Chesapeake Bay Studies

To provide financial assistance for research and development projects that will provide information for the living marine resources of Chesapeake Bay. In addition, assistance is provided for the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education and Training Initi

To provide financial assistance for research and development projects that will provide information for the living marine resources of Chesapeake Bay. In addition, assistance is provided for the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education and Training Initiative (B-WET). The B-WET Program will work with and support organizations that provide environment-based education to students, teachers, and communities throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. In addition, assistance is provided for research and restoration of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) in the Chesapeake Bay.

Eligible applicants are institutions of higher education, hospitals, other nonprofits, commercial organizations, foreign governments, organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign governments, international organizations, State, local and Indian tribal governments.

Federal, State and local governments, universities, independent school divisions, nonprofit organizations, and the general public.

Funds can be used to improve surveys and fisheries statistics, investigate living marine resource linkages with dependent habitats and conduct research in support of fisheries stock assessments in conjunction with cooperative, long-term data collection programs for the Bay's living marine resources. Funding can also be used to support environmental-based education, expand student Chesapeake Bay or stream outdoor experiences, improve opportunities for teachers to receive professional training in the area of environmental education, and promote internship opportunities for students and teachers in the field of environmental education.

Grants/cooperative awards are normally made for one year. Assistance is released via the NOAA Financial Assistance Disbursement System (FADS). 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 in accordance with DOC/NOAA finance and reporting procedures.

Refer to program guidelines

Consideration is given to projects that directly relate to the interstate/governmental Chesapeake Bay 2000 Agreement. Consideration is measured amongst several criterion including: project description and conceptual approach for resolution; soundness of project design/technical approach; project management and experience and qualification of personnel; justification and allocation of the budget in terms of the work to be performed; demonstration of project partnerships; and continued teacher involvement and communication.

Proposals are initially evaluated by the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, and then 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 and regional goals, and appropriateness and reasonableness of proposed costs. Projects recommended for funding will be submitted to the NOAA Grants Management Division for Department of Commerce clearance and processing procedures. In additions, funds may be provided on a sole source basis for priority projects for the stewardship of Chesapeake Bay resources.

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.