Department of Commerce

Title Due Date Maximum Award Amount Description
Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR): Research and Development for Assessing Large Scale Carbon Removal and Local Scale Ocean Acidification Mitigation $2,000,000.00

The purpose of this document is to advise the public that the NOAA Ocean Acidification Program on behalf of the National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP) is soliciting proposals focused on expanding understanding of various aspects of marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) to reduce uncertainty about the extent and durability of carbon removal, associated co-benefits/risks, and contribute to regulatory frameworks needed for both testing and implementation of approaches. This knowledge will assist in the verification or invalidation of hypotheses regarding mCDR, in order to make informed decisions regarding a potential scaled negative carbon ocean industry. The agencies and entities participating in this multi-agency request for proposals include: NOAA (Ocean Acidification Program, Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing Program, US Integrated Ocean Observing System/US IOOS), the Department of Energy (Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, Water Power Technologies Office), Department of Navy (Office of Naval Research), the National Science Foundation (Chemical Oceanography Program) and philanthropies including ClimateWorks. Other agencies, sub-entities and philanthropies may also join after the NOFO release.This NOFO is focused on various aspects of mCDR implementation and the research required to successfully execute and understand the impacts of mCDR. A separate and complimentary Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) focused on Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) technology development will be issued by ARPA-E in the near future. Applicants are encouraged to consider how responses to this NOFO could dovetail with a more focused program on transformative MRV technology development that may run in parallel with research toward mCDR implementation. More information on the ARPA-E MRV program will be available on the ARPA-E opportunities website, https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov.Electronic Access: Proposals should be submitted through Grants.gov. Sign up to receiveany potential amendments to this Announcement via www.grants.gov.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=344632
2023 Pacific Northwest Bay Watershed Education and Training $150,000.00

The Pacific Northwest Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) program is an environmental education program that supports locally relevant, authentic experiential learning in the K-12 environment. Funded projects provide Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs; defined below) for students, related professional development for teachers, and help to support regional education and environmental priorities in the Pacific Northwest. The primary delivery is through competitive grants. Every year, the NOAA B-WET program supports environmental education programs for thousands of students and teachers. These programs engage youth in MWEEs that provide memorable hands-on, experiential learning that are not typically available within traditional classrooms. It also plays a significant role in providing professional develop.The FY23 Pacific Northwest B-WET funding announcement focuses on the following priority areas: Notice of Federal Funding Page 2 of 52 1) Systemic classroom-integrated Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) for K-12 students that promote climate resilience and include high-quality teacher professional development related to the MWEEs; and 2) Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) for K-12 students that appropriately incorporate Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge and promote climate resilience.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=344636
2023 International Marine Turtle Management and Conservation Program $120,000.00

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA/NMFS) Pacific Islands Regional Office (hereinafter, "PIRO") is soliciting competitive applications for the FY2023 International Marine Turtle Management and Conservation Program. This program supports conservation, protection, or management actions supporting recovery of Endangered Species Act (ESA) listed sea turtle species occurring within the Pacific Islands Region (PIR) or of aggregations (or species) with international linkages to the PIR. Such internationally-shared species may migrate through, forage within, or be impacted by PIR federally managed activities and are relevant to NOAA/NMFS management and recovery obligations. For the FY2023 funding competition, we are soliciting internationally-based projects to 1) monitor, protect and conserve western Pacific leatherback sea turtles occurring in Indonesia and Solomon Islands, and 2) sea turtle management and conservation projects within Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Philippines, or Indonesia) and Japan with focus on fishery bycatch, nesting beach monitoring, poaching reduction, and/or the illegal sea turtle wildlife trade.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=344443
2024 Sea Grant Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship $90,500.00

The National Sea Grant College Program was enacted by U.S. Congress in 1966 (amended in 2020, Public Law 116-221) to support leveraged federal and state partnerships that harness the intellectual capacity of the nation’s universities and research institutions to solve problems and generate opportunities in coastal communities.This notice announces that applications may be submitted for the 2024 National Sea Grant College Program Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship Program). The National Sea Grant College Program (Sea Grant) anticipates funding not less than 35 applicants, of which approximately 17 will be assigned to the Legislative branch. Application packages will each propose a total of $90,500 in funding. Detailed breakout of this funding is described in Section II.A and Section III.F of this announcement.Applicants are strongly encouraged to reach out to the Sea Grant program in their state/territory at least one to two months prior to the state application deadline to receive application support and provide notification of intent to apply. Following student application submission, the student should allow sufficient time to schedule an interview with the eligible Sea Grant program at the program’s request.This document describes requirements for submitting to NOAA-OAR-SG-2024-2007707.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=344434
Fiscal Year 2023 NOAA Gulf of Mexico Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Program $150,000.00

The National Marine Fisheries Service Southeast Regional Office (Southeast Regional Office) is seeking proposals under the Gulf of Mexico Bay Watershed Education and Training (Gulf of Mexico B-WET) Program: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/grant/noaa-gulf-mexico-bay-watershed-edu… B-WET program is an environmental education program that promotes place-based experiential learning for K–12 students and related professional development for teachers. B-WET fosters the growth of new, innovative programs and encourages capacity-building and environmental education partnerships.The primary delivery of B-WET is through competitive grants that promote Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs). The MWEE is a learner-centered framework that focuses on investigations into local environmental issues and leads to informed action.MWEEs are composed of multiple components that include learning both outdoors and in the classroom, and are designed to increase the environmental literacy by actively engaging students in building knowledge and meaning through hands-on experiences. In these experiences, the core ideas of multiple disciplines are applied to make sense of the relationships between the natural world and society. MWEEs help connect students with their local environment and equip them to make decisions and take actions that contribute to stronger, sustainable, and equitable communities.The FY22 Gulf of Mexico B-WET funding announcement focuses on the following priority areas: 1) Professional Development for Teachers related to Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences, 2) Exemplary Programs combining Teacher Professional Development with Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences for their students, 3) Systemic Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience Implementation, and 4) Capacity Building for Expanded Statewide K-12 Environmental Literacy Initiatives.Again this year, the Gulf of Mexico B-WET funding announcement emphasizes our strong commitment to expanding the participation of marginalized communities in watershed education and is interested in projects that partner specifically with organizations and institutions that serve marginalized groups, particularly minority communities. It continues to recognize the significant impact COVID-19 has had on the ability of environmental education providers to engage with schools and is committed to responding to the immediate needs of this pandemic and supporting critical institutions that provide meaningful experiences for youth at all levels. And, it suggests that the MWEE framework can contribute to one of the most pressing economic, social and environmental issues of today - climate change - by directly fostering climate knowledge and competencies to contribute to climate solutions.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=344376
2023 Alaska Native Organization Co-Management Funding Program $800,000.00

The National Marine Fisheries Service (hereinafter, "NMFS") recognizes the unique importance of marine mammals to Alaska Native Organizations (hereinafter, "ANOs") and values ongoing efforts by Alaska Native Tribes and ANOs to conserve and protect subsistence species under NMFS' jurisdiction. Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. §1388, NMFS may provide Federal assistance to ANOs to conserve marine mammals and to promote co-management of Alaska Native subsistence use of such mammals under NMFS' jurisdiction. This assistance, provided in the form of cooperative agreements, may be used to support conservation of marine mammals utilized for subsistence purposes by Alaska Natives. Funded activities may include development and implementation of species management, subsistence harvest monitoring, subsistence harvest sampling, scientific research, and public education and outreach. Proposed activities should address priority actions identified in an Endangered Species Act Recovery Plan or Marine Mammal Protection Act Conservation Plan where applicable and the priorities identified within this federal funding opportunity. Tribally-Authorized ANOs with a signed agreement for co-management with NMFS are eligible to apply under this solicitation. Proposals focusing on marine mammals under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will not be considered for funding under this grant program. This document describes how to prepare and submit proposals for funding in fiscal year (hereinafter, "FY") 2023 and how NMFS will determine which proposals will be funded. This announcement should be read in its entirety, as some information has changed from the previous year.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=344371
National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2023 $1,500,000.00

The National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) consists of estuarine areas of the United States and its territories designated and managed for research and educational purposes (Reserve). Each Reserve within the NERRS is chosen to represent a different bio-geographic region and to include a variety of ecosystem types in accordance with the classification scheme of the national program as specified in 15 C.F.R. Part 921. By funding Reserve lead agencies and universities to conduct land acquisition and construction projects that support the NERRS mission, NOAA will strengthen protection of key land and water areas, enhance long-term protection of Reserve areas for research and education, and provide for facility and exhibit construction that meet the highest sustainable design standards possible.NOAA anticipates approximately $4.5 million in Fiscal Year 2023 will be available to designated lead Reserve agencies or universities in coastal states for approximately 5-20 construction and acquisition projects, and expected to range from approximately $20,000 to $1,500,000 per project and with project periods typically covering 12-36 months, depending on the availability of funds.The NOAA Office for Coastal Management (OCM) encourages applicants and awardees to support the principles of diversity and inclusion when writing their proposals and performing their work. Diversity is defined as a collection of individual attributes that together help organizations achieve objectives. Inclusion is defined as a culture that connects each employee to the organization. Promoting diversity and inclusion improves creativity, productivity, and the vitality of the climate research community in which OCM engages.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=344350
FY23 Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program $196,000.00

The Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program provides support for master’s and doctoral degrees in oceanography, marine biology, maritime archaeology—these may include but are not limited to ocean and/or coastal: engineering, social science, marine education, marine stewardship, cultural anthropology, and resource management disciplines—and particularly encourages women and members of minority groups to apply. The Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program is dedicated to ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of every action and every decision. We know that having varied perspectives helps generate better ideas to solve the complex problems of a changing world. To be effective stewards we must ensure our programs reflect the communities in which we live, work, and play. The longevity and success of our system depends on creating a culture that is welcoming and inclusive of all. Individuals who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, or citizens of U.S. territories, and are applying to or have been accepted to a graduate program at a U.S. accredited institution, may apply. Prospective scholars do not need to be enrolled in a graduate program at the time of application, but must be admitted to a graduate level program in order to be awarded this scholarship. Scholarship selections are based on academic excellence, letters of recommendations, research proposals, relevant experience, and financial need. Applicants must have a cumulative 3.30 grade point average (GPA) to be eligible to apply and maintain a minimum cumulative and term GPA of 3.30 for every term and for the duration of their award. Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarships may provide, subject to appropriations, yearly support of approximately $42,000 per student (a 12-month stipend of $30,000 in addition to an education allowance of $12,000) and up to $10,000 of support for a 4-6 week program collaboration at a NOAA facility. Applicants can only obtain funding for the number of years they have remaining in their graduate studies when they apply for the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program. For example, if you have already completed two (2) years of your PhD studies, and you become a Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship recipient and indicate it will take you two additional years to complete your degree, you will only be able to obtain funds for the remaining two (2) years of your graduate studies. Note that scholars may request a one-time no cost extension for up to one (1) year that must be requested at least 60 days before the end of the award and will need to provide a justification and a current budget. Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program recipients will be required to participate in a mandatory NOAA Orientation Training to meet with the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries staff at a date and location to be determined in the summer of 2023. If scholarships have not been awarded before this training, recipients may be required to incur pre-award costs that will be reimbursed after award funds have been issued. As a recipient of the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program, you become a recognized member of the NOAA community. NOAA provides significant financial resources to help you pursue your independent graduate degree, as well as the staff expertise to assist you with your research along the way. Therefore, Dr. Nancy Foster Scholars must conduct some specific outreach efforts. To help increase diversity of future applicants, Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program recipients must give at least one (1) presentation about the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program to a diverse audience, such as undergraduate students at a minority serving institution, historically black colleges and universities, student organizations promoting diversity at their campus, or other appropriate venue(s). All Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program recipients are required to develop an outreach product (e.g., video, infographic, lesson plan, or other educational product) within the scholarship time period. The outreach product may be about their research or some other relevant topic. Discussions with the Foster Scholar team can be helpful when determining the product and the topic. Completion of one (1) program collaboration is required for every doctoral scholarship award, with a second recommended, but not required. Scholars may opt out of a program collaboration if there are unforeseen circumstances that prevent them from completing this requirement. But this discussion must happen with the Program Collaboration Coordinator and the Federal Program Officer before a decision is made. For master's degree level scholars, completion of a program collaboration is strongly recommended but is not required. The program collaboration is designed to allow scholars to participate in research or other activities for four (4) to six (6) weeks at a field office of the National Marine Sanctuary System, or other NOAA program offices. Federal support for the program collaboration may be used toward allowable costs such as: travel to and from the NOAA facility, housing, per diem, laboratory costs, research vessel support, and consumables while conducting research at the NOAA facility. Funds cannot be used toward research costs. Scholars are required to provide their own health insurance coverage during the program collaboration. More details on allowable costs can be found in 2 CFR part 200, Subpart E – Cost Principles. If scholars choose to participate in a program collaboration during a specific year, they must notify the Program Officer by December of the academic year in which they intend to participate in the collaboration. Approval from the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is required prior to embarking on the program collaboration. In order to have a competitive application for the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program, it is recommended that you review the following bullets to assess whether or not you should apply for this scholarship. For a complete list of review criteria, please see Section V.A. 1) Your research proposal aligns closely with NOAA's mission, with particular emphasis on meeting the science priorities of the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. This is 30 points of your application score; 2) Your financial need statement documents a strong financial need due to challenges, hardships, or other information through a compelling personal narrative. This is 25 points of your application score; 3) You have exceptional letters of recommendation. This is 10 points of your application score; 4) Historically, proposals that do not support the science or education priorities of NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary System do not rank as high; 5) If you are in the last year of your Masters or Ph.D. program, it is not advised to apply for this scholarship.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=344165
Fiscal Year 2023 NOAA Chesapeake B-WET Program - School District Programming $100,000.00

Chesapeake B-WET funds locally relevant, authentic experiential learning for K-12 audiences through Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed states. MWEEs involve learning both outdoors and in the classroom as students engage in issue definition, outdoor field experiences, synthesis and conclusions, and environmental action projects. The goal is to increase understanding and stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay and local watersheds, including the rivers, upland streams, and natural habitats found throughout the region. Projects advance the environmental literacy goal of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement and the NOAA Education Strategic Plan.This funding announcement has two priorities, numbered without regard to importance for funding: 1) Implementing MWEEs in School Districts and 2) Supporting School District Capacity for Environmental Literacy. Note that a separate funding announcement through B-WET for Regional Environmental Literacy Capacity Building is also available on Grants.gov.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=344119
Fiscal Year 2023 Regional Environmental Literacy Capacity Building $250,000.00

Chesapeake B-WET funds locally relevant, authentic experiential learning for K-12 audiences through Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) and capacity building and partnership development for environmental education programs throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed states. Successful projects advance the environmental literacy goal of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement and the NOAA Education Strategic Plan by building capacity to support hands-on environmental education and scale best practices across states and the region.This funding announcement priority is Regional Environmental Literacy Capacity Building which supports the development of systemic MWEEs in school districts by increasing the capacity of: state networks and their leadership, network weavers, their partners, and the larger environmental education community. Note that a separate funding announcement through B-WET for School District Programming is also available on Grants.gov.

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=344111