1) Valuable information has been obtained under this program. All projects are State and Federal cooperative efforts to implement and develop fishery stock assessment programs in Chesapeake Bay. The following are a few of the highlights: Developed a randomized sampling design for the blue crab recreational fishery in Chesapeake Bay; Developed and implemented the Baywide winter dredge survey for blue crab; Designed and field-tested multiple species monitoring program to be conducted on a Baywide scale; Developed a multispecies modeling approach for Management of the Coastal fishery for Atlantic menhaden; Verified techniques to biochemically measure the age of blue crab, and; competed stock assessments for blue crab, oyster, and hard clam. Planted 15 acres of eelgrass (SAV) from seed on the Piankatank (VA) and Patuxent (MD) rivers 2) Educated more than 35,000 students about the Chesapeake Bay watershed and their greater environment. Provided more than 6,700 teachers with professional development opportunities in the field of environmental education. Developed strong partnerships among environmental education organizations. Forged partnerships with the Departments of Education to integrate information about the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed into school curricula.

Uses and Use Restrictions

Funds can be used to improve surveys and fisheries statistics, investigate living marine resource linkages with dependent habitats and conduct research in support of fisheries stock assessments in conjunction with cooperative, long-term data collection programs for the Bay's living marine resources.

Funding can also be used to support environmental-based education, expand student Chesapeake Bay or stream outdoor experiences, improve opportunities for teachers to receive professional training in the area of environmental education, and promote internship opportunities for students and teachers in the field of environmental education.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

Eligible applicants are institutions of higher education, hospitals, other nonprofits, commercial organizations, foreign governments, organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign governments, international organizations, State, local and Indian tribal governments.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Federal, State and local governments, universities, independent school divisions, nonprofit organizations, 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 applications and conduct.

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

This program is eligible for coverage 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 more 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

Proposals are initially evaluated by the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, and then 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 and regional goals, and appropriateness and reasonableness of proposed costs. Projects recommended for funding will be submitted to the NOAA Grants Management Division for Department of Commerce clearance and processing procedures. In additions, funds may be provided on a sole source basis for priority projects for the stewardship of Chesapeake Bay resources.

Deadlines

Deadlines are published in the annual Federal Register or contact the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office.

Authorization

Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, 16 U.S.C. 753a; 15 U.S.C. 1540; 16 U.S.C. 661-666c, Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2002; NOAA Authorization Act of 1992, Public Law 102-567.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

From 60 to 120 working days.

Appeals

No formal appeal procedure. If an application is unacceptable, the reasons are fully stated to the applicant.

Renewals

Multi-year awards of up to three years may be approved. Once awarded, multi-year projects will not compete for funding in subsequent years, however proposals may be subject to a technical evaluation. 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 Federal share. Grantee matching contributions are not required but are encouraged.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Grants/cooperative awards are normally made for one year. Assistance is released via the NOAA Financial Assistance Disbursement System (FADS). 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 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

Semi-annual progress and financial reports are due six months after the start date of the award.

Progress reports should summarize all work accomplished during the six months following the start date of the award and the financial reports should reflect the use of funds.

A final report is due 90 days after completion of the project.

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 $13,500,000; FY 08 est not available; and FY 09 est not reported.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

$8,000 to $350,000. Average: $85,000.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956. 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

NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, 410 Severn Avenue, Suite 107A, Annapolis, MD 21403. Contact: Derek Orner, Fishery Biologist or Shannon Sprague, Education Coordinator. Telephone: (410) 267-5660. Fax: (410) 267-5666. E-mail: Derek.Orner@noaa.gov or Shannon.Sprague@noaa.gov.

Headquarters Office

Not applicable.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Consideration is given to projects that directly relate to the interstate/governmental Chesapeake Bay 2000 Agreement. Consideration is measured amongst several criterion including: project description and conceptual approach for resolution; soundness of project design/technical approach; project management and experience and qualification of personnel; justification and allocation of the budget in terms of the work to be performed; demonstration of project partnerships; and continued teacher involvement and communication.