Ocean and Coastal Mapping Centers | NOAA NOS OCS 2020 2006381

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.

• 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).

Apply for NOAA NOS OCS 2020 2006381

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