1. FY 2009 CRCPCoral Reef Management

2. Bay Watershed Education and Training (BWET) Hawaii Program

3. Cooperative Research Program

4. Marine Fisheries Initiative (MARFIN)

5. National Estuarine Research Reserve Land Acquisition and Construction Program FY 2009

6. National Estuarine Research Reserve Graduate Research Fellowship Program FY 2009

7. International Coral

8. CSCOR FY09 NGOMEX and CRES

9. FY 2009 California Bay Watershed Education and Training Program

10. FY 2009 Ocean Exploration OmnibusMarine Archaeology

11. FY 2009 Sea Scallop Research SetAside

12. FY 2009 CRCP Coral Reef Ecosystem Monitoring

13. NOAA's National Height Modernization Program

14. FY 2009 Monkfish Research SetAside

15. Protected Species Cooperative Conservation

16. FY 2009 Ocean Exploration OmnibusOcean Exploration

17. FY 2009 Ocean Exploration OmnibusEducation

18. FY 2009 BWET Chesapeake

19. National Coastal and Estuarine Research and Technology Program

20. NOAA General Coral Reef Conservation Grants Program

21. FY 2009 Open Rivers Initiative

22. FY 2009 Communitybased Marine Debris Prevention and Removal Project Grants

23. Projects to Improve or Amend Coral Reef Fishery Management Plans

24. FY 2009 Atlantic Salmon Conservation Grants

25. FY 2010 Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (Knauss Fellowship Program)

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26. FY 2009 NMFSSea Grant Fellowships in Population Dynamics

27. FY 2009 NMFSSea Grant Fellowships in Marine Resource Economics

28. Prescott 2009
2. Understand Climate Variability and Change To Enhance Society's Ability To Plan and Respond

Summary Description: Climate shapes the environment, natural resources, economies, and social systems that people depend upon worldwide. While humanity has learned to contend with some aspects of climate's natural variability, major climatic events, combined with the stresses of population growth, economic growth, public health concerns, and landuse practices, can impose serious consequences on society. The 199798 El Nino, for example, had a $25 billion impact on the U.S. economyproperty losses were $2.6 billion and crop losses approached $2 billion. Longterm drought leads to increased and competing demands for fresh water with related effects on terrestrial and marine ecosystems, agricultural productivity, and even the spread of infectious diseases. Decisions about mitigating climate change also can alter economic and social structures on a global scale. We can deliver reliable climate information in useful ways to help minimize risks and maximize opportunities for decisions in agriculture, public policy, natural resources, water and energy use, and public health. We continue to move toward developing a seamless suite of weather and climate products. The Climate Goal addresses predictions on time scales of up to decades or longer.

Funded proposals should help achieve the following outcomes:

Program Names:

1. Bay Watershed Education and Training (BWET) Hawaii Program

2. Climate Program Office for FY 2009

3. FY 2009 Ocean Exploration OmnibusMarine Archaeology

4. FY 2009 Ocean Exploration OmnibusOcean Exploration

5. FY 2009 Ocean Exploration OmnibusEducation

6. FY 2010 Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (Knauss Fellowship Program)

3. Provide Critical Support for NOAA's Mission

Summary Description: Strong, effective, and efficient support activities are necessary for us to achieve our Mission Goals. Our facilities, ships, aircraft, environmental satellites, data processing systems, computing and communication systems, and our approach to management provide the foundation of support for all of our programs. This critical foundation must adapt to evolving mission needs and, therefore, is an integral part of our strategic planning. It also must support U.S. homeland security by maintaining continuity of operations and by providing NOAA services, such as civil alert relays through NOAA Weather Radio and air dispersion forecasts, in response to national emergencies. NOAA ships, aircraft, and environmental satellites are the backbone of the global Earth observing system and provide many critical mission support services. To keep this capability strong and current with our Mission Goals, we will ensure that NOAA has adequate access to safe and efficient ships and aircraft through the use of both NOAA platforms and those of other agency, academic, and commercial partners. We will work with academia and partners in the public and private sectors to ensure that future satellite systems are designed, developed, and operated with the latest technology. Leadership development and program support are essential for achieving our Mission Goals. We must also commit to organizational excellence through management and leadership across a ``corporate'' NOAA. We must continue our commitment to valuing NOAA's diverse workforce, including effective workforce planning strategies designed to attract, retain and develop competencies at all levels of our workforce. Through the use of business process re
engineering, we will strive for stateoftheart, valueadded
financial and administrative processes. NOAA will ensure stateof theart and secure information technology and systems. By developing longrange, comprehensive facility planning processes, NOAA will be able to ensure rightsized, costeffective, and safe facilities.

Funded proposals should help achieve the following outcomes:

1. SaltonstallKennedy Grant Program (FY 2009)

2. FY 2010 Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (Knauss Fellowship Program)
4. Support the Nation's Commerce With Information for Safe, Efficient, and Environmentally Sound Transportation

Summary Description: Safe and efficient transportation systems are crucial to the U.S. economy. The U.S. marine transportation system ships over 95 percent of the tonnage and more than 20 percent by value of foreign trade through U.S. ports, including 48 percent of the oil needed to meet America's energy demands. At least $4 billion is lost annually due to economic inefficiencies resulting from weather related airtraffic delays. Improved surface weather forecasts and specific user warnings would reduce the 7,000 weather related fatalities and 800,000 injuries that occur annually from crashes on roads and highways. The injuries, loss of life, and property damage from weatherrelated crashes cost an average of $42 billion annually. We provide information, services, and products for transportation safety and for increased commerce on roads, rails, and waterways. We will improve the accuracy of our information for marine, aviation, and surface weather forecasts, the availability of accurate and advanced electronic navigational charts, and the delivery of realtime oceanographic information. We seek to provide consistent, accurate, and timely positioning information that is critical for air, sea, and surface transportation. We will respond to hazardous material spills and provide search and rescue routinely to save lives and money and to protect the coastal environment. We will work with port and coastal communities and with Federal and state partners to ensure that port operations and development proceed efficiently and in an environmentally sound manner. We will work with the Federal Aviation Administration and the private sector to reduce the negative impacts of weather on aviation without compromising safety. Because of increased interest by the public and private sectors, we also will expand weather information for marine and surface transportation to enhance safety and efficiency.

Funded proposals should help achieve the following outcomes:

1. NOAA's National Height Modernization Program

2. FY 2010 Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (Knauss Fellowship Program)

5. Serve Society's Needs for Weather and Water Information

Summary Description: Floods, droughts, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, wildfires, and other severe weather events cause $11 billion in damages each year in the United States. Weather is directly linked to public health and safety, and nearly onethird of the U.S. economy (about $3 trillion) is sensitive to weather and climate. With so much at stake, NOAA's role in understanding, observing, forecasting, and warning of environmental events is expanding. With our partners, we seek to provide decision makers with key observations, analyses, predictions, and warnings for a range of weather and water conditions, including those related to water supply, air quality, space weather, and wildfires. Businesses, governments, and nongovernmental organizations are getting more sophisticated about how to use this weather and water information to improve operational efficiencies, to manage environmental resources, and to create a better quality of life. On average, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, and other severe weather events cause $11 billion in damages per year. Weather, including space weather, is directly linked to public safety and about onethird of the U.S. economy (about $3 trillion) is weather sensitive. With so much at stake, NOAA's role in observing, forecasting, and warning of environmental events is expanding, while economic sectors and its public are becoming increasingly sophisticated at using NOAA's weather, air quality, and water information to improve their operational efficiencies and their
[[Page 40054]]
management of environmental resources, and quality of life.

Funded proposals should help achieve the following outcomes:

1. FY 2009 Joint Hurricane Testbed

2. FY 2010 Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (Knauss Fellowship Program)
V. NOAA Noncompetitive Opportunity

I. Background

Each of the following grant opportunities provide: A description of the program, funding availability, statutory authority, catalog of federal domestic assistance (CFDA) number, application deadline, address for submitting proposals, information contacts, eligibility requirements, cost sharing requirements, and intergovernmental review under Executive Order 12372.

In addition, this notice announces information related to a non competitive financial assistance project to be administered by NOAA. This project is titled ``NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Grant Program Coral Reef Ecosystem Research Grants''. The NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Grant Program announces that it is providing funding to the NOAA Undersea Research Program (NURP) Centers for: The Southeastern U.S., Florida, and Gulf of Mexico Region, the Southeast U.S. and Gulf of Mexico Center; and the Hawaii and Western Pacific Region, the Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory, to administer two external, competitive coral reef ecosystem research grants programs. To receive an award for this project, an eligible applicant must submit a complete and responsive application to the appropriate program office. An award is made upon conclusion of the evaluation process for the prospective project.

II. Electronic Access

The FFO for each program is available via the Grants.gov Web site at: http://www.grants.gov. Electronic applications for the NOAA Programs listed in this announcement may be accessed, downloaded, and submitted to that Web site. The due dates and times for paper and electronic submissions are identical. NOAA strongly recommends that you do not wait until the application deadline to begin the application process through Grants.gov.

Grants.gov

Getting started with Grants.gov is easy. Users should note that there are two key features on the Web site: Find Grant Opportunities and Apply for Grants. The site is designed to support these two features and your use of them.

While you can begin searching for grant opportunities immediately, it is recommended that you complete the steps to Get Started (below) ahead of time. This will help ensure you are ready to go when you find an opportunity for which you would like to apply.

Applications From Individuals

In order for you to apply as an individual, the announcement must specify that the program is open to individuals and it must be published on the Grants.gov Web site. Individuals must register with the Credential Provider (see Step 3 below) and with Grants.gov (see Step 4 below).

Individuals do not need a DUNS number to register (see Step 4 below) and submit their applications. The system will generate a default value in that field.

Grants.gov Application Submission and Receipt Procedures

This section provides the application submission and receipt instructions for NOAA program applications. Please read the following instructions carefully and completely.

1. Electronic Delivery. NOAA is participating in the Grants.gov Initiative, which provides the Grant Community a single site to find and apply for grant funding opportunities. NOAA encourages applicants to submit their applications electronically through: http:// www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp.

2. The following describes what to expect when applying online using Grants.gov/Apply:

a. Instructions. On the site, you will find stepbystep instructions, which enable you to apply for NOAA funds. The Grants.gov/ Apply feature includes a simple, unified application process that makes it possible for applicants to apply for grants online. There are six ``Get Started'' steps to complete at Grants.gov. The information applicants need to understand and execute the steps can be found at: http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp. Applicants should read the Get Started steps carefully. The site also contains registration checklists to help you walk through the process. NOAA recommends that you download the checklists and prepare the information requested before beginning the registration process. Reviewing and assembling required information before beginning the registration process will make the process fast and smooth and save time.

b. DUNS Requirement. All applicants applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a Dun and Bradstreet Universal Data Numbering System (DUNS) number. The DUNS number must be included in the data entry field labeled ``Organizational Duns'' on the form SF424. Instructions for obtaining a DUNS number can be found at the following Web site: http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp.

c. Central Contractor Registry and Credential Provider Registration. In addition to having a DUNS number, applicants applying electronically through Grants.gov must register with the Federal Central Contractor Registry and with a Credential Provider. The http:// www.grants.gov Web site at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_ registered.jsp provides stepbystep instructions for registering in the Central Contractor Registry and for registering with a credential provider. All applicants filing electronically must register with the Central Contractor Registry and receive credentials from the Grants.gov credential provider in order to apply online. Failure to register with the Central Contractor Registry and credential provider will result in your application being rejected by the Grants.gov portal.

The registration process is a separate process from submitting an application. Applicants are, therefore, encouraged to register early. The registration process can take approximately two weeks to be completed. Therefore, registration should be done in sufficient time to ensure it does not impact your ability to meet required submission deadlines. You will be able to submit your application online any time after you receive your eauthentication credentials.

d. Electronic Signature. Applications submitted through Grants.gov constitute submission as electronically signed applications. The registration and eauthentication process establishes the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). When you submit the application through Grants.gov, the name of your authorized organization representative on file will be inserted into the signature line of the application. Applicants must register the individual who is able to make legally binding commitments for the applicant organization as the [[Page 40055]]

Authorized Organization Representative.

3. Instructions on how to submit an electronic application to NOAA via Grants.gov/Apply: Grants.gov has a full set of instructions on how to apply for funds on its Web site at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/ apply_for_grants.jsp. The following provides simple guidance on what you will find on the Grants.gov/Apply site. Applicants are encouraged to read through the page entitled, ``Complete Application Package'' before getting started. Grants.gov allows applicants to download the application package, instructions and forms that are incorporated in the instructions, and work offline. In addition to forms that are part of the application instructions, there will be a series of electronic forms that are provided utilizing an Adobe Reader.

Note: For the Adobe Reader, Grants.gov is only compatible with versions 8.1.1 and above. Please do not use lower versions of the Adobe Reader. Mandatory Fields on Adobe Reader Forms: In the Adobe forms you will note fields that appear with a yellow background and red outline color. These fields are mandatory and must be completed to successfully submit your application.

Completion of SF424 Fields: The Adobe forms are designed to fill in common required fields such as the applicant name and address, DUNS number, etc., on all Adobe electronic forms. To trigger this feature, an applicant must complete the SF424 information first. Once it is completed the information will transfer to the other forms.

Customer Support. The Grants.gov Web site provides customer support via (800) 5184726 (this is a tollfree number) or through email at support@grants.gov. The Contact Center is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays, to address Grants.gov technology issues. For technical assistance to program related questions, contact the number listed in the Program Section of the program you are applying for.

4. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission.

a. Electronic Submission. All applications must be received by http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp the due date established for each program. Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. The applicant will receive an acknowledgment of receipt and a tracking number from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application. Applicants should print this receipt and save it, along with facsimile receipts for information provided by facsimile, as proof of timely submission. When NOAA successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov, Grants.gov will provide an electronic acknowledgment of receipt to the email address of the AOR. Proof of timely submission shall be the date and time that Grants.gov receives your application. Applications received by Grants.gov after the established due date for the program will be considered late and will not be considered for funding by NOAA.

NOAA suggests that applicants submit their applications during the operating hours of the Contact Center for Grants.gov, so that if there are questions concerning transmission, operators will be available to walk you through the process. Submitting your application during the Contact Center hours will also ensure that you have sufficient time for the application to complete its transmission prior to the application deadline. Applicants using dialup connections should be aware that transmission may take some time before Grants.gov receives it. Grants.gov will provide either an error or a successfully received transmission message. The Grants.gov reports that some applicants abort the transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during the transmission process. Please be patient and give the system time to process the application. Uploading and transmitting many files particularly electronic forms with associated XML schemas will take some time to be processed.

Evaluation Criteria and Selection Procedures

NOAA has standardized the evaluation and selection process for its competitive assistance programs. There are two separate sets of evaluation criteria and selection procedures (see below), one for project proposals, and the other for fellowship, scholarship, and internship programs.

Project Proposals

Review and Selection Process. Some project proposals may include a preapplication process that provides for feedback to applicants that responded to a call for letters of intent or preproposals; however, not all programs will include this preapplication. If a program has a preapplication process, it will be described in the Summary Description section of the announcement and the deadline will be specified in the Application Deadline section.

Upon receipt of a full application by NOAA, an initial administrative review will be conducted to determine compliance with requirements and completeness of the application. A merit review will also be conducted to produce a rank order of the proposals.

The NOAA Program Officer may review the ranking of the proposals and make recommendations to the Selecting Official based on the administrative and/or merit review(s) and selection factors listed below. The Selecting Official selects proposals after considering the administrative and/or merit review(s) and recommendations of the Program Officer. In making the final selections, the Selecting Official will award in rank order unless the proposal is justified to be selected out of rank order based upon one or more of the selection factors below. The Program Officer and/or Selecting Official may negotiate the funding level of the proposal. The Selecting Official makes final award recommendations to the Grants Officer authorized to obligate the funds.

Evaluation Criteria

At least three technical reviewers will individually evaluate and rank proposals using the following evaluation criteria:

1. Importance and/or relevance and applicability of a proposed project to the program goals: This ascertains whether there is intrinsic value in the proposed work and/or relevance to NOAA, Federal (other than NOAA), regional, state, or local activities.

2. Technical/scientific merit: This assesses whether the approach is technically sound and/or innovative, if the methods are appropriate, and whether there are clear project goals and objectives.

3. Overall qualifications of applicants: This ascertains whether the applicant possesses the necessary education, experience, training, facilities, and administrative resources to accomplish the project.

4. Project costs: The project's budget is evaluated to determine if it is realistic and commensurate with the project needs and timeframe.

5. Outreach and education: NOAA assesses whether this project provides a focused and effective education and outreach strategy regarding its mission to protect the Nation's natural resources.

Selection Factors. The merit review ratings will be used to provide a rank order to the Selecting Official for final funding
recommendations. A Program Officer may first make
[[Page 40056]]
recommendations to the Selecting Official applying the selection factors listed below. The Selecting Official shall award in rank order unless the proposal is justified to be selected out of rank order based upon one or more of the following factors:

1. Availability of funding.

2. Balance/distribution of funds:

a. Geographically,

b. By type of institutions,

c. By type of partners,

d. By research areas, and

e. By project types.

3. Whether the project duplicates other projects funded or considered for funding by NOAA or other federal agencies.

4. Program priorities and policy factors.

5. Applicant's prior award performance.

6. Partnerships and/or participation of targeted groups.

7. Adequacy of information necessary for NOAA to make a National Environmental Policy Act determination and draft necessary documentation before funding recommendations are made to the Grants Officer.

Fellowship, Scholarship and Internship Programs

Review and Selection Process: Some fellowship, scholarship and internship programs may include a preapplication process that provides for feedback to the applicants that have responded to a call for letters of intent or preproposals; however, not all programs will include this preapplication. If a program has a preapplication process, the process will be described in the Summary Description section of the announcement and the deadline will be specified in the Application Deadline section.

Upon receipt of a full application by NOAA, an initial administrative review will be conducted to determine compliance with requirements and completeness of the application. A merit review will also be conducted to produce a rank order of the proposals.

The NOAA Program Officer may review the ranking of the proposals and make recommendations to the Selecting Official based on the administrative and/or merit review(s) and selection factors listed below. The Selecting Official selects proposals after considering the administrative and/or merit review(s) and recommendations of the Program Officer. In making the final selections, the Selecting Official will award in rank order unless the proposal is justified to be selected out of rank order based upon one or more of the selection factors below. The Program Officer and/or Selecting Official may negotiate the funding level of the proposal. The Selecting Official makes final award recommendations to the Grants Officer authorized to obligate the funds.

Evaluation Criteria

At least three technical reviewers will individually evaluate and rank proposals using the following evaluation criteria.

1. Academic record and statement of career goals and objectives of the student.

2. Quality of project and applicability to program priorities.

3. Recommendations and/or endorsements of the student.

4. Additional relevant experience related to diversity of education; extracurricular activities; honors and awards; and interpersonal, written, and oral communications skills.

5. Financial need of the student.

Selection Factors

The merit review ratings will be used to provide a rank order by the Selecting Official for final funding recommendations. A Program Officer may first make recommendations to the Selecting Official by applying the selection factors listed below. The Selecting Official shall award in the rank order unless the proposal is justified to be selected out of rank order based upon one or more of the following factors:

1. Availability of funds.

2. Balance/distribution of funds:

a. Across academic disciplines,

b. By types of institutions, or

c. Geographically.

3. Programspecific objectives.

4. Degree in scientific area and type of degree sought. III. NOAA Project Competitions
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

1. FY 2009 Monkfish Research SetAside

Summary Description: NMFS announces that the New England and Mid Atlantic Fishery Management Councils (Councils) have set aside 500 monkfish daysatsea (DAS) to be used for research endeavors under a research setaside (RSA) program. NMFS is soliciting proposals for research activities concerning the monkfish fishery for fishing year 2009 (May 1, 2009April 30, 2010). Through the allocation of research DAS, the Monkfish RSA Program provides a mechanism to reduce the cost for vessel owners to participate in cooperative monkfish research. The intent of this program is for fishing vessels to utilize these research DAS to conduct monkfish related research, rather than their allocated monkfish DAS, thereby eliminating any cost to the vessel associated with using a monkfish DAS. Landings from such research trips may be sold to generate funds to help defray research costs. No Federal funds are provided for research under this notification. Rather, projects funded under the Monkfish RSA Program would be provided with additional opportunity to harvest monkfish, and the catch sold to generate income to offset research costs. Projects funded under an RSA DAS award must enhance the knowledge of the monkfish fishery resource or contribute to the body of information on which management decisions are made. The Councils and NMFS will give priority to funding research proposals in the following general subject areas: (1) Cooperative research to supplement NMFS surveys; (2) life history studies on age and growth, longevity, reproduction, and natural mortality; (3) tagging and telemetry studies to investigate short and longterm movements and habitat use; (4) research concerning bycatch and discard mortality of target and/or nontarget species; (5) trawl and gillnet gear studies concerning size and/or species selectivity and bycatch reduction (including reducing bycatch of and interactions with protected species); and (6) research concerning trophic interactions of monkfish with other species. Please note that the research subject areas listed above are not listed in order of priority. Projects that follow up or expand on previous cooperative research are encouraged and will be given additional consideration, provided such research would enhance the utility of the initial work.

Funding Availability: No Federal funds are provided for research under this notification. Rather, projects selected under the Monkfish RSA Program would be provided with additional opportunity to harvest monkfish, and the catch sold to generate income to offset research costs. The Federal Government (i.e., NMFS) may issue an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP), if needed, that may provide special fishing privileges in response to research proposals selected under this program. For example, vessels participating in an approved research project may be authorized by the Northeast Regional Administrator, NMFS, to harvest monkfish in excess of established possession limits. This would be the fourth year of the
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Monkfish RSA Program. Two awards were issued under the 2006 Monkfish RSA Program, with these projects ending in April 2007. Three awards were issued under the 2007 Monkfish RSA Program, with these projects recently ending April 2007. Four awards have been issued under the 2008 Monkfish RSA program, and these projects are expected to commence in May 2008. A total of 137.5 RSA DAS were issued to projects during FY 2006. A total of 367 RSA DAS were issued to projects for FY 2007. All of the 500 monkfish RSA DAS available thru the Monkfish RSA program have been issued to projects for FY 2009. It is anticipated that 25 awards will be made under the 2009 Monkfish RSA Program. Funds generated from landings harvested and sold under the Monkfish RSA Program shall be used to cover the cost of research activities, including vessel costs. For example, the funds may be used to pay for gear modifications, monitoring equipment, the salaries of research personnel, or vessel operation costs. The Federal Government shall not be liable for any costs incurred in the conduct of the project. Specifically, the Federal Government is not liable for any costs incurred by the researcher or vessel owner should the sale of catch not fully reimburse the researcher or vessel owner for his/her expenses. Any additional funds generated through the sale of setaside landings, above the cost of the research activities, shall be retained by the vessel owner as compensation for the use of his/her vessel.

Statutory Authority: Statutory authority for this program is found under sections 303(b)(11), 402(e), and 404(c) of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1853(b)(11), 16 U.S.C. 1881a(e), and 16 U.S.C. 1881(c), respectively. The ability to set aside monkfish DAS for research purposes was established in the final rule implementing Amendment 2 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan (70 FR 21927, April 28, 2005), codified at 50 CFR 648.92(c).

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.454, Unallied Management Projects.

Application Deadline: Full proposals must be received by 5 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on September 9, 2008.

Address for Submitting Proposals: To apply for this NOAA Federal funding opportunity, please go to http://www.grants.gov, and use the following funding opportunity NMFSNEFSC20092001478. Applicants without Internet access may contact Cheryl Corbett, NMFS, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543, by phone 5084952070, fax 5084952004, or email
ccorbett@noaa.gov.

Information Contacts: Information may be obtained from Paul Howard, Executive Director, New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC), by phone 9784650492, or by fax 9784653116; Philip Haring, Senior Fishery Analyst, NEFMC, by phone 9784650492, or by email at pharing@nefmc.org; or Cheryl Corbett, NMFS, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, phone 5084952070, fax 5084952004, or email
ccorbett@noaa.gov, or from Ryan Silva, NMFS, Northeast Regional Office, phone (978) 2819326, fax (978) 2819135, email ryan.silva@noaa.gov.

Eligibility: 1. Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to, institutions of higher education, hospitals, other nonprofits, commercial organizations, individuals, State, local, and Native American tribal governments. Federal agencies and institutions are not eligible to receive Federal assistance under this notice. Additionally, employees of any Federal agency or Regional Fishery Management Council (Council) are ineligible to submit an application under this program. However, Council members who are not Federal employees may submit an application. 2. DOC/NOAA supports cultural and gender diversity and encourages women and minority individuals and groups to submit applications to the RSA program. In addition, DOC/NOAA is strongly committed to broadening the participation of historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic serving institutions, tribal colleges and universities, and institutions that work in underserved areas. DOC/NOAA encourages proposals involving any of the above institutions. 3. DOC/NOAA encourages applications from members of the fishing community and applications that involve fishing community cooperation and participation.

Cost Sharing Requirements: None required.

Intergovernmental Review: Applicants will need to determine if their State participates in the intergovernmental review process. This information can be found at the following Web site: http:// www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. This information will assist applicants in providing either a Yes or No response to Item 16 of the Application Form, SF424, entitled ``Application for Federal Assistance.''

2. FY 2009 Sea Scallop Research SetAside

Summary Description: NMFS requests scallop research proposals to utilize Atlantic sea scallop (scallop) total allowable catch (TAC) and DaysatSea (DAS) that have been setaside by the New England Fishery Management Council (Council) to fund scallop research endeavors through the 2009 Atlantic Sea Scallop Research SetAside Program (Scallop RSA Program). NMFS is requesting proposals for research activities for FY 2009. No Federal funds are provided for research under this notification.

Rather, the Scallop RSA Program funds scallop research and compensates participating vessels through the sale of scallops harvested under the research setaside quota. Priority will be given to scallop research proposals that investigate research priorities identified by the Council and detailed under the Program Priorities section of the FFO.

Funding Availability: No Federal funds are provided for sea scallop research under this notice. Funds are generated through the sale of setaside scallops. The Federal government will issue Letters of Authorization (LOAs) that provide special fishing privileges in response to sea scallop research proposals selected to participate in the 2009 Scallop RSA Program. Funds generated from RSA landings shall be used to cover the cost of the research activities, including vessel costs, and to compensate vessels for expenses incurred during the collection of setaside scallops. For example, these funds could be used to pay for gear modifications, monitoring equipment, additional provisions (e.g., fuel, ice, food for scientists) or the salaries of research personnel. The Federal Government is not liable for any costs incurred by the researcher or vessel owner. Any additional funds generated through the sale of setaside scallops above the cost of the research activities, shall be retained by the vessel owner as compensation for the use of his/her vessel.

Statutory Authority: Statutory authority for this program is provided under sections 303(b)(11), 402(e), and 404(c) of the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1853(b)(11), 16 U.S.C. 1881a(e), and 16 U.S.C. 1881(c), respectively. The ability to set aside scallop TAC and DAS and to establish parameters are found in the Joint Frameworks (69 FR 63460, November 2, 2004), and Amendment 10 (69 FR 35194, June 23, 2004) and Framework Adjustment 19 (73 FR 30790, May 29, 2008) to the Federal
[[Page 40058]]
Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (May 15, 1982).

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.454, Unallied Management Projects.

Application Deadline: Full proposals must be received by 5 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on August 25, 2008.

Address for Submitting Proposals: To apply for this NOAA Federal funding opportunity, please go to http://www.grants.gov, and use the following funding opportunity NMFSNEFSC20092001472. Applicants without Internet access may contact Cheryl Corbett, NMFS, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543, by phone 5084952070, fax 5084952004, or email
ccorbett@noaa.gov.

Information Contacts: Information may be obtained from Deirdre Boelke, New England Fishery Management Council, phone (978) 4650492, fax (978) 4653116, or email dboelke@nefmc.org, from Cheryl Corbett, NMFS, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, phone 5084952070, fax 508 4952004, or email ccorbett@noaa.gov, or from Ryan Silva, NMFS, Northeast Regional Office, phone (978) 2819326, fax (978) 2819135, e mail ryan.silva@noaa.gov.

Eligibility: 1. Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to, institutions of higher education, hospitals, other nonprofits, commercial organizations, individuals, state, local, and Native American tribal governments. Federal agencies and institutions are not eligible to receive Federal assistance under this notice. Additionally, employees of any Federal agency or Regional Fishery Management Council (Council) are ineligible to submit an application under this program. However, Council members who are not Federal employees may submit an application. 2. DOC/NOAA supports cultural and gender diversity and encourages women and minority individuals and groups to submit applications to the RSA program. In addition, DOC/NOAA is strongly committed to broadening the participation of historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic serving institutions, tribal colleges and universities, and institutions that work in underserved areas. DOC/NOAA encourages proposals involving any of the above institutions. 3. DOC/NOAA encourages applications from members of the fishing community and applications that involve fishing community cooperation and participation.

Cost Sharing Requirements: None Required.

Intergovernmental Review: Applicants will need to determine if their State participates in the intergovernmental review process. This information can be found at the following Web site: http:// www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. This information will assist applicants in providing either a Yes or No response to Item 16 of the Application Form, SF424, entitled ``Application for Federal Assistance.''

3. Cooperative Research Program

Summary Description: The CRP program provides financial assistance for projects that seek to increase and improve the working relationship between researchers from the NMFS, state fishery agencies, universities, and fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico and off the South Atlantic states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida involving the U.S. fishing industry (recreational and commercial). The program is a means of involving commercial and recreational fishermen in the collection of fundamental fisheries information. Collection efforts support the development and evaluation of management and regulatory options. This program addresses NOAA's mission goal to ``Protect, Restore, and Manage the Use of Coastal and Ocean Resources Through an Ecosystem Approach to Management.''

Funding Availability: Approximately $2.0 million may be available in fiscal year (FY) 2009 for projects. Actual funding availability for this program is contingent upon Fiscal Year 2009 Congressional appropriations. The NMFS Southeast Regional Office estimates awarding projects that will range from $25,000 to $400,000. The average award is $150,000. Publication of this notice does not obligate NMFS to award any specific grant or cooperative agreement or any of the available funds.

Statutory Authority: Authority for the CRP is provided by the following: 15 U.S.C. 713c3(d).

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.454, Unallied Management Projects.

Application Deadline: Applications must be received by 5 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time on September 9, 2008 to be considered for funding. Applications received after the deadline will be rejected/ returned to the sender without further consideration.

Address for Submitting Proposals: Applications must be submitted through www.grants.gov, unless an applicant does not have Internet access. In that case, hard copies with original signatures may be sent to: National Marine Fisheries Service, State/Federal Liaison Branch, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

Information Contacts: For questions regarding the application process, you may contact: Robert Sadler, State/Federal Liaison Branch, (727) 8245324, or Robert.Sadler@noaa.gov.

Eligibility: Eligible applicants may be institutions of higher education, nonprofits, commercial organizations, individuals, and state, local, and Indian tribal governments. Federal agencies or institutions are not eligible. Foreign governments, organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign governments, and international organizations are excluded for purposes of this solicitation since the objective of the CRP is to optimize research and development benefits from U.S. marine fishery resources. Applicants who are not commercial or recreational fisherman must have commercial or recreational fishermen participating in their project. There must be a written agreement with a fisherman describing the involvement in the project activity.

Cost Sharing Requirements: Costsharing is not required for this program.

Intergovernmental Review: Applications submitted by state and local governments are subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs. Any applicant submitting an application for funding is required to complete item 16 on SF424 regarding clearance by the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) established as a result of EO 12372. To find out about and comply with a State's process under EO 12372, the names, addresses and phone numbers of participating SPOCs are listed in the Office of Management and Budget's home page at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/ spoc.html.

4. FY 2009 BWET Chesapeake

Summary Description: The Chesapeake BWET grant program is a competitively based program that supports existing environmental education programs, fosters the growth of new programs, and encourages the development of partnerships among environmental education programs throughout the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed. Funded projects assist in meeting the Stewardship and Community Engagement goals of the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement. Projects chosen for award under this program support organizations that provide students meaningful watershed educational experiences and teachers related professional development opportunities related to the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

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Funding Availability: This solicitation announces that approximately $3.5M may be available in FY 2009 in award amounts to be determined by the proposals and available funds. Funding is anticipated to maintain partnerships for up to 3 years duration, but is dependent on funding made available annually by Congress. Project proposals accepted for funding with a project period over one year do not have to compete for the additional years of funding. However, funding for the additional years is contingent upon the availability of funds and satisfactory performance and is at the sole discretion of the agency. 1. Approximately $2.5M of the $3.5M available in FY 2009 will be for exemplary programs that successfully integrate teacher professional development on the Chesapeake Bay watershed with indepth classroom study and outdoor experiences for their students. 2. Approximately $500K of the $3.5M available in FY 2009 will be for proposals that provide opportunities either for students to participate in MWEEs related to Chesapeake Bay or related Professional Development for teachers. 3. Approximately $500K of the $3.5M available in FY 2009 will be for proposals that incorporate CBIBS into meaningful watershed educational experiences for students or related professional development for teachers. The NCBO anticipates that typical awards for BWET Exemplar Programs that successfully integrate teacher professional development with indepth classroom student and outdoor experiences for their students will range from $50,000 to $200,000. Projects that represent either meaningful watershed educational experiences for students or teacher professional development in watershed education will range from $25,000 to $75,000. Projects focusing on the Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy system will range from $25,000 to $200,000. Actual funding availability for this program is contingent upon Fiscal Year 2009 Congressional appropriations. The exact amount of funds that may be awarded will be determined in pre award negotiations between the applicant and NOAA representatives. Publication of this notice does not oblige NOAA to award any specific project or to obligate any available funds. If applicants incur any costs prior to an award being made, they do so at their own risk of not being reimbursed by the government. Notwithstanding verbal or written assurance that may have been received, there is no obligation on the part of NOAA to cover preaward costs unless approved by the Grants Officer as part of the terms when the award is made.

Statutory Authority: Under 33 U.S.C. 893a(a), the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is authorized to conduct, develop, support, promote, and coordinate formal and informal educational activities at all levels to enhance public awareness and understanding of ocean, coastal, Great Lakes, and atmospheric science and stewardship by the general public and other coastal stakeholders, including underrepresented groups in ocean and atmospheric science and policy careers. In conducting those activities, the Administrator shall build upon the educational programs and activities of the agency.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.457, Chesapeake Bay Studies.

Application Deadline: Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. eastern time on Friday, October 3, 2008.

Address for Submitting Proposals: Applications must be submitted through www.grants.gov, unless an applicant does not have Internet access. In that case, hard copies with original signatures may be sent to: Shannon Sprague, BWET Program Manager, NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, 410 Severn Avenue, Suite 107A, Annapolis, MD 21403

Information Contacts: Please visit the BWET Web site for further information at: http://noaa.chesapeakebay.net/educationgrants.aspx or contact the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, 410 Severn Avenue, Suite 107A, Annapolis, MD 21403, or by phone at 4102675660. Potential applicants are also invited to contact the staff before submitting an application to discuss the applicability of partnership ideas to BWET goals and objectives. BWET contacts are as follows: Virginia/West Virginia: Ann Marie Chapman (annmarie.chapman@noaa.gov_7576273823), Maryland's Eastern Shore/Delaware: Doug Levin (doug.levin@noaa.gov_4102265193), Maryland (other than Eastern Shore)/Washington, DC: Kevin Schabow (kevin.schabow@noaa.gov_4102673145), Pennsylvania/New York: Shannon Sprague (shannon.sprague@noaa.gov_4102675664).

Eligibility: Eligible applicants are Kthrough12 public and independent schools and school systems, institutions of higher education, communitybased and nonprofit organizations, state or local government agencies, interstate agencies, and Indian tribal governments in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Department of Commerce/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (DOC/NOAA) is strongly committed to broadening the participation of historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic serving institutions, tribal colleges and universities, and institutions that work in underserved areas. The NCBO encourages proposals involving any of the above institutions.

Cost Sharing Requirements: No cost sharing is required under this program, however, the NCBO strongly encourages applicants applying for either area of interest to share as much of the costs of the award as possible. Funds from other Federal awards may not be considered matching funds. The nature of the contribution (cash versus inkind) and the amount of matching funds will be taken into consideration in the review process. Priority selection will be given to proposals that propose cash rather than inkind contributions.

Intergovernmental Review: Applications under this program are subject to Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.

5. FY 2009 Open Rivers Initiative

Summary Description: The NOAA Open Rivers Initiative (ORI) provides funding to catalyze the implementation of locallydriven projects to remove dams and other river barriers, in order to benefit living marine and coastal resources, particularly diadromous fish. Projects funded through the Open Rivers Initiative have strong ontheground habitat restoration components that foster economic, educational, and social benefits for citizens and their communities in addition to longterm ecological habitat improvements for NOAA trust resources. Through the ORI, NOAA provides funding and technical assistance for barrier removal projects. Proposals selected for funding through this solicitation will be implemented through a cooperative agreement. Funding of up to $7,000,000 is expected to be available for ORI Project Grants in FY 2009. The NOAA Restoration Center (RC) within the Office of Habitat Conservation will administer this grant initiative, and anticipates that typical awards will range from $50,000 to $250,000. Although a select few may fall outside of this range, project proposals requesting less than $30,000 or greater than $1,000,000 will not be accepted or reviewed.

Funding Availability: This solicitation announces that funding of up to $7,000,000 is expected to be available for Open Rivers Initiative Project Grants in FY 2009. Actual funding availability
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for this program is contingent upon Fiscal Year 2009 Congressional appropriations. NOAA anticipates that typical project awards will range from $50,000 to $250,000; proposals requesting less than $30,000 or more than $1,000,000 will not be accepted under this solicitation. NOAA does not guarantee that sufficient funds will be available to make awards for all proposals. The number of awards to be made as a result of this solicitation will depend on the number of eligible applications received, the amount of funds requested by the applicants, the merit and ranking of the proposals, and the amount of funds made available to the ORI by Congress. NOAA anticipates that between 10 and 20 awards will be made as a result of this solicitation. The exact amount of funds that may be awarded will be determined in preaward negotiations between the applicant and NOAA representatives. Publication of this document does not obligate NOAA to award any specific project or obligate all or any parts of any available funds.

Statutory Authority: The Secretary of Commerce is authorized under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, 16 U.S.C. 661, as amended by the Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970, to provide grants or cooperative agreements for fisheries habitat restoration. The Secretary of Commerce is also authorized under the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 (H.R. 5946) to provide funding and technical expertise for fisheries and coastal habitat restoration and to promote significant community support and volunteer participation in such activities.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.463, Habitat Conservation.

Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted through www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. EDT, October 31, 2008. If an applicant does not have Internet access, hard copy applications with the SF424 Form bearing an original, ink signature must be postmarked, or provided to a delivery service and documented with a receipt, by October 31, 2008. No facsimile or electronic mail applications will be accepted.

Address for Submitting Proposals: Applications must be submitted through www.grants.gov, unless an applicant does not have Internet access. In that case, hard copies with original signatures may be sent to: NOAA Restoration Center (F/HC3), Office of Habitat Conservation, NOAA Fisheries, 1315 EastWest Highway, Rm. 14718, Silver Spring, MD 20910. ATTN: Open Rivers Initiative Project Applications.

Information Contacts: For further information contact Tisa Shostik (Tisa.Shostik@noaa.gov) or Melanie Gange (Melanie.Gange@noaa.gov) at (301) 7130174. Potential applicants are invited to contact NOAA Restoration Center staff before submitting an application to discuss the applicability of project ideas to the goals and objectives of ORI. Additional information on the ORI can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/restoration.

Eligibility: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher education, nonprofits, industry and commercial (for profit) organizations, organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign governments, international organizations, and state, local and Indian tribal governments whose projects have the potential to benefit NOAA trust resources. Applications from federal agencies or employees of federal agencies will not be considered. Federal agencies are strongly encouraged to work with states, nongovernmental organizations, national service clubs or youth corps organizations and others that are eligible to apply. The Department of Commerce/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (DOC/NOAA) is strongly committed to broadening the participation of historically black colleges and universities, Hispanicserving institutions, tribal colleges and universities, and institutions that work in underserved areas. The ORI encourages proposals from or involving any of the above institutions.

Cost Sharing Requirements: A major goal of the ORI will be to provide seed money for projects that leverage funds and other contributions from a broad public and private sector to implement locally important barrier removals to benefit living marine and coastal resources. To this end, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate a 1:1 nonfederal match for ORI funds

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Please contact the person listed within this notice as the information contact under each program.