[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 6 (Tuesday, January 9, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1644-1649]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-562]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Docket No. 001027302-0319-02]
RIN 0648-ZA-98


Sea Grant Technology Program: Request for Proposals for FY 2001

AGENCY: National Sea Grant College Program, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of request for proposals.

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SUMMARY: The purpose of this notice is to advise the public that the 
National Sea Grant College Program (Sea Grant) is entertaining 
preliminary proposals and subsequently full proposals for a technology 
transfer and development program to fulfill its broad responsibilities 
in fostering economic competitiveness through the transfer of 
technology pertaining to the development and utilization of ocean, 
coastal, and Great Lakes resources. In FY 2001, Sea Grant expects to 
provide about $950,000 to support projects that can accelerate the 
transfer of academic science and technology to the market. It is 
desirable that proposals, which must be submitted through state Sea 
Grant Programs, involve industrial partners. Matching funds equal to a 
minimum of 50% of the federal request must be provided. Successful 
projects will be selected through national competition.

DATES: Preliminary proposals must be submitted before 5 pm (local time) 
on February 15, 2001 to a state Sea Grant College Program. Preliminary 
proposals from non Sea Grant states, if submitted directly to the 
National Sea Grant Office, must be received by 5 pm (local time) on 
February 15, 2001. After evaluation at the National Sea Grant Office, 
some proposers will be encouraged to prepare full proposals, which must 
be submitted before 5 pm (local time) on April 24, 2001 to a state Sea 
Grant College Program or to the National Sea Grant Office. (See 
ADDRESSES for where to submit preliminary and full proposals.)

ADDRESSES: Preliminary proposals and full proposals originating in Sea 
Grant states must be submitted through the state Sea Grant Program. 
Preliminary proposals and full proposals originating elsewhere may be 
submitted either through the nearest Sea Grant Program or directly to 
the Program Manager at the National Sea Grant Office. The addresses of 
the Sea Grant College Program directors may be found on Sea Grant's 
home page (http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/NSGO/index.html) or may also be 
obtained by contacting the Program Manager at he National Sea Grant 
Office (see below).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Vijay G. Panchang, Program 
Manager, National Sea Grant College Program, 
R/SG, NOAA, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Tel. (301) 
713-2435 ext. 142; e-mail: [email protected].

[[Page 1645]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Progam Authority

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1121-1131.

    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 11.417, Sea Grant 
Support.

II. Program Description

Background

    The ocean environment has traditionally provided an abundance of 
economic opportunities over a wide spectrum of activities. As a result 
of growing population pressures, the demands to maintain a sustainable 
and healthy environment, and ongoing scientific advancements, the 
economic potential afforded by the marine environment may be expected 
to increase. On the other hand, globalization has put unprecedented 
demands on US industry for innovation and the development of new 
technologies. Economic competitiveness can be fostered by creating 
opportunities for collaboration between industrial and academic 
scientists and engineers, as well as by supporting post-fundamental 
work to accelerate the conversion of academic research into products 
with commercial value.
    The ``National Sea Grant College Program Reauthorization Act of 
1997'' (33 U.S.C. 1121-1131) calls upon the National Sea Grant College 
Program (Sea Grant) to foster economic competitiveness, invest in 
technology transfer, and create partnerships between the Federal 
Government and universities, private industry, and other agencies in 
the development and utilization of marine resources. To meet these 
objectives, Sea Grant's technology program is meant to serve as a 
catalyst for scientific entrepreneurship and technology transfer and 
thereby enhance commerce. With at least one-third of the total cost 
provided as required matching funds by the grantee, Sea Grants expects 
to provide federal support of approximately $950,000 to support new 
projects in 2001. Projects selected for funding will be limited to 18 
months duration and $150,000 of federal contributions.

Program Goals

    To conduct focused projects that can lead to the development of 
marine and Great Lakes related technological innovations and their 
acceptance in the marketplace (both in the US and abroad); to increase 
interactions between the nation's academic scientists and engineers and 
their industrial counterparts; to stimulate Sea Grant's research and 
development activities in the physical sciences and engineering; to 
accelerate the transfer of research-based marine science from 
universities to new technologies in industry; to provide a mechanism 
for industry to influence Sea Grant research priorities and solve 
problems of importance to industry; and to forge long-term 
relationships between Sea Grant colleges and industrial firms.

Funding Priorities

    The Sea Grant technology program provides support for applied 
research and development projects that ultimately facilitate the 
transfer of new products and processes that pertain to the development 
of marine technologies, including cost reductions for processes and 
product safety. In a true partnership that benefits national or 
regional economies, industrial cooperation in academic research and 
development efforts could be expected and such cooperation should be 
sought. University faculty are the major source for identifying 
potential industrial collaborators and suitable research topics. 
However, other sources can be used to identify potential industrial 
partners or user groups, such as the Sea Grant Marine Extension 
Program, university industrial relations offices, and the Sea Grant 
Review Panel. Sea Grant directors are encouraged to use a variety of 
sources in building successful partnerships with industry or other user 
groups.
    Several types of projects will be considered under this 
announcement. These include, for example, the following:
    (1) Additional developmental work that can accelerate the 
transition of academic research to maketplace acceptance or practice. 
For example, pilot-scale testing of technologies developed in academia 
may be necessary to establish economic feasibility. A private sector 
partner may or may not be identified. (If the work has imminent 
commercial implications and an industrial partner is involved, the 
partner is encouraged to provide matching funds.)
    (2) A project which does not lead to a commercializable product per 
se, but is of mutual benefit to industry and academia. For example, if 
an industry sector anticipates future trends either due to market 
forces or government regulations, it may wish to prepare for them by 
developing technologies with help from academia. If there is actual 
transfer of technologies to industry, then participation by an 
industrial partner may be appropriate.
    (3) Technology transfer or demonstration projects and workshops/
forums given by academic researchers and mainly targeted to industry, 
involving registration or other fees paid by industry which can 
constitute industrial match.
    (4) Technology transfer to user groups in government or other 
agencies that enhances cost-effectiveness of operations.

(Proposals that will be considered under this announcement are not 
limited to the above types of projects, which are given by way of 
example only.)

    This announcement is intended to stimulate Sea Grant developments 
in the physical sciences and engineering. (See the Long Range Plan on 
Sea Grant's home page or that of the nearest Sea Grant College 
Program). Examples of possible project areas include:
    1. Improved ocean observation technology and data management 
systems pertaining to a ``digital ocean'', including predictive models 
of coastal/shoreline/basin ocean/lake circulation and sensors for 
currents/tides, marine contamination and water quality, storms/winds/
waves, and other natural chemical/physical properties.
    2. Marine weather prediction techniques for users in coastal 
regions.
    3. Determining the extent and implications of shoreline erosion and 
developing new solutions (including social science approaches).
    4. Sea level issues such as rise/fall, hazard analysis, etc.
    5. Harbor/channel problems such as management for commercial, 
public, and private/recreational uses as well as engineering design and 
operations (e.g. improved techniques for dredging and spoil analysis/
distribution, ``intelligent'' waterways and enhanced navigability, 
etc).
    6. Improved wastewater treatment technologies to reduce coastal 
contamination.
    7. Vessel design.
    8. Life raft/lifesaving/rescue communications devices.
    9. Material science in relation to the marine environment for 
structures, vessels, antifouling products, etc.
    10. Programmable online robotic submersibles for marine 
observations.
    11. Improvements in land use practice, watershed management, smart 
growth, risk analysis, etc.
    The above list is not intended to be restrictive and projects 
covering other topics in the physical sciences and engineering are 
welcome. A match equal

[[Page 1646]]

to at least one-half of the federal contribution is required for all 
proposals.

III. Eligibility

    Proposals may be submitted by individuals, public or private 
corporations, partnerships, or other associations or entities 
(including institutions of higher education, institutes, or non-Federal 
laboratories), or any State, political subdivision of a State, or 
agency or officer thereof.

IV Evaluation Criteria

    The evaluation criteria for proposals submitted for support under 
the Sea Grant Technology Program are:
    A. Importance of the problem and the benefits expected to the 
nation due to the advancement of technology (30%).
    B. Appropriateness of methodologies to be used (30%).
    C. Potential for technology transfer to user groups such as 
industry and/or for enhanced economic value. Participation (especially 
matching contributions) by an industrial partner or other user groups 
will be viewed favorably (30%).
    D. Qualifications of project participants (10%).

V. Selection Procedures

    Preliminary proposals will be reviewed at the National Sea Grants 
Office (NSGO) by a panel composed of individuals from the federal 
government with expertise in industry/academic interactions and/or 
academia and industry.
    The panel will be asked to assess each preliminary proposal based 
on the importance of the technology to the nation, the potential for 
technology transfer to user groups and/or enhanced economic value, and 
the qualifications of project participants from the viewpoint of the 
project. The panel will make individual recommendations to the Director 
of the NSGO regarding which preliminary proposals may be suitable for 
further consideration. On the basis of the panel's recommendations, the 
Director of the NSGO will advise proposers whether or not the 
submission of full proposals is encouraged. Invitation to submit a full 
proposal does not constitute an indication that the proposal will be 
funded. Interested parties who are not invited to submit full proposals 
will not be precluded from submitting full proposals if they have 
submitted a preliminary proposal in accordance with the procedures 
described below.
    Individual state Sea Grant Programs receiving proposals will 
conduct the mail peer review of the proposed projects in accordance 
with the Evaluation Criteria listed above. Complete proposals and 
copies of the mail reviews will then be sent by the state Sea Grant 
programs to the National Sea Grant Office. The National Sea Grant 
Office will conduct mail reviews for proposals submitted directly to it 
by institutions not in Sea Grant states. The proposals will be ranked 
in accordance with the assigned weights of the above evaluation 
criteria by an independent peer review panel consisting of government, 
academic, and industry experts. These panel members will provide 
individual evaluations on each proposal; thus there will be no 
consensus advice.
    Their recommendations and evaluations will be considered by the 
National Sea Grant Office in the final selection. Only those proposals 
awarded a minimum score of 50% by the panel will be eligible for 
funding. For those proposals, the National Sea Grant Office will: (a) 
Ascertain which proposals best meet the program goals (stated in 
Section II), and do not substantially duplicate other projects that are 
currently funded or are approved for funding by NOAA and other federal 
agencies, hence, awards may not necessarily be made to the highest-
scored proposals; (b) select the proposals to be funded; (c) determine 
which components of the selected projects will be funded; (d) determine 
the total duration of funding for each proposal; and (e) determine the 
amount of funds available for each proposal.
    Investigators may be asked to modify objectives, work plans, or 
budgets prior to final approval of the award. Subsequent grant 
administration procedures will be in accordance with current NOAA 
grants procedures. A summary statement of the scientific review by the 
peer panel will be provided to each applicant.

VI. Instructions for Application

Timetable

    February 15, 2001, 5 pm (local time)--Preliminary proposals due at 
state Sea Grant Program, or at NSGO if application is being submitted 
by a non Sea Grant College Program.
    February 20, 2001, 5 pm (local time)--Preliminary proposals 
received at state Sea Grant Programs due at NSGO.
    April 24, 2001, 5 pm (local time)--Full proposals due at state Sea 
Grant Program, or at NSGO if application is being submitted by a non 
Sea Grant College Program.
    May 1, 2001, 5 pm (local time)--Full proposals received at state 
Sea Grant Programs due at NSGO.
    October 1, 2001 (approximate)--Funds awarded to selected 
recipients; projects begin.

General Guidelines

    Interested parties must submit applications (preliminary proposals, 
and if invited, a full proposals) as follows. Applications originating 
in one of the 29 Sea Grant states must be submitted to the state's Sea 
Grant College Program, who will submit the final grant application to 
the National Sea Grant Office. Applications originating in a state with 
no Sea Grant College Program may be submitted to the nearest state Sea 
Grant College Program will then submit the final grant application to 
the National Sea Grant Office, or the application may be submitted 
directly to the National Sea Grant Office. Applications may be made for 
a grant to support up to two-thirds of the total budget. The project 
can be for a maximum of 18 months duration. No more than $150,000 of 
federal funds may be requested for the project. Allocation of matching 
funds, equal to at least half the federal request, must be specified in 
the budget.

What to Submit

Preliminary Proposal Guidelines

    To prevent the expenditures of effort that may not be successful, 
proposers must first submit preliminary proposals. Preliminary 
proposals must be single- or double-spaced, typewritten in at least at 
10-point font, and printed on metric A4 (210 mm x 297 mm) or 8\1/2\" x 
11" paper. The following information should be included:
    (1) Signed Title Page: The title page should be signed by the 
Principal Investigator and should clearly identify the program area 
being addressed by starting the project title with ``Sea Grant 
Technology Program.'' Principal Investigators and collaborators should 
be identified by affiliation and contact information. The total amount 
of Federal funds and matching funds being requested should be listed, 
as well as the source fo the matching funds. Preliminary proposals must 
include matching funds equivalent to at least 50% of the Federal funds 
requested.
    (2) A concise (2-page limit) description of the project that 
addresses the following questions: What technology will be developed? 
How is it important to the nation? What fundamental work has been done 
that allows advancement of this technology to a more applied level? 
What are the anticipated economic benefits? Proposers should consult 
the Evaluation

[[Page 1647]]

Criteria for additional guidance in preparing the preliminary 
proposals.
    (3) Resumes (1-page limit) of the Principal Investigators.
    (4) Proposers are encouraged (but not required) to include a 
separate page suggesting reviewers that the proposers believe are 
especially well-qualified to review the proposal. Proposers may also 
designate persons they would prefer not review the proposal, indicating 
why. These suggestions will be considered during the review process.
    Three copies of the preliminary proposals must be submitted to the 
nearest state Sea Grant Program Director or to the NSGO Program Manger 
(as explained in ``General Guidelines'') before 5 pm (local time) on 
February 15, 2001. Preliminary proposals received at the state Sea 
Grant Program offices must be forwarded by the Sea Grant Programs, 
along with a cover letter, to Dr. Vijay Panchang, Program Manger, at 
the address below so as to reach the National Sea Grant Office (NSGO) 
on or before 5 pm on February 20, 2001. No institutional signatures or 
federal government forms are needed while submitting preliminary 
proposals.

Full Proposal Guidelines

    All pages should be single- or double-spaced, typewritten in at 
least a 10-point font, and printed on metric A4 (210 mm x 297 mm) or 
8\1/2\" x 11" paper. Each full proposal should include the items listed 
below. Brevity will assist reviewers and program staff in dealing 
effectively with proposals. Therefore, the Project Description may not 
exceed 15 pages. Tables and visual materials, including charts, graphs, 
maps, photographs and other pictorial presentations are included in the 
15-page limitation; literature citations are not included in the 15-
page limitation. Conformance to the 15-page limitation will be strictly 
enforced. All information needed for review of the proposal should be 
included in the main text; no appendices are permitted.
    (1) Signed Title Page: The title page should be signed by the 
Principal Investigator and the institutional representative and should 
clearly identify the program area being addressed by starting the 
project title with ``Sea Grant Technology Program.'' The Principal 
Investigator and institutional representative should be identified by 
full name, title, organization, telephone number and address. The total 
amount of Federal funds and matching funds being requested should be 
listed.
    (2) Project Summary: This information is very important. Prior to 
attending the peer review panel meetings, some of the panelists may 
read only the project summary. Therefore, it is critical that the 
project summary accurately describe the research being proposed and 
convey all essential elements of the research. The project summary 
should include: 1. Title: Use the exact title as it appears in the rest 
of the application. 2. Investigators: List the names and affiliations 
of each investigator who will significantly contribute to the project. 
Start with the Principal Investigator. 3. Funding request for each year 
of the project, including matching funds if appropriate. 4. Project 
Period: Start and completion dates. Proposals should request a start 
date of October 1, 2001. 5. Project Summary: This should include the 
rationale for the project, the scientific or technical objectives and/
or hypotheses to be tested, and a brief summary of work to be 
completed.
    (3) Project Description (15-page limit):
    (a) Introduction/Background/Justification: Subjects that the 
investigator(s) may wish to include in this section are: (i) Previous 
fundamental research and a description of what additional work is 
needed to enhance the economic value of this fundamental work; (ii) 
contributions that the study will make to the particular discipline or 
subject area; and (iii) significance of the proposed technology to the 
region and nation.
    (b) Research or Technical Plan: (i) Objectives to be achieved, 
hypotheses to be tested; (ii) Experimental design and statistical 
analysis to be used; (iii) Plan of work, detailed methodology, 
collaboration with industry or other user groups (if appropriate), and 
a timetable for project activities; and (iv) Role of project personnel.
    (c) Output/Anticipated Economic Benefits: This may be measured, for 
example, by patents or licenses; commercializable new products (e.g. 
products used in or obtained from marine engineering operations, 
computer models for simulation of marine processes, etc.); process 
improvements (e.g. harbor design or dredging procedures, biochemical 
engineering, etc.); corporate investments in academic research efforts; 
private sector job opportunities for students involved in the project.
    (d) Coordination with other Program Elements: Describe any 
coordination with other agency programs or ongoing research efforts. 
Describe any other proposals that are essential to the success of this 
proposal.
    (e) References and Literature Citations: Should be included but 
will not be counted in the 15 page project description limit.
    (4) Budget and Budget Justification: There should be one cumulative 
budget for the entire project period. Applicants are encouraged to use 
the Sea Grant Budget Form 90-4, but may use their own form as long as 
it provides the same information as the Sea Grant form. Subcontracts 
should have a separate budget page. Matching funds must be indicated; 
failure to provide adequate matching funds will result in the proposal 
being rejected without review. The budget should include a separate 
budget justification page that itemizes all budget items in sufficient 
detail to enable reviewers to evaluate the appropriateness of the 
funding requested. Please pay special attention to any travel, supply 
or equipment budgets and provide details. Regardless of any approved 
indirect cost rate applicable to the award, the maximum dollar amount 
of allocable indirect costs for which the Department of Commerce will 
reimburse the Recipient shall be the lesser of: (a) The Federal share 
of the total allocable indirect costs of the award based on the 
negotiated rate with the cognizant Federal agency as established by 
audit or negotiation; or (b) The line item amount for the Federal share 
of indirect costs contained in the approved budget of the award.
    (5) Current and Pending Support: Applicants must provide 
information on all current and pending Federal support for ongoing 
projects and proposals, including subsequent funding in the case of 
continuing grants. The proposed project and all other projects or 
activities using Federal assistance and requiring a portion of time of 
the principal investigator or other senior personnel should be 
included. The relationship between the proposed project and these other 
projects should be described, and the number of person-months per year 
to be devoted to the projects must be stated.
    (6) Vitae (2 pages maximum per investigator).
    (7) Letter of commitment from any industrial partner, if 
appropriate.
    (8) A brief (one-page) description of the collaborating industrial 
firm, if appropriate.
    (9) Standard Application Forms: Applicants may obtain all required 
application forms through the World wide Web at http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/NSGO/research/rfp/index.html, from the state Sea Grant Programs or from 
Dr. Vijay Panchang at the National Sea Grant Office (phone: 301-713-
2435 x142 or e-mail: [email protected]). The following forms must 
be included:
    (a) Standard Forms 424, Applications for Federal Assistance, 424A, 
Budget

[[Page 1648]]

Information--Non-Construction Programs; and 424B, Assurances--Non-
Construction Programs, (Rev 4-88). Applications should clearly identify 
the program area being addressed by starting the project title with 
either as appropriate. Please note that both the Principal Investigator 
and an administrative contact should be identified in Section 5 of the 
SF424. For section 10, applicants should enter ``11.417'' for the CFDA 
Number and ``Sea Grant Support'' for the title. The form must contain 
the original signature of an authorized representative of the applying 
institution.
    (b) 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. Grantees (as defined at 15 CFR part 26, 
section 605) are subject to 15 CFR part 26, subpart f, ``Government 
wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)'' and the related 
section of the certification form prescribed above applies;
    (iii) Anti-Lobbying. Persons (as defined at 15 CFR part 28, section 
105) are subject to the lobbying provisions of 31 U.S.C. 1352, 
``Limitation 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; 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.
    (c) Lower Tier Certifications. Recipients 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 recipients and should not be transmitted to the Department of 
Commerce (DOC). SF-LLL submitted by any tier recipient or subrecipient 
should be submitted to DOC in accordance with the instructions 
contained in the award documents.

VII. How to Submit

    Preliminary proposals and proposals must be submitted to the state 
Sea Grant Programs or to the NSGO according to the schedule outlined 
above (See ADDRESSES and ``Timetable''). Although investigators are not 
required to submit more than 3 copies of either preproposals or full 
proposals, the normal review process requires 10 copies. Investigators 
are encouraged to submit sufficient copies for the full review process 
if they wish all reviewers to receive color, unusually sized (not 8.5 x 
11"), or otherwise unusual materials submitted as part of the proposal. 
Only three copies of the Federally required forms are needed. The 
addresses of the Sea Grant College Program directors may be found on 
Sea Grant's World Wide Web home page (http://www.mdsg.umb.edu/NSGO/index.html) or may also be obtained by contacting the Program Manager, 
Dr. Vijay Panchang, at the National Sea Grant Office (phone: 301-713-
2435 x142 or e-mail: vijay.panchang@
noaa.gov). Preproposals and proposals sent to the National Sea Grant 
Office should be addressed to: National Sea Grant Office, R/SG, Attn: 
Sea Grant Technology Program Coordinator, NOAA, Room 11828, 1315 East-
West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (phone 301-713-2435 for express 
mail applications).
    Applications received after the deadline and applications that 
deviate from the format described above will be returned to the sender 
without review. Facsimile transmissions and electronic mail submission 
of applications will not be accepted.

VIII. Other Requirements

    (A) Federal Policies and Procedures--Recipients and subrecipients 
are subject to all Federal laws and Federal and Department of Commerce 
(DOC) policies, regulations, and procedures applicable to Federal 
financial assistance awards.
    (B) Past Performance--Unsatisfactory performance under prior 
Federal awards may result in an application not being considered for 
funding.
    (C) 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.
    (D) 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 that award. Renewal of an award to increase 
funding or extend the period of performance is at the total discretion 
of DOC.
    (E) Delinquent Federal Debts--No award of Federal funds shall be 
made to an applicant who has an outstanding delinquent Federal debt 
until either:
    (1) The delinquent account is paid in full,
    (2) A negotiated repayment schedule is established and at least one 
payment is received, or
    (3) Other arrangements satisfactory to DOC are made.
    (F) Name Check Review--All non-profit and for-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.
    (G) 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.
    (H) Intergovernmental Review--Applications for support from the 
National Sea Grant College Program are not subject to Executive Order 
12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''
    (I) Purchase of American-Made Equipment and Products--Applicants 
are hereby notified that they will be encouraged to the greatest extend 
practicable, to purchase American-made equipment and products with 
funding provided under the program.

Classification

    Prior notice and an opportunity for public comments are not 
required by the Administrative Procedure Act or any other law for this 
notice concerning grants, benefits, and contracts. Therefore, a 
regulatory flexibility analysis is not required for purposes of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    This action has been determined to be not significant for purposes 
of E.O. 12866.

[[Page 1649]]

    This notice contains collection-of-information requirements subject 
to the Paperwork Reduction Act. The Sea Grant Project Summary Form and 
the Sea Grant Budget Form have been approved under Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB) Control Number 0648-0362, with estimated times per 
response of 20 and 15 minutes respectively. The use of Standard Forms 
424, 424A, 424B, and SF-LLL have been approved by OMB under the 
respective control numbers 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 0348-0040, and 0348-
0046. The response time estimates above include the time for reviewing 
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. Send comments on these estimates or any 
other aspect of these collections to National Sea Grant Office/NOAA, 
1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 and to the Office of 
Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 
Washington, DC 20503 (Attention: NOAA Desk Officer).
    Notwithstanding any other provision of the 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 Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of 
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number.

    Dated: January 4, 2001.
David L. Evans,
Assistant Administrator, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
[FR Doc. 01-562 Filed 1-8-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-KA-M