Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS)

To support projects aimed at the development and sustainability of a national and international integrated ocean observing system designed to collect, monitor and disseminate marine environment data in an interoperable, reliable, timely and user-spec

This assistance listing is for multiple projects under the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®). IOOS is a national-regional partnership working to provide new tools and forecasts to improve safety, enhance the economy, and protect our environment. U.S. IOOS is comprised of eleven regional associations (RAs), which guide development of and stakeholder input to regional observing activities. The RAs serve the nation's coastal communities, including the Great Lakes, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands and territories. The primary objective of IOOS' Ocean Technology Transition Program is to reduce the Research to Operations transition period for ocean observing, product development, and data management technologies for the ocean, coastal and Great Lakes. The term 'Technologies' includes: ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes sensors, information technology (data management, data visualization), platform enhancement, and technology modernization efforts. This objective is accomplished by investing in the transition of emerging and promising marine and Great Lakes observing technological capabilities from the mid to latter phases of research into operational status.

State (includes District of Columbia, public institutions of higher education and hospitals), Local (includes State-designated lndian Tribes, excludes institutions of higher education and hospitals, Sponsored organization, Public nonprofit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals), Other public institution/organization, Federally Recognized lndian Tribal Governments, Non-Government - General, Individual/Family, Specialized group (e.g. health professionals, students, veterans), Private nonprofit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals), Other private institutions/organizations, State, Native American Organizations (includes lndian groups, cooperatives, corporations, partnerships, associations). Organizations and individuals with professional expertise in the sciences, engineering and economics that demonstrate how participation in the IOOS effort builds on and furthers the progress of observing system development funded by this agency.

Organizations and individuals with professional expertise in the sciences, engineering and economics that demonstrate how participation in the IOOS effort builds on and furthers the progress of observing system development funded by this agency.

Energy, Environment (water, air, solid waste, pesticides, radiation), Maritime, Natural Resources (mineral, water, wildlife, land), Science and Technology. IOOS is working to link national and regional observations, data management and modeling to provide required data and information on local to global scales. Assistance will be used to deliver the data and information needed to increase understanding of our oceans, coasts and Great Lakes, so decision makers can take action to improve safety, enhance the economy, and protect the environment. Uses will be in the following areas (1) Observations; (2) Data Management; (3) Modeling; (4) Research and Development; and (5) Education and Outreach.

Support for projects may be provided for periods up to 5 years in annual increments.

Preapplication coordination is required. An environmental impact statement is required for this listing. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 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. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 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.

An initial administrative screening is conducted to determine compliance with requirements and completeness. The merit review process will then be conducted by the program sponsors and support team with input from the funding agencies and other interested agencies. All proposals will be evaluated and individually scored in accordance with the assigned weights of the above evaluation criteria by at least three independent peer evaluations. The merit review ratings are used to produce a rank order of the proposals.

The Selecting Official(s) will consider the rank order of proposals against the selection factors. 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 selection factors. The Selecting Official or designee may negotiate the funding level of the proposal.

Approximately 210 to 240 days after the proposal submission deadline.

Extension requests are considered only if all required performance reports are submitted. Recipients must consult their federal program officer at least 60 days before the award end date regarding reprogramming or extension needs. Formal written requests must be submitted no later than 10 days before the award end date; retroactive requests will not be approved. Recipients should submit a single extension request covering all projects when possible. With adequate justification, a first extension of up to six months may be approved. Extensions beyond six months, or cumulative extensions up to 12 months, require stronger justification, and extensions over 12 months are discouraged but may be approved if funds are already obligated. All renewals or extensions remain at the Department's discretion.