Availability of Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2010 and Request for Comments on Proposed Implementation Guidelines for the Coral Reef Conservation Program, 3092-3120 [2010-721]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 11 (Tuesday, January 19, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3092-3120]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-721]



[[Page 3091]]

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

Part IV





Department of Commerce





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



National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration



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



Application Numbers and Proposed Exemptions; Notice

Federal Register / Vol. 75 , No. 11 / Tuesday, January 19, 2010 / 
Notices

[[Page 3092]]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Docket No. 0907081109-91435-03; I.D. GF001]
RIN 0648-ZC10


Availability of Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2010 and Request for 
Comments on Proposed Implementation Guidelines for the Coral Reef 
Conservation Program

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

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration publishes 
this noticeto 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) 
2010. 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. In addition, this notice solicits comments on 
Proposed Implementation Guidelines for the Coral Reef Conservation 
Program.

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.
    There is no guarantee that sufficient funds will be available to 
make awards for all qualified projects. 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.
    It is possible that additional funding may be allocated beyond that 
stated for any listed program in the current or a future Fiscal Year. 
If additional allocations of funding are made available, the 
responsible program, at the discretion of the Program Manager, may fund 
additional qualified projects rather than re-compete the funding.
    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. Evaluation Criteria and Selection Procedures
IV. NOAA Project Competitions Listed by NOAA Mission Goals
V. NOAA Project Competitions

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

    1. 2010 Hawaii Seafood Program
    2. 2010 Marine Education and Training Mini Grant Program
    3. 2010 Western Pacific Demonstration Projects
    4. 2011 Mid-Atlantic Research Set-Aside Program
    5. Fisheries Science Program--FY2010
    6. NOAA Great Lakes Habitat Restoration Program Project Grants 
under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
    7. Proactive Species Conservation Program

National Ocean Service (NOS)

    1. Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program--FY 2011 
Competition
    2. FY10 Bay Watershed Education and Training Program, Adult and 
Community Watershed Education in the Monterey Bay
    3. FY2010 Integrated Ocean Observing System Community Modeling 
Environment To Support a Super-Regional Test Bed
    4. Joint Hydrographic Center
    5. Marine Debris Prevention and Outreach Partnership Grants

National Weather Service (NWS)

    1. NWS Severe Weather Program
    2. Tsunami Social Science Program

Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR)

    1. NOAA Marine Aquaculture Initiative 2010

Office of the Under Secretary (USEC)

    1. Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
    2. Environmental Literacy Grants for Informal/Nonformal Science 
Education
    3. Financial Assistance To Establish Five NOAA Cooperative 
Science Centers at Minority Serving Institutions Announcement

National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service 
(NESDIS)

    1. Satellite Climate Data Record Program for 2010
VI. Request for Comments on Proposed Implementation Guidelines for 
the Coral Reef Conservation Program

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 request 
for comments on Proposed Implementation Guidelines for the Coral Reef 
Conservation Program.

II. Electronic Access

    The full funding announcement 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. Your application must be 
received and validated by Grants.gov no later than the due date and 
time. Please Note: Validation or rejection of your application by 
Grants.gov may take up to 2 business days after your submission.
    Please consider the Grants.gov validation/rejection process in 
developing your application submission time line.

Grants.gov

    Getting started with Grants.gov is easy. Users should note that 
there are

[[Page 3093]]

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 that 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 on line 
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. In addition to having a DUNS 
number, applicants applying electronically through Grants.gov must 
register with the Federal Central Contractor Registry. 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. All applicants filing electronically 
must register with the Central Contractor Registry and receive a User 
Name and password from Grants.gov in order to apply on line. Failure to 
register with the Central Contractor Registry 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 anytime 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 
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 off line. 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 First. 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 to which you are applying.
    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 by the Time on 
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 acknowledgement 
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

[[Page 3094]]

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. Please Note: Validation or rejection of your 
application by Grants.gov may take up to 2 business days after your 
submission. Please consider the Grants.gov validation/rejection process 
in developing your application submission time line.
    NOAA suggests that applicants submit their applications during the 
operating hours of 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. 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.

III. 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. Each reviewer (one mail and at least three 
peer review panel 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 recommendations to 
the Selecting Official 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 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

[[Page 3095]]

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. Each reviewer (one mail and at least three 
peer review panel 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, and
    c. Geographically.
    3. Program-specific objectives.
    4. Degree in scientific area and type of degree sought.

IV. NOAA Project Competitions Listed by NOAA Mission Goals

1. Protect, Restore, and Manage the Use of Coastal and Ocean Resources 
Through an Ecosystem Approach to Management

    Summary Description: NOAA's goal to protect, restore, and manage 
the use of living marine and coastal and ocean resources is critical to 
public health and the vitality of the U.S. economy. 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. The value of 
the ocean economy to the United States is more than $138 billion. The 
value added annually to the national economy by the commercial and 
recreational fishing industry alone is over $47 billion. U.S. 
aquaculture sales total almost $1 billion annually. To achieve balance 
among ecological, environmental, and social influences, NOAA has 
adopted an ecosystem approach to management, a concept that is central 
to the recommendations of the 2004 report of the U.S. Commission on 
Ocean Policy and the Administration's response to it, the U.S. Ocean 
Action Plan. NOAA's Ecosystems Goal responds to a specific mandate from 
Congress for NOAA to be a lead federal agency in this conservation, 
management, and restoration effort. Recent statutory revisions (e.g., 
the Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act and the Marine Debris 
Research, Prevention and Reduction Act) and emerging legislative 
changes are broadening this mission for NOAA, opening a new chapter in 
NOAA's stewardship of the nation's living marine resources and 
management of the coasts. Funded proposals should help achieve the 
following outcomes:
     1. Healthy and productive coastal and marine ecosystems that 
benefit society
     2. A well-informed public that acts as a steward of coastal and 
marine ecosystems
    Program Names:
     1. NOAA Marine Aquaculture Initiative 2010
     2. Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
     3. Marine Debris Prevention and Outreach Partnership Grants
     4. Proactive Species Conservation Program
     5. 2010 Hawaii Seafood Program
     6. 2010 Marine Education and Training Mini Grant Program
     7. Fisheries Science Program--FY2010
     8. 2010 Western Pacific Demonstration Projects
     9. NOAA Great Lakes Habitat Restoration Program Project Grants 
under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
     10. Financial Assistance To Establish five NOAA Cooperative 
Science Centers at Minority Serving Institutions Announcement
     11. 2011 Mid-Atlantic Research Set-Aside Program
     12. FY10 Bay Watershed Education and Training Program, Adult and 
Community Watershed Education in the Monterey Bay
     13. Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program--FY 2011 
Competition
     14. FY2010 Integrated Ocean Observing System Community Modeling 
Environment to Support a Super-Regional Test Bed

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

    Summary Description: Floods, droughts, hurricanes, tornadoes, 
tsunamis, wildfires, and other severe weather events cause $11.4 
billion in damage each year in the United States. Weather is directly 
linked to public health and safety, and nearly one-third of the U.S. 
economy (approximately $4 trillion, in 2005 dollars) 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. NOAA will continue to collect and analyze 
environmental data and to issue forecasts and warnings that help 
protect health, life, and property and enhance the U.S. economy. Future 
needs can be better met by exploring new concepts and applications 
through robust weather and water research. A commitment to public 
benefits shapes NOAA's role within the U.S. weather enterprise, 
including its partners in the private sector, academia, and government. 
These partners add value to NOAA services and help disseminate critical 
environmental information. We will work more closely with our partners 
and will develop new partnerships so that the public understands and is 
satisfied with our information. Together, NOAA and its partners will 
continuously improve existing service and expand to support evolving 
national needs, including space weather, freshwater and coastal 
ecosystems, and air quality prediction services.
    Funded proposals should help achieve the following outcomes:

1. Reduced loss of life, injury, and damage to the economy
2. Better, quicker, and more valuable weather and water information to 
support improved decisions

3. Increased customer satisfaction with weather and water information 
and services Program Names:

1. Tsunami Social Science Program
2. NWS Severe Weather Program
3. Financial Assistance To Establish five NOAA Cooperative Science 
Centers at Minority Serving Institutions Announcement
 4. FY2010 Integrated Ocean Observing System Community Modeling 
Environment to Support a Super-Regional Test Bed

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

    Summary Description: Climate variability and change influence the 
wellbeing of society, the environment, and the economy. Numerous long-
term changes in climate already have been observed. The changes include 
those in arctic surface temperatures and sea ice, ocean salinity and 
carbonate chemistry,

[[Page 3096]]

and frequency and intensity of extreme weather such as heat and cold 
waves, droughts, and floods. Decision makers are challenged with 
addressing major climatic events compounded by issues such as 
population growth, economic growth, public health concerns, changes in 
geographic distribution of marine species, loss of habitat, and changes 
in land-use practices. They require a new generation of climate 
services. Through legislation, executive orders, and international 
agreements, NOAA has a long-standing commitment to provide reliable and 
timely climate research and information. To meet the demand for 
expanded services, the Climate Goal will focus research to improve 
understanding of complex climate processes and to enhance the 
predictive capacity of the global climate system. The Climate Goal's 
priority is to focus on the development and delivery of climate 
information and services that assist decision makers with national and 
international policy decision making, and assessing risks to ecosystems 
and the U.S. economy in sectors and areas that are sensitive to impacts 
from climate variability and change.
    Funded proposals should help achieve the following outcomes:

1. A predictive understanding of the global climate system on time 
scales of weeks to decades to a century with quantified uncertainties 
sufficient for making informed and reasoned decisions
2. Use of NOAA's climate products by climate-sensitive sectors and the 
climate-literate public to support their plans and decisions

    Program Names:

1. Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
2. Satellite Climate Data Record Program for 2010
3. Financial Assistance To Establish five NOAA Cooperative Science 
Centers at Minority Serving Institutions Announcement
4. FY2010 Integrated Ocean Observing System Community Modeling 
Environment to Support a Super-Regional Test Bed

4. Provide Critical Support for NOAA's Mission

    Summary Description: Satellite Subgoal: Environmental satellites 
are a major component of NOAA's global efforts to better observe, 
understand, and predict various environmental phenomena. The backbone 
of the NOAA satellites includes the Geostationary Operational 
Environmental Satellite (GOES) and Polar-orbiting Operational 
Environmental Satellite (POES) programs. GOES and POES are operated to 
provide critical atmospheric, oceanic, climatic, solar, and space data 
to protect life and property across the United States. The satellites 
carry scientific instruments and communications equipment to support 
the delivery of weather information and aid search and rescue 
operations. NOAA is acquiring the new generation of each satellite 
system, including ground processing systems. In concert with the 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), acquisition of 
the next-generation geostationary satellite (GOES-R) series is 
underway. The Department of Defense (DoD), NASA, and NOAA are joined 
with industry partners to build the follow-on series of polar orbiting 
satellites, the National Polarorbiting Operational Environmental 
Satellite System. NOAA's satellite systems support other NOAA offices 
in the delivery of improved severe storm warnings, weather forecasts, 
climate predictions, oceanic and ecosystems research and analyses, and 
satellite-aided search and rescue services.
    Fleet Services Subgoal: NOAA operates a fleet of 20 ships and 10 
aircraft to ensure continuous observation of critical environmental 
conditions. The Fleet Services Subgoal manages these platforms to 
increase the number of ship operating days and aircraft flight hours to 
meet NOAA's data collection requirements. It provides ship and aircraft 
support for NOAA's four Mission Goals, upgrades NOAA's fleet of ships 
and aircraft, and partners with the programs to facilitate the 
development, demonstration, and deployment of new observation 
platforms, such as Autonomous Underwater Vehicles and Unmanned Aerial 
Systems.
    Modeling And Observing Infrastructure (MObI) Subgoal: The MObI 
Subgoal's analyses and operational capabilities provide critical 
infrastructure and support for the integrated monitoring and improved 
understanding of the Earth's environment. The subgoal enables NOAA's 
operational forecast products and services and provides NOAA a 
strategic investment portfolio recommendation encompassing observing, 
modeling, and high-performance computing capabilities. NOAA's internal 
forecasting, assessment, and stewardship capabilities--as well as the 
capabilities of partners and customers--require integrated oceanic and 
atmospheric data. Furthermore, NOAA's operations require modeling 
support, high-performance computing, observing system design and 
analysis, research and development of improved modeling and data 
assimilation, and guidance on the architecture of observation and data 
management systems. MObI also manages the integration of NOAA's 
observing systems and associated data with those of other federal 
agencies and nations under the GEO System of Systems framework.
    Leadership And Corporate Services Subgoal: The Leadership and 
Corporate Services Subgoal strives to produce cost-effective, value-
added solutions in the cross-cutting areas of Line Office and 
Headquarters management, workforce management, acquisition and grants, 
facilities, financial services, homeland security, IT, and 
administrative services. This is accomplished by effective and 
strategic leadership at corporate and Line Office levels that optimize 
agency performance and mission accomplishment through streamlined, 
results oriented processes. The development of long-range facility and 
IT modernization plans provides the investment framework to ensure that 
NOAA's facility and IT portfolio will continue to support a safe, 
secure, and state-of-the-art work environment. The development of 
streamlined acquisition and workforce management processes will enable 
NOAA to effectively fulfill its research and operational missions with 
a competent workforce and effective third-party partnerships. The 
public demand for financial stewardship and accountability requires 
NOAA to maintain an effective financial and internal control program. 
The national dependence on NOAA's services and information products 
compels effective continuity of operations planning and all-hazards 
incident management.
    Funded proposals should help achieve the following outcomes:

1. A continuous stream of satellite data and information with the 
quality and accuracy to meet users requirements for spatial and 
temporal sampling and timeliness of delivery
2. Provision of the number of ship operating days and aircraft flight 
hours needed to meet NOAA's data collection requirements with high 
customer satisfaction
3. Integration of observing system architectures, data management 
architectures, and computing and modeling capabilities to better enable 
NOAA's mission
4. One NOAA working together--guided by a clear strategic vision for 
planning, programming, and execution--to achieve NOAA's goals

[[Page 3097]]

5. Secure, reliable, and robust information flows within NOAA and out 
to the public
6. Modern and sustainable facilities providing safe and effective work 
environment
7. Efficient and effective financial, administrative, and acquisition 
management services
8. Workforce management processes that support a diverse and competent 
workforce
9. Integrated Homeland Security and emergency response capabilities
    Program Names:

1. Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
2. Financial Assistance To Establish five NOAA Cooperative Science 
Centers at Minority Serving Institutions Announcement
3. Environmental Literacy Grants for Informal/Nonformal Science 
Education

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

    Summary Description: NOAA responds to the specific demands of air, 
sea, and surface transportation with consistent, timely, and accurate 
information to aid sound and routine operational decision making. All 
modes of transportation are affected by significant challenges as they 
operate in the elements of nature. The natural environment is, in turn, 
affected by our transportation systems. Safe, efficient, and 
environmentally sound transportation systems are crucial to the 
nation's commerce, and thus to the nation's economy. For example, more 
than 78 percent of U.S. overseas trade by weight and 38 percent by 
value comes and goes by ship. Nine million barrels of oil come through 
U.S. ports daily, and 8,000 foreign vessels make 50,000 port calls 
annually. Vessel traffic in the U.S. Marine Transportation System, 
which ships over 95 percent of foreign trade by tonnage, will double by 
2020 and contribute roughly $2 trillion annually to the U.S. economy. 
NOAA provides information products for transportation systems, 
including marine and surface weather forecasts, navigational charts, 
real-time oceanographic information, and Global Positioning System 
augmentation. NOAA works with the Federal Aviation Administration and 
industry to improve the weather resilience of aviation systems. NOAA 
also provides emergency response services to save lives and money and 
to protect the coastal environment, including hazardous material spill 
response and search and rescue functions. NOAA works with federal, 
state, and local partners to ensure the efficient and environmentally 
sound operation and development of ports.
    Funded proposals should help achieve the following outcomes:

1. Safe, secure, efficient, and seamless movement of goods and people 
in the U.S. transportation system
2. Environmentally sound development and use of the U.S. transportation 
system

    Program Names:

1. Financial Assistance to Establish five NOAA Cooperative Science 
Centers at Minority Serving Institutions Announcement
2. Joint Hydrographic Center
3. FY2010 Integrated Ocean Observing System Community Modeling 
Environment to Support a Super-Regional Test Bed

V. NOAA Project Competitions

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

2010 Hawaii Seafood Program

    Summary Description: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA/
NMFS) is soliciting competitive applications for the 2010 Hawaii 
Seafood Program. The 2010 Hawaii Seafood Program is designed to help 
strengthen and to sustain the economic viability of Hawaii's fishing 
and seafood industry through activities that promotes Hawaii fisheries 
products as high-quality and safe domestic seafood produced by a 
responsible and well-managed fishery. Projects may seek support for 
cooperative seafood safety research, technical assistance, and/or 
seafood education.
    Funding Availability: Total funding available under this notice is 
anticipated to be approximately $1,000,000. Actual funding availability 
for this program is contingent upon FY 2010 Congressional 
appropriations. Proposals in any amount may be submitted. Award amounts 
will be determined by the proposals and available funds. There is no 
set minimum or maximum amount, within the available funding, for any 
award. There is also no limit on the number of applications that can be 
submitted by the same applicant; however, multiple applications 
submitted by the same applicant must clearly identify different 
projects. If an application for a financial assistance award is 
selected for funding, NOAA/NMFS has no obligation to provide any 
additional funding in connection with that award in subsequent years. 
Notwithstanding verbal or written assurance that may have been 
received, pre-award costs are not allowed under the award unless 
approved by the NOAA Grants Officer.
    Statutory Authority: The statutory authority for the Hawaii Seafood 
Program is 15 U.S.C. 713c-3(d).
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.452, 
Unallied Industry Projects.
    Application Deadline: Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. Hawaii 
Standard Time March 5, 2010.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Proposals should be submitted 
through Grants.gov. For those applicants without internet access, 
proposals should be submitted to NOAA Federal Program Officer, Pacific 
Islands Regional Office, 1601 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 1110, Honolulu, 
Hawaii, 96814.
    Information Contacts: If you have any questions regarding this 
proposal solicitation, please contact Scott W.S. Bloom at the NOAA/NMFS 
Pacific Islands Regional Office, 1601 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, Hawaii, 
96814, by phone at 808-944-2218, or by e-mail at Scott.Bloom@noaa.gov.
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are individuals, institutions of 
higher education, other nonprofits, commercial organizations, 
international organizations, foreign governments, organizations under 
the jurisdiction of foreign governments, and state, local and Indian 
tribal governments. Federal agencies, or employees of Federal agencies, 
are not eligible to apply. 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 
Hawaii Seafood Program encourages proposals involving any of the above 
institutions.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: No cost sharing or matching is required 
under this program.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are 
subject to Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.
2010 Marine Education and Training Mini Grant Program
    Summary Description: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA/
NMFS) is soliciting competitive applications for the 2010 Pacific 
Islands Region Marine Education and Training Mini-Grant Program. 
Projects are being solicited to improve communication, education, and 
training on marine resource issues throughout the region

[[Page 3098]]

and increase scientific education for marine-related professions among 
coastal community residents, including indigenous Pacific islanders, 
Native Hawaiians, and other underrepresented groups in the region.
    Funding Availability: Total funding available under this notice is 
anticipated to be approximately $150,000. Actual funding availability 
for this program is contingent upon FY 2010 Federal appropriations. 
Proposals in excess of $15,000 are unlikely to be funded. Award amounts 
will be determined by the proposals and available funds. There is no 
limit on the number of applications that can be submitted by the same 
applicant; however, multiple applications submitted by the same 
applicant must clearly identify different projects. If an application 
for a financial assistance award is selected for funding, NOAA/NMFS has 
no obligation to provide any additional funding in connection with that 
award in subsequent years. Notwithstanding verbal or written assurance 
that may have been received, pre-award costs are not allowed under the 
award unless approved by the NOAA Grants Officer.
    Statutory Authority: Authority for the 2010 Pacific Islands Region 
Marine Education and Training Mini-Grant Program is provided under 16 
U.S.C. 1855j.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.452, 
Unallied Industry Projects.
    Application Deadline: Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. Hawaii 
Standard Time March 5, 2010.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Proposals should be submitted 
through Grants.gov. For those applicants without internet access, 
proposals should be submitted to NOAA Federal Program Officer, Pacific 
Islands Regional Office, 1601 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 1110, Honolulu, 
Hawaii, 96814.
    Information Contacts: If you have any questions regarding this 
proposal solicitation, please contact Scott W.S. Bloom at the NOAA/NMFS 
Pacific Islands Regional Office, 1601 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, Hawaii, 
96814, by phone at 808-944-2218, or by e-mail at Scott.Bloom@noaa.gov.
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are individuals, institutions of 
higher education, nonprofits, commercial organizations, state, local 
and Indian tribal governments. Federal agencies, or employees of 
Federal agencies are not eligible to apply. The Department of Commerce/
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (DOC/NOAA) is strongly 
committed to broadening the participation of historically black 
colleges and universities, Hispanic serving institutions, tribal 
colleges and universities, and institutions that work in undeserved 
areas. The 2010 Marine Education and Training Mini-Grant Program 
encourages proposals involving any of the above institutions.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: No cost sharing or matching is required 
under this program.
    Intergovernmental Review: This federal funding opportunity is 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.'' An applicant should consult the office or official 
designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more 
information on the process the State requires to be followed in 
applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for 
review. The names and addresses of these contacts are available at 
https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. 2010 Western Pacific 
Demonstration Projects.
    Summary Description: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA/
NMFS) is soliciting applications for financial assistance for Western 
Pacific Demonstration Projects. Eligible applicants are encouraged to 
submit projects intended to foster and promote use of traditional 
indigenous fishing practices and/or develop or enhance Western Pacific 
community-based fishing opportunities benefiting the island communities 
in American Samoa, Guam, Hawaii, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
    Funding Availability: Total funding available under this notice is 
anticipated to be approximately $500,000. Actual funding availability 
for this program is contingent upon FY 2010 Congressional 
appropriations. Proposals in any amount may be submitted. Award amounts 
will be determined by the proposals and available funds. There is no 
set minimum or maximum amount, within the available funding, for any 
award. There is also no limit on the number of applications that can be 
submitted by the same applicant; however, multiple applications 
submitted by the same applicant must clearly identify different 
projects. If an application for a financial assistance award is 
selected for funding, NOAA/NMFS has no obligation to provide any 
additional funding in connection with that award in subsequent years. 
Notwithstanding verbal or written assurance that may have been 
received, pre-award costs are not allowed under the award unless 
approved by the NOAA Grants Officer.
    Statutory Authority: Authority for the Western Pacific 
Demonstration Projects is provided under 16 U.S.C. 1855 note.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.452, 
Unallied Industry Projects
    Application Deadline: Pre-proposals (letters of intent) must be 
received at the Pacific Islands Regional Office by 5 p.m. Hawaii 
Standard Time, February 18, 2010. NOAA reserves 15 days to review pre-
proposals against NOAA's mission requirements. If an applicant 
submitting a pre-proposal is invited to submit a full proposal, it must 
be received by 5 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time, 75 days after publication 
in the Federal Register. Anticipated start dates will be July 1, 2010.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: Proposals should be submitted 
through Grants.gov. For those applicants without internet access, 
proposals should be submitted to NOAA Federal Program Officer, Pacific 
Islands Regional Office, 1601 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 1110, Honolulu, 
Hawaii 96814.
    Information Contacts: Points of contact are Scott W.S. Bloom 
(NMFS), NOAA Federal Program Officer for Western Pacific Demonstration 
Projects, Pacific Islands Region, National Marine Fisheries Service, 
1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 1110, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814; or by 
telephone at 808-944-2218, or by e-mail at Scott.Bloom@noaa.gov; or 
Charles Kaaiai, Indigenous Coordinator for the Western Pacific Fishery 
Management Council, 1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1400, Honolulu, Hawaii, 
96813 or by telephone at 808-522-8220, or by e-mail at 
Charles.Kaaiai@noaa.gov.
    Eligibility: Eligible applicants are limited to communities in the 
Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Area, as defined at section 
305(i)(2)(D) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), 16 U.S.C. 1855(i)(2)(D); and 
meet the standards for determining eligibility set forth in section 
305(i)(2)(B) of the Act, 16 U.S.C. 1855(i)(2)(B). The eligibility 
criteria developed by the Council and approved by the Secretary was 
published in the Federal Register on April 16, 2002 (67 FR 18512, 
18514). The published criteria supplement those set forth in section 
305(i)(2)(B) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and shall be applied equally 
in determining a party's eligibility to participate in the 
demonstration project. Given this, applicants must:
    1. Be located within the Western Pacific Regional Fishery 
Management Area (American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam or 
Hawaii);

[[Page 3099]]

    2. Consist of community residents descended from aboriginal people 
indigenous to the western Pacific area who conducted commercial or 
subsistence fishing using traditional fishing practices in the waters 
of the western Pacific;
    3. Consist of community residents who reside in their ancestral 
homeland;
    4. Have knowledge of customary practices relevant to fisheries of 
the western Pacific;
    5. Have traditional dependence on fisheries of the western Pacific;
    6. Experience economic or other barriers that have prevented full 
participation in the western Pacific fisheries and, in recent years, 
have not had harvesting, processing or marketing capability sufficient 
to support substantial participation in fisheries in the area; and,
    7. Develop and submit a Community Development Plan to the Western 
Pacific Council and the National Marine Fisheries Service. For the 
purposes of determining eligibility to participate and receive funding 
assistance authorized under Section 111(b) of the Sustainable Fisheries 
Act, Public Law 104-297, as amended, and published in 16 U.S.C. 1855 
note, a project proposal shall be considered a Community Development 
Plan.
    Cost Sharing Requirements: No cost sharing or matching is required 
under this program.
    Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are 
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs''. An applicant should consult the office or official 
designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more 
information on the process the State requires to be followed in 
applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for 
review. The names and addresses of these contacts are available at 
https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. 2011 Mid-Atlantic 
Research Set-Aside Program.
    Summary Description: NMFS, in cooperation with the Mid-Atlantic 
Fishery Management Council (Council), is soliciting proposals under the 
2011 Mid-Atlantic Research Set-Aside (RSA) Program that address 
research priorities concerning the summer flounder, scup, black sea 
bass, Loligo squid, Illex squid, Atlantic mackerel, butterfish, 
bluefish, and tilefish fisheries. The Mid-Atlantic RSA Program was 
created by the Council as a vehicle to fund research projects through 
the sale of research quota. Under this program, the Council may set 
aside up to 3-percent of the total allowable landings (TAL) from the 
above listed species to fund selected projects. Proceeds from the sale 
of research quota are used to pay for research costs and to compensate 
fishing vessels that harvest research quota. Any additional funds, 
generated through the sale of the fish harvested under the research 
quota, above the cost of the research activities, shall be retained by 
the vessel owner as compensation for use of his/her vessel. 
Participating vessels may be authorized to harvest and land fish in 
excess of Federal possession limits and/or during fishery closures. No 
Federal funds are provided for research under this notification. NMFS 
and the Council will give priority to funding proposals addressing the 
research needs identified in Section I-B of the FFO.
    Funding Availability: No Federal funds are provided for research 
under this notification, but rather the opportunity to fish with the 
catch sold to generate research funds and to provide compensation for 
harvesting of RSA quota. The Federal Government may issue an exempted 
fishing permit (EFP) to selected projects, which may provide special 
fishing privileges, such as exemption from possession limits and 
fishery closures. Funds generated from RSA landings shall be used to 
cover the cost of the research activities, including vessel costs, and 
to compensate boats for expenses incurred during the collection of the 
set-aside species. For example, the funds may 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 should the sale of RSA quota not fully 
reimburse the researcher or vessel owner for his/her expenses. Any 
additional funds, generated through the sale of the fish harvested 
under the research quota, above the cost of the research activities, 
shall be retained by the vessel owner as compensation for use of his/
her vessel. The Council, in consultation with the Commission, will 
incorporate RSA quotas for each of the set-aside species for the 2011 
fishing year into the Council's annual quota specification 
recommendations. NMFS will consider the recommended level of RSA as 
part of the associated rulemaking process. RSA quota available to 
applicants under the 2011 Mid-Atlantic RSA Program will be established 
through the 2011 quota specification rulemaking process. The Council is 
scheduled to adopt quotas, including RSA quotas, by the end of 2010. 
Based on Council recommendations, NMFS may choose to adopt less than 3 
percent of TAL as a set-aside, or decide not to adopt any set-aside for 
a given fishery. The value of RSA quota will be dictated by market 
conditions prevailing at the time the compensation fishing trips are 
conducted. To help researchers develop proposals and proposal budgets 
for the 2011 Mid-Atlantic RSA Program, recent quota amount and quota 
value information is listed below. This information is for guidance 
purposes only; it does not reflect actual RSA quota amounts or quota 
values that will be in effect for fishing year 2011. RSA quota amounts 
are based on 2010 FMP specifications proposed by the Council. RSA quota 
values are based on landings data taken from Fisheries of the United 
States, 2008. This information is listed below in the following format: 
Species/RSA quota amount (lb)/RSA quota total value/RSA value per 
pound. -Summer flounder/663,900 lb/$1,656,845/2.50 lb -Scup/423,300 lb/
$478,327/$1.13 lb -Black sea bass/69,000 lb/$192,076/$2.78 lb -Loligo 
squid/1,256,635 lb/$1,173,033/$0.93 lb -Bluefish/877,914 lb/$376,279/
$0.42 lb -Butterfish/33,069 lb/$17,282/$0.52 lb -Illex squid/1,587,328 
lb/$0/$0.24 lb (no Illex squid was requested) -Atlantic mackerel/0 lb/
$0/$0.14 (no Atlantic mackerel was requested) -Tilefish/0 lb/$0/$2.26 
lb (no tilefish RSA was allocated) Starting in 2010, successful 
projects may not have more than 50 vessels authorized to conduct 
compensation fishing at any given time unless sufficient rationale can 
demonstrate that more than 50 vessels are needed. In addition, 
principal investigators and project coordinators should be aware that 
it may take NMFS up to 4 weeks to process requests to revise the list 
of vessels that are authorized to conduct compensation fishing.
    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. Statutory 
authority for entering into cooperative agreements and other financial 
agreements with non-profit organizations is found at 15 U.S.C. 1540. 
Framework Adjustment 1 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass 
FMP, Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish FMP, Bluefish FMP, and 
Tilefish FMP established the Mid-Atlantic RSA Program (66 FR 42156, 
August 10, 2001), which is codified in regulations at 50 CFR 648.21(g).
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.454, 
Unallied Management Projects

[[Page 3100]]

    Application Deadline: Applications must be received on or before 5 
p.m. EST on March 22, 2010. Proposals received after the established 
deadline will be rejected and returned to the sender without 
consideration. For applications submitted through Grants.gov, a date 
and time receipt indication will be the basis of determining 
timeliness. For those not having access to the Internet, one signed 
original and two hard copy applications must be received by the 
established due date for the program at the following address: Cheryl 
A. Corbett, NMFS, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, 166 Water Street, 
Woods Hole, MA 02543. Use of U.S. mail or another delivery service must 
be documented with a receipt. No facsimile or electronic mail proposals 
will be accepted. January 1, 2011, should be used as the proposed start 
date on proposals, unless otherwise directed by the Program Officer.
    Address for Submitting Proposals: To apply for this NOAA Federal 
Funding Opportunity, please submit applications to https://www.grants.gov and use funding opportunity number NOAA-NMFS-NEFSC-2011-
2002247. Applicants who do not have Internet access may submit their 
application to Cheryl A. Corbett, NMFS, Northeast Fisheries Science 
Center, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543.
    Information Contacts: Information may be obtained from Kathy 
Collins, Public Affairs Specialist, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management 
Council, by phone 302-674-2331 ext. 14, or via e-mail at 
kcollins1@mafmc.org, or Cheryl A. Corbett, Cooperative Programs 
Specialist, NMFS, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, 166 Water Street, 
Woods Hole, MA 02543, or by phone at 508-495-2070, or fax at 508-495-
2004, or via e-mail at cheryl.corbett@noaa.gov; or from Ryan Silva, 
Cooperative Research Liaison, NMFS, Northeast Regional Office, by phone 
978-281-9326, or via e-mail at ryan.silva@noaa.gov.
    Eligibility: 1. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher 
education, hospitals, other nonprofits, commercial organizations, 
individuals, and 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 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.'' Fisheries Science Program--FY2010.
    Summary Description: The NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office (NCBO) is 
directed by congressional mandate to provide technical assistance in: 
(1) Identifying science-based management options for restoration and 
protection of living resources and their habitats; (2) monitoring and 
assessing the status of living resources and their habitats; and, (3) 
evaluating the effectiveness of management plan implementation. For 
FY2010, it is anticipated that approximately $500k could be made 
available for projects that address multiple species interactions and 
stock assessment research as identified in the Program Priority Section 
(I.B.1 and I.B.2) of FFO.
    Funding Availability: This solicitation announces approximately 
$500,000 in federal funds that may be available in FY 2010 in award 
amounts to be determined by the proposals. It is expected that these 
funds will provide support for 5-10 projects at approximately $50,000 
to $100,000 per project. Funding for subsequent years of work will 
depend on the performance of grantees to successfully conduct 
activities as determined by the Federal Program Officer through 
performance reports, site visits, and compliance with award conditions. 
There is no guarantee that sufficient funds will be available to make 
awards for all qualified projects. 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