exact amount of funds to be
awarded, as well as the most appropriate funding category and mechanism
under which to consider the project for funding; and
5. NOAA will provide written notification of a proposal's approval
or disapproval to each applicant within 9 months of submitting a coral
reef conservation proposal. Similarly, NOAA will also provide written
notification of a project's approval to each State or other government
jurisdiction that provided comments and/or reviews.
Definitions
In this Program:
1. Administrator means the Administrator of the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration.
2. Conservation means the use of methods and procedures necessary
to preserve or sustain corals and associated species as diverse,
viable, and self-perpetuating coral reef ecosystems, including all
activities associated with resource management, such as assessment,
conservation, protection, restoration, sustainable use, and management
of habitat; mapping; habitat monitoring; assistance in the development
of management strategies for marine protected areas and marine
resources consistent with the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (16
U.S.C. 1431 et seq.) and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.); law enforcement; conflict
resolution initiatives; community outreach and education; and that
promote safe and ecologically sound navigation.
3. Cooperative Agreement means a legal instrument reflecting a
relationship between the Department of Commerce (DoC) and a recipient
whenever: (1) The principal purpose of the relationship is to transfer
money, property, services or anything of value to accomplish a public
purpose of support or stimulation authorized by Federal statute, and
(2) substantial involvement (e.g. collaboration, participation, or
intervention by DoC in the management of the project) is anticipated
between DoC and the recipient during performance of the contemplated
activity.
4. Coral means species of the phylum Cnidaria, including--(A) all
species of the orders Antipatharia (black corals), Scleractinia (stony
corals), Gorgonacea (horny corals), Stolonifera (organpipe corals and
others), Alcyanacea (soft corals), and Coenothecalia (blue coral), of
the class Anthozoa; and (B) all species of the order Hydrocorallina
(fire corals and hydrocorals) of the class Hydrozoa.
5. Coral Reef means any reefs or shoals composed primarily of
corals.
6. Coral Reef Ecosystem means coral and other species of reef
organisms (including reef plants) associated with coral reefs, and the
non-living environmental factors that directly affect coral reefs, that
together function as an ecological unit in nature.
7. Coral Products means any living or dead specimens, parts, or
derivatives, or any product containing specimens, parts, or
derivatives, of any species referred to in paragraph (3).
8. Grant means a legal instrument reflecting a relationship between
DoC and a recipient whenever: (1) The principal purpose of the
relationship is to transfer money, property, services, or anything of
value in order to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation
authorized by Federal statute, and (2) no substantial involvement is
anticipated between DoC and the recipient during the performance of the
contemplated activity.
9. Interagency Agreement, for the purposes of these Guidelines,
means a written document containing specific provisions of governing
authorities, responsibilities, and funding, entered into between NOAA
and another Federal agency where NOAA is funding the other Federal
agency, pursuant to the Act.
10. Secretary means the Secretary of Commerce.
11. State means any State of the United States that contains a
coral reef ecosystem within its seaward boundaries, American Samoa,
Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin
Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United States, or
separate sovereign in free association with the United States, that
contains a coral reef ecosystem within its seaward boundaries.
Classification: This is a continuing Program and is included in the
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under the Coastal Zone
Management Act (11.419), NOS International Programs (11.463), and
Habitat Conservation (11.441). The Program uses existing NOAA Federal
assistance application package requirements per 15 CFR parts 14 and 24.
The program will determine NEPA compliance on a project by project
basis.
This action has been determined to be not significant for purposes
of Executive Order 12866.
[[Page 3119]]
This document contains collection-of-information requirements
subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The use of Standard Forms
424, 424A, 424B, 424C, 424D, and SF-LLL has been approved by OMB under
the respective control numbers 4040-0004/0348-0043; 4040-0006/0348-
0044; 4040-0007/0348-0040; 4040-0008/0348-0041; 4040-0009/0348-0042;
and 0348-0046. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty
for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the PRA unless that collection of information displays
a currently valid OMB control number. The proposed guidelines also
contain new collection-of-information requirements subject to review
and approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the
Paperwork Reduction Act. These requirements will be submitted to OMB
for approval. Public reporting burden for these collections of
information is estimated to average one hour per request for a matching
funds waiver (section IX(6) of these Guidelines) and one hour per
comment on proposals (section X(1) of these Guidelines), including the
time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing
the collection of information.
Public comment is sought regarding: Whether this proposed
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of
the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall
have practical utility; the accuracy of the burden estimate; ways to
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be
collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of
information, including through the use of automated collection
techniques or other forms of information technology. Send comments on
these or any other aspects of the collection of information to NOAA
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management at the address above,
and to OMB at the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office
of Management and Budget, Washington, DC 20503 (Attention: NOAA Desk
Officer).
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required
to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure
to comply with, a collection of information subject to the Paperwork
Reduction Act, unless that collection displays a currently valid OMB
control number.
Classification
Limitation of Liability
Funding for programs listed in this notice is contingent upon the
availability of Fiscal Year 2010 appropriations. Applicants are hereby
given notice that funds have not yet been appropriated for the programs
listed in this notice. In no event will NOAA or the Department of
Commerce be responsible for proposal preparation costs if these
programs fail to receive funding or are cancelled because of other
agency priorities. Publication of this announcement does not oblige
NOAA to award any specific project or to obligate any available funds.
Universal Identifier
Applicants should be aware that, they are required to provide a Dun
and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number during the
application process. See the October 30, 2002 Federal Register, (67 FR
66177) for additional information. Organizations can receive a DUNS
number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS Number
request line at 1-866-705-5711 or via the Internet http://
www.dunandbradstreet.com.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
NOAA must analyze the potential environmental impacts, as required
by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), for applicant projects
or proposals which are seeking NOAA federal funding opportunities.
Detailed information on NOAA compliance with NEPA can be found at the
following NOAA NEPA Web site: http://www.nepa.noaa.gov/ including our
NOAA Administrative Order 216-6 for NEPA, http://www.nepa.noaa.gov/
NAO216_6_TOC.pdf, NEPA Questionnaire, http://www.nepa.noaa.gov/
questionnaire.pdf, and the Council on Environmental Quality
implementation regulations, http://ceq.eh.doe.gov/nepa/regs/ceq/toc_
ceq.htm. Consequently, as part of an applicant's package, and under
their description of their program activities, applicants are required
to provide detailed information on the activities to be conducted,
locations, sites, species and habitat to be affected, possible
construction activities, and any environmental concerns that may exist
(e.g., the use and disposal of hazardous or toxic chemicals,
introduction of non-indigenous species, impacts to endangered and
threatened species, aquaculture projects, and impacts to coral reef
systems). In addition to providing specific information that will serve
as the basis for any required impact analyses, applicants may also be
requested to assist NOAA in drafting of an environmental assessment, if
NOAA determines an assessment is required. Applicants will also be
required to cooperate with NOAA in identifying feasible measures to
reduce or avoid any identified adverse environmental impacts of their
proposal. The failure to do so shall be grounds for not selecting an
application. In some cases if additional information is required after
an application is selected, funds can be withheld by the Grants Officer
under a special award condition requiring the recipient to submit
additional environmental compliance information sufficient to enable
NOAA to make an assessment on any impacts that a project may have on
the environment.
Compliance With Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security
Export Administration Regulations
(a) This clause applies to the extent that this financial
assistance award involves access to export-controlled information or
technology.
(b) In performing this financial assistance award, the recipient
may gain access to export-controlled information or technology. The
recipient is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws and
regulations regarding export-controlled information and technology,
including deemed exports. The recipient shall establish and maintain
throughout performance of the financial assistance award effective
export compliance procedures at non-NOAA facilities. At a minimum,
these export compliance procedures must include adequate controls of
physical, verbal, visual, and electronic access to export-controlled
information and technology.
(c) Definitions
(1) Deemed export. The Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
define a deemed export as any release of technology or source code
subject to the EAR to a foreign national, both in the United States and
abroad. Such release is ``deemed'' to be an export to the home country
of the foreign national. 15 CFR 734.2(b)(2)(ii).
(2) Export-controlled information and technology. Export-controlled
information and technology is information and technology subject to the
EAR (15 CFR parts 730 et seq.), implemented by the DOC Bureau of
Industry and Security, or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations
(ITAR) (22 CFR parts 120-130), implemented by the Department of
[[Page 3120]]
State, respectively. This includes, but is not limited to, dual-use
items, defense articles and any related assistance, services, software
or technical data as defined in the EAR and ITAR.
(d) The recipient shall control access to all export-controlled
information and technology that it possesses or that comes into its
possession in performance of a financial assistance award, to ensure
that access is restricted, or licensed, as required by applicable
Federal laws, Executive Orders, and/or regulations.
(e) Nothing in the terms of this financial assistance award is
intended to change, supersede, or waive the requirements of applicable
Federal laws, Executive Orders or regulations.
(f) The recipient shall include this clause, including this
paragraph (f), in all lower tier transactions (sub awards, contracts,
and subcontracts) under the financial assistance award that may involve
access to export-controlled information technology.
NOAA implementation of Homeland Security Presidential Directive--12
If the performance of a financial assistance award, if approved by
NOAA, requires recipients to have physical access to Federal premises
for more than 180 days or access to a Federal information system, any
items or services delivered under a financial assistance award shall
comply with the Department of Commerce personal identity verification
procedures that implement Homeland Security Presidential Directive -12,
FIPS PUB 201, and the Office of Management and Budget Memorandum M-05-
24. The recipient shall insert this clause in all subawards or
contracts when the subaward recipient or contractor is required to have
physical access to a Federally controlled facility or access to a
Federal information system.
The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements.
The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements contained in the Federal Register
notice of February 11, 2008 (73 FR 7696) are applicable to this
solicitation.
Paperwork Reduction Act
This document contains collection-of-information requirements
subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The use of Standard Forms
424, 424A, 424B, 424C, 424D, and SF-LLL has been approved by OMB under
the respective control numbers 4040-0004/0348-0043; 4040-0006/0348-
0044; 4040-0007/0348-0040; 4040-0008/0348-0041; 4040-0009/0348-0042;
and 0348-0046.
As part of its application process, the Coral Reef Conservation
Program will be implementing new collection-of-information that is
subject to review and approval by the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act. These requirements will be
submitted to OMB for approval. Public reporting burden for these
collections of information is estimated to average one hour per request
for a matching funds waiver (section IX(6) of these Guidelines) and one
hour per comment on proposals (section X(1) of these Guidelines),
including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data
sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and
reviewing the information collection.
Public comment is sought regarding: Whether this proposed
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of
the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall
have practical utility; the accuracy of the burden estimate; ways to
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be
collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of
information, including through the use of automated collection
techniques or other forms of information technology. Send comments on
these or any other aspects of the collection of information to NOAA
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management at the address above,
and to OMB at the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office
of Management and Budget, Washington, DC 20503 (Attention: NOAA Desk
Officer).
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required
to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure
to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements
of the PRA unless that collection of information displays a currently
valid OMB control number.
Executive Order 12866
This notice has been determined to be not significant for purposes
of Executive Order 12866.
Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)
It has been determined that this notice does not contain policies
with Federalism implications as that term is defined in Executive Order
13132.
Administrative Procedure Act/Regulatory Flexibility Act
Prior notice and an opportunity for public comment are not required
by the Administrative Procedure Act or any other law for rules
concerning public property, loans, grants, benefits, and contracts (5
U.S.C. 553(a)(2)). Because notice and opportunity for comment are not
required pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 or any other law, the analytical
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.)
are inapplicable. Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis has not
been prepared.
Dated: January 8, 2010.
Mitchell J. Ross,
Director, Acquisition and Grants Office, Contracting Officer, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
[FR Doc. 2010-721 Filed 1-15-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-12-P