Marine Education and Training

The purpose of these grants is to bridge scientific research (fisheries, ecosystems, capacity building) with public outreach as well as student and constituent training to build a knowledgeable citizenry and workforce for marine stewardship.

The purpose of these grants is to bridge scientific research (fisheries, ecosystems, capacity building) with public outreach as well as student and constituent training to build a knowledgeable citizenry and workforce for marine stewardship.

Eligible applicants for assistance are State, U.S. territorial, and private institutions of higher learning and education, especially universities and colleges, with which the National Marine Fisheries Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has entered into, or may enter into, an enduring partnership for purposes of research and education on the marine environment. Also included are private and public research organizations affiliated with institutions of higher learning, and national and international organizations and programs dedicated to marine and estuarine research, education, and outreach.

This program benefits Federal, State, and interstate marine resource conversation and management agencies; U.S. and foreign commercial and recreational fishing industries; conservation organizations, academic institutions; international and Indian Tribal treaties; private and public research groups; consumers; and the general public.

Funds can be used by recipients to support a wide variety of research and higher education projects on high-priority marine and estuarine resource issues, especially resources and/or their habitat currently under, or proposed for future Federal or interjurisdictional management.

Awards are normally for a 12 month period but in some instances, award periods may extend beyond 12 months or may be completed in less than 12 months. Award funds must be spent in the indicated budget period and expended in accordance with DOC/NOAA finance and reporting procedures.

Criteria for proposals is located in the NOFO. Refer to program guidelines

Proposals are selected following consultation between NMFS fisheries centers scientists and universities with established memoranda of understanding or agreement, and subject to availability of funds. Proposals may be reviewed by coordinating or technical committees, based on joint determination by these reviewers and in consideration of the informational needs of the State regional and Federal marine resource management agencies, and on peer-review comments related to the technical quality of the proposal. All proposals must comply with all OMB, DOC, and NOAA grants policies and procedures.

Proposals are initially evaluated by the appropriate NMFS Science and Research Center, and are subject to review for technical merit, soundness of design, competency of the applicant to perform the proposed work, potential contribution of the project to national or regional research and education goals, and appropriateness and reasonableness of proposed costs. Projects approved for funding will be submitted to the NOAA Grants Management Division and the Department of Commerce's Office of Federal Assistance for review and approval.

A date range will change depending on the review process. Usually within 180 calendar days from the receipt of a complete and acceptable application but may exceed that timeline.

No renewal. However, an approved on-going project can be extended by submission of an amendment request. Multiple year awards of up to five years may be approved. 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.

No formal appeal procedure. If application is unacceptable the reasons are fully stated to the applicant. If the applicant desires to resubmit application, project must be revised in accordance with recommended changes.