Congressionally Identified Awards and Projects
Bronx Zoo Construction Project.
Land Acquisition in Maine, Various Environmental Literacy project such as, Science on the Sphere Projects with Bishop Museum, National Maritime Museum, National Model Earth, National Ocean Science Bowl, and PRIDE Environmental Enhancement Initiative.
The Department of Commerce fosters and promotes the nation's economic development and technological advancement through vigilance in international trade policy, domestic business policy and growth, and promoting economic progress at all levels.
Program Accomplishments
NOAA grant recipients receiving funding have developed projects fostering a wide range of public benefits in the fields of marine and atmospheric science as specified by Congress in Appropriations Acts.
Uses and Use Restrictions
To provide appropriated funds to facilitate education, research and development in the fields of marine and atmospheric science.
Appropriated funds can also be used for construction of facilities and construction-related activities to support education, research and development associated with issues of atmospheric or marine sciences.
Specific restrictions, other than those mandated for grants, are evaluated on an individual grant or program basis.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Eligible applicants include State and local governments, including their universities and colleges, quasi-governmental agencies, private universities and colleges, and private profit and nonprofit organizations and/or individuals.
Typically those specifically identified by Congress in agency appropriations legislation.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Through the awarding of financial assistance to facilitate education, research and development in the fields of marine and atmospheric science, and for the construction of educational, research and development facilities, this program benefits Federal, State, local governments, public and private universities and colleges, profit and 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.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
The standard application forms are furnished by the agency.
Executive Order 12372 does not apply to this program.
An environmental analysis is required for each project funded under this program under the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act, 40 CFR 1500.
As a result of this analysis, an Environmental Assessment and/or Environmental Impact Statement also may be required.
Applicants should contact the agency for further NEPA guidance.
Application Procedures
Submission of an application on Standard Form 424 as furnished by NOAA, including all required certifications, to the Program Officer, Congressionally Identified Awards, Office of Finance and Administration, Acquisitions and Grants Office. This program is subject to the provisions of 15 CFR 24, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments, and 15 CFR 14, Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and other Nonprofit Organizations. NOAA reserves the right to withhold the awarding of a grant or cooperative agreement to any individual or organization delinquent on a debt to the Federal government until payment is made or satisfactory arrangements are made with the agency to which the debt is owed.
Award Procedures
Applications reviewed by NOAA and are made on the basis of proposal evaluations and technical and administrative reviews.
Deadlines
Time frame to submit application according to Federal Register announcement (if applicable), or as indicated in specific application cover letter furnished to applicants but in either case no later than May 31, to ensure processing during the fiscal year that funds are appropriated.
Authorization
Departments of Commerce, Justice, State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Approval time is expected to range from 90 to 180 days from the time of receipt of a complete application. This timeframe includes processing of the award through the NOAA and DOC financial assistance functions.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Contingent upon future Congressional funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the sole discretion of the Department of Commerce/NOAA.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no matching requirements. Projects are accepted at up to 100 percent Federal share.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Awards are usually for a 12-month period. In some instances, award periods may extend beyond 12 months. The funding is spent in the award's budget period unless otherwise negotiated between the recipient and NOAA and approved by the NOAA Grants Management Division.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Reports are due in accordance with the terms and conditions of the award.
The Department's Financial Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions generally require that financial and performance reports be submitted semi-annually or as otherwise required under special award conditions.
Progress reports summarize work accomplished, relate the progress to the original approved proposal and timelines, explain situations where expected work has not been completed, and request modifications to the project plan as necessary.
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. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133, (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations, "nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal Awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for the year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
All financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical reports, and other records of grantees or sub-grantees are required to be maintained in accordance with the terms of the award. The recipient must retain records for three years from the date when the final financial status report is submitted.
Financial Information
Account Identification
13-1450-0-1-306.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $0; FY 08 est not available; and FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Historically awards have ranged from $140,000 to $28,500,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Congressional appropriations, Public Law (for FY 1998, Public Law 105-119, Nov. 13, 1997; for FY 1999, Public Law 105-277, Oct. 19, 1998). Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No.A-21 for institutions of higher education, OMB Circular No.A-87 for State and local governments, and OMB Circular No.A-122 for nonprofit organizations. Grants management will be in accordance with provisions of 15 CFR Part 14 for institutions of higher education and other nonprofit organizations or 15 CFR 24 for State and local governments.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Chief, Grants Management Division, OFA62, SSMC2, 1325 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Telephone: (301) 713-0926.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Not applicable.
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