Hydrographic Services

The Office of Coast Survey (OCS) is a program office within the NOAA National Ocean Service that provides charts and related information for the safe navigation of marine commerce, and to provide basic hydrographic data for engineering and scientific

The Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act directs action to facilitate the adaptation of existing technologies as well as foster expertise in new ocean and coastal mapping technologies, including through research, development, and training conducted among Federal agencies and in cooperation with non-governmental entities. The purpose of this listing is to describe funding opportunities for research, development, and graduate education and training in hydrographic and ocean mapping sciences, including related oceanographic, cartographic, geophysical, and geodetic science and technology, and to facilitate the adaption of hydrographic and related technology into operations.

Institutions of higher education, State, Local and Indian tribal governments may apply for assistance, depending upon the specific requirements of each announcement. 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. Funding Opportunity Announcements will specify eligible applicants. For Joint Ocean and Coastal Mapping Centers, only Institutions of higher education may apply.

State (includes District of Columbia, public institutions of higher education), Local (includes State-designated Indian Tribes, includes institutions of higher education, Public nonprofit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education), U.S. Territories and possessions (includes institutions of higher education), Private nonprofit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education).

To conduct research and development in the field of hydrography and ocean and Great Lakes mapping. 2. To improve the techniques, technology and delivery of hydrographic surveys and related data, products, and services. 3. To educate and provide outreach to the public on applications of hydrography, ocean mapping, and related data products, and services.

Preapplication coordination is required.

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.

Applications are required for competitive and non-competitive grants. Grantees must apply by the due date published in the announcement posted on Grants.gov. Application packages must be submitted on time, be complete and meet minimum requirements in order to be considered for funding. 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.