Availability of Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2009, 40052-40085 [E8-15720]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 134 (Friday, July 11, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40052-40085]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-15720]



[[Page 40051]]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Part III





Department of Commerce





-----------------------------------------------------------------------



National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration



-----------------------------------------------------------------------



Availability of Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2009; Notice

Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 134 / Friday, July 11, 2008 / 
Notices

[[Page 40052]]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Docket No. 080626787-8788-01]
RIN 0648-ZB96


Availability of Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2009

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

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 
publishes this notice to provide the general public with a consolidated 
source of program and application information related to its 
competitive grant and cooperative agreement (CA) award offerings for 
fiscal year (FY) 2009. 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 
subsequent Federal Register notices. All announcements will also be 
available through the Grants.gov Web site.

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

ADDRESSES: Proposals must be submitted to the addresses listed in the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice for each program. The 
Federal Register and Full Funding Opportunity (FFO) notices may be 
found on the Grants.gov Web site. The URL for Grants.gov is https://
www.grants.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please contact the person listed 
within this notice as the information contact under each program.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Applicants must comply with all requirements 
contained in the Federal Funding Opportunity announcement for each of 
the programs listed in this omnibus notice. These Federal Funding 
Opportunities are available at https://www.grants.gov. The list of 
entries below describe the basic information and requirements for 
competitive grant/cooperative agreement programs offered by NOAA. These 
programs are open to any applicant who meets the eligibility criteria 
provided in each entry. To be considered for an award in a competitive 
grant/cooperative agreement program, an eligible applicant must submit 
a complete and responsive application to the appropriate program 
office. An award is made upon conclusion of the evaluation and 
selection process for the respective program.

Table of Contents

I. Background
II. Electronic Access
III. NOAA Project Competitions
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
    1. FY 2009 Monkfish Research Set-Aside
    2. FY 2009 Sea Scallop Research Set-Aside
    3. Cooperative Research Program
    4. FY 2009 B-WET Chesapeake
    5. FY 2009 Open Rivers Initiative
    6. FY 2009 Atlantic Salmon Conservation Grants
    7. FY 2009 Community-based Marine Debris Prevention and Removal
Project Grants
    8. Marine Fisheries Initiative (MARFIN)
    9. NOAA General Coral Reef Conservation Grants Program
    10. Projects to Improve or Amend Coral Reef Fishery Management 
Plans
    11. Protected Species Cooperative Conservation
    12. Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant Program (FY 2009)
    13. Prescott 2009
National Ocean Service (NOS)
    1. FY 2009 CRCP Coral Reef Ecosystem Monitoring
    2. FY 2009 CRCP-Coral Reef Management
    3. Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Hawaii Program
    4. CSCOR FY 2009 NGOMEX and CRES
    5. FY 2009 California Bay Watershed Education and Training 
Program
    6. International Coral
    7. NOAA's National Height Modernization Program
    8. National Coastal and Estuarine Research and Technology 
Program
    9. National Estuarine Research Reserve Graduate Research 
Fellowship Program FY 2009
    10. National Estuarine Research Reserve Land Acquisition and 
Construction Program FY 2009
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR)
    1. Climate Program Office for FY 2009
    2. FY 2009 NMFS-Sea Grant Fellowships in Marine Resource 
Economics
    3. FY 2009 NMFS-Sea Grant Fellowships in Population Dynamics
    4. FY 2010 Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (Knauss 
Fellowship Program)
    5. FY 2009 Joint Hurricane Testbed
    6. FY 2009 Ocean Exploration Omnibus--Education
    7. FY 2009 Ocean Exploration Omnibus--Marine Archaeology
    8. FY 2009 Ocean Exploration Omnibus--Ocean Exploration
IV. NOAA Project Competitions Listed by NOAA Mission Goals

1. Protect, Restore and Manage the Use of Coastal and Ocean 
Resources Through Ecosystem-Based Management

    Summary Description: Coastal areas are among the most developed 
in the Nation. More than half the population lives on less than one-
fifth of the land in the contiguous United States. Furthermore, 
employment in near shore areas is growing three times faster than 
population. Coastal and marine waters support over 28 million jobs 
and provide a tourism destination for nearly 90 million Americans a 
year. The value of the ocean economy to the United States is over 
$115 billion. The value added annually to the national economy by 
the commercial and recreational fishing industry alone is over $48 
billion. U.S. aquaculture sales total almost $1 billion annually. 
With its Exclusive Economic Zone of 3.4 million square miles, the 
United States manages the largest marine territory of any nation in 
the world.
    Funded proposals should help achieve the following outcomes:
     Healthy and productive coastal and marine ecosystems 
that benefit society
     A well-informed public that acts as a steward of 
coastal and marine ecosystems

Program Names:
    1. FY 2009 CRCP-Coral Reef Management
    2. Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Hawaii Program
    3. Cooperative Research Program
    4. Marine Fisheries Initiative (MARFIN)
    5. National Estuarine Research Reserve Land Acquisition and 
Construction Program FY 2009
    6. National Estuarine Research Reserve Graduate Research 
Fellowship Program FY 2009
    7. International Coral
    8. CSCOR FY09 NGOMEX and CRES
    9. FY 2009 California Bay Watershed Education and Training 
Program
    10. FY 2009 Ocean Exploration Omnibus--Marine Archaeology
    11. FY 2009 Sea Scallop Research Set-Aside
    12. FY 2009 CRCP Coral Reef Ecosystem Monitoring
    13. NOAA's National Height Modernization Program
    14. FY 2009 Monkfish Research Set-Aside
    15. Protected Species Cooperative Conservation
    16. FY 2009 Ocean Exploration Omnibus--Ocean Exploration
    17. FY 2009 Ocean Exploration Omnibus--Education
    18. FY 2009 B-WET Chesapeake
    19. National Coastal and Estuarine Research and Technology 
Program
    20. NOAA General Coral Reef Conservation Grants Program
    21. FY 2009 Open Rivers Initiative
    22. FY 2009 Community-based Marine Debris Prevention and Removal 
Project Grants
    23. Projects to Improve or Amend Coral Reef Fishery Management 
Plans
    24. FY 2009 Atlantic Salmon Conservation Grants
    25. FY 2010 Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (Knauss 
Fellowship Program)

[[Page 40053]]

    26. FY 2009 NMFS-Sea Grant Fellowships in Population Dynamics
    27. FY 2009 NMFS-Sea Grant Fellowships in Marine Resource 
Economics
    28. Prescott 2009

2. Understand Climate Variability and Change To Enhance Society's 
Ability To Plan and Respond

    Summary Description: Climate shapes the environment, natural 
resources, economies, and social systems that people depend upon 
worldwide. While humanity has learned to contend with some aspects 
of climate's natural variability, major climatic events, combined 
with the stresses of population growth, economic growth, public 
health concerns, and land-use practices, can impose serious 
consequences on society. The 1997-98 El Nino, for example, had a $25 
billion impact on the U.S. economy-property losses were $2.6 billion 
and crop losses approached $2 billion. Long-term drought leads to 
increased and competing demands for fresh water with related effects 
on terrestrial and marine ecosystems, agricultural productivity, and 
even the spread of infectious diseases. Decisions about mitigating 
climate change also can alter economic and social structures on a 
global scale. We can deliver reliable climate information in useful 
ways to help minimize risks and maximize opportunities for decisions 
in agriculture, public policy, natural resources, water and energy 
use, and public health. We continue to move toward developing a 
seamless suite of weather and climate products. The Climate Goal 
addresses predictions on time scales of up to decades or longer.
    Funded proposals should help achieve the following outcomes:
     A predictive understanding of the global climate system 
on time scales of weeks to decades with quantified uncertainties 
sufficient for making informed and reasoned decisions.
     Climate-sensitive sectors and the climate-literate 
public effectively incorporating NOAA's climate products into their 
plans and decisions.

Program Names:
    1. Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Hawaii Program
    2. Climate Program Office for FY 2009
    3. FY 2009 Ocean Exploration Omnibus--Marine Archaeology
    4. FY 2009 Ocean Exploration Omnibus--Ocean Exploration
    5. FY 2009 Ocean Exploration Omnibus--Education
    6. FY 2010 Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (Knauss 
Fellowship Program)

3. Provide Critical Support for NOAA's Mission

    Summary Description: Strong, effective, and efficient support 
activities are necessary for us to achieve our Mission Goals. Our 
facilities, ships, aircraft, environmental satellites, data 
processing systems, computing and communication systems, and our 
approach to management provide the foundation of support for all of 
our programs. This critical foundation must adapt to evolving 
mission needs and, therefore, is an integral part of our strategic 
planning. It also must support U.S. homeland security by maintaining 
continuity of operations and by providing NOAA services, such as 
civil alert relays through NOAA Weather Radio and air dispersion 
forecasts, in response to national emergencies. NOAA ships, 
aircraft, and environmental satellites are the backbone of the 
global Earth observing system and provide many critical mission 
support services. To keep this capability strong and current with 
our Mission Goals, we will ensure that NOAA has adequate access to 
safe and efficient ships and aircraft through the use of both NOAA 
platforms and those of other agency, academic, and commercial 
partners. We will work with academia and partners in the public and 
private sectors to ensure that future satellite systems are 
designed, developed, and operated with the latest technology. 
Leadership development and program support are essential for 
achieving our Mission Goals. We must also commit to organizational 
excellence through management and leadership across a ``corporate'' 
NOAA. We must continue our commitment to valuing NOAA's diverse 
workforce, including effective workforce planning strategies 
designed to attract, retain and develop competencies at all levels 
of our workforce. Through the use of business process re-
engineering, we will strive for state-of-the-art, value-added 
financial and administrative processes. NOAA will ensure state-of-
the-art and secure information technology and systems. By developing 
long-range, comprehensive facility planning processes, NOAA will be 
able to ensure right-sized, cost-effective, and safe facilities.
    Funded proposals should help achieve the following outcomes:
     A dynamic workforce with competencies that support 
NOAA's mission today and in the future.

Program Names:
    1. Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant Program (FY 2009)
    2. FY 2010 Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (Knauss 
Fellowship Program)

4. Support the Nation's Commerce With Information for Safe, 
Efficient, and Environmentally Sound Transportation

    Summary Description: Safe and efficient transportation systems 
are crucial to the U.S. economy. The U.S. marine transportation 
system ships over 95 percent of the tonnage and more than 20 percent 
by value of foreign trade through U.S. ports, including 48 percent 
of the oil needed to meet America's energy demands. At least $4 
billion is lost annually due to economic inefficiencies resulting 
from weather related air-traffic delays. Improved surface weather 
forecasts and specific user warnings would reduce the 7,000 weather 
related fatalities and 800,000 injuries that occur annually from 
crashes on roads and highways. The injuries, loss of life, and 
property damage from weather-related crashes cost an average of $42 
billion annually. We provide information, services, and products for 
transportation safety and for increased commerce on roads, rails, 
and waterways. We will improve the accuracy of our information for 
marine, aviation, and surface weather forecasts, the availability of 
accurate and advanced electronic navigational charts, and the 
delivery of real-time oceanographic information. We seek to provide 
consistent, accurate, and timely positioning information that is 
critical for air, sea, and surface transportation. We will respond 
to hazardous material spills and provide search and rescue routinely 
to save lives and money and to protect the coastal environment. We 
will work with port and coastal communities and with Federal and 
state partners to ensure that port operations and development 
proceed efficiently and in an environmentally sound manner. We will 
work with the Federal Aviation Administration and the private sector 
to reduce the negative impacts of weather on aviation without 
compromising safety. Because of increased interest by the public and 
private sectors, we also will expand weather information for marine 
and surface transportation to enhance safety and efficiency.
    Funded proposals should help achieve the following outcomes:
     Safe, secure, efficient, and seamless movement of goods 
and people in the U.S. transportation system
     Environmentally sound development and use of the U.S. 
transportation system.

Program Names:
    1. NOAA's National Height Modernization Program
    2. FY 2010 Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (Knauss 
Fellowship Program)

5. Serve Society's Needs for Weather and Water Information

    Summary Description: Floods, droughts, hurricanes, tornadoes, 
tsunamis, wildfires, and other severe weather events cause $11 
billion in damages each year in the United States. Weather is 
directly linked to public health and safety, and nearly one-third of 
the U.S. economy (about $3 trillion) is sensitive to weather and 
climate. With so much at stake, NOAA's role in understanding, 
observing, forecasting, and warning of environmental events is 
expanding. With our partners, we seek to provide decision makers 
with key observations, analyses, predictions, and warnings for a 
range of weather and water conditions, including those related to 
water supply, air quality, space weather, and wildfires. Businesses, 
governments, and nongovernmental organizations are getting more 
sophisticated about how to use this weather and water information to 
improve operational efficiencies, to manage environmental resources, 
and to create a better quality of life. On average, hurricanes, 
tornadoes, tsunamis, and other severe weather events cause $11 
billion in damages per year. Weather, including space weather, is 
directly linked to public safety and about one-third of the U.S. 
economy (about $3 trillion) is weather sensitive. With so much at 
stake, NOAA's role in observing, forecasting, and warning of 
environmental events is expanding, while economic sectors and its 
public are becoming increasingly sophisticated at using NOAA's 
weather, air quality, and water information to improve their 
operational efficiencies and their

[[Page 40054]]

management of environmental resources, and quality of life.
    Funded proposals should help achieve the following outcomes:
     Reduced loss of life, injury, and damage to the economy
     Better, quicker, and more valuable weather and water 
information to support improved decisions
     Increased customer satisfaction with weather and water 
information and services

Program Names:
    1. FY 2009 Joint Hurricane Testbed
    2. FY 2010 Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (Knauss 
Fellowship Program)
V. NOAA Non-competitive Opportunity

I. Background

    Each of the following grant opportunities provide: A description of 
the program, funding availability, statutory authority, catalog of 
federal domestic assistance (CFDA) number, application deadline, 
address for submitting proposals, information contacts, eligibility 
requirements, cost sharing requirements, and intergovernmental review 
under Executive Order 12372.
    In addition, this notice announces information related to a non-
competitive financial assistance project to be administered by NOAA. 
This project is titled ``NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Grant Program--
Coral Reef Ecosystem Research Grants''. The NOAA Coral Reef 
Conservation Grant Program announces that it is providing funding to 
the NOAA Undersea Research Program (NURP) Centers for: The Southeastern 
U.S., Florida, and Gulf of Mexico Region, the Southeast U.S. and Gulf 
of Mexico Center; and the Hawaii and Western Pacific Region, the Hawaii 
Undersea Research Laboratory, to administer two external, competitive 
coral reef ecosystem research grants programs. To receive an award for 
this project, an eligible applicant must submit a complete and 
responsive application to the appropriate program office. An award is 
made upon conclusion of the evaluation process for the prospective 
project.

II. Electronic Access

    The FFO for each program is available via the Grants.gov Web site 
at: https://www.grants.gov. Electronic applications for the NOAA 
Programs listed in this announcement may be accessed, downloaded, and 
submitted to that Web site. The due dates and times for paper and 
electronic submissions are identical. NOAA strongly recommends that you 
do not wait until the application deadline to begin the application 
process through Grants.gov.

Grants.gov

    Getting started with Grants.gov is easy. Users should note that 
there are two key features on the Web site: Find Grant Opportunities 
and Apply for Grants. The site is designed to support these two 
features and your use of them.
    While you can begin searching for grant opportunities immediately, 
it is recommended that you complete the steps to Get Started (below) 
ahead of time. This will help ensure you are ready to go when you find 
an opportunity for which you would like to apply.

Applications From Individuals

    In order for you to apply as an individual, the announcement must 
specify that the program is open to individuals and it must be 
published on the Grants.gov Web site. Individuals must register with 
the Credential Provider (see Step 3 below) and with Grants.gov (see 
Step 4 below).
    Individuals do not need a DUNS number to register (see Step 4 
below) and submit their applications. The system will generate a 
default value in that field.

Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures

    This section provides the application submission and receipt 
instructions for NOAA program applications. Please read the following 
instructions carefully and completely.
    1. Electronic Delivery. NOAA is participating in the Grants.gov 
Initiative, which provides the Grant Community a single site to find 
and apply for grant funding opportunities. NOAA encourages applicants 
to submit their applications electronically through: https://
www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp.
    2. The following describes what to expect when applying online 
using Grants.gov/Apply:
    a. Instructions. On the site, you will find step-by-step 
instructions, which enable you to apply for NOAA funds. The Grants.gov/
Apply feature includes a simple, unified application process that makes 
it possible for applicants to apply for grants online. There are six 
``Get Started'' steps to complete at Grants.gov. The information 
applicants need to understand and execute the steps can be found at: 
https://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp. Applicants should 
read the Get Started steps carefully. The site also contains 
registration checklists to help you walk through the process. NOAA 
recommends that you download the checklists and prepare the information 
requested before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and 
assembling required information before beginning the registration 
process will make the process fast and smooth and save time.
    b. DUNS Requirement. All applicants applying for funding, including 
renewal funding, must have a Dun and Bradstreet Universal Data 
Numbering System (DUNS) number. The DUNS number must be included in the 
data entry field labeled ``Organizational Duns'' on the form SF-424. 
Instructions for obtaining a DUNS number can be found at the following 
Web site: https://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp.
    c. Central Contractor Registry and Credential Provider 
Registration. In addition to having a DUNS number, applicants applying 
electronically through Grants.gov must register with the Federal 
Central Contractor Registry and with a Credential Provider. The https://
www.grants.gov Web site at https://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_
registered.jsp provides step-by-step instructions for registering in 
the Central Contractor Registry and for registering with a credential 
provider. All applicants filing electronically must register with the 
Central Contractor Registry and receive credentials from the Grants.gov 
credential provider in order to apply online. Failure to register with 
the Central Contractor Registry and credential provider will result in 
your application being rejected by the Grants.gov portal.
    The registration process is a separate process from submitting an 
application. Applicants are, therefore, encouraged to register early. 
The registration process can take approximately two weeks to be 
completed. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to 
ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required submission 
deadlines. You will be able to submit your application online any time 
after you receive your e-authentication credentials.
    d. Electronic Signature. Applications submitted through Grants.gov 
constitute submission as electronically signed applications. The 
registration and e-authentication process establishes the Authorized 
Organization Representative (AOR). When you submit the application 
through Grants.gov, the name of your authorized organization 
representative on file will be inserted into the signature line of the 
application. Applicants must register the individual who is able to 
make legally binding commitments for the applicant organization as the

[[Page 40055]]

Authorized Organization Representative.
    3. Instructions on how to submit an electronic application to NOAA 
via Grants.gov/Apply: Grants.gov has a full set of instructions on how 
to apply for funds on its Web site at https://www.grants.gov/applicants/
apply_for_grants.jsp. The following provides simple guidance on what 
you will find on the Grants.gov/Apply site. Applicants are encouraged 
to read through the page entitled, ``Complete Application Package'' 
before getting started. Grants.gov allows applicants to download the 
application package, instructions and forms that are incorporated in 
the instructions, and work offline. In addition to forms that are part 
of the application instructions, there will be a series of electronic 
forms that are provided utilizing an Adobe Reader.

    Note: For the Adobe Reader, Grants.gov is only compatible with 
versions 8.1.1 and above. Please do not use lower versions of the 
Adobe Reader. Mandatory Fields on Adobe Reader Forms: In the Adobe 
forms you will note fields that appear with a yellow background and 
red outline color. These fields are mandatory and must be completed 
to successfully submit your application.

    Completion of SF-424 Fields: The Adobe forms are designed to fill 
in common required fields such as the applicant name and address, DUNS 
number, etc., on all Adobe electronic forms. To trigger this feature, 
an applicant must complete the SF-424 information first. Once it is 
completed the information will transfer to the other forms.
    Customer Support. The Grants.gov Web site provides customer support 
via (800) 518-4726 (this is a toll-free number) or through e-mail at 
support@grants.gov. The Contact Center is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. 
Eastern time, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays, to 
address Grants.gov technology issues. For technical assistance to 
program related questions, contact the number listed in the Program 
Section of the program you are applying for.
    4. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission.
    a. Electronic Submission. All applications must be received by 
https://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp the due date 
established for each program. Proof of timely submission is 
automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic time stamp is 
generated within the system when the application is successfully 
received by Grants.gov. The applicant will receive an acknowledgment of 
receipt and a tracking number from Grants.gov with the successful 
transmission of their application. Applicants should print this receipt 
and save it, along with facsimile receipts for information provided by 
facsimile, as proof of timely submission. When NOAA successfully 
retrieves the application from Grants.gov, Grants.gov will provide an 
electronic acknowledgment of receipt to the e-mail address of the AOR. 
Proof of timely submission shall be the date and time that Grants.gov 
receives your application. Applications received by Grants.gov after 
the established due date for the program will be considered late and 
will not be considered for funding by NOAA.
    NOAA suggests that applicants submit their applications during the 
operating hours of the Contact Center for Grants.gov, so that if there 
are questions concerning transmission, operators will be available to 
walk you through the process. Submitting your application during the 
Contact Center hours will also ensure that you have sufficient time for 
the application to complete its transmission prior to the application 
deadline. Applicants using dial-up connections should be aware that 
transmission may take some time before Grants.gov receives it. 
Grants.gov will provide either an error or a successfully received 
transmission message. The Grants.gov reports that some applicants abort 
the transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during 
the transmission process. Please be patient and give the system time to 
process the application. Uploading and transmitting many files 
particularly electronic forms with associated XML schemas will take 
some time to be processed.
Evaluation Criteria and Selection Procedures
    NOAA has standardized the evaluation and selection process for its 
competitive assistance programs. There are two separate sets of 
evaluation criteria and selection procedures (see below), one for 
project proposals, and the other for fellowship, scholarship, and 
internship programs.
Project Proposals
    Review and Selection Process. Some project proposals may include a 
pre-application process that provides for feedback to applicants that 
responded to a call for letters of intent or pre-proposals; however, 
not all programs will include this pre-application. If a program has a 
pre-application process, it will be described in the Summary 
Description section of the announcement and the deadline will be 
specified in the Application Deadline section.
    Upon receipt of a full application by NOAA, an initial 
administrative review will be conducted to determine compliance with 
requirements and completeness of the application. A merit review will 
also be conducted 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 
administrative and/or merit review(s) and selection factors listed 
below. The Selecting Official selects proposals after considering the 
administrative and/or merit 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 award recommendations to the Grants Officer authorized to 
obligate the funds.
Evaluation Criteria
    At least three technical reviewers will individually evaluate and 
rank proposals using the following evaluation criteria:
    1. Importance and/or relevance and applicability of a proposed 
project to the program goals: This ascertains whether there is 
intrinsic value in the proposed work and/or relevance to NOAA, Federal 
(other than NOAA), 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 project's budget is evaluated to determine if 
it is realistic and commensurate with the project needs and timeframe.
    5. Outreach and education: NOAA assesses whether this project 
provides a focused and effective education and outreach strategy 
regarding its mission to protect the Nation's natural resources.
    Selection Factors. The merit review ratings will be used to provide 
a rank order to the Selecting Official for final funding 
recommendations. A Program Officer may first make

[[Page 40056]]

recommendations to the Selecting Official applying the selection 
factors listed below. The Selecting Official shall award in 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, and
    e. By project types.
    3. Whether the 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 to make a National 
Environmental Policy Act determination and draft necessary 
documentation before funding recommendations are made to the Grants 
Officer.
Fellowship, Scholarship and Internship Programs
    Review and Selection Process: Some fellowship, scholarship and 
internship programs may include a pre-application process that provides 
for feedback to the applicants that have responded to a call for 
letters of intent or pre-proposals; however, not all programs will 
include this pre-application. If a program has a pre-application 
process, the process will be described in the Summary Description 
section of the announcement and the deadline will be specified in the 
Application Deadline section.
    Upon receipt of a full application by NOAA, an initial 
administrative review will be conducted to determine compliance with 
requirements and completeness of the application. A merit review will 
also be conducted 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 
administrative and/or merit review(s) and selection factors listed 
below. The Selecting Official selects proposals after considering the 
administrative and/or merit 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 award recommendations to the Grants Officer authorized to 
obligate the funds.
Evaluation Criteria
    At least three technical reviewers will individually evaluate and 
rank proposals using the following evaluation criteria.
    1. Academic record and statement of career goals and objectives of 
the student.
    2. Quality of project and applicability to program priorities.
    3. Recommendations and/or endorsements of the student.
    4. Additional relevant experience related to diversity of 
education; extra-curricular activities; honors and awards; and 
interpersonal, written, and oral communications skills.
    5. Financial need of the student.
Selection Factors
    The merit review ratings will be used to provide a rank order by 
the Selecting Official for final funding recommendations. A Program 
Officer may first make recommendations to the Selecting Official by 
applying the selection factors listed 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 funds.
    2. Balance/distribution of funds:
    a. Across academic disciplines,
    b. By types of institutions, or
    c. Geographically.
    3. Program-specific objectives.
    4. Degree in scientific area and type of degree sought.

III. NOAA Project Competitions

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

1. FY 2009 Monkfish Research Set-Aside
    Summary Description: NMFS announces that the New England and Mid-
Atlantic Fishery Management Councils (Councils) have set aside 500 
monkfish days-at-sea (DAS) to be used for research endeavors under a 
research set-aside (RSA) program. NMFS is soliciting proposals for 
research activities concerning the monkfish fishery for fishing year 
2009 (May 1, 2009-April 30, 2010). Through the allocation of research 
DAS, the Monkfish RSA Program provides a mechanism to reduce the cost 
for vessel owners to participate in cooperative monkfish research. The 
intent of this program is for fishing vessels to utilize these research 
DAS to conduct monkfish related research, rather than their allocated 
monkfish DAS, thereby eliminating any cost to the vessel associated 
with using a monkfish DAS. Landings from such research trips may be 
sold to generate funds to help defray research costs. No Federal funds 
are provided for research under this notification. Rather, projects 
funded under the Monkfish RSA Program would be provided with additional 
opportunity to harvest monkfish, and the catch sold to generate income 
to offset research costs. Projects funded under an RSA DAS award must 
enhance the knowledge of the monkfish fishery resource or contribute to 
the body of information on which management decisions are made. The 
Councils and NMFS will give priority to funding research proposals in 
the following general subject areas: (1) Cooperative research to 
supplement NMFS surveys; (2) life history studies on age and growth, 
longevity, reproduction, and natural mortality; (3) tagging and 
telemetry studies to investigate short- and long-term movements and 
habitat use; (4) research concerning bycatch and discard mortality of 
target and/or non-target species; (5) trawl and gillnet gear studies 
concerning size and/or species selectivity and bycatch reduction 
(including reducing bycatch of and interactions with protected 
species); and (6) research concerning trophic interactions of monkfish 
with other species. Please note that the research subject areas listed 
above are not listed in order of priority. Projects that follow up or 
expand on previous cooperative research are encouraged and will be 
given additional consideration, provided such research would enhance 
the utility of the initial work.
    Funding Availability: No Federal funds are provided for research 
under this notification. Rather, projects selected under the Monkfish 
RSA Program would be provided with additional opportunity to harvest 
monkfish, and the catch sold to generate income to offset research 
costs. The Federal Government (i.e., NMFS) may issue an Exempted 
Fishing Permit (EFP), if needed, that may provide special fishing 
privileges in response to research proposals selected under this 
program. For example, vessels participating in an approved research 
project may be authorized by the Northeast Regional Administrator, 
NMFS, to harvest monkfish in excess of established possession limits. 
This would be the fourth year of the

[[Page 40057]]

Monkfish RSA Program. Two awards were issued under the 2006 Monkfish 
RSA Program, with these projects ending in April 2007. Three awards 
were issued under the 2007 Monkfish RSA Program, with these projects 
recently ending April 2007. Four awards have been issued under the 2008 
Monkfish RSA program, and these projects are expected to commence in 
May 2008. A total of 137.5 RSA DAS were issued to projects during FY 
2006. A total of 367 RSA DAS were issued to projects for FY 2007. All 
of the 500 monkfish RSA DAS available thru the Monkfish RSA program 
have been issued to projects for FY 2009. It is anticipated that 2-5 
awards will be made under the 2009 Monkfish RSA Program. Funds 
generated from landings harvested and sold under the Monkfish RSA 
Program shall be used to cover the cost of research activities, 
including vessel costs. For example, the funds may be used to pay for 
gear modifications, monitoring equipment, the salaries of research 
personnel, or vessel operation costs. The Federal Government shall not 
be liable for any costs incurred in the conduct of the project. 
Specifically, the Federal Government is not liable for any costs 
incurred by the researcher or vessel owner should the sale of catch not 
fully reimburse the researcher or vessel owner for his/her expenses. 
Any additional funds generated through the sale of set-aside landings, 
above the cost of the research activities, shall be retained by the 
vessel owner as compensation for the use of his/her vessel.
    Statutory Authority: Statutory authority for this program is found 
under sections 303(b)(11), 402(e), and 404(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1853(b)(11), 16 
U.S.C. 1881a(e), and 16 U.S.C. 1881(c), respectively. The ability to 
set aside monkfish DAS for research purposes was established in the 
final rule implementing Amendment 2 to the Monkfish Fishery Management 
Plan (70 FR 21927, April 28, 2005), codified at 50 CFR 648.92(c).
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.454, 
Unallied Management Projects.
    Application Deadline: Full proposals must be received by 5 p.m., 
Eastern Daylight Time, on September 9, 2008.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: To apply for this NOAA Federal 
funding opportunity, please go to https://www.grants.gov, and use the 
following funding opportunity  NMFS-NEFSC-2009-2001478. 
Applicants without Internet access may contact Cheryl Corbett, NMFS, 
Northeast Fisheries Science Center, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 
02543, by phone 508-495-2070, fax 508-495-2004, or e-mail 
ccorbett@noaa.gov.
    Information Contacts: Information may be obtained from Paul Howard, 
Executive Director, New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC), by 
phone 978-465-0492, or by fax 978-465-3116; Philip Haring, Senior 
Fishery Analyst, NEFMC, by phone 978-465-0492, or by e-mail at 
pharing@nefmc.org; or Cheryl Corbett, NMFS, Northeast Fisheries Science 
Center, phone 508-495-2070, fax 508-495-2004, or e-mail 
ccorbett@noaa.gov, or from Ryan Silva, NMFS, Northeast Regional Office, 
phone (978) 281-9326, fax (978) 281-9135, e-mail ryan.silva@noaa.gov.
    Eligibility: 1. Eligible applicants include, but are not limited 
to, institutions of higher education, hospitals, other nonprofits, 
commercial organizations, individuals, State, local, and Native 
American tribal governments. Federal agencies and institutions are not 
eligible to receive Federal assistance under this notice. Additionally, 
employees of any Federal agency or Regional Fishery Management Council 
(Council) are ineligible to submit an application under this program. 
However, Council members who are not Federal employees may submit an 
application. 2. DOC/NOAA supports cultural and gender diversity and 
encourages women and minority individuals and groups to submit 
applications to the RSA program. In addition, DOC/NOAA is strongly 
committed to broadening the participation of historically black 
colleges and universities, Hispanic serving institutions, tribal 
colleges and universities, and institutions that work in underserved 
areas. DOC/NOAA encourages proposals involving any of the above 
institutions. 3. DOC/NOAA encourages applications from members of the 
fishing community and applications that involve fishing community 
cooperation and participation.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: None required.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applicants will need to determine if 
their State participates in the intergovernmental review process. This 
information can be found at the following Web site: https://
www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. This information will assist 
applicants in providing either a Yes or No response to Item 16 of the 
Application Form, SF-424, entitled ``Application for Federal 
Assistance.''
2. FY 2009 Sea Scallop Research Set-Aside
    Summary Description: NMFS requests scallop research proposals to 
utilize Atlantic sea scallop (scallop) total allowable catch (TAC) and 
Days-at-Sea (DAS) that have been set-aside by the New England Fishery 
Management Council (Council) to fund scallop research endeavors through 
the 2009 Atlantic Sea Scallop Research Set-Aside Program (Scallop RSA 
Program). NMFS is requesting proposals for research activities for FY 
2009. No Federal funds are provided for research under this 
notification.
    Rather, the Scallop RSA Program funds scallop research and 
compensates participating vessels through the sale of scallops 
harvested under the research set-aside quota. Priority will be given to 
scallop research proposals that investigate research priorities 
identified by the Council and detailed under the Program Priorities 
section of the FFO.
    Funding Availability: No Federal funds are provided for sea scallop 
research under this notice. Funds are generated through the sale of 
set-aside scallops. The Federal government will issue Letters of 
Authorization (LOAs) that provide special fishing privileges in 
response to sea scallop research proposals selected to participate in 
the 2009 Scallop RSA Program. Funds generated from RSA landings shall 
be used to cover the cost of the research activities, including vessel 
costs, and to compensate vessels for expenses incurred during the 
collection of set-aside scallops. For example, these funds could be 
used to pay for gear modifications, monitoring equipment, additional 
provisions (e.g., fuel, ice, food for scientists) or the salaries of 
research personnel. The Federal Government is not liable for any costs 
incurred by the researcher or vessel owner. Any additional funds 
generated through the sale of set-aside scallops above the cost of the 
research activities, shall be retained by the vessel owner as 
compensation for the use of his/her vessel.
    Statutory Authority: Statutory authority for this program is 
provided under sections 303(b)(11), 402(e), and 404(c) of the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1853(b)(11), 
16 U.S.C. 1881a(e), and 16 U.S.C. 1881(c), respectively. The ability to 
set aside scallop TAC and DAS and to establish parameters are found in 
the Joint Frameworks (69 FR 63460, November 2, 2004), and Amendment 10 
(69 FR 35194, June 23, 2004) and Framework Adjustment 19 (73 FR 30790, 
May 29, 2008) to the Federal

[[Page 40058]]

Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (May 15, 1982).
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.454, 
Unallied Management Projects.
    Application Deadline: Full proposals must be received by 5 p.m., 
Eastern Standard Time, on August 25, 2008.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: To apply for this NOAA Federal 
funding opportunity, please go to https://www.grants.gov, and use the 
following funding opportunity  NMFS-NEFSC-2009-2001472. 
Applicants without Internet access may contact Cheryl Corbett, NMFS, 
Northeast Fisheries Science Center, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 
02543, by phone 508-495-2070, fax 508-495-2004, or e-mail 
ccorbett@noaa.gov.
    Information Contacts: Information may be obtained from Deirdre 
Boelke, New England Fishery Management Council, phone (978) 465-0492, 
fax (978) 465-3116, or e-mail dboelke@nefmc.org, from Cheryl Corbett, 
NMFS, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, phone 508-495-2070, fax 508-
495-2004, or e-mail ccorbett@noaa.gov, or from Ryan Silva, NMFS, 
Northeast Regional Office, phone (978) 281-9326, fax (978) 281-9135, e-
mail ryan.silva@noaa.gov.
    Eligibility: 1. Eligible applicants include, but are not limited 
to, institutions of higher education, hospitals, other nonprofits, 
commercial organizations, individuals, state, local, and Native 
American tribal governments. Federal agencies and institutions are not 
eligible to receive Federal assistance under this notice. Additionally, 
employees of any Federal agency or Regional Fishery Management Council 
(Council) are ineligible to submit an application under this program. 
However, Council members who are not Federal employees may submit an 
application. 2. DOC/NOAA supports cultural and gender diversity and 
encourages women and minority individuals and groups to submit 
applications to the RSA program. In addition, DOC/NOAA is strongly 
committed to broadening the participation of historically black 
colleges and universities, Hispanic serving institutions, tribal 
colleges and universities, and institutions that work in underserved 
areas. DOC/NOAA encourages proposals involving any of the above 
institutions. 3. DOC/NOAA encourages applications from members of the 
fishing community and applications that involve fishing community 
cooperation and participation.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: None Required.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applicants will need to determine if 
their State participates in the intergovernmental review process. This 
information can be found at the following Web site: https://
www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. This information will assist 
applicants in providing either a Yes or No response to Item 16 of the 
Application Form, SF-424, entitled ``Application for Federal 
Assistance.''
3. Cooperative Research Program
    Summary Description: The CRP program provides financial assistance 
for projects that seek to increase and improve the working relationship 
between researchers from the NMFS, state fishery agencies, 
universities, and fishermen 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). 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. This program addresses NOAA's mission goal to 
``Protect, Restore, and Manage the Use of Coastal and Ocean Resources 
Through an Ecosystem Approach to Management.''
    Funding Availability: Approximately $2.0 million may be available 
in fiscal year (FY) 2009 for projects. Actual funding availability for 
this program is contingent upon Fiscal Year 2009 Congressional 
appropriations. The NMFS Southeast Regional Office estimates awarding 
projects that will range from $25,000 to $400,000. The average award is 
$150,000. Publication of this notice does not obligate NMFS to award 
any specific grant or cooperative agreement or any of the available 
funds.
    Statutory Authority: Authority for the CRP is provided by the 
following: 15 U.S.C. 713c-3(d).
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.454, 
Unallied Management Projects.
    Application Deadline: Applications must be received by 5 p.m., 
Eastern Daylight Time on September 9, 2008 to be considered for 
funding. Applications received after the deadline will be rejected/
returned to the sender without further consideration.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applications must be submitted 
through www.grants.gov, unless an applicant does not have Internet 
access. In that case, hard copies with original signatures may be sent 
to: National Marine Fisheries Service, State/Federal Liaison Branch, 
263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
    Information Contacts: For questions regarding the application 
process, you may contact: Robert Sadler, State/Federal Liaison Branch, 
(727) 824-5324, or Robert.Sadler@noaa.gov.
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants may be institutions of higher 
education, nonprofits, commercial organizations, individuals, and 
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 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.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: Cost-sharing is not required for this 
program.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications submitted by state and local 
governments are subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372, 
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs. Any applicant submitting 
an application for funding is required to complete item 16 on SF-424 
regarding clearance by the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) 
established as a result of EO 12372. To find out about and comply with 
a State's process under EO 12372, the names, addresses and phone 
numbers of participating SPOCs are listed in the Office of Management 
and Budget's home page at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/
spoc.html.
4. FY 2009 B-WET Chesapeake
    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 chosen for award under this program 
support organizations that provide students meaningful watershed 
educational experiences and teachers related professional development 
opportunities related to the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

[[Page 40059]]

    Funding Availability: This solicitation announces that 
approximately $3.5M may be available in FY 2009 in award amounts to be 
determined by the proposals and available funds. Funding is anticipated 
to maintain partnerships for up to 3 years duration, but is dependent 
on funding made available annually by Congress. Project proposals 
accepted for funding with a project period over one year do not have to 
compete for the additional years of funding. However, funding for the 
additional years is contingent upon the availability of funds and 
satisfactory performance and is at the sole discretion of the agency. 
1. Approximately $2.5M of the $3.5M available in FY 2009 will be for 
exemplary programs that successfully integrate teacher professional 
development on the Chesapeake Bay watershed with in-depth classroom 
study and outdoor experiences for their students. 2. Approximately 
$500K of the $3.5M available in FY 2009 will be for proposals that 
provide opportunities either for students to participate in MWEEs 
related to Chesapeake Bay or related Professional Development for 
teachers. 3. Approximately $500K of the $3.5M available in FY 2009 will 
be for proposals that incorporate CBIBS into meaningful watershed 
educational experiences for students or related professional 
development for teachers. The NCBO 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 
watershed education will range from $25,000 to $75,000. Projects 
focusing on the Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy system will range from 
$25,000 to $200,000. Actual funding availability for this program is 
contingent upon Fiscal Year 2009 Congressional appropriations. 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. If applicants incur any 
costs prior to an award being made, they do so at their own risk of not 
being reimbursed by the government. Notwithstanding verbal or written 
assurance that may have been received, there is no obligation on the 
part of NOAA to cover pre-award costs unless approved by the Grants 
Officer as part of the terms when the award is made.
    Statutory Authority: Under 33 U.S.C. 893a(a), the Administrator of 
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is authorized to 
conduct, develop, support, promote, and coordinate formal and informal 
educational activities at all levels to enhance public awareness and 
understanding of ocean, coastal, Great Lakes, and atmospheric science 
and stewardship by the general public and other coastal stakeholders, 
including underrepresented groups in ocean and atmospheric science and 
policy careers. In conducting those activities, the Administrator shall 
build upon the educational programs and activities of the agency.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.457, 
Chesapeake Bay Studies.
    Application Deadline: Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. eastern 
time on Friday, October 3, 2008.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applications must be submitted 
through www.grants.gov, unless an applicant does not have Internet 
access. In that case, hard copies with original signatures may be sent 
to: Shannon Sprague, B-WET Program Manager, NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, 
410 Severn Avenue, Suite 107A, Annapolis, MD 21403
    Information Contacts: Please visit the B-WET Web site for further 
information at: https://noaa.chesapeakebay.net/educationgrants.aspx or 
contact the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, 410 Severn Avenue, Suite 107A, 
Annapolis, MD 21403, or by phone at 410-267-5660. Potential applicants 
are also invited to contact the staff before submitting an application 
to discuss the applicability of partnership ideas to B-WET goals and 
objectives. B-WET contacts are as follows: Virginia/West Virginia: Ann 
Marie Chapman (annmarie.chapman@noaa.gov--757-627-3823), Maryland's 
Eastern Shore/Delaware: Doug Levin (doug.levin@noaa.gov--410-226-5193), 
Maryland (other than Eastern Shore)/Washington, DC: Kevin Schabow 
(kevin.schabow@noaa.gov--410-267-3145), Pennsylvania/New York: Shannon 
Sprague (shannon.sprague@noaa.gov--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. The Department of Commerce/National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (DOC/NOAA) is strongly committed 
to broadening the participation of historically black colleges and 
universities, Hispanic serving institutions, tribal colleges and 
universities, and institutions that work in underserved areas. The NCBO 
encourages proposals involving any of the above institutions.
    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 
subject to Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.
5. FY 2009 Open Rivers Initiative
    Summary Description: The NOAA Open Rivers Initiative (ORI) provides 
funding to catalyze the implementation of locally-driven projects to 
remove dams and other river barriers, in order to benefit living marine 
and coastal resources, particularly diadromous fish. Projects funded 
through the Open Rivers Initiative have strong on-the-ground habitat 
restoration components that foster economic, educational, and social 
benefits for citizens and their communities in addition to long-term 
ecological habitat improvements for NOAA trust resources. Through the 
ORI, NOAA provides funding and technical assistance for barrier removal 
projects. Proposals selected for funding through this solicitation will 
be implemented through a cooperative agreement. Funding of up to 
$7,000,000 is expected to be available for ORI Project Grants in FY 
2009. The NOAA Restoration Center (RC) within the Office of Habitat 
Conservation will administer this grant initiative, and anticipates 
that typical awards will range from $50,000 to $250,000. Although a 
select few may fall outside of this range, project proposals requesting 
less than $30,000 or greater than $1,000,000 will not be accepted or 
reviewed.
    Funding Availability: This solicitation announces that funding of 
up to $7,000,000 is expected to be available for Open Rivers Initiative 
Project Grants in FY 2009. Actual funding availability

[[Page 40060]]

for this program is contingent upon Fiscal Year 2009 Congressional 
appropriations. NOAA anticipates that typical project awards will range 
from $50,000 to $250,000; proposals requesting less than $30,000 or 
more than $1,000,000 will not be accepted under this solicitation. NOAA 
does not guarantee that sufficient funds will be available to make 
awards for all proposals. The number of awards to be made as a result 
of this solicitation will depend on the number of eligible applications 
received, the amount of funds requested by the applicants, the merit 
and ranking of the proposals, and the amount of funds made available to 
the ORI by Congress. NOAA anticipates that between 10 and 20 awards 
will be made as a result of this solicitation. 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 
document does not obligate NOAA to award any specific project or 
obligate all or any parts of any available funds.
    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. The Secretary of Commerce 
is also authorized under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 (H.R. 5946) to provide funding 
and technical expertise for fisheries and coastal habitat restoration 
and to promote significant community support and volunteer 
participation in such activities.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.463, 
Habitat Conservation.
    Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted through 
www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. EDT, October 31, 2008. If an applicant 
does not have Internet access, hard copy applications with the SF-424 
Form bearing an original, ink signature must be postmarked, or provided 
to a delivery service and documented with a receipt, by October 31, 
2008. No facsimile or electronic mail applications will be accepted.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Applications must be submitted 
through www.grants.gov, unless an applicant does not have Internet 
access. In that case, hard copies with original signatures may be sent 
to: NOAA Restoration Center (F/HC3), Office of Habitat Conservation, 
NOAA Fisheries, 1315 East-West Highway, Rm. 14718, Silver Spring, MD 
20910. ATTN: Open Rivers Initiative Project Applications.
    Information Contacts: For further information contact Tisa Shostik 
(Tisa.Shostik@noaa.gov) or Melanie Gange (Melanie.Gange@noaa.gov) at 
(301) 713-0174. Potential applicants are invited to contact NOAA 
Restoration Center staff before submitting an application to discuss 
the applicability of project ideas to the goals and objectives of ORI. 
Additional information on the ORI can be found on the World Wide Web at 
https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/restoration.
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher 
education, non-profits, industry and commercial (for profit) 
organizations, organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign 
governments, international organizations, and state, local and Indian 
tribal governments whose projects have the potential to benefit NOAA 
trust resources. Applications from federal agencies or employees of 
federal agencies will not be considered. Federal agencies are strongly 
encouraged to w