Marine Gas Hydrate Research Activities
Research work and the development and placement of sensory components for the gas hydrates monitoring station at Block MC-118 was funded by the MMS in 2001-2006.
The Department of the Interior protects and provides access to the Nation's natural and cultural heritage, including responsibilities to Indian tribes and island communities. Departmental goals include resource protection and usage, overseeing recreational opportunities, serving communities and excellence in management.
Program Accomplishments
To date, about 2/3 of the components of the monitoring station have been placed at the site and data are being retrieved. The site has also been extensively surveyed and sampled.
Uses and Use Restrictions
The funds must be used for gas hydrate research activities in the OCS of the Gulf of Mexico, specifically for a permanent gas hydrates monitoring station in Block MC-118.
The cooperative agreements are awarded to the Center for Marine Resources and Environmental Technology (CMRET) and the Gulf of Mexico Gas Hydrates Research Consortium (GOMGHRC), based at the University of Mississippi.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Proposals are received from the CMRET (and qualified subcontractors through CMRET) for research and scientific sensory equipment for the monitoring station.
Applicants must have expertise in marine gas hydrates.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Organizations participating in the project, as well as the general public.
Credentials/Documentation
Technical Proposals are submitted to the MMS which furnish evidence of the applicant's qualifications for performance of the proposed research.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Applicants attended workshops and general meetings of the Gulf of Mexico Gas Hydrates Research Consortium held by the CMRET at the University of Mississippi.
Research requirements were developed at those meetings for the upcoming year.
At that time the applicants and the MMS decided which projects will be funded for the upcoming year.
E.O.
12372 applies to this program.
Application Procedures
This program is subject to the Department of the Interior regulations at 43 CFR Part 12, Subparts C and D, or any subsequent revisions. The standard SF-424 application forms must be used for this program. Applicants will be asked to submit their proposals electronically through Grants.gov.
Award Procedures
An internal MMS review of the proposals is conducted including convening a panel to discuss the proposals and making the final decision on the funding for the project. A notification of a cooperative agreement award is issued so the project can begin.
Deadlines
June of each year, as long as the MMS has received specific funding for this program.
Authorization
Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands Act, 43 U.S.C. 1331, Gas Hydrates Research Act and the Marine Minerals Research Act.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
90 days.
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
Projects that were approved and funded during the previous fiscal year may be submitted as renewals for subsequent years.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
The MMS Gas hydrates Research Program encourages matched contributions from other interested Federal agencies.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Cooperative agreements will normally be awarded in 12-month budget periods.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Annual and final technical and financial reports using the OMB SF-269 form are required.
Audits
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 or more in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
All records must be maintained for 3 years after submission of the final financial report.
Financial Information
Account Identification
14-1917-0-1-302.
Obigations
FY 07 $0; FY 08 est $850,000; and FY 09 est $0.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$0 to $850,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Regulations include the OCS Lands Act, Gas Hydrates Research Act, and the Marine Minerals Research Act (1996).
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
New Orleans Office: MMS, GOM OCS Region, 1201 Elmwood Park Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70123-2394.
Headquarters Office
MMS, 381 Elden Street, MS-4010, Herndon, VA 20170.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Not applicable.
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