Safety and Environmental Research and Data Collection for Offshore Energy and Mineral Activities

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) provides major economic and energy benefits on a national and local level to the taxpayers and states. The Agency oversees the exploration and development of oil, natural gas and other mineral

The assistance can be used to conduct technical research to satisfy the information needs associated with oil and gas, renewable energy and marine energy development on the OCS. Applications must be for technical research projects, which are within the BSEE area of responsibility. The majority of funds are used to support research that will enhance understanding of exploration and production to enhance safe operations in offshore oil and gas, wind and marine energy. In the future BSEE will regulate construction, installation, operations, and decommissioning for all sources of renewable energy on the Federal OCS (including wind and marine energy). However, our research activities are currently focused on offshore wind, growing expertise and gathering information and data to develop a robust renewable energy program that protects worker safety, protects both marine and avian species, and works collaboratively with State and Federal partners

State agencies and public universities may apply. More than one institution may collaborate in the preparation of an application for assistance.

Research scientists, Federal, State and local decision-makers, and the general public will ultimately benefit from the program.

Evidence of the applicant's qualifications for performance of the proposed research including past performance and professional publications, resumes, and lists of past projects must be provided. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.

The assistance can be used to conduct technical research to satisfy the information needs associated with offshore oil and gas, wind energy and marine energy development on the OCS. Applications must be for technical research projects, which are within the BSEE area of responsibility. The majority of funds are used to support research that will enhance understanding of exploration and production techniques to enhance safe operations in offshore oil and gas, wind and marine energy. In the future BSEE, will regulate construction, installation, operations, and decommissioning for all sources of renewable energy on the Federal OCS (including wind and marine energy). However, our research activities are currently focused on offshore wind, growing expertise and gathering information and data to develop a robust renewable energy oversight and regulatory regime that protects worker safety, protects both marine and avian species, and works collaboratively with State and Federal partners.

Cooperative agreements will normally be awarded for 1 to 5 years, with funding awarded as a lump sum, or subject to availability of funds.

Limited discussions regarding funding availability and program interest are permitted.

2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards apply to this program. Proposals must include a full statement of work, estimated budget, and resumes. Applicants shall post their applications on Grants.gov www.grants.gov. database and enroll in a new database GrantSolutions https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/ as specified in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. Use the standard SF-424 application forms.

Panels of BSEE, and non-BSEE scientists/engineers (government, public and private sector as appropriate), review and evaluate proposals. Criteria for judging proposals include mission relevance, technical merit, and the quality and appropriateness of the personnel, including past performance and publication record, project management, logistics plan, safety management, permits and interagency coordination, budget/matching funds, and where appropriate, minimization of impacts. Additional evaluation criteria may be posted in a specific Notice of Funds Opportunity (NOFO) on Grants.gov.

Awards are made based on a competitive peer review of proposals by a panel consisting of government research managers and external reviewers, as appropriate. Criteria for judging proposals include mission relevance, technical merit, and the quality and appropriateness of the personnel, project management, logistics plan, safety management, permits and interagency coordination, budget/matching funds, and where appropriate, minimization of impacts. Notification of an award is issued

From 45 - 270 days.

Projects that were approved and funded during the previous fiscal year may be submitted as renewals for subsequent years unless otherwise stated in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).