NOAA-NOS-NCCOS-2018-2005334 FFO Report.pdf

2018 Regional Ecosystem Prediction Program (REPP): Understanding Coral Ecosystem Connectivity in the western Gulf of Mexico

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Funding Opportunity Description 4

A. Program Objective 4 B. Program Priorities 5 C. Program Authority 11

II. Award Information 11 A. Funding Availability 11 B. Project/Award Period 11 C. Type of Funding Instrument 12

III. Eligibility Information 14 A. Eligible Applicants 14 B. Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement 15 C. Other Criteria that Affect Eligibility 15

IV. Application and Submission Information 15 A. Address to Request Application Package 15 B. Content and Form of Application 15 C. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) 23 D. Submission Dates and Times 23 E. Intergovernmental Review 24 F. Funding Restrictions 25 G. Other Submission Requirements 25

V. Application Review Information 26 A. Evaluation Criteria 26 B. Review and Selection Process 27 C. Selection Factors 30 D. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates 31

VI. Award Administration Information 31 A. Award Notices 31 B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements 31 C. Reporting 34

VII. Agency Contacts 37 VIII. Other Information 37

Federal Funding Opportunity Page 1 of 38

ANNOUNCEMENT OF FEDERAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Federal Agency Name(s): National Ocean Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce

Funding Opportunity Title: 2018 Regional Ecosystem Prediction Program (REPP):

Understanding Coral Ecosystem Connectivity in the western Gulf of Mexico

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: NOAA-NOS-NCCOS-2018-2005334

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.478, Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research - Coastal Ocean Program

Dates: Full proposals must be received and validated by Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on February 9, 2018. NOAA will also accept paper applications subject to further details described in this Announcement that are postmarked or provided to a commercial carrier with tracking number and receipt on or before 11:59 pm Eastern Time on February 9, 2018. Private metered postmarks will not be accepted. Applicants submitting by paper are responsible for tracking their applications and should notify the Program Manager in Section VII of this Announcement that they are submitting by paper. Electronic or paper copies received after the deadline will not be considered, and paper copy applications will be returned to the sender.

When developing your submission timeline, keep in mind the following information necessary to submit an application on Grants.gov: (1) a free annual registration process in the electronic System for Award Management (SAM) may take between three and five business days or as long as several weeks, as described in Section IV.F. of this Announcement, and (2) if you submit an application via Grants.gov, you will receive a series of email notifications for up to two business days before learning via validation or rejection whether NOAA has received your application.

Funding Opportunity Description: The purpose of this document is to advise the public that NOAA/NOS/National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), in partnership with the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, and the National Marine Fisheries Service’s Southeast Regional Office, is soliciting proposals under the Regional Ecosystem Prediction Program for a project up to 5 years in duration to conduct research to improve the understanding of population connectivity of key coral ecosystem species in the western Gulf of Mexico between the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and

Federal Funding Opportunity Page 2 of 38 the reefs and banks to the east of the current Sanctuary boundaries in the northern Gulf of Mexico, but can also include coral ecosystems upstream and downstream as relevant. This information will be used to support decisions concerning current and future marine protected area (MPA) management and MPA networks for shallow and mesophotic coral ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico and provide insight into regional connectivity. Funding is contingent upon the availability of Fiscal Year 2018 Federal appropriations. If funds become available for this program, one project is expected to be supported for up to 5 years, with an approximate annual budget up to $750,000.

Electronic Access: Proposals should be submitted through Grants.gov, www.grants.gov. Sign up to receive any potential amendments to this Announcement via www.grants.gov.

Federal Funding Opportunity Page 3 of 38

FULL ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Program Objective

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) develops and improves predictive capabilities for managing the Nation’s use of its coastal resources through its Competitive Research Program. NCCOS also supports efforts to translate the results of its research investments, and those of others, into accessible and useful information for coastal managers, planners, lawmakers, and the public to help balance the needs of economic growth with those of conserving the resources of our Nation’s oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes.

NCCOS provides a focal point for regional ecosystem-scale, multidisciplinary coastal ocean research within the NOAA National Ocean Service. Together with partners in NOAA and other organizations responsible for coastal resources, NCCOS advances the scientific understanding needed to protect coastal resources and ensure their viability for future generations. This increased understanding of the ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes directly benefits the management of U.S. coastal and ocean resources, and helps NOAA, other Federal agencies, and state, tribal, and local governments achieve their stewardship responsibilities.

A key objective of NCCOS is the production of user-driven predictive tools that will enable managers to assess alternative management strategies to restore degraded ecosystems and protect healthy ones. Research supported is outcome-oriented towards predictions, as well as increased scientific understanding that will provide managers and the public with sound scientific information for making decisions to benefit society. Meritorious proposals articulate outcome-based management goals (Section IV.B.) and recipients will be expected to report progress toward achieving outcome-based goals annually.

In 2006, NCCOS, in partnership with NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (OER), initiated a new research program, the Deep Coral Reef Ecosystem Studies (Deep- CRES) Program, focused on improving the understanding of poorly known mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs). MCEs are characterized by the presence of light-dependent corals and associated communities typically found at depths from 30-40 m and extending to over 150 m in tropical and subtropical regions. MCEs may be regarded as extensions of shallow coral ecosystems including sharing common species. The Deep-CRES Program resulted in two multi-year research projects focused on MCEs, one in the Caribbean (Puerto Rico) and one in the Pacific (Hawaii). Following these studies, in 2008, the first International MCE

Federal Funding Opportunity Page 4 of 38

Workshop was held to bring together scientists and managers to discuss and review the state of knowledge regarding MCES and identify critical research needs to help inform management of these ecosystems, which resulted in the MCE Research Strategy (2009), https://cdn.coastalscience.noaa.gov/page-attachments/research/noaa_514_DS1.pdf.

In response to the MCE Research Strategy, in FY 2011, NCCOS, in partnership with the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS), OER, the National Marine Fisheries Service’s Southeast Regional Office (NMFS/SERO), and Gulf of Mexico Regional Collaboration Team, solicited proposals to improve the understanding of coral ecosystem connectivity in the eastern Gulf of Mexico from Pulley Ridge to the Florida Keys. The proximity of Pulley Ridge, the deepest known MCE on the U.S. continental shelf, to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, combined with the influence of the Loop current, had resource managers asking whether Pulley Ridge could serve as an up-current source of larvae for the Sanctuary. The resulting project, https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/projects/detail?key=63, while still underway, is providing the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council with a better understanding of population connectivity between Pulley Ridge and the Florida Keys, and information on the extent of Pulley Ridge’s habitat and ecosystem composition. Information on the project’s 2013-2015 field seasons are highlighted on NOAA’s Ocean Explorer website (http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/explorations.html) under “Coral Ecosystem Connectivity: From Pulley Ridge to the Florida Keys.”

While this project has begun to provide more clarity on coral ecosystem connectivity in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, we do not know if what we have learned can be applied Gulf-wide.

Because the Loop Current does not penetrate the Gulf in a uniform manner, i.e., it delivers warm tropical waters directly to the eastern Gulf and indirectly to the western Gulf by way of spin-off eddies, knowledge of ecosystem connectivity in the eastern Gulf of Mexico may not be directly applicable to the western Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, whether MCEs can serve as a potential source of larvae for impacted shallow species is still poorly understood and is a key research need identified in the United Nations Environment Programme report, “MCEs: A lifeboat for coral reefs?,” https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/data_reports/mesophotic-coral-ecosystems-a-lifeboat-for-coral-reefs/.

B. Program Priorities

The NCCOS Regional Ecosystem Prediction Program (REPP) was established to provide resource managers with actionable information, predictive tools, and capabilities to

Federal Funding Opportunity Page 5 of 38 improve their ability to protect, conserve, and restore the Nation’s ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes ecosystems. REPP identifies key regional research needs that are limiting the ability of resource managers to address one or more issues from a regional ecosystem perspective.

NCCOS, in partnership with NOAA’s ONMS, OER, and NMFS/SERO, is soliciting proposals for a project under REPP to improve the understanding of population connectivity of key coral ecosystem species in the western Gulf of Mexico between Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) and the reefs and banks to the east of the current Sanctuary boundaries in the northern Gulf of Mexico, but can also include coral ecosystems upstream and downstream as relevant. This information will be used to provide insight into regional connectivity and support decisions concerning current and future marine protected area (MPA) management and MPA networks for shallow and mesophotic coral ecosystems.

MCEs in the Gulf of Mexico are typically found at depths from 30-40 m to over 100 m, depending on water clarity. MCEs are populated with organisms typically associated with shallow coral reefs such as corals, macroalgae, sponges, and fish, as well as species unique to mesophotic depths or deeper, making them especially vulnerable to disturbances. MCEs may serve as potential sources to reseed or replenish degraded shallow-water populations.

For resource managers, it is important to understand what types of ecological roles that MCEs play (e.g., essential fish habitat), as well as the connectivity of these ecosystems with shallow reefs and other MCEs.

Connectivity can be broadly defined as the exchange of materials (e.g., nutrients and pollutants), organisms, and genes and can be divided into three categories: (1) genetic connectivity that concerns the exchange of organisms and genes, (2) demographic or ecological connectivity, which is the exchange of individuals among local groups, and (3) oceanographic connectivity, which includes flow of materials and circulation patterns and variability that underpins many of these exchanges. At present, there is limited understanding about connectivity. Yet, the success of management measures (e.g., MPAs and MPA networks) to protect, conserve, and restore marine habitats or populations hinges on the establishment of ecologically relevant boundaries that take into account propagule (spores, eggs, and larvae) connectivity, as well as the movements of juveniles and adults.

MPAs and MPA networks have been suggested as a way to help protect the significant natural and cultural resources within the marine environment for the benefit of present and future generations and in the Gulf of Mexico as a restoration approach for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. While use of MPAs and MPA networks as resource management tools has grown significantly in recent decades, there is still substantial scientific investigation needed to improve our understanding of how connectivity functions across temporal and spatial scales for a variety of mobile and sessile species.

Federal Funding Opportunity Page 6 of 38

This announcement targets the Gulf of Mexico, one of our Nation’s most shared ocean spaces. The Gulf of Mexico outer continental shelf supplies over 22 percent of the total U.S.

crude oil and natural gas production, is home to seven of the top 10 U.S. ports (ranked by tonnage in 2015), and commercial fisheries landings averaging 1.4 billion pounds per annum from 2013 to 2015. The waters of the Gulf of Mexico also provide fundamental life-support processes upon which all organisms depend, and support critical ecosystem services, including regulating climate and weather, maintaining biodiversity, and providing food and essential fish habitat.

The anthropogenic and natural pressures placed on the marine ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico can have lasting impacts on ecosystem condition as evidenced by the seasonal hypoxic zone off the Louisiana continental shelf (which is largely the result of anthropogenic nutrient inputs) and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. In general, MCEs are vulnerable to the same pressures that affect shallow-water coral ecosystems such as climate change, fishing, pollution, invasive species, coastal uses, and extreme events (e.g., hurricanes and oil spills).

Portions of the Gulf of Mexico seafloor are comprised of hard-bottom and coral reef habitats with some areas densely populated by diverse assemblages of corals, sponges, algae and reef fishes. Many of these habitats share commonalities with the tropical ecosystems of the Caribbean, as well as more temperate ecosystems. Oceanographically, the Gulf of Mexico is part of a connected system, dominated by the Loop Current, which links to the Caribbean Sea via the Yucatan Current and the Atlantic Ocean via the Florida Current. Scientists have hypothesized that the oceanographic connectivity between the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Florida reef tract facilitates genetic or ecological connectivity between the biologically-important habitats that ring the Gulf of Mexico because they share common species. However, in general, quantitative data to support this hypothesis are limited in many locations in the region.

In the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, approximately 50-115 miles offshore of Texas and Louisiana near the edge of the continental shelf, dozens of reefs and banks exist. FGBNMS encompasses three of these reefs, East Flower Garden Bank, West Flower Garden Bank and Stetson Bank. The East and West Flower Garden Banks are the most northern coral reefs in the continental U.S. with shallow coral reef ecosystems (or the coral cap) from 18-50 m.

Within the FGBNMS, coral cover on the coral cap averages over 50% and contains 24 species of scleractinian corals and 280 reef fish species. The nearest upstream reefs are in the Bay of Campeche off the Yucatan Peninsula (400 miles), and for scale, the downstream reefs of the Florida Keys are approximately 750 miles away.

Federal Funding Opportunity Page 7 of 38

In 2016, FGBNMS published its Draft Environmental Impact Statement: Sanctuary Expansion, proposing changes that could include the expansion of the FGBNMS by adding several hard bottom features to the east of the current Sanctuary boundaries. High-resolution multi-beam bathymetry and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) data show structural, physical connectivity and similar species present inferring ecological connectivity. However, the extent of genetic connectivity between these sites is unknown, as well as whether some sites serve as source populations for the Sanctuary resources and vice versa. This announcement is intended to fill in these data gaps.

This announcement solicits proposals to provide resource managers with the scientific information and predictive tools needed to improve the effectiveness of current and future management of MPAs and MPA networks in the Gulf of Mexico. Proposals should further the understanding of the connectivity of FGBNMS and the banks to the east of the current Sanctuary boundaries in the northern Gulf of Mexico, and, if possible, coral ecosystems upstream and downstream (potentially including reef tracts in Mexico, Cuba, Pulley Ridge, and the Florida Keys) to identify potential sources and sinks. Priority should be given to understanding vertical (between shallow reefs and MCEs) and horizontal (between MCEs) connectivity between FGBNMS and its “preferred” Sanctuary expansion alternative sites (i.e., Horseshoe, MacNeil, 28 Fathom, Rankin, Bright, Geyer, Elvers, Sonnier, McGrail, Bouma, Bryant, Rezak, Sidner, Alderdice, and Parker Banks). Proposals should also address quantifying the biological, chemical, and physical processes, to the extent necessary, for a functional understanding of the MCE focal sites chosen. Research priorities include:

a. Determining the horizontal and vertical population structure for a set of key mobile and sessile species (i.e., two or more of each) of shallow coral ecosystems and MCEs and to what extent there is genetic and ecological connectivity horizontally and vertically. The selection of threatened or endangered species is encouraged, but not required.

b. Identifying dominant mechanisms of connectivity, and their temporal and spatial dynamics.

c. Determining whether MCEs can serve as refugia and reseed shallow reefs (or vice versa).

d. Considering ecosystem stressors (e.g. climate change, pollutants, and changing flow regimes) and their associated effects on ecosystem connectivity, as appropriate.

As an information source for applicants, the FGBNMS has conducted over 500 ROV surveys within MCEs in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico (half within the current sanctuary

Federal Funding Opportunity Page 8 of 38 boundaries). Many of the surveys conducted outside of the sanctuary were co-funded by the Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management (BOEM) and focused on areas outside of their No Activity Zones. BOEM has designated No Activity Zones, where oil and gas structures, drilling rigs, pipelines, or anchoring associated with a specific lease are prohibited, based on the presence of significant hard bottom habitat. Applicants should be aware of these resources and integrate this data with any new data collected. Reference material gathered for the major biota, and an extensive database of species locations can be found at:

http://flowergarden.noaa.gov/document_library/scidocuments.html#posters. Note:

information collected to improve the functional understanding of sites should use the FGBNMS scheme and/or NOAA’s Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (https://iocm.noaa.gov/cmecs/) if proposing to develop habitat characterization maps.

Conducting research on MCEs requires specialized technology beyond standard SCUBA diving, such as advanced diving technologies (e.g., mixed gas SCUBA diving and closed-circuit rebreathers), ROVs, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV), and/or shallow diving submersibles. Applicants should include all operating costs for these specialized technologies and the necessary ship costs in their proposals.

OER will administer the operations for applicants that do not have access to deep-water technologies (e.g., advanced diving technologies, ROVs, and AUVs) and the necessary safety oversight through their home institutions. Operational costs for conducting the research must be included in the proposal. To develop operational cost estimates, applicants should contact the Technical Contact (see Section VII).

Expected Outputs and Outcomes:

The intended outcome of this research is to provide Gulf of Mexico resource managers with the scientific information and predictive tools necessary to improve effectiveness of future management of MPAs and MPA networks in Gulf of Mexico. The primary management end users of the information will be NOAA (ONMS Southeast Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Regional Office and FGBNMS and NMFS/SERO) and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. Results from this research will also be of interest to the NOAA MPA Center, Coral Reef Conservation Program, and the Office of Response and Restoration, and BOEM.

Transition of research results to use by managers and policy-makers is a central objective of NCCOS. Clear articulation of outcome-based management goals is required (more information can be found at https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/about/funding-opportunities/outputs-and-outcomes/). The Lead Principal Investigator (PI) will be expected

Federal Funding Opportunity Page 9 of 38 to work with the NCCOS Program Manager to establish an effective method of transferring research results to the end users (e.g., a management transition advisory group). To facilitate the transition of information to resource managers, the Lead PI shall hold at least one meeting per year of subproject PIs that will be open to the above mentioned end users group.

The purpose of the annual meeting will be to present results of the research to date and to interact with end users to ensure that the research results are packaged for optimal utility by management. The end users can then facilitate the transfer and utilization of information derived from this work for management applications, including sustainable fisheries management, habitat conservation and protection, and protection of listed threatened and endangered species. Applicants should include all costs associated with the annual meetings (with the exception of end user travel costs) in their proposal.

Expected outputs from this research include:

(1) Predictive tools (e.g., models) that will identify the degree of connectivity (oceanographic, genetic, and ecological) between FGBNMS, sites within the preferred Sanctuary expansion alternative, and shallow coral ecosystems and other MCEs both upstream and downstream (potentially including reef tracts in Mexico, Cuba, Pulley Ridge, and the Florida Keys).

(2) Propagule connectivity information determined for key sessile and mobile species.

(3) Information regarding the potential of MCEs to serve as a refuge for shallow coral reef species.

(4) Information on the implications of research results in the context of whether additional management measures are warranted for reefs and banks in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.

In addition to the above outputs and outcomes, the applicant will be expected to work with the NCCOS Program Manager, ONMS, OER, and NMFS/SERO to develop outreach and education materials, such as materials for websites and handouts. The proposal must describe a process to include resource management agency participation at the onset of program implementation. Under the provisions and intent of the funding mechanism, a Cooperative Agreement, the NCCOS Program Manager will work closely with the Lead PI to engage the appropriate management representatives, as end users of the program outputs, and establish a clear mechanism to involve these representatives as advisors so that the program outputs are on track to achieve program outcomes throughout the life cycle of the program.

Federal Funding Opportunity Page 10 of 38

C. Program Authority

33 U.S.C. §883 et seq.; Public Law 102-567, §201(c), Coastal Ocean Program.

II. Award Information

A. Funding Availability

If funds become available for this program, one project is expected to be supported for up to 5 years, with an approximate annual budget up to $750,000, not to exceed $3,750,000 per proposal. Funding is contingent upon availability of Federal appropriations, which may not have been appropriated at the time of this announcement.

B. Project/Award Period

Full applications may cover a project/award period up to 5 years, but shorter-term project proposals will also be welcomed.

Awards may be funded incrementally, generally on an annual basis, but, once awarded, those awards will not compete for funding in subsequent years. This multi-year funding is often appropriate for projects to be funded for two to five years. Once approved, full applications are not required for the continuation out years. While applicants are not required to divide Federal assistance project activities into annual increments based on appropriations law, this approach may be constructive given the possibility that funding may not be available in subsequent years.

Funding for each year's activity is contingent upon the availability of funds from Congress, satisfactory performance, and is at the sole discretion of the agency.

During the implementation phase of research projects funded under this announcement, regardless of the funding mechanism used, NCCOS Program Managers will analyze financial statements and progress reports for each continuing award, and will have dialogue with the PIs and Authorized Representatives of the recipient institutions to discuss research progress and expected time lines for the remaining award period. If NOAA experiences budget reductions in future fiscal years, the amount of funding provided in any given fiscal year will be determined on a project-specific basis by the remaining tasks to be completed, the overall pace of the research and the length of time remaining on the award and/or across the board reductions based on the overall funds available.

Federal Funding Opportunity Page 11 of 38

Regardless of the budget for any given fiscal year, NCCOS Program Managers will consider the length of time remaining for each project, the amount of funds available, the tasks to be completed in the upcoming fiscal year, the pace of research, and any delayed progress relative to that originally proposed, before determining the funding amount in any given fiscal year.

C. Type of Funding Instrument

In an effort to maximize the use of limited resources, applications from non-Federal, non-NOAA Federal and NOAA Federal applicants will be evaluated in the same competition, with different funding instruments applicable to the type of applicant.

The funding instrument for a research application selected for funding from a non-Federal researcher is expected to be a cooperative agreement. A cooperative agreement is appropriate when substantial Federal government involvement is anticipated. This means that the recipient can expect substantial agency collaboration, participation, or intervention in project performance. Substantial involvement exists when: responsibility for the management, control, direction, or performance of the project is shared by the assisting agency and the recipient; or the assisting agency has the right to intervene (including interruption or modification) in the conduct or performance of project activities. "Substantial involvement” will be coordinated and communicated by NCCOS Program Managers, and can include collaboration and participation by NOAA, as well as NCCOS Program Manager involvement in PI meetings, setting up management advisory groups, development of management transition plans, and communication of project results.

If the non-Federal applicant is at an institution that has a NOAA Cooperative Institute (CI), it is allowed to submit applications that reference the CI by attaching a cover letter to the application stating its desire to have the application associated with the CI. This letter should specify the name of the CI, the CI cooperative agreement number, and the NOAA-approved research theme and task that applies to the proposal. The application will use the Facilities & Administrative (F&A, or indirect cost) rate associated with the main CI agreement. If the application is selected for funding, NOAA will notify the university that a separate award will be issued with its own award number. However, the award will include two Special Award Conditions (SACs): (1) the existing University/NOAA Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) would be incorporated by reference into the terms of the competitive award, and (2) any performance report(s) for the competitive project must follow the timetable of the funding program and be submitted directly to the funding program. Report(s) will be copied to the CI's administrator when due, to be attached to the main cooperative agreement progress report as an appendix. This will allow the CI to coordinate all the projects submitted

Federal Funding Opportunity Page 12 of 38 through the CI, since the terms of these awards will specify that this is a CI project via the

MOA.

If the non-Federal applicant is at an institution that has a NOAA approved Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU), it is allowed to submit applications. If the applicant is a member of one of these CESUs and is interested in using its CESU status, it may state its wishes in a cover letter to the application stating its desire to have the application associated with the CESU. This letter should specify the name of the CESU. Of the seventeen CESUs across the nation, NOAA is a member of ten: North and West Alaska, California, Hawaii- Pacific Islands, South Florida-Caribbean, Gulf Coast, Piedmont-South Atlantic Coast, Chesapeake Watershed, North Atlantic Coast, Pacific Northwest, and Great Plains.

The following criteria must be met for NOAA to use the established partnerships with CESUs:

The proposed funding opportunity must fit within the objectives of the National CESU Network Program outlined below:

• To provide research, technical assistance, and education to federal land management, environmental, and research agencies and their partners in biological, physical, social, cultural, and engineering disciplines needed to address natural and cultural resource management issues at multiple scales and in an ecosystem context.

• The proposed funding opportunity must fit the intent of the Cooperative and Joint Agreements, which means:

• The research partnership will carry out or stimulate an activity (data, products or services) for a public purpose; and

• NOAA will be significantly involved in the work.

Previous research completed by a local CI will be considered in decisions made to issue an award to a CESU.

The funding instrument for a selected application from an eligible NOAA Federal applicant will be an intra-agency transfer of funds.

The funding instrument for a selected application from a non-NOAA Federal applicant will be through an inter-agency transfer of funds, provided legal authority exists for the Federal applicant to receive funds from another agency. Non-NOAA Federal applicants that intend

Federal Funding Opportunity Page 13 of 38 to be the lead institution must call Laura Golden/240-533-0285 to discuss technical details.

PLEASE NOTE: Before non-NOAA Federal applicants may be funded, they must demonstrate that they have applicable legal authority for an interagency transfer of funds.

Support may be solely through NCCOS or partnered with other Federal offices and agencies.

The intra- and inter-agency transfers of funds are not Federal assistance (grants or cooperative agreements), and the policies described in this Announcement applicable to Federal assistance awards do not apply to Federal entities receiving intra- and inter-agency transfers of funds. Refer to the Agency Contact officials in Section VII for more information.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants for Federal financial assistance in this competition are institutions of higher education, other non-profits, state, local, Indian Tribal Governments, for-profit organizations, U.S. Territories and Federal agencies that possess the statutory authority to receive transfers of funds. DOC/NOAA supports cultural and gender diversity and encourages women and minority individuals and groups to submit applications to the NCCOS programs. 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 applications involving any of the above institutions to apply.

Please note that:

(1) PIs should be employees of an eligible entity listed above; and applications should be submitted through that entity. Non-Federal researchers should comply with their institutional requirements for application submission.

(2) Non-NOAA Federal applicants will be required to submit certifications or documentation showing that they have specific legal authority to accept funds for this type of research.

(3) Foreign researchers must apply as subawards or contracts through an eligible US entity.

Foreign researchers from Cuba may not receive any funds under this award and may only serve as unfunded collaborators. Project activities involving Cuba must comply with U.S.

policy. See https://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2886.htm and https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/pages/cuba.aspx. All wishing to collaborate with foreign researchers must contact the Technical Agency Contact listed in Section VII.

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(4) Non-Federal researchers affiliated with NOAA-University Cooperative/Joint Institutes will be funded through cooperative agreements.

(5) NCCOS researchers may apply as subawards through an eligible US entity but cannot be the lead PI on the application.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

None.

C. Other Criteria that Affect Eligibility

Each application must substantially comply with the sixteen elements listed under Content and Form of Application, Required Elements, (1) - (16), or it will be returned to sender without further consideration. A checklist with the required and requested application elements can be found in Section VIII.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Address to Request Application Package

Laura Golden

1305 East West Hwy

SSMC 4 Station 8219

Silver Spring, MD 20910

B. Content and Form of Application

Example Application

An example application can be found on the NCCOS website at:

https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/about/funding-opportunities/application-forms/.

Required Elements

Collaborative Proposals - If more than one institution is collaborating in a project awarded funds, the lead institution will be responsible for distributing funds to the partner institutions with the exception of Federal partners. Federal partners will be funded with either intra- or

Federal Funding Opportunity Page 15 of 38 inter-agency agreements initiated by NCCOS. Collaborating institutions expected to receive funds must be budgeted as subawards or contracts. Unfunded collaborators may also participate.

Each application must substantially comply with the following sixteen elements to be forwarded for merit review. The Summary, Title page, Abstract, Project Description, References, Biographical Sketch, and Budget Justification must be single spaced in 12-point font with 1-inch margins. The Collaborators List must be an Excel spreadsheet. The sixteen elements are as follows:

(1) Standard Form 424. The applicant must submit the Standard Form, SF424, “Application for Federal Assistance,” to indicate the total amount of funding proposed for the whole project period. This form is to be the cover page for the original application and is the first required form in the grants.gov application package.

(2) Summary title page. One-page maximum. The Summary title page identifies the project's title and the PI’s name and affiliation, complete address, phone and e-mail information. The requested funding amounts for each fiscal year should be included on the Summary title page. If this proposal is a resubmission from a previous NCCOS competition, indicate that information on the Summary title page.

(3) One-page abstract/project summary. The summary (abstract) should appear on a separate single page, headed with the proposal title, institution(s), investigator(s), total proposed cost, and budget period. It should be written in the third person. The summary is used to help compare proposals quickly and allows the respondents to summarize their key points in their own words. Project summaries of applications that receive funding may be posted on program-related websites.

The project summary should include an introduction of the problem, rationale, scientific objectives and/or hypotheses to be tested, and a brief summary of work to be completed.

(4) Project Description. The description of the proposed project must include narratives of the Proposed Research (elements a through d), the Application to Management (element e), and the Data Management Plan (element f).

The description of the proposed project must not be more than 15 pages for elements (a) through (e) and an additional 2 pages for the Data Management Plan (f).

The Proposed Research Narrative should be thorough and explicitly indicate its relevance to

Federal Funding Opportunity Page 16 of 38 the program goals and scientific priorities by:

(a) Identifying the topic that is being addressed by the proposal.

(b) Describing the proposed scientific objectives and research activities in relation to the present state of knowledge in the field and in relation to previous and current work by the proposing PI(s).

(c) Discussing how the proposed project lends value to the program goals.

(d) Identifying the function of each PI. The Lead PI(s) will be responsible for communicating with the Federal Program Manager on all pertinent verbal or written information.

(e) The Applications to Management Narrative should establish the connection to relevant resource management needs by explicitly identifying the end user group(s), including the proposed mechanism for establishing the connections to relevant resource management needs by explicitly identifying the frequency and method of interaction with end users, and evidence of the linkage between the scientific questions and management needs. The format and role of management and technical advisory committees should be included in this section. The narrative should provide the management justification for the research by:

(i) Articulating the coordination with one or more end users

(ii) Discussing the expected significance of the project to resource management priorities and needs. Specific management targets, with proposed outputs and outcomes, should describe how this project will improve management capabilities. Outputs are defined as products (e.g. publications, models) or activities that lead to outcomes (changes in management knowledge or action). Definitions and examples of outputs and outcomes can be accessed at https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/about/funding-opportunities/outputs-and-outcomes/. The timeline for achieving outcomes should be included in the Milestone Chart (below).

(iii) Describing specific activities, such as workshops or development of outreach materials that will enhance information transfer from project scientists to relevant management entities, other end-users, or the public.

If the proposal is a resubmission from a previous competition, any concerns identified in the previous review process and provided to the applicant should be addressed in the

Federal Funding Opportunity Page 17 of 38 resubmitted proposal.

(f) Providing a detailed Data Management Plan that describes how metadata and data collected as part of the project will be disseminated to the broader community, and plans for longer term archiving of these data. PIs that propose to collaborate with data centers or networks, except the National Center for Environmental Information, are advised to obtain letters of commitment that affirm the collaboration. Where possible, all PIs are strongly encouraged to use existing data centers and data portals to archive and disseminate their data. Costs associated with use of data centers, or data archiving, should be included in the application budget. See the section on the NOAA Data Reporting requirements below (Section VI. C.).

(5) References cited. Reference information is required. Each reference should include the names of all authors in the same sequence they appear in the publications, the article title, the journal or book title, volume number, page numbers, and year of publications. While there is no established page limitation, this section should include bibliographic citations only and should not be used to provide parenthetical information outside of the Project Description.

(6) Milestone chart. Provide time lines of major tasks covering the duration of the proposed project.

(7) Biographical sketch. All PI(s) and co-PI(s) must provide summaries of up to 2 pages that include the following:

(a) A listing of professional and academic credentials and mailing address; and

(b) A list of up to five publications most closely related to the proposed project and five other significant publications.

(8) Current and pending support. Describe all current and pending Federal financial/funding support for all PI(s) and co-PI(s) continuing grants must also be included. A current and pending support form is available on the NCCOS website for your use:

https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/about/funding-opportunities/application-forms/. You should respond to this element whether or not you have any current and/or pending support, e.g., by indicating “not applicable.”

(9) A list of all known applicable permits that will be required to perform the proposed work.

You should respond to this requirement element whether or not permits are required.

Federal Funding Opportunity Page 18 of 38

(10) Accomplishments from Prior NOAA Support. If any PI or co-PI identified on the project has received Federal funding in the past five years for research, information on the award(s) is required. Each PI and co-PI who has received more than one award (excluding amendments) must report on the awards most closely related to the proposal. This section should not exceed two pages per award in addition to the 15 pages for the Project Description.

The following information should be provided:

a) the award number, amount and period of support;

b) the title of the project;

c) a summary of the results of the completed work;

d) publications resulting from the award;

e) a brief description of outputs and outcomes; and

f) as appropriate, a description of the relation of the completed work to the proposed work.

When applicable, this information will be considered by reviewers in the evaluation of overall qualifications of applicants. You should respond to this element whether or not you have accomplishments from prior Federal support; e.g. by indicating “no prior Federal research on.”

(11) Budget narrative/justification. In order to allow reviewers to fully evaluate the appropriateness of costs, all applications must include a detailed budget narrative and a justification to support all proposed budget categories for each fiscal year. Personnel costs should be broken out by named PI and number of months and percentage of time requested per year per PI. Support for each PI should be commensurate with their stated involvement each year in the milestones chart (see Required Elements (6) Milestone chart).

Any unnamed personnel (graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, technicians) should be identified by their job title, and their personnel costs explained similar to PI personnel costs above. The contribution of any personnel to the project goals should be explained. Travel costs should be broken out by number of people traveling, destination and purpose of travel, and projected costs per person. Equipment costs should describe the equipment to be

Federal Funding Opportunity Page 19 of 38 purchased, and its contribution to the achievement of the project goals. Each subaward should be listed as a separate item in the budget justification. Provide separate budget justifications for each subaward and indicate the basis for the cost estimates. Describe project activities for subawards and products/services to be obtained for acquisitions, and indicate the applicability or necessity of each to the project.

For additional information concerning each of the required categories and appropriate level of disclosure please see http://www.ago.noaa.gov/grants/docs/gmd_budget_narrative_guidance_-_05-24- 2017_final.pdf.

Any ship time needs must be clearly identified in the proposed budget. The applicant is responsible for requesting ship time through appropriate channels and for meeting all requirements to ensure the availability of requested ship time. Copies of relevant ship time request forms should be included with the proposal.

If any NOAA personnel will be present during ship operations, vessel safety clearances must be obtained through the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) in advance of the cruise. Required information and procedures are detailed in a Charter Vessel Acquisition and Safety NOAA Administrative Order, which can be accessed via the OMAO website at http://www.omao.noaa.gov/learn/headquarters/safety-environmental-compliance/vessel-chartering-info.

If more than one institution is collaborating in a project awarded funds, a separate budget justification is required for each subaward. Signed approval from each identified subaward institution is also required. The lead institution is responsible for sending funds to their subaward institutions. For acquisition contracts, the purpose and cost or price must be fully justified and the contract must fully comply with 2 C.F.R. 200.317-.326.

An applicant requesting funds for indirect costs in its proposal budget that has a current Federally approved rate should submit documentation of the indirect cost rate agreement as an attachment to its application submission. An applicant without a Federally approved rate should refer to Section IV.F. of this Announcement regarding options.

(12) CD 511. Certification Regarding Lobbying. Lead institutions can submit these forms through the grants.gov CD511 document placeholder without a hard signature because electronic signatures are allowed on documents from the submitting institution.

(13) Standard Form 424B. Assurances-Non-Construction Programs. Lead institutions can

Federal Funding Opportunity Page 20 of 38 submit these forms through the grants.gov SF424B document placeholder without a hard signature because electronic signatures are allowed on document from the submitting institutions.

(14) Standard Form 424A. All applicants are required to submit a SF424A Budget Form that identifies the budget for each fiscal year of the proposal. Place each fiscal year in separate columns in Section B of page 1 on the SF424A by filling in the fiscal years 1 to 5 in Section A Budget Summary - Grant Program Function or Activity column. (Note that this revised 424A Section B format is a NOAA requirement that is not reflected in the Instructions for the SF424A). For 5 year projects, use two SF424As. Place the first four years on one form in Section B columns one through four. The first four years will total in column five. Place the total from the first form onto the second SF424A form in Section B column one and use column two for the fifth year budget figures. The budget figures must correspond with the descriptions contained in the proposal.

Each subaward should provide a SF424A listing each year of funding being requested. Lead institutions should list the total subaward costs under line item 6.h. other on the SF424A.

Signed approval from the institution of each identified subaward and contractor should be provided. Indirect cost may not be applied to ship costs.

(15) Provide one list that includes all (U.S. and Foreign) collaborators, advisors, and advisees for each investigator (PI(s), co-PI(s), post-docs, and subawardees), complete with corresponding institutions. Submit only one, combined and alphabetized list per application in an excel spreadsheet using First Name, Last Name and Institution for the column headings. Collaborators are individuals who have participated in a project or publication within the last 48 months with any investigator, including co-authors on publications in their resumes. Collaborators also include those persons with which the investigators may have ongoing collaboration negotiations. Advisees and Advisors do not have a time limit.

Advisees are persons with whom the individual investigator has had an association as thesis advisor or postdoctoral sponsor. Advisors include an individual’s own graduate and postgraduate advisors. Unfunded participants in the proposed study should also be listed (but not their collaborators). This information is critical for identifying potential conflicts of interests and avoiding bias in the selection of reviewers.

(16) Key Contacts form. All applicants must submit the Key Contacts form. This form can be found on the NCCOS website: https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/about/funding-opportunities/application-forms/. This form identifies the official applicant contacts.

Application format and assembly. Applications submitted via Grants.gov APPLY should

Federal Funding Opportunity Page 21 of 38 follow the format guidelines below:

Attachments…