National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Collaborative Science Program 2019 | NOAA NOS OCM 2019 2005778

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the NERRS Collaborative Science Program 2019 funding opportunity?

The NERRS Collaborative Science Program 2019 is a NOAA funding opportunity to select a single organization to run and oversee a national, five-year applied research program serving the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) network. The intent is to build and administer a coordinated, extramural collaborative research program across the reserve system, rather than funding isolated one-off studies.

What is the main goal of this opportunity?

The main goal is to ensure the NERRS community and its partners produce practical, decision-ready science that directly supports coastal and estuarine management needs. The program is expected to address system-wide needs while remaining responsive to local and regional priorities and to NOAA priorities.

Is this opportunity intended to fund individual research projects directly?

No. NOAA states that this award is meant to support the administration and management of the national collaborative research program itself. It is not designed to directly fund individual research projects or short-term, single-location efforts focused narrowly on specific local issues.

If it does not directly fund individual studies, what is the funded organization expected to do?

The selected organization is expected to set up and administer the program framework that will later fund and coordinate competitive, extramural collaborative science projects aligned with NERRS-wide research and management needs.

How many awards does NOAA expect to make?

NOAA anticipates making one award, indicating this is a single national program administrator role rather than multiple separate grants.

What is the award ceiling for this opportunity?

The award ceiling is $20,000,000.

How long is the program period described in the opportunity?

The opportunity describes a national, five-year applied research program (the third five-year cycle of a collaborative science program that has operated for roughly a decade).

What is a defining feature of the program’s approach to research?

A defining feature is the emphasis on collaboration and usability of results. The program is expected to be structured so that resource managers, practitioners, and other end-users help shape research questions and project designs throughout the process, not only receive findings at the end.

Why does NOAA emphasize end-user involvement?

By incorporating user input throughout the research process, the program aims to produce information that coastal decision-makers consider credible, relevant, and timely.

What kinds of outcomes is the program intended to support beyond producing research?

In addition to generating applied science, the program is intended to strengthen the ability of NERRS sectors (management, research, education, stewardship, and coastal training) to move knowledge into practice. This includes better communication of results, stronger training and outreach, and improved transfer of tools and skills to stakeholders managing coastal and estuarine resources.

Which federal agency and offices are offering this opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of Commerce through NOAA, within the National Ocean Service (NOS), Office for Coastal Management (OCM).

What is the funding mechanism?

The opportunity is a discretionary funding opportunity using a Cooperative Agreement, which typically implies substantial NOAA involvement in program direction, oversight, and outcomes.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?

The Funding Opportunity Number is NOAA NOS OCM 2019 2005778.

What is the CFDA number listed for this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 11.419.

What broad activity area does this opportunity fall under?

The activity area is broadly categorized under environment, natural resources, and science and technology research and development.

Who is eligible to apply as the lead applicant?

Eligibility is broad for non-federal entities and includes non-federal institutions of higher education, other nonprofit organizations, state governments, local governments, Indian Tribal governments, and commercial organizations.

Are federal agencies or federal employees eligible to receive funds as the applicant?

No. Federal agencies and federal employees are not eligible to receive funds under this announcement.

Can federal partners participate in the work even if they cannot be the funded lead?

Yes. Federal agencies and federal employees may participate as collaborators or project partners, allowing federal expertise to contribute without federal entities serving as the funded lead applicant.

When was this opportunity created, and what were the key dates listed?

The opportunity was created on August 29, 2018, and had an original closing date of December 3, 2018.

What distinguishes this opportunity from a typical research grant competition?

Instead of supporting a single research project, this opportunity seeks one organization to administer a national program that supports multiple competitive, extramural collaborative science projects across the NERRS network, with strong emphasis on end-user engagement and decision-ready outputs.

What kinds of priorities must the program balance?

The program is intended to support coastal and estuarine management needs at the system-wide level, while also remaining responsive to local and regional priorities and to NOAA priorities.

What is meant by “extramural” in the context provided?

In the context provided, “extramural” refers to a program that supports and coordinates research projects conducted outside of NOAA as competitively funded collaborative science efforts aligned with NERRS-wide needs, administered through the grantee’s program framework.