FEDERAL AGENCY:

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION (NOAA), OFFICE OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION (OFA), DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

AUTHORIZATION:

15 U.S.C. 1540, Executive Orders 13256, 13230 and 13021.

OBJECTIVES:

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:  
$40 K - Undergraduate Scholarship awards
$2.7 - $3.M annually to Cooperative Science Centers.

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:  
Jacqueline Rousseau National Oceanic And Atmospheric Association, Office of Education, Educational Partnership Program 1315 East-West Highway, SSMC 3, EPP/MSI, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 Phone: (301) 628-2905

Web Site Address:  
http://www.epp.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.