[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 125 (Thursday, June 30, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37766-37788]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-12927]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Docket No. 030602141-567-18; I.D. 061505A]
RIN 0648-ZB55


Availability of Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2006

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

ACTION: Omnibus notice announcing the availability of grant funds for 
fiscal year 2006.

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SUMMARY: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 
announces the availability of grant funds for Fiscal Year 2006. 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/%7Egrants/
funding.shtml. The URL 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 Oceanography
    2. Research in Satellite Data Assimilation for Numerical and 
Climate Prediction Models.
    3. Research in Primary Vicarious Calibration of Ocean Color 
Satellite Sensors.

National Marine Fisheries Service

    1. Protected Species Conservation and Recovery with States.
    2. John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program.
    3. Community-based Marine Debris Prevention and Removal Project 
Grants.
    4. Projects to Improve or Amend Coral Reef Fishery Management 
Plans.
    5. Community-based Habitat Restoration Project Grants.
    6. Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education & Training (B-WET) Program.
    7. FY06 Western Pacific Demonstration Projects.
    8. MARFIN Fisheries Initiative Program (MARFIN) FY 2006.
    9. Cooperative Research Program (CRP) FY 2006.
    10. North Atlantic Right Whale Research Programs.
    11. General Coral Reef Conservation.

National Ocean Service.

    1. NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Grant Program--State and Territory 
Coral Reef Management.
    2. NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Grant Program--State and Territory 
Coral Reef Ecosystem Monitoring.
    3. South Florida Program.
    4. Northern Gulf of Mexico Ecosystem Research Program (NGOMEX).
    5. Ecological Forecasting.
    6. NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Grant Program--International Coral 
Reef Conservation.
    7. FY 2006 Bay Watershed Education & Training (B-WET) Program, 
Hawai'i.
    8. Bay Watershed Education & Training (B-WET) Program, Monterey Bay 
Watershed.
    9. National Estuarine Research Reserves System FY2006 Land 
Acquisition and Construction Competitive Program.
    10. FY 2006 Coastal Services Center Environmental Characterization 
of a U.S. Coastal Region.
    11. FY2006 Coastal Services Center Leadership Training for Coastal 
Managers and Scientists.
    12. FY2006 Coastal Services Center Application of Spatial 
Technology for Coastal Management.

[[Page 37767]]

    13. Coral Reef Ecosystem Studies (CRES) FY 2006.
    14. FY2006 Coastal Services Center Performance Measurement 
Technical Assistance.

National Weather Service

    1. AFWS--Automated Flood Warning Systems (AFWS) Program.
    2. Hydrologic Research.

Oceans and Atmospheric Research

    1. Ballast Water Technology Demonstration Program Competitive 
Funding Announcement (Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation 
Facility).
    2. NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration Announcement of Opportunity, FY 
2006.
    3. Ballast Water Technology Demonstration Program Competitive 
Funding Announcement (Treatment Technology Demonstration Projects).

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 2006 C NMFS/Sea Grant Joint Graduate Fellowship Program 
in Marine Resource Economics.
    2. Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (Knauss Fellowship 
Program).
    3. Sea Grant--Industry Fellowship Program.
    4. GradFell 2006 NMFS/Sea Grant Joint Graduate Fellowship Program 
in Population Dynamics.

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/ 
%7Egrants/funding.shtml or by contacting the program official 
identified below. 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 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 http://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. Individuals who plan to submit a grant application 
using Grants.gov are required to register with the Credential Provider 
and register with Grants.gov. In order for you to apply as an 
individual, the grant application must be open to individuals and be 
published on the Grants.gov Web site.
    Individuals do not need a DUNS number to register to submit 
applications. The system will generate a default value in that field.
    Individuals who plan to submit a grant application using Grants.gov 
are required to register with the Credential Provider (Step 3 B and 
register with Grants.gov (Step 4 B).

Get Started Step 1 B 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 2 B Organizations Must 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 3 B 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 4 B 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 5 B 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 & 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

[[Page 37768]]

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.
    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.

Selection Factors for Fellowship/Scholarships/Internships

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

National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service

1. Research in Satellite Oceanography
    Summary Description: The National Environmental Satellite, Data, 
and Information Service (NESDIS), Office of Research and Applications 
(ORA), announces the availability of Federal assistance in the area of 
satellite oceanography. This program responds to a need for research 
and activities that expand the use of satellite oceanographic data. 
Funded proposals will help build capabilities nationwide in the 
application of satellite oceanographic data for environmental 
monitoring, prediction, and coastal management. Program priorities 
include research in ocean color, sea ice, ocean vector winds, sea 
surface height, sea surface temperature, and sea surface roughness.
    Funding Availability: The total amount available for proposals is 
anticipated to be approximately $375,000 per year. Individual annual 
awards in the form of grants or cooperative agreements are expected to 
range from $50,000 per year to a maximum of $125,000 per year for no 
more than two years.
    Statutory Authority: Statutory authority for this program is 
provided under 33 U.S.C. 883d, 33 U.S.C. 1442, and 49 U.S.C. 44720(b).
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.440,

[[Page 37769]]

Environmental Sciences, Applications, Data, and Education.
    Application Deadline: Proposals must be received no later than 4 
p.m. eastern daylight time, September 23, 2005.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Proposals must be submitted 
electronically via http://www.grants.gov, or as hard copy (by postal 
mail, commercial delivery service, or hand delivery) to the Office of 
Research and Applications of NESDIS. Hard copy proposals must be 
submitted to: ATTN: William Pichel, NOAA/NESDIS/ORA; WWB Room 601, 5200 
Auth Road, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Tel: 301-763-8231 X166.
    Information Contacts: Administrative questions: Kathy LeFevre, by 
phone at 301-763-8127 ext. 103, fax: 301-763-8108, or e-mail: 
[email protected]. Technical questions: William Pichel (NOAA 
Program Officer), by phone at 301-763-8231 ext. 166, or fax to 301-763-
8020, or via e-mail: [email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applications can be from U.S. institutions of 
higher education, other non-profits, commercial organizations, and 
State, local and indian tribal governments. U.S. Federal agencies or 
institutions are eligible to receive Federal assistance under this 
Notice as sub-awardees only and are limited in the amount of assistance 
to be received to not more than 25% of the total budget (direct plus 
indirect costs) requested in the proposal.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: None.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
2. Research in Satellite Data Assimilation for Numerical and Climate 
Prediction Models
    Summary Description: The Joint Center for Satellite Data 
Assimilation (JCSDA) announces the availability of Federal assistance 
for research in the area of satellite data assimilation in numerical 
weather and climate prediction models. The goal of the JCSDA is to 
accelerate the use of observations from earth-orbiting satellites in 
operational numerical prediction models for the purpose of improving 
weather forecasts, improving seasonal to interannual climate forecasts, 
and increasing the physical accuracy of climate data sets. The advanced 
instruments of current and planned NOAA, NASA, DoD, and international 
agency satellite missions will provide large volumes of data on 
atmospheric, oceanic, and land surface conditions with accuracies and 
spatial resolutions never before achieved. The JCSDA will ensure that 
the nation realizes the maximum benefit of its investment in space as 
part of an advanced global observing system. Funded proposals will help 
accelerate the use of satellite data from both operational and 
experimental spacecraft in operational and product driven weather and 
climate prediction environments, develop community radiative transfer 
models, develop improved surface emissivity models, and advance data 
assimilation science. This Federal Funding Opportunity is being managed 
by NOAA on behalf of the JCSDA. Applicants are encouraged to submit a 
Letter of Intent (LOI) describing the proposed work and its relevance 
to 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.
    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. 2901 et 
seq.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.440, 
Environmental Sciences, Applications, Data, and Education.
    Preapplication/Application Deadline: Letters of Intent (LOIs) must 
be received by NOAA/NESDIS no later than 5 p.m. eastern daylight time, 
August 1, 2005, and full proposals must be received no later than 5 
p.m. eastern daylight time, October 3, 2005.
    Address for Submitting Letters of Intent and Proposals: LOIs must 
be mailed or e-mailed to James G. Yoe, Deputy Director, Joint Center 
for Satellite Data Assimilation, 5200 Auth Road, Room 701, Camp 
Springs, MD 20746-4304, e-mail to: [email protected]. Full proposals 
should be submitted through http://www.grants.gov/ unless the applicant 
does not have Internet access. In that case hard copies may be sent to 
the above address.
    Information Contact(s): James G. Yoe, JCSDA, NOAA/NESDIS, 5200 Auth 
Road, Room 810; Camp Springs, Maryland 20746, or by phone at 301-763-
8172 ext. 186, 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 301-763-8127 
ext. 107, or fax to 301-763-8108, or via Internet at 
[email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher 
education, other nonprofits, commercial organizations, international 
organizations, and state, local and Indian tribal governments. Federal 
agencies or institutions are not eligible to receive Federal assistance 
under this notice.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: None.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
3. Research in Primary Vicarious Calibration of Ocean Color Satellite 
Sensors
    Summary Description: The Office of Research and Applications (ORA) 
announces the availability of Federal assistance in the research area 
of ocean color satellite sensor calibration and validation. ORA is 
committed to improving the vicarious calibration capabilities of a 
Marine Optical Buoy (MOBY) system located in Hawaii, with an ultimate 
goal of a continuous, climate-quality time-series of normalized water-
leaving spectral radiances across multiple agency missions and ocean 
color satellite sensors. Research efforts are focused on the reduction 
of the total uncertainty budget in the determination of the normalized 
water-leaving radiances from MOBY measurements, improvements in the 
process used with the MOBY system for validation of ocean color 
satellite sensor retrievals of water-leaving spectral radiances, and 
the development of new MOBY system components which would increase 
measurement integrity. These advances in vicarious calibration 
capabilities would improve the quality and accuracy of ocean color 
satellite sensor bio-optical product retrievals.
    Funding Availability: Funding is anticipated to range from a 
minimum of $900,000 to a maximum of $1,100,000 per year for no more 
than two years. Only one applicant will receive an award.
    Statutory Authority: Statutory authority for this program is 
provided under 33 U.S.C. 883d and 33 U.S.C. 1442.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.440, 
Environmental Sciences, Applications, Data, and Education.

[[Page 37770]]

    Application Deadline: Proposals must be received by 4 p.m. eastern 
daylight time on September 1, 2005. For proposals submitted through 
http://www.grants.gov, a date and time receipt indication is included 
and will be the basis of determining timeliness. Hard copy proposals 
will be date and time stamped when they are received in the program 
office.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Hard copy proposals should be 
sent to Marilyn Yuen-Murphy; DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/ORA; 5200 Auth Rd., Rm. 
104; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Electronic applications should be 
submitted through Grants.gov.
    Information Contact(s): Marilyn Yuen-Murphy by telephone (301-763-
8102 x159), fax (301-763-8020), or e-mail 
([email protected]); or Kathy LeFevre by telephone (301-763-
8127 x103), fax (301-763-8108), or e-mail ([email protected]).
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are U.S. institutions of higher 
education, other non-profits, commercial organizations, and state, 
local and Indian tribal governments.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: None.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''

National Marine Fisheries Service

1. Protected Species Conservation and Recovery With States
    Summary Description: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) 
announces the availability of Federal assistance to support the 
conservation of threatened and endangered species, recently de-listed 
species, candidate species, and species of concern under the 
jurisdiction of the NMFS or under the joint jurisdiction of the NMFS 
and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (e.g., sea turtles). Any state 
that has entered into an agreement with the NMFS and maintains an 
adequate and active program for the conservation of endangered and 
threatened species pursuant to section 6(c) of the Endangered Species 
Act of 1973 (ESA) is eligible to apply. These financial assistance 
awards can be used to support management, research, monitoring, or 
outreach activities that provide direct conservation benefits to listed 
species, recently de-listed species, candidate species, or species of 
concern that reside within that state. Projects involving North 
Atlantic right whales will not be considered for funding under this 
grant program; such projects may be funded under the North Atlantic 
Right Whale Research Program.
    Funding Availability: Approximately $1.0M in funding may be 
available for grants in FY 2006. Award periods may extend up to 3 years 
with annual funding contingent on the availability of Federal 
appropriations. There are no restrictions on maximum or minimum award 
amounts.
    Statutory Authority: Under section 6 of the ESA, the NMFS is 
authorized to provide Federal assistance to eligible states for the 
purpose of conserving marine and anadromous species that reside within 
that state (16 U.S.C. 1535).
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.472, Unallied Science 
Programs.
    Application Deadline: Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. eastern 
time on September 9, 2005.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applicants are encouraged to 
submit proposals online through Grants.gov. If online submission is not 
possible, applications may also be submitted to NOAA/NMFS/Office of 
Protected Resources, Attn: Lisa Manning, 1315 East-West Highway, room 
13633, Silver Spring, MD 20910; e-mail: [email protected].
    Information Contacts: Lisa Manning, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910; e-mail: [email protected]; phone: 301-713-1401.
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are states or their respective 
state agencies that have entered into an agreement with the NMFS 
pursuant to section 6(c) of the ESA. The term ``State'' means any of 
the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Trust 
Territory of the Pacific Islands. The term ``State agency'' means any 
State agency, department, board, commission, or other governmental 
entity that is responsible for the management and conservation of fish, 
plant, or wildlife resources within a State.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: In accordance with section 6(d) of the 
ESA, all proposals submitted must include a minimum non-Federal cost 
share of 25 percent of the total budget if the proposal involves a 
single state. If a proposal involves collaboration of two or more 
states, the minimum non-Federal cost share decreases to 10 percent of 
the total project budget.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
2. 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 anticipated that awards funded through the Prescott Grant Program 
will facilitate achievement of 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 grant or cooperative agreement.
    Funding Availability: Funding of up to $4,000,000 is expected to be 
available in FY 2006. 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).
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.439 Marine Mammal Data 
Program.
    Application Deadline: Applications for funding under the Prescott 
program must be received by or postmarked by 11:59 p.m. eastern 
daylight time on August 15, 2005.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applications should either be 
submitted online at http://www.grants.gov or 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 Contact(s): Janet Whaley, Michelle Ordono, or Sarah 
Wilkin at (301) 713-2322, by fax at (301) 713-

[[Page 37771]]

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.''
3. Community-Based Marine Debris Prevention and Removal Project Grants
    Summary Description: NMFS is inviting the public to submit 
proposals for funding available through the NOAA Marine Debris Program 
(MDP) to implement grass-roots projects to prevent or remove marine 
debris that will benefit living marine resource habitats and 
navigational waterways. Projects funded through the NOAA Community-
based Marine Debris Prevention and Removal Project Grants competition 
will be expected to have strong on-the-ground marine debris prevention 
or removal 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 
cooperative agreements. Marine debris removal may include, but is not 
limited to:
     Detection and removal of derelict fishing gear;
     Removal of solid waste material in coastal habitats 
including marshes, bays, mangroves, and coral reefs;
     Shoreline clean-ups including a targeted outreach/
education component;
     Removal of debris from marine, estuarine or beach 
environments resulting from hurricanes or other natural disasters;
     Detection and removal of derelict pilings, bulkheads and 
similar obsolete materials that pose a hazard to navigation or diminish 
habitat quality.
    Marine debris prevention may include, but is not limited to:
     Training for the safe removal of derelict fishing gear, 
ghost nets, and other debris adversely impacting coastal habitats;
     Monitoring cleaned areas to determine re-accumulation 
rates;
     Prevention activities related to reception facilities at 
marinas and fishing ports including recycling initiatives for 
monofilament fishing line and other types of fishing gear, or debris; 
and
     The development of debris reduction incentives for 
prevention, removal, and safe disposal of plastics and derelict fishing 
gear.
    Funding Availability: Funding of up to $2,000,000 is expected to be 
available for Community-based Marine Debris Prevention and Removal 
Projects in FY 2006. The NOAA Restoration Center anticipates that 
typical project awards will range from $15,000 to $100,000.
    Statutory Authority: The Secretary of Commerce is authorized under 
the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act, 33 U.S.C. 1901 
et seq., to award grants, enter into cooperative agreements with 
appropriate officials of other Federal agencies and agencies of States 
and political subdivisions of States and with public and private 
entities, and provide other financial assistance to eligible recipients 
to educate the public (including recreational boaters, fishermen, and 
other users of the marine environment) regarding the harmful effects of 
plastic pollution; the need to reduce such pollution; the need to 
recycle plastic materials.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.463 Habitat 
Conservation.
    Application Deadline: Applications for project funding under the 
MDP must be submitted via grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. e.s.t. on October 
12, 2005 or if mailed, postmarked by 11:59 p.m. e.s.t. on October 12, 
2005.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applicants should apply through 
http://www.grants.gov. If Internet access is unavailable, paper 
applications should be sent to Christopher D. Doley, Director, NOAA 
Restoration Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East West 
Highway (F/HC3), Silver Spring, MD 20910; ATTN: MDP Project 
Applications.
    Information Contact(s): For further information contact Elizabeth 
Fairey ([email protected] or 301-713-3459) or Robin Bruckner 
([email protected] or 301-713-0174).
    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.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: 1:1 non-Federal match is encouraged and 
will be considered in the review process, but applicants with less than 
1:1 match will not be disqualified.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
4. Projects To Improve or Amend Coral Reef Fishery Management Plans
    Summary Description: The NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program is 
soliciting applications from the Regional Fishery Management Councils 
for projects to conserve and manage coral reef fishery resources. The 
objectives of this program are to reduce the adverse impacts of fishing 
and other extractive uses within coral reef ecosystems, and incorporate 
conservation and sustainable management measures into existing or new 
Federal fishery management plans (FMPs) for coral reef species. 
Projects must address one or more of the following 7 categories: (1) 
Identification, mapping and characterization of EFH, HAPC, or reef fish 
spawning aggregation sites; (2) monitoring reef fish stocks; (3) 
efforts to reduce overfishing of coral reef resources; (4) 
identification and reduction of adverse effects of fishing gear, 
including the elimination of destructive and habitat-damaging fishing 
practices; (5) assessment of the adequacy of current coral reef fishing 
regulations; (6) education and outreach efforts to recreational and 
commercial fishers; and (7) ecosystem-scale studies and inclusion of 
ecosystem approaches into coral reef FMPs. Priority will be given 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 Coral Reef Conservation Program under the Coral Reef 
Conservation Act of 2000 and is not intended to support normal Council 
activities or responsibilities. Proposals can include

[[Page 37772]]

the support for a maximum of one full-time equivalent working 
exclusively on Council coral reef conservation activities. Councils may 
submit an application of up to 25 pages that includes a cover sheet, 
project summary, narrative project description, narrative budget 
summary and Federal forms. Selected applicants may be asked to revise 
award objectives, work plans or budgets prior to submission of a final 
application.
    Funding Availability: The total anticipated available funding is 
$1,050,000 with a maximum of $525,000 available for activities in the 
Western Pacific, and a maximum of $525,000 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.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.441 
Regional Fishery Management Councils.
    Application Deadlines: Applications must be received before 
midnight, eastern standard time, on November 15, 2005. Final revised 
applications must be received before midnight, eastern standard time on 
March 3, 2006.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applications should be submitted 
electronically to http://www.grants.gov, or by 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 Contact(s): Andy Bruckner, Office of Habitat 
Conservation, F/HC1, Room 15836, NOAA Fisheries Service, 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, the South Atlantic Fishery Management 
Council, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, and the 
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.''
5. Community-based Habitat Restoration Project Grants
    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 long-
term ecological habitat improvements for NOAA trust resources as well 
as educational and social benefits for people and their communities. 
Proposals selected for funding through this solicitation will be 
implemented through cooperative agreements.
    Funding Availability: Funding of up to $3,000,000 is expected to be 
available for Community-based Habitat Restoration Project Grants in FY 
2006. 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.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.463 Habitat 
Conservation.
    Application Deadline: Applications for project funding under the 
CRP must be submitted via grants.gov by 11:59 PM EST, October 12, 2005 
or if mailed, postmarked by 11:59 p.m. e.s.t., October 12, 2005.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applicants should apply through 
http://www.grants.gov. If internet access is unavailable, paper 
applications should be sent to Christopher D. Doley, Director, NOAA 
Restoration Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East West 
Highway (F/HC3), Silver Spring, MD 20910-3282; ATTN: CRP Project 
Applications.
    Information Contact(s): Melanie Gange or Robin Bruckner 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.
    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.''
6. Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education & Training (B-WET) Program
    Summary Description: The Chesapeake 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 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 2006 in award amounts to be 
determined by the proposals and available funds. Annual funding is 
anticipated to maintain partnerships for up to 3 years duration, but is 
dependant on funding made available by Congress. Applicants are hereby 
given notice that funds have not yet been appropriated for this 
program.
    1. About $1.0M will be for exemplar programs that successfully 
integrate teacher professional development in the Chesapeake Bay 
watershed with in-depth classroom study and outdoor experiences for 
their students.
    2. About $600K will be for proposals that provide opportunities for 
students (K through 12) to participate in ``Meaningful'' Watershed 
Educational Experiences related to Chesapeake Bay.
    3. About $600K will be for proposals that provide opportunities for 
Professional Development in the area of Chesapeake Bay watershed 
education for teachers.
    The NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office anticipates that typical awards for 
B-WET Exemplar Programs that successfully integrate teacher 
professional development with in-depth classroom student and outdoor 
experiences for their students will range from $50,000 to $200,000. 
Projects that represent either meaningful watershed educational 
experiences for students or teacher professional development in

[[Page 37773]]

watershed education will range from $10,000 to $100,000.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 661; 15 U.S.C. 1540.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.457; Chesapeake Bay 
Studies, Education.
    Application Deadline: Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. eastern 
time on October 24, 2005.
    Address for Submitting Proposal: Electronic submission: http://www.grants.gov/. Search using the following Federal Funding Opportunity 
Number: [XXXXXX]. Hard copies may be submitted by postal mail, 
commercial delivery service, or hand-delivery. Proposals being 
submitted in hard copy must be sent to: NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office; 
Education Coordinator; 410 Severn Avenue, Suite 107A; Annapolis, 
Maryland 21403.
    Information Contact(s): Shannon W. Sprague, NOAA Chesapeake Bay 
Office, 410 Severn Avenue, Suite 107A, Annapolis, MD 2140. 
[email protected] or 410-267-5664.
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are K-through-12 public and 
independent schools and school systems, institutions of higher 
education, community-based and nonprofit organizations, State or local 
government agencies, interstate agencies, and Indian tribal governments 
in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: No cost sharing is required under this 
program, however, the NCBO strongly encourages applicants applying for 
either area of interest 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. Priority selection will be given to proposals that 
propose cash rather than in-kind contributions.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
7. FY06 Western Pacific Demonstration Projects
    Project Summary: NMFS is soliciting applications for financial 
assistance for Western Pacific Demonstration Projects. Eligible 
applicants are encouraged to submit projects intended to foster and 
promote use of traditional indigenous fishing practices and/or develop 
or enhance Western Pacific community-based fishing opportunities 
benefiting the island communities in American Samoa, Guam, Hawaii, and 
the Northern Mariana Islands. Projects may also request support for 
research and the acquisition of materials and equipment necessary to 
carry out such project proposals.
    Funding Availability: Total funding available is anticipated to be 
approximately $500,000. It is anticipated that 3 to 5 awards will be 
made for each fiscal year covered by this notice.
    Statutory Authority: The Secretary is authorized to make direct 
grants to eligible western Pacific communities pursuant to Section 
111(b) of Pub. L. 104-297, as amended, and published within 16 U.S.C. 
1855 note.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.452, Unallied Industry 
Projects.
    Application Deadline: Project proposals and completed grant 
applications must be postmarked or received by 5 p.m. Hawaii standard 
time on October 28, 2005. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply 
electronically at http://www.grants.gov.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Project proposals and grant 
applications must be sent to: the Federal Program Officer for Western 
Pacific Demonstration Projects, Pacific Islands Region, National Marine 
Fisheries Service, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 1110, Honolulu, 
Hawaii 96814.
    Information Contacts: Scott W.S. Bloom (NMFS) at 808-973-2937, or 
by e-mail at [email protected]; or Charles Ka'ai'ai (Council), 808-
522-8220 or by e-mail at [email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are limited to communities in the 
Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Area, as defined at section 
305(i)(2)(D) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), 16 U.S.C. 1855(i)(2)(D); and 
meet the standards for determining eligibility set forth in section 
305(i)(2)(B) of the Act, 16 U.S.C. 1855(i)(2)(B). The eligibility 
criteria developed by the Council and approved by the Secretary to 
participate in western Pacific community development programs was 
published in the Federal Register on April 16, 2002 (67 FR 18512, 
18513).
    Cost Sharing Requirements: None.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs''.
8. MARFIN Fisheries Initiative Program (MARFIN) FY 2006
    Summary Description: The NMFS Southeast Regional Office is inviting 
the public to submit research and development projects that will 
optimize the use of fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico and off the South 
Atlantic states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida 
involving the U.S. fishing industry (recreational and commercial), 
including fishery biology, resource assessment, socioeconomic 
assessment, management and conservation, selected harvesting methods, 
and fish handling and processing. Proposals may be selected for funding 
for up to three years through a cooperative agreement.
    Funding Availability: Approximately $2.5 million may be available 
in fiscal year (FY) 2006 for projects. This amount includes possible 
in-house projects. The NMFS Southeast Regional Office anticipates that 
typical project awards will range from $35,000 to $300,000. The average 
award is $108,000.
    Statutory Authority: 15 U.S.C. 713c-3(d).
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.433 Marine Fisheries 
Initiative.
    Application Deadline: We must receive your application by close of 
business (5 p.m. eastern daylight time) on August 15, 2005. 
Applications received after that time will not be considered for 
funding.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applications should be submitted 
through http://www.grants.gov. If an applicant does not have Internet 
access, hard copies should be sent to the National Marine Fisheries 
Service, State/Federal Liaison Branch, 263 13th Avenue South, St. 
Petersburg, FL 33701.
    Information Contact: Scot Plank, State/Federal Liaison Branch at 
(727) 824-5324.
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants include Institutions of higher 
education, other nonprofits, commercial organizations, State, local and 
Indian tribal governments. Federal agencies or institutions are not 
eligible. Foreign governments, organizations under the jurisdiction of 
foreign governments, and international organizations are excluded for 
purposes of this solicitation since the objective of the MARFIN program 
is to optimize research and development benefits from U.S. marine 
fishery resources.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: Cost-sharing is not required.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''

[[Page 37774]]

9. Cooperative Research Program (CRP) FY 2006
    Summary Description: The NMFS Southeast Regional Office is inviting 
the public to submit research and development projects that seek to 
increase and improve the working relationship between researchers from 
the NMFS, state fishery agencies, universities, and fishermen. The 
program is a means of involving commercial and recreational fishermen 
in the collection of fundamental fisheries information. Collection 
efforts support the development and evaluation of management and 
regulatory options. Projects accepted for funding will need to be 
completed within 24 months.
    Funding Availability: Approximately $2.0 million may be available 
in fiscal year 2006 for projects. The NMFS Southeast Regional Office 
anticipates that typical project awards will range from $40,000 to 
$475,000. The average award is $190,000.
    Statutory Authority: 15 U.S.C. 713c-3(d).
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.454 Unallied Management 
Projects.
    Application Deadline: We must receive your application by 5 p.m. 
eastern daylight time on August 29, 2005. Applications received after 
that time will not be considered for funding.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applications should be submitted 
through http://www.grants.gov. If an applicant does not have Internet 
access, hard copies should be sent to the National Marine Fisheries 
Service, State/Federal Liaison Branch, 263 13th Avenue South, St. 
Petersburg, FL 33701.
    Information Contact: Scot Plank, State/Federal Liaison Branch at 
(727) 824-5324.
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants include Institutions of higher 
education, other nonprofits, commercial organizations, state, local and 
Indian tribal governments and individuals. Federal agencies or 
institutions are not eligible. Foreign governments, organizations under 
the jurisdiction of foreign governments, and international 
organizations are excluded for purposes of this solicitation since the 
objective of the CRP is to optimize research and development benefits 
from U.S. marine fishery resources. Applicants who are not commercial 
or recreational fisherman must have commercial or recreational 
fishermen participating in their project. There must be a written 
agreement with a fisherman describing the involvement in the project 
activity. All applicants must include a written agreement with a person 
employed by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), who will act 
as a partner in the proposed research project. The NMFS partner will 
assist the applicant to develop a design (statistical or analytical) 
for the project to assure that the outcome will provide suitable, 
scientific data and results to support needed fisheries management 
information.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: Cost-sharing is not required.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
10. North Atlantic Right Whale Research Programs
    Summary Description: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) 
is soliciting applications for Federal assistance under the North 
Atlantic Right Whale Grant Program (RWGP). Under the RWGP, NMFS 
provides 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 9 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; and (9) Any other work relevant to the 
recovery of North Atlantic right whales.
    Funding Availability: This solicitation announces that a maximum of 
$1.0M may be available for distribution under the FY 2006 RWRGP. 
Applicants are hereby given notice that funds have not yet been 
appropriated for this program. The exact amount of funds that may be 
awarded will be determined in pre-award negotiations between the 
applicant and NOAA representatives. Publication of this notice does not 
oblige NOAA to award any specific project or to obligate any available 
funds. There is no set minimum or maximum amount for any award, and 
there is no limit on the number of applications that can be submitted 
by the same researcher during the 2006 competitive grant cycle. Note 
that in FY 2004, the last year in which there was a competition in this 
program, 15 awards were made, with a range of $35,000 to $200,000 per 
year. If an application for a financial assistance award is selected 
for funding, NOAA/NMFS has no obligation to provide any additional 
funding in connection with that award in subsequent years.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1380.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.472, Unallied Science 
Program.
    Application Deadline: The application package must be postmarked by 
5 p.m. EST August 1, 2005.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Proposals should be submitted 
through http://www.grants.gov. Search using the following funding 
opportunity  NMFS-NEFSC-2005-2000252. Applicants without 
Internet access can submit proposals to Kelly Taranto, NMFS, Northeast 
Fisheries Science Center, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543. Mark 
the proposal: ``Attention-Right Whale Research Grant Program.''
    Information Contact(s): Dr. Richard Pace, 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: None.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
11. General Coral Reef Conservation
    Summary Description: The NOAA Coral Reef Conservation 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 Coral 
Reef Conservation 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

[[Page 37775]]

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 7 
categories: Coral reef monitoring and assessment; socio-economic 
assessments and resource valuation; marine protected areas and 
associated management activities; coral reef fisheries management and 
enforcement; coral reef restoration; public education and outreach; and 
local action strategy implementation. Research activities are eligible 
only if they directly relate to management or are listed as a project 
within a local action strategy. Interested applicants should submit an 
application of up to 25 pages that includes a cover sheet, project 
summary, narrative project description, narrative budget summary, CV, 
letter(s) of support and Federal forms.
    Funding Availability: Total anticipated available funding is 
$600,000, of which up to $100,000 is for specific local action strategy 
projects with the remainder divided approximately equally among the 
other 6 categories. Individual awards in the form of grants can range 
from $15,000 to a maximum of $50,000. Applications for awards for more 
than $50,000 will not be accepted. Funding will be subject to the 
availability of federal appropriations.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6403.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.463 
Habitat Conservation.
    Application Deadline: Applications are due to NOAA before midnight, 
eastern standard time, November 15, 2005. Final revised applications 
must be received no later than midnight, eastern standard time. March 
3, 2006. Proposals received after these deadlines will not be accepted.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applications should be submitted 
electronically to http://www.grants.gov, or by 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 Contact(s): Andy Bruckner, Office of Habitat 
Conservation, F/HC1, Room 15836, NOAA Fisheries Service, 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. Federal, State, Territory, and Commonwealth 
government agencies are not eligible under this program.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: 1:1 non-federal match is required. 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.''

National Ocean Service

1. NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Grant Program--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 $4,000,000 may be available in 
FY 2006 to support awards under this program. Each eligible 
jurisdiction can apply for a maximum of $685,000. A minimum of 40% of 
the final award amount must be dedicated to the implementation and 
support of the Local Action Strategy initiative in each jurisdiction. 
Funding is subject to the availability of federal appropriations.
    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.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.419, Coastal Zone 
Management Program.
    Application Deadline: Initial Application/Final Application 
Deadline: Pre-applications are due to NOAA by 11:59 p.m. eastern time 
on November 15, 2005. Final applications are due to NOAA by 11:59 p.m. 
eastern time on March 3, 2006.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Address for submitting pre-
applications: David Kennedy, NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, 
Office of Response and Restoration, NOAA National Ocean Service, N/ORR, 
Room 10102, 1305 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 or 
[email protected]. Submissions by e-mail are preferred.
    Address for submitting final applications: http://www.grants.gov, 
the Federal grants portal. If Internet access is unavailable, hard 
copies can be submitted 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. Applicants are required to include one original and two copies 
of the signed, hard/paper of the Federal financial assistance forms for 
each final application package that is not submitted through http://www.grants.gov.
    Information Contact(s): Dana Wusinich-Mendez, 1305 East West 
Highway, 11th Floor, N/ORM3, Silver Spring, MD 20910, phone 301-713-
3155 extension 159, 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

[[Page 37776]]

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. NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Grant Program--State and Territory 
Coral Reef Ecosystem Monitoring
    Summary Description: This program is soliciting proposals to 
support implementation of a nationally coordinated, comprehensive, 
long-term monitoring program to assess the condition of U.S. coral reef 
ecosystems, and to evaluate the efficacy of coral 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 monitoring 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 $1,100,000 may be available in 
FY 2006 to support awards under this program. Each eligible 
jurisdiction can apply for a maximum $130,000, with the exception of 
the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the 
Republic of the Marshall Islands which can apply for a maximum of 
$30,000. The amount of funding awarded to each jurisdiction will be 
subject to the eligibility and evaluation requirements described in 
this announcement. Funding is subject to the availability of Federal 
appropriations.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6403.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.419, Coastal Zone 
Management Program.
    Application Deadline: Initial Application/Final Application 
Deadline: Pre-applications are due to NOAA by 11:59 p.m. eastern time 
on November 15, 2005. Final applications are due to NOAA by 11:59 p.m. 
eastern time on March 3, 2006.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Address for submitting pre-
applications: David Kennedy, NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, 
Office of Response and Restoration, NOAA National Ocean Service, N/ORR, 
Room 10102, 1305 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 or 
[email protected]. Submissions by e-mail are preferred.
    Address for submitting final applications: http://www.grants.gov, 
the Federal grants portal. If Internet access is unavailable, hard 
copies can be submitted 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. Applicants are required to include one original and two copies 
of the signed, hard/paper of the Federal financial assistance forms for 
each final application package that is not submitted through http://www.grants.gov.
    Information Contact(s): 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 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, the Republic of Palau, the 
Federated States of Micronesia (including Kosrae, Pohnpei, Yap, and 
Chuuk), the Republic of the Marshall Islands, 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.''
3. South Florida Program
    Summary Description: NCCOS/CSCOR is soliciting 1-year and 2-year 
proposals to support coastal ecosystem studies in South Florida 
including Florida Bay, Florida Keys, the Florida Keys National Marine 
Sanctuary (FKNMS), and adjacent coastal waters. It will provide support 
for the NOAA South Florida Program (SFP) and the FKNMS. The overall 
goal of this announcement is to fund high priority research and long 
term observational data collection needed to model and predict the 
impacts of Everglades restoration on the South Florida coastal 
ecosystem and to fulfill NOAA commitments to the South Florida 
Ecosystem Restoration effort and the Comprehensive Everglades 
Restoration Plan (CERP).
    Funding Availability: Award amounts will be determined by the 
proposals and available funds, typically not to exceed $400,000 per 
project per year with project durations from one to two years. It is 
anticipated that 4 to 10 total projects will be funded. Support in out 
years after FY 2006 is contingent upon the availability of funds. 
Applicants are hereby given notice that funds have not yet been 
appropriated for this program.
    Statutory Authority: Statutory Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1442 C.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.478 Center for Sponsored 
Coastal Ocean Research, Coastal Ocean Program CSCOR/COP).
    Application Deadline: The deadline for receipt of proposals at the 
NCCOS/CSCOR office is 3 p.m., eastern time on September 29, 2005.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applications submitted in 
response to this announcement are strongly encouraged to be submitted 
through the Grants.gov Web site. Electronic Access to the full funding 
announcement for this program is available via the Grants.gov Web site: 
http://www.grants.gov. The announcement will also be available at the 
NOAA Web site http://www.ofa.noaa.gov/%7Egrants/funding.shtml or by 
contacting the program official identified below. If Internet access is 
unavailable, paper applications (a signed original and two copies) 
should be submitted to the Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research, 
Coastal Ocean Program (CSCOR/COP), National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, (NOAA), 1305 East

[[Page 37777]]

West Highway, Room 8243, SSMC Building 4, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
    Information Contacts: Technical Information. Larry Pugh, South 
Florida Program Manager, 301-713-3338 ext 160, Internet: 
[email protected]. Business Management Information. Laurie Golden, 
NCCOS/CSCOR Grants Administrator, 301-713-3338 ext 151, 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. NCCOS/CSCOR will not fund any Federal FTE 
salaries, but will fund travel, equipment, supplies, and contractual 
personnel costs associated with the proposed work. Furthermore, no 
expenses of any kind will be provided for NOS researchers.
    (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 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.''
4. Northern Gulf of Mexico Ecosystem Research Program (NGOMEX)
    Summary Description: NCCOS/CSCOR is soliciting proposals to support 
1 to 3 year studies of coastal ecosystem research related to hypoxia 
over the Louisiana continental shelf in the northern Gulf of Mexico. 
Through these multi year, interdisciplinary research projects, NCCOS/
CSCOR seeks to develop a fundamental understanding of the northern Gulf 
of Mexico ecosystem in the region affected by Mississippi River inputs 
with a focus on the causes and effects of the hypoxic zone over the 
Louisiana continental shelf and the prediction of its future extent and 
impacts to ecologically and commercially important aquatic species.
    Funding Availability: Funding is contingent upon availability of 
Federal appropriations. It is anticipated that 4 to 8 total projects 
will be funded and that $2,000,000 to $4,000,000 per year will be 
available for projects. CSCOR anticipates that awards will not exceed 
$500,000 per project per year with project durations from 1 to 3 years. 
Support in FY 2006 and future years is contingent upon the availability 
of funds. Applicants are hereby given notice that funds have not yet 
been appropriated for this program.
    Statutory Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1442.
    CFDA: 11.478 Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research, Coastal 
Ocean Program.
    Application Deadline: The deadline for receipt of proposals at the 
CSCOR office is 3 p.m., eastern time, August 24, 2005.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applications submitted in 
response to this announcement are strongly encouraged to be submitted 
through the Grants.gov Web site. Electronic Access to the full funding 
announcement for this program is available via the Grants.gov Web site: 
http://www.grants.gov. The announcement will also be available at the 
NOAA Web site http://www.ofa.noaa.gov/%7Egrants/funding.shtml or by 
contacting the program official identified below. If Internet access is 
unavailable, paper applications (a signed original and two copies) 
should be submitted to the 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: For overall information regarding Technical 
Information, Larry Pugh, NGOMEX 2006 Program Manager, NCCOS/CSCOR, 301-
713-3338/ext 160, Internet: [email protected]. Business Management 
Information, Laurie Golden, NCCOS/CSCOR/COP Grants Administrator, 301-
713-3338/ext 151, 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.
    NCCOS/CSCOR will not fund any Federal FTE salaries, but will fund 
travel, equipment, supplies, and contractual personnel costs associated 
with the proposed work. Furthermore, no expenses of any kind will be 
provided for NOS researchers.
    (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 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.''
5. Ecological Forecasting
    Summary Description: The NOAA/NOS/NCCOS/CSCOR is soliciting 
proposals for projects of 2 to 5 years in duration for the development 
of new ecological forecasting capabilities and the transition of 
existing ecological forecasts to operational status. These ecological 
forecasts are to support critical management decisions for the 
management of the Nation's Great Lake, estuarine, coastal and ocean 
ecosystems. The need for multidisciplinary coastal ecosystem studies to 
improve our understanding of the physical, biological, and chemical 
processes in these complex systems has only grown in recent years as 
management of coastal regions moves toward greater consideration of 
ecosystem principles, including connections with terrestrial and 
atmospheric systems. CSCOR and COP have been committed to producing 
data and information products such as technical reports, peer-reviewed 
publications, databases, and numerical and conceptual models so that 
they will be accessible to users of this information. However, the 
delivery of comprehensive information products and technologies to the 
appropriate management community for application to specific coastal 
management issues

[[Page 37778]]

remains a challenge; the EcoFore program, in part, is meant to address 
this challenge.
    Funding Availability: Award amounts will be determined by the 
proposals and available funds, typically not to exceed $500,000 per 
project per year with project durations from 2-5 years. It is 
anticipated that 3 to 6 total projects will be funded. Support in out 
years after FY 2006 is contingent upon the availability of funds. 
Applicants are hereby given notice that funds have not yet been 
appropriated for this program.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1456c.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.478 Center for Sponsored 
Coastal Ocean Research, Coastal Ocean Program (CSCOR/COP).
    Application Deadline: The deadline for receipt of proposals at the 
CSCOR office is 3 p.m., eastern time on October 25, 2005.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applications submitted in 
response to this announcement are strongly encouraged to be submitted 
through the Grants.gov Web site. Electronic Access to the full funding 
announcement for this program is available via the Grants.gov Web site: 
http://www.grants.gov. The announcement will also be available at the 
NOAA Web site http://www.ofa.noaa.gov/%7Egrants/funding.shtml or by 
contacting the program official identified below. If Internet access is 
unavailable, paper applications (a signed original and two copies) 
should be submitted to the 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: For overall information regarding Technical 
Information, Elizabeth Turner, 603-862-4680, E-mail: 
[email protected]. Business Management Information, Laurie 
Golden, NCCOS/CSCOR/COP Grants Administrator, 301-713-3338/ext 151, 
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.
    NCCOS/CSCOR will not fund any Federal FTE salaries, but will fund 
travel, equipment, supplies, and contractual personnel costs associated 
with the proposed work. Furthermore, no expenses of any kind will be 
provided for NOS researchers.
    (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 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.''
6. NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Grant Program--International Coral Reef 
Conservation
    Summary Description: This Program solicits proposals under four 
funding categories: (1) Promote watershed management in the wider 
Caribbean, Brazil, and Bermuda; (2) regional enhancement of marine 
protected area management effectiveness; (3) encourage the development 
of national systems of marine protected areas in the wider Caribbean, 
Bermuda, Brazil, and Southeast Asia; and (4) promote regional socio-
economic training and monitoring in coral reef management in the wider 
Caribbean, Brazil, Bermuda, East Africa, South Pacific, and Southeast 
Asia. Each funding category has specific applicant and project 
eligibility criteria.
    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 
2006 to support awards under this program. Each eligible applicant can 
apply for the following maximum amounts: Watershed Management $40,000; 
Management Effectiveness: Regional Capacity Building Projects $80,000; 
Marine Protected Area National Systems: $50,000; Socio-economic 
Monitoring Regional Projects $35,000. The amount of funding awarded to 
each applicant will be subject to the eligibility and evaluation 
requirements described in this announcement. Funding will be subject to 
the availability of Federal appropriations.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6403.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 11.463--Habitat 
Conservation.
    Pre-Application/Final Application Deadlines: Pre-applications are 
due to NOAA by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on November 15, 2005. Final 
applications by invitation only are due to NOAA by 11:59 p.m. eastern 
time on March 3, 2006.
    Address for Submitting Applications: Address for submitting pre-
applications: David Kennedy, NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, 
Office of Response and Restoration, NOAA National Ocean Service, N/ORR, 
Room 10102, 1305 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 or 
[email protected]. Submissions by e-mail are preferred.
    Address for submitting final applications: http://www.grants.gov, 
the Federal grants portal. If Internet access is unavailable, hard 
copies can be submitted 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. Applicants are required to include one original and two copies 
of the signed, hard/paper of the Federal financial assistance forms for 
each final application package that is not submitted through http://www.grants.gov.
    Information Contact: Arthur Paterson, 1315 East-West Highway, 5th 
Floor, N/IP, Room 5627, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Phone: 301-713-3078, 
extension 217; e-mail: [email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants include all international, 
governmental (except U.S. Federal agencies), and non-governmental 
organizations. For specific country eligibility per category, please 
refer to individual category descriptions in Section V of the full 
Federal Funding Opportunity. The proposed work must be conducted at a 
non-U.S. site. 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

[[Page 37779]]

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 Comoros, France (La Reunion), Kenya, 
Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, the United 
Republic of Tanzania and South Africa.
    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.''
7. FY 2006 Bay Watershed Education & Training (B-WET) Program, Hawai'i
    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 Hawai'i. 
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 $1,000,000 may be available in Fiscal Year 2006 in award 
amounts to be determined by the proposals and available funds. It is 
anticipated that approximately 15-20 grants will be awarded with these 
funds. Proposals may request a duration of 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 Pacific Services Center may continue funding existing grants 
that were funded in the previous application process. Grants will be 
awarded to continue these projects under this announcement pending 
successful review of new application packages, and adequate progress 
reports and/or site visits.
    Statutory Authority: 33 U.S.C. 883d, 15 U.S.C. 1540.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.473, Coastal Services 
Center.
    Application Deadline: Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. Pacific 
daylight savings time on October 14, 2005.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applicants are strongly 
encouraged to apply through http://www.Grants.gov. If an applicant 
cannot submit a proposal through http://www.Grants.gov, then the 
application must be submitted in hard copy to the NOAA Pacific Services 
Center, 737 Bishop Street, Suite 2250, Honolulu, Hawai'i 96813. 
Facsimile transmissions and electronic mail submission of proposals 
will not be accepted.
    Information Contact: Divina Corpuz, phone 808-522-7481, fax (808) 
532-3224, electronic mail 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.''
8. 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 2006 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. 
Proposals may request a duration of 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.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.429, Marine Sanctuary 
Program.
    Application Deadline: Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. Pacific 
time on October 15, 2005. Proposals will not be accepted before August 
15, 2005. Any proposals received before this date will be returned to 
the applicant.

[[Page 37780]]

    Address for Submitting Proposals: Seaberry Nachbar, 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 831-647-4204, 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.''
9. National Estuarine Research Reserves System FY2006 Land Acquisition 
and Construction Competitive 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 anticipates that approximately $7.25 
million, pending availability of funds, will be competitively awarded 
to qualified National Estuarine Research Reserves that meet the funding 
priorities and selection criteria. Approximately 5-15 awards will be 
made.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1461 (e)(1)(A)(i),(ii), and (iii)
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.420, Coastal Zone 
Management Estuarine Research Reserves
    Application Deadline: Proposals must be received no later than 11 
p.m. eastern standard time on February 1, 2006.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applicants are strongly 
encouraged to submit proposals electronically through Grants.gov. Paper 
applications should be submitted to NOAA/NOS; 1305 East West Highway, 
Room 10509; Silver Spring, Maryland 20910.
    Information Contact(s): Doris Grimm, NOAA/NOS; 1305 East-West 
Highway, Room 10509; Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, or by phone at 301-
713-3155 ext. 107, or fax to 301-713-4012, 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.''
10. FY 2006 Coastal Services Center Environmental Characterization of a 
U.S. Coastal Region.
    Summary Description: NOS is soliciting projects for the Coastal 
Services Center (CSC) Landscape Characterization and Restoration (LCR) 
and Outreach Programs, with an anticipated start date of March 1, 2006. 
The Center's LCR and Outreach programs seek proposals for a two-year 
cooperative agreement under which a cooperator and the Center will 
jointly develop an environmental characterization of a coastal region 
designed for use by coastal resource managers within multiple 
jurisdictions to address a single management issue related to coastal 
development, this issue to be selected by the cooperator.
    Funding Availability: Total anticipated funding for a two year 
project is between $250,000 and $350,000 and no more than one award is 
expected.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1456c and 33 U.S.C. 1442.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.473, Coastal Services 
Center.
    Application Deadline: Proposals are due by 5 p.m. EDT, October 3, 
2005.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applications should be submitted 
through Grants.gov. For applicants without Internet access, send 
applications to 2234 South Hobson Avenue, Charleston, South Carolina 
29405-2413.
    Information Contact(s): For administrative issues, contact Violet 
Legette at 843-740-1222 (phone) or 843-740-1232 (fax) or e-mail her at 
[email protected]. For technical questions, either contact 
Jeffery Adkins by telephone at 843-740-1244 or by e-mail at 
[email protected] or Ginger Hinchcliff by telephone at 843-740-
1184 or by e-mail at [email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher 
education, hospitals, other non-profits, commercial organizations, 
foreign governments, organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign 
governments, international organizations, and state, local and Indian 
tribal governments. Federal agencies or institutions are not eligible 
to receive Federal assistance under this announcement, but may be 
project partners.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: None.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program is 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
11. FY2006 Coastal Services Center Leadership Training for Coastal 
Managers and Scientists
    Summary Description: NOS is soliciting projects for the Coastal 
Services Center (CSC) Coastal Learning Services (CLS) program with an 
anticipated start date of March 1, 2006. The CLS program seeks 
proposals for a two-year cooperative agreement on developing and 
implementing a leadership training program for coastal managers and 
scientists. The Center's goal is to aid coastal resource managers and 
scientists in developing their leadership skills and capabilities. 
Under the cooperative agreement, the Center will work in coordination 
with the cooperator to integrate the results of a leadership needs 
assessment that was recently conducted for the Center and develop a 
training program that addresses the needs and concerns of the

[[Page 37781]]

coastal community. The leadership training should be targeted to mid-
level managers that will soon be stepping into leadership roles within 
their agency or organization. The training should be clear in the 
distinction between management and leadership by emphasizing the 
following leadership principles; building trust, articulating a vision, 
developing public relations skills, and collaborating to build 
effective communities. The training should focus on skill building 
using interactive, multi-media and other communication processes. All 
methods must be grounded in credible leadership theories.
    Funding Availability: Total anticipated funding for cooperative 
agreements is up to $150,000 and is subject to the availability of FY 
2006 appropriations. One award is anticipated from this announcement. 
The nature of the cooperative agreement is such that the Center will 
provide substantial involvement in the project. General areas of 
responsibilities that the Center has had in past projects include: 
meeting planning and facilitation, instructional design, familiarity of 
coastal issues and access to potential customers of the training.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1456c.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.473, Coastal Services 
Center.
    Application Deadline: Proposals are due by 5 p.m. EDT, October 3, 
2005.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applicants are strongly 
encouraged to submit applications through http://www.Grants.gov. 
Applications sent via U.S. Postal Service, express delivery, or hand-
delivered may be sent to Coastal Services Center, 2234 South Hobson 
Avenue, Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413 to the attention of Lisa 
Holmes, room 119.
    Information Contact(s): For administrative questions, contact 
Violet Legette, NOAA CSC; 2234 South Hobson Avenue, Room 218; 
Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413, or by phone at 843-740-1222, or 
by fax 843-740-1232, or via Internet at [email protected]. For 
technical questions, contact Ginger Hinchcliff, NOAA CSC; 2234 South 
Hobson Avenue, Room 135; Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413, or by 
phone at 843-740-1184, or by fax 843-740-1313, or via Internet at 
[email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are state, local, Indian tribal 
governments, private or nonprofit organizations, and institutions of 
higher education. Applicants must be familiar with the coastal 
community and the issues faced by coastal managers and scientists. 
Federal agencies or institutions are not eligible to receive Federal 
assistance under this announcement, but may also be project partners. 
Note: Federal agencies or institutions who are project partners must 
demonstrate that they have legal authority to receive funds 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.''
12. FY2006 Coastal Services Center Application of Spatial Technology 
for Coastal Management
    Summary Description: NOS is soliciting projects for the Coastal 
Services Center (CSC) Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Integration 
and Development (I&D) program, with an anticipated start date of April 
1, 2006. The GIS I&D program seeks proposals for 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. The GIS I&D program is especially interested in nationally 
networked organizations proposing geospatial solutions to issues 
related to coastal hazards.
    Funding Availability: Total anticipated funding is estimated to be 
$250,000, subject to appropriation. The GIS I&D program intends to fund 
one to two projects with awards ranging from about $100,000 to $125,000 
each.
    Statutory Authority: 33 U.S.C. 883a; 33 U.S.C. 883c; and 16 U.S.C. 
1456c.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.473, Coastal Services 
Center.
    Application Deadline: Proposals are due by 5 p.m. EDT, October 3, 
2005.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applications should be submitted 
through http://www.grants.gov unless an applicant does not have 
Internet access. In that case, hard copy applications can be sent to 
Coastal Services Center, 2234 South Hobson Avenue, Charleston, South 
Carolina 29405-2413 to the attention of Hamilton Smillie, room 237C.
    Information Contact(s): For administrative questions, contact 
Violet Legette, NOAA CSC; 2234 South Hobson Avenue, Room 218; 
Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413, or by phone at 843-740-1222, or 
by fax 843-740-1232, or via Internet at [email protected]. For 
technical questions, contact Hamilton Smillie, NOAA CSC; 2234 South 
Hobson Avenue, Room 237C; Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413, or by 
phone at 843-740-1192, 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 Requiremtnts: None.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program is 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
13. Coral Reef Ecosystem Studies (CRES) 2006
    Summary Description: CSCOR solicits proposals that address causes 
of regional declines in coral abundance and degradation of coral 
ecosystems. CSCOR's interest is to provide timely and high-quality 
scientific results that can be used to develop alternative management 
strategies to restore and protect coral reef ecosystems. CSCOR solicits 
proposals that seek a better understanding of the underlying processes 
that regulate coral reefs and associated ecosystems. Findings from this 
research will be used to directly support resource management decisions 
to protect healthy coral reef ecosystems and to reverse decline in 
degraded ones. This solicitation will focus on several geographic 
regions and two depth ranges: (1) typical, shallow water (0-50m) coral 
reef ecosystems in the locations prioritized below, and (2) deep water 
(50-100m) hermatypic, light-dependent coral reef ecosystems. CSCOR's 
interest is to provide timely and high-quality scientific results that 
can be used to develop alternative management strategies to restore and 
protect coral reef ecosystems.
    Funding Availability: CSCOR anticipates selection of one proposal 
not to exceed $1,000,000 per year with project duration from 3-5 years 
for the West Florida Shelf; one comprehensive project not to exceed 
$1,000,000 per year with project duration from 3-5 years for the 
Pacific islands; and up to three separate projects not to exceed 
$500,000 per project per year with project durations of 1-3 years for 
the deep hermatypic coral reef studies. It is

[[Page 37782]]

anticipated that 3-5 total projects will be funded. Support in out 
years after FY 2006 is contingent upon the availability of funds.
    Applicants are hereby given notice that funds have not yet been 
appropriated for this program.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6403.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.478 Center for Sponsored 
Coastal Ocean Research, Coastal Ocean Program CSCOR/COP.
    Application Deadline: Proposals must be received by CSCOR/COP no 
later than 3 p.m., eastern time, September 1, 2005.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applications submitted in 
response to this announcement are strongly encouraged to be submitted 
through Grants.gov. Electronic Access to the full funding announcement 
for this program is available via the Grants.gov Web site: http://www.grants.gov. The announcement will also be available at the NOAA Web 
site http://www.ofa.noaa.gov/%7Egrants/funding.shtml or by contacting 
the program official identified below. If Internet access is 
unavailable, paper applications (a signed original and two copies) 
should be submitted to the 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: For overall information regarding the Deep-
CRES program contact: Michael Dowgiallo, CSCOR, 301-703-3338, extension 
161 or e-mail at [email protected]. Business Management 
Information, Laurie Golden, 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. Minority Serving Institutions are encouraged to 
apply.
    NCCOS/CSCOR will not fund any Federal FTE salaries, but will fund 
travel, equipment, supplies, and contractual personnel costs associated 
with the proposed work. Furthermore, no expenses of any kind will be 
provided for NOS researchers.
    (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 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.''
14. FY2006 Coastal Services Center Performance Measurement Technical 
Assistance
    Summary Description: NOS is soliciting projects for the Coastal 
Services Center (CSC) Coastal Learning Services (CLS) program with an 
anticipated start date of March 1, 2006. The Center's CLS program seeks 
proposals for a two-year cooperative agreement under which the 
cooperator will collect and analyze physical, social, and environmental 
indicator data and the Center will provide technical assistance and 
training on performance measures. A number of institutions and agencies 
at local, state and regional levels are monitoring their progress in 
achieving programmatic goals using performance measures. For example, 
to fulfill the requirements under the National Coastal Management 
Performance Measurement System, National Coastal Management Programs 
and National Estuarine Research Reserves are collecting indicator data 
to measure effectiveness in achieving Coastal Zone Management Act goals 
at the national level. The performance measurement system will identify 
and assess the act's national impact through various indicator 
categories. All proposals under this announcement must show relevance 
to state or local coastal resource management efforts.
    Funding Availability: Total anticipated funding for these 
cooperative agreements is up to $300,000 and is subject to the 
availability of FY 2006 appropriations. Two to four awards are 
anticipated from this announcement. The nature of the cooperative 
agreement is such that the Center will provide substantial involvement 
in the project. General areas of responsibilities that the Center has 
had in past projects include training and one-to-one technical 
assistance to cooperator and their partners on project design and 
evaluation, logic model development, and performance metrics.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1456c.
    CFDA: 11.473, Coastal Services Center.
    Application Deadline: Proposals are due by 5 p.m. EDT, October 3, 
2005.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Proposals should be submitted 
through http://www.Grants.gov. For applicants without Internet access, 
hard copies can be mailed to Coastal Services Center, 2234 South Hobson 
Avenue, Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413 to the attention of Lisa 
Holmes, room 119.
    Information Contact(s): For administrative questions, contact 
Violet Legette, NOAA CSC; 2234 South Hobson Avenue, Room 218; 
Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413, or by phone at 843-740-1222, or 
by fax 843-740-1232, or via Internet at [email protected]. For 
technical questions, contact Jan Kucklick, NOAA CSC; 2234 South Hobson 
Avenue, Room 142; Charleston, South Carolina 29405-2413, or by phone at 
843-740-1279, or by fax 843-740-1313, or via Internet at 
[email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are state, local, Indian tribal 
governments, private or nonprofit organizations, and institutions of 
higher education. 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 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.''

National Weather Service

1. AFWS--Automated Flood Warning Systems (AFWS) Program
    Summary Description: The National Weather Service (NWS) is 
soliciting applications provide capital funds for the creation, 
renovation, or enhancement of rain and stream gage networks that are 
locally operated and maintained with non-NOAA resources. The expected 
period of performance is for one year with an anticipated start

[[Page 37783]]

date of April 1, 2006. The NWS seeks to form a partnership with 
entities that can demonstrate a long-term ability to operate and 
maintain an AFWS and provide the data to the NWS.
    Funding Availability: Approximately $500,000 will be available 
through this announcement for fiscal year 2006. Proposals should be 
prepared assuming an annual budget of no more than $100,000.
    Statutory Authority: 15 U.S.C. 313 and 33 U.S.C. 883d.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.450, Automated Flood 
Warning System.
    Application Deadline: Proposals must be received by the NWS no 
later than 5 p.m., EDT, October 27, 2005.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applications should be submitted 
through http://www.grants.gov. For applicants without Internet access, 
they should be sent to John Bradley, NOAA/NWS; 1325 East-West Highway, 
Room 13396; Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-3283.
    Information Contact(s): John Bradley, NOAA/NWS; 1325 East-West 
Highway, Room 13396; Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-3283, or by phone at 
301-713-0624 ext. 154, or fax to 301-713-1520, or via Internet at 
[email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are non-profit organizations, 
state, local and Indian tribal governments.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: None. However, applicant resource 
commitment will be considered in the competitive selection process.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``An Intergovernmental Review of 
Federal Programs.''
2. Hydrologic Research
    Summary Description: This program represents an NOAA/NWS effort to 
create a cost-effective continuum of basic and applied research through 
collaborative research between the Hydrology Laboratory of the NWS 
Office of Hydrologic Development and academic communities or other 
private or public agencies which have expertise in the 
hydrometerologic, hydrologic, and hydraulic routing sciences. These 
activities will engage researchers and students in basic and applied 
research to improve the scientific understanding of river forecasting. 
Ultimately these efforts will improve the accuracy of forecasts and 
warnings of rivers and flash floods by applying scientific knowledge 
and information to NWS research methods and techniques, resulting in a 
benefit to the public. NOAA's program is designed to complement other 
agency contributions to that national effort. This program announcement 
is for projects to be conducted by research investigators for a 1-year, 
2-year, or 3-year period. June 1, 2006, should be used as the proposed 
start date on proposals.
    Funding Availability: Because of funding uncertainty, the Office of 
Hydrologic Development requests that interested organizations prepare a 
two-page pre-proposal. Once funding availability is confirmed, the 
Office of Hydrologic Development will invite the authors of the best 
pre-proposals to submit full proposals. Proposals should be prepared 
assuming an annual budget of no more than $125,000. It is expected that 
approximately four awards will be made, depending on availability of 
funds.
    Statutory Authority: 15 U.S.C. 313.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.462, Hydrologic 
Research.
    Application Deadline: Pre-proposals are due no later 3 p.m. eastern 
standard time on November 18, 2005. Invitations for full-proposal 
submittal will be sent on December 30th, 2005. Full-proposals are due 
no later than 3 p.m. eastern standard time on January 31st, 2006.
    Addresses for Submitting Pre-Proposals and Full Proposals: Pre-
proposals should be submitted by e-mail to [email protected]. For 
applicants without Internet access, they should be sent to NOAA/NWS; 
1325 East-West Highway, Room 8346; Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-3283. 
Full proposals should be submitted through http://www.grants.gov. For 
applicants without Internet access, they may be sent to NOAA/NWS; 1325 
East-West Highway, Room 8346; Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-3283.
    Information Contact(s): Dr. Pedro Restrepo by phone at 301-713-0640 
ext. 210, or fax to 301-713-0963, or via Internet at 
[email protected].
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are Federal agencies, institutions 
of higher education, other nonprofits, commercial organizations, 
foreign governments, organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign 
governments, and international organizations, state, local and Indian 
tribal governments.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: None.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''

Oceans and Atmospheric Research

1. Ballast Water Technology Demonstration Program Competitive Funding 
Announcement (Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation Facility)
    Summary Description: NOAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 
(FWS) solicit proposals to develop a Cooperative Agreement to establish 
a Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation (RDTE) facility in the 
Great Lakes that will support progress in the development of 
commercially viable ballast water treatment technologies. NOAA and FWS 
also solicit proposals to support planning activities which could lead 
to additional ballast water RDTE facilities in the future.
    Funding Availability: Depending on FY 2006 appropriations, NOAA 
expects to make available up to $950,000 in funds for one proposal that 
produces a multi-year cooperative agreement between Federal, State and 
private entities to create and operate a ballast water RDTE facility in 
the Great Lakes.
    Depending on availability of funds and the number and quality of 
applications received, additional startup grants of up to $50,000 each 
may be awarded to foster the future development of additional ballast 
water RDTE facilities. It is anticipated that eight or fewer startup 
grants may be awarded.
    Statutory Authority: Statutory authority for this program is 
provided under 16 U.S.C. 4701 et seq.; 33 U.S.C. 1121-1131; 46 U.S.C. 
App 1211 (2000); 50 U.S.C. App 1744 (2000).
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.417, Sea Grant Support.
    Application Deadline: Preliminary proposals must be received by the 
National Sea Grant Office by 4 p.m. EDT on Friday, September 23, 2005. 
Full proposals must be received by 4 p.m. EST on Friday, January 6, 
2005.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Preliminary proposals must be 
submitted to the National Sea Grant Office, Attn: Mrs. Geraldine 
Taylor, SG-Ballast Water, 1315 East-West Highway, R/SG, Rm. 11732, 
Silver Spring, MD 20910. Telephone number for express mail applications 
is 301-713-2445. Full proposals should be submitted through Grants.gov. 
For those applicants without Internet access, hard copy proposals may 
be sent to the above address.
    Information Contact(s): For information on the competitive funding 
announcement, contact Dorn Carlson, NOAA National Sea Grant Office, 
301-713-2435; via Internet at [email protected]; or Pamela 
Thibodeaux, U.S. Fish and Wildlife

[[Page 37784]]

Service, 703-358-2493; via Internet at [email protected]. 
Further background information can be obtained from the above 
information contacts, or on the Ballast Water Program Web site, http://www.nsgo.seagrant.org/research/nonindigenous/ballast.
    Eligibility: Individuals, institutions of higher education, 
nonprofit organizations, commercial organizations, Federal, State, 
local and Indian tribal governments, foreign governments, organizations 
under the jurisdiction of foreign governments, and international 
organizations are eligible. Only those who submit preliminary proposals 
by the deadline are eligible to submit full proposals.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: Applications for RDTE facility 
cooperative agreements must include additional matching funds equal to 
at least 20% of the NOAA funds requested. Other federal funds and in-
kind services are eligible to satisfy the match requirement. 
Applications for startup grants have no cost sharing requirement.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
2. NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration Announcement of Opportunity, FY 
2006
    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 following categories: General 
Exploration, Marine Archaeology, and Education.
    Funding Availability: NOAA OE anticipates that approximately 
$14,000,000, including ship and submersible costs, will be available 
through this announcement. Submissions focusing solely on technology 
development will not be accepted. Total funding estimates are: General 
Exploration $13,000,000; Archaeology $600,000; and Education $400,000. 
Subsequent to this announcement, OE plans to publish another 
Announcement of Opportunity for a reduced amount of FY06 funds to 
enable the office to timely and effectively respond to unforeseen 
opportunities or events occurring after the submission deadline below.
    Statutory Authority: 33 U.S.C. 883d.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.460, Special Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Projects.
    Application Deadline: Pre-proposals are required for all categories 
and must be received by August 5, 2005. Full proposals are also 
required for all categories and must be received by October 3, 2005. No 
e-mail or facsimile pre-proposal or proposal submissions will be 
accepted.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Pre-proposals are required for 
all categories and must be submitted as a paper application to: ATTN: 
Proposal Manager, NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration, 1315 East-West 
Highway, SSMC3, 10th Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 301-713-9444. For 
full proposals, applicants should apply online (http://www.grants.gov/) 
but paper submissions to the address above are acceptable if there is 
no Internet access available. No e-mail or facsimile pre-proposals will 
be accepted.
    Information Contact(s): 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.
    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.
3. Ballast Water Technology Demonstration Program Competitive Funding 
Announcement (Treatment Technology Demonstration Projects)
    Summary Description: NOAA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and 
the U.S. Maritime Administration expect to entertain proposals to 
conduct ballast water treatment technology testing and demonstration 
projects. The Ballast Water Technology Demonstration Program supports 
projects to develop, test, and demonstrate technologies that treat 
ships' ballast water in order to reduce the threat of introduction of 
aquatic invasive species to U.S. waters through the discharge of 
ballast water.
    Funding Availability: Depending on FY 2006 appropriations, NOAA and 
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) expect to make available up to 
about $2 million, and the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) expects 
to make available several vessels for use as test platforms, to support 
ballast water treatment technology demonstration projects. The maximum 
amount of award will vary with the scale of the proposed project. 
Depending on the funding available and the number and quality of 
proposals received, approximately 8 grants with a median value of about 
$200,000 are anticipated to be awarded.
    Statutory Authority: Statutory Authority for this program is 
provided under 16 U.S.C. 4701 et seq.; 33 U.S.C. 1121-1131; 46 U.S.C. 
App 1211 (2000); 50 U.S.C. App 1744 (2000).
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 11.417, Sea Grant 
Support; 15.FFA Fish and Wildlife Management Assistance.
    Application Deadline: Pre-proposals must be received by the 
National Sea Grant Office by 4 p.m. EDT on Friday, August 26, 2005. 
Full proposals must be received 4 p.m. EST on Friday, December 2, 2005.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Pre-proposals must be submitted 
to the National Sea Grant Office, Attn: Mrs. Geraldine Taylor, SG-
Ballast Water, 1315 East-West Highway, R/SG, Rm 11732, Silver Spring, 
MD 20910. Telephone number for express mail applications is 301-713-
2445. Full proposals should be submitted through Grants.gov. For those 
applicants without Internet access, hard copy proposals may be sent to 
the above address.
    Information Contact(s): Dorn Carlson, NOAA National Sea Grant 
Office, 301-713-2435; via Internet at [email protected]; or Pamela

[[Page 37785]]

Thibodeaux, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 703-358-2493; via Internet 
at [email protected]; or Carolyn Junemann, U.S. Maritime 
Administration, 202-366-1920; via Internet at 
[email protected]. Further background information can be 
obtained from the above information contacts, or on the Ballast Water 
Program Web site, http://www.nsgo.seagrant.org/research/nonindigenous/ballast.
    Eligibility: Individuals, institutions of higher education, 
nonprofit organizations, commercial organizations, Federal, State, 
local and Indian tribal governments, foreign governments, organizations 
under the jurisdiction of foreign governments, and international 
organizations are eligible. Only those who submit pre-proposals by the 
deadline are eligible to submit full proposals.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: None.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.'' NOAA Fellowship, Scholarship and Internship Programs.

National Ocean Service

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 $160,000 will be available through this announcement for 
fiscal year 2006. It is expected that approximately five 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 13, 2006 and April 18, 2006 no later than 5 p.m. eastern 
daylight time. Applications received before February 13 or after April 
18 will be returned.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applications should be submitted 
via grants.gov. Applicants who do not have access to the Internet 
should send paper applications, or any part thereof, to the Dr. Nancy 
Foster Scholarship Program, Attention: Office of the Assistant 
Administrator, 13th Floor, National Ocean Service, 1305 East-West 
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
    Information Contact(s): Send your request for information to the 
Program Manager at the address shown above, by telephone (301) 713-
3074, or by Internet to http://fosterscholars.noaa.gov.
    Eligibility: Only individuals who are 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. 
Universities or other organizations may not apply on behalf of an 
individual. Prospective scholars do not need to be enrolled, but must 
be admitted to a graduate level program in order to apply for this 
scholarship. Recipients of scholarship awards may be employed at the 
time of the award if it is a requirement of their degree program or 
directly related to their research effort. Other forms of employment 
will not be allowed and scholars will be required to submit a letter 
certifying that they are in compliance with this requirement. 
Eligibility must be maintained for each succeeding year of support and 
annual reporting requirements, to be specified at a later date, will 
apply.
    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 26 Graduate Research Fellowships will be 
competitively awarded to qualified graduate students whose research 
occurs within the boundaries of at least one reserve. The National 
Estuarine Research Reserve Graduate Research Fellowship program is 
designed to fund high quality research focused on enhancing coastal 
zone management while providing students with an opportunity to 
contribute to the research or monitoring program at a particular 
reserve site. Students are required to work with the research 
coordinator or reserve manager to develop a plan to participate in the 
research or monitoring program for up to 15 hours per week. These 
management-related research projects will enhance scientific 
understanding of the Reserve ecosystem, provide information needed by 
Reserve management and coastal management decision-makers, and improve 
public awareness and understanding of estuarine ecosystems and 
estuarine management issues. Research projects must address one of the 
following scientific areas of support: non-point source pollution, 
biodiversity, invasive species, habitat restoration, sustaining 
resources in estuarine ecosystems, and socioeconomic research 
applicable to estuarine ecosystem management.
    Funding Availability: The amount of the fellowship is anticipated 
to be $20,000; at least 30% of total project cost match is required by 
the applicant (i.e., $8,572 match for $20,000 in federal funds for a 
total project cost of $28,572). Applicants may apply for one to three 
years of funding.
    Statutory Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1461 (e)(1)(B) .
    CFDA: 11.420 Coastal Zone Management.
    Application Deadline: Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit 
all materials through http://www.Grants.gov no later than 11 p.m. (EST) 
on November 1, 2005. Proposals will be blocked from submission through 
this online system after 11 p.m. (EST) on November 1, 2005. If Internet 
access is unavailable, paper applications should be postmarked or 
received by NOAA no later than 11 (EST) on November 1, 2005. Paper 
applications should be sent to: Susan White, Program Coordinator at 
NOAA/Estuarine Reserves Division, 1305 East-West Highway, N/ORM5, 
SSMC4, Station 10500, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
    Information Contact: Susan White, 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 224, or fax to 
301-713-4363, e-mail at [email protected] or http://www.nerrs.noaa.gov/fellowship. If Dr. White is unavailable, please 
contact Erica Seiden at 301-713-3155 ext. 172 or via e-mail at 
[email protected].
    Eligibility: Institutions eligible to receive awards include 
institutions of higher education, other non-profits, commercial 
organizations, state, and local 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

[[Page 37786]]

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.''

Oceans and Atmospheric Research

1. GradFell 2006 NMFS/Sea Grant Joint Graduate Fellowship Program in 
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 under 
the guidance of NMFS mentors.
    Funding Availability: The NMFS/Sea Grant Joint Graduate Fellowship 
Program in Marine Resource Economics expects to support at least two 
new Fellows for 2 years beginning in FY 2006. The award for each 
fellowship will be a cooperative agreement of $38,000 per year, with an 
anticipated start date of June 1, 2006.
    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 February 10, 2006, by a state Sea Grant Program [or by 
the National Sea Grant Office (NSGO) if the application is from an 
institution of higher education in a non-Sea Grant state]. Applications 
received by a state Sea Grant program are to be forwarded, unchanged, 
to the NSGO and received no later than 4 p.m. EST on February 17, 2006. 
For applications submitted through Grants.gov, a date and time receipt 
indication is included and will be the basis of determining timeliness. 
Hard copy proposals will be date and time stamped when they are 
received in the program office. Hard copy applications arriving after 
the closing dates given above will be accepted for review only if the 
applicant can document that the application was provided to a delivery 
service that guaranteed delivery prior to the specified closing date 
and time; in any event, hard copy applications received by the NSGO 
later than two business days following the closing date will not be 
accepted.
    Address for Submitting Applications: Applications from Sea Grant 
programs should be submitted through http://www.Grants.gov, unless an 
applicant does not have Internet access. In that case, paper 
applications may be submitted to the NSGO at the following address: 
National Sea Grant Office, R/SG, Attn: Fellowship Program Manager, Room 
11718, NOAA, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (Telephone 
number for express mail applications is 301-713-2431). Facsimile 
transmissions and electronic mail submission of applications will not 
be accepted.
    Information Contact: National Sea Grant College Program, 1315 East-
West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910; tel: (301) 713-2431; any state 
Sea Grant Program; or any participating NMFS facility.
    Eligibility: Prospective Fellows must be United States citizens. 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 marine resource economics, natural resource 
economics, or environmental economics 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. Dean John A. Knauss, Marine Policy Fellowship (Knauss Fellowship 
Program)
    Summary Description: The Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy 
Fellowship matches graduate students who have an interest in ocean, 
coastal and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions 
affecting these resources with hosts in the legislative and executive 
branches of government for a one year paid fellowship.
    Funding Availability: Not less than 30 applicants will be selected, 
of which the selected applicants assigned to the Congress will be 
limited to 10. The overall cooperative agreement is $41,500 per 
student.
    Statutory Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1127(b).
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 11.417, Sea Grant 
Support.
    Application Deadline: Eligible graduate students must submit 
applications to state Sea Grant college programs, whose deadlines vary 
(contact individual states for due dates). Selected applications from 
the sponsoring Sea Grant program are to be received in the National Sea 
Grant Office no later than 5 p.m. eastern time on April 6, 2006. Hard 
copy applications that arrive after the closing date will be accepted 
for review only if the applicant can document that the application was 
provided to a delivery service that guaranteed delivery prior to the 
specified closing date and time; in any event, hard copy applications 
received by the NSGO later than two business days following the closing 
date will not be accepted.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applications from Sea Grant 
programs should be submitted through http://www.Grants.gov, unless an 
applicant does not have Internet access. In that case, hard copy may be 
submitted to the NSGO and should be addressed to: National Sea Grant 
Office, R/SG, Attn: Knauss Program Manager, Room 11718, NOAA, 1315 
East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (telephone number for 
express mail applications is 301-713-2431). Facsimile transmissions and 
electronic mail submission of applications will not be accepted.
    Information Contact: National Sea Grant College Program, 1315 East-
West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910; tel: (301) 713-2431 ext. 124; or 
any state Sea Grant Program.
    Eligibility: Any student, regardless of citizenship, who, on April 
6, 2006, is in a graduate or professional program in a marine or 
aquatic-related field at a United States accredited institution of 
higher education in the United States may apply.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: There will be the one-third required 
cost share for those applicants selected as legislative fellows.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
3. Sea Grant--Industry Fellowship Program
    Summary Description: 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

[[Page 37787]]

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.
    Funding Availability: Sea Grant anticipates supporting up to five 
new Industry Fellows. The award is in the form of a grant of up to 
$30,000 per year with an anticipated start date of June 1, 2006.
    Statutory Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1127(a).
    Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 11.417, Sea Grant Support.
    Application Deadline: Applications must be received by 4 p.m. 
(local time) on February 10, 2006, 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, unchanged, to the NSGO by the state Sea Grant Programs and 
received by midnight (EDT) on February 17, 2006. For applications 
submitted through Grants.gov, a date and time receipt indication is 
included and will be the basis of determining timeliness. Hard copy 
proposals will be date and time stamped when they are received in the 
program office. Hard copy applications arriving after the closing dates 
given above will be accepted for review only if the applicant can 
document that the application was provided to a delivery service that 
guaranteed delivery prior to the specified closing date and time; in 
any event, hard copy applications received by the NSGO later than two 
business days following the closing date will not be accepted.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applications from Sea Grant 
programs should be submitted through http://www.Grants.gov, unless an 
applicant does not have Internet access. In that case, a paper 
application may be submitted to the NSGO at the following address: 
National Sea Grant Office, R/SG, Attn: Dr. Nikola Garber, Knauss 
Program Manager, Room 11718, NOAA, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910 (telephone number for express mail applications is 
301-713-2431). Facsimile transmissions and electronic mail submission 
of applications will not be accepted.
    Information Contact: Dr. 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]; 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.''
4. GradFell 2006 NMFS/Sea Grant Joint Graduate Fellowship Program in 
Population Dynamics
    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 under 
the guidance of NMFS mentors.
    Funding Availability: The NMFS--Sea Grant Joint Graduate Fellowship 
Program in Population Dynamics expects to support at least two new 
Fellows for 3 years beginning in FY 2006. The award for each fellowship 
will be a cooperative agreement of $38,000 per year, with an 
anticipated start date of June 1, 2006.
    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 February 10, 2006, 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 received by 
the state Sea Grant Programs are to be forwarded, unchanged, to the 
NSGO and received by 4 p.m. eastern time on February 17, 2006. For 
applications submitted through Grants.gov, a date and time receipt 
indication is included and will be the basis of determining timeliness. 
Hard copy proposals will be date and time stamped when they are 
received in the program office. Hard copy applications arriving after 
the closing dates given above will be accepted for review only if the 
applicant can document that the application was provided to a delivery 
service that guaranteed delivery prior to the specified closing date 
and time; in any event, hard copy applications received by the NSGO 
later than two business days following the closing date will not be 
accepted.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applications from Sea Grant 
programs should be submitted through http://www.Grants.gov, unless an 
applicant does not have Internet access. In that case, hard copy may be 
submitted to the NSGO and should be addressed to: National Sea Grant 
Office, R/SG, Attn: Fellowship Program Manager, Room 11718, NOAA, 1315 
East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (telephone number for 
express mail applications is 301-713-2431). Facsimile transmissions and 
electronic mail submission of applications will not be accepted.
    Information Contact: National Sea Grant College Program, 1315 East-
West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910; tel: (301) 713-2431; 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. 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.''

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

[[Page 37788]]

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 feasible measures to 
reduce or avoid any identified adverse environmental impacts of their 
proposal. The failure to do so shall be grounds for not selecting an 
application. In some cases if additional information is required after 
an application is selected, funds can be withheld by the Grants Officer 
under a special award condition requiring the recipient to submit 
additional environmental compliance information sufficient to enable 
NOAA to make an assessment on any impacts that a project may have on 
the environment.
    The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for 
Grants and Cooperative Agreements contained in the Federal Register 
notice of December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78389), 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, 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 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 27, 2005.
Helen Hurcombe,
Director Acquisition and Grants Office, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration.
[FR Doc. 05-12927 Filed 6-29-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-12-P