Geodetic Surveys and Services (Geodesy and Applications of the National Geodetic Reference System)

The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) is a program office within the National Ocean Service (NOS) that provides the authoritative coordinate system for all positioning activities in the Nation. Known as the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS), NGS'

The purpose of this notice is for the National Geodetic Survey to solicit grant proposals from eligible organizations to implement activities that modernize and improve the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) and advance the science of geodesy in the United States. NOAA encourages proposals submitted in response to this announcement to include student collaboration and education. The program priorities under this grant program include; 1) Research and develop new methodologies for defining and applications for working with the NSRS; 2) develop and evaluate tools, models, and guidelines to access, analyze, and manipulate geodetic data; 3) enhance infrastructure of geodetic control, coastal remote sensing data, survey measurements, and other physical datasets that comprise the NSRS; 4) support education, capacity building, and technology transfer for the future of geodesy; 5) coordinate through partnerships with local, state, and regional users (e.g. state and local governments, universities, and/or the public sector).

Institutions of higher education, state, local and Indian tribal governments may apply for assistance. Federal agencies or institutions and foreign governments may not be the primary recipient of awards under this announcement, but are encouraged to partner with eligible applicants when appropriate. For Joint Ocean and Coastal Mapping Centers, only Institutions of higher education may apply

Institutions of higher education, State government, local government and Indian tribal governments.

1. To conduct research in the field of geodesy and improve applications of geodesy and the National Spatial Reference System 2. To improve the techniques and technology of geodetic and hydrographic surveys and related data, products, and services 3. Extend the National Spatial Reference System into areas not adequately covered to meet infrastructure needs. 4. To educate and provide outreach to the public on applications of geodesy, hydrography and related data products, and services.

This assistance listing is usually awarded as a 5-year multiyear grant. The last Federal Funding Opportunity solicited under this listing occurred in 2018 (2020 for Joint Centers). The next Federal Funding Opportunity is expected to be due in 2023 (2025 for Joint Centers). Funding must be spent in accordance with NOAA and DOC terms and conditions.

Preapplication coordination is required. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. 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. Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs," applies to this listing for Geospatial modeling, but not for Joint Centers.

The merit review ratings shall provide a rank order to the Selecting Official for final recommendation to the Grants Officer. The Selecting Official shall award according to rank order unless the proposal is justified to be selected out of rank order based upon one or more of the following factors: 1. Availability of funding 2. Balance/distribution of funds: a. By type of partners b. Geographically c. By research areas d. By type of institutions 3. Applicant's prior award performance 4. Program priorities and policy factors 5. Partnerships with/Participation of targeted groups 6. Duplication of other projects funded or considered for funding by NOAA/federal agencies 7. Adequacy of information necessary for NOAA staff to make a NEPA determination and draft necessary documentation before recommendations for funding are made to the Grants Officer.

The applications recommended for funding by the Selecting Official will be forwarded to the NOAA Grants Management Division (GMD) by the Program Office. The applicant will be notified by the program office by email that its application was recommended for funding. Unsuccessful proposals will not be returned to the applicant. The applicant must be aware that the notification by the program office that a proposal was forwarded to GMD is NOT the official award notice. Official notification happens only when the applicant receives an award notice from the Grants Officer either by postal mail or electronically. Costs incurred prior to receiving notice from an authorized federal grants or procurement officer are solely at one's own risk of these costs not being included under the award.

Up to 240 days

Annually

No formal appeal procedure for grant applications. If grant applications are unacceptable, the reasons are fully stated to the applicants. If the applicants desire to resubmit grant applications, projects must be revised in accordance with recommended changes.