Opportunity Information: Apply for NOAA NOS OCS 2020 2006381
The Ocean and Coastal Mapping Centers opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number NOAA NOS OCS 2020 2006381) is a NOAA competitive funding notice from the U.S. Department of Commerce to establish or support a single joint ocean and coastal mapping center through a cooperative agreement with an institution of higher learning. It is a discretionary grant-style program, but structured specifically as a cooperative agreement, meaning NOAA expects to have substantial involvement in the project work, coordination, and outcomes rather than acting only as a pass-through funder.
This opportunity is rooted in federal authorities that encourage national capacity in mapping and hydrography, specifically the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act and the Coastal and Ocean Mapping Integration Act. Under these laws, NOAA is authorized to operate up to three joint ocean and coastal mapping centers of excellence nationwide. The notice, however, solicits proposals for one award under this particular competition, indicating that NOAA intended to select a single lead institution to carry out a center-level scope of work for the award period.
The center concept described in the notice emphasizes applied, mission-driven science and technology that strengthens the nation s ability to understand, map, and manage coastal and ocean areas. Typical center activities include coastal and ocean research and development, applied hydrography (the surveying and charting work that supports safe navigation), disaster response support (such as rapid mapping after storms or other disruptive events), forecasting-related mapping and data products, development and use of remote sensing technologies, and graduate education and workforce development. In practice, this kind of center is expected to function as both a research hub and an operational partner, translating research into tools, methods, and data products that NOAA and other stakeholders can use.
Program priorities are explicitly tied to NOAA mission outcomes, especially the goal of resilient coastal communities and economies and the objective of safe, efficient, and environmentally sound marine transportation. That framing signals that proposals would be evaluated not only on scientific merit, but also on how well they produce actionable mapping capabilities that reduce risk, support navigation and commerce, and help communities prepare for and respond to coastal hazards. The emphasis on environmentally sound transportation also suggests interest in mapping that supports route planning, habitat protection considerations, and broader ocean management needs alongside traditional nautical charting requirements.
From an administrative standpoint, the opportunity falls under CFDA 11.400 and the funding activity category of environment, natural resources, science and technology, and other research and development. The expected number of awards is one, with an award ceiling of 9,000,000, indicating a relatively large, center-scale investment rather than smaller individual research grants. Eligible applicants are listed as others with additional eligibility details referenced in the full notice, but the main text makes clear the intended applicant is an institution of higher learning capable of hosting and operating a national center of excellence in partnership with NOAA. The notice was created March 26, 2020, with an original closing date of May 22, 2020.Apply for NOAA NOS OCS 2020 2006381
- The Department of Commerce in the environment, natural resources, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Ocean and Coastal Mapping Centers" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 11.400.
- This funding opportunity was created on Mar 26, 2020.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 22, 2020. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $9,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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Ocean and Coastal Mapping Centers (NOAA NOS OCS 2020 2006381) - FAQs
What is the Ocean and Coastal Mapping Centers opportunity?
It is a NOAA competitive funding notice from the U.S. Department of Commerce to establish or support a single joint ocean and coastal mapping center through a cooperative agreement with an institution of higher learning.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this notice?
The Funding Opportunity Number is NOAA NOS OCS 2020 2006381.
Which federal agency is offering this funding?
The opportunity is offered by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), within the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Is this a grant or a cooperative agreement?
It is a discretionary, grant-style program structured specifically as a cooperative agreement, meaning NOAA expects substantial involvement in the project work, coordination, and outcomes.
What does "substantial involvement" from NOAA mean in this context?
It means NOAA is expected to be actively involved in the center's work and coordination rather than acting only as a pass-through funder. The center is expected to operate as an operational partner aligned with NOAA needs.
How many awards are expected under this competition?
The expected number of awards is one.
Does NOAA plan to fund multiple centers nationwide?
Federal authorities authorize NOAA to operate up to three joint ocean and coastal mapping centers of excellence nationwide, but this specific notice solicits proposals for one award under this particular competition.
What is the maximum funding amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling is 9,000,000.
What type of investment is this intended to support?
The notice describes it as a center-scale investment intended to support a national center of excellence, rather than smaller, individual research grants.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants are listed as "others" with additional eligibility details referenced in the full notice. However, the main text makes clear the intended applicant is an institution of higher learning capable of hosting and operating a national center of excellence in partnership with NOAA.
What kind of organization is NOAA looking for as the lead applicant?
The notice indicates NOAA intended to select a single lead institution of higher learning to carry out a center-level scope of work for the award period.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity falls under CFDA 11.400.
What funding activity category does this program fall under?
The funding activity category is environment, natural resources, science and technology, and other research and development.
What is the main purpose of the mapping center described in the notice?
The center concept emphasizes applied, mission-driven science and technology that strengthens the nation s ability to understand, map, and manage coastal and ocean areas, while functioning as both a research hub and an operational partner.
What kinds of activities could the center support?
Typical center activities include coastal and ocean research and development, applied hydrography (surveying and charting for safe navigation), disaster response support (such as rapid mapping after storms), forecasting-related mapping and data products, development and use of remote sensing technologies, and graduate education and workforce development.
What is "applied hydrography" as referenced in the notice?
Applied hydrography is described as the surveying and charting work that supports safe navigation.
How does disaster response fit into this center model?
The notice includes disaster response support as a typical activity area, including rapid mapping after storms or other disruptive events.
How are forecasting-related products connected to mapping work?
The notice lists forecasting-related mapping and data products as a typical center activity, indicating the center may produce mapping outputs that support forecasting needs.
Is remote sensing part of the expected work?
Yes. The notice includes development and use of remote sensing technologies among typical center activities.
Does the opportunity include education and workforce development?
Yes. Graduate education and workforce development are explicitly included as typical center activities.
What are the program priorities tied to?
Program priorities are explicitly tied to NOAA mission outcomes, especially resilient coastal communities and economies and safe, efficient, and environmentally sound marine transportation.
What does NOAA mean by "resilient coastal communities and economies" in this context?
Based on the notice framing, it signals interest in mapping capabilities and products that reduce risk and help communities prepare for and respond to coastal hazards.
How does the opportunity relate to marine transportation?
The notice ties priorities to safe, efficient, and environmentally sound marine transportation, suggesting mapping that supports navigation, commerce, and environmental considerations.
What does "environmentally sound marine transportation" imply for proposed mapping work?
The notice suggests interest in mapping that supports route planning, habitat protection considerations, and broader ocean management needs alongside traditional nautical charting requirements.
Will proposals be evaluated only on scientific merit?
The notice indicates proposals would be evaluated not only on scientific merit, but also on how well they produce actionable mapping capabilities that reduce risk, support navigation and commerce, and help communities prepare for and respond to coastal hazards.
What is the legal or policy basis for NOAA operating these centers?
The opportunity is rooted in federal authorities that encourage national capacity in mapping and hydrography, specifically the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act and the Coastal and Ocean Mapping Integration Act.
When was this notice created and what was the original closing date?
The notice was created on March 26, 2020, with an original closing date of May 22, 2020.
Is this opportunity focused on research, operations, or both?
Both. The center is described as a research hub and an operational partner, translating research into tools, methods, and data products that NOAA and other stakeholders can use.
What kind of outputs is the center expected to produce?
The notice emphasizes actionable mapping capabilities, including tools, methods, and data products that can be used by NOAA and other stakeholders.
What does it mean that the center is "mission-driven"?
It means the center's applied science and technology work is expected to align with NOAA mission outcomes, particularly resilience in coastal communities and safe and environmentally responsible marine transportation.
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