Social, Cultural and Economic Assessment of Harmful Algal Blooms

The purpose of this document is to advise the public that NOAA/NOS/National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS)/Competitive Research Program (CRP) [formerly Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research (CSCOR)/Coastal Ocean Program (COP)] is soliciting proposals for the Social, Cultural and Economic Assessment of Harmful Algal Bloom program. Funding is contingent upon the availability of Fiscal Year 2024 Federal appropriations. It is anticipated that projects funded under this announcement will have a September 1, 2024 start date. An informational webinar on this solicitation will be offered within approximately two weeks from the publication date of the NOFO. Information regarding this announcement, including webinars and additional background information, is available on the NCCOS funding opportunities website (https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/about/funding-opportunities/ ).

It is anticipated that up to approximately $1,500,000 may be available in Fiscal Year 2024 for the first year for all projects combined. If funds become available for this program, 3 to 5 projects are expected to be funded at the level of $300,000 to $400,000 per year per proposal. Projects are not expected to exceed 3 years in duration. NCCOS/CRP may reject any proposals submitted with an annual budget that is greater than $400,000 for any year.

NOAA encourages applicants and awardees to support the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion when writing their proposals and performing their work. NOAA defines diversity as the mixture of the unique attributes that shape an individual’s identity which they bring into the workplace to help NOAA accomplish its goals (1). Diversity refers to demographic diversity (e.g., race, gender, sexual orientation), experiential diversity (e.g., affinities, hobbies, and abilities), and cognitive diversity (e.g., sensory processing and problem solving). Equity is defined as the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment (2,3). NOAA defines inclusion as a culture that values the unique attributes of all team members. Inclusion is an environment which is respectful, collaborative, supportive, and one that allows for equal access (1). Inclusion requires active and intentional engagement on the part of everyone and provides a feeling of belonging. By promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion NOAA seeks to improve the creativity, productivity, and the vitality of its research community.

The required LOI should be sent by e-mail to nccos.grant.awards@noaa.gov. Full proposals will not be considered if a LOI was not submitted.

Electronic Access: Proposals should be submitted through Grants.gov, http://www.grants.gov . Sign up to receive any potential amendments to this Announcement via www.grants.gov.

Eligible applicants for Federal financial assistance in this competition are U.S institutions of higher education, other non-profits, state, local, tribal government entities, U.S. Territories, and for-profit organizations. Federal agencies that possess the statutory authority to receive transfers of funds are eligible to submit applications for intra- or inter-agency funds transfers through this competition. Department of Commerce (DOC)/NOAA supports cultural and gender diversity and encourages women and minority individuals and groups to submit applications to its programs. In addition, DOC/NOAA is strongly committed to broadening the participation of historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic serving institutions, tribal colleges and universities, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions, and institutions that work in underserved areas. DOC/NOAA encourages encourages applications involving any of the above institutions to apply. Please note that: (1) PIs must be employees of an eligible entity listed above; and applications must be submitted through that entity. Non-Federal researchers should comply with their institutional requirements for application submission. (2) Non-Federal researchers affiliated with NOAA-University Cooperative/Joint Institutes will be funded through cooperative agreements. (3) Foreign researchers must apply as subawards or contracts through an eligible U.S. entity. (4) Federal applicants are eligible to submit applications for intra- or inter-agency funds transfers through this competition. Non-NOAA Federal applicants will be required to submit certifications or documentation showing that they have specific legal authority to accept funds for this type of research. (5) An eligible U.S. entity may propose Federal agency researchers as funded or unfunded collaborators. If Federal agency researchers are proposed as funded collaborators, the applicant should present the collaborator's funding request in the application in the same way documentation is provided for a subrecipient for purposes of project evaluation, even though intra- or inter-agency funding transfers will generally be used if the project is selected. (6) NCCOS researchers may apply through an eligible U.S. entity as funded or unfunded collaborators but cannot be the lead PI on the application. NOAA Federal salaries will not be paid.