New NOAA Cooperative Institutes (CIs): (1) A CI to Support NOAA Research Facilities in the Pacific Northwest; (2) A CI for Southwestern U.S. Marine Ecosystems, Climate, and Ocean Studies; and (3) A Southeastern Regional CI for Atmospheric and Marine Studies., 58603-58607 [E9-27332]

Download as PDF srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 218 / Friday, November 13, 2009 / Notices alternative actions to the taking the applicant considered and the reasons why these actions were not taken; and (5) any other measures NMFS or FWS may require as being necessary or appropriate for the purpose of the plan (16 USC 1539(a)(2)(A)). To issue a permit, NMFS and FWS must find that: (1) the taking will be incidental; (2) the applicant will minimize and mitigate impacts of the take to the maximum extent practicable; (3) the applicant will ensure adequate funding for the HCP; (4) the taking will not appreciably reduce the likelihood of the survival and recovery of the species in the wild; and (5) the applicant will meet other measures required by FWS and NMFS. Regulations governing issuance of FWS permits for endangered and threatened species are at 50 CFR 17.22 and 17.32, and for NMFS-issued permits at 50 CFR 222.301 through 307. The applicant has prepared a multispecies HCP and has applied for ITPs under the ESA. The HCP applies to 152,163 acres of commercial timberland owned by Fruit Growers Supply Company in Siskiyou County, California. The ownership consists of three management units: Klamath River (64,867 acres), Scott Valley (38,814 acres), and Grass Lake (48,482 acres). The Klamath River and Scott Valley management units are located west of Interstate 5, adjacent to and intermixed with Klamath National Forest (KNF) lands. The Grass Lake management unit (also adjacent to the KNF) lies east of Interstate 5 and predominantly north of State Highway 97. These lands are referred to as the Plan Area. The applicant has requested coverage from FWS for northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) and Yreka phlox (Phlox hirsuta), and from NMFS for the Southern Oregon/Northern California Coasts coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU). The applicant also has requested coverage under the ITP for the unlisted Klamath and Trinity Rivers Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha) ESU and the Klamath Mountains Province steelhead (O. mykiss) ESU. Should these unlisted covered species become listed under the ESA during the term of the permit, take authorization for those species would become effective upon listing. The HCP describes the habitat-based conservation approach, with species-specific objectives. This includes an Aquatic Species Conservation Program for salmonids and Terrestrial Species Conservation Program for the northern spotted owl and Yreka phlox. Activities proposed for ITPs coverage include mechanized timber harvest; VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:07 Nov 12, 2009 Jkt 220001 forest product transportation; road and landing construction, use, maintenance, and abandonment; site preparation; tree planting; certain types of vegetation management; silvicultural thinning and other silvicultural activities; fire suppression; rock quarry and borrow pit operations; aquatic habitat restoration; minor forest management activities such as forest product collecting; and monitoring activities and scientific work in the Plan Area. The proposed duration of the ITPs and HCP is 50 years, though many aspects of the plan’s conservation strategy are intended to benefit the covered species long into the future. The goals of this HCP are to: (1) protect and improve habitats required by species covered by the HCP and (2) establish appropriate guidelines for continuing timber harvests and other forest management activities. National Environmental Policy Act Compliance NMFS and FWS formally initiated an environmental review of the project through publication of a Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement in the Federal Register on February 22, 2008 (73 FR 9776). That document also announced a public scoping period during which interested parties were invited to provide written comments expressing their issues or concerns relating to the proposal and attend one of two public scoping meetings held in Yreka and Happy Camp, California. NMFS and FWS have jointly prepared a DEIS to analyze the effects of alternatives on the human environment. Proposed issuance of the associated ITPs from both NMFS and FWS for covered species and applicant implementation of the HCP make up the Proposed Alternative in the DEIS. The other alternatives analyzed in the DEIS include: (1) the No Action Alternative (ITPs would not be issued and there would not be an HCP); (2) Alternative A (ITPs would be issued by both agencies, and northern spotted owl conservation areas would be based on the Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP) system of latesuccessional reserves (LSRs), and the Aquatic Species Conservation Program would be based on concepts outlined in the NWFP for the protection of aquatic habitats); and (3) Alternative B (FWS would issue an ITP for northern spotted owl, with spotted owl conservation based on management of foraging and dispersal habitat across the Plan Area). Public Comments If you wish to comment on the permit application, the HCP, IA, or DEIS, you PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 58603 may submit your comments to the address listed in the ADDRESSES section of this document. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment including your personal identifying information may be made publicly available at any time. While you may ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Special Accommodations The public meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Lisa Roberts, National Marine Fisheries Service (707) 825–5178, at least 5 working days prior to the meeting date. Next Steps NMFS and FWS will evaluate the applications, associated documents, and comments submitted to them to prepare a final EIS. A permit decision will be made no sooner than 30 days after the publication of the final EIS and completion of the Record of Decision. Dated: November 5, 2009. Alexandra Pitts, Acting Deputy Regional Director, Pacific Southwest Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Dated: November 9, 2009. Angela Somma, Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E9–27318 Filed 11–12–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [Docket No. 0911041393–91393–01] New NOAA Cooperative Institutes (CIs): (1) A CI to Support NOAA Research Facilities in the Pacific Northwest; (2) A CI for Southwestern U.S. Marine Ecosystems, Climate, and Ocean Studies; and (3) A Southeastern Regional CI for Atmospheric and Marine Studies. AGENCY: Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric E:\FR\FM\13NON1.SGM 13NON1 58604 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 218 / Friday, November 13, 2009 / Notices srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of funding availability. SUMMARY: The Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) publish this notice to provide the general public with a consolidated source of program and application information related to three single competitive cooperative agreement award offerings. NOAA is accepting applications for: (1) A CI to Support NOAA Research Facilities in the Pacific Northwest; (2) a CI for Southwestern U.S. Marine Ecosystems, Climate and Ocean Studies; and (3) a Southeastern Regional CI for Atmospheric and Marine Studies. Applicants should review the CI Interim Handbook prior to preparing a proposal for this announcement (https://www.nrc.noaa.gov/ci). DATES: Proposals must be received no later than February 10, 2010, 5 p.m., E.T. Proposals submitted after that date will not be considered. ADDRESSES: Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online through the Grants.Gov Web site (https:// www.grants.gov). Paper submissions are acceptable only if Internet access is not available. Grants.gov requires applicants to register with the system prior to submitting an application. This registration process can take several weeks, involving multiple steps. In order to allow sufficient time for this process, you should register as soon as you decide that you intend to apply, even if you are not yet ready to submit your proposal. If an applicant has problems downloading the application package from Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Customer Support at (800) 518–4726 or support@grants.gov. If a hard copy application is submitted, the original and two unbound copies of the proposal should be included. Paper submissions should be sent to: Dr. John Cortinas, NOAA/ OAR, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 11326, Silver Spring, MD 20910; telephone (301) 734–1090. No e-mail or facsimile proposal submissions will be accepted. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, please contact Dr. John Cortinas, NOAA/OAR, 1315 EastWest Highway, Room 11326, Silver Spring, MD 20910; telephone: (301) 734–1090; e-mail: John.Cortinas@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: All applicants must comply with all requirements contained in the Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO) announcements for each of these CIs. VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:07 Nov 12, 2009 Jkt 220001 CI Concept/Program Background: A CI is a NOAA-supported, nonfederal organization that has established an outstanding research program in one or more areas that are relevant to the NOAA mission. CIs are established at research institutions with outstanding graduate degree programs in NOAArelated sciences. CIs provide significant coordination of resources among all non-government partners and promote the involvement of students and postdoctoral scientists in NOAA-funded research. The CI provides mutual benefits with value provided by all parties. For each CI, NOAA has identified the need to establish a CI to focus on scientific research associated in support of NOAA’s Strategic Plan, NOAA’s 5-year Research Plan, and NOAA’s 20-year Research Vision. (All documents are available at https:// www.nrc.noaa.gov/plans.html). A CI may partner with one or more research institutions that demonstrate outstanding performance within one or more established research programs in NOAA-related sciences, including Minority Serving Institutions and universities that can contribute to the proposed activities of the CI. If a CI is awarded to a consortium of institutions, the consortium must propose a governance structure that includes a single director and one award. CIs will conduct research under approved scientific research themes, described in detail in Section I.B of each Federal Funding Opportunity announcement. Activities of the CI are usually organized into three Tasks (additional tasks can be proposed by the CI). i. Task I activities are related to the management of the CI, as well as general education and outreach activities. This task also includes support of postdoctoral and visiting scientists conducting activities within the research themes of the CI that are approved by the CI Director, in consultation with NOAA, and are relevant to NOAA and the CI’s mission goals. ii. Task II activities usually involve on-going direct collaboration with NOAA scientists. This collaboration typically is fostered by the collocation of Federal and CI employees. iii. Task III activities require minimal collaboration with NOAA scientists and may include research funded by other NOAA competitive grant programs. Base funding for Task 1 is provided annually by NOAA to the CI, contingent upon the availability of Federal appropriations. Throughout the award period, funding for additional Task I activities, as well as Task II and III (or PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 other tasks by a particular CI) activities is added to the CI award as research project proposals are submitted by the CI and approved by NOAA. Request for Applications Generally, applications must include all relevant Federal Standard Forms, a project description that includes sufficient information to address all the evaluation criteria identified in the FFO announcement, a budget, and a budget justification. The project description must include a thorough explanation of all themes and Tasks. The application should also identify the capability and the capacity of the CI to conduct research in the themes described in the FFO, as well as a summary of clearly stated goals to be achieved, reflecting NOAA’s strategic goals and vision. Additional elements may also be requested. Applicants are directed to the FFO for all application information and requirements. CI To Support NOAA Research Facilities in the Pacific Northwest The proposed Pacific Northwest CI should possess outstanding capabilities to provide research under seven themes: (1) Ocean and coastal observations, (2) climate research and impacts, (3) environmental chemistry, (4) seafloor processes, (5) marine ecosystems, (6) protection and restoration of marine resources, and (7) tsunami observations and modeling. To conduct research under these themes, the proposed CI should possess the flexibility needed to work on multi-disciplinary research in collaboration with NOAA’s Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, Climate Program Office, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, other CIs, and relevant Sea Grant programs. The location of the CI is required to be within a daily commuting distance to the Pacific Northwest NOAA facilities in Seattle, Washington, to promote ongoing close collaborations and training for the next generation of NOAA scientists. If the proposed CI is comprised of multiple member institutions, only the lead institution applying for the award and where the CI will be established must satisfy the daily commuting distance requirement. Funding Availability: The award period will be 5 years, and may be renewed for up to an additional 5 years based on the outcome of a CI review in the fourth year. All funding is contingent upon the availability of Federal appropriations. NOAA anticipates that up to approximately $20M will be available annually for this CI. Of that amount, approximately E:\FR\FM\13NON1.SGM 13NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 218 / Friday, November 13, 2009 / Notices srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES $500,000 will be available per year for Task I. The final amount of funding available for Task I will be determined during the negotiation phase of the award based on availability of funding. The actual annual funding that the CI receives may be less than the anticipated amount and will depend on the actual projects that are proposed by the CI and approved by NOAA after the main CI award begins, the availability of funding, the quality of the research, the satisfactory progress in achieving the stated goals described in project proposals, and continued relevance to program objectives. CI for Southwestern U.S. Marine Ecosystems, Climate, and Ocean Studies The proposed Southwestern U.S. CI should possess outstanding capabilities to provide research under four themes: (1) Climate and coastal observations, analysis and prediction; (2) climate research and impacts; (3) marine ecosystems; and (4) ecosystem management. To conduct research under these themes, the proposed CI should possess the flexibility needed to work on multi-disciplinary research in collaboration with NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Climate Program Office, relevant Sea Grant programs, and other CIs. The location of the CI is required to be within a daily commuting distance to the Southwest Fisheries Science Center in La Jolla, California, to promote ongoing close collaborations with NOAA and training for the next generation of NOAA scientists. If the proposed CI is comprised of multiple member institutions, only the lead institution applying for the award and where the CI will be established must satisfy the daily commuting distance requirement. Funding Availability: The award period will be 5 years, and may be renewed for up to an additional 5 years based on the outcome of a CI review in the fourth year. All funding is contingent upon the availability of Federal appropriations. NOAA anticipates that up to approximately $11M will be available annually for this CI. Of that amount, approximately $500,000 will be available per year for Task I. The final amount of funding available for Task I will be determined during the negotiation phase of the award based on availability of funding. The actual annual funding that the CI receives may be less than the anticipated amount and will depend on the actual projects that are proposed by the CI and approved by NOAA after the main CI award begins, the availability of funding, the quality of the research, the VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:07 Nov 12, 2009 Jkt 220001 satisfactory progress in achieving the stated goals described in project proposals, and continued relevance to program objectives. Southeastern Regional CI for Atmospheric and Marine Studies The proposed Southeastern Regional CI should possess outstanding capabilities to provide research under seven themes: (1) Sustained ocean and coastal observations, (2) climate research and impacts, (3) tropical weather, (4) ocean modeling, (5) ecosystem modeling and forecasting, (6) ecosystem management, and (7) protection and restoration of resources. To conduct research under these themes, the proposed CI should possess the flexibility needed to work on multidisciplinary research in collaboration with NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, relevant Sea Grant programs, and other CIs. The location of the CI is required to be within a daily commuting distance to NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory and Southeast Fisheries Science Center in Miami, Florida, to promote ongoing close collaborations with NOAA and training for the next generation of NOAA scientists. If the proposed CI is comprised of multiple member institutions, only the lead institution applying for the award and where the CI will be established must satisfy the daily commuting distance requirement. Funding Availability: The award period will be 5 years, and may be renewed for up to an additional 5 years based on the outcome of a CI review in the fourth year. All funding is contingent upon the availability of Federal appropriations. NOAA anticipates that up to approximately $10M will be available annually for this CI. Of that amount, approximately $500,000 will be available per year for Task I. The final amount of funding available for Task I will be determined during the negotiation phase of the award based on availability of funding. The actual annual funding that the CI receives may be less than the anticipated amount and will depend on the actual projects that are proposed by the CI and approved by NOAA after the main CI award begins, the availability of funding, the quality of the research, the satisfactory progress in achieving the stated goals described in project proposals, and continued relevance to program objectives. Electronic Access: Applicants can access, download, and submit electronic grant applications, including the full funding opportunity announcement, for PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 58605 NOAA programs at the Grants.gov Web site: https://www.grants.gov. The closing date will be the same as for the paper submissions noted in this announcement. For applicants filing through Grants.gov, NOAA strongly recommends that you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov. Registration may take up to 10 business days. Proposals must include elements requested in the full Federal Funding Opportunity announcement on the grants.gov portal. If a hard copy application is submitted, NOAA requests that the original and two unbound copies of the proposal be included. Proposals, electronic or paper, should be no more than 75 pages (numbered) in length, excluding budget, investigators, vitae, and all appendices. Federally mandated forms are not included within the page count. Facsimile transmissions and electronic mail submission of full proposals will not be accepted. Authority: 15 U.S.C. 313, 15 U.S.C. 1540; 15 U.S.C. 2901 et seq., 16 U.S.C. 753a, 33 U.S.C. 1442, Stat. 71 (January 23, 2004). (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.432, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) Joint and Cooperative Institutes) Eligibility: Eligibility is limited to non-Federal public and private nonprofit universities, colleges and research institutions that offer accredited graduate level degree-granting programs in NOAA-related sciences. The lead institution applying for the award and where the CI will be established must also satisfy the daily commuting distance requirement. Cost Sharing Requirements: To stress the collaborative nature and investment of a CI by both NOAA and the research institution, cost sharing is required. There is no minimum cost sharing requirement; however, the amount of cost sharing will be considered when determining the level of the CI’s commitment under NOAA’s standard evaluation criteria for overall qualifications of applicants. Acceptable cost-sharing proposals include, but are not limited to, offering a reduced indirect cost rate against activities in one or more Tasks, waiver of any indirect costs assessed by the awardee on subawards, waiver of indirect costs assessed against base funds and/or Task I activities, waiver or reduction of any costs associated with the use of facilities at the CI, and full or partial salary funding for the CI director, administrative staff, graduate students, E:\FR\FM\13NON1.SGM 13NON1 srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES 58606 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 218 / Friday, November 13, 2009 / Notices visiting scientists, or postdoctoral scientists. Evaluation Criteria and Review and Selection Procedures: The general evaluation criteria and selection factors that apply to full applications to this funding opportunity are summarized below. The evaluation criteria for full applications will have different weights and details. Further information about the evaluation criteria and selection factors can be found in the official full Federal Funding Opportunity announcement which is only available through the Grants.gov Web site (https://www.grants.gov). Evaluation Criteria for Projects: Proposals will be evaluated using the standard NOAA evaluation criteria. Various questions under each criterion are provided to ensure that the applicant includes information that NOAA will consider important during the evaluation, in addition to any other information provided by the applicant. 1. Importance and/or relevance and applicability of proposed project to the program goals (25 percent): This criterion ascertains whether there is intrinsic value in the proposed work and/or relevance to NOAA, Federal, regional, state, or local activities. • Does the proposal include research goals and projects that address the critical issues identified in NOAA’s 5year Research Plan, NOAA’s Strategic Plan, and program priorities (see Section I.B. of the full funding opportunity announcement)? • Is there a demonstrated commitment (in terms of resources and facilities) to enhance existing NOAA and CI resources to foster a long-term collaborative research environment/ culture? • Is there a strong education program with established graduate degree programs in NOAA-related sciences that also encourage student participation in NOAA-related research studies? 2. Technical/scientific merit (30 percent): This criterion assesses whether the approach is technically sound and/ or innovative, if the methods are appropriate, and whether there are clear project goals and objectives. • Does the project description include a summary of clearly stated goals to be achieved during the five year period that reflect NOAA’s strategic plan and goals? • Does the CI involve partnerships with other universities or research institutions, including Minority Serving Institutions and universities that can contribute to the proposed activities of the CI? 3. Overall qualifications of applicants (30 percent): This criterion ascertains VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:07 Nov 12, 2009 Jkt 220001 whether the applicant possesses the necessary education, experience, training, facilities, and administrative resources to accomplish the project. • If the institution(s) and/or principal investigators have received current or recent NOAA funding, is there a demonstrated record of outstanding performance working with NOAA and/ or NOAA scientists on research projects? • Is there nationally and/or internationally recognized expertise within the appropriate disciplines needed to conduct the collaborative/ interdisciplinary research described in the proposal? • Is there a well-developed business plan that includes fiscal and human resource management, as well as strategic planning and accountability? • Are there any unique capabilities in a mission-critical area of research for NOAA? • Has the applicant shown a substantial investment to the NOAA partnership, as demonstrated by the amount of the cost sharing contribution? 4. Project costs (5 percent): The budget is evaluated to determine if it is realistic and commensurate with the project needs and time-frame. 5. Outreach and education (10 percent): 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. Review and Selection Process: An initial administrative review/screening is conducted to determine compliance with requirements/completeness. All proposals will be evaluated and individually ranked in accordance with the assigned weights of the above-listed evaluation criteria by an independent peer review panel. At least three experts, who may be Federal or nonFederal, will be used in this process. If non-Federal experts participate in the review process, each expert will submit an individual review and there will be no consensus opinion. The merit reviewers’ ratings are used to produce a rank order of the proposals. The Selecting Official selects proposals after considering the peer reviews and selection factors listed below. 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. The Selecting Official makes the final award recommendation to the Grants Officer authorized to obligate funds. Selection Factors: The merit review ratings shall provide a rank order to the Selecting Official for final funding PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 recommendations. 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 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) determination and draft necessary documentation before recommendations for funding are made to the Grants Officer. Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not subject to Executive Order 12372, ‘‘Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.’’ Limitation of Liability: In no event will NOAA or the Department of Commerce be responsible for proposal preparation costs if these programs fail to receive funding or are cancelled because of other agency priorities. Publication of this announcement does not oblige NOAA to award any specific project or to obligate any available funds. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NOAA must analyze the potential environmental impacts, as required by 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 NOAA NEPA Web site, https://www.nepa.noaa.gov, including our NOAA Administrative Order 216–6 for NEPA, https:// www.corporateservices.noaa.gov/ %7Eames/NAOs/Chap_216/ naos_216_6.html, and the Council on Environmental Quality implementation regulations, https://www.nepa.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 E:\FR\FM\13NON1.SGM 13NON1 srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 218 / Friday, November 13, 2009 / Notices environmental concerns that may exist (e.g., the use and disposal of hazardous or toxic chemicals, introduction of nonindigenous 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 PreAward Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements: The Department of Commerce PreAward Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements contained in the Federal Register notice of February 11, 2008 (73 FR 7696), are applicable to this solicitation. Paperwork Reduction Act: This document contains collection-ofinformation requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The use of Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424B, and SF–LLL has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the respective control numbers 4040–004, 4040–006, 0348– 0040, and 0348–0046. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the 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 VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:07 Nov 12, 2009 Jkt 220001 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 for the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) are inapplicable. Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis has not been prepared. Dated: November 6, 2009. Mark E. Brown, Chief Financial Officer, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. [FR Doc. E9–27332 Filed 11–12–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–KD–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XS82 Endangered Species; File No. 14634 AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Issuance of permit. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Douglas Peterson, Ph.D., Warnell School of Forest Resources (Fisheries Division), University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, has been issued a permit to take shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) for purposes of scientific research. ADDRESSES: The permit and related documents are available for review upon written request or by appointment in the following office(s): Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone (301)713–2289; fax (301)713–0376; and Southeast Region, NMFS, 263 13th Ave South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701; phone (727)824–5312; fax (727)824– 5309. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Malcolm Mohead or Jennifer Skidmore, (301)713–2289. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 8, 2009, notice was published in the Federal Register (74 FR 51836) that a request for a scientific research permit to take shortnose sturgeon had been submitted by the above-named individual. The requested permit has been issued under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and the regulations governing the PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 58607 taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222–226). The purpose of the proposed research is to maintain and conduct research on 95 hatchery-reared shortnose sturgeon at the University of Georgia to meet the following objectives: (1) quantify differences in the environmental tolerances of northern versus southern range shortnose sturgeon, and (2) evaluate ontogenetic changes in the environmental tolerances of juvenile shortnose sturgeon. The fish will be obtained from the Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery and Regional Fisheries Center (USFWS), Warm Springs, Georgia 31830, under NMFS Permit 1604. Using a series of replicated laboratory (lethal and non-lethal) experiments, the researcher will evaluate the individual, additive, and interactive effects of the three habitat variables most critical in determining summer habitat quality for both juveniles and adult shortnose sturgeon: maximum water temperature, maximum salinity, and minimum concentration of dissolved oxygen. Researchers will also examine how environmental tolerances of shortnose sturgeon change with age and conditioning (chronic exposure). Future scientific research with these fish will involve studies of nutrition, tagging, physiology, environmental tolerance, contaminants, fish health, behavioral, tagging, genetics, and fish culture techniques. The permit does not authorize any takes from the wild, nor does it authorize any release of captive sturgeon into the wild. Issuance of this permit, as required by the ESA, was based on a finding that such permit (1) was applied for in good faith, (2) will not operate to the disadvantage of such endangered or threatened species, and (3) is consistent with the purposes and policies set forth in section 2 of the ESA. Dated: November 6, 2009. P. Michael Payne, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E9–27315 Filed 11–12–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S E:\FR\FM\13NON1.SGM 13NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 218 (Friday, November 13, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58603-58607]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-27332]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Docket No. 0911041393-91393-01]


New NOAA Cooperative Institutes (CIs): (1) A CI to Support NOAA 
Research Facilities in the Pacific Northwest; (2) A CI for Southwestern 
U.S. Marine Ecosystems, Climate, and Ocean Studies; and (3) A 
Southeastern Regional CI for Atmospheric and Marine Studies.

AGENCY: Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), National Marine 
Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric

[[Page 58604]]

Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of funding availability.

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SUMMARY: The Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) and the 
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) publish this notice to provide 
the general public with a consolidated source of program and 
application information related to three single competitive cooperative 
agreement award offerings. NOAA is accepting applications for: (1) A CI 
to Support NOAA Research Facilities in the Pacific Northwest; (2) a CI 
for Southwestern U.S. Marine Ecosystems, Climate and Ocean Studies; and 
(3) a Southeastern Regional CI for Atmospheric and Marine Studies. 
Applicants should review the CI Interim Handbook prior to preparing a 
proposal for this announcement (https://www.nrc.noaa.gov/ci).

DATES: Proposals must be received no later than February 10, 2010, 5 
p.m., E.T. Proposals submitted after that date will not be considered.

ADDRESSES: Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online through 
the Grants.Gov Web site (https://www.grants.gov). Paper submissions are 
acceptable only if Internet access is not available. Grants.gov 
requires applicants to register with the system prior to submitting an 
application. This registration process can take several weeks, 
involving multiple steps. In order to allow sufficient time for this 
process, you should register as soon as you decide that you intend to 
apply, even if you are not yet ready to submit your proposal. If an 
applicant has problems downloading the application package from 
Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Customer Support at (800) 518-4726 or 
support@grants.gov.
    If a hard copy application is submitted, the original and two 
unbound copies of the proposal should be included. Paper submissions 
should be sent to: Dr. John Cortinas, NOAA/OAR, 1315 East-West Highway, 
Room 11326, Silver Spring, MD 20910; telephone (301) 734-1090. No e-
mail or facsimile proposal submissions will be accepted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, please 
contact Dr. John Cortinas, NOAA/OAR, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 
11326, Silver Spring, MD 20910; telephone: (301) 734-1090; e-mail: 
John.Cortinas@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: All applicants must comply with all 
requirements contained in the Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO) 
announcements for each of these CIs.
    CI Concept/Program Background: A CI is a NOAA-supported, nonfederal 
organization that has established an outstanding research program in 
one or more areas that are relevant to the NOAA mission. CIs are 
established at research institutions with outstanding graduate degree 
programs in NOAA-related sciences. CIs provide significant coordination 
of resources among all non-government partners and promote the 
involvement of students and postdoctoral scientists in NOAA-funded 
research. The CI provides mutual benefits with value provided by all 
parties. For each CI, NOAA has identified the need to establish a CI to 
focus on scientific research associated in support of NOAA's Strategic 
Plan, NOAA's 5-year Research Plan, and NOAA's 20-year Research Vision. 
(All documents are available at https://www.nrc.noaa.gov/plans.html).
    A CI may partner with one or more research institutions that 
demonstrate outstanding performance within one or more established 
research programs in NOAA-related sciences, including Minority Serving 
Institutions and universities that can contribute to the proposed 
activities of the CI. If a CI is awarded to a consortium of 
institutions, the consortium must propose a governance structure that 
includes a single director and one award.
    CIs will conduct research under approved scientific research 
themes, described in detail in Section I.B of each Federal Funding 
Opportunity announcement. Activities of the CI are usually organized 
into three Tasks (additional tasks can be proposed by the CI).
    i. Task I activities are related to the management of the CI, as 
well as general education and outreach activities. This task also 
includes support of postdoctoral and visiting scientists conducting 
activities within the research themes of the CI that are approved by 
the CI Director, in consultation with NOAA, and are relevant to NOAA 
and the CI's mission goals.
    ii. Task II activities usually involve on-going direct 
collaboration with NOAA scientists. This collaboration typically is 
fostered by the collocation of Federal and CI employees.
    iii. Task III activities require minimal collaboration with NOAA 
scientists and may include research funded by other NOAA competitive 
grant programs.
    Base funding for Task 1 is provided annually by NOAA to the CI, 
contingent upon the availability of Federal appropriations. Throughout 
the award period, funding for additional Task I activities, as well as 
Task II and III (or other tasks by a particular CI) activities is added 
to the CI award as research project proposals are submitted by the CI 
and approved by NOAA.

Request for Applications

    Generally, applications must include all relevant Federal Standard 
Forms, a project description that includes sufficient information to 
address all the evaluation criteria identified in the FFO announcement, 
a budget, and a budget justification. The project description must 
include a thorough explanation of all themes and Tasks. The application 
should also identify the capability and the capacity of the CI to 
conduct research in the themes described in the FFO, as well as a 
summary of clearly stated goals to be achieved, reflecting NOAA's 
strategic goals and vision. Additional elements may also be requested. 
Applicants are directed to the FFO for all application information and 
requirements.

CI To Support NOAA Research Facilities in the Pacific Northwest

    The proposed Pacific Northwest CI should possess outstanding 
capabilities to provide research under seven themes: (1) Ocean and 
coastal observations, (2) climate research and impacts, (3) 
environmental chemistry, (4) seafloor processes, (5) marine ecosystems, 
(6) protection and restoration of marine resources, and (7) tsunami 
observations and modeling. To conduct research under these themes, the 
proposed CI should possess the flexibility needed to work on multi-
disciplinary research in collaboration with NOAA's Pacific Marine 
Environmental Laboratory, Climate Program Office, Alaska Fisheries 
Science Center, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, other CIs, and 
relevant Sea Grant programs. The location of the CI is required to be 
within a daily commuting distance to the Pacific Northwest NOAA 
facilities in Seattle, Washington, to promote ongoing close 
collaborations and training for the next generation of NOAA scientists. 
If the proposed CI is comprised of multiple member institutions, only 
the lead institution applying for the award and where the CI will be 
established must satisfy the daily commuting distance requirement.
    Funding Availability: The award period will be 5 years, and may be 
renewed for up to an additional 5 years based on the outcome of a CI 
review in the fourth year. All funding is contingent upon the 
availability of Federal appropriations. NOAA anticipates that up to 
approximately $20M will be available annually for this CI. Of that 
amount, approximately

[[Page 58605]]

$500,000 will be available per year for Task I. The final amount of 
funding available for Task I will be determined during the negotiation 
phase of the award based on availability of funding. The actual annual 
funding that the CI receives may be less than the anticipated amount 
and will depend on the actual projects that are proposed by the CI and 
approved by NOAA after the main CI award begins, the availability of 
funding, the quality of the research, the satisfactory progress in 
achieving the stated goals described in project proposals, and 
continued relevance to program objectives.

CI for Southwestern U.S. Marine Ecosystems, Climate, and Ocean Studies

    The proposed Southwestern U.S. CI should possess outstanding 
capabilities to provide research under four themes: (1) Climate and 
coastal observations, analysis and prediction; (2) climate research and 
impacts; (3) marine ecosystems; and (4) ecosystem management. To 
conduct research under these themes, the proposed CI should possess the 
flexibility needed to work on multi-disciplinary research in 
collaboration with NOAA's Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Climate 
Program Office, relevant Sea Grant programs, and other CIs. The 
location of the CI is required to be within a daily commuting distance 
to the Southwest Fisheries Science Center in La Jolla, California, to 
promote ongoing close collaborations with NOAA and training for the 
next generation of NOAA scientists. If the proposed CI is comprised of 
multiple member institutions, only the lead institution applying for 
the award and where the CI will be established must satisfy the daily 
commuting distance requirement.
    Funding Availability: The award period will be 5 years, and may be 
renewed for up to an additional 5 years based on the outcome of a CI 
review in the fourth year. All funding is contingent upon the 
availability of Federal appropriations. NOAA anticipates that up to 
approximately $11M will be available annually for this CI. Of that 
amount, approximately $500,000 will be available per year for Task I. 
The final amount of funding available for Task I will be determined 
during the negotiation phase of the award based on availability of 
funding. The actual annual funding that the CI receives may be less 
than the anticipated amount and will depend on the actual projects that 
are proposed by the CI and approved by NOAA after the main CI award 
begins, the availability of funding, the quality of the research, the 
satisfactory progress in achieving the stated goals described in 
project proposals, and continued relevance to program objectives.

Southeastern Regional CI for Atmospheric and Marine Studies

    The proposed Southeastern Regional CI should possess outstanding 
capabilities to provide research under seven themes: (1) Sustained 
ocean and coastal observations, (2) climate research and impacts, (3) 
tropical weather, (4) ocean modeling, (5) ecosystem modeling and 
forecasting, (6) ecosystem management, and (7) protection and 
restoration of resources. To conduct research under these themes, the 
proposed CI should possess the flexibility needed to work on multi-
disciplinary research in collaboration with NOAA's Southeast Fisheries 
Science Center, Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, 
relevant Sea Grant programs, and other CIs. The location of the CI is 
required to be within a daily commuting distance to NOAA's Atlantic 
Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory and Southeast Fisheries 
Science Center in Miami, Florida, to promote ongoing close 
collaborations with NOAA and training for the next generation of NOAA 
scientists. If the proposed CI is comprised of multiple member 
institutions, only the lead institution applying for the award and 
where the CI will be established must satisfy the daily commuting 
distance requirement.
    Funding Availability: The award period will be 5 years, and may be 
renewed for up to an additional 5 years based on the outcome of a CI 
review in the fourth year. All funding is contingent upon the 
availability of Federal appropriations. NOAA anticipates that up to 
approximately $10M will be available annually for this CI. Of that 
amount, approximately $500,000 will be available per year for Task I. 
The final amount of funding available for Task I will be determined 
during the negotiation phase of the award based on availability of 
funding. The actual annual funding that the CI receives may be less 
than the anticipated amount and will depend on the actual projects that 
are proposed by the CI and approved by NOAA after the main CI award 
begins, the availability of funding, the quality of the research, the 
satisfactory progress in achieving the stated goals described in 
project proposals, and continued relevance to program objectives.
    Electronic Access: Applicants can access, download, and submit 
electronic grant applications, including the full funding opportunity 
announcement, for NOAA programs at the Grants.gov Web site: https://www.grants.gov. The closing date will be the same as for the paper 
submissions noted in this announcement. For applicants filing through 
Grants.gov, NOAA strongly recommends that you do not wait until the 
application deadline date to begin the application process through 
Grants.gov. Registration may take up to 10 business days.
    Proposals must include elements requested in the full Federal 
Funding Opportunity announcement on the grants.gov portal. If a hard 
copy application is submitted, NOAA requests that the original and two 
unbound copies of the proposal be included. Proposals, electronic or 
paper, should be no more than 75 pages (numbered) in length, excluding 
budget, investigators, vitae, and all appendices. Federally mandated 
forms are not included within the page count. Facsimile transmissions 
and electronic mail submission of full proposals will not be accepted.

    Authority:  15 U.S.C. 313, 15 U.S.C. 1540; 15 U.S.C. 2901 et 
seq., 16 U.S.C. 753a, 33 U.S.C. 1442, Stat. 71 (January 23, 2004).

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.432, Office of Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Research (OAR) Joint and Cooperative Institutes)

    Eligibility: Eligibility is limited to non-Federal public and 
private non-profit universities, colleges and research institutions 
that offer accredited graduate level degree-granting programs in NOAA-
related sciences. The lead institution applying for the award and where 
the CI will be established must also satisfy the daily commuting 
distance requirement.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: To stress the collaborative nature and 
investment of a CI by both NOAA and the research institution, cost 
sharing is required. There is no minimum cost sharing requirement; 
however, the amount of cost sharing will be considered when determining 
the level of the CI's commitment under NOAA's standard evaluation 
criteria for overall qualifications of applicants. Acceptable cost-
sharing proposals include, but are not limited to, offering a reduced 
indirect cost rate against activities in one or more Tasks, waiver of 
any indirect costs assessed by the awardee on subawards, waiver of 
indirect costs assessed against base funds and/or Task I activities, 
waiver or reduction of any costs associated with the use of facilities 
at the CI, and full or partial salary funding for the CI director, 
administrative staff, graduate students,

[[Page 58606]]

visiting scientists, or postdoctoral scientists.
    Evaluation Criteria and Review and Selection Procedures: The 
general evaluation criteria and selection factors that apply to full 
applications to this funding opportunity are summarized below. The 
evaluation criteria for full applications will have different weights 
and details. Further information about the evaluation criteria and 
selection factors can be found in the official full Federal Funding 
Opportunity announcement which is only available through the Grants.gov 
Web site (https://www.grants.gov).
    Evaluation Criteria for Projects: Proposals will be evaluated using 
the standard NOAA evaluation criteria. Various questions under each 
criterion are provided to ensure that the applicant includes 
information that NOAA will consider important during the evaluation, in 
addition to any other information provided by the applicant.
    1. Importance and/or relevance and applicability of proposed 
project to the program goals (25 percent): This criterion ascertains 
whether there is intrinsic value in the proposed work and/or relevance 
to NOAA, Federal, regional, state, or local activities.
     Does the proposal include research goals and projects that 
address the critical issues identified in NOAA's 5-year Research Plan, 
NOAA's Strategic Plan, and program priorities (see Section I.B. of the 
full funding opportunity announcement)?
     Is there a demonstrated commitment (in terms of resources 
and facilities) to enhance existing NOAA and CI resources to foster a 
long-term collaborative research environment/culture?
     Is there a strong education program with established 
graduate degree programs in NOAA-related sciences that also encourage 
student participation in NOAA-related research studies?
    2. Technical/scientific merit (30 percent): This criterion assesses 
whether the approach is technically sound and/or innovative, if the 
methods are appropriate, and whether there are clear project goals and 
objectives.
     Does the project description include a summary of clearly 
stated goals to be achieved during the five year period that reflect 
NOAA's strategic plan and goals?
     Does the CI involve partnerships with other universities 
or research institutions, including Minority Serving Institutions and 
universities that can contribute to the proposed activities of the CI?
    3. Overall qualifications of applicants (30 percent): This 
criterion ascertains whether the applicant possesses the necessary 
education, experience, training, facilities, and administrative 
resources to accomplish the project.
     If the institution(s) and/or principal investigators have 
received current or recent NOAA funding, is there a demonstrated record 
of outstanding performance working with NOAA and/or NOAA scientists on 
research projects?
     Is there nationally and/or internationally recognized 
expertise within the appropriate disciplines needed to conduct the 
collaborative/interdisciplinary research described in the proposal?
     Is there a well-developed business plan that includes 
fiscal and human resource management, as well as strategic planning and 
accountability?
     Are there any unique capabilities in a mission-critical 
area of research for NOAA?
     Has the applicant shown a substantial investment to the 
NOAA partnership, as demonstrated by the amount of the cost sharing 
contribution?
    4. Project costs (5 percent): The budget is evaluated to determine 
if it is realistic and commensurate with the project needs and time-
frame.
    5. Outreach and education (10 percent): 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.
    Review and Selection Process: An initial administrative review/
screening is conducted to determine compliance with requirements/
completeness. All proposals will be evaluated and individually ranked 
in accordance with the assigned weights of the above-listed evaluation 
criteria by an independent peer review panel. At least three experts, 
who may be Federal or non-Federal, will be used in this process. If 
non-Federal experts participate in the review process, each expert will 
submit an individual review and there will be no consensus opinion. The 
merit reviewers' ratings are used to produce a rank order of the 
proposals. The Selecting Official selects proposals after considering 
the peer reviews and selection factors listed below. 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. The Selecting Official makes 
the final award recommendation to the Grants Officer authorized to 
obligate funds.
    Selection Factors: The merit review ratings shall provide a rank 
order to the Selecting Official for final funding recommendations. 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 
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) determination and draft 
necessary documentation before recommendations for funding are made to 
the Grants Officer.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are not 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
    Limitation of Liability: In no event will NOAA or the Department of 
Commerce be responsible for proposal preparation costs if these 
programs fail to receive funding or are cancelled because of other 
agency priorities. Publication of this announcement does not oblige 
NOAA to award any specific project or to obligate any available funds.
    National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA). NOAA must analyze the potential environmental 
impacts, as required by 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 NOAA NEPA Web site, 
https://www.nepa.noaa.gov, including our NOAA Administrative Order 216-6 
for NEPA, https://www.corporateservices.noaa.gov/%7Eames/NAOs/Chap_216/naos_216_6.html, and the Council on Environmental Quality 
implementation regulations, https://www.nepa.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

[[Page 58607]]

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: The Department of Commerce Pre-Award 
Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements 
contained in the Federal Register notice of February 11, 2008 (73 FR 
7696), 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, and SF-LLL has been approved 
by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the respective 
control numbers 4040-004, 4040-006, 0348-0040, and 0348-0046. 
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to, 
nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, 
a collection of information subject to the requirements of the 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 
for the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) are 
inapplicable. Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis has not been 
prepared.

    Dated: November 6, 2009.
Mark E. Brown,
Chief Financial Officer, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
[FR Doc. E9-27332 Filed 11-12-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-KD-P
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