This Program provides an integrated, cooperative State/NMFS program that collects fishery-independent information on stocks of finfish and shellfish that are interjurisdictional in management and conservation need. This information is used by all Southeast fishery management authorities to develop, implement and monitor the effectiveness of fishery management plans and programs.

Uses and Use Restrictions

Funding through cooperative agreements involve regional member organizations in fishery - independent sampling projects.

Projects are restricted to fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic and U. S. Caribbean.

Cooperators are State and territorial governments, Interstate Marine Fishery Commissions.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

Eligible applicants are the Marine Fishery Conservation agencies of the States of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, the U.S.

Virgin Islands, the Atlantic and Gulf States Marine Fishery Commissions.

Beneficiary Eligibility

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.

Credentials/Documentation

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. Applicants may be required to show proof that they are mandated by their own State to monitor fishery resources and to manage or participate in the management of these resources.

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

The standard application forms as furnished by the agency.

This program is covered under E.O.

12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedures

Proposals are submitted through Grants.Gov. Applicants will need to enter the Funding Opportunity Number and/or CFDA number to access the application package and instructions. Application package will then be submitted directly to the (Name of your Office - Example Coastal Services Center). Proposals are subject to the requirements of 15 CFR Parts 14 and 24, as applicable.

Award Procedures

In FY 2003, the SEAMAP program changed to multi-year grants. Funding continues to be awarded annually, however, grant recipients submit three year proposals, that are reviewed and 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. Subsequent years of the grant do not require proposals. All requirements for funding are worked by the Program Officer. Recipients receive notification when funding has been approved for the current fiscal year.

Deadlines

The Program Officer works with the SEAMAP grant recipients to coordinate the requirements for multi-year grants; three-year proposals were submitted 90 days before the start date. Application packages are submitted to: National Marine Fisheries Service, SEAMAP Program Officer, 9721 Executive Center Drive N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702.

Authorization

Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, 16 U.S.C. 753 a.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Approval time is expected to range from 30 to 90 days, which includes processing of the award through the NMFS, NOAA, and DOC financial assistance procedures. Subsequent funding for the multi-year grant is typically awarded 30 days after the Program Officer completes all funding requirements.

Appeals

None.

Renewals

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.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

This program has no statutory formula. Projects are funded at up to 100 percent of the Federal share. Grantee matching contributions are not required, but are encouraged.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

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 are to be expended 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.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Reporting requirements are outlined in the Terms and Conditions of the Financial Assistance Award.

Progress reports summarize work accomplished and explain situations where expected work has not been completed.

Financial reports indicate use of funds during the financial reporting period designated.

Audits

In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), recipients that are States, Local Governments, Nonprofit Organizations (to include hospitals), and Institutions of Higher Learning shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507). Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements as stipulated in the award document.

Records

Generally, a recipient is required to retain records relating to a particular grant for three years from the date of submission of the final financial report. In cases where litigation, claim or an audit is initiated prior to expiration of the three-year period, records must be retained until the action and resolution of any issues associated with it are complete or until the end of the three-year retention period; whichever is latest.

Financial Information

Account Identification

13-1450-0-1-306.

Obigations

(Cooperative Agreements) FY 07 $1,139,543; FY 08 est not available; and FY 09 est not reported.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

$25,000 - $298,934. Average: $110,993.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

Allowable cost will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular A-87 for State and local governments and Indian Tribes; OMB Circular A-122 for nonprofit and for- profit organizations; OMB Circular A-21 for institutions of higher education; and 48 CFR Part 31 for commercial organizations. Financial assistance management will be in accordance with 15 CFR Part 14 for institutions of higher education, hospitals, and other non-profit and commercial organizations, and with 15 CFR Part 24 for State and local governments.

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

Cynthia Binkley, Federal Program Officer, State/Federal Liaison Branch, 263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Telephone: (727) 824-5324. Fax: (727) 824-5364.

Headquarters Office

Not applicable.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Proposals are selected based on the results of SEAMAP committee activities and on negotiations between NMFS and cooperators. The nature and scope of cooperative activities are based on the needs of the cooperating agencies. Funding is allocated by NMFS based on SEAMAP committee recommendations and on the level of activities that are planned for accomplishment. Regardless of source, proposals must undergo rigorous technical review and comply with all OMB, DOC, and NOAA grants policies and procedures.