Cooperative Research Program

This program facilitates and provides funding for the partnering of the fishing industry, fishermen, and other stakeholders with federal and university scientists to collect fundamental fisheries information. The information collected through well-de

This program facilitates and provides funding for the partnering of the fishing industry, fishermen, and other stakeholders with federal and university scientists to collect fundamental fisheries information. The information collected through well-designed and scientifically valid cooperative research programs helps improve the information base for single species, as well as multispecies and ecosystem assessment models.

Eligible applicants for assistance include: State and local governments, including their universities and colleges; U.S. territorial agencies; federally and State-recognized Indian Tribal governments; private universities and colleges; private profit and nonprofit research and conservation organizations and/or individuals.

This program benefits Federal, State and interstate marine resource conservation 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 on high-priority marine and estuarine resource issues, especially for 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 in accordance with DOC/NOAA finance and reporting procedures. Funds are released in advance or by reimbursement, as agreed to in the Standard Terms and Conditions document required for each grant.

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

Proposals are selected from several sources: Unsolicited proposals; special solicitations in the Federal Register or Commerce Business Daily; or Congressionally-mandated projects. Regardless of source, proposals must undergo rigorous technical review and comply with all OMB, DOC, and NOAA grants policies and procedures.

Proposals are initially evaluated by the pertinent NMFS Office/Region/Science 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 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.