[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 4 (Tuesday, January 7, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 742-747]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-224]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Docket No.: 991215340-2318-02]


Collaborative Science, Technology, and Applied Research (CSTAR) 
Program

AGENCY: National Weather Service (NWS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC).

ACTION: Notice and request for proposals.

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SUMMARY: The CSTAR Program represents an NOAA/NWS effort to create a 
cost-effective continuum of basic and applied research to operations 
through collaborative research between operational forecasters and 
academic institutions which have expertise in the environmental 
sciences. These activities will engage researchers and students in 
applied research of interest to the operational meteorological 
community and improve the accuracy of forecasts and warnings of 
environmental hazards by applying scientific knowledge and information 
to NWS products and services. The NOAA CSTAR Program is a contributing 
element of the U.S. Weather Research Program. NOAA's program is 
designed to complement other agency contributions to that national 
effort.

DATES: Proposals must be received by the NWS no later than close of 
business February 21, 2003. We anticipate review of full proposals will 
occur during March 2003, and funding should begin during early summer 
2003 for most approved projects. June 1, 2003, should be used as the 
proposed start date on proposals, unless otherwise directed by the 
Program Officer. Applicants should be notified of their status within 3 
months of the closing date. All proposals must be submitted in 
accordance with the guidelines below. Failure to follow these 
guidelines will result in proposals being returned to the submitter.

ADDRESSES: Proposals must be submitted to NOAA/NWS; 1325 East-West 
Highway, Room 15330; Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-3283.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sam Contorno (see ADDRESSES), or by 
phone at 301-713-3557 ext. 150, or fax to 301-713-1253, or via internet 
at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Authority: 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 for Federal Domestic Assistance

    This program is designated under Catalog for Federal Assistance 
number 11.468, Applied Meteorological Research.

Funding Availability

    NOAA/NWS believes its warning and forecast mission will benefit 
significantly from a strong partnership with outside investigators. 
Current program plans assume the total resources provided through this 
announcement will support extramural efforts through the broad academic 
community. Because of Federal budget uncertainties, it has not been 
determined how much money will be available through this announcement. 
Proposals should be prepared assuming an annual budget of no more than 
$125,000. It is expected that approximately four awards will be made, 
depending on availability of funds. This program announcement is for 
projects to be conducted by university investigators for a 1-year, 2-
year, or 3-year period. When a proposal for a multi-year award is 
approved, funding will initially be provided for only the first year of 
the program. If an application is selected for initial funding, the NWS 
has no obligation to provide additional funding in connection with that 
award in subsequent years. Funding for each subsequent year of a multi-
year proposal is at the discretion of the NWS. It will be contingent 
upon satisfactory progress in relation to the stated goals of the 
proposal to address specific science needs and priorities of the NWS 
and the availability of funds. Applications must include a scope of 
work and a budget for the entire award period. Each funding period must 
be discrete and clearly distinguished from any other funding period.
    The funding instrument for extramural awards will be a cooperative 
agreement since one or more NOAA/NWS components--forecast offices, 
National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) service centers, 
or regional headquarters--will be substantially involved in 
implementation of the project. Examples of substantial involvement may 
include, but are not limited to, proposals for collaboration between 
NOAA scientists and a recipient scientist and/or contemplation by NOAA 
of detailing Federal personnel to work on proposed projects. Funding 
for non-U.S. institutions and contractual arrangements for services and 
products for delivery to NOAA are not available under this 
announcement. A matching share is not required by this program.

Program Objectives

    The long term objective of the CSTAR Program is to improve the 
overall forecast and warning capabilities of the operational 
hydrometeorological community by addressing the following national 
science priorities through collaborative efforts between the NWS and 
academic institutions: Quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) and 
forecasting (QPF), including precipitation type and probabilistic QPF; 
Flash flood and probabilistic river prediction; Prediction of seasonal-
to-interannual and decadal climate variability, and the impacts of 
these

[[Page 743]]

variabilities on extreme weather events; Prediction of tropical 
cyclones near landfall, including track, intensity, and associated 
precipitation, and hazardous weather; Prediction of marine conditions, 
including fog, winds, coastal ocean, and open-ocean waves; The effect 
of topography and other surface forcing on local weather regimes; 
Locally hazardous weather, especially severe convection, winter 
weather, and phenomena that affect aviation; and Conditions conducive 
for the rapid development of wildfires and the dispersion of smoke and 
other air-quality hazards.
    Individual NWS Regions and NCEP service centers have a subset of 
these science priorities due to differences in factors such as 
topography, weather regimes, and mission.

Program Priorities

    NOAA will give sole attention to individual proposals addressing 
the identified science priorities from NWS Regions and NCEP service 
centers as listed below. Proposals must clearly specify which primary 
science priorities are being addressed.
    Since a goal of this call for proposals is to foster long-term 
collaborative interactions between a university and NWS operational 
offices/NCEP service centers, a proposal must be submitted by at least 
two principal investigators (PIs) from the same college or university. 
Proposals submitted jointly by two or more separate colleges or 
universities are not allowed. At least two of the PIs within this 
program must be full, assistant, or associate college or university 
professors with substantial documented involvement in the proposal. 
Proposals should clearly state the role of each PI in the project.
    Except for researchers who are associate, assistant, or full 
professors at the Naval Postgraduate School or other federally funded 
educational institutions, Federal Government employees are not allowed 
to be listed as PIs, although collaboration between the academic 
community and NOAA within the project is strongly encouraged.
    A proposal must contain at least two distinct subtasks addressing 
one or more of the science priorities listed by a NWS Region or NCEP 
service center. PIs must clearly address the science and technology 
transfer process contained within the proposal. This includes their 
interactions with operational NWS units, including weather offices, 
River Forecast Centers, NCEP service centers, and regional offices, 
with the specific goal of improving operational services.
    The names, affiliations, and phone numbers of relevant NWS 
regional/NCEP focal points are provided. Prospective applicants should 
communicate with these focal points for information on priorities 
within regional science priorities. Focal points cannot assist in the 
conceptual design and specific elements to be included in a proposal. 
Applicants should send completed proposals to the NOAA/NWS program 
office identified earlier rather than to individual focal points.

NWS Eastern Region Science Priorities

    NWS Eastern Region has identified the following science priorities 
to be addressed by proposals:
    The roles of unique geomorphic influences on weather problems such 
as the type, amount, and intensity of precipitation associated with the 
complex terrain of the Appalachian Mountains, Atlantic Seaboard, and 
the Great Lakes. The interaction of these terrain features with large 
scale weather systems such as winter storms, hurricanes, and closed 
lows.
    The development of more accurate, region-specific conceptual models 
for tornado, hail, high wind (both convective and synoptic), flash 
flood, and localized heavy snow events. Detailed investigation of the 
roles of mesoscale phenomenon such as gravity waves, thermal and 
moisture boundaries, and localized instabilities during these events. 
Improved understanding of low-topped severe convection and associated 
tornado development.
    Cloud physics and associated microphysical processes and their role 
in determining precipitation type and snowfall efficiency.
    The relationship of land-falling tropical storms and hurricanes to 
severe weather and heavy precipitation resulting in flooding and flash 
flooding.
    The processes of snow melt and river ice formation and break-up and 
their roles in widespread river flooding. The development of high 
resolution surface analysis systems and the application of these 
analyses to verification of gridded hydrometeorological forecasts.
    The development of improved methodologies for forecasting the onset 
and dissipation of fog and low ceilings for different geographical 
locations across the eastern United States.
    The processes that lead to high winds, waves, and flooding near the 
Atlantic Coast, Chesapeake Bay, and Great Lakes. Innovative approaches 
to formulate, produce, display and deliver high-resolution forecasts 
and products, an evolving priority of the user community throughout the 
heavily populated eastern United States. Develop innovative 
methodologies to communicate forecast uncertainties to a wide variety 
of users.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth Johnson, NOAA/NWS/Eastern 
Region Scientific Services Division, 631-244-0136, or on the Internet 
at [email protected].

NWS Southern Region Science Priorities

    The NWS Southern Region science priorities to be addressed by 
proposals are as follows:
    Development of improved techniques for the prediction of freezing 
and frozen precipitation events in the NWS Southern Region, including 
timing, areal extent, intensity and amount.
    Development of diurnal lightning and cloud climatologies stratified 
by weather regime to better predict the onset, spatial coverage, and 
duration of precipitation, especially under weak synoptic forcing.
    Development of improved techniques to forecast and monitor heavy-
rain events.
    Development of relationships between land falling tropical cyclones 
and associated severe weather, including heavy precipitation, flooding 
and flash flooding, throughout the southern United States.
    Development of improved techniques to observe and forecast winds 
and waves in the coastal environment. Improved understanding of the 
influences of the complex terrain of the southern Appalachians, the 
Texas Hill Country, the Mexican Plateau, and the Gulf Coast on weather 
problems such as type, amount, duration and intensity of precipitation 
and resultant flash flooding.
    Development of optimal strategies for using mesoscale models to 
accurately predict the effects of topography and other surface forcing 
on local weather. Improved methodologies to better predict the 
development and duration of stratus, fog and other conditions which 
result in instrument flight rule (IFR) flying conditions in the NWS 
Southern Region.
    Development of methodologies for use of Doppler weather radar (WSR-
88D) and multi-sensor technology to detect/identify storm features 
leading to, and/or associated with, the development of weak (F0 and F1) 
tornadoes and waterspouts which are characteristic of tropical and 
semi-tropical environments.
    Development of methodologies for the use of Doppler weather radar 
and other multi-sensor technology to detect precursor conditions and 
enhance forecast capabilities for improved

[[Page 744]]

warnings associated with microburst producing thunderstorms.
    Development of optimal WSR-88D scan strategies and adaptable 
parameter settings for accurately estimating heavy precipitation 
amounts.
    Development of techniques to improve hydrologic modeling and 
prediction for Southern U.S. rivers and streams, including calibration 
of models, improved distributive modeling techniques, and improved soil 
moisture accounting. Development of methodologies to better predict the 
type, duration, and severity of arctic outbreaks that result in 
damaging freezes affecting the NWS Southern Region.
    Development of improved methods for utilizing data analysis, 
manipulation and communication technology (Internet, Web sites, 
Geographic Information Systems, etc.) for preparing and disseminating 
high resolution hydrological and meteorological forecasts and products 
which best serve the changing needs of varied users.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Smith, NOAA/NWS/Southern Region 
Scientific Services Division, 817-978-2671, or on the Internet at 
[email protected].

NWS Central Region Science Priorities

    The NWS Central Region science priorities to be addressed by 
proposals are as follows:
    Improve hazardous weather warnings for different geographical 
locations in Central Region, including the Central Plains, Northern 
Plains, Ozark Plateau, mid and upper Mississippi Valley, lower Ohio 
Valley and Great Lakes regions by:
    Developing more accurate, region-specific conceptual models for 
tornado, hail, high wind, heavy precipitation, and elevated nocturnal 
convection events.
    Developing more accurate, region-specific diagnostic strategies/
methodologies to interrogate remotely sensed data (radar, satellite, 
etc.) and numerical weather guidance with emphasis on weaker and 
shorter lived severe thunderstorm and tornado events.
    Improve Central Region winter weather precipitation forecasts by:
    Developing a climatology of winter precipitation events including, 
but not limited to, heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain stratified by 
Central Region County Warning Forecast Areas and relating it to public 
products and services. Linking cloud physics and associated micro-
physical processes, precipitation efficiency, water vapor distribution, 
and transport of winter stratiform and/or convective clouds to improved 
methodologies for estimating or forecasting winter precipitation 
amounts.
    Improve the accuracy (probability of detection) and average 
forecast lead time for winter storm warnings by better understanding 
the development, intensification, and sudden acceleration northeastward 
of strong mid-west storm systems following Rocky Mountain lee-side 
cyclogenesis.
    Improve aviation forecast products and services by:
    Developing a climatology of ceiling, visibility, and low-level wind 
shear for Central Region county warning forecast areas.
    Developing better methodologies to forecast the onset and 
dissipation of fog and low ceilings for different geographical 
locations in the Central Region.
    Improve the utility and utilization of numerical guidance in the 
forecast process by developing more efficient and effective 
methodologies to display, review, and interrogate numerical model 
output in an operational environment.
    Improve the quality of weather services to the public through the 
development of new and innovative forecast methodologies and products.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter Browning, NOAA/NWS/Central 
Region Scientific Services Division, 816-891-7734 ext. 300, or on the 
Internet at [email protected].

NWS Western Region Science Priorities

    The NWS Western Region science needs to be addressed by proposals 
are as follows:
    Improve operational precipitation and hydrological forecasts in 
complex terrain across a wide range of western U.S. meteorological 
regimes. In the West, water is a critical and closely managed resource.
    Improve wintertime forecasts of snow in complex terrain.
    Improve acquisition and use of non-NWS observational networks, such 
as mesonets.
    Improve analysis through better assimilation systems that produce 
more realistic analysis in complex terrain.
    Improve numerical model performance in western complex terrain.
    Research, develop and help implement statistical methods to 
objectively produce bias-corrected model grids (e.g. from grids, not 
just points) to improve gridded forecasts.
    Research, develop and help implement methods to objectively 
downscale forecast and ensemble grids to the resolution necessary (2-
5km) to help improve IFPS forecasts and forecast methodology.
    Improve hydrological modeling, through use of emerging techniques, 
such as distributed hydrologic modeling, of rain/snow melt processes in 
complex terrain.
    Develop conceptual models that better describe the effect of 
complex terrain on weather forecasts.
    Improve precipitation and flash flooding forecasts produced from 
high based convection with a deep dry sub cloud layer in the arid 
inter-mountain region.
    Improve forecast of significant precipitation events that produce 
flooding and affect marine forecasts along the west coast.
    Improve forecast of the onset of the monsoon season and flash 
flooding in the desert Southwest.
    Improve snow and wind forecast associated with arctic front 
intrusion into complex terrain in the northern plains.
    Improve fire-weather forecasts and smoke dispersion in the western 
United States.
    Improve forecasters ability to produce forecasts of temperature, 
humidity, and winds in complex terrain.
    Improve forecast and warnings of severe weather unique to the 
western United States through the better use of observational systems 
and conceptual models.
    Improve the performance of coastal and mountain-top WSR-88D radars 
on a variety of NWS Western Region weather regimes, such as high based 
inter-mountain convection and low topped storms along the west coast.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andy Edman, NOAA/NWS/Western Region 
Scientific Services Division, 801-524-5131, or on the Internet at 
[email protected].

NWS Alaska Region Science Priorities

    The science priorities of the NWS Alaska Region to be addressed by 
proposals are as follows (in order of importance):
    Determine the geomorphic influences on type, amount, duration, and 
intensity of snow associated with complex terrain to improve forecasts 
for the Anchorage, Alaska, area, where over 50 percent of the state 
population resides.
    Develop better methodologies to forecast winds over the marine 
inland waters of southeast Alaska. Methodologies can include numerical 
forecasts from mesoscale models.
    Improve methodologies to forecast fog in the Alaska coastal 
communities

[[Page 745]]

located along the coast of the Gulf of Alaska.
    Improve the winter season WSR-88D-based rain and snow QPEs. All six 
sites are influenced by complex topography.
    Improve the accuracy (probability of detection) and lead time for 
airborne volcanic ash detection and tracking by better understanding 
source conditions and early developments of the ash cloud. Improvements 
must include remote sensing techniques.
    Innovative approaches to remote sensing that result in the 
formulation and production of high resolution hydrometeorological 
forecasts of river and localized flash flooding produced by synoptic 
and mesoscale weather systems interacting with complex terrain in 
south-central Alaska. Emphasis should be placed on the Kenai River 
watershed.

For Further Information Contact: Gary Hufford, NOAA/NWS/Alaska Region 
Environmental and Scientific Services Division, 907-271-3886, or on the 
Internet at [email protected].

NWS Pacific Region Science Priorities

    The science priorities of the NWS Pacific Region to be addressed in 
proposals are as follows:
    Optimize the utility of new and existing observing systems, with 
emphasis on satellites and their use in providing precipitation 
estimations.
    Develop, optimize, and utilize local high-resolution modeling 
capabilities aimed at providing operational real-time guidance as well 
as a tool for locally conducted research.
    Conduct Pacific Basin synoptic climatological studies, with 
emphasis on flash-flood and high-wind events.

For Further Information Contact: Ken Waters, NOAA/NWS/Pacific Region 
Regional Scientist, 808-532-6413, or on the Internet at 
[email protected].

NWS National Centers for Environmental Prediction Science Priorities

    NCEP service centers have established the following science 
priorities which may be addressed in proposals:

Aviation Weather Center

    Develop numerical and subjective techniques to improve the accuracy 
of convective forecasts in the 2-6 hour time scale.
    Improve the treatment of drizzle-size droplets in clouds that lead 
to aircraft icing through improved parameterization and/or explicit 
micro physics techniques that are both economical and support cloud 
initialization using existing observational data sets, including the 
Automated Surface Observing System, radar, and satellite data.
    Enhance understanding of the triggering mechanisms associated with 
different families of clear-air turbulence events, including gravity 
waves emanating from convective systems, gravity waves induced by jet 
streaks, cross-mountain flow, critical boundary-layer flow regimes, 
etc.
    Improve the observations, data assimilation, and modeling of the 
moisture profile in the boundary layer to better forecast the 
occurrence of fog and low cloud ceilings.

Climate Prediction Center

    Develop dynamically and ensemble-based techniques to improve the 
prediction of weekly, monthly, and seasonal precipitation skill, 
including regional climate prediction systems.
    Improve global and domestic forecasts of seasonal climate 
variability through better understanding and modeling of the coupled 
atmosphere/ocean system and the effect of variations on that coupling 
to ensemble prediction.

Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (HPC)

    Conduct research addressing the broad geographical and seasonal 
ranges of problems associated with QPF, from initiation, duration, 
movement, to precipitation type. This includes the spectrum from 
drizzle to heavy rain and from lake-effect snow to synoptic-scale 
snowfall.
    Develop new model verification techniques to enhance current 
methods of objectively assessing which models will perform best. The 
techniques should apply for all time ranges used by HPC, from less than 
6 hours to 7 days.
    Develop techniques for using output from model ensembles in 
forecast operations to improve the accuracy of both deterministic and 
probabilistic forecasts and to add information concerning uncertainty.
    Develop techniques to modify gridded numerical guidance to produce 
gridded forecast products, which are made horizontally, vertically, and 
temporally consistent using sound meteorological theory.

Marine Prediction Center (MPC)

    Develop a robust marine verification system that utilizes the 
various observations from both in-situ and remote sources. Parameters 
to be verified include, but are not limited to: Wind speed and 
direction; sea-state (height, period, direction); visibility; weather; 
and icing conditions.
    Improve forecasting techniques for warnings and forecasts of 
hazardous marine conditions through the use of additional data sources 
(especially in-situ), as well as improved use of all marine data 
sources in numerical weather prediction and model data assimilation 
techniques.

Storm Prediction Center

    Develop mesoscale or storm-scale numerical prediction models, 
ensemble approaches, and verification techniques to improve forecasts 
of the location, timing, intensity, and mode of deep moist convection.
    Develop three-dimensional mesoscale analysis techniques, observing 
systems, expert systems or statistical guidance, robust conceptual 
models, and scientific understanding to improve forecasts of the 
location, timing, intensity, and mode of deep moist convection.

Tropical Prediction Center (TPC)

    Improve hurricane intensity forecasting using either empirical or 
dynamical forecasting techniques, especially those that combine 
atmospheric/oceanic interactions and which can be incorporated with 
existing TPC intensity guidance.
    Improve forecasts for the size of tropical cyclones. A goal of this 
effort will be the generation of probabilistic guidance by MPC and TPC 
on 34, 50 kt, and 64 kt forecast wind radii for marine and emergency 
management interests.
    Develop an ``all-platform'' surface wind display and analysis over 
marine areas for use by TPC and MPC that would cover the larger scale 
tropical storm environment and that would combine QuikScat, SSM/I, ERS, 
low-level cloud-drift winds, and conventional observations, including 
buoys and ships, etc.


    Note: In all instances, projects are encouraged which not only 
address the priorities of individual NCEP service centers but also 
address aspects of the NCEP/Environmental Modeling Center's goals 
for improving data assimilation and numerical modeling of the 
atmosphere, oceans, and Earth's surface.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ralph Petersen, NOAA/NWS/National 
Centers for Environmental Prediction, 301-763-8000 ext. 7200, or on the 
Internet at [email protected].

Eligibility

    All accredited U.S. colleges and universities, including federally 
funded educational institutions such as the Naval Postgraduate School, 
are eligible for funding under this announcement. The restriction is 
needed because the results of the collaboration are to be incorporated 
in academic processes which ensure academic

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multidisciplinary peer review as well as Federal review of scientific 
validity for use in operations. Funding for non-U.S. institutions is 
not available under this announcement.

Evaluation Criteria

    The evaluation criteria and weighting of the criteria are as 
follows:
    (1) Operational Applicability (30 percent): What is the likelihood 
of the proposed science activities to improve operational 
hydrometeorological services? Are proposed research activities 
transferrable to forecast operations in a reasonable time frame?
    (2) Scientific Merit (25 percent): What is the intrinsic scientific 
value and maturity of the subject and the study proposed as they relate 
to the specific science priorities?
    (3) Technology Transfer and Methodology (25 percent): What is the 
degree of collaboration with multiple operational units throughout the 
project? What is the level of planning by researchers to integrate 
results into operations successfully and efficiently? Were focused 
scientific objectives and strategies, including data management 
considerations, project milestones, and timeliness, used?
    (4) Capability of researchers (10 percent): Do PIs clearly document 
past scientific collaborations with operational meteorologists? Have 
past interactions been successful? Are researchers likely to maintain 
effective and consistent interactions with operational forecasts 
throughout the course of the proposed research program? Have 
researchers demonstrated the ability to conduct successful research?
    (5) Cost Effectiveness (10 percent): Do researchers demonstrate the 
ability to leverage other resources? Is there a high ratio of 
operationally useful results versus proposed costs?

Selection Procedures

    All proposals will be evaluated and individually ranked in 
accordance with the assigned weights of the above evaluation criteria 
by an independent peer panel review. Three to seven NWS experts 
representing NWS Regions and Centers may be used in this process. Their 
recommendations and evaluations will be considered, along with the 
program policy factors discussed below, by the selecting official who 
will select the proposals to be funded and determine the amount of 
funds available for each proposal. Unsatisfactory performance by a 
recipient under prior Federal awards may result in an application not 
being considered for funding. Because the selecting official will take 
into account program policy factors, awards may not necessarily be made 
to the highest scored proposals.

Program Policy Factors

    The selecting official may take into account the need to spread 
awards geographically and among priorities and universities. While a 
university may submit more than one application, the selecting official 
may limit the awards to only one per university. Finally, the amount of 
funds available and whether an application substantially duplicates 
other projects currently approved for funding or funded by NOAA or 
other Federal agencies may be considered by the selecting official.

Proposal Submission

    Proposals must adhere to the five provisions under ``Proposals'' 
and the seven requirements under ``Required Elements'' by the deadline 
of February 21, 2003. Failure to follow these restrictions will result 
in proposals being returned to the submitter without review. In 
addition, applicants should note those provisions under ``Other 
Requirements/Information'' that must be complied with before an award 
can be made.

Proposals

    (1) Proposals submitted to the NOAA NWS CSTAR Program must include 
the original and two unbound copies of the proposal.
    (2) Investigators are not required to submit more than three copies 
of the proposal. Investigators are encouraged to submit sufficient 
proposal 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 an original version 
of the federally required forms and two copies are needed.
    (3) Proposals should be no more than 30 pages (numbered) in length, 
including budget, investigators vitae, and all appendices and should be 
limited to funding requests for 1- to 3-year duration. Appended 
information should be counted within the 30-page total. Federally 
mandated forms are not included within the page count.
    (4) Proposals should be sent to the NWS (see ADDRESSES).
    (5) Facsimile transmissions and electronic mail submission of full 
proposals will not be accepted.

Required Elements

    All proposals should include the following elements:
    (1) Signed title page. The title page should be signed by the PIs 
and the institutional representative and should clearly indicate which 
project area is being addressed. The PIs and institutional 
representative should be identified by full name, title, organization, 
telephone number, and address. The total amount of Federal funds being 
requested should be listed for each budget period.
    (2) Abstract: An abstract must be included and should contain an 
introduction of the problem, rationale, and a brief summary of work to 
be completed. The abstract should appear on a separate page, headed 
with the proposal title, institution's investigators, total proposed 
cost, and budget period.
    (3) Results from prior research. The results of related projects 
supported by NOAA and other agencies should be described, including 
their relation to the currently proposed work. Reference to each prior 
research award should include the title, agency, award number, PIs, 
period of award, and total award. The section should be a brief summary 
and should not exceed two pages total.
    (4) Project description. The proposed project must be completely 
described, including identification of the problem; scientific 
objectives; proposed methodology; relevance to the priorities of the 
NWS Region or NCEP service center; operational applicability; 
scientific merit; proposed technology transfer; past collaborations 
with operational hydrometeorologists; cost effectiveness of research; 
and the program priorities listed above. Benefits of the proposed 
project to the general public and the scientific community should be 
discussed. A year-by-year summary of proposed work must be included. 
The project description, including references but excluding figures and 
other visual materials, must not exceed 15 pages of text. In general, 
proposals from three or more investigators may include a project 
description containing up to 15 pages of overall project description 
plus up to 5 additional pages for individual project descriptions.
    (5) Budget. Applicants must submit a Standard Form 424 
``Application for Federal Assistance,'' including a detailed budget 
using the Standard Form 424a, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction 
Programs.'' The form is included in the standard NOAA application kit. 
The proposal must include total and annual budgets corresponding with 
the descriptions provided in the project description. Additional text 
to justify expenses should be included as necessary.
    (6) Vitae. Abbreviated curriculum vitae are sought with each 
proposal. Reference lists should be limited to all

[[Page 747]]

publications in the last 3 years with up to five other relevant papers.
    (7) Current and pending support. For each investigator, submit a 
list which includes project title, supporting agency with grant number, 
investigator months, dollar value, and duration. Requested values 
should be listed for pending support.

Other Requirements/Information

    (1) Applicants may obtain a standard NOAA application kit from the 
NOAA Office of Grants Management. Primary applicant Certification: All 
primary applicants must submit a completed Form CD-511, ``Certification 
Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters; 
Drug-Free Workplace Requirements and Lobbying.''
    (2) Federal Policies and Procedures Applicable to this 
announcement:
    A. Environmental Impact. Applicants whose proposed projects may 
have an environmental impact should furnish sufficient information to 
assist proposal reviewers in assessing the potential environmental 
consequences of supporting the project.
    B. The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification of 
Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements contained in the 
Federal Register notice of October 1, 2001 (66 FR 49917), as amended by 
the Federal Register notice published October 30, 2002 (67 FR 66109), 
is applicable to this solicitation.
    (3) 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 the NOAA representatives. Publication of this 
notice does not oblige NOAA to award any specific project or to 
obligate any available funds. If one incurs costs prior to receiving an 
award agreement signed by an authorized NOAA official, one would do so 
solely at one's own risk of these costs not being included under the 
award.
    (4) Disposition of Unsuccessful Applications. Those proposals that 
are not ultimately selected for funding will be destroyed.
    (5) If an application is selected for funding, the 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 the DOC.
    In accordance with Federal statutes and regulations, no person on 
grounds of race, color, age, sex, national origin, or disability shall 
be excluded from participation in, denied benefits of, or subjected to 
discrimination under any program or activity receiving financial 
assistance from the NOAA/NWS. The NOAA/NWS does not have a direct 
telephonic device for the deaf (TDD capabilities can be reached through 
the State of Maryland-supplied TDD contact number, 800-735-2258, 
between the hours of 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This notice contains collection-of-information requirements subject 
to the Paperwork Reduction Act. The use of Standard Forms 424 and 424A 
has been approved by OMB under the respective control numbers 0348-0043 
and 0348-0044. 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 currently valid Office of Management and Budget 
control number.

Executive Orders 12866 and 12372

    This notice has been determined to be not significant for purposes 
of E.O. 12866. Applications under this program are not subject to E.O. 
12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.''

Administrative Procedure Act/Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Notice and comment are not required under 5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2), or 
any other law, for rules relating to public property, loans, grants, 
benefits or contracts. Because notice and comment are not required, a 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., is not required 
and has not been prepared for this notice.

    Dated: December 31, 2002.
John E. Jones, Jr.,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Weather Services.
[FR Doc. 03-224 Filed 1-6-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-KE-P