Project Description
NOAA's Coastal Services Center seeks proposals from state or local resource management agencies, academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and private sector companies for projects in two areas:
Pilot projects under which a cooperator(s) and the Center will scope out or design and apply prototype decision making tools and information products for coastal resource management. Emphasis will be placed on projects that address coastal habitat management and coastal hazards mitigation. Projects must be based on ``market research'' of , state, and local coastal managers' needs and assessment of their capabilities to address these needs. Scoping (initial pilot) projects will seek to develop a conceptual framework to clearly define the applications of new decision support tools. Full-scale pilot projects will include the design of customized training products for advanced, distributed, learning platforms to accelerate introduction of project products to the target audience and to guide users through performing procedures and making decisions using new tools. Total available funding for all proposals is anticipated at $200,000 to $300,000 per year, subject to the availability of appropriations. The maximum available annual funding for individual pilot scoping projects is $25,000 while maximum funding for full-scale pilot projects is $150,000.
Technology verification and transfer projects under which a cooperator(s) and the Center will work together to demonstrate and validate innovative technologies that target the coastal resource management and regulatory communities' most urgent technological needs. The Center currently is focused on three areas of technology need: insitu coastal and ocean monitoring, coastal habitat restoration and enhancement, and estuarine contaminant mitigation. Lab-proven technologies are moved to the field for rigorous trials that document their cost, performance, and market potential. Total available funding for all proposals may be in the range of $75,000 to $200,000 per year. The maximum available annual funding for individual projects is $200,000, although projects of special merit may be considered at annual levels above $200,000, subject to the availability of appropriations.
Background
The goal of the Coastal Technology Demonstration and Verification program is to make it possible for coastal managers and regulators at all levels to use the latest, best, and most efficient technology and information to make science-based decisions for managing coastal resources. The program works toward this goal by establishing coalitions of the Center and government agencies at all levels, academia, and the private and non-profit organizations to:
(1) develop and test prototype decision making tools and information products for coastal management; and (2) demonstrate and verify existing and
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lab-proven coastal and marine technologies.
Pilot projects to develop and test new decision making tools and information products must directly address management issues that are both locally significant and of regional importance. Products must be market driven and compatible with end users' capabilities. Full-scale pilot projects would involve design and development of a prototype, field application and evaluation with end users, final product development, and training. Past experience has revealed that this iterative process is best accomplished by coalitions of technology developers, technology deliverers, and end users.
Technology verification and transfer programs are conducted in two phases. The initial phase will include an assessment of technologies and user needs. Once this phase is completed, an evaluation by the Center will be conducted to determine whether a verification program should be implemented. If the evaluation is favorable, project cooperators and end users will begin establishing priorities and defining procedures and protocols for implementing the demonstration and verification activities. Following each verification project, a comprehensive technology delivery system will be designed to employ report dissemination, training, and public outreach to meet technology users' and developers' information needs. The Center currently is working to establish programs on in situ environmental monitoring sensors and habitat restoration technologies.
Roles and Responsibilities
Projects are intended to be cooperative partnerships among the Center, project cooperators, and end-users of the project's products. By working in a cooperative partnership, the unique skills, capabilities, and experiences of the Center and the cooperator will be combined and offer an opportunity for each organization to further their goals. In their proposals, potential cooperators should propose the respective roles and responsibilities of the Center, the cooperator, and project partners. In general, the Center will provide basic guidance on the desired nature of the project product to address the identified management issues. At a minimum, the roles and responsibilities of the cooperators shall include:
Project Proposals
The Center will accept proposals twice during the year (see ``Selection Schedule'' below). All
proposals are due by 5 p.m. (Eastern time) on the date specified below. Proposals postmarked on the due date but not received until after the due date will NOT be accepted. In addition to
providing the information requested below, the cooperator must submit a complete NOAA grants package (with signed originals). No email or fax copies will be accepted. All
project proposals must include the following sections and total no more than 15 pages (double spaced, 12-point font, and exclusive of appendices):
Goal and Objective(s) - Identify the specific management objective(s) of the project, including description of current management goals that are not being achieved, how products from the project will significantly address that deficiency, and the benefits that will result to the coastal management community and other end users.
Background/Introduction - Provide sufficient background information for reviewers to independently assess the local significance and regional importance of the management objectives that will be addressed by the project. Summarize the status of any existing efforts to address these objectives.
Audience-Identify potential users of the product, how those users will incorporate the product into their management of coastal resources, and identify any training that will be needed for users to make full use of the products.
Project Description/Methodology-Provide a general work plan that divides the project into discrete steps, identifies critical decision points, and discusses any obstacles to completing the project that may require special planning. One of the initial tasks of the project will be for the Center and the cooperator to prepare a detailed task plan that explains how the resources of both groups will be leveraged to produce the information resource. The work plan requested for this part of the proposal should demonstrate that the cooperator and partners have sufficient local knowledge of the management problems to lead a joint effort directed towards developing appropriate solutions.
Project Partners and Support - Identify project partners and describe their respective roles. Include a letter from partners acknowledging their participation in the project. Describe the resources the cooperators and partners have for conducting the project, including personnel qualifications (education, experience, and time available to work on the project), facilities, equipment, and, to the extent practicable, the information and tools already available. Describe how widely the project is supported within the coastal management community and provide evidence of that support.
Milestone Schedule-List target milestones, timelines, and describe how each milestone addresses project objectives.
Project Budget-Provide a detailed budget breakdown that follows the categories and format in the NOAA grants package and a brief narrative justification of the budget.
Evaluation Criteria (with weights) and Selection Process
Review panels will be set up using two NOAA and at least two nonNOAA reviewers to assist in the evaluation of the proposals. All proposals received will be ranked according to score and the selecting official (Center Director) will use those scores to aid in making the final decision. The selecting official may also consider program policy factors in the final decision to ensure Center projects are balanced geographically and institutionally. Evaluation criteria are:
Significance (20 points) - How well the proposal demonstrates the local significance and regional importance of the issues(s) or management objective(s) that will guide development of the project products. At a minimum, the proposal must identify management goals that currently are not being achieved, describe how products from the project will significantly address that deficiency, and the benefits that will result to the public and coastal management community.
Technical Approach (30 points)-How well the proposal divides the project into discrete tasks that make effective use of the technical capabilities of the cooperator, partner(s), and Center. This factor also includes the technical merit of the process that the cooperator has outlined for developing the project's products.
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Outcomes (20 points)-How well the cooperator demonstrates that the project outcomes significantly will address the management issue(s) targeted by the project and that the collective resources of the cooperator and partners will ensure projected outcomes are met.
Partnerships (20 points)-How well the proposal demonstrates that the project is broadly supported by the coastal management community, that a broad group of end users, including coastal managers and constituent groups, will contribute to design and assembly of product(s); that a broad group of coastal managers and other end users will use the product(s); and that the knowledge and expertise of the cooperator, partner(s) and Center will be effectively leveraged.
Cost Efficiency (10 points)-How well the proposing agency demonstrates that the budget is commensurate with project needs and that the partnerships employed will improve the overall cost effectiveness of the project and value of the products. There is no requirement for cost sharing; however, up to 5 additional points (beyond the 10 allotted to this category) will be awarded for cost sharing.
Selection Schedule
Proposals will be reviewed twice during the year. The following
schedule lists the dates for the project selection and award process
for cooperative agreements. An unsuccessful application for cycle 1
(December 1 due date) will have to be resubmitted for cycle 2 (June 1
due date):
Proposal Deadline (with completed grant package) June 1, 2000
Earliest Approximate Grant Start Date September 1, 2000
NOTE: All deadlines are for receipt by close of business [5 p.m.
Eastern time] on the dates identified. Receipt of proposal and grant package (with original signatures) will be time stamped. E-mail or FAX copies will not be accepted. One original and one copy of the proposal and grant paperwork is required.
Funding Availability
Specific funding available for awards will be finalized after NOAA funds for FY 2000 are appropriated. Funding available under this announcement for pilot projects to scope, develop and test prototype decision-making tools and information products will be between $25,000 and $150,000 per year. Funding for projects to establish technology demonstration and evaluation programs may range from $75,000 to $200,000 per year, although projects of special merit may be considered at annual levels above $200,000. Publication of this notice does not obligate NOAA toward any specific grant or cooperative agreement or to obligate all or any parts of the available funds.
Cost Sharing
There is no requirement for cost sharing in response to these guidelines. However, proposals that include cost sharing or other inkind resources will likely score highly under evaluation criteria #5 above.
Eligibility Criteria
Applications for projects under this announcement may be submitted, in accordance with the procedures set forth in these specific guidelines, by any regional, state or local government agency; college or university; nonprofit organization; cooperative research unit; or private sector firm. Other agencies or institutions are not eligible to receive assistance under this notice but may be project partners.
Special Projects
Project Description
The NOAA Coastal Services Center is seeking proposals for special technical, management, or planning projects that relate to growth management in coastal areas or human use of coastal resources. Project proposals are due December 21, 1999, (with earliest start date of May 1, 2000). See ``Selection Schedule'' below. Anticipated funding in FY 2000 will be between $100,000 and $150,000. Four to six projects will be funded in the $20,000 to $25,000 range for one year with the potential for option years (depending on the availability of funds through the appropriation process). Projects above $25,000 will not be considered.
Background
The Center conducts a variety of projects that directly apply to the state and local coastal management community. The goal of Special Projects is to provide assistance to the local coastal management community for technical or management issues on specific topics relating directly to growth management in coastal areas or human use of coastal resources.
In FY 2000, the Center expects to award grants and cooperative agreements (for those projects with substantial Center involvement) to organizations across the United States with proven abilities to implement practical solutions at a state and local level. Proposed study topics must relate to growth management in coastal areas or to human use of coastal resources. All project proposals received that meet the above topic criteria will be reviewed for technical merit and management relevance.
Project Proposals
The Center must receive proposals by 5 PM (Eastern time) on ** December 21, 1999. Proposals postmarked December 21, 1999, but not received until after December 21, 1999, will NOT be accepted. In addition to providing the information requested below, the cooperator must submit a complete NOAA grants package (with signed originals). No or fax copies will be accepted. All project proposals must include the following sections and total no more than 10 pages (double spaced, 12- point font, and exclusive of appendices):
Goals and Objectives-Identify broad project goals and quantifiable objectives.
Background/Introduction - state the problem and summarize existing efforts at all levels.
Audience-Describe specifics of how the project will contribute to improving or resolving an issue with the primary target audience. The target audience must be explicitly stated.
Project Description/Methodology-Describe the specifics of the projects (3 pages maximum).
Project Partners - Identify project partners and their respective roles.
Milestones and Outcomes-List target milestones, timelines, and desired outcomes in terms of products and services.
Project Budget - Proposal should provide a detailed budget breakdown that follows the categories and formats in the NOAA grant package and a brief narrative that justifies each item.
Evaluation Criteria (with weights) and Selection Process
Review panels will be set up using two NOAA and at least two nonNOAA reviewers to assist in the evaluation of the proposals. All proposals received will be ranked according to score and the selecting official (Center Director) will use those scores to aid in making the final decision. The selecting official also may consider program policy factors in the final decision to ensure Center projects are balanced geographically and institutionally. Evaluation criteria are:
Management Relevance (30 points)
- Does the proposed project (directly or indirectly) address a
critical national, regional, state, or local management need relating directly to growth
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management of coastal areas or human use of coastal resources?
Technical Merit (25 points)
Efficiency (15 points)
Overall Qualifications (5 points)
Selection Schedule
Special projects will be reviewed once during the year. The following schedule lists the dates for the project selection and award process for grants and/or cooperative agreements: **
Proposal Deadline (with completed grant package) December 21, 1999
Earliest Approximate Grant Start Date May 1, 2000
NOTE: All deadlines are for receipt by close of business [5 p.m.
Eastern time] on the dates identified. Receipt of proposal and grant package (with original signatures) will be time stamped. E-mail or FAX copies will not be accepted. One original and one copy of the proposal and grant paperwork is required.
Funding Availability
Specific funding available for awards will be finalized after NOAA funds for FY 2000 are authorized. Total funding available for this announcement will be between $100,000 and $150,000. Publication of this notice does not obligate NOAA toward any specific grant or cooperative agreement or to obligate all or any parts of the available funds.
Cost Sharing
There is no requirement for cost sharing in response to this program announcement and no additional weight will be given to proposals with cost sharing.
Eligibility Criteria
Applications for grants under this program announcement may be submitted, in accordance with the procedures set forth in these specific guidelines, by any state or local resource management agency, college or university, private industry, nonprofit organization, or cooperative research unit. Other agencies or institutions are not eligible to receive assistance under this notice.
General Information For All Programs
Indirect Costs
The total dollar amount of the indirect costs proposed in an application under any of these programs must not exceed the current indirect cost rate negotiated and approved by the applicant's cognizant agency, prior to the proposed effective date of the award or 100 percent of the total proposed direct costs dollar amount in the application, whichever is less. If a rate has not been established, one will be negotiated by the Department of Commerce (DOC) Office of Inspector General.
Policies and Procedures
Recipients and sub-recipients are subject to all laws and DOC policies, regulations, and procedures applicable to assistance awards.
Name Check Review
All non-profit and for-profit applicants are subject to a name check review process. Name checks are intended to reveal if any key individuals associated with the recipient have been convicted of, or are presently facing, criminal charges such as fraud, theft, perjury, or other matters that significantly reflect on the recipient's management, honesty, or financial integrity.
Past Performance
Unsatisfactory performance under prior awards may result in an application not being considered for funding.
Pre-Award Activities
If applicants incur any costs prior to an award being made, they do so solely at their own risk of not being reimbursed by the government. Notwithstanding any verbal or written assurance that may have been received, there is no obligation on the part of DOC to cover pre-award costs should an award not be made or funded at a level less than requested.
No Obligation for Future Funding
If the application is selected for funding, DOC has no obligation to provide any additional future funding in connection with that award. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the total discretion of DOC.
Delinquent Debts
No award of funds shall be made to an applicant who has an outstanding delinquent debt until either:
(1) The delinquent account is paid in full,
(2) A negotiated repayment schedule is established and at least one
payment is received, or
(3) Other arrangements satisfactory to DOC are made.
Primary Applicant Certifications
All organizations or individuals preparing grant applications must submit a completed Form CD-511 ``Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements and Lobbying,'' and explanations are hereby provided:
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Persons (as defined at 15 CFR 28, 105) are subject to the lobbying provisions of 31 U.S.C. 1352, ``Limitation on use of appropriated funds to influence certain contracting and financial transactions,'' and the lobbying section of the certification form prescribed above applies to application/bids for grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts for more than $100,000, and loans and loan guarantees for more than $150,000.
Lower Tier Certifications
Recipients shall require applicants/bidders for sub-grants, contracts, subcontracts, or other lower-tier-covered transactions at any tier under the award to submit, if applicable, a completed Form CD- 512, ``Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered Transactions and Lobbying'' and disclosure form, SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.'' Form CD-512 is intended for the use of recipients and should not be transmitted to DOC. SF-LLL submitted by any tier recipient or subrecipient should be submitted to DOC in accordance with the i instructions contained in the aware document.
False Statements
A false statement on an application is grounds for denial or termination of funds and grounds for possible punishment by a fine or imprisonment as provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001.
Intergovernmental Review
Applications under this program are subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Programs.''
Buy American-Made Equipment or Products
Applicants are hereby notified that they will be encouraged, to the greatest extent practicable, to purchase American-made equipment and products with funding provided under this program in accordance with Congressional intent.
Classification
This action has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866. Prior notice and an opportunity for public comment are not required by the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) or any other law for this notice concerning grants, cooperative agreements, benefits, and contracts. Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis is not required for purposes of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA).
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to, a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number. This notice contains a collection-of-information requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act. The collection-of-information has been approved by OMB, OMB Control Numbers 0348-0041, 0348-0042, 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 0348-0040, 0348-0046, and 0605-0001.
Dated: October 29, 1999.
Captain Ted I. Lillestolen,
Deputy Assistant Administratorfor Ocean Services and Coastal Zone
Management.
[FR Doc. 99-28787 Filed 10-29-99; 4:53 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F
--
Jerry B. Norris
Executive Director
Pacific Basin Development Council
711 Kapiolani Blvd. #1045
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813-5214
(808) 596-7229 * Fax (808) 596-7249