PKG00252026-instructions.docx

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

Program Announcement No. M19AS00015

NY Bight Fish, Fisheries, and Sand Features: Data Review

FY 2019 Marine Minerals Program CFDA No. 15.424

June 14, 2019

I. Funding Opportunity Description:

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) through the Marine Minerals Program (MMP) is offering a cooperative agreement opportunity to review and compile research to serve the public interest in offshore sand resources, coastal restoration, coastal resiliency and to investigate the long-term recovery of benthic and fish communities following dredging of sand resources within the New York Bight (NY Bight) in the northwest Atlantic Ocean.

Authorities: Section 1346 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) mandates the conduct of environmental and socioeconomic studies needed for the assessment and management of environmental impacts on the human, marine, and coastal environments which may be affected by oil and gas or other mineral development. OCSLA Section 1345 authorizes the use of cooperative agreements with affected States to meet the requirements of OCSLA, including sharing of information, joint utilization of available expertise, formation of joint monitoring arrangements to carry out applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to outer continental shelf operations both onshore and offshore.

Background: Limited information exists on the ecological function and biological significance of sand waves, ridges, swales, shoals, and other OCS features in the federal waters off of New Jersey and New York, or NY Bight, especially as it relates to dredge-related disruptions. Dredging activities under BOEM’s jurisdiction generally occur in depths of 50 m or less, from 3 to 9 nautical miles (nm) from shore. A diverse community of fishes and invertebrates, with both resident and transient species, inhabits the NY Bight. Many of these species are economically important to commercial, recreational, and charter fishing industries. Additionally, strong seasonal fluctuations in abiotic factors are often linked to changes in biological diversity. Therefore, the potential effects and recovery of sand dredging on ecosystem health and the abundance of fish and invertebrate communities may vary spatially and temporally. This research also aligns with state and regional research priorities that aim to identify and assess offshore sand resources, and improve sediment resource management strategies.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to better understand demersal and benthic organisms’ distribution on habitats and sand features in the Mid-Atlantic, based on existing datasets. It is important for BOEM’s Marine Minerals Program (MMP) to inform and evaluate the use of potential sand borrow areas in federal waters. BOEM anticipates that multiple sites may be accessed in federal waters of the NY Bight, in part to address the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s projected sand deficiency for completing vital federally authorized shore protection projects in the next 5 years. Since dredging on the NY Bight OCS has been infrequent relative to other regions, research on biological activity, biophysical coupling, and geomorphology will strengthen NEPA analyses that consider the potential effects of dredging.

Scope of Objectives: The objectives of this study are identifying and obtaining existing baseline data on the seafloor morphology, seabed and substrate sedimentary texture, and the diversity and abundance of demersal and benthic organisms which are found on sand habitats, specifically around potential sand resources off the NY Bight; this review should focus on resources in federal waters to 50 m depths but also consider how resources may occur State waters, when relevant.

The study should review all studies and data collection efforts focused on biological activity and succession in these areas. Data should be compiled and provided in an accessible format, as well as summarized and evaluated in a written report. The results of this effort should then be leveraged for any future studies to highlight data gaps and inform methodology.

Specific objectives include:

· Improve understanding of NY Bight ecology

· Compile existing datasets into accessible format

· Identify gaps, as well as recommended methods for filling gaps

Study Area: The study area would include potential sand resource areas under BOEM’s jurisdiction (i.e., >3 nm from shore) but no more than 50 m deep off of New York and New Jersey in the NY Bight.

II. Award Information:

The total anticipated amount of available funding is approximately $175,000 subject to the availability of funds. The anticipated period of performance will be from fiscal year (FY) 2019 through FY 2020. BOEM anticipates making one cooperative agreement award in FY 2019 for one proposal submitted under this Program Announcement.

Work performance under this award must start before September 30, 2019, and the proposed work must be completed no later than one year from the start date. Planning should include proposed work commencing on or after September 30, 2019. Earlier starting dates may be considered if it is clearly demonstrated to be necessary to project success.

This Program Announcement describes the specific project that may be awarded to the eligible group identified. The award is premised on receipt of an acceptable proposal. This is not an open solicitation for proposals.

This announcement is specifically to announce intent to undertake the following project:

Project Title: NY Bight Fish, Fisheries, and Sand Features: Data Review Open to: North Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit No other proposals are requested at this time.

The award will be a cooperative agreement (see Eligibility Information below). This involves substantial involvement by BOEM scientists in various aspects of study development and/or study conduct.

III. Eligibility Information:

This research project is required to have a staff member of the applying organization as the Principal Investigator (PI). Cooperative research between interested organizations—i.e., state agencies, public universities, and non-profits in affected states—is always encouraged.

Contributions of matching funds towards this project, either as cash or in-kind contributions (such as salary, equipment, etc., or a combination of both) is very strongly encouraged. Match cannot include value associated with collection costs for samples previously collected. Match value for instrumentation and other equipment should be adjusted to the period of use within the project relative to the full life cycle for the item. Written documentation for the assessed match for ship time (if applicable) shall provide a fair assessment of costs relevant to the project. Matching dollars cannot be from other federal funding sources. Further information can be located at 2 CFR 200.306.

All questions regarding this project, including eligibility, should be directed only to the “Program Announcement and Cooperative Agreement Questions” point-of-contact listed in Section VII.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. A proposal must be submitted by 5 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, August 12, 2019.

2. Location of Application Package

An application must be submitted through the www.Grants.gov portal at “Apply for Grants.” The Applicant can locate the application package by visiting the Grants.gov portal and searching on CFDA number 15.423 in the Grants.gov search engine.

The electronic submission system requires several preliminary registration steps before the actual proposal can be submitted (go to www.grants.gov and click on “Applicants” on top menu bar, go to “Apply for Grants”, Register as an Organization or Register as an individual).

The application must be submitted according to the format provided below. Following this format will ensure that the application contains all essential information and can be evaluated equitably.

3. Content and Form of Application

The application process begins by downloading Adobe Reader (version 9.0.0 and later) at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html. Note: The Adobe software (Adobe Reader DC) is going through compatibility issues that may or may not affect you. The Adobe software will enable the Applicant and all interested parties to view and complete the following required application forms:

a. SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance

b. SF-424a Budget Information

c. SF-424b Assurances – Non-Construction Programs

d. Project Narrative Form (including Proposal Cover Sheet described below)

e. Budget Narrative Form

f. North Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Budget Form and Budget

g. Certification Regarding Lobbying (GG-Lobbying Form) (Complete the Optional SF-LLL Lobbying Form only if lobbying has occurred)

4. Proposal Cover Sheet

The cover sheet of the proposal shall contain the following information:

a. Project Title:

b. PI(s):

i. Name:

ii. Address:

iii. Phone:

iv. Fax:

v. E-mail:

c. Name of University/Department:

d. Contact Information for Technical and Administrative Negotiations

e. Project Status: New/Continuation

f. Project Duration: (years or months)

g. Proposed Start Date:

h. Proposed Draft Final Report Submission Date:

i. Proposed Completion Date:

j. Amount Requested From BOEM:

k. Amount and Sources of Non-Federal Match:

l. Total Project Cost:

m. Signature, Name, and Contact Information of University PI and Co-Investigator:

n. Proposal Endorsement, including Signature, Name, Contact Information of Sponsoring University Department Dean or Institute Director:

o. Signature, Name and Contact Information, Office of Sponsored Programs, North Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit:

5. Proposal Text

The proposal must be in 11–12 point Times New Roman, Arial, or similar font with 1" page margins. Non-conforming proposals will not be considered. Text, figures, etc. in support of items a–n below should be no longer than 15 pages.

Please include the following in the Proposal:

a. Abstract

b. Background/Relevance to BOEM Issues, Information Needs, and Research Topics: Give a brief introduction to the research problem. State how the proposal addresses BOEM goals. Explain why the work is important. Specify the contribution to science related to marine minerals development and the benefits that society will receive from the study. Describe why the research is important to NY Bight offshore mineral and energy development issues. Provide a brief summary of findings or outcomes of any prior work you have completed in this area.

c. Objectives/Hypotheses: Clearly define goals of the project.

d. Methods/Analyses: Provide a clear description of planned methodologies and analyses.

e. Data Management, Data Security and Data Archiving Plan: State intent to provide copies of data files with metadata to BOEM in a format that meets Federal data standards (e.g., current Federal Geographic Data Committee standards). Copies shall also be archived with the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI, formerly National Oceanographic Data Center), the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), or another appropriate Federal Data Repository as clearly identified in the proposal.

f. For studies involving field work, or as otherwise appropriate, the Applicant shall provide plans for Logistics, Safety Management, and necessary Permits/Interagency Coordination/Local Coordination

g. Project Management/Staffing Plan: All key personnel (including graduate student workers) shall be identified by name. List the University PI first, followed by the names of other individuals. Indicate the role and anticipated level of effort for each key participant offering unique or specific contributions to the project (oceanographer, geochemist, field assistant, etc.). If names of any key participants are unknown, a proposal addendum with the names and vitae must be submitted prior to award.

h. Performance Measures: The Applicant shall suggest specific measures that will be used to monitor project progress, including progress of sub-awardees (e.g., quality and timely deliverables, timely completion of fieldwork or other project components, draft peer-reviewed articles). These performance measures will be incorporated in the cooperative agreement award and reviewed as part of any continuation request.

i. Timeline (including deliverables): Provide for submission of the draft final report two months before project end date to ensure adequate time for BOEM review and revisions to the draft.

j. Critical Starting Dates (e.g., for season-limited field work): Identify any critical starting dates and the reason why project success is dependent upon that start date. Starting dates prior to September 30, 2019 will require specific justification.

k. Project Deliverables and Planned Products: List product(s) (reports, analyses, maps, digital data, etc.) that will be delivered during the performance period. Quarterly, draft and final reports, and draft and final technical summaries are required. Deliverables may also include, as appropriate, electronic data files and digital images related to the research activity.

l. Publication and Presentation: BOEM strongly encourages the Recipient to publish project reports in scientific and technical journals, and present results to the scientific community, appropriate professional organizations, and local, State, and Federal agencies as part of the project. These publications and meetings should be included in the proposal and budget.

m. Local Involvement: Applicants are strongly encouraged to involve local residents in the study where appropriate, including: local hire and or training for participation in project tasks; public briefings with local communities about project goals, research design, and study results; and consideration about whether and how to include explicit traditional ecological knowledge statements in final study products. This study includes resource areas in state waters. Therefore state and local jurisdictions may need to be involved to some extent on this project.

n. Local and Scientific Outreach: Applicants are encouraged to disseminate research results to relevant local communities (e.g., displaying a poster at schools or public events, or developing a professional video for display at a local museum). Outreach should be in language appropriate to a non-science, lay audience. BOEM will consider funding up to a total of $5,000 toward this type of outreach for each proposal and budget without a 1:1 match of non-federal funds; outreach costs should be outlined in the proposal. Documentation of completion of a public outreach will be required at the end of the project.

o. Bibliography: List all references cited in the text, as well as references that are relevant to the current proposal from your past work in the field.

p. Curricula Vitae (maximum two pages) for each identified key participant. Emphasize previous experience in the field of study that the proposal addresses.

q. Letters of Commitment: Provide signed letters of commitment by matching fund grantors, contractors, and sub-grantees.

r. University Budget Spreadsheet: In addition to SF-424a Budget Information form in Section IV.3 above, include information in a format that provides personnel, travel, services, supplies, equipment, tuition, and indirect costs on an annual basis for both the requested BOEM funds and for the anticipated match funds.

s. Budget Justification Narrative: See Section IV.6.

6. Budget Justification Narrative

This information will provide more details than the SF-424a form (Section IV.3) and will provide adequate information for the Contracting Officer to conduct a detailed analysis of the costs to determine they are reasonable, allowable, and allocable. Please include the following:

a. Salaries and Wages. List positions and rate of compensation for University employees.

b. Fringe Benefits/Labor Overhead. Indicate the rates/amounts in conformance with normal accounting procedures. Explain what costs are covered in this category and the basis of the rate computations. Provide a copy of the negotiated rate agreement, if available.

c. Lab Analyses. Briefly itemize cost of all analytical work.

d. Supplies. Enter the cost for all tangible property. Include the cost of office, laboratory, computing, and field supplies separately. Provide detail on any specific item that represents a significant portion of the proposed amount. Provide a statement that supplies will be purchased in accordance with 2 CFR 200.318-326.

e. Equipment. Show the cost of all special-purpose equipment necessary for achieving the objectives of the project. “Special-purpose equipment” means scientific equipment having a useful life of more than 1 year and having an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per item. Each item should be itemized and include a full justification and a dealer or manufacturer quote, if available.

General-purpose equipment (used also for purposes other than this project) must be purchased from the Applicant’s operating funds. Title to non-expendable personal property shall be vested solely with the Recipient. Under no circumstances shall property title be vested in a sub-tier recipient. Provide a statement that equipment will be purchased in accordance with 2 CFR 200.318-326 and managed in accordance with 2 CFR 200.313.

f. Services or Consultants. Identify the tasks or problems for which such services would be used. List the contemplated sub-recipients by name (including consultants), the estimated amount of time required, and the quoted rate per day or hour. Sub-applicant proposals should provide cost breakdowns at the same level of detail as the Applicant’s proposal. If contract employees are hired, include their total time, rate of compensation, job titles, and roles. Provide a statement that salaries will be charged at the actual rate and that the rate is comparable to others doing similar work within the organization.

g. Travel. State the purpose of the trip and itemize the estimated travel costs to show the number of trips required, the destinations, the number of people traveling, the per diem rates, the cost of transportation, and any miscellaneous expenses for each trip. Calculations of other special transportation costs (such as charges for use of Applicant-owned vehicles or vehicle rental costs) should also be shown.

h. Publication Costs. Indicate an estimate of labor and other unique costs associated with preparation of the draft final report. If publication of results of the research in the peer-reviewed literature (identify likely publications) is anticipated, include costs of drafting or graphics, reproduction, page or illustration charges, and a minimum number of reprints.

i. Other Direct Costs. Itemize the different types of costs not included elsewhere.

j. Total Direct Charges. Sum of above items.

k. Indirect Charges (Overhead). Indirect cost/general and administrative (G&A) cost. Show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for indirect costs based on the cost principles applicable to the Applicant’s organization. If the Applicant has separate rates for recovery of labor overhead and G&A costs, each charge should be shown. Provide a copy of the negotiated rate agreement with the Applicant’s federal cognizant audit agency, if applicable.

l. Amount Proposed. Sum of Total Direct Charges and Indirect Charges (Overhead).

V. Application Review Information

The proposal will be reviewed by BOEM scientists and program managers, and possibly external peer reviewers. Reviewers have expertise in Federal offshore programs and/or the specific scientific discipline of the proposal.

Evaluation Criteria. All proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the following criteria:

1. Scientific Quality and Impact (20%):

Is the proposed study of high scientific quality with clear objectives? What is the relevance to BOEM mission?

2. Work Plan/Methodology (20%):

Is the strategy coherent and clear? Are the scientific objectives appropriate for the proposed time frame? Are the geographic areas selected for study appropriate? Are the proposed methods appropriate and adequate to meet the objectives? Are logistics adequately addressed? Does the proposal address contingency plans for missed field work, equipment failure, and other problems?

3. Experience/Competence of Research Personnel (20%):

Has the Applicant demonstrated (through bibliographic references, relevant education, experience, awards, etc.) that they are capable of doing the proposed research? Has the Applicant demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the scientific problem? Have products been on schedule and within budget?

4. Budget Justification and Clarity (20%):

Is project staffing sufficient (e.g., experience, knowledge and skills) to accomplish the proposed goals? Are field expenses, supplies, lab work, and other expenses appropriate? Are expenses adequately itemized?

5. Planned Products and Dissemination of Results (20%):

Are the products clearly defined? Will they be useful for offshore energy planning and decision-making? Will the results be published in a peer-reviewed form? Does the proposal indicate the Principal Investigator will provide data and metadata in a format that meets Federal data standards? Will the products be accessible and comprehensible to the public?

VI. Award Administration Information

The Recipient is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the cooperative agreement and sub-awards to ensure compliance with applicable Federal statutes, regulations, and policies. The Recipient is also responsible for meeting the performance goals identified in the Proposal Text.

An award based on the application submitted to, and as approved by BOEM, is subject to the terms and conditions incorporated either directly or by reference in the following:

Acceptance of a Federal Financial Assistance award from the Department of the Interior (DOI) BOEM carries with it the responsibility to be aware of and comply with the terms and conditions of award. Acceptance is defined as the start of work, drawing down funds, or accepting the award via electronic means. Awards are based on the application submitted to, and as approved by BOEM, and are subject to the terms and conditions incorporated either directly or by reference in the following:

· Program legislation\regulation.

· Special terms and conditions.

· Code of Federal Regulations/Regulatory Requirements, as applicable (Contact the Contracting Officer with any questions regarding the applicability of the following):

· 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards

· 2 CFR Part 25 Universal Identifier and System for Award Management

· 2 CFR Part 170 Reporting Sub-award and Executive Compensation Information

· 2 CFR Part 175 Award Term for Trafficking in Persons

· 2 CFR Part 182 Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace

· 2 CFR Part 1400 NonProcurement Debarment and Suspension

· 2 CFR Part 1401 Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace

· 2 CFR Part 1402 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards

· 43 CFR Part 18 New Restrictions on Lobbying

The following provisions are included in full text:

Conflicts of Interest

(a) Applicability.

1) This section intends to ensure that non-Federal entities and their employees take appropriate steps to avoid conflicts of interest in their responsibilities under or with respect to Federal Financial Assistance agreements.

2) In the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and services by recipients and by sub-recipients, the conflict of interest provisions in 2 CFR 200.318 apply.

(b) Requirements.

1) Non-Federal entities must avoid prohibited conflicts of interest, including any significant financial interests that could cause a reasonable person to question the Recipient’s ability to provide impartial, technically sound, and objective performance under or with respect to a Federal financial assistance agreement.

2) In addition to any other prohibitions that may apply with respect to conflicts of interest, no key official of an actual or proposed recipient or sub-recipient, who is substantially involved in the proposal or project, may have been a former Federal employee who, within the last one (1) year, participated personally and substantially in the evaluation, award, or administration of an award with respect to that recipient or sub-recipient or in development of the requirement leading to the funding announcement.

3) No actual or prospective recipient or sub-recipient may solicit, obtain, or use non-public information regarding the evaluation, award, or administration of an award to that recipient or sub-recipient or the development of a Federal financial assistance opportunity that may be of competitive interest to that recipient or sub-recipient.

(c) Notification.

1) Non-Federal entities, including applicants for financial assistance awards, must disclose in writing any conflict of interest to the DOI awarding agency or pass-through entity in accordance with 2 CFR 200.112, Conflicts of Interest.

2) Recipients must establish internal controls that include, at a minimum, procedures to identify, disclose, and mitigate or eliminate identified conflicts of interest. The Recipient is responsible for notifying the Financial Assistance Officer in writing of any conflicts of interest that may arise during the life of the award, including those that have been reported by sub-recipients.

(d) Restrictions on Lobbying. Non-Federal entities are strictly prohibited from using funds under this grant or cooperative agreement for lobbying activities and must provide the required certifications and disclosures pursuant to 43 CFR Part 18 and 31 USC 1352.

(e) Review Procedures. The Financial Assistance Officer will examine each conflict of interest disclosure on the basis of its particular facts and the nature of the proposed grant or cooperative agreement, and will determine whether a significant potential conflict exists and, if it does, develop an appropriate means for resolving it.

(f) Enforcement. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the Government may be cause for termination of the award. Failure to make required disclosures may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR 200.338, Remedies for Noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (see also 2 CFR Part 180).

Data Availability

(a) Applicability. The DOI is committed to basing its decisions on the best available science and providing the American people with enough information to thoughtfully and substantively evaluate the data, methodology, and analysis used by the Department to inform its decisions.

(b) Use of Data. The regulations at 2 CFR 200.315 apply to data produced under a Federal award, including the provision that the Federal Government has the right to obtain, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the data produced under a Federal award as well as authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data for Federal purposes.

(c) Availability of Data. The Recipient shall make the data produced under this award and any sub-award(s) available to the Government for public release, consistent with applicable law, to allow meaningful third party evaluation and reproduction of the following:

(i) The scientific data relied upon;

(ii) The analysis relied upon; and

(iii) The methodology, including models, used to gather and analyze data.

Reporting

BOEM will conduct oversight and monitoring of the work progress and financial status of each cooperative agreement by requiring the following information from the Recipient institution, at a minimum:

1. Federal Cash Transactions Reports The Recipient must submit the Standard Form 425, Federal Financial Report and, when necessary, its continuation form if funds are withdrawn in advance of expenditures. BOEM will use the form to monitor the cash advanced to the Recipient, and to obtain disbursement or outlay information for each cooperative agreement.

2. Performance and Financial Status Reporting Requirements Reporting requirements for the projects are regulated by 2 CFR Part 200. These regulations specify basic cooperative agreement reporting requirements including performance and financial reports. BOEM will work closely with the Recipient to incorporate appropriate performance and financial reporting requirements into each cooperative agreement award, consistent with 2 CFR Part 200. These regulations provide some flexibility in determining the appropriate content and frequency of performance and financial reports. At a minimum, however, the reporting schedule will require the Recipient to report their progress at least quarterly through the established reporting process and yearly submission of financial status reports.

3. Single Audit Requirements Non-federal entities that expend financial assistance funds of $750,000 or more in Federal awards must have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Non-federal entities that expend less than $750,000 in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in 2 CFR 200.501.

4. Technical Reporting Requirements (to be submitted by project PI) Quarterly Reports, Annual Progress Reports, Draft and Final Reports, and Draft and Final Technical Summaries are required. Details are available at: https://www.boem.gov/Environmental-Studies-Program-Report-Specifications/.

Acknowledgement of Sponsorship

The Recipient shall acknowledge Federal sponsorship in the draft and final reports by placing the following statement on the disclaimer page of both reports: “Study collaboration and funding were provided by the US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), Environmental Studies Program, Washington, DC, under Agreement Number __________.”

The following disclaimer statement shall be placed on the disclaimer/acknowledgement page of both reports: “This report has been technically reviewed by BOEM, and it has been approved for publication. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the US Government, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.”

The Recipient shall require of all investigators that all manuscripts intended to be published in journals resulting from this study shall be submitted to BOEM for review and comment prior to submittal to the journal, with final revisions remaining subject to the discretion of the author.

BOEM manuscript reviews shall be conducted expeditiously, within a period of ten business days, and in conformance with the U.S. Department of the Interior Scientific and Scholarly Integrity Policy, as outlined in the DOI Departmental Manual (Part 305: Chapter 3).

All publications and oral presentations shall contain an acknowledgement of support from BOEM under this cooperative agreement that reads: “Study collaboration and funding were provided by the US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Environmental Studies Program under Agreement Number .”

Scientific integrity is vital to DOI activities under which scientific research, data, summaries, syntheses, interpretations, presentations, and/or publications are developed and used. Failure to uphold the highest degree of scientific integrity will result not only in potentially flawed scientific results, interpretations, and applications but will damage DOI’s reputation and ability to uphold the public’s trust. All work performed must comply with the DOI Scientific Integrity Policy posted to http://www.doi.gov/ScientificIntegrity, or its equivalent as provided by their organization or State law.

Environmental Studies Program Information System (ESPIS)

ESPIS data will be submitted to the Contracting Officer’s Representative as a final deliverable of the study to include the:

1. Final Report and Technical Summary: the copies of the narratives of study results in both Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat (PDF/A) formats, without any password protections for open access by BOEM staff and the public, following the Environmental Studies Program Report Specifications.

2. Study Footprint: the geographic information that enables the referencing of the study using a geographic information system (GIS), following the study footprint specifications.

3. Study Footprint Metadata: the scientific attribution information required to enhance discoverability of the study in the ESPIS system and third party sites (such as http://www.data.gov/), following the study footprint metadata specifications.

4. Study Map: the study area map embedded in the (i) Final Report, and (ii) Technical Summary that depicts the study footprint and that is cited in the study footprint metadata.

5. Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) compliant metadata for each scientific dataset: the scientific, technical, and administrative information for each coherent unit of scientific data, including the physical medium, file information, volume, and access uniform resource locator (URL), when applicable.

6. Copy of related publications: the manuscripts of scholarly publications and conference presentations for research funded by this agreement for free and unlimited use by BOEM staff, which may take the form of a full-text, final, pre-publication copy of the related publication in cases that the publisher enforces pay for access or copyright restrictions.

7. Bibliographic information for related publications: the information on each related publication needed for formatting Council of Science Editors (CSE) bibliographies using the name-date system, including the URL and Digital Object Identifier to access the publication on the publisher’s website, when applicable.

VII. Agency Contacts:

Grants.gov:

Technical questions concerning the application process: Grants.gov Help Desk at:

Phone: 1-800-518-4726 E-mail: support@grants.gov

Program Announcement and Cooperative Agreement Questions:

Acquisition Policy and Financial Assistance Branch Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement 45600 Woodland Road, VAE-AMD Sterling, Virginia 20166 Attn: Joanne Murphy Phone: (703) 787-1024 E-mail: joanne.murphy@bsee.gov

VIII. Other Information:

Dissemination of Research Results: BOEM considers dissemination of research data and results to be an integral and crucial aspect of projects funded by this program. This includes the proper archiving of samples and datasets to maximize public access in the future. Applicants are strongly encouraged to disseminate research results to the scientific community and appropriate professional organizations; local, State, regional and Federal agencies; and the general public. BOEM encourages the Recipient to publish project reports in scientific and technical journals. When appropriate as determined by the project officer, applicants should include in the proposal a plan to present findings at two major meetings, one of which will be the local regional BOEM Information Transfer Meeting.

All projects should plan to provide BOEM with no less than 20-30 digital images related to the research activity. BOEM encourages the Recipient to develop education and/or outreach materials, e.g. teacher’s packet, poster, video, etc.

Extensions to the project period. Extensions are discouraged. The timely conduct of funded projects is of great importance to the achievement of the goals of the BOEM. Applicants should consider their time commitments at the time of applying for funding support.

--End of Program Announcement M19AS00015 --