Educational Partnership Program

To continue development of education, research, policy and natural resource management programs aimed at increasing education, training and graduation rates in NOAA mission STEM disciplines at Minority Serving Institutions. All EPP/MSI program compon

The José E. Serrano EPP/MSI funds Cooperative Science Centers (CSC) dedicated to: (1) increasing the number of post secondary graduates with STEM degrees who are qualified to solve today's environmental and technological challenges; (2) creating new opportunities for underrepresented populations to be introduced to career paths within NOAA; and (3) working collaboratively with NOAA in areas of science, resource management, and social science to provide solutions to real-world problems in local communities.

Applicants are designated as minority serving institutions by the United States Department of Education list of minority serving institutions. Non-minority institutions may also participate in this program when partnered with a minority serving institution. Lead institutions applying to become Cooperative Science Center must have a Ph.D. degree program in the science or technology disciplines (ocean, marine and environmental sciences and remote sensing technology) that directly supports NOAA mission.

The benefits to the Nation are an increased number of academic institutions capable of providing services and products in support of the agency's mission to describe and predict changes in the environment, and to conserve and manage the nation's coastal and marine resources to ensure sustainable economic opportunities. Collaboration among NOAA and academic institutions will increase the number of trained professionals in NOAA-related sciences and will also lead to a larger number of institutions participating in collaborative research and co-management of the nation's natural resources with State, local and tribal governments.

Applicants are required to satisfy all DoC/NOAA standards and regulations, including routine and special terms and conditions, for financial assistance programs application and conduct. Costs will be determined in accordance with 2 CFR, Part 220 for educational institutions.

Funds may be used to support student tuition assistance, stipends, course development, research, faculty and program enhancement and students undertaking course work and/or research in NOAA related sciences at minority serving institutions. No less than 50% of a total award may be used for direct student support at all Center institutions.

Subject to availability of funding, financial assistance awards may be made from one to ten years with funding approved annually.

Submission of an application package which includes the Standard Form SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance, SF-424A Budget Information Non-Construction Programs, SF-424B Assurances Non-Construction Programs, statement of work, budget and supporting details, and CD-511 Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters, Drug Free Workplace Requirements, and Lobbying must be used when applying for Federal funds. This program is subject to the provisions of 15 CFR Part 14.

Proposals are subject to an internal administrative review and an external panel review process taking into consideration the applicant(s) performance plan, research plans, scientific merit, investigator's qualifications, cost and available funds. Proposals undergo a rigorous technical review and comply with all OMB, DOC, and NOAA grant policies and procedures. Specific information about the selection process will be included in the solicitation.

Awards are made on the basis of an initial administrative review followed by an evaluation of proposals by an external panel of STEM, education and management experts. 2 CFR, Part 200 applies to all awards.

Approval time is anticipated to range from 90 to 150 days, which includes processing of the award through NOAA Education, NOAA and DoC financial assistance functions.

Cooperative activities are generally approved on an annual fiscal year basis, but may be continued for up to ten years, subject to approved time frame, program development plan, satisfactory progress, and availability of funds.