[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 125 (Monday, June 30, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38678-38690]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-16434]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Docket No. 030602141-3141-01; I.D. 061703A]
RIN 0648-ZB55


Availability of Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2004

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

ACTION: Omnibus Notice Announcing the Availability of Grant Funds for 
Fiscal Year 2004.

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SUMMARY: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 
announces the availability of grant funds for Fiscal Year 2004. The 
purpose of this notice is to provide the general public with a single 
source of program and application information related to the Agency's 
competitive grant offerings, and it contains the information about 
those programs required to be published in the Federal Register. This 
omnibus notice is designed to replace the multiple Federal Register 
notices that traditionally advertised the availability of NOAA's 
discretionary funds for its various programs. It should be noted that 
additional program initiatives unanticipated at the time of the 
publication of this notice may be announced through both subsequent 
Federal Register notices and the NOAA web site: http://
www.ofa.noaa.gov/[tilde]amd/SOLINDEX.HTML.

DATES: Proposals must be received by the date and time indicated under 
each program listing in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.

ADDRESSES: Proposals must be submitted to the addresses listed in the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for each program.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For a copy of the full funding 
opportunity

[[Page 38679]]

announcement and/or application kit, please contact the person listed 
as the information contact under each program or access it via NOAA's 
web site: http://www.ofa.noaa.gov/[tilde]amd/SOLINDEX.HTML.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Electronic Access

    The full funding announcement for each program is available via web 
site: http://www.ofa.noaa.gov/[tilde]amd/SOLINDEX.HTML or by contacting 
the program official identified below. These announcements will also be 
available through FedGrants at http://www.fedgrants.gov.

Evaluation Criteria & Selection Procedures

    NOAA standardized the evaluation and selection process for all of 
its competitive and non-competitive assistance programs. All proposals 
submitted in response to this notice shall be evaluated and selected in 
accordance with the following procedures. There are two sets of 
evaluation criteria and selection procedures, one for project 
proposals, and the other for fellowship, scholarship, and internship 
programs. These evaluation criteria and selection procedures apply to 
all of the programs included below.

Proposal Review and Selection Process for Projects

    Some programs may include a pre-application process which provides 
an initial review and feedback to the applicants that have responded to 
a call for ``letters of intent'' or ``pre-proposals;'' however, not all 
programs will include such a process. If a pre-application process is 
used by a program, it shall be described in the Summary Description and 
the deadline shall be provided in the Application Deadline section. 
Once a full application has been received by NOAA, an initial 
administrative review is conducted to determine compliance with 
requirements and completeness of the application. Merit review is 
conducted by mail reviewers and/or peer panel reviewers. Each reviewer 
will individually evaluate and rank proposals using the evaluation 
criteria provided below. A minimum of three merit reviewers per 
proposal is required. The merit reviewers' ratings are used to produce 
a rank order of the proposals. The NOAA Program Officer may review the 
ranking of the proposals and make recommendations to the Selecting 
Official based on the mail and/or panel review(s) and selection factors 
listed below. The Selecting Official selects proposals after 
considering the mail and/or peer panel review(s) and recommendations of 
the Program Officer. In making the final selections, the Selecting 
Official will award in rank order unless the proposal is justified to 
be selected out of rank order based upon one or more of the selection 
factors below. The Program Officer and/or Selecting Official may 
negotiate the funding level of the proposal. The Selecting Official 
makes final recommendations for award to the Grants Officer who is 
authorized to obligate the funds.

Evaluation Criteria for Projects

    1. Importance and/or relevance and applicability of proposed 
project to the program goals: This ascertains whether there is 
intrinsic value in the proposed work and/or relevance to
    NOAA, federal, regional, state, or local activities.
    2. Technical/scientific merit: This assesses whether the approach 
is technically sound and/or innovative, if the methods are appropriate, 
and whether there are clear project goals and objectives.
    3. Overall qualifications of applicants: This ascertains whether 
the applicant possesses the necessary education, experience, training, 
facilities, and administrative resources to accomplish the project.
    4. Project costs: The Budget is evaluated to determine if it is 
realistic and commensurate with the project needs and time-frame.
    5. Outreach and education: NOAA assesses whether this project 
provides a focused and effective education and outreach strategy 
regarding NOAA's mission to protect the Nation's natural resources.

Selection Factors for Projects

    The merit review ratings shall provide a rank order to the 
Selecting Official for final funding recommendations. A program officer 
may first make recommendations to the Selecting Official applying the 
selection factors below. The Selecting Official shall award in the rank 
order unless the proposal is justified to be selected out of rank order 
based upon one or more of the following factors:
    1. Availability of funding.
    2. Balance/distribution of funds:
    a. Geographically
    b. By type of institutions
    c. By type of partners
    d. By research areas
    e. By project types
    3. Whether this project duplicates other projects funded or 
considered for funding by NOAA or other federal agencies.
    4. Program priorities and policy factors.
    5. Applicant's prior award performance.
    6. Partnerships and/or Participation of targeted groups.

NOAA Project Competitions

    This omnibus notice describes funding opportunities for the 
following NOAA discretionary grant programs:

National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service 
(NESDIS)

1. Research in Satellite Data Assimilation for Numerical and Climate 
Prediction Models
    Summary Description: The Joint Center for Satellite Data 
Assimilation (JCSDA) announces the availability of Federal assistance 
for research in the area of satellite data assimilation in numerical 
weather and climate prediction models. The goal of the JCSDA is to 
accelerate the use of observations from earth-orbiting satellites in 
operational numerical prediction models for the purpose of improving 
weather forecasts, improving seasonal to interannual climate forecasts, 
and increasing the physical accuracy of climate data sets. The advanced 
instruments of current and planned NOAA, NASA, DoD, and international 
agency satellite missions will provide large volumes of data on 
atmospheric, oceanic, and land surface conditions with accuracies and 
spatial resolutions never before achieved. The JCSDA will ensure that 
the nation realizes the maximum benefit of its investment in space as 
part of an advanced global observing system. Funded proposals will help 
accelerate the use of satellite data from both operational and 
experimental spacecraft in operational and product driven weather and 
climate prediction environments, develop community radiative transfer 
models, develop improved surface emissivity models, and advance data 
assimilation science. This Federal Funding Opportunity is being managed 
by NOAA on behalf of the JCSDA. Applicants are encouraged to submit a 
letter of Intent (LOI) describing the proposed work. and its relevance 
to project areas. The purpose of the LOI process is to provide 
information to potential applicants on the relevance of their proposed 
project to JCSDA and the likelihood of it being funded in advance of 
preparing a full proposal.
    Funding Availability: Total funding available is anticipated to be 
approximately $1 million. Individual annual awards in the form of 
grants or

[[Page 38680]]

cooperative agreements are expected to range from $50,000 to $150,000, 
although greater amounts may be awarded.
    Statutory Authority: Statutory authority for this program is 
provided under 49 U.S.C. 44720(b); 33 U.S.C. 833d; 15 U.S.C. 5631, 15 
U.S.C. 2904.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.440, 
Environmental Sciences, Applications, Data, and Education.
    Preapplication/Application Deadline: If an applicant opts to submit 
a Letter of Intent, the Letter of Intent must be received by the 
National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service 
(NESDIS), no later than 5:00 p.m., local time on August 1, 2003, and 
full proposals must be received no later than 5:00 p.m., local time on 
October 1, 2003.
    Address for Submitting Letters of Intent and Proposals: Joint 
Center for Satellite Data Assimilation, 5200 Auth Road, Room 701, Camp 
Springs, MD 20746-4304.
    Information Contact(s): Fuzhong Weng, JCSDA, 5200 Auth Road, Room 
810; Camp Springs, Maryland 20746, or by phone at 301-763-8251, or fax 
to 301-763-8580, or via internet at [email protected] or 
Christine.L.Brown, NOAA/NESDIS; 5200 Auth Road, Room 701; Camp Springs, 
Maryland 20746, or by phone at 301-763-8127 ext. 107 , or fax to 301-
763-8108, or via internet at [email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are Federal agencies, institutions 
of higher education, other non-profits, commercial organizations, 
state, local and Indian tribal governments.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: None.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
2. Research in Satellite Oceanography
    Summary Description: The NESDIS Office of Research and Applications 
(ORA) announces the availability of Federal assistance in the area of 
satellite oceanography. This program responds to a need for research 
and activities that expand the use of satellite oceanographic data. 
Funded proposals will help build capabilities nationwide in the 
application of satellite oceanographic data for environmental 
monitoring, prediction and coastal management.
    Funding Availability: The total amount available is currently 
expected to be approximately $375,000. It is anticipated that 3 or 4 
awards will be made from this budget. This program announcement is for 
projects to be conducted for a 1-year, or 2-year period. Individual 
awards are expected to range from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of 
$125,000 per year for no more than two years.
    Statutory Authority: Statutory authority for this program is 
provided under 33 U.S.C. 1442 and 49 U.S.C. 44720(b).
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.440, 
Environmental Sciences, Applications, Data, and Education.
    Application Deadline: 4:00 p.m., EDT, on August 23, 2003.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Proposals must be submitted to 
the Office of Research and Applications, NOAA/NESDIS, 5200 Auth Road, 
Room 701, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4304. Proposals should be sent to the 
attention of William Pichel.
    Information Contacts: Administrative questions: Christine Brown, 
telephone (301) 763-8127 ext. 107, fax: 301-763-8108, or e-mail: 
[email protected]. Technical questions: William Pichel, 
telephone: (301) 763-8231 ext. 166, fax: 301-763-8020, e-mail: 
[email protected].
    Eligibility: Institutions of higher education, other non-profits, 
commercial organizations, and state, local and Indian tribal 
governments.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: None
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

1. Community-based Habitat Restoration National and Regional 
Partnerships
    Summary Description: NMFS is inviting the public to submit multi-
year proposals for establishing innovative habitat restoration 
partnerships at the national or regional level for up to 3 years to 
further community-based habitat restoration that will benefit living 
marine resources, including anadromous fish, under the NOAA Community-
based Restoration Program (CRP). Proposals for partnerships funded 
through the CRP will involve joint selection and co-funding of multiple 
community-based habitat restoration projects as sub-awards made through 
the partner organization. Proposals selected for funding through this 
solicitation will be implemented through either a cooperative agreement 
or interagency transfer.
    Funding Availability: Funding of up to $7,000,000 is expected to be 
available for establishing multi-year partnerships in FY 2004; annual 
funding is anticipated to maintain successful partnerships for up to 3 
years duration. The NOAA Restoration Center (RC) anticipates that 
typical partnership awards will range from $200,000 to $600,000 per 
year, funded annually.
    Statutory Authority: The Secretary of Commerce is authorized under 
the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, 16 U.S.C. 661, as amended by 
the Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970, to provide grants or cooperative 
agreements for fisheries habitat restoration.
    CFDA: 11.463 Habitat Conservation.
    Application Deadline: Applications for partnership funding under 
the CRP must be received by or postmarked by December 5, 2003.
    Address for submitting Proposals: Send applications to Christopher 
D. Doley, Director, NOAA Restoration Center, National Marine Fisheries 
Service, 1315 East West Highway (F/HC3), Silver Spring, MD 20910-3282; 
ATTN: CRP Partnership Applications.
    Information Contact(s): Robin Bruckner, Alison Ward or Melanie 
Severin at (301)713-0174, or by fax at (301) 713-0184, or by e-mail at 
[email protected], [email protected] or 
[email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher 
education, hospitals, other non-profits, commercial (for profit) 
organizations, organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign 
governments, international organizations, state, local and Indian 
tribal governments. Applications from federal agencies will be 
considered. Before non-NOAA federal applicants may be funded, they must 
demonstrate that they have legal authority to receive funds from 
another federal agency in excess of their appropriation.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: 1:1 non-Federal match is encouraged, but 
applicants with less than 1:1 match will not be disqualified.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
2. Community-based Habitat Restoration Projects
    Summary Description: NMFS is inviting the public to submit 
proposals for available funding to implement grass-roots habitat 
restoration projects that will benefit living marine resources, 
including anadromous fish, under the NOAA Community-based Restoration 
Program (CRP). Projects funded through

[[Page 38681]]

the CRP will be expected to have strong on-the-ground habitat 
restoration components that provide educational and social benefits for 
people and their communities in addition to long-term ecological 
habitat improvements for NOAA trust resources. Proposals selected for 
funding through this solicitation will be implemented through either a 
project grant, cooperative agreement, or interagency transfer.
    Funding Availability: Funding of up to $3,000,000 is expected to be 
available for community-based habitat restoration projects in FY 2004. 
The NOAA Restoration Center (RC) anticipates that typical project 
awards will range from $50,000 to $200,000.
    Statutory Authority: The Secretary of Commerce is authorized under 
the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, 16 U.S.C. 661, as amended by 
the Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970, to provide grants or cooperative 
agreements for fisheries habitat restoration.
    CFDA: 11.463 Habitat Conservation.
    Application Deadline: Applications for project funding under the 
CRP must be received by or postmarked by September 12, 2003.
    Address for submitting Proposals: Send applications to Christopher 
D. Doley, Director, NOAA Restoration Center, National Marine Fisheries 
Service, 1315 East West Highway (F/HC3), Silver Spring, MD 20910-3282; 
ATTN: CRP Project Applications.
    Information Contact(s): Robin Bruckner, Alison Ward or Melanie 
Severin at (301) 713-0174, or by fax at (301) 713-0184, or by e-mail at 
[email protected], [email protected] or 
[email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher 
education, hospitals, other non-profits, commercial (for profit) 
organizations, organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign 
governments, international organizations, state, local and Indian 
tribal governments. Applications from federal agencies will be 
considered. Before non-NOAA federal applicants may be funded, they must 
demonstrate that they have legal authority to receive funds from 
another federal agency in excess of their appropriation.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: 1:1 non-Federal match is encouraged, but 
applicants with less than 1:1 match will not be disqualified.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
3. Fisheries Development and Utilization Research and Development 
Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program (also know as the 
Saltonstall-Kennedy (S-K) Grant Program)
    Summary Description: The Saltonstall-Kennedy Act established a fund 
to provide grants or cooperative agreements for fisheries research and 
development projects addressed to any aspect of U.S. fisheries, 
including, but not limited to, harvesting, processing, aquaculture, 
marketing, and associated infrastructures. The Saltonstall-Kennedy 
Grant Program supports projects aimed at helping fishing communities to 
prevent overfishing, rebuild fisheries and ensure conservation, while 
realizing the full potential of fishery resources.
    Funding Availability: Funding is subject to the availability of an 
allocation. The Program does not yet have funding for FY 2004, although 
it estimates that approximately $4 million will be available. The 
Program does not specify a minimum or maximum dollar amount for 
individual awards.
    Statutory Authority: 15 U.S.C. 713c-(3)(1).
    CFDA: 11.427, Fisheries Development and Utilization Research and 
Development Grants and Cooperative Agreements.
    Application Deadline: Applications must be received by local close 
of business at one of the addresses listed below on August 29, 2003.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: You must submit applications to 
one of the following NMFS Regional Administrator or Headquarters 
offices:
    Northeast Region, NMFS, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930; 
(978) 281-9267.
    Southeast Region, NMFS, 9721 Executive Center Drive, North, St. 
Petersburg, FL 33702-2432, (727) 570-5324.
    Southwest Region, NMFS, 501 West Ocean Boulevard, Suite 4200, Long 
Beach, CA 90802-4213, (562) 980-4033.
    Pacific Islands Region, NMFS, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 1110, 
Honolulu, HI 96814-4700, (808) 973-2937.
    Northwest Region, NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way, N.E., BIN C15700, 
Building 1, Seattle, WA 98115, (206) 526-6115.
    Alaska Region, NMFS, P.0. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802 or Federal 
Building, 709 West 9th Street, 4th Floor, Juneau, AK 99801-1668, (907) 
586-7224.
    Financial Services Division, NMFS F/CS2, 1315 East West Highway, 
Silver Spring, MD 20910, (301) 713-2358.
    Information Contact(s): Alicia L. Jarboe, S-K Program Manager, F/
CS2, Room 13112, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3282, 
tel. (301) 713-2358, or by email at: [email protected]. You may 
also contact the NMFS Regional Federal Program Officers, at the 
addresses and telephone numbers listed above.
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants must be; (1) a citizen or national 
of the United States; (2) a citizen of the Northern Mariana Islands 
(NMI), being an individual who qualifies as such under section 8 of the 
Schedule on Transitional Matters attached to the constitution of the 
NMI; (3) a citizen of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of 
Palau, or the Federated States of Micronesia; or (4) represent an 
entity that is an institution of higher education, other nonprofit, 
commercial organization, state, local or Indian tribal government, if 
such entity is a citizen of the United States or NMI, within the 
meaning of section 2 of the Shipping Act, 1916, as amended.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: Applicants must provide a minimum cost 
share of 10 percent of total (Federal and non-Federal combined) project 
costs, but the cost share must not exceed 50 percent of total costs.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
4. Cooperative Research Program, Research and Development Projects in 
the Gulf of Mexico and off the U.S. South Atlantic Coastal States
    Summary Description: NMFS announces the availability of Federal 
assistance under the Cooperative Research Program (CRP) Grant Program. 
We provide financial assistance for research and development projects 
that optimize the use of fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico and along the 
Atlantic coast involving the U.S. fishing industry (commercial and 
recreational), including fishery biology, resource assessment, socio-
economic assessments, management and conservation, selected harvest 
methods, and fish handling and processing.
    Funding Availability: Approximately $2 million may be available 
through this announcement for fiscal year 2004.
    Statutory Authority: The authorizing statute for the Cooperative 
Research Program is 15 U.S.C. 713c-3(d).
    CDFA: 11.454, Unallied Management Projects.
    Application Deadline: We must receive your application by close of 
business (5:00 p.m. EDT) on August 14, 2003. Applications received 
after that time will not be considered for funding.

[[Page 38682]]

 The earliest start date of awards is about 300 days after the date of 
publication of this notice.
    Address for submitting Proposals: You can obtain an application 
package from, and send your completed application(s)to: National Marine 
Fisheries Service, State/Federal Liaison Office, 9721 Executive Center 
Drive, N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702. You may also obtain the 
application package from the CRP homepage at: http://caldera.sero.nmfs.gov/grants/programs/crp.htm
    Information Contact(s): Ellie Francisco Roche, Chief, State/Federal 
Liaison Office, (727)570-5324.
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants include institutions of higher 
education, other nonprofits, commercial organizations, state 
governments, and private citizens. Federal agencies or institutions are 
not eligible. Foreign governments, organizations under the jurisdiction 
of foreign governments, and international organizations are excluded 
for purposes of this solicitation since the objective of the CRP is to 
optimize research and development benefits from U.S. marine fishery 
resources.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: Cost-sharing is not required for the 
CRP.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are 
subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental 
Review of Federal Programs.''
5. General Coral Reef Conservation
    Summary Description: Funding will support efforts by educational 
and non-governmental institutions to conserve the coral reef ecosystems 
of the United States and the Freely Associated States in the Pacific 
(Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the 
Federated States of Micronesia). The objective of this program is to 
support programs and projects to help preserve, sustain and restore the 
condition of coral reef ecosystems, promote the wise management and 
sustainable use of coral reef resources, and increase public knowledge 
and awareness of coral reef ecosystems and issues regarding their 
conservation. NMFS will accept preapplications for peer review. 
Applications for research activities will not be eligible under this 
category. This program is part of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 
2000 which provides matching grants of financial assistance for coral 
reef conservation projects. Selected applicants may be asked to revise 
award objectives, work plans or budgets prior to submittal of a final 
application, including required Federal financial assistance forms, to 
NMFS.
    Funding Availability: NMFS will provide approximately $400,000 in 
funding in FY 2004 for awards. It is expected that most awards will 
range from a minimum of $15,000 to a maximum of $50,000. Funding will 
be subject to the availability of federal appropriations.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6403.
    CFDA: 11.463 Habitat Conservation.
    Preapplication/Application Deadline: Preapplications are due to 
NOAA before midnight, EDT, on March 12, 2004. Final applications are 
due to NOAA before midnight, EDT on June 4, 2004.
    Address for submitting Proposals: David Kennedy, NOAA Coral Reef 
Conservation Program, Office of Response and Restoration, N/ORR, Room 
10102, NOAA National Ocean Service, 1305 East West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910
    Information Contact(s): Andy Bruckner, Office of Habitat 
Conservation, F/HC1, Room 14717, NOAA Fisheries,1315 East West Highway, 
Silver Spring, MD 20910, phone 301-713-3459 extension 190, e-mail at 
[email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants include institutions of higher 
education, non-profit organizations, commercial organizations, and 
local and Indian tribal governments. U.S. State, Territory, and 
Commonwealth and Freely Associated State Government Agencies are not 
eligible under this program. Federal agencies are eligible under this 
program; however, such applications will be a low priority unless they 
are an essential part of a cooperative project with other eligible 
educational or non-governmental institutions.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: Any coral conservation project funded 
under this program requires a 1:1 match. Matching funds must be from 
non-Federal sources and can include in-kind contributions and other 
non-cash support. The NOAA Administrator may waive all or part of the 
matching requirement if the Administrator determines that the project 
meets the following two requirements: (1) No reasonable means are 
available through which an applicant can meet the matching requirement, 
and (2) The probable benefit of such project outweighs the public 
interest in such matching requirement.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
6. Projects to Improve or Amend Coral Reef Fishery Management Plans
    Summary Description: The object of this program is support value-
added studies or projects that will enhance the conservation of coral 
reef fishery resources by the Regional Fishery Management Councils with 
responsibilities for Fishery Management Plans that include coral reefs 
or fishery resources that depend on these reef ecosystems. It is not 
intended to support normal Council activities or responsibilities. 
While first priority will be given to proposals for coral reef 
activities in the Council's jurisdiction, proposals for complementary 
activities of high conservation value within state waters that are 
fully coordinated with appropriate state, territory or commonwealth 
management authorities will also be accepted. This program is part of 
the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 which provides matching grants 
of financial assistance for coral reef conservation projects. NMFS will 
accept preapplications for peer review. Selected applicants may be 
asked to revise award objectives, work plans or budgets prior to 
submittal of a final application, including required Federal financial 
assistance forms, to NMFS.
    Funding Availability: NMFS will provide approximately $1,050,000 in 
funding in FY 2004. In order to ensure regional balance, a maximum of 
$525,000 will be available for activities in the Western Pacific, and a 
maximum of $525,000 will be available for activities in the South 
Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean. Funding will be subject to the 
availability of federal appropriations.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6403.
    CFDA: 11.441 Regional Fishery Management Councils.
    Preapplication/Application Deadline: Preapplications are due to 
NOAA before midnight, EST, on March 12, 2004. Final applications are 
due to NOAA before midnight, EDT on June 4, 2004.
    Address for submitting Proposals: David Kennedy, NOAA Coral Reef 
Conservation Program, Office of Response and Restoration, N/ORR, Room 
10102, NOAA National Ocean Service, 1305 East West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910.
    Information Contact(s): Andy Bruckner, Office of Habitat 
Conservation, F.HC1, Room 14717, NOAA Fisheries, 1315 East West 
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, phone 301-713-3459 extension 190, e-
mail at [email protected].
    Eligibility: Applicants are limited to the Western Pacific Regional 
Fishery Management Council, South Atlantic

[[Page 38683]]

Fishery Management Council, Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, 
and Caribbean Fishery Management Council.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: none.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''

National Ocean Service (NOS)

1. FY 04 Career Program Announcement of Funding Opportunity for 
Undergraduate, Graduate, and Recently Graduated Students Concerning 
Career Development in Coastal Ocean Science, Management, and Policy.
    Summary Description: NOS/NCCOS/CSCOR/COP is soliciting 1-year and 
2-year proposals for career development programs commencing in late 
Fiscal Year (FY) 2004 with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2004. 
The purpose of these awards will be to support activities designed to 
facilitate and/or enhance the development of qualified professionals in 
the fields of coastal ocean science, management, and policy. The 
coastal ocean is inclusive of the near shore ocean, estuaries, and the 
Great Lakes. This notice solicits applications for proposals from 
eligible non-Federal applicants. Proposals selected for funding from 
non-Federal researchers will be funded through a project grant. 
Proposals from academic institutions, particularly those that are 
Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), collaborate with MSIs, or serve 
minority students, are strongly encouraged.
    Statutory Authority: 15 U.S.C. 1540.
    CFDA NUMBER: 11.478, Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research/
Coastal Ocean Program (CSCOR/COP).
    Application Deadline: The deadline for receipt of proposals at the 
NCCOS/CSCOR/COP office is 3:00 p.m., local time, January 14, 2004. 
(Note that late-arriving applications provided to a delivery service on 
or before January 14, 2004, with delivery guaranteed before 3:00 p.m., 
local time, on January 14, 2004, will be accepted for review if the 
applicant can document that the application was provided to the 
delivery service with delivery to the address listed below guaranteed 
by the specified closing date and time and, in any event, the proposals 
are received in the NCCOS/CSCOR/COP office by 3:00 p.m. local time, no 
later than two business days following the closing date.) Subject to 
the availability of funds and facilities, it is anticipated that final 
decisions on awards will be made by early March, 2004.
    Addresses for submitting proposals: Center for Sponsored Coastal 
Ocean Research/Coastal Ocean Program (N/SCI2), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, 1305 East-West Highway, SSMC4, 8th Floor 
Station 8243, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3282, attn. CAREER 04.
    Information Contacts(s): Technical Information. John Wickham, Susan 
Banahan, CAREER 2004 Program Manager, NCCOS/CSCOR/COP, 301-713-3338/ext 
156 (148), Internet: [email protected]; [email protected].
    Business Management Information. Leslie McDonald, NCCOS/CSCOR/COP 
Grants Administrator, 301-713-3338/ext 155, internet: 
[email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher 
education, other non-profits, state, local, Indian Tribal Governments, 
and Federal agencies that possess the statutory authority to receive 
financial assistance. (a) Researchers must be employees of an eligible 
institution listed above; and proposals must be submitted through that 
institution. Non-Federal researchers should comply with their 
institutional requirements for proposal submission. (b) Non-NOAA 
Federal applicants will be required to submit certifications or 
documentation showing that they have specific legal authority to 
receive funds from the Department of Commerce (DOC) for this research. 
(c) NCCOS/CSCOR/COP will accept proposals that include foreign 
researchers as collaborators with a researcher, who has met the above 
stated eligibility requirements; and who also is an employee of an 
eligible institution listed above. (d) Non-Federal researchers 
affiliated with NOAA-University Joint Institutes should comply with 
joint institutional requirements; they will be funded through grants 
either to their institutions or to joint institutes.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: None.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
2. State and Territory Coral Reef Management
    Summary Description: This program is soliciting proposals to 
support comprehensive projects for the conservation and management of 
coral reefs and associated fisheries in the jurisdictions of Puerto 
Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Florida, Hawaii, Guam, the Commonwealth 
of the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa. This program is 
part of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 which provides matching 
grants of financial assistance for coral reef conservation projects. 
Funding will also support jurisdictional participation in national 
coral reef planning activities, such as U.S. Coral Reef Task Force 
meetings. NOS will accept preapplications for peer review. Selected 
applicants may be asked to revise award objectives, work plans or 
budgets prior to submittal of a final application, including required 
Federal financial assistance forms, to NOS.
    Funding Availability: Approximately $2,100,000 will be available in 
FY 2004 to support awards under this program. Each eligible 
jurisdiction can apply for a maximum of $400,000. Funding is subject to 
the availability of federal appropriations.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6403.
    CFDA: 11.419, Coastal Zone Management Program.
    Preapplication/Application Deadline: Preapplications are due to 
NOAA before midnight, EST, on March 12, 2004. Final applications are 
due to NOAA before midnight, EDT on June 4, 2004.
    Address for submitting Proposals: David Kennedy, NOAA Coral Reef 
Conservation Program, Office of Response and Restoration, N/ORR, Room 
10102, NOAA National Ocean Service, 1305 East West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910.
    Information Contact(s): Bill Millhouser, 1305 East West Highway, 
11th Floor, N/ORM3, Silver Spring, MD 20910, phone 301-713-3155 
extension 189, e-mail at [email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are the governor-appointed point 
of contact agencies for coral reef activities in each of the 
jurisdictions of American Samoa, Florida, the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin 
Islands.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: Any coral conservation project funded 
under this program requires a 1:1 match. Matching funds must be from 
non-Federal sources and can include in-kind contributions and other 
non-cash support. The NOAA Administrator may waive all or part of the 
matching requirement if the Administrator determines that the project 
meets the following two requirements: (1) No reasonable means are 
available through which an applicant can meet the matching requirement, 
and (2) The probable benefit of such project outweighs the public 
interest in such matching requirement. The Program shall waive any 
requirement for local matching funds for any project under $200,000 
(including in-kind contribution) to the

[[Page 38684]]

governments of Insular Areas, defined as the jurisdictions of the U.S. 
Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
3. State and Territory Coral Reef Ecosystem Monitoring
    Summary Description: National Ocean Service, National Centers for 
Coastal and Ocean Science (NCCOS) funds support a nationally 
coordinated, comprehensive, long term monitoring program to assess the 
condition of U.S. coral reef ecosystems and evaluate the efficacy of 
coral reef ecosystem management. This program is part of the Coral Reef 
Conservation Act of 2000 which provides matching grants of financial 
assistance for coral reef conservation projects. NOS will accept 
preapplications for peer review. Selected applicants may be asked to 
revise award objectives, work plans or budgets prior to submittal of a 
final application, including required Federal financial assistance 
forms, to NOS.
    Funding Availability: NCCOS will provide approximately $840,000 in 
funding for FY 04 to support coral reef monitoring activities under 
this program. FY 2004 awards to Puerto Rico, Florida, U.S. Virgin 
Islands, Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands are expected to range from $50,000 to 
$250,000. FY 2004 awards to the Federated States of Micronesia, 
Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands are 
expected to range from $10,000 to $20,000 per year. Funding will be 
subject to the availability of federal appropriations.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6403.
    CFDA: 11.426, Financial Assistance for National Centers for Coastal 
Ocean Science.
    Preapplication/Application Deadline: Preapplications are due to 
NOAA before midnight, EDT, on March 12, 2004. Final applications are 
due to NOAA before midnight, EDT on June 4, 2004.
    Address for submitting Proposals: David Kennedy, NOAA Coral Reef 
Conservation Program, Office of Response and Restoration, N/ORR, Room 
10102, NOAA National Ocean Service, 1305 East West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910.
    Information Contact(s): John Christensen, 1305 East West Highway, 
9th Floor, N/SCI1, Silver Spring, MD 20910, phone 301-713-3028 
extension153, e-mail at [email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are limited to the natural 
resource management agency in each U.S. State, Territory, or Freely 
Associated State, with jurisdiction over coral reefs, as designated by 
the respective governors or other applicable senior jurisdictional 
official. NOAA is requesting proposals from Puerto Rico, Florida, U.S. 
Virgin Islands, Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic 
of Palau, and Republic of the Marshall Islands.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: Any coral conservation project funded 
under this program requires a 1:1 match. Matching funds must be from 
non-Federal sources and can include in-kind contributions and other 
non-cash support. The NOAA Administrator may waive all or part of the 
matching requirement if the Administrator determines that the project 
meets the following two requirements: (1) No reasonable means are 
available through which an applicant can meet the matching requirement, 
and (2) The probable benefit of such project outweighs the public 
interest in such matching requirement. The Program shall waive any 
requirement for local matching funds for any project under $200,000 
(including in-kind contribution) to the governments of Insular Areas, 
defined as the jurisdictions of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American 
Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
4. International Coral Reef Conservation
    Summary Description: This program supports four project categories; 
promoting of watershed management in the Wider Caribbean small island 
communities excluding the Mesoamerican coral reef corridor, enhancing 
management effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas, encouraging 
regional approaches to further no-take marine reserves in the Wider 
Caribbean and Southeast Asia, and promoting socio-economic monitoring 
in coral reef management. This program is part of the Coral Reef 
Conservation Act of 2000 which provides matching grants of financial 
assistance for coral reef conservation projects. NOS will accept 
preapplications for peer review. Selected applicants may be asked to 
revise award objectives, work plans or budgets prior to submittal of a 
final application, including required Federal financial assistance 
forms, to NOS.
    Funding Availability: Approximately $400,000 will be available in 
FY 2004 to support grants and cooperative agreements under this 
program. Approximately $75,000-$100,000 will be allocated to each of 
the four project categories listed below, with the following award 
ranges: a. Watershed Management: up to $75,000, b. Management 
Effectiveness: (1) single site projects: $20,000-$40,000, (2) Regional 
capacity building projects: $100,000 c. Marine Reserves: $25,000-
$40,000, d. Socio-economic monitoring: $15,000-$25,000. Funding will be 
subject to the availability of federal appropriations.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6403.
    CFDA: 11.463 Habitat Conservation.
    Preapplication/Application Deadline: Preapplications are due to 
NOAA before midnight, EDT, on March 12, 2004. Final applications are 
due to NOAA before midnight, EDT on June 4, 2004.
    Address for submitting Proposals: David Kennedy, NOAA Coral Reef 
Conservation Program, Office of Response and Restoration, N/ORR, Room 
10102, NOAA National Ocean Service, 1305 East West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910.
    Information Contact(s): Arthur Paterson, 1315 East West Highway, 
5th Floor, Room 5627, Silver Spring, MD 20910, phone 301-713-3078 
extension 217, e-mail at [email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants include all international, 
governmental, and non-governmental organizations, including the 
Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, and the Republic of 
the Marshall Islands. Eligibility is also contingent upon whether 
activities undertaken with respect the application would be consistent 
with applicable conditions or restrictions imposed by the U.S. 
government.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: Any coral conservation project funded 
under this program requires a 1:1 match. Matching funds must be from 
non-Federal sources and can include in-kind contributions and other 
non-cash support. The NOAA Administrator may waive all or part of the 
matching requirement if the Administrator determines that the project 
meets the following two requirements: (1) No reasonable means are 
available through which an applicant can meet the matching requirement, 
and (2) The probable benefit of such project outweighs the public 
interest in such matching requirement. The Program shall waive any 
requirement for local matching

[[Page 38685]]

funds for any project under $200,000 (including in-kind contribution) 
to the governments of Insular Areas, defined as the jurisdictions of 
the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of 
the Northern Mariana Islands.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
    5. FY2004 Coastal Services Center Broad Area Announcement
    Summary Description: NOS is soliciting projects for the Coastal 
Services Center (CSC) Director's Office (DO) program, with an 
anticipated start date of May 1, 2004. The DO program is seeking 
proposals for grant projects that enhance the organization, 
implementation, and application of regional coastal ocean observing 
systems. Coastal observing systems are meant to include the sensors, 
personnel, and data management that obtain, process and apply regular 
and sustained in-situ and/or remote observations of the physical, 
chemical, and biological environment of Great Lakes, estuaries, and the 
near shore ocean of the United States. Of particular interest is the 
utility of such systems for management of coastal and ocean resources 
and for the benefit of coastal communities. Two types of projects to 
benefit the development of regional coastal ocean observing systems are 
requested: (1) projects that facilitate building partnerships and 
regional organizational structures for Regional Observing System 
Coordination, and (2) projects that will support implementation of 
Regional Coastal Ocean Observation Pilot Projects.
    Funding Availability: Estimated available funding for both types of 
projects is expected to be between $1,000,000 to $15,000,000 depending 
on congressional appropriation. For the Regional Observation System 
Coordination, funding is expected to be between $200,000 to $500,000 
with two to five grants being awarded ranging from $20,000 to $100,000. 
For the Regional Coastal Ocean Observation Pilot Projects, funding is 
expected to be between $500,000 to $14,000,000 with two to ten grants 
being awarded ranging from $100,000 to $3,000,000. Applications must 
clearly state which type of project is targeted.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1456c and 33 U.S.C. 1442.
    CFDA: 11.473, Coastal Services Center.
    Application Deadline: Applicants applying for federal assistance 
under the DO program, must submit their applications by 5:00 p.m. EST, 
October 31, 2003.
    Address for submitting Proposals: Coastal Services Center, 2234 
South Hobson Avenue, Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413 to the 
attention of Geno Olmi, room 234A.
    Information Contact(s): For administrative questions, contact 
Violet Legette, NOAA CSC; 2234 South Hobson Avenue, Room 218; 
Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413, or by phone at 843-740-1222, or 
by fax 843-740-1232, or via internet at [email protected]. For 
technical questions, contact Geno Olmi, NOAA CSC; 2234 South Hobson 
Avenue, Room 234A, Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413, or by phone 
at 843-740-1230, or by fax 843-740-1297, or via internet at 
[email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher 
education, non-profit and for-profit organizations, foreign 
governments, organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign 
governments, international organizations, and state, local and Indian 
tribal governments. Federal agencies or institutions are not eligible 
to receive Federal assistance under this announcement, but may be 
project partners.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: None.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
6. FY2004 Coastal Services Center Broad Area Announcement
    Summary Description: NOS is soliciting projects for the Coastal 
Services Center (CSC) Geographic Information System (GIS) Integration 
and Development (I&D) program, with an anticipated start date of March 
1, 2004. THE GIS I&D program seeks proposals for a one to two year 
cooperative agreements under which cooperators and the Center will 
jointly develop technical projects related to the goal of the GIS I&D 
program, which is to provide relevant, easily accessible spatial data, 
tools, and support services to the coastal resource management 
community. A priority of the GIS I&D program is to fund a state and 
local level coastal resource management organizations proposing 
geospatial solutions to issues related to coastal hazards, smart 
growth, marine protected areas, permitting systems, data access and 
distribution, or Internet mapping.
    Funding Availability: Funding is estimated to be $200,000. 
Typically the GIS I&D program funds two to three projects with awards 
ranging from about $50,000 to $100,000.
    Statutory Authority: 33 U.S.C. 883a; 33 U.S.C. 883c; and 16 U.S.C. 
1456c.
    CFDA: 11.473, Coastal Services Center.
    Application Deadline: Applicants applying for federal assistance 
under the GIS I&D program, must submit their applications by 5:00 p.m. 
EDT, October 6, 2003.
    Address for submitting Proposals: Coastal Services Center, 2234 
South Hobson Avenue, Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413 to the 
attention of James Lewis Free, room 213.
    Information Contact(s): For administrative questions, contact 
Violet Legette, NOAA CSC; 2234 South Hobson Avenue, Room 218; 
Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413, or by phone at 843-740-1222, or 
by fax 843-740-1232, or via internet at [email protected]. For 
technical questions, contact Hamilton Smillie, NOAA CSC; 2234 South 
Hobson Avenue, Room 153; Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413, or by 
phone at 843-740-1192, or by fax 843-740-1315, or via internet at 
[email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher 
education, hospitals, other non-profits, commercial organizations, 
foreign government, organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign 
governments, international organizations, and state, local and Indian 
tribal governments. Federal agencies or institutions are not eligible 
to receive Federal assistance under this announcement, but may be 
project partners.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: None.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
7. FY2004 Coastal Services Center Broad Area Announcement
    Summary Description: NOS is soliciting projects for the Coastal 
Services Center (CSC) Information Resources (IR) program with an 
anticipated start date of March 1, 2004. The IR program is seeking 
proposals for a one year grant to make coastal data, products, and 
publications of importance to U.S. coastal resource managers available 
on-line using standard documentation formats and information retrieval 
protocols. Allowable documentation formats are the Federal Geographic 
Data Committee's (FGDC) content standard for geospatial data, commonly 
referred to as the FGDC metadata standard, and

[[Page 38686]]

the Machine Readable Cataloging (MARC) 21 format.
    Funding Availability: Funding is expected to be $200,000 for a one 
year grant period. It is anticipated that multiple grant proposals will 
be funded under this announcement ranging from $25,000 to $100,000.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1456c.
    CFDA: 11.473, Coastal Services Center.
    Application Deadline: Applicants applying for federal assistance 
under the IR program, must submit their applications by 5:00 p.m. EDT, 
October 6, 2003.
    Address for submitting Proposals: Coastal Services Center, 2234 
South Hobson Avenue, Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413 to the 
attention of Anne Ball, room 211.
    Information Contact(s): For administrative questions contact Violet 
Legette, NOAA CSC; 2234 South Hobson Avenue, Room 218; Charleston, 
South Carolina 29405-2413, or by phone at 843-740-1222, or by fax 843-
740-1232, or via internet at [email protected]. For technical 
questions, contact Hamilton Smillie, NOAA CSC; 2234 South Hobson 
Avenue, Room 153; Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413, or by phone at 
843-740-1192, or by fax 843-740-1315, or via internet at 
[email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher 
education, hospitals, other non-profits, commercial organizations, 
foreign governments, organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign 
governments, international organizations, and state, local and Indian 
Tribal governments. Federal agencies or institutions are not eligible 
to receive Federal assistance under this announcement, but may be 
project partners.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: None.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
8. FY2004 Coastal Services Center Broad Area Announcement
    Summary Description: NOS is soliciting projects for the Coastal 
Services Center (CSC) Landscape Characterization and Restoration (LCR) 
program, with an anticipated start date of March 1, 2004. Proposals are 
being requested where the Center will enter into a two year cooperative 
agreement which the cooperator and the Center will jointly develop an 
environmental characterization of a coastal estuary, watershed, or 
special management area in the Northeastern United States located 
entirely or in part within Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode 
Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, 
Maryland, Virginia, or North Carolina.
    Funding Availability: Total anticipated funding for a two year 
project is estimated to be $300,000 and no more than one award is 
expected.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1456c and 33 U.S.C. 1442.
    CFDA: 11.473, Coastal Services Center.
    Application Deadline: Applicants applying for federal assistance 
under the LCR program, must submit their applications by 5:00 p.m. EDT, 
October 6, 2003.
    Address for submitting Proposals: Coastal Services Center, 2234 
South Hobson Avenue, Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413 to the 
attention of Linda Rowe, room 236B.
    Information Contact(s): For administrative questions, contact 
Violet Legette, NOAA CSC; 2234 South Hobson Avenue, Room 218; 
Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413, or by phone at 843-740-1222, or 
by fax 843-740-1232, or via internet at [email protected]. For 
technical questions, contact Linda Rowe, NOAA CSC; 2234 South Hobson 
Avenue, Room 236B; Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413, or by phone 
at 843-740-1283, or by fax 843-740-1315, or via internet at 
[email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher 
education, hospitals, other non-profits, commercial organizations, 
foreign governments, organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign 
governments, international organizations, and state, local and Indian 
tribal governments. Federal agencies or institutions are not eligible 
to receive Federal assistance under this announcement, but may be 
project partners.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: None.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
9. Ecological Forecasting (EcoFore)
    Summary Description: The purpose of this document is to advise the 
public that NCCOS/CSCOR/COP is soliciting proposals for ecological 
forecasting. It is anticipated that projects funded under this 
announcement will have a May 1, 2004, start date. NCCOS/CSCOR/COP is 
soliciting research proposals for projects of 2 to 5 years in duration 
for the development of ecological forecasting capability and the 
transition/operationalism of ecological forecasts. Funding is 
contingent upon the availability of Fiscal Year 2004 Federal 
appropriations. It is anticipated that final recommendations for 
funding under this announcement will be made in early Calendar Year 
2004.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1456c.
    CFDA: 11.478 Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research: Coastal 
Ocean Program.
    Application Deadline: The deadline for receipt of proposals at the 
COP office is 3:00 p.m., local time, November 4, 2003. (Note that late-
arriving applications provided to a delivery service on or before 
November 4, 2003, with delivery guaranteed before 3:00 p.m., local time 
on November 4, 2003, will be accepted for review if the applicant can 
document that the application was provided to the delivery service with 
delivery to the address listed below guaranteed by the specified 
closing date and time; and, in any event, the proposals are received in 
the NCCOS/CSCOR/COP office by 3:00 p.m., local time, no later than 2 
business days following the closing date.)
    Addresses for submitting Proposals: Attn. EcoFore 04, Center for 
Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research/Coastal Ocean Program (N/SCI2), 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1305 East-West 
Highway, SSMC4, 8th Floor Station 8243, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
    Information Contacts(s): Technical Information. Beth Turner, 
ECOFORE 2004 Program Manager, NCCOS/CSCOR/COP, 603-862-4680, Internet: 
[email protected]
    Business Management Information. Leslie McDonald, NCCOS/CSCOR/COP 
Grants Administrator, 301-713-3338/ext 155, Internet: 
[email protected]
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher 
education, other non-profits, state, local, Indian Tribal Governments, 
and Federal agencies that possess the statutory authority to receive 
financial assistance. (a) Researchers must be employees of an eligible 
institution listed above; and proposals must be submitted through that 
institution. Non-Federal researchers should comply with their 
institutional requirements for proposal submission. (b) Non-NOAA 
Federal applicants will be required to submit certifications or 
documentation showing that they have specific legal authority to 
receive funds from the Department of Commerce (DOC) for this research. 
(c) NCCOS/CSCOR/COP will accept proposals that include foreign 
researchers as collaborators with a researcher, who has met the above 
stated eligibility requirements; and who also is an

[[Page 38687]]

employee of an eligible institution listed above. (d) Non-Federal 
researchers affiliated with NOAA-University Joint Institutes should 
comply with joint institutional requirements; they will be funded 
through grants either to their institutions or to joint institutes.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: None.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
    10. National Estuarine Research Reserves System FY2004 Land 
Acquisition and Construction Program
    Summary Description: The Estuarine Reserves Division (ERD) of NOAA 
is soliciting proposals from the National Estuarine Research Reserve 
System (NERRS) for land acquisition and construction funding. The 
National Estuarine Research Reserve System consists of estuarine areas 
of the United States and its territories which are designated and 
managed for research and educational purposes. Through the funding of 
designated reserve agencies and universities to undertake land 
acquisition and construction projects that support the NERRS purpose, 
NOAA will strengthen protection of key land and water areas and enhance 
long-term protection of the area for research and education and for 
facility and exhibit construction. The ERD of NOAA announces the 
availability of funding for the NERRS land acquisition and/or 
construction. The ERD anticipates that approximately $10.0 million, 
pending availability of funds, will be competitively awarded to 
qualified National Estuarine Research Reserves that meet the funding 
priorities and selection criteria.
    Funding Availability: Approximately $10.0 million will be available 
to designated reserve agencies or universities only through this 
announcement for fiscal year 2004.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1461 (e)(1)(A)(i),(ii), and (iii).
    CFDA: 11.420, Coastal Zone Management Estuarine Research Reserves.
    Application Deadline: Proposals must be received by or postmarked 
by February 13, 2004.
    Address for submitting Proposals: NOAA/N0S; 1305 East-West Highway, 
Room 10509; Silver Spring, Maryland 20910.
    Information Contact(s): Doris Grimm, NOAA/NOS; 1355 East-West 
Highway, Room 10509; Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, or by phone at 301-
713-3155 ext. 107, or fax to 301-713-4363, internet at 
[email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are coastal states in which the 
NERRs are located and are directed to the Reserves' lead state agencies 
or universities.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: Matching requirements include 50 percent 
match of the total grant project for land acquisition and 30 percent 
match of the total grant project for construction.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
    11. FY2004 Coastal Services Center Broad Area Announcement
    Summary Description: NOS is soliciting projects for the Coastal 
Services Center (CSC) Coastal Remote Sensing (CRS) program, with an 
anticipated start date of April 1, 2004. CRS is seeking proposals on 
applications of remotely sensed coastal spatial data to support coastal 
resource management decision-making and to help resolve coastal issues. 
The Center's goal is to aid coastal resource managers while promoting 
the use of remote sensing technologies and innovations. The Center 
seeks proposals for a two year cooperative agreement under which the 
Center will acquire commercial remote sensing imagery and/or products 
to the identified issue. The cooperator must show how their management 
issue will benefit substantially by the inclusion of remotely sensed 
data.
    Funding Availability: Total anticipated funding is $75,000 over two 
years. Between one and three awards are anticipated with each award 
being funded at $25,000 over a two year period. Statutory Authority: 16 
U.S.C. 1456c.
    CFDA: 11.473, Coastal Services Center.
    Application Deadline: Applicants applying for federal assistance 
under the CRS program, must submit their applications by 5:00 p.m. EDT, 
October 6, 2003.
    Address for submitting Proposals: Coastal Services Center, 2234 
South Hobson Avenue, Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413 to the 
attention of Kirk Waters, room 236B.
    Information Contact(s): For administrative questions, contact 
Violet Legette, NOAA CSC; 2234 South Hobson Avenue, Room 218; 
Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413, or by phone at 843-740-1222, or 
by fax 843-740-1232, or via internet at [email protected]. For 
technical questions, contact Kirk Waters, NOAA CSC; 2234 South Hobson 
Avenue, Room 103; Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413, or by phone at 
843-740-1227, or by fax 843-740-1289, or via internet at 
[email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are state, local and Indian tribal 
governments, institutions of higher education, and other non-profits. 
Federal agencies or institutions are not eligible to receive Federal 
assistance under this announcement, but may be project partners.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: None.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''

National Weather Service (NWS)

1. CSTAR 2004 Collaborative Science, Technology, and Applied Research 
(CSTAR) Program
    Summary Description: NWS is soliciting projects to be conducted by 
university investigators for a 1-year, 2-year, or 3-year period, with 
an anticipated start date of April 1, 2004. The CSTAR Program 
represents an NOAA/NWS effort to create a cost-effective transition 
from basic and applied research to operations and services 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 will 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.
    Funding Availability: Approximately $500,000 will be available 
through this announcement for fiscal year 2004. 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.
    Statutory 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.
    CFDA: 11.468, Applied Meteorological Research.
    Application Deadline: Proposals must be received by the NWS no 
later than 5:00 p.m., EDT, October 23, 2003.
    Address for submitting Proposals: NOAA/NWS; 1325 East-West Highway, 
Room 15330; Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-3283.

[[Page 38688]]

    Information Contact(s): Sam Contorno, NOAA/NWS; 1325 East-West 
Highway, Room 15330; Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-3283, or by phone at 
301-713-3557 ext. 150, or fax to 301-713-1253, or via internet at 
[email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher 
education and federally funded educational institutions such as the 
Naval Postgraduate School.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: None.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
2. Hydrologic Research
    Summary Description: This program announcement is for projects to 
be conducted by research investigators for a 1-year, 2-year, or 3-year 
period. June 1, 2004, should be used as the proposed start date on 
proposals. This program represents an NOAA/NWS effort to create a cost-
effective continuum of basic and applied research through collaborative 
research between the Hydrology Laboratory of the NWS Office of 
Hydrologic Development and academic communities or other private or 
public agencies which have expertise in the hydrometerologic, 
hydrologic, and hydraulic routing sciences. These activities will 
engage researchers and students in basic and applied research to 
improve the scientific understanding of river forecasting. Ultimately 
these efforts will improve the accuracy of forecasts and warnings of 
rivers and flash floods by applying scientific knowledge and 
information to NWS research methods and techniques, resulting in a 
benefit to the public. NOAA's program is designed to complement other 
agency contributions to that national effort.
    Funding Availability: Proposals should be prepared assuming an 
annual budget of no more than $125,000. It is expected that 
approximately four to eight awards will be made, depending on 
availability of funds.
    Statutory Authority: 15 U.S.C. 313.
    CFDA: 11.462, Hydrologic Research.
    Application Deadline: Proposals are due no later 5 pm, EST, on 
December 19, 2003.
    Address for submitting Proposals: Proposals must be submitted to 
NOAA/NWS; 1325 East-West Highway, Room 8348; Silver Spring, Maryland 
20910-3283.
    Information Contact(s): Dr. George Smith by phone at 301-713-0640 
ext. 117, or fax to 301-713-0963, or via internet at 
[email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are Federal agencies, institutions 
of higher education, other nonprofits, commercial organizations, 
foreign governments, organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign 
governments, and international organizations, state, local and Indian 
tribal governments.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: None.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''

Ocean and Atmospheric Research (OAR)

1. THORPEX: A Global Atmospheric Research Program
    Summary Description: The Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research 
(OAR), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is 
soliciting preapplications (PA) and full proposals under the United 
States Weather Research Program (USWRP) for THORPEX: A Global 
Atmospheric Research Program. THORPEX is a major long-term 
international program aimed at improving the accuracy and utility of 
operational global numerical weather predictions (NWP) on time scales 
out to two weeks through international collaboration between the 
operational and research communities. Applicants are encouraged to 
submit preapplications describing the proposed work and its relevance 
to targeted priority project areas. The purpose of the preapplication 
process is to provide information to potential applicants on the 
relevance of their proposed project to THORPEX and the likelihood of it 
being funded in advance of preparing a full proposal.
    Funding Availability: The estimate for total funding that will be 
available in FY 2004 will not exceed $1,500,000, but this amount is 
expected to increase substantially in future years. Funding of any 
THORPEX proposals is contingent upon availability of these funds. It is 
anticipated that 10-15 awards will be made. Although there are no 
restrictions on amount, it is likely the awards will range from $25,000 
to $200,000.
    Statutory Authority: 49 U.S.C. 44720(b), 33 U.S.C. 883d.
    CFDA: 11.431, Climate and Atmospheric Research.
    Preapplication/Application Deadline: Preapplications must be 
received no later than 5:00 p.m., EDT, on July 30, 2003. Response 
letters will be sent from NOAA no later than August 14, 2003. Full 
proposals must be received no later than 5:00 p.m., EDT, on September 
15, 2003.
    Addresses for submitting Preapplications and Proposals: 
Preapplications and full proposals may be sent as printed hard copy to: 
John Gaynor, Director, Interagency Program Office of the U.S. Weather 
Research, Room 11116, SSMC 3, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, 
MD, 20910; or they may be submitted electronically by sending in 
portable document format (PDF) via e-mail to [email protected] with 
a copy to [email protected].
    Information Contact(s): Karen King, DOC/NOAA, Office of Weather & 
Air Quality Research, Routing Code R/WA, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 
11216, Silver Spring, MD 20910, phone (301) 713-0460 ext. 202, email 
[email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher 
education, other non-profits, commercial organizations, international 
organizations, state, local and Indian tribal governments, and Federal 
agencies.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: None.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''

Proposal Review and Selection Process for Internships, Fellowships, and 
Scholarships

    Some programs may include a pre-application process which provides 
an initial review and feedback to the applicants that have responded to 
a call for ``letters of intent'' or ``pre-proposals''; however not all 
programs will include such a process. If a pre-application process is 
used by a program, it shall be described in the Summary Description and 
the deadline shall be provided in the Application Deadline section. An 
initial administrative review of applications is conducted to determine 
compliance with requirements and completeness of applications. A panel 
review is conducted to individually evaluate, score, and rank 
applications using the evaluation criteria. A second panel review may 
be conducted on the applicants that meet the program's threshold (based 
on scores from the first panel review) to make selections using the 
selection factors provided below. The Program Officer may conduct a 
review of the rank order and make recommendations to the Selecting 
Official based on the panel ratings and the selection factors listed 
below. The Selecting Official considers panel reviews and 
recommendations. The Selecting Official will award in rank order unless 
the proposal is justified to

[[Page 38689]]

be selected out of rank order based upon one or more of the selection 
factors noted below. The Selecting Official makes final recommendations 
for award to the Grants Officer who is authorized to obligate the 
funds.

Evaluation Criteria for Fellowship/Scholarships/Internships

    1. Academic record and statement of career goals and objectives of 
student
    2. Quality of project and applicability to program priorities.
    3. Recommendations and/or endorsements of student
    4. Additional relevant experience related to diversity of 
education; extra-curricular activities; honors and awards; 
interpersonal, written, and oral communications skills
    5. Financial need of student

Selection Factors for Fellowship/Scholarships/Internships

    1. Balance/Distribution of funds:
    a. Across academic disciplines
    b. By types of institutions
    c. Geographically
    2. Availability of funds
    3. Program-specific objectives
    4. Degree in scientific area and type of degree sought

NOAA Fellowship/Scholarships/Internships Competitions

    This omnibus notice describes funding opportunities for the 
following NOAA discretionary fellowship, scholarship, internship 
programs:

National Ocean Service (NOS)

1. National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) Graduate Research 
Fellowship Program (GRF)
    Summary Description: The Estuarine Reserves Division of NOAA is 
soliciting applications for graduate fellowship funding within the 
National Estuarine Research Reserve System. The Estuarine Reserves 
Division anticipates that 31 Graduate Research Fellowships will be 
competitively awarded to qualified graduate students whose research 
occurs within the boundaries of at least one reserve. The National 
Estuarine Research Reserve Graduate Research Fellowship program is 
designed to fund high quality research focused on enhancing coastal 
zone management while providing students with an opportunity to 
contribute to the research or monitoring program at a particular 
reserve site. Students are required to work with the research 
coordinator or reserve manager to develop a plan to participate in the 
research or monitoring program for up to 15 hours per week. These 
management-related research projects will enhance scientific 
understanding of the Reserve ecosystem, provide information needed by 
Reserve management and coastal management decision-makers, and improve 
public awareness and understanding of estuarine ecosystems and 
estuarine management issues. Research projects must address one of the 
following scientific areas of support: non-point source pollution, 
biodiversity, invasive species, habitat restoration, sustaining 
resources in estuarine ecosystems, and socioeconomic research 
applicable to estuarine ecosystem management.
    Funding Availability: The amount of the fellowship is anticipated 
to be $20,000; at least 30% of total project cost match is required by 
the applicant (i.e. $8,572 match for $20,000 in federal funds for a 
total project cost of $28,572). Applicants may apply for one to three 
years of funding.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1461 (e)(1)(B) .
    CFDA: 11.420 Coastal Zone Management.
    Application Deadline: All applications must be postmarked by 
November 1, 2003.
    Address for submitting Proposals: NOAA's Estuarine Reserves 
Division; 1305 East-West Highway; SSMC4, Station 10500, N/ORM5; Silver 
Spring, MD 20912.
    Information Contact: Erica Seiden, NOAA's Estuarine Reserves 
Division; 1305 East-West Highway; SSMC4, Station 10500, N/ORM5; Silver 
Spring, MD 20912, or by phone at 301-713-3155 extension 172, or fax to 
301-713-4363, internet at [email protected] or http://www.ocrm.nos.noaa.gov/grf/welcome.html.
    Eligibility: Institutions eligible to receive awards include 
institutions of higher education, other non-profits, commercial 
organizations, international organizations, state, local and Indian 
tribal governments. Minority students are encouraged to apply to 
eligible institutions.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: Requested federal funds must be matched 
by at least 30 percent of the TOTAL cost of the project, not a portion 
of only the federal share, (e.g. $8,572 match for $20,000 in federal 
funds for a total project cost of $28,572).
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
2. Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program; Financial Assistance for 
Graduate Students
    Summary Description: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration (NOAA) is announcing funding availability for graduate 
students pursuing masters or doctoral level degrees in oceanography, 
marine biology, or maritime archaeology through the Dr. Nancy Foster 
Scholarship Program and is inviting applications for such scholarships. 
The intent of this program is to recognize outstanding scholarship and 
encourage independent graduate level research in the above mentioned 
fields.
    Funding Availability: Approximately $330,000.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1445c-1; National Marine Sanctuaries 
Preservation Act of 1996, Public Law 104-283; National Marine 
Sanctuaries Amendments Act of 2000, Public Law 106-513.
    CFDA: 11.429 National Marine Sanctuary Program.
    Application Deadline: Applications must be received between January 
28, 2004 and March 31, 2004 no later than 5:00 p.m., EST.
    Address for submitting Proposals: Applications should be sent to 
the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program, Attention: Office of the 
Assistant Administrator, 13th Floor, National Ocean Service, 1305 East-
West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
    Information Contact(s): Send your request for information to the 
Program Manager at the address shown above in ``Addresses'', by 
telephone (301) 713-3074, or by internet to http://fosterscholars.noaa.gov.
    Eligibility: Only United States citizens currently pursuing or 
accepted to pursue a masters or doctoral level degree in oceanography, 
marine biology, or maritime archaeology, including the curation, 
preservation, and display of maritime artifacts, are eligible for an 
award under this scholarship program.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: None.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''

Limitation of Liability

    Funding for programs listed in this notice is contingent upon the 
availability of Fiscal Year 2004 appropriations. Applicants are hereby 
given notice that funds have not yet been appropriated for the programs 
listed in this notice. In no event will NOAA or the Department of 
Commerce be responsible for proposal preparation costs if these 
programs fail to receive funding or are cancelled because of other 
agency priorities. Publication of this announcement does not oblige

[[Page 38690]]

NOAA to award any specific project or to obligate any available funds.

Universal Identifier

    Applicants should be aware that, for programs which have deadline 
dates on or after October 1, 2003, they may be required to provide a 
Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number during 
the application process. See the October 30, 2002 (67 FR 66177) and 
April 8, 2003 (68 FR 17090) Federal Register notices for additional 
information. Organizations can receive a DUNS number at no cost by 
calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS Number request line at 1-866-705-
5711 or via the internet (http://www.dunandbradstreet.com).

The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for 
Grants and Cooperative Agreements

    The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification 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 on October 30, 2002 (67 FR 66109), are 
applicable to this solicitation.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This document contains collection-of-information requirements 
subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The use of Standard Forms 
424 and 424A,424B, SF-LLL, and CD-346 has been approved by OMB under 
the respective control numbers 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 0348-0040, 0348-
0046, and 0605-0001. Notwithstanding any other provision of 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 PRA unless that collection of information 
displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Executive Order 12866

    This notice has been determined to be not significant for purposes 
of Executive Order 12866.

Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)

    It has been determined that this notice does not contain policies 
with Federalism implications as that term is defined in Executive Order 
13132.

Administrative Procedure Act/ Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Prior notice and an opportunity for public comment are not required 
by the Administrative Procedure Act or any other law for rules 
concerning public property, loans, grants, benefits, and contracts (5 
U.S.C. 553(a)(2)). Because notice and opportunity for comment are not 
required pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 or any other law, the analytical 
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) 
are inapplicable. Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis has not 
been prepared.

    Dated: June 24, 2003.
James R. Walpole,
General Counsel, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
[FR Doc. 03-16434 Filed 6-27-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-12-S