Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Science, Observation, Monitoring, and Technology

NOAA's RESTORE Science Program supports long-term research, observation, and monitoring to sustain Gulf of America ecosystems, fisheries, and fishing industries by funding collaborative, co-produced science projects that inform natural resource manag

The mission of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) RESTORE Science Program is to carry out research, observation, and monitoring to support the long-term sustainability of the ecosystem, fish stocks, fish habitat, and the recreational, commercial, and charter-fishing industry in the Gulf of America. To meet this mission, the Science Program funds longer-term projects using cooperative agreements. Project teams include both researchers and natural resource managers and use co-production of science techniques to support natural resource management decisions in the Gulf. The Science Program is funded pursuant to the Deepwater Horizon consent decree under the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies (RESTORE) of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-141, § 1604) using non-appropriated settlement funds from a mandatory NOAA account.

Eligible applicants are institutions of higher education; not-for-profit institutions; for-profit organizations; local, state, and tribal government entities; and U.S. territories and federal agencies that possess the statutory authority to accept funding for this type of work. The lead applicant must be from a U.S.-based entity. Science Program funding opportunities may not be used to hire and fund the salaries of any permanent federal employees. Investigators are not required to be employed by an eligible entity that is based in one of the five Gulf States (Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas).

The five Gulf Coast states: Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, and Alabama

Grants and cooperative agreements may be used to fund research to address the science needs in the Gulf of Mexico related to the objectives outlined in the RESTORE Act legislation

The funds provided may not be used for any existing or planned research led by NOAA, unless agreed to in writing by the grant recipient; to implement existing regulations or initiate new regulations promulgated or proposed by NOAA; or to develop or approve a new limited access privilege program (as that term is used in section 303A of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1853a)) for any fishery under the jurisdiction of the South Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, New England, or Gulf Fishery Management Councils.

From one to five years, with funding approved annually

Preapplication coordination is not applicable. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Proposals are evaluated by competitive peer review taking into consideration primarily scientific merit and applicability to the RESTORE Act goals and objectives. Principal investigators' qualifications and cost are also considered, with costs subject to negotiation.

Awards are made on the basis of competitive peer review of proposals.

From 90 to 210 days from the time of proposal receipt

By negotiation with the NOAA RESTORE Science Program; multi-year awards of two to five years may be approved. Once awarded, multi-year projects will not compete for funding in subsequent years. Funding for multi-year projects beyond the first year is contingent upon the availability of program funds in subsequent fiscal years, and the extent to which the recipient meets project objectives and reporting requirements. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the sole discretion of the Department.