To
develop a program aimed at increasing research and educational partnerships
between NOAA and Minority Serving Institutions. Partnerships will
be achieved through the establishment of new Cooperative Science
Centers in atmospheric, oceanic, environmental sciences, and remote
sensing (AOES). An Environmental Entrepreneurship Program will be
implemented that will support restoration projects in environmentally
depleted zones and program development in AOES at minority serving
institutions.
TYPES
OF ASSISTANCE:
Project Grants. Place Cursor Here for Definition
USES
AND USE RESTRICTIONS:
Funds
may be used to support a distinguished professor, research, development
programs and students undertaking course work and/or research in
NOAA related sciences at minority serving institutions.
ELIGIBILITY
REQUIREMENTS:
Applicant
Eligibility: Applicants are defined as qualified
minority serving institutions based on the 2001 United States Department
of Education definition of minority serving institutions. Non- minority
institutions may also participate in this program when partnered
with a minority serving institution. Institutions applying to become
a designated Cooperative Science Center in atmospheric, oceanic
and environmental sciences and remote sensing must have a graduate
program in the respective category.
Beneficiary
Eligibility: The benefits to the Nation are
an increased number of academic institutions capable of providing
services and products in support of the agency's mission to describe
and predict changes in the environment, and to conserve and manage
the nation's coastal and marine resources to ensure sustainable
economic opportunities. Collaboration among NOAA and academic
institutions will not only increase the number of trained professionals
in the NOAA related sciences, it will also lead to a larger number
of institutions participating in collaborative research and co-management
of the nation's natural resources with State, local and tribal
governments.
Credentials/Documentation:
Applicants are required to satisfy all DoC/NOAA standards and
regulations, including routine and special terms and conditions,
for financial assistance programs application and conduct. Costs
will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-21 for
educational institutions.
Pre-application
Coordination: None. This program is excluded
from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application
Procedure: Submission of an application package
which includes the Standard Form SF-424 Application for Federal
Assistance, SF-424A Budget Information Non-Construction Programs,
SF-424B Assurances Non-Construction Programs, statement of work,
budget and supporting details, and CD-511 Certifications Regarding
Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters, Drug Free
Workplace Requirements, and Lobbying must be used when applying
for Federal funds. This program is subject to the provisions of
15 CFR Part 14.
Award
Procedure: Awards are made on the basis of
proposal evaluation, technical review and administrative review.
Deadlines:
Applications for annual funding must be received by NOAA Office
of Finance and Administration, 60 days following the announcement
in the Federal Register.
Range
of Approval/Disapproval Time: Approval time
is anticipated to range from 90 to 150 days, which includes processing
of the award through Office of Finance and Administration, NOAA
and DoC financial assistance functions.
Appeals:
None.
Renewals:
Cooperative activities are generally approved on an annual fiscal
year basis, but may be continued for up to three years, subject
to approved time frame, program development plan, satisfactory
progress, and availability of funds.
ASSISTANCE
CONSIDERATIONS:
Formula
and Matching Requirements: None.
Length
and Time Phasing of Assistance: From 1 to
3 years with funding approved annually.
POST
ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Reports:
Periodic progress and financial reports are required. However, the
reporting frequency may be changed to be more or less frequent progress
reports should summarize work accomplished and explain situations
where expected work has not been completed. Financial reports must
indicate use of funds during the semi-annual period. Final reports
are due ninety days after expiration of the award.
Audits:
Recipients will be subject to the provisions of the Single Audit
Act Amendments of l996 and revised OMB Circular A-133, "Audits
of States and Local Governments and Nonprofit Organizations".
Records:
Financial records and support documents and all other records,
i.e. property, performance, work products, patents etc. pertinent
to the agreement shall be maintained for a period of three years
from the date on which the final expenditure report is submitted.
FINANCIAL
INFORMATION:
Account
Identification: 13-1450-0-1-306.
Obligations:
(Grants; Cooperative Agreements) FY 01 $13,300,000; FY 02 est
$13,300,000; and FY 03 est $13,300,000.
Range
and Average of Financial Assistance: $20,000 to $2,500,000 per year.
NOAA funded four Cooperative Science Centers will be established
at minority institutions in the areas of atmospheric, oceanic and
environmental sciences and remote sensing. In addition, NOAA funded
proposals in support of environmental restoration and program development
in the full range of natural and social sciences that support the
agency's mission.
REGULATIONS,
GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:
For cost principles, see OMB Circular No. A-21, "Cost Principles
for Educational Institutions". For grants administration requirements,
see 15 CFR Part 14, "Grants and Agreements with Institutions of
Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations".
INFORMATION
CONTACTS:
Regional
or Local Office: None.
Headquarters
Office: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
Education Partnership Program, Office of Finance and Administration,
1315 East-West Highway, SSMC 3, Room 11459, Silver Spring, MD
20910. Telephone: (301) 713-9437. Attn: Jacqueline J. Rousseau.
Web
Site Address: http://www.noaa.gov
EXAMPLES
OF FUNDED PROJECTS:
None. This is a new program.
CRITERIA
FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:
Proposals are subject to a review process taking into consideration
the applicant(s) Performance Plan, research plans, scientific merit,
investigator's qualifications, cost and available funds. Proposals
must undergo a rigorous technical review and comply with all OMB,
DoC and NOAA grant policies and procedures. Specific information
about the selection process will be included in the solicitation.
