[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 164 (Tuesday, August 25, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45223-45227]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-22777]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[Docket No. 980723189-8189-01]
RIN 0648-ZA46


Financial Assistance for a National Ocean Service Intern Program

AGENCY: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS).

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The National Ocean Service announces the availability of 
Federal Assistance to conduct an intern program. The need for wise 
stewardship of the coastal environment is increasing and with it a need 
to enlarge the pool of skilled environmental scientists and managers 
and at the same time increase the diversity of this pool. The National 
Ocean Service (NOS) recognizes that there is a shortage of skilled 
environmental scientists and managers who are aware of and utilize the 
techniques and technologies required by NOAA's stewardship programs and 
is trying to remedy the situation through an Intern program. The 
programmatic objective of this intern program is to provide unique 
opportunities for cooperative study, research, and development that 
would be of major benefit in advancing the number and diversity of 
skilled engineers, scientists, and managers in the environmental arena 
who are familiar with the techniques and technologies used by NOS. This 
solicitation is to find a partner to assist NOAA in cooperatively 
managing this intern program. This partner would be responsible for 
locating candidate Interns, assistance in their selection, and 
administration of the awards to the Interns. NOAA would identify the 
intern opportunities, assist in the final selection of the candidate 
interns, and provide space, technical guidance and training to the 
Interns during their period of internship at government facilities. 
This program will start in FY99 using initial funding from FY98. It is 
anticipated that additional FY99 funds will be used to expand the 
program to increase the number of interns.

DATES: Applications must be received no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern 
Daylight Savings Time, October 9, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Applicants must submit one signed original plus two (2) 
copies of the application including all information required by the 
application kit. Applications must be mailed to: NOS Special Projects 
Office, ATTN: NOS Intern Program, ORCA1, 1305 East-West Highway 9th 
Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Peter L. Grose, NOAA--ORCA1, 1305 
East-West Highway 9th Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (301) 713-3000 
x132.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 
National Ocean Service (NOS) is expanding its institutional commitment 
to Coastal Stewardship. NOS also desires to continue its science and 
technology leadership with respect to addressing coastal environments 
and issues. NOS has identified several areas of interest that will be 
pursued in environmental management, research and development in the 
coastal zone, and mensuration of the environment which are necessary to 
support active stewardship. These areas include, but are not limited, 
to:
    Integrated coastal zone management, resource protection and 
restoration, remote sensing of coastal and benthic habitats, shallow 
water and coastal mapping, geodesy, marine navigation, delineation of 
essential habitats, determination of environmental degradation and 
damage, habitat remediation, and applied research and development on 
environmental, economic, and demographic issues.
    A primary objective of NOS is to plan and support active 
Stewardship of coastal and marine resources at a time of increased 
pressures on these resources and decreasing funds for programs. NOS 
does not have the staff nor resources to accomplish this objective in a 
closed bureaucracy. Thus, part of the strategy is to transfer NOS's 
technologies, techniques, and methods to the community-at-large, 
especially the next generation of resource scientists and managers both 
to increase their capability and to increase their

[[Page 45224]]

diversity. Many of NOS's programs and activities are unique and need to 
be transferred to the non-Federal community. An effective mechanism to 
affect this transfer is through the establishment of an Internship 
Program. This cooperative agreement between NOAA and the recipient will 
promote these objectives and establish the means to accomplish them in 
a manner beneficial to both NOAA and the recipient.

Authority

    Statutory authority for these awards is provided under 15 U.S.C. 
1540 [Cooperative Agreements]; {``The Secretary of Commerce, acting 
through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, may 
enter into cooperative agreements and other financial agreements with 
any nonprofit organization to--
    (1) Aid and promote scientific and educational activities to foster 
public understanding of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration or its programs; and
    (2) Solicit private donations for the support of such 
activities.''}

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)

    This NOS Intern Program is listed in the Catalog of Federal 
Domestic Assistance under Number P11.480.

Program Description

    The proposed cooperative program will be administered by the 
Recipient in response to intern opportunities offered by NOAA.
    The recipient shall provide environmental Interns (Associates) to 
work on individual projects in response to internship opportunities 
established by the program offices within NOS. The Associates provided 
must be college students or recent graduates (Bachelors, Masters, 
Ph.D., JD), with a college degree in areas such as environmental 
science, earth science, environmental engineering, geodesy, chemistry, 
physics, oceanography, biology, fishery science, geography, resource 
economics, risk assessment, policy analysis, computer science, and law. 
Candidate associates must be U.S. citizens. There is not a fixed number 
of Internships per year under this program. The actual number will 
depend on opportunities and funding identified by offices within NOS. 
The minimum number will be one, the maximum may exceed 40.
    Internships shall be located at Silver Spring, MD, Seattle, WA, and 
other NOS facilities as designated and Associates shall be required to 
relocate (if necessary) to such locations for the duration of the 
internship. Some funds for relocation expenses may be available for 
selected internships. Associates will be provided individual 
assignments for each period of internship and on an as needed basis 
(per project). These projects shall be designed to provide learning 
experiences for the Associates that will make them competitive for 
employment opportunities in both the public and private sector and to 
transfer unique and specialized technologies or procedures from NOAA to 
the Public and Private sectors.
    Under this Cooperative Agreement, the Recipient shall make extra 
effort in advertising and promoting these internships to Native 
Americans, Hispanic, African, Asian and other minorities (including 
women) at many levels so as to provide enhanced opportunities under 
NOAA's Diversity Plan.
    Associates will work full time for a period of approximately three 
to twelve months. The actual duration will vary based on the specific 
objectives of each internship opportunity as determined by the Project 
Officer and Technical Advisor. Internships can be renewed, but shall 
not exceed 24 months for any individual Associate as either a single or 
multiple internships.
    Final details for individual assignments shall be developed in 
consultation with the Project Officer or the individual Technical 
Advisor in accordance with the ``Statement of Substantial Involvement 
between NOAA and the Recipient''. In accordance with the substantial 
involvement clause, the Project Officer and the Technical Advisor shall 
be responsible for providing guidance on the specific tasks required 
for the satisfactory completion of the internship by the Associate. As 
part of the Internship, each Associate shall develop and carry out an 
individual research project that furthers the objectives of the program 
in to which he or she is assigned. These projects shall be developed 
under the direction of the Project Officer or Technical Advisor.

Description of the Intended Operation of the Intern Program for 
Each Internship

    1. The technical advisor shall document the intern opportunity and 
include the following information:
    (a) Name of the office offering the opportunity/Project.
    (b) Name of the contact person in this office--(technical advisor), 
address, telephone & email address.
    (c) Background of the Project--description of the project/program 
within which the internship is offered.
    (d) Objectives of the Project relative to the Intern.
    (e) Description of what the intern will do (duties).
    (f) Description of the benefits to the intern from the internship 
(what training will occur, be offered, etc.).
    (g) Minimum qualifications for the internship (major, courses, 
degree).
    (h) Desired background of the Intern and special skills (e.g. 
diving certification) required, if any.
    (i) Special conditions/requirements (overtime, sea duty, travel, 
etc.) [Funds to cover any additional costs incurred by these conditions 
must be included in the obligation].
    (j) Desired starting date and duration of the opportunity.
    (k) Stipend level (and relocation expense if available).
    2. This description, along with an obligation of required funds 
(Stipend + benefits + travel + overhead + fees ) in the form of a 
completed CD-435, will be transmitted to the Project officer.
    3. The project officer shall review the documentation of the intern 
opportunity, and, if acceptable, shall implement an increment to the 
master grant and transmit the description of the Intern opportunity to 
the Recipient.
    4. Recipient shall advertise the available Intern position, and 
from those expressing an interest, pre-select a pool of 5-10 candidates 
based on the requirements of the internship, and submit this candidate 
list along with resumes of the candidates to the Project Officer and 
Technical advisor. This submittal shall occur within 30 calendar days 
of receipt of the request and documentation from the Grantor.
    5. Within 14 days of receipt of the pool of candidates, the 
Technical Advisor shall notify the Project Officer of his/her ranking 
of the acceptable candidates. The Project Officer shall review the 
ranking, approve, and forward it to the Recipient. If no candidates are 
acceptable, the Recipient shall be requested to re-advertise the 
opportunity.
    6. Upon selection of a candidate, the Recipient shall make 
arrangements with the selected candidate for employment and, in 
consultation with the Grantor, set a reporting date for the associate.
    7. The Associate shall carry out the Internship.

Definitions

     Associate--Individual who will be provided with and 
perform internships under this cooperative agreement.
     Project Officer--The NOAA Project Officer is that 
individual specifically named by NOAA to manage this program.

[[Page 45225]]

     Technical Advisor/Monitor--The NOAA employee responsible 
for providing day-to-day guidance on the specific project(s) assigned 
to the associate and for the associate's individual development and 
progress.
     Intern Opportunity/Project--An opportunity for an 
internship which is documented and has funds obligated for its costs. 
In general, these opportunities will be assignments within existing NOS 
programs and ongoing projects and not something created uniquely for 
this Agreement.
    Anticipated Stipend Levels (per annum) and general background 
requirements of internships:


1. $22,000 ($10.58/hr).......  2 full years of academic study.          
2. $25,000 ($11.02/hr).......  4 full years of academic study (BA, BS   
                                degree).                                
3. $27,000 ($12.98/hr).......  4 years and superior academic standard   
                                (top 1/3, 2.9/4 GPA overall, & 3.5/4 GPA
                                in Major.                               
4. $32,000 ($15.38/hr).......  60 hrs Graduate level or Masters degree. 
5. $39,000 ($18.75/hr).......  All requirements for PhD met.            
                                                                        

     Unless included in the Intern opportunity description, 
overtime is not anticipated. In the event that overtime is required, 
the duration of the internship shall be reduced or additional funds 
shall be obligated or Compensatory time shall be given in lieu of 
overtime to pay for it.
     In the event that an Associate terminates or is terminated 
(for cause), the Recipient shall make every opportunity to refill the 
internship and, if not practicable, credit the Grantor with the un-
spent balance of the funds. These funds shall be used to supplement 
internships under the direction of the Project Officer.

    Note: If the Associate is to be an ``independent contractor'' 
rather than an employee of the Recipient under the Cooperative 
Agreement, the stipend shall be adjusted to cover the additional 
required Self Employment fees.

Funding Availability

    NOS funding for this Program will be a minimum of $40,000 from FY98 
funds to a maximum of $1,500,000 during the first year. Additional 
follow-on years, up to a maximum of 2 without re-competition, may be 
funded to a maximum of $1,500,000 per year. Each internship or group of 
internships, beyond the first, shall be funded as a separate amendment 
to the master agreement. There is no set timetable for announcement of 
Internships and they may occur throughout the year.

Matching Requirements

    Cost sharing is not required for the internship program.

Type of Funding Instrument

    The NOS Intern Program shall be awarded as a Cooperative Agreement 
since NOAA anticipates that there will be substantial involvement 
between NOS, the Recipient, and the Interns (after their selection).

Statement of Substantial Involvement Between NOAA and the Recipient

    In carrying out the work program set forth in the project 
description, NOS and the Recipient agree to meet the programmatic 
objective of this agreement as stated.* NOS involvement will consist of 
the following activities:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    * Summary Section: ``The programmatic objective of this intern 
program is to provide unique opportunities for cooperative study, 
research, and development that would be of major benefit in 
advancing the number and diversity of skilled engineers, scientists, 
and managers in the environmental arena who are familiar with the 
techniques and technologies used by NOS.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    1. NOS will provide descriptions of available intern opportunities 
with required academic backgrounds and job skills.
    2. NOS will participate in review and rating panels and will 
interview and make final selections from lists of eligible candidates 
that are provided by the Recipient.
    3. NOS will provide a technical monitor to interact with each 
Associate who will be chosen to work on a given project. The technical 
monitor shall provide technical guidance and support to the Associate 
in developing the skills necessary to perform the work in the chosen 
environmental arena.
    4. NOS shall provide liaison to interact with the Recipient and 
Senior Management on the progress of meeting the programmatic 
objectives of this Cooperative Agreement.

Eligibility Criteria

    This solicitation is open to any Non-Profit organization.

Award Period

    The initial Master Agreement shall be for a period of one (1) year. 
This agreement may be renewed annually for up to 2 continuation years 
with the mutual consent of both parties. NOAA shall consider continued 
funding for the project upon: (a) satisfactory progress toward the 
stated agreement goals, and the determination by NOAA that the 
continuation of the program would be in the best interest of the 
Government; and (b) availability of funds. The annual awards must have 
scopes of work that can easily be separated into annual increments of 
meaningful work which represent solid accomplishments if prospective 
funding is not made available to the applicant. This submission in no 
way obligates NOAA to extend this agreement, nor is this paragraph to 
be interpreted as a promise that future funds will be available.

Indirect Costs

    Funds to support the NOS Intern program shall be given directly to 
the Recipient. Administrative or indirect costs shall be negotiated as 
part of the Master Agreement award and shall be based on and paid on a 
per Internship basis. These costs may be fixed, time dependent, Intern 
stipend dependent, or a combination as proposed by the Recipient. The 
total dollar amount of the indirect costs proposed in an application 
under this program must not exceed the indirect cost rate negotiated 
and approved by a cognizant Federal agency prior to the proposed 
effective date of the award or 100 percent of the total proposed direct 
costs dollar amount in the application, whichever is less.
    Stipend levels, and benefits may be adjusted for COLA for each 
continuation year.

Application Requirements

    Each Prospective Recipient shall submit a package containing 
completed:
    1. SF-424 (including SF-424A & SF-424B),
    2. A budget with necessary supporting details. This budget should 
be based on a hypothetical intern opportunity at a stipend level of 
$25,000 per year, with an allowance for required field trip travel of 
$2,000, and a relocation allowance of $500. Because it is anticipated 
that this agreement will be extended to include additional internships 
beyond the first, supporting information should be included to 
determine the full cost to the government of additional internships 
which may have any of the suggested stipend levels, have durations 
ranging 3 to 12 months, and be with or without relocation or travel 
allowances. This information should also contain details on what 
services and benefits are included (i.e. sick leave, tax withholding, 
insurance, etc.) and their

[[Page 45226]]

estimated cost to interns; as well as, what, if any, allowances are 
made for vacation leave and/or sick leave. Holidays observed by the 
office hosting the intern will be considered paid holidays.
    3. Curriculum Vitae for each Principal Investigator and critical 
senior staff assigned to the program,
    4. Copy of a current approved Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate 
Agreement,
    5. CD-511 ``Certifications Regarding * * *''
    6. SF-LLL ``Disclosure of Lobbying'' (blocks 1-10 & 16)
    7. Statement of Work (narrative description of the proposed 
activity, objectives and milestones). This Statement of Work shall 
include:
    (a) A description of the Intern Program, how they would implement 
it and conduct its operation. Alternatives and variations with regard 
to the timing of items 4 and 5 within the ``Description of the Intended 
Operation of the Intern Program for each Internship'' detailed above 
may be proposed.
    (b) Proposed method of advertising for and pre-screening candidate 
Interns.
    (c) Proposed relationship between the prospective Recipient and 
Selected Interns, with descriptions of services offered (e.g. tax 
withholding) and benefits available (e.g. health insurance, workman's 
compensation, etc.) to the Interns.
    (d) Past history of the prospective Recipient in operating similar 
programs.
    8. Proof of Status for First Time Eligible Non-Profit Applicants.

Application Forms and Kit

    An application kit containing all required application forms and 
certifications is available by calling David L. Litton at NOAA Grants 
Management Division (301) 713-0946.

Project Funding Priorities

    Responsiveness of the application to the programmatic objectives of 
the Intern program as noted in the Summary section and restated in the 
Type of Funding Instrument section above.

Evaluation Criteria

    The proposals from prospective Recipients will be evaluated on the 
submitted application to conduct the proposed Intern Program. The 
evaluation shall be weighted as indicated:
    1. Costs for operating the proposed Intern Program. (15%)
    2. Description of the program, how they would implement it, conduct 
its operation and proposed time lines for filling internships. (25%)
    3. Proposed relationship between the prospective Recipient and 
Selected Interns, with descriptions of services offered and benefits 
available to the Interns relative to their cost to the Grantor, 
Recipient, and Intern. (15%)
    4. Proposed method for advertising for and pre-screening candidate 
Interns. (20%)
    5. Past history of the prospective Recipient in operating similar 
programs and qualifications of proposed senior staff. (25%)

Selection Procedures

    Each application will receive an independent, objective review by a 
panel qualified to evaluate the applications submitted. The Independent 
Review Panel, consisting of at least three individuals in addition to 
the Selecting Official (NOS Federal Program Officer), will review, 
evaluate, and rank all applications based on the criteria stated above. 
The final decision on award will be based upon the numerical ranking 
and a determination by the Selecting Official that the Recipient's 
application meets the Project Funding Priorities.

Other Requirements

Interns Status Under Tort Claims Act

    NOAA shall acknowledge that the Associates are performing research 
and will be under the general guidance of NOAA, and for legal purposes 
shall be considered student volunteers. (Under the 5 U.S.C. 311, a 
student volunteer is not a Federal employee for any purpose other than 
injury compensation and laws related to Tort Claims Act.)

Travel Expenses of Selected Interns

    NOAA shall provide travel and transportation for Associates 
assigned to NOAA projects requiring field work as documented in the 
description of the Intern Opportunity. Associates shall complete 
Recipient's travel expenses report form for each trip and the NOAA 
project supervisor shall sign the form to acknowledge the trip. Travel 
advances for Associates shall be available from the Recipient as 
needed. All travel and transportation required for field work shall be 
in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations governing official 
travel. Associates shall be responsible for arranging and paying their 
own transportation to the NOAA duty location unless funds are 
specifically identified in the Internship description.

Restrictions

    Interns will not be used to replace NOAA employees formerly 
employed under the Office of Personnel Management student appointing 
authorities, to replace temporary or term appointments, or to replace 
or fill-in for full or part-time NOAA positions vacated by the 
Voluntary Separation Program or Reduction in Force. Participants will 
not be selected or used to perform personal services. Nothing shall 
create the appearance that the participant is being used in a personal 
services manner. This would circumvent the civil service laws and 
reflect negatively on NOAA staff using this participant in this manner. 
The relationship between the Recipient and Interns is up to the 
Recipient. The Recipient may be the Intern's employer or it may choose 
to award the Interns stipends or grants. In any case, the Recipient is 
responsible for payment, discipline, leave approval, termination, etc. 
for each Intern. Nothing in this agreement or its supplements shall be 
deemed to create an employer-employee relationship between the NOAA and 
an Intern. Former NOAA employees (including students) are not eligible 
for this program within two years of employment at NOAA.
(1) Federal Policies and Procedures
    Recipients and subrecipients are subject to all Federal laws and 
Federal and DOC policies, regulations, and procedures applicable to 
Federal financial assistance awards.
(2) Past Performance
    Unsatisfactory performance under prior Federal awards may result in 
an application not being considered for funding.
(3) Preaward Activities
    If applicants incur any costs prior to an award being made, they do 
so solely at their own risk of not being reimbursed by the Government. 
Notwithstanding any verbal or written assurance that may have been 
received, there is no obligation on the part of DOC to cover preaward 
costs.
(4) No Obligation for Future Funding
    If an application is selected for funding, DOC has no obligation to 
provide any additional future funding in connection with the award. 
Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of 
performance is at the total discretion of DOC.
(5) Delinquent Federal Debts
    No award of Federal funds shall be made to an applicant who has an 
outstanding delinquent Federal debt until either:
    i. The delinquent account is paid in full,

[[Page 45227]]

    ii. A negotiated repayment schedule is established and at least one 
payment is received, or
    iii. Other arrangements satisfactory to DOC are made.
(6) Name Check Review
    All non-profit applicants are subject to a name check review 
process. Name checks are intended to reveal if any key individuals 
associated with the applicant have been convicted of or are presently 
facing criminal charges such as fraud, theft, perjury, or other matters 
which significantly reflect on the applicant's management honesty or 
financial integrity.
(7) Primary Applicant Certifications
    All primary applicants must submit a completed form CD-511, 
``Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other 
Responsibility Matters; Drug-free Workplace Requirements and 
Lobbying,'' and the following explanations are hereby provided:
    i. Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension. Prospective 
participants (as defined at 15 CFR part 26, Section 105) are subject to 
15 CFR part 26, ``Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension'' and the 
related section of the certification form prescribed above applies;
    ii. Drug-Free Workplace. Recipients (as defined at 15 CFR part 26, 
section 605) are subject to 15 CFR part 26, Subpart F, ``Government 
requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)'' and related section of 
the certification form prescribed above applies;
    iii. Anti-Lobbying. Persons (as defined at 15 CFR part 26, section 
105) are subject to the lobbying provisions of 31 U.S.C. 1352, 
``Limitations on use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal 
contracting and financial transactions,'' and the lobbying section of 
the certification form prescribed above applies to applications/bids 
for grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts for more than 
$100,000, and loans and loan guarantees for more than $150,000, or the 
single family maximum mortgage limit for affected programs, whichever 
is greater; and
    iv. Anti-Lobbying Disclosures. Any applicant that has paid or will 
pay for lobbying using any funds must submit an SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of 
Lobbying Activities,'' as required under 15 CFR part 28, Appendix B.
(8) Lower Tier Certifications.
    Recipient shall require applicants/bidders for subgrants, 
contracts, subcontracts or other lower tier covered transactions at any 
tier under the award to submit, if applicable, a completed form CD-512, 
``Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and 
Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered Transactions and Lobbying'' and 
disclosure form SF-LLL ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.'' Form CD-
512 is intended for the use of recipient and should not be transmitted 
to DOC. SF-LLL submitted by any tier recipient or subrecipient should 
be submitted to DOC in accordance with the instructions contained in 
the award document.
(9) False Statements.
    A False statement on an application is grounds for denial or 
termination of funds and grounds for possible punishment by a fine or 
imprisonment as provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001.
(10) Intergovernmental Review.
    Applications under this program are not subject to executive Order 
12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''
(11) Paperwork Reduction
    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required 
to respond to nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to 
comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of 
the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information 
displays a current valid OMB control number. This Notice involves 
collections of information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act, 
which have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget under 
OMB Control Numbers 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 0348-0040 and 0348-0046.
(12) Executive Order 12866
    It was determined that this notice was not significant under 
Executive Order 12866.
Captain Evelyn J. Fields,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone 
Management.
[FR Doc. 98-22777 Filed 8-24-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-JT-P