Safety and Environmental Enforcement Research and Data Collection for Offshore Energy and Mineral Ac
The Agency oversees the exploration and development of oil, natural gas and other materials and renewable energy alternatives
BSEE continues to look for better ways to serve the American people and to ensure that the nation receives the best oversight and regulation of National resource development now and into the future.
The program not only supports decisions made within the Department of the Interior, but also provides coastal states and local governments with the information necessary to ensure that all stages of offshore energy and mineral activities are conducted in a manner to protect both the human and natural environments.
The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) Sections 1347 and 1348 respectively mandate the development and enforcement of regulations that protect safety, health and the environment.
OCSLA Section 1345 authorizes the use of cooperative agreements with affected States to meet the requirements of OCSLA, including sharing of information, joint utilization of available expertise, formation of joint monitoring arrangements to carry out applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and stipulations revelant to outer continental shelf operations both onshore and offshore.
The purposes of the Office of Offshore Regulatory Program (OORP) is to obtain the information needed to improve the knowledge, practices, and technologies used to promote operational safety and pollution prevention for offshore oil and gas activities and alternate energy projects.
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.
Relevant Nonprofit Program Categories
Program Accomplishments
Not Applicable.
Uses and Use Restrictions
The assistance can be used to conduct technical research to satisfy the information needs associated with oil and gas, alternate energy and marine animal development on the outer continental shelf.
Applications must be for technical research projects which are within the BSEE area of responsibility.
The majority of funds are used to support research that will enhance understanding of exploration and production techniques to enhance safe operations and oil-spill prevention and cleanup from oil and gas, marine minerals, and alternate energy development projects.
Funds can be also be used for attendance at national conferences for the dissemination of project results.
Funds are not normally used for capitalization.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
State agencies and public universities may apply.
More than one institution may collaborate in the preparation of an application for assistance.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Research scientists, Federal, State and local decision-makers, and the general public will ultimately benefit from the program.
Credentials/Documentation
Evidence of the applicant"s qualifications for performance of the proposed research including past professional publications, resumes, and lists of past projects. OMB Circular No. A-87 applies to this program.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Limited discussions regarding funding availability and program interest are permitted.
Environmental impact information is not required for this program.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
OMB Circular No. A-102 applies to this program. OMB Circular No. A-110 applies to this program. Applicants are encouraged to post their applications on www.grants.gov. The standard SF-424 application forms required by 2 CFR Part 215.12, and the Department of the Interior Code of Federal Regulations at 43 CFR Part 12 or its revisions, must be used.
Award Procedures
Awards are made on the basis of a competitive peer review of proposals by a panel consisting of government research managers and external reviewers, as appropriate. Criteria for judging proposals include mission relevance, technical merit, and the quality and appropriateness of the personnel, project management, logistics plan, safety management, permits and interagency coordination, budget/matching funds, and where appropriate, minimization of impacts. Notification of an award is issued. It is anticipated that one to two applications will be received and one to two cooperative agreement awards will be granted in FY 2012.
Deadlines
Contact the headquarters or regional office, as appropriate, for application deadlines.
Authorization
43 U.S.C. 1345 (e); 43 U.S.C. 1346 Section 20.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
From 90 - 270 days.
Appeals
Not Applicable.
Renewals
Renewals can be made through submission and approval of a project agreement.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula.
Matching Requirements: Cost sharing of 1:1 is encouraged.
MOE requirements are not applicable to this program.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Cooperative agreements will normally be awarded for 1 to 5 years, with funding awarded as a lump sum, or added as funds become available. See the following for information on how assistance is awarded/released: Information not available.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Quarterly reports; a draft final, proof copy, and final report; draft and final technical summary; articles based on the research published in journals, and presentation slides are required; also possibly a presentation at a BSEE public meeting.
Dissemination of the research results at a professional society meeting and symposia is encouraged.
Cash reports are not applicable.
Progress reports are not applicable.
Annual financial reports using the Federal Financial Report SF-425 are also required.
Performance monitoring is not applicable.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit 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 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
00-0000-0-0-000 - EEEE200000.
Obigations
(Cooperative Agreements) FY 12 Not Available; FY 13 est $0; and FY 14 Estimate Not Available
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Range is $100,000 to $700,000; Average $300,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
The Offshore Regulatory Programs are described in 30 CFR 250, Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf. Final reports are available online in the BSEE website at: http://www.bsee.gov/.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Keith Good 381 Elden Street, MS-E3313, Herndon, Virginia 20170 Email: keith.good@bsee.gov Phone: (703) 787-1611 Fax: (703) 787-1555
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Panels of BSEE, and non-BSEE scientists/engineers (government, public and private sector as appropriate), review and evaluate proposals. Criteria for judging proposals include mission relevance, technical merit, and the quality and appropriateness of the personnel, including past performance and publication record, project management, logistics plan, safety management, permits and interagency coordination, budget/matching funds, and where appropriate, minimization of impacts.
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