[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 125 (Wednesday, June 30, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39417-39435]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-14844]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Docket No. 0306021411-4191-08; I.D. 062404A]
RIN 0648-ZB55


Availability of Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2005

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

ACTION: Omnibus notice announcing the availability of grant funds for 
Fiscal Year 2005.

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SUMMARY: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 
announces the availability of grant funds for Fiscal Year 2005. 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. These announcements 
will also be available through Grants.gov.

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. The FR notices may 
be found on the NOAA Web site at http://www.ofa.noaa.gov/%7Eamd/SOLINDEX.HTML. The e-mail for Grants.gov is http:www.grants.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For a copy of the full funding 
opportunity announcement and/or application kit, please contact the 
person listed as the information contact under each program.

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

NOAA Project Competitions

National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service

1. Research in Satellite Data Assimilation for Numerical and Climate 
Prediction Models

National Marine Fisheries Service

1. Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education & Training (B-WET) Program
2. General Coral Reef Conservation
3. Projects To Improve or Amend Coral Reef Fishery Management Plans
4. North Atlantic Right Whale Research Programs
5. John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program
6. Community-based Habitat Restoration Projects

National Ocean Service

1. State and Territory Coral Reef Management
2. State and Territory Coral Reef Ecosystem Monitoring
3. International Coral Reef Conservation
4. FY2005 Coastal Services Center Environmental Characterization
5. FY2005 Coastal Services Center Remote Sensing for Coastal 
Management
6. FY2005 Coastal Services Center Application of Spatial Technology 
for Coastal Management
7. FY2005 Coastal Services Center Integrated Ocean Observing Systems
8. Monitoring and Event Response for Harmful Algal Blooms (MERHAB)
9. Bay Watershed Education & Training (B-WET) Program, Monterey Bay 
Watershed
10. Bay Watershed Education & Training (B-WET) Program, Hawaiian 
Islands
11. Coastal Hypoxia Research Program (CHRP)
12. SLR 2005--Ecological Effects of Sea Level Rise
13. National Estuarine Research Reserves System FY2005 Land 
Acquisition and Construction
14. Geodetic Science and Applied Research (GSAR) Program

Oceans and Atmospheric Research

1. Sea Grant B The Oyster Disease Research Program
2. Sea Grant B The Gulf of Mexico Oyster Industry Program
3. NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration Announcement of Opportunity, FY 
2005
4. Joint Hurricane Testbed (JHT) Opportunities for Transfer of 
Research and Technology into Tropical Cyclone Analysis and Forecast 
Operations
5. NOAA Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving 
Institutions: Environmental Entrepreneurship Program
6. NOAA Climate Transition Program for FY 2005

NOAA Fellowship, Scholarship and Internship Programs

National Ocean Service

1. Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program; Financial Assistance for 
Graduate Students
2. National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) Graduate Research 
Fellowship Program (GRF)

Oceans and Atmospheric Research

1. GradFell 2005--NMFS/Sea Grant Joint Graduate Fellowship Program 
in Population Dynamics and Marine Resource Economics
2. Sea Grant--Industry Fellowship Program

Electronic Access

    The full funding announcement for each program is available via the 
Grants.gov Web site: http://www.grants.gov. These announcements will 
also be available at the NOAA Web site http://www.ofa.noaa.gov/%7Eamd/SOLINDEX.HTML or by contacting the program official identified below. 
On October 1, 2004, you will be able to access, download and submit 
electronic grant applications for NOAA Programs in this announcement at 
http://www.grants.gov. The closing dates will be the same as for the 
paper

[[Page 39418]]

submissions noted in this announcement. NOAA strongly recommends that 
you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the 
application process through Grants.gov. Getting started with Grants.gov 
is easy! Go to www.Grants.gov. There are two key features on the site: 
Find Grant Opportunities and Apply for Grants. Everything else on the 
site is designed to support these two features and your use of them. 
While you can begin searching for grant opportunities for which you 
would like to apply immediately, it is recommended that you complete 
the remaining Get Started steps sooner rather than later, so that when 
you find an opportunity for which you would like to apply, you are 
ready to go.

Get Started Step 1B Find Grant Opportunity for Which You Would Like To 
Apply

    Start your search for Federal government-wide grant opportunities 
and register to receive automatic e-mail notifications of new grant 
opportunities or any modifications to grant opportunities as they are 
posted to the site by clicking the Find Grant Opportunities tab at the 
top of the page.

Get Started Step 2B Register With Central Contractor Registry (CCR)

    Your organization will also need to be registered with Central 
Contractor Registry. You can register with them online. This will take 
about 30 minutes. You should receive your CCR registration within 3 
business days. Important: You must have a DUNS number from Dun & 
Bradstreet before you register with CCR. Many organizations already 
have a DUNS number. To determine if your organization already has a 
DUNS number or to obtain a DUNS number, contact Dun & Bradstreet at 1-
866-705-5711. This will take about 10 minutes and is free of charge. Be 
sure to complete the Marketing Partner ID (MPIN) and Electronic 
Business Primary Point of Contact fields during the CCR registration 
process. These are mandatory fields that are required when submitting 
grant applications through Grants.gov.

Get Started Step 3B Register With the Credential Provider

    You must register with a Credential Provider to receive a username 
and password. This will be required to securely submit your grant 
application.

Get Started Step 4B Register With Grants.gov

    The final step in the Get Started process is to register with 
Grants.gov. This will be required to submit grant applications on 
behalf of your organization. After you have completed the registration 
process, you will receive e-mail notification confirming that you are 
able to submit applications through Grants.gov.

Get Started Step 5B Log on to Grants.gov

    After you have registered with Grants.gov, you can log on to 
Grants.gov to verify if you have registered successfully, to check 
application status, and to update information in your applicant 
profile, such as your name, telephone number, e-mail address, and 
title. In the future, you will have the ability to determine if you are 
authorized to submit applications through Grants.gov on behalf of your 
organization.

Evaluation Criteria and Selection Procedures

    NOAA standardized the evaluation and selection process for its 
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. 
Upon receipt of a full application 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 reviewer's 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.

[[Page 39419]]

    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.
    7. Adequacy of information necessary for NOAA staff to make a NEPA 
determination and draft necessary documentation before recommendations 
for funding are made to the Grants Officer.

Proposal Review and Selection Process for NOAA Fellowship, Scholarship 
and Internship Programs

    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 full applications is conducted to 
determine compliance with requirements and completeness of 
applications. A merit review is conducted to individually evaluate, 
score, and rank applications using the evaluation criteria. A second 
merit review may be conducted on the applicants that meet the program's 
threshold (based on scores from the first merit 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 merit reviews 
and recommendations. 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 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
1. Selection Factors for Fellowship/Scholarships/Internships
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 Project Competitions

National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service

1. Research in Satellite Data Assimilation for Numerical and Climate 
Prediction Models
    Summary Description: The NOAA/NESDIS 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 strive to 
realize 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; advance data assimilation science including 
radiative transfer models; improve numerical weather prediction model 
physics to increase information extraction; characterize the error 
covariances related to forecast models, radiative transfer models, and 
satellite observations; and utilize satellite-derived products of 
aerosols, ozone and trace gases for air quality forecasts. 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 targeted priority 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 cooperative agreements are expected to range from $50,000 to 
$150,000, although greater amounts may be awarded. It is anticipated 
that 6-8 awards will be made.
    Statutory Authority: Statutory authorities for this program are 
provided under 15 U.S.C. 313, 49 U.S.C. 44720(b); 15 U.S.C. 29071 et 
seq.
    CFDA: 11.440, Environmental Sciences, Applications, Data, and 
Education.
    Preapplication/Application Deadline: Letters of Intent must be 
received by the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information 
Service (NESDIS) , no later than 5 p.m., Eastern daylight time on 
August 2, 2004, and full proposals must be received no later than 5 
p.m., eastern daylight time on October 1, 2004.
    Address for Submitting Letters of Intent and Proposals: NOAA/NESDIS 
Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation, 5200 Auth Road, Room 808, 
Camp Springs, MD 20746-4304, (301) 763-8172.
    Information Contacts: Fuzhong Weng, JCSDA, NOAA/NESDIS, 5200 Auth 
Road, Room 808, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746, or by phone at (301) 763-
8172, or fax to (301) 763-8149, or via internet at 
[email protected] or Kathy LeFevre, NOAA/NESDIS, 5200 Auth Road, 
Room 701, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746, or by phone at (301) 763-
8127x103, or fax to (301) 763-8108, or via Internet at 
[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. Applications from non-Federal and Federal applicants will be 
competed against each other. Joint proposals involving Federal and 
external investigators are encouraged.

    Please Note: 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. 
The only exception to this is governmental research

[[Page 39420]]

facilities for awards issued under the authority of 49 U.S.C. 
44720(b). Because this announcement is not proposing to procure 
goods or services from applicants, the Economy Act (31 U.S.C. 1535) 
is not an appropriate legal basis.

    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are Federal agencies, institutions 
of higher education, other non-profits, commercial organizations, 
State, local and Indian tribal governments.
    Cost Sharing or Matching 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. Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education & Training (B-WET) Program
    Summary Description: The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education & 
Training (B-WET) Program is a competitively based program that supports 
existing environmental education programs, fosters the growth of new 
programs, and encourages the development of partnerships among 
environmental education programs throughout the entire Chesapeake Bay 
watershed. Funded projects assist in meeting the Stewardship and 
Community Engagement goals of the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement. Projects 
support organizations that provide students ``meaningful'' Chesapeake 
Bay or stream outdoor experiences and teachers professional development 
opportunities in the area of environmental education related to the 
Chesapeake Bay watershed.
    Funding Availability: This solicitation announces that 
approximately $2.2M may be available in FY 2005 in award amounts to be 
determined by the proposals and available funds. Applicants are hereby 
given notice that funds have not yet been appropriated for this 
program. About $1.1M will be for proposals that provide opportunities 
for students (K through 12) to participate in a ``Meaningful'' 
Chesapeake Bay or Stream Outdoor Experience. About $1.1M will be for 
proposals that provide opportunities for Professional Development in 
the area of Environmental Education for Teachers within the Chesapeake 
Bay Watershed. Approximately 10% of the amount available will be 
awarded to smaller, community-based organizations that work at a local 
level to provide environmental education programs. The NCBO anticipates 
that typical project awards for ``Meaningful'' Bay or Stream Outdoor 
Experiences and Professional Development in the Area of Environmental 
Education for Teachers will range from $10,000 to $100,000. Proposals 
will be considered for funds greater than the specified ranges, 
however, no recipient will be awarded funding that exceeds 10% of the 
funding available.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 661, 15 U.S.C. 1540.
    CFDA: 11.457 Chesapeake Bay Studies, Education.
    Application Deadline: Proposals must be received by NMFS no later 
than 5 p.m., local time, October 18, 2004.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office; 
Education Coordinator; 410 Severn Avenue, Suite 107A; Annapolis, MD 
21403.
    Information Contacts: Shannon Sprague: (410) 267-5664 or 
[email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants for both areas of interest (i.e., 
``Meaningful'' Chesapeake Bay or Stream Outdoor Experience and 
Professional Development in the Area of Environmental Education for 
Teachers Within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed) are K through 12 public 
and independent schools and school systems, institutions of higher 
education, nonprofit organizations, State or local government agencies, 
interstate agencies, and Indian tribal governments in the Chesapeake 
Bay watershed. The Department of Commerce/National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (DOC/NOAA) is strongly committed to 
broadening the participation of Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities, Hispanic serving institutions, tribal colleges and 
universities, and institutions that work in undeserved areas. The NCBO 
encourages proposals involving any of the above institutions.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: Encouraged, but not required.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
2. General Coral Reef Conservation
    Summary Description: The General Coral Reef Conservation (GCRC) 
program is soliciting proposals to support conservation projects for 
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). This program is part 
of the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Grant Program under the Coral Reef 
Conservation Act of 2000 which provides matching grants of financial 
assistance for coral reef conservation projects that: (1) Help 
preserve, sustain and restore the condition of coral reef ecosystems, 
(2) promote the wise management and sustainable use of coral reef 
resources, (3) increase public knowledge and awareness of coral reef 
ecosystems and issues regarding their conservation and (4) develop 
sound scientific information on the condition of coral reef ecosystems 
and the threats to such ecosystems. Projects must address one of the 
following 8 categories as identified by the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force: 
monitoring and assessment activities; socio-economic and resource 
valuation; Marine Protected Areas and associated management activities; 
coral reef fisheries management; reducing pollution; coral reef 
restoration; public education and outreach activities; and local action 
strategy implementation. Applications for research activities will not 
be eligible under this category. Interested applicants must submit a 
pre-application of up to 20 pages that includes a cover sheet, project 
summary, narrative project description and narrative budget summary. 
Federal forms do not need to be submitted with the pre-application.
    Funding Availability: This solicitation announces that 
approximately $600,000 may be available in FY 2005 under the GCRC, of 
which up to $200,000 may be used to address local action strategies. 
NMFS anticipates that approximately 15 grants will be awarded with 
these funds, with individual awards ranging 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.
    Pre-Application/Final Application Deadline: Applicants are strongly 
encouraged to submit their pre-application electronically to 
[email protected]. Pre-applications are due to NOAA by 11:59 p.m., 
Eastern Time, on December 10, 2004. Final applications are due to NOAA 
by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time on March 4, 2005. Proposals received after 
these deadlines will not be accepted.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Pre-applications should be 
submitted by electronic mail to [email protected], or surface mail 
to 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.

[[Page 39421]]

    Information Contacts: Andy Bruckner, Office of Habitat 
Conservation, F/HC1, Room 15836, 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, Freely 
Associated State government agencies and local and Indian tribal 
governments. U.S. State, Territory, and Commonwealth 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 nature of the contribution (cash versus in-kind) 
and the amount of matching funds will be taken into consideration in 
the review process, with cash being the preferred method of 
contribution. 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. In the case of a waiver request, 
the applicant must provide a detailed justification explaining the need 
for the waiver.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
3. Projects to Improve or Amend Coral Reef Fishery Management Plans
    Summary Description: The objectives of this program are to support 
programs and projects established by the Regional Fishery Management 
Councils to conserve and manage coral reef fishery resources by 
reducing the adverse impacts of fishing and other extractive uses on 
coral reefs and associated ecosystems, and incorporating conservation 
and sustainable management measures into existing or new Federal 
fishery management plans (FMPs). Projects must address one of the 
following 9 categories: (1) Identification, mapping and 
characterization of EFH, HAPCs, and spawning populations; (2) 
monitoring reef fish stocks; (3) efforts to reduce overfishing of coral 
reef resources; (4) identification and reduction of adverse effects of 
fishing and fishing gear; (5) elimination of destructive and habitat-
damaging fishing practices; (6) assessment of the adequacy of current 
coral reef fishing regulations; (7) education and outreach efforts to 
recreational and commercial fishers; (8) ecosystem-scale studies and 
inclusion of ecosystem approaches and principals into coral reef FMPs; 
and (9) reduction of overexploitation of reef organisms for the 
aquarium trade. Priority will be given to proposals for coral reef 
activities in the Council's jurisdiction, although complementary 
activities of high conservation value within State waters that are 
fully coordinated with appropriate state, territory or commonwealth 
management authorities are also acceptable. This program is part of the 
NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Grant Program under the Coral Reef 
Conservation Act of 2000 which provides matching grants of financial 
assistance for coral reef conservation projects and is not intended to 
support normal Council activities or responsibilities and will support 
up to a maximum of one full-time equivalent working exclusively on 
Council coral reef conservation activities. Interested applicants must 
submit a pre-application of up to 20 pages that includes a cover sheet, 
project summary, narrative project description and narrative budget 
summary. Federal forms do not need to be submitted with the pre-
application. Selected applicants may be asked to revise award 
objectives, work plans or budgets prior to submittal of a final 
application and required Federal financial assistance forms.
    Funding Availability: NMFS may provide approximately $1,050,000 in 
funding in FY 2005. In order to ensure regional balance, a maximum of 
$525,000 may be available for activities in the Western Pacific, and a 
maximum of $525,000 may 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.
    Pre-Application/Final Application Deadline: Applicants are strongly 
encouraged to submit their pre-application electronically to 
[email protected]. Pre-applications are due to NOAA by 11:59 p.m., 
Eastern Time, on December 10, 2004. Final applications are due to NOAA 
by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time on March 4, 2005. Proposals received after 
these deadlines will not be accepted.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applicants are strongly 
encouraged to submit pre-applications electronically to 
[email protected]. Pre-applications should be submitted by 
electronic mail to [email protected], or surface mail to 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 Contacts: Andy Bruckner, Office of Habitat 
Conservation, F/HC1, Room 15836, 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 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.''
4. North Atlantic Right Whale Research Programs
    Summary Description: In FY 2005, the National Marine Fisheries 
Service (NMFS) will solicit applications for Federal assistance under 
the North Atlantic Right Whale Research Grant Program (RWRGP). Under 
the RWRGP, NMFS will provide financial assistance to eligible 
researchers working within waters inhabited by North Atlantic right 
whales and submitting applications pertaining only to this species. 
Applications must fall within at least one of the following 10 
categories: (1) Detection and tracking of right whales; (2) Behavior of 
right whales in relation to ships; (3) Relationships between vessel 
speed, size or design with whale collisions; (4) Modeling of ship 
traffic along the Atlantic coast; (5) Population monitoring and 
assessment studies; (6) Reproduction, health and genetic studies; (7) 
Development of a Geographic Information System database or other system 
designed to investigate predictive modeling of right whale distribution 
in relation to environmental variables; (8) Habitat quality studies 
including food quality and pollutant levels; (9) Development of fishing 
gear to minimize entanglement risk; and (10) Any other work relevant

[[Page 39422]]

to the recovery of North Atlantic right whales.
    Funding Availability: Approximately $2.0M, depending on 
appropriations. It is anticipated that up to 20 awards will be made. 
Although there are no restrictions on amount, the awards may range from 
$65,000 to $1 million.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1380.
    CFDA: 11.472, Unallied Science Program.
    Application Deadline: The application package must be received or 
postmarked by 5 p.m. (local time) August 30, 2004.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: NOAA/NMFS Right Whale Research 
Grants Program, Protected Species Branch, Northeast Fisheries Science 
Center, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543, e-mail: 
[email protected].
    Information Contacts: Dr. Phillip J. Clapham, Northeast Fisheries 
Science Center, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543, (508) 495-2316, 
e-mail: [email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are individuals, institutions of 
higher education, other nonprofits, commercial organizations, 
international organizations, foreign governments, organizations under 
the jurisdiction of foreign governments, and State, local and Indian 
tribal governments. Federal agencies, or employees of Federal agencies 
are not eligible to apply.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: No cost sharing is required under this 
program.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
5. John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program
    Summary Description: NMFS is inviting eligible marine mammal 
stranding network participants to submit proposals to fund the recovery 
or treatment (i.e., rescue and rehabilitation) of live stranded marine 
mammals, data collection from living or dead stranded marine mammals 
for scientific research regarding marine mammal health, and facility 
operations directly related to the recovery or treatment of stranded 
marine mammals and collection of data from living or dead stranded 
marine mammals. The Prescott Grant Program is administered through the 
NMFS Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program (MMHSRP). It 
is NMFS's intent to also reserve a portion of funds to make emergency 
assistance available for catastrophic stranding events throughout the 
year on an as-needed basis. It is anticipated that awards funded 
through the Prescott Grant Program will facilitate achievement of the 
MMHSRP goals and objectives by providing financial assistance to 
eligible stranding network participants. Proposals selected for funding 
through this solicitation will be implemented through either a 
cooperative agreement or interagency transfer.
    Funding Availability: Funding of up to $3,700,000 is expected to be 
available in FY 2005. The maximum Federal award for each grant cannot 
exceed $100,000, as stated in the legislative language (16 U.S.C. 
1421f-1). Applicants are hereby given notice that these funds have not 
yet been appropriated for this program and therefore exact dollar 
amounts cannot be given.
    Statutory Authority: The Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Act of 
2000 amended the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to establish the 
John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program (16 
U.S.C. 1421f-1).
    CFDA: 11.439 Marine Mammal Data Program.
    Application Deadline: Applications for funding under the Prescott 
program must be received or postmarked by August 16, 2004.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applications should be sent to: 
NOAA/NMFS/Office of Protected Resources, Marine Mammal Health and 
Stranding Response Program, Attn: Michelle Ordono, 1315 East-West 
Highway, Room 12604, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3283, phone (301) 713-2322 
ext 177.
    Information Contacts: Janet Whaley, Michelle Ordono, or Sarah 
Wilkin at (301) 713-2322, by fax at (301) 713-0376, or by e-mail at 
[email protected], [email protected], or 
[email protected].
    Eligibility: There are 5 categories of eligible stranding network 
participants that may apply for funds under this Program: (1) Letter of 
Agreement (LOA) holders; (2) LOA designee organizations; (3) 
researchers; (4) official Northwest Region participants; and, (5) 
State, local, eligible Federal government employees or tribal employees 
or personnel. In order for these organizations and individuals to apply 
for award funds under the Prescott Grant Program, they must meet 
eligibility criteria specific to their category of participation.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: All proposals submitted must provide a 
minimum non-Federal cost share of 25 percent of the total budget (i.e., 
.25 x total project costs `` total non-Federal share).
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
6. 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 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 a cooperative agreement.
    Funding Availability: Funding of up to $3,000,000 is expected to be 
available for community-based habitat restoration projects in FY 2005. 
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 or postmarked by September 15, 2004.
    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 Contacts: Robin Bruckner or Melanie Gange at (301) 713-
0174, or by fax at (301) 713-0184, or by e-mail at 
[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 or employees of 
federal agencies will not be considered.

[[Page 39423]]

    Cost Sharing Requirements: 1:1 non-Federal match is encouraged, but 
applicants with less than 1:1 match will not be disqualified. The 
nature of the contribution (cash versus in-kind) and the amount/value 
will be considered in the review process.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''

National Ocean Service (NOS)

1. 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. Funding will also 
support jurisdictional participation in national coral reef planning 
activities, such as U.S. Coral Reef Task Force meetings. This program 
is part of the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Grant Program under the 
Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 which provides matching grants of 
financial assistance for coral reef conservation projects. NOS will 
accept pre-applications 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 may be available in 
FY 2005 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. In addition to the 
approximately $2,100,000 that may be available, NOAA may make available 
additional funds to each jurisdiction, pending appropriations, to 
support the implementation of activities developed in Local Action 
Strategies for priority threat areas. The amount of funding awarded to 
each jurisdiction will be subject to the eligibility and evaluation 
requirements described in this announcement.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6403.
    CFDA: 11.419, Coastal Zone Management Program.
    Pre-Application/Final Application Deadline: Pre-applications are 
due to NOAA by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on December 10, 2004. Final 
applications are due to NOAA by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time on March 4, 
2005.
    Address for Submitting pre-applications: Pre-applications should be 
submitted by electronic mail to [email protected], or surface mail 
to 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 Contacts: Jonathan Kelsey, 1305 East West Highway, 11th 
Floor, N/ORM3, Silver Spring, MD 20910, phone (301) 713-3155 extension 
230, e-mail at [email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are the governor-appointed point 
of contact agencies for coral reef coordination 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 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.''
2. State and Territory Coral Reef Ecosystem Monitoring
    Summary Description: National Ocean Service, National Centers for 
Coastal and Ocean Science (NCCOS), is soliciting proposals from 
eligible applicants to 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 NOAA Coral Reef Conservation 
Grant Program under the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 which 
provides matching grants of financial assistance for coral reef 
conservation projects. NOS will accept pre-applications 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 may provide approximately $1,000,000 in 
funding for FY 2005 to support coral reef monitoring activities under 
this program. FY 2005 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 
$130,000. FY 2005 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.
    Pre-Application/Final Application Deadline: Pre-applications are 
due to NOAA by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on December 10, 2004. Final 
applications are due to NOAA by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time on March 4, 
2005.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Pre-applications should be 
submitted by electronic mail to [email protected], or surface mail 
to 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 Contacts: John Christensen, 1305 East West Highway, 9th 
Floor, N/SCI1, Silver Spring, MD 20910, phone (301) 713-3028 extension 
153, 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

[[Page 39424]]

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.''
3. International Coral Reef Conservation
    Summary Description: This program supports four project categories 
in non-U.S. sites: (1) Promoting of Watershed Management in the Wider 
Caribbean, Brazil, and Bermuda, (2) enhancing management effectiveness 
of Marine Protected Areas, (3) encouraging regional approaches to 
further No-Take Marine Reserves in the Wider Caribbean, Brazil, 
Bermuda, and Southeast Asia, and (4) promoting socio-economic 
monitoring in coral reef management in the Wider Caribbean, Brazil, 
Bermuda, East Africa, South Pacific, and Southeast Asia. This program 
is part of the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Grant Program under the 
Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 which provides matching grants of 
financial assistance for coral reef conservation projects. NOS will 
accept pre-applications 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 may be available in FY 
2005 to support grants and cooperative agreements under this program. 
Approximately $75,000-$100,000 may be allocated to each of the four 
project categories listed below, with the following award ranges: a. 
Watershed Management: $30,000-$40,000, b. Management Effectiveness: (1) 
Single site projects: $20,000-$40,000, (2) Regional capacity building 
projects: $80,000, c. Marine Reserves: $25,000-$40,000, and 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.
    Pre-Application/Final Application Deadline: Pre-applications are 
due to NOAA by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on December 10, 2004. Final 
applications are due to NOAA by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time on March 4, 
2005.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Pre-applications should be 
submitted by electronic mail to [email protected], or surface mail 
to David Kennedy, NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, Office of 
Response and Restoration, N/ORR, Room 10102, NOAA 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. The proposed work 
must be conducted at a non-U.S. site and eligible countries are defined 
as follows. The Wider Caribbean includes the 37 States and territories 
that border the marine environment of the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean 
Sea, and the areas of the Atlantic Ocean adjacent thereto, and Brazil 
and Bermuda, but excluding areas under U.S. jurisdiction. The South 
Pacific Region includes South Pacific Regional Environment Program's 19 
Pacific island countries and territories, including the Federated 
States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the 
Marshall Islands, but excluding U.S. territories and four developed 
country members. Southeast Asia Region includes Brunei, Cambodia, 
Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and 
Vietnam. East Africa includes Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, and South 
Africa. Eligibility criteria is also contingent upon whether activities 
undertaken with respect to the application would be consistent with any 
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.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
4. FY2005 Coastal Services Center Landscape Characterization and 
Restoration Program
    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, 2005. The Centers 
LCR program seeks proposals for a two-year cooperative agreement under 
which a cooperator and the Center will jointly develop an environmental 
characterization of a coastal estuary, watershed, or special management 
area located entirely or in part within California, Oregon, Washington, 
Alaska, Hawaii, Pacific U.S. Island Territories, or the Commonwealth of 
the Northern Mariana Islands.
    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: Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. EDT, 
October 1, 2004.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Coastal Services Center, 2234 
South Hobson Avenue, Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413 to the 
attention of Pae Wilber, room 234B.
    Information Contacts: 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 Pace Wilber, NOAA CSC; 2234 South Hobson 
Avenue, Room 234B; Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413, or by phone 
at (843) 740-1235, 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

[[Page 39425]]

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 is 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
5. FY2005 Coastal Services Center Remote Sensing for Coastal Management
    Summary Description: NOS is soliciting projects for the Coastal 
Services Center (CSC) Coastal Remote Sensing (CRS) program, with an 
anticipated start date of March 1, 2005. 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 Centers 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 for a two year 
project is estimated to be $25,000 and no more than one award is 
expected.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1456c.
    CFDA: 11.473, Coastal Services Center.
    Application Deadline: Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. EDT, 
October 1, 2004.
    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 Contacts: 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 is 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
6. FY2005 Coastal Services Center Application of Spatial Technology for 
Coastal Management
    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 April 
1, 2005. 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 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, 
Internet mapping, or spatial data standards and documentation.
    Funding Availability: Funding is estimated to be $250,000. 
Typically the GIS I&D program funds two to three projects with awards 
ranging from about $50,000 to $125,000.
    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: Letters of Intent (LOI) must be received by 5 
p.m. EDT, July 30,2004 and full proposals must be received by 5 p.m. 
EDT, October 1, 2004. LOIs are not mandatory.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Coastal Services Center, 2234 
South Hobson Avenue, Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413 to the 
attention of Hamilton Smillie, room 153.
    Information Contacts: 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 is 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
7. FY2005 Coastal Services Center Integrated Ocean Observing Systems
    Summary Description: NOS is soliciting projects for the Coastal 
Services Center (CSC) Director's Office (DO) program, with an 
anticipated start date of March 1, 2005. The DO program seeks proposals 
for projects that enhance the organization, implementation, and 
application of regional coastal ocean observing systems. Coastal ocean 
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 coordination of such 
systems for management of coastal and ocean resources and for the 
benefit of coastal communities. This program has two funding priorities 
for FY05: (1) Projects that facilitate building partnerships and 
regional organizational structures for regional observing systems; 
these coordination projects will focus on work in up to four 
geographies B the Pacific Islands, the Northeastern US, the northern 
Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Islands. (2) Projects that strengthen 
programmatic linkages between then Center, NOAA Estuarine Reserves 
Division, National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) and the 
establishment of regional observing systems.
    Funding Availability: Total available funding under this 
announcement is expected to be between $200,000 and $1,000,000 dollars 
depending on congressional appropriation. The Center expects to award 
two to four grants of up to $100,000 for funding priority

[[Page 39426]]

number one and expects to award one to four grants of $50,000 to 
$500,000 for funding priority number two. Multiple year awards are 
expected from this announcement subject to availability of funding in 
fiscal years 2006 and 2007.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1456c and 33 U.S.C. 1442.
    CFDA: 11.473, Coastal Services Center.
    Application Deadline: Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. EDT, 
October 1, 2004.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Coastal Services Center, 2234 
South Hobson Avenue, Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413 to the 
attention of Paul Scholz, room 137.
    Information Contacts: 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 Paul Scholz, NOAA CSC; 2234 South Hobson 
Avenue, Room 137, Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413, or by phone at 
(843) 740-1208 or by fax (843) 740-1313, 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. Organizations are encouraged to collaborate in 
development of multi-institutional proposals, however, funding for such 
a proposal must be awarded to a single (lead) entity that then has 
responsibility for administration and execution of any subawards. 
Federal agencies or institutions are not eligible to receive Federal 
assistance under this announcement, but may be project partners. Note: 
Federal agencies or institutions who are project partners must 
demonstrate that they have legal authority to receive funds from 
outside sources in excess of their appropriation.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: None.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program is 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
8. Monitoring and Event Response for Harmful Algal Blooms (MERHAB)
    Summary Description: NOS is soliciting projects for the Monitoring 
and Event Response for Harmful Algal Blooms (MERHAB) program within the 
Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research/Coastal Ocean Program. 
Proposals are being requested for two types of research projects: 
MERHAB-targeted and MERHAB-regional. MERHAB-targeted proposals will 
incorporate tools, approaches and technologies from HAB research 
programs into existing harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring programs. 
MERHAB-regional proposals will create partnerships to enhance and 
sustain routine HAB monitoring capabilities and provide managers with 
timely information needed to mitigate HAB impacts on coastal 
communities. Funding is contingent upon the availability of Fiscal Year 
2005 Federal appropriations.
    Funding Availability: This solicitation announces that award 
amounts to be determined by the proposals and available funds typically 
not to exceed $100,000 per project per year with project durations from 
1 to 3 years for targeted research projects and $600,000 per project 
per year with project durations from 3 to 5 years for regional research 
projects. It is anticipated that two to twelve total projects will be 
funded with no more than two being regional intensive projects. Support 
in out years is contingent upon fiscal availability of funds. It is 
anticipated that final recommendations for funding under this 
announcement will be made in early Calendar Year 2005, and that 
projects funded under this announcement will have a August 1, 2005, 
start date.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1442 and P.L. 105-383, title VI, 
Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3447.
    CFDA: 11.478 Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research, Coastal 
Ocean Program (CSCOR/COP).
    Application Deadline: Proposals must be received by NCCOS/CSCOR/COP 
no later than 3 p.m., local time, December 1, 2004.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Center for Sponsored Coastal 
Ocean Research, Coastal Ocean Program (CSCOR/COP), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, (NOAA), 1305 East West Highway, Room 8243, 
SSMC Building 4, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
    Information Contacts: Technical Information. Marc Suddleson, MERHAB 
2005 Program Manager, NCCOS/CSCOR/COP, (301) 703-3338/ext 163, 
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.
    (1) 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.
    (2) 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.
    (3) 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.
    (4) 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.''
9. Bay Watershed Education & Training (B-WET) Program, Monterey Bay 
Watershed
    Summary Description: The B-WET grant program is a competitively 
based program that supports existing environmental education programs, 
fosters the growth of new programs, and encourages the development of 
partnerships among environmental education programs throughout the 
Monterey Bay watershed. Funded projects provide Meaningful outdoor 
experiences for students and professional development opportunities for 
teachers in the area of environmental education.
    Funding Availability: This solicitation announces that 
approximately $475,000 may be available in FY 2005 in award amounts to 
be determined by the proposals and available funds. It is anticipated 
that approximately 15 grants will be awarded with these funds. About 
$250,000 will be for proposals that provide opportunities for students 
to participate in a Meaningful Outdoor Experience. About $225,000 will 
be for proposals that provide opportunities for Professional 
Development in the area of Environmental Education for Teachers.

[[Page 39427]]

Proposals may be submitted for up to 3 years. However, funds will be 
made available for only a 12-month award period and any continuation of 
the award period will depend on submission of a successful proposal 
subject to technical and panel reviews, adequate progress on previous 
award(s), and available funding to continue the award. The National 
Marine Sanctuary Program may continue funding existing grants that were 
funded in the previous application process. New grants will be awarded 
to continue these projects under this announcement pending successful 
review of a new application package, and adequate progress reports and/
or site visits.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1440, 15 U.S.C. 1540.
    CFDA: 11.429, Marine Sanctuary Program.
    Application Deadline: Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. Pacific 
daylight savings time on October 15, 2004. Proposals will not be 
accepted before August 15, 2004.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Monterey Bay National Marine 
Sanctuary Office; 299 Foam Street, Monterey, CA 93940. Facsimile 
transmissions and electronic mail submission of proposals will not be 
accepted.
    Information Contact: Seaberry Nachbar, phone (831) 647-4201, fax 
(831) 647-4250, Internet at [email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants for both areas of interest 
(Meaningful Outdoor Experiences and Professional Development in the 
Area of Environmental Education for Teachers) are K through 12 public 
and independent schools and school systems, institutions of higher 
education, commercial and nonprofit organizations, State or local 
government agencies, and Indian tribal governments. Applicants that are 
not eligible are individuals and Federal agencies.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: No cost sharing is required under this 
program, however, the National Marine Sanctuary Program strongly 
encourages applicants to share as much of the costs of the award as 
possible. Funds from other Federal awards may not be considered 
matching funds. The nature of the contribution (cash versus in-kind) 
and the amount of matching funds will be taken into consideration in 
the review process with cash being the preferred method of 
contribution.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
10. Bay Watershed Education & Training (B-WET) Program, Hawaiian 
Islands
    Summary Description: The B-WET grant program is a competitively 
based program that supports existing environmental education programs, 
fosters the growth of new programs, and encourages the development of 
partnerships among environmental education programs throughout the 
Hawaiian Islands. Funded projects provide ``meaningful'' outdoor 
experiences for students and professional development opportunities for 
teachers in the area of environmental education.
    Funding Availability: This solicitation announces that 
approximately $400,000 may be available in FY 2005 in award amounts to 
be determined by the proposals and available funds. It is anticipated 
that approximately 10 grants will be awarded with these funds. About 
$200,000 will be for proposals that provide opportunities for students 
to participate in a ``Meaningful'' Outdoor Experience. About $200,000 
will be for proposals that provide opportunities for Professional 
Development in the area of Environmental Education for Teachers. 
Proposals may be submitted for up to 3 years. However, funds will be 
made available for only a 12-month award period and any continuation of 
the award period will depend on submission of a successful proposal 
subject to technical and panel reviews, adequate progress on previous 
award(s), and available funding to continue the award. The NOAA Pacific 
Services Center may continue funding existing grants that were funded 
in the previous application process. New grants will be awarded to 
continue these projects under this announcement pending successful 
review of a new application package, and adequate progress reports and/
or site visits.
    Statutory Authority: 33 U.S.C. 883d, 15 U.S.C. 1540.
    CFDA: 11.473, Coastal Services Center.
    Application Deadline: Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. Hawaii 
standard time on October 15, 2004. Proposals will not be accepted 
before August 15, 2004.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: NOAA Pacific Services Center 
office; 737 Bishop Street, Mauka Tower, Suite 2250, Honolulu, HI 96813-
3212. Facsimile transmissions and electronic mail submission of 
proposals will not be accepted.
    Information Contact: Bill Thomas, NOAA Pacific Services Center 
office; (808) 532-3200, or via internet at [email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants for both areas of interest 
(Meaningful Outdoor Experiences and Professional Development in the 
Area of Environmental Education for Teachers) are K-through-12 public 
and independent schools and school systems, institutions of higher 
education, commercial and nonprofit organizations, State or local 
government agencies, and Indian tribal governments. Applicants that are 
not eligible are individuals and Federal agencies.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: No cost sharing is required under this 
program, however, the Pacific Services Center strongly encourages 
applicants to share as much of the costs of the award as possible. 
Funds from other Federal awards may not be considered matching funds. 
The nature of the contribution (cash versus in-kind) and the amount of 
matching funds will be taken into consideration in the review process 
with cash being the preferred method of contribution.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
11. Coastal Hypoxia Research Program (CHRP)
    Summary Description: NOS is soliciting proposals for the Coastal 
Hypoxia Research Program (CHRP) within the Center for Sponsored Coastal 
Ocean Research/Coastal Ocean Program. Proposals are being requested for 
projects of 2 to 5 years in duration with the purpose of developing 
modeling tools and information which will be used by resource managers 
to assess alternative management strategies and make informed decisions 
regarding hypoxia in U.S. coastal ocean waters, estuaries and Great 
Lakes. It is anticipated that projects funded under this announcement 
will have a start date of June 1, 2005.
    Funding Availability: Funding is contingent upon the availability 
of Federal appropriations. Individual award amounts will be determined 
by the proposals and available funds, with awards typically not to 
exceed $500,000 per project per year and with project durations from 2-
5 years. It is anticipated that approximately 4-8 awards will be made.
    Statutory Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1442.
    CFDA: 11.478 Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research, Coastal 
Ocean Program (CSCOR/COP).
    Application Deadline: Proposals must be received by NCCOS/CSCOR/COP 
no later than 3 p.m., local time, October 27, 2004.

[[Page 39428]]

    Address for Submitting Proposals: Submit the original and 15 copies 
of your proposal to Attn. CHRP 2005, Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean 
Research, Coastal Ocean Program (CSCOR/COP), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, (NOAA), 1305 East West Highway, Room 8243, 
SSMC Building 4, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
    Information Contacts: Technical Information. Kenric Osgood, CHRP 
2005 Program Manager, NCCOS/CSCOR/COP, (301) 713-3338/ext 163, 
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.
    (1) 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.
    (2) 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.
    (3) 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.
    (4) 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.''
12. SLR 2005--Ecological Effects of Sea Level Rise
    Summary Description: This announcement solicits proposals for 
projects of 2 to 3 years in duration with the purpose of developing 
maps and modeling tools that will be useful to coastal managers in 
their responses to coastal sea level rise. This will be a collaborative 
effort with the NOS Office of Coast Survey (OCS), National Geodetic 
Survey (NGS), and Center for Oceanographic Operational Products and 
Service (COOPS), who are developing a high-resolution digital elevation 
model (DEM) from recent airborne Lidar, coupled to a hydrodynamic model 
to predict the rise of mean water level due to oceanic sea level rise. 
Proposals must coordinate with the ongoing modeling being performed by 
NOS. The ultimate goal of the CSCOR study is to provide meaningful 
ecological data and understanding that can be combined with the DEM and 
hydrodynamic model to predict the ecological effects of projected sea 
level rise. The end result will be a model or models coupling the DEM 
and hydrodynamic model with ecological models to demonstrate the impact 
of projected sea level rise on critical natural resources. Given the 
relatively short time frame to produce results that are useable by 
managers, proposals are expected to apply primarily existing knowledge 
in a model framework to predict the ecological effects of sea level 
rise, although the collections of limited new data, with the goal of 
incorporating new information into these modeling efforts in a short 
time frame, may be justified.
    Funding Availability: This solicitation announces that award 
amounts to be determined by the proposals and available funds typically 
will not exceed $300,000 per project per year with project durations 
from 2 to 3 years. It is anticipated that 3 to 5 projects will be 
funded. Support in out years is contingent upon the availability of 
funds.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1456c.
    CFDA: 11.478, Coastal Ocean Program.
    Application Deadline: Proposals must be received by NCCOS/CSCOR/COP 
no later than 3 p.m., local time. October 5, 2004.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Submit the original and 15 copies 
of your proposal to Attn. SLR2005, 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: Technical Information. Carol Auer, SLR2005 
Program Manager, NCCOS/CSCOR, (301) 713-3338/ext.164, Internet: 
[email protected]. Business Management Information. Leslie McDonald, 
NCCOS/CSCOR 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.
    (1) 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.
    (2) 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.
    (3) 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.
    (4) 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.''
13. National Estuarine Research Reserves System FY2005 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. Each reserve within the 
system is chosen to represent different biogeographic regions and to 
include a variety of ecosystem types. 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; enhance long-term 
protection of the area for research and education; and provide for 
facility and exhibit construction.
    Funding Availability: The ERD of NOAA announces the availability of 
funding for the NERRS for land acquisition and/or construction. The ERD 
anticipates that approximately $7.25 million, pending availability of 
funds, will be competitively awarded to

[[Page 39429]]

qualified National Estuarine Research Reserves that meet the funding 
priorities and selection criteria.
    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 the Estuarine 
Reserves Division (ERD) no later than February 11, 2005.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: NOAA/NOS; 1305 East-West Highway, 
Room 10509; Silver Spring, Maryland 20910.
    Information Contacts: 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.''
14. Geodetic Science and Applied Research (GSAR) Program
    Summary Description: The GSAR Program represents an NOAA/NGS effort 
to conduct basic and applied research in the geodetic sciences that 
advances positioning operations and services in support of 
transportation and commerce on a national basis. This opportunity is 
focused on a specific problem: Analysis, and Methodology for Layered 
National Spatial Reference System Adjustment. There are at least 6 
additional priorities that will be addressed in the future in the GSAR 
Program.
    Funding Availability: One award of no more than $90,000 is expected 
to be made through this announcement, depending on availability of 
funds.
    Statutory Authority: 33 U.S.C. 883d.
    CFDA: 11.400, Applied Geodetic Research.
    Application Deadline: Proposals must be received by the NGS no 
later than 5 p.m., EDT, July 30, 2004
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Geodetic Services Division; NOAA 
National Geodetic Survey; N/NGS1; 1315 East-West Highway, Room 9356; 
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-3282.
    Information Contacts: Gilbert J. Mitchell: (301) 713-3228 ext. 114, 
or fax to (301) 713-4176, or via Internet at [email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher 
education, other nonprofits, commercial organizations, international 
organizations, State, local and Indian tribal governments and federally 
funded educational institutions such as the Naval Postgraduate School.

    Please Note: 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. 
Because this announcement is not proposing to procure goods or 
services from applicants, the Economy Act (31 U.S.C. 1535) is not an 
appropriate legal basis.

    Cost Sharing Requirements: No cost sharing is required under this 
program.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''

Ocean and Atmospheric Research (OAR)

1. Sea Grant B The Oyster Disease Research Program
    Summary Description: The National Sea Grant College Program (Sea 
Grant) within OAR is seeking proposals to participate in innovative 
research that provides technology and management strategies to combat 
oyster disease and bring about the restoration of oysters and the 
oyster industry in U.S. coastal areas. It is the goal of the Oyster 
Disease Research Program to improve the survivability of oysters in 
U.S. coastal waters and to improve technology for disease management 
and control.
    Funding Availability: Approximately $2 million is available for the 
Oyster Disease Research Program in FY-2005 and a similar amount is 
expected, but not assured for FY-2006. Therefore, two-year proposals 
are being accepted. Funding will be on an annual basis, with renewal 
dependent upon satisfactory demonstration of progress and availability 
of funds. There is no limit on the budget for the proposals so that 
multiple partners can come together to address the significant issues 
that are identified under the Program Priorities for this competition. 
We anticipate making six to ten awards per year with an anticipated 
start date of June 1, 2005.
    Statutory Authority: Statutory authority for this program is 
provided under: 33 U.S.C. 1121-1131.
    CFDA: 11.417, Sea Grant Support.
    Preapplication/Application Deadline: Applications must be received 
by 4 p.m. (local time) on August 27, 2004 for preliminary proposals and 
by 4 p.m. (local time) on November 16, 2004 for full proposals by a 
state Sea Grant Program [or by the National Sea Grant Office (NSGO) in 
the case of an applicant in a non-Sea Grant state]. Applications are to 
be forwarded to the NSGO by the state Sea Grant Programs and received 
by 4 p.m. EST on September 2, 2004 for preliminary proposals and by 4 
p.m. EST November 23, 2004 for full proposals.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Prospective applicants living in 
Sea Grant states should submit their preliminary and full proposals to 
their state's Sea Grant program. The addresses of the state Sea Grant 
College Programs may be found at the following Internet Web site: 
(http://www.nsgo.seagrant.org/SGDirectors.html) or may also be obtained 
by contacting Dr. James P. McVey at the NSGO (phone: (301) 713-2451; or 
e-mail: [email protected]). Applications from non-Sea Grant states 
should send preliminary and full proposals to the NSGO. Applications 
submitted to the NSGO should be addressed to: NOAA National Sea Grant 
Office, Attn: Mrs. Geraldine Taylor, SG B Oyster Disease Research 
Program, 1315 East-West Highway, R/SG, Rm. 11732, Silver Spring, MD 
20910 (telephone number for express mail applications is (301) 713-
2445).
    Information Contacts: Dr. James P. McVey, tel: (301) 713-2451; e-
mail: [email protected], or any state Sea Grant Program.
    Eligibility: Individuals, institutions of higher education, 
nonprofit organizations, commercial organizations, Federal, State, 
local and Indian tribal governments, foreign governments, and 
international organizations are eligible. Only those who submit 
preliminary proposals by the preliminary proposal deadline are eligible 
to submit full proposals. Those applicants submitting preliminary 
proposals by the preliminary proposal deadline that are not recommended 
by the pre-proposal review process would still be eligible to submit 
full proposals.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: Applicants are required to provide one 
dollar for every two of Federal funds.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
2. Sea Grant B The Gulf of Mexico Oyster Industry Program
    Summary Description: The National Sea Grant College Program (Sea 
Grant) within OAR is seeking proposals to

[[Page 39430]]

participate in innovative research, outreach and demonstration to 
continue the Gulf of Mexico Oyster Industry Program. The goal of the 
Gulf Oyster Industry Program is to encourage multi-disciplinary 
research and extension projects that contribute directly to the 
efficiency and profitability of oyster-related businesses and to the 
safety of oyster products. Oyster businesses seek innovative solutions 
at all producing and processing levels, including: Production 
(landings), oyster disease diagnostics, harvesting, post-harvest 
treatment, processing, distribution, marketing, consumer education, and 
food safety.
    Funding Availability: Approximately $1 million is available for the 
Gulf Oyster Industry Program in FY-2005 and a similar amount is 
expected, but not assured for FY-2006. Therefore, two-year proposals 
are being accepted. Funding will be on an annual basis, with renewal 
dependent upon satisfactory demonstration of progress and availability 
of funds. There is no limit on the budget for the proposals so that 
multiple partners can come together to address the significant issues 
that are identified under the Program Priorities for this competition. 
We anticipate making three to seven awards per year with an anticipated 
start date of June 1, 2005.
    Statutory Authority: Statutory authority for this program is 
provided under: 33 U.S.C. 1121-1131.
    CFDA: 11.417, Sea Grant Support
    Preapplication/Application Deadline: Applications must be received 
by 4 p.m. (local time) on August 27, 2004 for preliminary proposals and 
by 4 p.m. (local time) on November 16, 2004 for full proposals by a 
state Sea Grant Program [or by the National Sea Grant Office (NSGO) in 
the case of an applicant in a non-Sea Grant state]. Applications are to 
be forwarded to the NSGO by the state Sea Grant Programs and received 
by 4 p.m. EST on September 2, 2004 for preliminary proposals and by 4 
p.m. EST, November 23, 2004 for full proposals.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Prospective applicants living in 
Sea Grant states should submit their preliminary and full proposals to 
their state's Sea Grant program. The addresses of the state Sea Grant 
College Programs may be found at the following Internet Web site: 
(http://www.nsgo.seagrant.org/SGDirectors.html) or may also be obtained 
by contacting Dr. James P. McVey at the NSGO (phone: (301) 713-2451; or 
e-mail: [email protected]). Applications from non-Sea Grant states 
should send preliminary and full proposals to the NSGO. Applications 
submitted to the NSGO should be addressed to: NOAA National Sea Grant 
Office, Attn: Mrs. Geraldine Taylor, SG-Gulf Oyster Industry Program, 
1315 East-West Highway, R/SG, Rm. 11732, Silver Spring, MD 20910 
(telephone number for express mail applications is (301) 713-2445).
    Information Contacts: Dr. James P. McVey, tel: (301) 713-2451; e-
mail: [email protected], or any state Sea Grant Program.
    Eligibility: Individuals, institutions of higher education, 
nonprofit organizations, commercial organizations, Federal, State, 
local and Indian tribal governments, foreign governments, and 
international organizations are eligible. Only those who submit 
preliminary proposals by the preliminary proposal deadline are eligible 
to submit full proposals. Those applicants submitting preliminary 
proposals by the preliminary proposal deadline that are not recommended 
by the pre-proposal review process would still be eligible to submit 
full proposals.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: Applicants are required to provide one 
dollar for every two of Federal funds.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
3. NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration Announcement of Opportunity, FY 
2005
    Summary Description: The NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration (OE) is 
seeking pre-proposals and full proposals to support its mission to 
search, investigate, and document unknown and poorly known areas of the 
ocean and Great Lakes through interdisciplinary exploration, and to 
advance and disseminate knowledge of the ocean environment and its 
physical, chemical, biological, and historical resources. Successful OE 
proposals will be relatively high-risk, innovative and broad-based in 
terms of their approach and objectives. OE is soliciting proposals 
whose objectives fall within one of the four following categories: Deep 
Corals, the Arctic, Archaeology, and General Exploration.
    Funding Availability: OE anticipates approximately $5,000,000, 
including shiptime costs, to be available to fund proposals accepted 
through this solicitation. Proposals funded through the FY04 
Announcement of Opportunity, excluding shiptime or submersible costs, 
ranged from approximately $17,000 to $500,000 with an average of 
approximately $85,000. Proposals may be considered for funds greater 
than the range described here. It is expected that approximately 25 
awards will be made through this solicitation, pending the availability 
of funds. Please note that several proposals submitted in response to 
the FY04 solicitation will also be considered in this year's pool of 
proposals for FY05 funding. The OE Director may hold over select 
proposals submitted for FY05 funding into FY06 to consider awarding out 
of the FY06 appropriation.
    Statutory Authority: 33 U.S.C. 883d.
    CFDA: 11.460, Special Oceanic and Atmospheric Projects.
    Application Deadline: Applications for FY05 collaboration with OE 
will be accepted within four separate categories: Deep Corals, Arctic, 
Archaeology, and General Exploration. Pre-proposals are required only 
for the General Exploration category. Pre-proposals must be received by 
August 30, 2004. Full proposals are required for all categories. Full 
proposals must be received by October 12, 2004. To ensure that your 
application will be considered in FY05, it must be received by the 
dates listed above. However, depending on the availability of funds, 
the Office of Ocean Exploration may consider applications received 
after those dates. No e-mail and/or facsimile pre-proposals and/or 
proposals submissions will be accepted.
    Address for Submitting Applications: Pre-proposals and proposals 
must be submitted to: Attn: Proposal Manager, NOAA Office of Ocean 
Exploration, 1315 East West Highway, SSMC III, 10th Floor, Silver 
Spring, Maryland 20910 (telephone number for express mail applications 
is (301) 713-9444).
    Information Contacts: For further information contact the NOAA 
Office of Ocean Exploration at (301) 713-9444 or submit inquiries via 
e-mail to the Frequently Asked Questions address: [email protected]. 
E-mail inquiries should include the Principal Investigator's name in 
the subject heading.
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher 
education, other nonprofits, commercial organizations, organizations 
under the jurisdiction of foreign governments, international 
organizations, State, local and Indian tribal governments. Applications 
from Federal agencies will be considered.

    Please Note: 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. 
Because this announcement is not proposing to procure goods or 
services from applicants, the Economy Act (31 U.S.C. 1535) is not an 
appropriate legal basis.


[[Page 39431]]


    Cost Sharing Requirements: Though cost-sharing is not required, it 
is encouraged.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.'' Applicants must contact their State's Single Point of 
Contact (SPOC) to find out about and comply with the State's process 
under EO 12372. The names and addresses of the SPOCs are listed in the 
Office of Management and Budget's web-site: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
4. Joint Hurricane Testbed (JHT) Opportunities for Transfer of Research 
and Technology Into Tropical Cyclone Analysis and Forecast Operations
    Summary Description: The Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research 
(OAR), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is 
soliciting preapplications (Letters of Intent) and full proposals under 
the United States Weather Research Program (USWRP) as administered by 
the USWRP Joint Hurricane Testbed (JHT). This notice describes 
opportunities and application procedures for the transfer of relevant 
research and technology advances into tropical cyclone analysis and 
forecast operations. This notice calls for researchers to submit 
proposals to test and evaluate, and modify if necessary, in a quasi-
operational environment, their own scientific and technological 
research applications. Projects satisfying metrics for success and 
operational constraints may be selected for operational implementation 
by the operational center(s) after the completion of the JHT-funded 
work. The period of the award is from one up to two years.
    Funding Availability: The estimate for total JHT funding that will 
be available in FY 2005 is $1,500,000, which will likely be used to 
fund 10-15 new projects. Award amounts for previous JHT grants have 
been mostly between $50,000 and $200,000 per year. A similar range is 
expected for this announcement. Funding of any JHT proposals is 
contingent upon availability of these funds. NOAA anticipates making 
awards under this program provided that funding for the USWRP is 
continued. Issuance of follow-on year awards, however, are subject to 
the future availability of funds. In no event will NOAA or the 
Department of Commerce be responsible for proposal preparation costs.
    Statutory Authority: 49 U.S.C. 44720(b), 33 U.S.C. 883d.
    CFDA: 11.431, Climate and Atmospheric Research.
    Preapplication and Application Deadlines: Preapplications submitted 
by Principal Investigators (PIs) must be received at the Tropical 
Prediction Center/National Hurricane Center (TPC/NHC) in Miami, Florida 
(for addresses, see below under the heading: Addresses for Submitting 
Preapplications and Full Proposals) no later than 5 p.m. Eastern 
Daylight Time (EDT) July 30, 2004. TPC/NHC determines whether a 
preapplication has been submitted before the deadline by date and time 
stamping the applications as they are physically received in the TPC/
NHC office. Preapplications received after the deadline will not be 
reviewed, but in such cases PIs are still permitted to submit a full 
proposal. Letters will be sent from NOAA, in response to each 
preapplication reviewed, no later than September 24, 2004. One signed 
original and two additional hard copies of both the full proposal and 
all additionally required forms must be received at TPC/NHC in Miami, 
Florida (for address, see below under the heading: Addresses for 
Submitting Preapplications and Proposals) no later than 5 p.m. Eastern 
Daylight Time (EDT) on October 29, 2004. TPC/NHC determines whether a 
complete application package has been submitted before the deadline by 
date and time stamping the packages as they are physically received in 
the TPC/NHC office. Complete proposal application packages received 
after the deadline will not be considered for funding.
    Addresses for Submitting Preapplications and Proposals: All 
electronic submissions must be sent via e-mail to: [email protected]. All hard copy submissions must be sent to: Dr. 
Jiann-Gwo Jiing, Director, Joint Hurricane Testbed, Tropical Prediction 
Center, 11691 SW 17th Street, Miami, FL 33165, phone (305) 229-4443.
    Information Contacts: Dr. Jiann-Gwo Jiing, Director, Joint 
Hurricane Testbed, Tropical Prediction Center, 11691 SW 17th Street, 
Miami, FL 33165, phone (305) 229-4443, or via e-mail at [email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher 
education; other nonprofits; commercial organizations; foreign 
governments; organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign 
governments; international organizations and State, local and Indian 
tribal governments; and Federal agencies. Applications from non-Federal 
and Federal applicants will be competed against each other. Proposals 
selected for funding from non-Federal applicants will be funded through 
a project grant or cooperative agreement. Proposals selected for 
funding from NOAA scientists shall be effected by an intra-agency fund 
transfer. Proposals selected for funding from a non-NOAA Federal agency 
will be funded through an inter-agency transfer.

    Please Note: 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. 
The only exception to this is governmental research facilities for 
awards issued under the authority of 49 U.S.C. 44720(b). Because 
this announcement is not proposing to procure goods or services from 
applicants, the Economy Act (31 U.S.C. 1535) is not an appropriate 
legal basis.

    Cost Sharing Requirements: None.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
5. NOAA Educational Partnership Program With Minority Serving 
Institutions: Environmental Entrepreneurship Program
    Summary Description: The Environmental Entrepreneurship Program is 
designed to strengthen the capacity of Minority Serving Institutions to 
foster student careers, entrepreneurship opportunities and advanced 
academic degrees in the sciences directly related to NOAA's mission. 
The sciences directly related to NOAA's mission include: Fisheries; 
coastal; ocean; climate; atmospheric; environmental sciences; and 
remote sensing technology. For the purposes of this program, 
Environmental Entrepreneurship is defined as a mechanism to provide 
student training in the application of NOAA sciences for the creation 
of business opportunities. This is achieved by Minority Serving 
Institutions establishing partnerships with NOAA, the academic 
community, and the public and private sectors to engage students in a 
complement of entrepreneurial training and technical skills in 
environmental sciences that will promote commerce and economic 
development.
    Funding Availability: Subject to appropriations, approximately $6 
million will be available for the Environmental Entrepreneurship 
Program competition in 2005. Proposals are limited to a total of 
$500,000 for a maximum of five years and approximately twelve proposals 
will be funded.
    Statutory Authority: 15 U.S.C. 1540.
    CFDA: 11.481 Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving 
Institutions.

[[Page 39432]]

    Application Deadline: Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern 
Daylight Savings time on October 29, 2004.
    Address for Submitting Applications: NOAA EPP/MSI: Environmental 
Entrepreneurship Program, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, Room 10725, SSMC3, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910. Facsimile transmissions and electronic mail 
submission of proposals will not be accepted.
    Information Contact: Jewel G. Linzey, Program Manager, 
Environmental Entrepreneurship Program, (301) 713-9437 ext. 118, 
facsimile (301) 713-9465, e-mail [email protected].
    Eligibility: Minority Serving Institutions eligible to submit 
proposals include institutions of higher education are identified by 
the Department of Education as: (i) Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities, (ii) Hispanic-Serving Institutions, (iii) Tribal Colleges 
and Universities, or (iv) Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian Serving 
Institutions on the most recent ``United States Department of Education 
Accredited Post-Secondary Minority Institutions'' list (at the date of 
publication of this notice): http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/edlite-minorityinst.html. Proposals will not be accepted from non-
profit organizations, foundations, auxiliary services or any other 
entity submitted on behalf of MSIs.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: There is no cost-sharing requirement.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs''.
6. NOAA Climate Transition Program for FY 2005
    Summary Description: The NOAA Climate Transitions Program (NCTP) is 
a new competitive research effort at NOAA designed to address the 
increasingly important challenge of providing a structured process for 
transitioning decision-maker relevant climate research into operational 
settings while setting the foundation for the next generation of 
applied climate research.
    Funding Availability: There will be approximately $300,000 
available for initial research projects funded under this new, peer-
reviewed, grants program. It is anticipated that the cost of most 
funded projects will fall between $50,000 and $100,000 per year and 
that 3-6 awards will be issued. The awards will be grants and/or 
cooperative agreements with anticipated start dates of February 1, 
2005.
    Statutory Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2904.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 11.431, Climate and 
Atmospheric Research.
    Application Deadline: Proposals must be received at the Office of 
Global Programs no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time, August 30, 2004.
    Address for Submitting Applications: NOAA Office of Global 
Programs; Attn: Diane S. Brown, Grants Manager; 1100 Wayne Avenue, 
Suite 1210; Silver Spring, MD 20910-5603.
    Information Contacts: Office of Global Programs Web site http://www.ogp.noaa.gov. Investigators may contact the NOAA program manager, 
Nancy Beller-Simms ([email protected], Tel. (301) 427-2089, 
ext. 180, Fax (301) 427-2082). For general grants information, contact 
Diane S. Brown, Grants Manager, ([email protected], (301) 427-2089, 
ext. 107, fax (301) 427-2222).
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher 
education; other nonprofits; commercial organizations; state, local and 
Indian tribal governments; and Federal agencies. Applications from non-
Federal and Federal applicants will be competed against each other.

    Please Note: 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. 
Because this announcement is not proposing to procure goods or 
services from applicants, the Economy Act (31 U.S.C. 1535) is not an 
appropriate legal basis.

    Cost Sharing Requirements: An award will not be made unless a 
recipient cost shares at least 5% of the cost of the project but no 
more than 50% of the cost of the project.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''

NOAA Fellowship/Scholarships/Internships Competitions

National Ocean Service (NOS)

1. 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. 
Approximately $128,000 will be available through this announcement for 
fiscal year 2005. It is expected that approximately four awards will be 
made, depending on the availability of funds. The intent of this 
program is to recognize outstanding scholarship and encourage 
independent graduate-level research in the above-mentioned fields.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1445c-1.
    CFDA: 11.429 National Marine Sanctuary Program.
    Application Deadline: Applications must be received between 
February 11, 2005 and April 15, 2005 no later than 5 p.m. Eastern 
Daylight Time.
    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 Contacts: Send your request for information to the 
Program Manager at the address shown above, 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.''
2. 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 24 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.

[[Page 39433]]

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 received or 
postmarked by November 1, 2004.
    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.nerrs.noaa.gov/fellowship. If Erica is unavailable, please contact 
Maurice Crawford at (301) 713-3155 ext. 165 or via e-mail at 
[email protected].
    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.''

Ocean and Atmospheric Research

1. GradFell 2005 C NMFS--Sea Grant Joint Graduate Fellowship Program in 
Population Dynamics and Marine Resource Economics
    Summary Description: The National Sea Grant College Program (Sea 
Grant) within OAR is seeking applications for one of its fellowship 
programs to fulfill its broad educational responsibilities and to 
strengthen the collaboration between Sea Grant and NMFS. Fellows will 
work on thesis problems of public interest and relevance to NMFS and 
have summer internships at participating NMFS Science Centers or 
Laboratories under the guidance of NMFS mentors.
    Funding Availability: The NMFS--Sea Grant Joint Graduate Fellowship 
Program in Population Dynamics and Marine Resource Economics expects to 
support up to six new Fellows for 2-3 years beginning in FY 2005. The 
award for each fellowship will be a cooperative agreement of $38,000 
per year, with an anticipated start date of May 1, 2005.
    Statutory Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1127(a).
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 11.417, Sea Grant 
Support.
    Application Deadline: Applications must be received by 4 p.m. 
(local time) on November 16, 2004 by a state Sea Grant Program [or by 
the National Sea Grant Office (NSGO) in the case of an institution of 
higher education in a non-Sea Grant state]. Applications are due at the 
NSGO from state Sea Grant Programs by 4 p.m. EST on November 23, 2004.
    Address for Submitting Applications: Applications from institutions 
of higher education in Sea Grant states must be submitted to the state 
Sea Grant Program. The addresses of the state Sea Grant College 
Programs may be found at the following Internet Web site: (http://www.nsgo.seagrant.org/SGDirectors.html) or may also be obtained by 
contacting Ms. Nikola Garber at the National Sea Grant College Program, 
1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910; tel: (301) 713-2431 
ext. 124; or e-mail: [email protected]. Applications from 
elsewhere may be submitted either to the nearest state Sea Grant 
Program or directly to the NSGO. Applications submitted to the NSGO 
should be addressed to: National Sea Grant Office, Attn: Mrs. Geraldine 
Taylor, SG-NMFS Fellowship Competition, 1315 East-West Highway, R/SG, 
Rm 11732, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (telephone number for express mail 
applications is (301) 713-2445).
    Information Contact: Ms. Nikola Garber, National Sea Grant College 
Program, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910; tel: (301) 
713-2431 ext. 124; e-mail: [email protected]; any state Sea Grant 
Program; or any participating NMFS facility.
    Eligibility: Prospective Fellows must be United States citizens. At 
the time of application, prospective Population Dynamics Fellows must 
be admitted to a PhD degree program in population dynamics or a related 
field such as applied mathematics, statistics, or quantitative ecology 
at an institution of higher education in the United States or its 
territories, or submit a signed letter from the institution indicating 
provisional acceptance to a PhD degree program conditional on obtaining 
financial support such as this fellowship. At the time of application, 
prospective Marine Resource Economics Fellows must be in the process of 
completing at least two years of course work in a PhD degree program in 
natural resource economics or a related field at an institution of 
higher education in the United States or its territories. Applications 
must be submitted by the institution of higher education, which may be 
any such institution in the United States or its territories.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: Required 50 percent match of the NSGO 
funds by the academic institution (i.e., $6,333).
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
2. Sea Grant--Industry Fellowship Program
    Summary Description: The National Sea Grant College Program (Sea 
Grant) within OAR is seeking applications for one of its fellowship 
programs to fulfill its broad educational responsibilities and to 
strengthen the collaboration between Sea Grant and industry. The Sea 
Grant--Industry Fellowship is available to graduate students enrolled 
in either MS or PhD degree programs in institutions of higher education 
in the United States and its territories, with required matching funds 
from private industrial sponsors. Industry Fellows will work on 
research and development projects on topics of interest to a particular 
industry/company. In a true partnership, the student, the faculty 
advisor, the Sea Grant College or institute, and the industry 
representative will work together, sharing research facilities and the 
cost of the activity.

[[Page 39434]]

    Funding Availability: Sea Grant anticipates awarding a total of 
$300,000 (including matching funds) through this announcement by 
supporting up to five new Industry Fellows for two years beginning in 
FY 2005. The award for each Industry Fellowship, contingent upon the 
availability of Federal funds, will be in the form of a grant of up to 
$30,000 per year from Sea Grant with an anticipated start date of May 
1, 2005.
    Statutory Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1127(a).
    CFDA: 11.417, Sea Grant Support.
    Application Deadline: Applications must be received by 4 p.m. 
(local time) on November 16, 2004, by a state Sea Grant Program [or by 
the National Sea Grant Office (NSGO) in the case of an institution of 
higher education in a non-Sea Grant state]. Applications are to be 
forwarded to the NSGO by the state Sea Grant Programs and received by 4 
p.m. (EST) on November 23, 2004.
    Address for Submitting Applications: Applications from institutions 
of higher education in Sea Grant states must be submitted to the state 
Sea Grant Program. The addresses of the state Sea Grant College 
Programs may be found at the following Internet Web site: (http://www.nsgo.seagrant.org/SGDirectors.html) or may also be obtained by 
contacting Ms. Nikola Garber at the National Sea Grant College Program, 
1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910; tel: (301) 713-2431 
ext. 124; or e-mail: [email protected]. Applications from 
elsewhere may be submitted either to the nearest state Sea Grant 
Program or directly to the NSGO. Applications submitted to the NSGO 
should be addressed to: NOAA National Sea Grant Office, Attn: Mrs. 
Geraldine Taylor, SG B Industry Fellowship Program, 1315 East-West 
Highway, R/SG, Rm. 11732, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (telephone number for 
express mail applications is (301) 713-2445).
    Information Contacts: Ms. Nikola Garber, tel: (301) 713-2431 ext. 
124; e-mail: [email protected], or any state Sea Grant Program.
    Eligibility: At the time of application, any prospective student, 
regardless of citizenship, must be admitted to a MS or PhD degree 
program at an institution of higher education in the United States or 
its territories, or submit a signed letter from the institution 
indicating provisional acceptance to a MS or PhD degree program 
conditional on obtaining financial support such as this fellowship. 
Applications must be submitted by the institution of higher education.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: Required 50 percent match of the Federal 
funds by the industrial partner.
    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 2005 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 
NOAA to award any specific project or to obligate any available funds.

Universal Identifier

    Applicants should be aware that, they are required to provide a Dun 
and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number during the 
application process. See the October 30, 2002 Federal Register, Vol. 
67, No. 210, pp. 66177B66178 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).

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

    NOAA must analyze the potential environmental impacts, as required 
by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), for applicant projects 
or proposals which are seeking NOAA federal funding opportunities. 
Detailed information on NOAA compliance with NEPA can be found at the 
following NOAA NEPA Web site: http://www.nepa.noaa.gov/, including our 
NOAA Administrative Order 216-6 for NEPA, http://www.nepa.noaa.gov/NAO216_6_TOC.pdf, and the Council on Environmental Quality 
implementation regulations, http://ceq.eh.doe.gov/nepa/regs/ceq/toc_ceq.htm).
    Consequently, as part of an applicant's package, and under their 
description of their program activities, applicants are required to 
provide detailed information on the activities to be conducted, 
locations, sites, species and habitat to be affected, possible 
construction activities, and any environmental concerns that may exist 
(e.g., the use and disposal of hazardous or toxic chemicals, 
introduction of non-indigenous species, impacts to endangered and 
threatened species, aquaculture projects, and impacts to coral reef 
systems). In addition to providing specific information that will serve 
as the basis for any required impact analyses, applicants may also be 
requested to assist NOAA in drafting of an environmental assessment, if 
NOAA determines an assessment is required. Applicants will also be 
required to cooperate with NOAA in identifying and implementing 
feasible measures to reduce or avoid any identified adverse 
environmental impacts of their proposal. The failure to do so shall be 
grounds for the denial of an application. 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 the Office 
of Management and Budget (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

[[Page 39435]]

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, 2004.
Helen Hurcombe,
Director Acquisition and Grants Office, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration.
[FR Doc. 04-14844 Filed 6-29-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-12-P