National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration December 29, 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

On October 7, 2008, the National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce (hereinafter, ``NESDIS'') published a notice of availability of funds (Docket No. 0809261277- 81278-01, I.D. GF001) to establish a NOAA Cooperative Institute for Satellite Climate Studies (73 FR 58560). That notice is hereby rescinded and is replaced with the following revised notice of funding availability. NESDIS invites applications for a Cooperative Institute (CI) that will focus on (1) climate and satellite research and applications, (2) climate and satellite observations and monitoring, and (3) climate research and modeling. Through this competition, NOAA intends to establish competitively a new CI according to the policy and procedures described in NOAA Administrative Order 216-107 and the Cooperative Institute Interim Handbook both available at www.nrc.noaa.gov/ci. The proposed CI should be composed of two or more member institutions (e.g., multiple universities). At least one research institution should be in Maryland, Washington DC or the adjacent states (Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Virginia). At least one research institution should be in North Carolina or the bordering states (Tennessee, South Carolina and Georgia) and have a presence in Asheville, North Carolina. NOAA has identified three research themes that will address specific needs within the NOAA Mission Support Satellite Service program and the NOAA Climate Goal that would benefit from collaborations with the CI. The CI should possess outstanding capabilities to work in the three research themes summarized below, as well as possess the capability to conduct outreach and education activities in support of these research themes. I. Climate and Satellite Research and Applications: Research conducted under this theme is associated with the development of new and innovative uses of non-NOAA satellite assets that can ultimately be transitioned into NOAA operations to support climate information needs. This theme also includes performing research and development aimed at improving the utilization of a long time series of satellite measurements that will offer NOAA scientists a homogeneous record of satellite radiances. II. Climate and Satellite Observations and Monitoring: Research conducted under this theme involves (1) designing indices and applications that incorporate satellite observations to detect, monitor and investigate climatic changes and their impacts on coastal and open ocean ecosystems, (2) identifying and meeting the satellite climate needs of a wide variety of users, including research, business and industry, and government and private sector users, and (3) contributing significantly to climate reanalysis projects when satellite data is a key input. III. Climate Research and Modeling: Research conducted under this theme is focused on improving climate forecasts on mesoscale, regional and global scales when satellite data is a key input, and developing regional ecosystem models that can incorporate satellite observations to predict the impact of climate change on these ecosystems, particularly those located in the Mid-Atlantic region. The CI is also expected to play a significant role in National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Test Bed projects when satellite data is a key input. This announcement provides requirements for the proposed CI and includes details for the technical program, evaluation criteria, and competitive selection procedures. Applicants should review the NOAA Administrative Order 216-107 and CI Interim Handbook prior to preparing a proposal for this announcement.