2026 Marine Mammal Co-Management Grant Program

NOAA-NMFS-AK-2026-32563

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

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Table of Contents
NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY .................................................................................................................1
Executive Summary ..............................................................................................................................................1
Full Text of Announcement ..................................................................................................................................2
I. Funding Opportunity Description .................................................................................................................3
II. Award Information .......................................................................................................................................3
III. Eligibility Information ..................................................................................................................................4
IV. Application and Submission Information ..................................................................................................5
V. Application Review Information ................................................................................................................14
VI. Award Administration Information ..........................................................................................................18
VII. Agency Contacts ......................................................................................................................................24
VIII. Other Information ...................................................................................................................................24
Executive Summary
Federal Agency Name
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Funding Opportunity Title
2026 Marine Mammal Co-Management Grant Program
Announcement Type
Competitive
Funding Opportunity Number
NOAA-NMFS-AK-2026-32563
Assistance Listing Number(s)
11.439
Dates
Full Proposals must be received by 7:59 Alaska Standard Time on May 31, 2026.
Funding Opportunity Description
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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 Organizations' members 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. 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
announcement should be read in its entirety, as some information has changed from the previous year.
Submission Validation
When you submit an application to this competition you will receive notification of submission validation
from Grants.gov and eRA Commons. Only validated applications are sent to NOAA to review. To ensure
successful submission of an application, we strongly recommend that you submit a final and complete
application at least two business days prior to the submission deadline.
In addition to the Grants.gov automated notification messages, once an electronic application is
accepted in eRA Commons, you will receive an automated notification from eRA Commons that the
completed application was received and that an application number will be assigned. If there are errors in
the application, eRA Commons will send an automated email notification(s) of any errors or warnings
identified by eRA Commons. You must resolve all eRA Commons errors prior to the application due date
in order for the application to be processed.
You should save and print the proof of submission messages from both Grants.gov and eRA Commons.
If you do not receive an acceptance message from both Grants.gov and eRA Commons, you should
follow up with the eRA Helpdesk at 1-866-504-9552 and the agency contact listed in Section VII to
confirm NOAA’s receipt of the complete submission. See Section IV(G) for detailed instructions on
submission validation requirements.
Registration Requirements
NOTE: We strongly encourage all prospective applicants to begin required registrations as early as
possible. Completing the required registrations can take six weeks or longer. Submission due dates will
not be extended because of registration delays. Submissions received after the due date will be
considered late and will not be accepted.
Applicant organizations and individuals must register for three different Federal systems prior to
submitting an application through Grants.gov (SAM.gov, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov).
Applicant organizations and individuals must first register with SAM.gov and obtain a Unique Entity
Identifier (UEI). After you obtain your UEI, you can complete your Grants.gov and eRA Commons
registrations concurrently.
See Section IV(G) for detailed instructions on registration requirements. If you do not have access to the
internet, please contact the Agency Contacts listed in this NOFO for submission instructions.
Full Text of Announcement
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I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Program Objective
The objective of the Marine Mammal Co-Management Grant Program is to provide technical and financial
assistance for the development and implementation of programs that do the following: Encourage local
participation supporting marine mammal science and management; provide for sustainable use of
marine mammals for subsistence purposes; and promote conservation and/or recovery of marine
mammals.
B. Program Priorities
Applicants should ensure that their applications address one or more of the following priorities, which are
listed in no particular order (i.e., no one factor carrying a higher priority than any other). Proposals should
list all priorities being addressed. The program priorities are as follows :
• HARVEST MONITORING: Work with subsistence users and hunters to monitor subsistence use of
marine mammals through collection and dissemination of harvest information to support co-
management.
• TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE: Convey traditional knowledge to support co-management research
and goals.
• RESEARCH PROJECTS: Design and implement research projects on subsistence marine mammal
species that inform management decisions or address local needs.
• FOOD SECURITY: Work collaboratively with NMFS and others to protect food resources for
coastal communities by ensuring the availability of marine mammals for subsistence use.
• SUBSISTENCE USE MANAGEMENT: Manage subsistence use of marine mammals with hunters
to proactively address regional or local conservation needs.
• EDUCATION AND OUTREACH: Co-develop (or align with existing education, outreach, and
mentoring programs, camps) materials and programs to build capacity and understanding related
to co-management, research, and subsistence use of marine mammals and marine resources.
• INTERNATIONAL PRIORITIES: Developing and sharing information to support international
interests related to subsistence harvest quotas, developing and implementing programs
consistent with international efforts related to subsistence harvest quotas, and collaborating with
NMFS on mutual interests related to supporting marine mammals.
• COOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Initiate and promote projects that facilitate exchanges between
subsistence users and NMFS for the cooperative management and conservation of marine
mammals in Alaska, consistent with signed co-management agreements. Improve and/or revise
existing co-management agreements as needed.
C. Program Authority
16 U.S.C. § 1388
II. Award Information
A. Funding Availability
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Total funding available under this notice is anticipated to be approximately $1,500,000 in FY26. Actual
funding for this program is contingent upon FY26 Federal appropriations. Award amounts will be
determined by the content of the proposals and the availability of funds. Publication of this notice does
not obligate NOAA to make an award to any specific project or to obligate any funding. If an application is
selected for funding, NOAA has no obligation to provide any additional funding beyond FY26. There is no
guarantee that sufficient funds will be available to make awards to all qualified projects. The exact
amount of funds, the scope of work, and terms and conditions of a successful award will be determined
in pre-award negotiations between the successful applicant and NOAA program official. NOAA reserves
the right to partially fund proposals by funding discrete portions of phases of a proposed project. Projects
partially funded must stand alone, and be maintained and/or completed without the need for additional
funding. If NOAA decides to partially fund a proposal, it will do so in a manner that does not prejudice any
applicant or affect the basis upon which the proposal, or portion thereof, was evaluated or selected for
award. In so doing, the agency maintains the integrity of the competition and selection process. If an
applicant incurs any costs prior to receiving an award agreement signed by an authorized NOAA official,
the applicant would do so solely at its own risk of these costs not being reimbursed by the government or
not receiving an award. Pre-award costs over 90 days are not allowed under the award unless approved
by the NOAA Grants Officer in accordance with 2 C.F.R. Parts 200.308(e)(1) and 200.458.
B. Project/Award Period
A project period will be at minimum 12 months in duration and may extend up to a maximum of three
years. For multi-year proposals, applicants must include project plans and separate budgets for each year
of the project. Multi-year awards do not compete for funding in subsequent budget periods within the
approved award period. Any funding required for subsequent years may be added to the multi-year award
incrementally, provided demonstration of satisfactory performance by the recipient and provided funds to
support the continuation of the project are available.
Project start dates should be no earlier than September 1, 2026, unless an earlier start date request is
approved by the Program Office. The requested award start date must begin on the first day of the month
and end on the last day of the month.
C. Type of Funding Instrument
Successful proposals will be funded through a cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements are
Federal financial assistance awards that include substantial involvement by NOAA in the management of
the project. Examples of substantial involvement may include, but are not limited to, assisting in the
development of outreach materials; collaboration between NOAA scientists and a recipient scientist;
input into organizational structure, mode of operations, and programmatic activities; review and revision
of draft objectives; regularly scheduled monitoring; and/or programmatic data collection.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants are limited to Alaska Native Organizations (ANOs) (defined as a group designated by
law or formally chartered which represents or consists of Indians, Aleuts, or Eskimos residing in Alaska)
with an established marine mammal agreement for co-management with NOAA Fisheries. All applicants
must have a signed co-management agreement in place with NOAA Fisheries at the time of application.
In a case where an ANO has authorized another entity to serve as the fiduciary agent of the organization,
a copy of the agreement between the ANO and fiduciary agent must be provided with the application.
This agreement must outline a thorough description of the relationship and responsibilities of both
parties. The ANO will be listed as the lead entity/organization on the application as reflected in the
agreement. Any ANO not holding an existing agreement for co-management with NMFS may collaborate
with and be listed on the application as a sub-recipient under an eligible applicant.
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NOTE: We strongly encourage all prospective applicants to begin required registrations as early as
possible. Completing the required registrations can take six weeks or longer. Submission due dates will
not be extended because of registration delays. Submissions received after the due date will be
considered late and will not be accepted.
Applicant organizations and individuals must register for three different Federal systems prior to
submitting an application through Grants.gov (SAM.gov, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov).
Registration Requirements: Applicant organizations and individuals must first register with SAM.gov and
obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). After you obtain your UEI, you can complete your Grants.gov and
eRA Commons registrations concurrently.
See Section IV(G) for detailed instructions on required registrations. If you do not have access to the
internet, please contact the Agency Contacts listed in this NOFO for submission instructions.
B. Cost Share or Matching Requirement
No cost sharing or matching is required under this program.
C. Other Criteria that Affect Eligibility
In order to be considered for an award in this funding cycle, the applicant must provide proof of eligibility
documents. Proof of eligibility will be a copy of the current signed agreement for co-management
between NMFS and the ANO.
IV. Application and Submission Information
A. Address to Request Application Package
For the full application, the standard application package, consisting of the standard forms (Project
Abstract, SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, and the CD-511) is available at https://www.grants.gov.
NOTE: Project Abstract is a new form that MUST be included for your application to be considered
complete.
If an applicant has problems with Grants.gov, contact the Grants.gov Customer Support at 1-800-518-
4726 or support@Grants.gov. If the applicant does not have Internet access, a full proposal application
package may be received by contacting the Juneau Program Office at akr.grants@noaa.gov.
B. Content and Form of Application
Federal employees (whether full-time, part-time, or intermittent) are not permitted to assist in the
preparation of an application. However, they may provide information on program goals, funding
priorities, application procedures, and completion of application forms. Since this is a competitive
program, Federal employees will not provide assistance in conceptualizing, developing, or structuring
proposals, or write letters of support for a proposal. Applications must adhere to the requirements under
the Applications and Required Elements subsection and submit applications by the posted deadline.
Failure to follow these provisions will result in proposals being rejected and returned to the applicant
without review.
1. Application Format
A complete standard NOAA grant application package is required in accordance with the guidelines in
this document. Applications that are not complete on the closing date of this announcement will not be
reviewed. Applications must contain all required documents and forms; if these forms are not signed via
the www.Grants.gov application process, they MUST be signed in ink. Paper applications without inked
signatures on their forms will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed. An incomplete
application or one that does not follow the format requirements will not be reviewed and will be
withdrawn from the competition.
Each application must include:
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The specific priority or priorities to which they are responding. Applicants should not assume prior
knowledge on the part of NMFS as to the relative merits of the project described in the application.
Federal application forms, including:
• SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance
• Project Abstract Form
• SF424A, Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs
• SF424B, Assurances - Non-Construction Programs
• CD-511, Certification Regarding Lobbying
• SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable)
• NEPA Questionnaire, http://www.nepa.noaa.gov/questionnaire.pdf
• Data Sharing Plan (described in Section VI. B. 8)
• Title Page (described below, 1 page limit)
• Project Summary (described below, 2 page limit)
• Project Narrative (described below, 27 page limit )
• Budget Narrative (described below)
• Signed Co-Management Agreement between ANO and NMFS
If an applicant does not have internet access or if Grants.gov is inaccessible, paper applications will be
accepted. Paper applications must be submitted with completed, signed, inked signatures, with original
forms in hard copy (only one copy necessary). The Authorized Representative MUST sign and date these
forms (SF-424, SF-424B and CD-511)in the space reserved for electronic signature. Signatures (electronic
or ink) must match the name printed in the “Authorized Representative” section of the SF-424 Block 21.
Another Authorized Representative may not sign on behalf of the individual noted in Block 21. Paper
applications should not be bound in any manner.
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2. Content Requirements
Proposals should be limited to 30 pages. The format may vary, but must include:
a. Title Page (One page limit)
This page shall provide the project title, project duration, applicant name(s), name(s) of the Principal
Investigator (or Project Manager) and any Co-Investigators (or Co-Managers), complete contact
information (address, telephone, email, and phone number) of the applicant(s), and a statement regarding
the Federal, non-Federal, and total costs of the project.
b. Project Summary (Two page limit)
Provide a clear description of proposed project goals, activities, tasks, objectives, and products to
achieve. Include connection to the specific funding priority being identified, the geographic area where
the project would occur, and expected outcomes and benefits of the proposed activities. This summary
may be posted on NOAA’s website if the project is funded.
c. Project Narrative (27 page limit)
The project narrative should closely follow the evaluation criteria outlined in this solicitation (see Section
V. A. Evaluation Criteria). The narrative must be detailed enough for reviewers to make a clear connection
between the proposed activities and the proposed project costs. The major part of the narrative should be
devoted to a description and justification for the proposed project, including details of the method being
used. It should include a timeline for major activities of the proposed project, and should indicate who will
be responsible for which activities. There should be no ambiguity about who will perform particular parts
of the project, and the time at which these activities take place. The project narrative may not exceed 27
pages. Multi-year proposals must include a project narrative that covers each year of the proposed award
period. If multiple projects are included in the proposal, the information listed below must be included for
each project. The 27-page limit does not change if a proposal includes multiple projects. The following do
not count towards the 27- page limit: standard application forms, project summary, budget and
justification, letters of support, resumes/curriculum vitae; lists of permits, NEPA questionnaire; and data
sharing plan. Each project must be completely and accurately described, and include project and
administrative objectives. The narrative should demonstrate your knowledge of, and convey the need for
the project, and show how your proposal builds upon any past and current work. You should not assume
that we already know the relative merits of the project you describe.
You must describe your project as follows:
(1) Project Goals and Objectives: Identify the specific program priority (described in Section I. B. Program
Priorities) the project intends to address and describe its significance. Identify the problem/opportunity
you intend to address and describe its significance. Identify the administrative and/or project objectives,
which should: be simple and understandable, as specific and quantitative as possible; clear as to the
“what and when”; and attainable within the time, funding, and resources available. State what you expect
the project to accomplish. Administrative objectives should be described in a similar fashion. The main
body of the narrative should clearly state how the administrative and project work will be undertaken to
meet the priorities.
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Project Design: Describe specific work, activities, procedures, statistical design, or analytical methods
that are being undertaken and what will be accomplished during the period of the project. Applications
should be accomplishment-oriented and identify specific performance measures and the products or
other outcomes that will result from the project. Project performance measures could be due dates for
draft and final technical and monitoring reports, dates for field seasons/data collection, or percentage of
harvest sampled. Administrative performance measures could be dates, agendas, or minutes of board of
directors, council, or commissioners meetings, dates for website updating, or dates and contents of
outreach and education materials from camps or hunter meetings. Milestones should also be listed
describing the specific activities and associated timelines to conduct the scope of work. Describe the
timelines in increments (e.g. month 1, month 2), rather than by specific dates. Describe products of the
project, such as a manual, video, handbook, or newsletter, summary of harvest or biological data, or piece
of equipment. Indicate how project results will be disseminated to potential subsistence users,
stakeholders, or community members. Include performance measures setting forth the process of
assessing progress toward achieving predetermined goals, including timeliness, quality, outcomes, and
effectiveness. Performance management involves developing measurable performance goals, prioritizing
staff time or resources to meet those goals, communicating regularly with NMFS about the effectiveness
of meeting goals, and reporting progress, delays, completion, and unanticipated outcomes as outlined in
the proposal.
NOTE: If you are applying to continue a project we previously funded under the Alaska Native Co-
Management Funding Program, describe in detail the project(s), product(s), and accomplishment(s) to
date and provide justification for the continuation of the project(s) beyond the original period of
performance. Provide a justification for additional funding to continue the project(s) and the benefits
expected by continuing the project(s) in 2025. We will consider this information in evaluating your current
application.
(2) Project Management: Describe how the project will be organized and managed. Describe how the
necessary experience, facilities, and administrative resources are in place to successfully meet the
responsibilities associated with managing a Federal financial assistance award. The principal
investigator may or may not be the applicant; however, if the applicant is not the principal investigator,
there must be an explanation of the relationship between the applicant and principal investigator (e.g., the
applicant may be responsible for managing the grant funds and the principal investigator will be
responsible for completing the work). The PI is responsible for all technical oversight and implementation
of the approved work plan as delineated in the proposal. Please also include information about the
specific responsibilities and time commitments of other personnel funded through the proposal, including
technical and administrative points of contact as appropriate. Include the curricula vitae or resume and
job description of the principal investigator(s) and all other personnel funded through this proposal.
Include copies of any agreements between you and the participants describing the specific tasks to be
performed. Project participants or organizations that will have a significant role in conducting the project
should be listed as co-investigators or co-managers. Organizations or individuals that support the project,
for example, researchers contributing data or materials, should be referred to as Cooperators. Agreement
documents, and resumes/curricula vitae (2 page maximum for each), should be included in the
supporting documentation. This information does not count toward the project narrative’s 27 page
limitation. If any portion of the project will be conducted through consultants, subcontracts and/or
subawards, you must follow guidance in the requirements set out at 2 C.F.R., as applicable. If you select a
consultant, subcontractor and/or sub-awardee prior to submitting an application, indicate the process
that you used for selection and provide a statement of their qualifications and experience (e.g., resume or
curriculum vitae).
(3) Benefits or Results Expected: Identify the outcomes and effort planned to achieve the results or
benefits anticipated from the proposed work. Describe how these expected outcomes will be applied
and/or made available to NMFS, identified user groups, or other marine mammal co-management
partners. Describe the effort planned to achieve a particular goal/task/activity and measures the value of
a project or program's activity.
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(4) Need for Government Financial Assistance: Explain why you need NOAA financial assistance for the
proposed work, and why other funding sources, if applicable, cannot fund the proposed work. List all
other sources of funding that are or have been sought for the program or project proposed.
(5) Participation by Persons or Groups other than the Applicant: Describe how any entities other than the
applicant will participate in the project, and the nature (sub-award, subcontract, volunteer, etc.) of their
participation, particularly members of ANO communities.
(6) Federal, State, and Local Government Activities: List any plans or activities this project would affect
and describe the relationship between the proposed project and those plans or activities. Describe any
coordination with other agency programs. Describe any other proposals or outside activities that are
essential to the success of this proposal.
(7) Permitting: It is your responsibility to obtain all necessary Federal, State, and local government permits
and approvals where necessary for the proposed work to be conducted. You must note whether or not
permits are required. If no permits are required, this section must indicate no permits are required. If
permits are required, provide a list of all applicable permits needed to perform the proposed work and an
indication of the status of any permits needed.
d. Budget Narrative (does not count towards page limit)
Each application must include clear and concise budget information, both on the required Federal forms
and as described here. In order to allow reviewers to fully evaluate the appropriateness of proposed
costs, the budget narrative must explain and justify all Federal and non-Federal costs by object class
category, as listed on the SF-424A under Section B, Budget Categories. Provide detailed narrative
descriptions of all costs, and explain each calculation for all budget categories. Multi-year applications
must include budget information for each year of the proposed activity. All budget costs should be
ROUNDED to the nearest dollar. The budget narrative should be sufficiently detailed to enable a clear
understanding of the cost breakdown and calculations used to derive the line item subtotals in each
object class of the SF-424A budget form. All proposed costs must be reasonable, allowable, allocable,
and necessary to the supported activity. Additional Budget Narrative Guidance may be found at
https://coast.noaa.gov/data/coasthome/funding/_pdf/forms/budget-narrative-guidance-for-NOAA-
grants.pdf
It is strongly recommended to include a budget spreadsheet that details costs by category, this aids in
final grant review and application processing. The budget narrative must include the following:
(1) Personnel costs, including salary and wages, should be broken out by named principal investigator
(PI) and number of months requested per year, per staff member, etc., as a percentage of their normal
salary rate. Support for each person should be commensurate of the person's stated involvement, which
may or may not correspond to the person's current position. Any unnamed personnel should be identified
by their job title, and their personnel costs explained similar to staff or PI personnel costs above. Fringe
benefits should be identified separately from salary and wages; fringe benefit rates should be applied
consistently, and should apply equally to both Federal and non-Federal funds, if applicable. Funds for
salaries and fringe benefits may be requested only for those personnel who are directly involved in
implementing the proposed project and whole salaries and fringe benefits are directly related to specific
projects or outcomes of the proposed project. All funds must be estimated to the nearest dollar; do not
submit budgets containing cents. Note: No cost sharing or matching is required under this program.
(2) Travel costs should be broken out by number of people traveling, destination and purpose of travel,
and projected costs per person. Projected travel costs should be inclusive of transport costs, lodging
costs, and per diem expenses for all travelers, which are to be described in detail in the Budget Narrative.
If travel details for a particular trip are unknown, explain the basis for estimating proposed costs.
Domestic travel is to be justified separately from foreign travel, since the latter may require additional
clearances. You must adhere to the provisions of the Fly America Act.
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(3) “Equipment” is non-expendable, tangible personal property with a unit cost of $10,000 or more and
useful life of more than one year. Items that do not meet the equipment definition must be included under
supplies. List each piece of equipment separately and reference the type/model to be purchased and its
contribution to the achievement of the project goals. General use equipment must be used 100% for the
project if charged directly to the award; if the equipment will be used for multiple projects, only a portion
of the expense that is commensurate with the actual use of the equipment during the project may be
requested.
(4) Supplies should be itemized to the level of detail known or may be based on established historical
costs. Whenever possible, you should include the quantity/number of units and cost per unit to justify
expenses listed in the supplies category and relevance to the project.
(5) Contractual costs should be itemized separately, according to standard budget categories that appear
in the SF-424A; all types of contractual costs should be included in the Contractual line of the SF-424A
and explained in detail in the Budget Narrative. You must indicate the basis for each contract’s cost
estimate and specify the products and services to be obtained through all contracts.
(6) Other costs should be listed by type of material or nature of expense (e.g. sub-award) and should be
broken down by quantity/number of units and cost per unit, if applicable.
(7) The budget may include an amount for indirect costs if the applicant has an approved indirect cost
rate agreement with the Federal government. Indirect costs are essentially overhead costs for basic
operational functions (e.g., lights, rent, water, and insurance) that are incurred for common or joint
objectives and therefore cannot be identified specifically within a particular project. A copy of the current,
approved negotiated indirect costs agreement with the Federal government must be included with the
application.
8) NOAA/NMFS will not consider fees, fundraising activities, or travel for activities not directly related to
project implementation, travel or salaries for Federal employees, or profit as allowable costs in the
proposed budget. The total costs of a project consist of all allowable costs incurred in accomplishing
project activities during the project period. A project begins on the effective date of an award agreement
between the applicant and the Grants Officer and ends on the date specified in the award. Applicants will
not be reimbursed for time expended or costs incurred in developing a project or in preparing an
application, or in any discussions or negotiations with the agency prior to the award.
9) All vehicle and equipment maintenance costs must be based on the actual costs of operating and
maintaining the equipment listed for the financial assistance award project and cannot be based on
predetermined flat rates. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.452, allowable costs for equipment maintenance
are limited to insurance, necessary maintenance, repair, or upkeep of equipment, which neither add to the
permanent value of the property nor appreciably prolong its intended life, but keep it in an efficient
operating condition. Furthermore, per 2 CFR 200.403(g), costs must be adequately documented in order
to be allowable under Federal awards. If the vehicles or equipment will also be used for other projects,
any relevant operation and maintenance expenditures must be allocated to the projects based on the
proportional benefit. Given the unique geographic location of Alaska, we encourage applicants to use
actual historic procurement, shipping, operation, and maintenance costs for estimating budgets.
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e.) Appendices or Supporting Documentation (does not count towards page limit): This section should
include the supporting documentation not included in the project narrative such as: qualifications of the
primary project personnel, e.g., curriculum vitae or resumes of PD/PI and any Co-Directors/Co-
Investigators (limit two pages each); position descriptions, agreements with key partners; copy of
established indirect cost rate agreement; letters of support received from relevant representatives,
partners or communities supporting the project; letters of cooperation between the Principal Investigator
and all named participants in the project, describing and agreeing to the specific activities each
participant would perform (e.g., participants/collaborators receiving marine mammal
samples/specimens); organization’s policies and procedures; by-laws; and travel policies.
Applicants requiring scientific research permits must also include evidence of such a permit (i.e., the
permit number) or evidence they have submitted a permit application. Additional material, documents,
and information necessary or useful to the description of the project will help us to understand the project
and the priority applicants seek to address. Letters of support and/or cooperation are strongly
recommended. The Data/Information Sharing Plan (described in Section VI. B. 8) should also be attached
as an appendix.
C. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)
Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal awarding agency that is excepted from
those requirements under 2 CFR 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal awarding
agency under 2 CFR 25.110(d)) is required to: (i) Be registered in SAM before submitting an application;
(ii) Provide a valid unique entity identifier (UEI) in their application; and (iii) Continue to maintain an active
SAM registration with current information at all times during which they have an active Federal award or
an application under consideration by a Federal awarding agency. NOAA may not make a Federal award
to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable UEI and SAM requirements and, if an
applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time NOAA is ready to make a Federal
award, NOAA may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a federal award and use that
determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant. To enable the use of a unique
identifier and to enhance the quality of information available to the public as required by the Federal
Funding Accountability and Transparency Act, 31 U.S.C. 6101 note, to the extent applicable, any proposal
awarded in response to this announcement will be required to use the System for Award Management
(SAM), which may be accessed online at https://sam.gov/content/home.
Proposals submitted in response to this Announcement must include a Data Management Plan (up to 2
pages). See Section VI.B., Administrative and National Policy Requirements, below for additional
information on what the plan should contain.
NOAA NEPA Questionnaire (https://www.nepa.noaa.gov/docs/NOAA-Grants Questionnaire-final.pdf). If
your project is expected to generate NEPA/environmental data, applicants are strongly recommended to
submit answers to questions 1-30 in your application. A completed NOAA NEPA Questionnaire should be
uploaded as its own file and not included in any other attachment.
C. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)
Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal awarding agency that is excepted from
those requirements under 2 CFR 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal awarding
agency under 2 CFR 25.110(d)) is required to: (i) Be registered in SAM before submitting its application;
(ii) Provide a valid unique entity identifier (UEI) in its application; and (iii) Continue to maintain an active
SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an
application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency. NOAA may not make a Federal
award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM
requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time NOAA is ready
to make a Federal award, NOAA may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal
award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.
D. Submission Dates and Times
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Complete proposals/applications must be received by https://www.Grants.gov under the Marine
Mammal Co-management Grant Program competition link, or postmarked on or before 7:59 pm, Alaska
Standard Time (AST), May 31, 2026. Proposals received after the established deadline will be rejected
and returned to the sender without consideration. For proposals submitted through Grants.gov, a date
and time receipt indication will be the basis of determining timeliness. The proposal must be validated by
Grants.gov in order to be considered timely. It may take Grants.gov up to two (2) business days to
validate or reject the application. Please keep this in mind in developing your submission timeline. For
those without access to the Internet, one signed original application must be postmarked or received by
the established due date. Use of U.S. mail or another delivery service must be documented with a receipt,
private metered postmarks are not acceptable. Postmarked applications received more than 5 business
days following the closing date will not be accepted.
E. 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 SF-424 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 SPOC's are listed in the Office
of Management and Budget's home page at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc.
F. Funding Restrictions
None
G. Other Submission Requirements
Registration requirements
NOTE: We strongly encourage all prospective applicants to begin required registrations as early as
possible. Completing the required registrations can take six weeks or longer. Submission due dates will
not be extended because of registration delays. Submissions received after the due date will be
considered late and will not be accepted.
Applicant organizations and individuals must register for three different Federal systems prior to
submitting an application through Grants.gov (SAM.gov, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov). See below for
more detailed information on each required registration process. Additional information on the grant
application process an associated webinar is available here:
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/funding-financial-services/grant-application-process
1. System for Award Management (SAM.gov)
SAM.gov registration is required to do business with the U.S. government. After registering with SAM.gov,
you will receive a 12-character Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) that you will use throughout the application
process.
We recommend allowing at least three weeks for initial SAM.gov registrations and at least two weeks for
SAM.gov registration renewals. Additional information on SAM.gov registration is available here:
https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration
You must update your SAM.gov registration any time your entity’s information changes. You must also
renew and revalidate your entity’s SAM.gov registration at least every 12 months from the date you last
certified to and submitted the registration. The renewal process may take up to two weeks. Your SAM.gov
account’s primary point of contact will receive an email message alerting them to the renewal
requirement at 60 days, 30 days, and 15 days prior to expiration. If you do not renew your registration by
the deadline, it will expire.
2. eRA Commons
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After completing your SAM.gov registration and receiving your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), you must
register with eRA Commons and create several required user accounts. NOAA uses eRA Commons to
process grant applications and manage grant awards.
NOTE: eRA Commons requires applicants to create one ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE and two USER
ACCOUNTS before submitting an application. These requirements are described in detail below.
We recommend allowing at least three weeks for eRA Commons registration. This process can be
completed concurrently with your Grants.gov registration. Additional information on the eRA Commons
registration process is available here: https://www.commerce.gov/ocio/key-initiatives/gems/register-
your-organization-era-commons
After creating an overall account for your “institution”, which may be for your organization or yourself as
an individual, eRA Commons requires you to set up at least two user accounts: one Signing Official (SO)
account and one Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) account.
• The Signing Official (SO) user account must be assigned to an individual with signature authority
to legally bind the organization in grants administration matters. The SO will receive 4-5 emails
throughout the registration process.
• The Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) account must be assigned to an individual
with primary responsibility for the project(s) described in the grant application. The eRA
Commons User ID (Username) for the PD/PI must also be listed on the SF-424 form for item 4
(Applicant Identifier).
Your SO and PD/PI user accounts must be active before you submit an application. Both accounts can be
assigned to the same individual if appropriate.
3. Grants.Gov
After completing your SAM.gov registration and receiving your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), you must
complete a one-time registration process with Grants.gov. Grants.gov is a government-wide portal used
to solicit and accept grant applications.
We recommend allowing at least two weeks for Grants.gov registration. This process can be completed
concurrently with your eRA Commons registration. Additional information on the Grants.gov registration
process is available here: https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration
Submission Validation
The Grants.gov and eRA Commons validation processes for a submitted application can take up to two
business days after submission. Only validated applications are sent to NOAA to review. To ensure
successful submission of an application, we strongly recommend that you submit a final and complete
application at least two business days prior to the submission deadline.
• Grants.gov and eRA Commons will not accept submissions if the applicant has not been
authorized or if credentials are incorrect. Submissions may also be rejected if:
• The Project Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI)’s account username within eRA Commons is
not provided on the SF-424 form for item 4 (Applicant Identifier).
• The Universal Entity Identifier (UEI) from SAM.gov is not provided on the SF-424 form for item 8.c
(UEI).
• The Congressional District is not entered in the correct format on the SF-424 form for item 16
(Congressional Districts). The correct format is: [State Abbreviation]-[three digit district number].
For example, Virginia’s 1st Congressional District would be listed as VA-001.
• PDF files are not flattened. To flatten a fillable PDF, you can use the “Print to PDF” function from
any web browser or PDF reader application.
• File sizes exceed 100 MB.
• Page sizes are greater than 8.5x11.
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• File names exceed 50 characters (including spaces).
• File names include special characters.
After you submit your application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgment of receipt that contains
a Grants.gov tracking number. This notification indicates receipt by Grants.gov only, not receipt by NOAA.
Applications submitted through Grants.gov will be accompanied by FOUR automated responses (1-
Grants.gov Submission Receipt; 2-Grants.gov Submission Validation Receipt for Application; 3-Grants.gov
Grantor Agency Retrieval Receipt for Application; 4-Grants.gov Agency Tracking Number Assignment for
Application).
In addition to the Grants.gov automated notification messages, once an electronic application is
accepted in eRA Commons, you will receive an automated notification from eRA Commons that the
completed application was received and that an application number will be assigned. If there are errors in
the application, eRA Commons will send an automated email notification(s) of any errors or warnings
identified by eRA Commons. You must resolve all eRA Commons errors prior to the application due date
in order for the application to be processed.
You should save and print the proof of submission messages from both Grants.gov and eRA Commons.
If you do not receive an acceptance message from both Grants.gov and eRA Commons, you should
follow up with the eRA Helpdesk at 1-866-504-9552 and the agency contact listed in Section VII to
confirm NOAA’s receipt of the complete submission.
H. Address for Submitting Proposals
The application package may be submitted to Kristin Cieciel, Competition Manager, NOAA/NMFS.
Mailing Address: PO Box 21668, Juneau Alaska 99802-1668 (USPS); 709 9th Street, Suite 323A, Juneau
Alaska 99801
(FedEx/UPS).
V. Application Review Information
1. Importance/relevance and applicability Maximum Points: 30
of proposed projects to the program goals
Proposals will be evaluated on clear identification of proposed project objectives and the applicant's
ability to link those objectives to the priorities within the ANCFP.
2. Technical/scientific merit Maximum Points: 20
This criterion assesses whether the approach is technically sound and/or innovative, if the methods are
appropriate, and whether there are clear project objectives. Proposals should provide a clear identification
of objectives, clear
definition of the project design, strengths or weakness, and the means to measure and evaluate
performance. Special emphasis will be given to proposals that foster and improve cooperative
interactions with NMFS. Are the objectives in the proposal clearly defined and focused? Does the
applicant demonstrate that the objectives are realistic and can be reached within the proposed project
period? Are the conceptual framework, design, methods, and analyzes adequately developed, well-
integrated, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem
areas and consider ways to resolve the issues or implement alternative tactics? Is sufficient detail
provided in the proposal about the methods proposed for monitoring and evaluating the success of the
project? Are they appropriate? Reviewers will carefully consider the likelihood of meeting milestones and
achieving anticipated results specified in the statement of work. Is a data sharing plan attached and
applicable?
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3. Project Management Maximum Points: 20
This criterion assesses whether the applicant, and team members, possess the necessary education,
experience, training, facilities, and administrative resources to accomplish the project. Reviewers will
consider previous related experience and qualifications of the project's PD or PI, Co-Directors(s) or Co-
Investigator(s) and other personnel, including designated contractors, consultants, and cooperators.
Reviewers will also consider past award performance of the applicant(s) and PD/PI. Does the applicant
have adequate administrative capability and experience in successfully completing similar projects? Does
the applicant provide position descriptions of staff being funded through the proposal? Does the proposal
include resumes and/or curricula vitae of the PD/PI or staff funded through the proposal? Successful past
performance will be considered during evaluation regarding the applicant's overall qualifications and their
ability to meet their proposed objectives and tasks within the project period. Reviewers will consider the
past performance of the applicant when considering the likelihood of meeting milestones, producing
objectives, or achieving results.
4. Project costs Maximum Points: 30
This criterion evaluates the budget to determine if it is realistic and commensurate with the project needs
and time frame. The itemized costs and the overall budget must be justified, clear to the reviewer, cost-
effective, and appropriately allocated. Applicants should include the organization’s personnel policies and
procedures, by-laws, travel, airfare, and rental car policies and rates. Applicants should include the
organization’s equipment, supplies, and transportation policy. The proposed costs and overall budget of
the project will be evaluated according to the proposed work. Note that all project costs, including
administrative costs, must be limited to species of marine mammals that are managed by NMFS. Is the
budget cost-effective and realistic based on the applicant's stated objectives, time frame, and amount of
overall project budget? Is the proposed budget sufficiently detailed, with appropriate budget breakdown
and justification of costs by object class?
5. Outreach and Education Maximum Points: 0
Evaluation Criteria
Technical/Merit reviewers will evaluate applications by assigning scores based on the following standard
evaluation criteria, associated questions, and respective weights specified below. Written comments are
required to justify provided scores in each section of the review. Applications that best address these
criteria and associated questions will be most competitive.
Review and Selection Process
Screening, review, and selection procedures will take place in 3 steps: initial screening; panel review; and
final selection by the Selecting Official (the NOAA/NMFS Regional Administrator or their designee).
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1. Initial Screening
An initial administrative review is conducted on each application to determine compliance with
application requirements and completeness of application materials. Applications determined to be
ineligible, incomplete, or non-responsive will be eliminated from further review. When applications are
received, they will be screened to ensure that they were received by the deadline (see Section IV. C.
Submission Dates and Times); the applicant is eligible to apply; the proposed project addresses at least
one of the funding priorities; and that the application includes a project summary, project description,
budget, and supporting documentation as outlined in Section IV.B. Content and Form of Application. We
do not have to screen applications before the submission deadline in order to identify deficiencies that
would cause your application to be rejected so that you would have an opportunity to correct them.
However, should we do so and provide you information about deficiencies, or should you independently
decide it is desirable to do so, you may correct any deficiencies in your application before the deadline.
After the deadline, the application must remain as
submitted; no changes can be made to it. If your application does not conform to the requirements listed
above, and the deadline for submission has passed, the application will be rejected without further
consideration.
2. Panel Review
After the initial screening, each application will be reviewed by three or more appropriate federal
personnel with subject matter expertise. The reviewers will meet and evaluate each proposal individually
based on its own merit against the evaluation criteria described in Section Evaluation Criteria. All
applications, regardless of priority, will be reviewed in this manner. Prior to the Panel meeting or webinar,
each reviewer will independently evaluate each project and provide an individual score prior to the panel
meeting or webinar. During the panel meeting or webinar, reviewers may revise their scores and
comments. Reviewers will submit their final proposal scores to the competition manager by the end of
the panel meeting or webinar. After the panel scores are submitted, a compilation of all proposals in rank
order is developed based on the average score from the reviewer scores.
3. Selection
After applications have undergone the panel review, the Selecting Official will make the final decision
regarding which applications will be recommended for funding based upon the numerical rankings and
evaluations of the applications.
Selection Factors
The Selecting Official (Alaska Regional Administrator or his/her delegate) will review the funding
recommendation and comments of the reviewers to determine which applications will be recommended
to the NOAA Grants Officer. The Selecting Official shall recommend proposals to the Grants Officer for
funding in the rank order unless the proposal is justified to be selected out of rank order based on one or
more of the following factors listed in no order of significance:
1. Availability of funding.
2. Balance/distribution of funds:
a. geographically
b. by type of institution
c. by type of partners
d. by research priority
e. by project types
3. Duplication of other projects funded or considered for funding by NOAA/Federal agencies.
4. Program priorities and policy factors.
5. Applicant’s prior award performance, past NMFS grant award performance.
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Applicants with previous awards with the National Marine Fisheries Service who are not in compliance
with the prior award terms and conditions may not receive funding in this competition unless they
become compliant or corrective action arrangements acceptable to the NOAA Grants Officer are made.
If you have questions regarding compliance on prior awards please contact the competition manager at
Kristin.Cieciel@noaa.gov.
6. Partnerships with/Participation of targeted groups.
7. Adequacy of information necessary for NOAA staff to make a NEPA determination and draft necessary
documentation before recommendations for funding are made to the Grants Officer.
Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
The earliest start date for projects will be September 1, 2026, dependent upon availability of Federal
funding, acceptable completion of all NOAA/applicant negotiations including NEPA analysis and permit
requirements, and the provision of other supporting documentation as requested.
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Notices
Upon completion of the review and selection process, successful applicants will receive notification from
a NMFS Regional representative that the application has been recommended for funding selection to the
NOAA Grants Management Division. This notification is not an authorization to begin performance of the
project, and it is not a guarantee of funding. Official notification of funding, signed by the NOAA Grants
Officer, is the authorizing document that allows the project to begin. This notification will be issued to the
Authorizing Representative of the project either electronically through the use of NOAA's electronic grants
management system or in hard copy. Projects should not be initiated in expectation of Federal funding
until the Applicant’s Authorized Representative has received official notice of the award from the NOAA
Grants Officer and has reviewed and accepted the terms of the award.
Unsuccessful applicants will be notified if their proposal was not recommended for funding or was not
reviewed because it did not meet the minimum requirements described in IV.B (Content and Form of
Applications). Unsuccessful paper applications will not be returned to the applicant. Successful
applicants may be asked to modify objectives, work plans, or budgets prior to final approval of an award.
The exact amount of funds to be awarded, the final scope of activities, the project duration, and specific
NOAA cooperative involvement with the activities of each project will be determined in pre-award
negotiations among the applicant, the NOAA Grants Office, and NOAA program staff.
Award documents provided by the Grants Officer may contain special award conditions limiting the use
of funds for activities that have outstanding environmental compliance requirements. These special
award conditions may also include other compliance requirements for the award, as applicable, and will
be applied on a case-by-case basis. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review award documents
carefully before accepting a Federal award so they are fully aware of the relevant Standard Terms and
Conditions as well as any Special Award Conditions that have been placed on the award.
PRE-AWARD COSTS. Written pre-approval is required from NOAA for pre-award costs, but prior approval
will be waived for awards designated by NOAA as research. Award recipients expend pre-award costs up
to 90 days before the period of performance start date at the applicant’s own risk and in accordance with
the applicant’s internal policies and procedures. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they
would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the Federal award. This does not include direct
proposal costs (as defined at 2 CFR 200.460). In no event will NOAA or the Department of Commerce be
responsible for direct proposal preparation costs. Pre-award costs will be a portion of, not in addition to,
the approved total budget of the award. Pre-award costs expended more than 90 days prior to the period
of performance start date require approval from the Grants Officer. This does not change the period of
performance start date.
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GRANTS OFFICER SIGNATURE. Proposals submitted in response to this solicitation are not considered
awards until the Grants Officer has signed the grant agreement. Only Grants Officers can bind the
Government to the expenditure of funds. The Grants Officer’s digital signature constitutes an obligation of
funds by the federal government and formal approval of the award.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. Funding for programs listed in this notice is contingent upon the availability
of funds. Applicants are hereby given notice that funds may not have been appropriated yet for the
programs listed in this notice. Publication of this announcement does not oblige NOAA to award any
specific project or to obligate any available funds.
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS, COST PRINCIPLES, AND AUDIT REQUIREMENTS.
Through 2 C.F.R. § 1327.101, the Department of Commerce adopted Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards at 2 C.F.R. Part 200, which
applies to awards in this program. Refer to http://go.usa.gov/SBYh and http://go.usa.gov/SBg4.
RESEARCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS. For awards designated on the CD-450 as Research, the
Commerce Terms, and the Federal-wide Research Terms and Conditions (Research Terms) as
implemented by the Department of Commerce, currently, at
https://www.nsf.gov/awards/managing/rtc.jsp, both apply to the award. The Commerce Terms and the
Research Terms are generally intended to harmonize with each other; however, where the Commerce
Terms and the Research Terms differ in a Research award, the Research Terms prevail, unless otherwise
indicated in a specific award condition.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE PRE-AWARD NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTS AND
COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS. The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements contained in the Federal Register notice of December 30, 2014 (79
FR 78390) are applicable to this solicitation and may be accessed online at
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-12-30/pdf/2014-30297.pdf.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC) TERMS AND CONDITIONS. Successful applicants who accept a
NOAA award under this solicitation will be bound by the DOC Financial Assistance Standard Terms and
Conditions. This document will be provided in the award package in eRA at
https://www.commerce.gov/oam/policy/financial-assistance-policy.
BUREAU TERMS AND CONDITIONS. Successful applicants who accept an award under this solicitation
will be bound by bureau-specific standard terms and conditions. These terms and conditions will be
provided in the award package in the eRA system. For NOAA awards only, the Administrative Standard
Award Conditions for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Financial Assistance
Awards U.S. Department of Commerce are applicable to this solicitation and may be accessed online at
https://www.noaa.gov/organization/acquisition-grants/financial-assistance
HUMAN SUBJECTS RESEARCH. For research projects involving Human Subjects an Institutional Review
Board (IRB) approval or an exemption determination will be required in accordance with DOC Financial
Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions Section G.05.i “Research Involving Human Subjects” found at
https://www.commerce.gov/oam/policy/financial-assistance-policy.
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NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (NEPA). NOAA must analyze the potential environmental
impacts, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), for applicant projects or proposals
which are seeking NOAA federal funding opportunities. Detailed information on NOAA compliance with
NEPA can be found at the following NOAA NEPA website: http://www.nepa.noaa.gov/, including our
NOAA Administrative Order 216-6 for NEPA, http://www.nepa.noaa.gov/NAO216_6.pdf, and the Council
on Environmental Quality implementation regulations, http://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/NEPA-
40CFR1500_1508.pdf. Consequently, as part of an applicant's package, and under their description of
their program activities, applicants are required to provide detailed information on the activities to be
conducted, locations, sites, species and habitat to be affected, possible construction activities, and any
environmental concerns that may exist (e.g., the use and disposal of hazardous or toxic chemicals,
introduction of non- indigenous species, impacts to endangered and threatened species, aquaculture
projects, and impacts to coral reef systems). In addition to providing specific information that will serve
as the basis for any required impact analyses, applicants may also be requested to assist NOAA in
drafting an environmental assessment, if NOAA determines an assessment is required. Applicants will
also be required to cooperate with NOAA in identifying feasible measures to reduce or avoid any
identified adverse environmental impacts of their proposal. Failure to do so shall be grounds for not
selecting an application. In some cases if additional information is required after an application is
selected, funds can be withheld by the Grants Officer under a special award condition requiring the
recipient to submit additional environmental compliance information sufficient to enable NOAA to make
an assessment on any impacts that a project may have on the environment.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT. Department of Commerce regulations implementing the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. Sec. 552, are found at 15 C.F.R. Part 4, Public Information. These
regulations set forth rules for the Department regarding making requested materials, information, and
records publicly available under the FOIA. Applications submitted in response to this Notice of Funding
Opportunity may be subject to requests for release under the Act. In the event that an application
contains information or data that the applicant deems to be confidential commercial information that
should be exempt from disclosure under FOIA, that information should be identified, bracketed, and
marked as Privileged, Confidential, Commercial or Financial Information. In accordance with 15 CFR §
4.9, the Department of Commerce will protect from disclosure confidential business information
contained in financial assistance applications and other documentation provided by applicants to the
extent permitted by law.
NOAA SEXUAL ASSAULT AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE POLICY. NOAA
requires organizations receiving federal assistance to report findings of sexual harassment, or any other
kind of harassment, regarding a Principal Investigator (PI), co-PI, or any other key personnel in the award.
NOAA expects all financial assistance recipients to establish and maintain clear and unambiguous
standards of behavior to ensure harassment free workplaces wherever NOAA grant or cooperative
agreement work is conducted, including notification pathways for all personnel, including students, on the
awards. This expectation includes activities at all on- and offsite facilities and during conferences and
workshops. All such settings should have accessible and evident means for reporting violations and
recipients should exercise due diligence with timely investigations of allegations and corrective actions.
For more information, please visit: https://www.noaa.gov/organization/acquisition-grants/noaa-
workplace-harassment-training-for-contractors-and-financial.
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SCIENCE INTEGRITY. 1. Maintaining Integrity. The non-Federal entity shall maintain the scientific integrity
of research performed pursuant to this grant or financial assistance award including the prevention,
detection, and remediation of any allegations regarding the violation of scientific integrity or scientific and
research misconduct, and the conduct of inquiries, investigations, and adjudications of allegations of
violations of scientific integrity or scientific and research misconduct. All the requirements of this
provision flow down to subrecipients. 2. Peer Review. The peer review of the results of scientific activities
under a NOAA grant, financial assistance award or cooperative agreement shall be accomplished to
ensure consistency with NOAA standards on quality, relevance, scientific integrity, reproducibility,
transparency, and performance. NOAA will ensure that peer review of "influential scientific information" or
"highly influential scientific assessments" is conducted in accordance with the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) Final Information Quality Bulletin for Peer Review and NOAA policies on peer review, such
as the Information Quality Guidelines. 3. In performing or presenting the results of scientific activities
under the NOAA grant, financial assistance award, or cooperative agreement and in responding to
allegations regarding the violation of scientific integrity or scientific and research misconduct, the non-
Federal entity and all subrecipients shall comply with the provisions herein and NOAA Administrative
Order (NAO) 202-735D, Scientific Integrity, and its Procedural Handbook, including any amendments
thereto. That Order can be found at https://www.noaa.gov/organization/administration/nao-202-735d-2-
scientific-integrity. 4. Primary Responsibility. The non-Federal entity shall have the primary responsibility
to prevent, detect, and investigate allegations of a violation of scientific integrity or scientific and research
misconduct. Unless otherwise instructed by the grants officer, the non-Federal entity shall promptly
conduct an initial inquiry into any allegation of such misconduct and may rely on its internal policies and
procedures, as appropriate, to do so. 5. By executing this grant, financial assistance award, or cooperative
agreement the non-Federal entity provides its assurance that it has established an administrative process
for performing an inquiry, investigating, and reporting allegations of a violation of scientific integrity or
scientific and research misconduct; and that it will comply with its own administrative process for
performing an inquiry, investigation, and reporting of such misconduct. 6. The non-Federal entity shall
insert this provision in all subawards at all tiers under this grant, financial assistance award, or
cooperative agreement.
REVIEW OF RISK. After applications are proposed for funding by the Selecting Official, the Grants Office
will perform administrative reviews, including an assessment of risk posed by the applicant under 2 C.F.R.
200.206. These may include assessments of the financial stability of an applicant and the quality of the
applicant’s management systems, history of performance, and the applicant’s ability to effectively
implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements imposed on non-Federal entities. Special
conditions that address any risks determined to exist may be applied. Applicants may submit comments
about any information concerning organizational performance listed in the Responsibility/Qualification
section of SAM.gov for consideration by the awarding agency.
REVIEWS AND EVALUATION. The applicant acknowledges and understands that information and data
contained in applications for financial assistance, as well as information and data contained in financial,
performance and other reports submitted by applicants, may be used by the Department of Commerce in
conducting reviews and evaluations of its financial assistance programs. For this purpose, applicant
information and data may be accessed, reviewed and evaluated by Department of Commerce employees,
other Federal employees, and also by Federal agents and contractors, and/or by non-Federal personnel,
all of whom enter into appropriate conflict of interest and confidentiality agreements covering the use of
such information. As may be provided in the terms and conditions of a specific financial assistance
award, applicants are expected to support program reviews and evaluations by submitting required
financial and performance information and data in an accurate and timely manner, and by cooperating
with the Department of Commerce and external program evaluators. In accordance with §200.303(e),
applicants are reminded that they must take reasonable measures to safeguard protected personally
identifiable information and other confidential or sensitive personal or business information created or
obtained in connection with a Department of Commerce financial assistance award.
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INDIRECT COST RATE. If an applicant has not previously established an indirect cost rate with a Federal
agency, they may choose to negotiate a rate with the Department of Commerce or use the de minimis
indirect cost rate of 15% of MTDC (as allowable under 2 C.F.R. §200.414). The negotiation and approval
of a rate is subject to the procedures required by NOAA and the Department of Commerce Standard
Terms and Conditions. The NOAA contact for indirect or facilities and administrative costs is: Jennifer
Jackson, NOAA Grants Management Division, 1325 East West Highway, 9th Floor, Silver Spring, MD
20910, or jennifer.jackson@noaa.gov.
EXECUTIVE ORDER 14173. Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity. This
award term implements Executive Order 14173, 90 FR 8633 (Jan. 21, 2025), Ending Illegal Discrimination
and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity. By accepting this U.S. Department of Commerce financial
assistance award, the recipient: (1) agrees that compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-
discrimination laws is material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of section 3729(b)(4)
of Title 31 United States Code; and (2) certifies to the Department that it does not operate any programs
promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws.
GOLD STANDARD SCIENCE. In performing activities under Federal awards, applicants should commit to
complying with administration policies, procedures, and guidance respecting Gold Standard Science. As
detailed in Executive Order 14303, Restoring Gold Standard Science (May 23, 2025), Gold Standard
Science refers to science conducted in a manner that is:
• Reproducible.
• Transparent.
• Communicative of error and uncertainty.
• Collaborative and interdisciplinary.
• Skeptical of its findings and assumptions.
• Structured for falsifiability of hypotheses.
• Subject to unbiased peer review.
• Accepting of negative results as positive outcomes.
• Without conflicts of interest.
PROHIBITION ON USING FEDERAL AWARDS TO PROMOTE OR SUPPORT THEORIES OF DISPARATE-
IMPACT LIABILITY. In accordance with Executive Order 14281, Restoring Equality of Opportunity and
Meritocracy (April 23, 2025), it is the policy of the Federal Government to eliminate the use of disparate-
impact liability in all contexts to the maximum possible and permitted by law.
TERMINATION. In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.340(a), this federal award may be terminated in part or in
its entirety as follows:
1. By DOC or the pass-through entity if the recipient or subrecipient fails to comply with the terms
and conditions of this federal award.
2. By DOC or the pass-through entity with the consent of the recipient or subrecipient, in which case
the two parties must agree upon the termination conditions. These conditions include the
effective date and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated.
3. By the recipient or subrecipient upon sending DOC or the pass-through entity a written
notification of the reasons for termination, the effective date, and, in the case of partial
termination, the portion to be terminated. If DOC or the pass-through entity determines that the
remaining portion of this federal award will not accomplish the purposes for which this federal
award was made, DOC or the pass-through entity may terminate this federal award in its entirety.
4. By DOC or the pass-through entity to the extent authorized by law, if the award no longer
effectuates the program goals or agency priorities.
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C. Reporting
In accordance with 2 CFR 200.328-9 and the terms and conditions of the award, financial reports are to
be submitted semi-annually and performance (technical) reports are to be submitted semi-annually.
Reports are submitted electronically through eRA.
The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act, 31 U.S.C. 6101 note, includes a requirement
for awardees of applicable Federal grants to report information about first-tier subawards and executive
compensation under Federal assistance awards. All awardees of applicable grants and cooperative
agreements are required to report to the FFATA Subaward Reporting System (FSRS) available at
https://www.fsrs.gov/ on all subawards over $30,000. Refer to 2 CFR Part 170.
1. Award recipients will be required to submit financial and performance (technical) reports.
Financial Status Reports (SF-425) are required to be submitted to the Grants Officer semi-
annually, or as outlined in the award conditions. Financial Status Reports should be entered
directly into the NOAA's electronic grants management system.
2. The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006. The Federal Funding
Accountability and Transparency Act, 31 U.S.C. 6101 note, includes a requirement for awardees
of applicable Federal grants to report information about first-tier subawards and executive
compensation under Federal assistance awards. All awardees of applicable grants and
cooperative agreements are required to report to the Federal Sub-award Reporting System (FSRS)
available at https://www.fsrs.gov/ on all sub-awards over $30,000. Refer to 2 CFR Part 170.
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3. Performance Progress Reports
Basic information that should be in all report submissions includes the project title, award
number, dates of the award period, dates of the reporting period, and the name(s) of the grantee
and the principal investigator. Inclusion of media such as photography and statistics (tables,
graphs, etc.) to help document programmatic activities in report submissions is also encouraged.
Pertinent, captioned photographs of project activities are requested, and may be included within
the progress report document submitted via NOAA's electronic grants management system.
Semi-annual progress reports should describe the tasks accomplished within the reporting period
(from the proposal and amendments) and the tasks that were actually accomplished in the
period, using the evaluation criteria (metrics) for each objective as outlined in your Project
Description (see section IV.B.3.c). The report should also explain any special problems or
differences between the scheduled and accomplished work.
(a) Report title, reporting period, organization, project manager/investigator, grant number, date.
(b) Executive Summary: A brief and succinct summary of the project.
(c) Purpose:

Detailed description of problems or impediments that were addressed by the project.

Objectives of the project.

(d) Approach: Detailed description of the work that was performed.
(e) Project Management: List individuals and/or organizations actually performing the work and
how it was done.
(f) Findings/Results:

Actual accomplishments and findings.

If significant problems developed which resulted in less than satisfactory or negative results,

these should be discussed.

Description of need for additional work, if any.

Collected data during the course of the performance period should be included in tabular format

(e.g., spreadsheet). Final reports must include a complete dataset of data collected during the
performance period.
(g) Evaluation:

Describe the extent to which the project goals and objectives were attained. This description

should address the following: Were the goals and objectives attained? How? If not, why? Were
modifications made to the goals and objectives? If so, explain.
(h) Dissemination of project results:

Explain, in detail, how the project’s results have been and will be disseminated..

4. Publications, Videos, and Acknowledgement of Sponsorship
Publication of the results or findings of the funded award activities in appropriate professional
journals, outreach materials, or press releases, and production of video or other media is
encouraged as an important method of recording and reporting scientific information. These are
also constructive means to expand access to Federally funded research. The recipient is required
to submit a copy of any publication to the funding agency, and when releasing information related
to a funded project, include a statement that the project or effort undertaken was or is sponsored
by NOAA Fisheries Service. The recipient is also responsible for assuring that every publication of
material (including internet sites and videos) based on or developed under an award, except
scientific articles or papers appearing in scientific, technical or professional journals, contains the
following acknowledgement and disclaimer: “This project received funding under award [number]
from NOAA Fisheries AKRO. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are
those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA Fisheries.” The final
report is a public document and may be posted, partially or in its entirety, on the NOAA Fisheries
website.
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Performance Measures: NOAA will evaluate project performance based on alignment with administration
priorities, including but not limited to, domestic economic expansion, infrastructure modernization,
capacity building, and national food security, alongside adherence to Executive Orders and 'Gold Standard
Science.' These overarching criteria are assessed through a framework that measures a project’s
contribution to fishery economic optimization, domestic seafood utilization, infrastructure capacity,
supply chain resilience, and national maritime strategy. To ensure effective implementation, NOAA
reserves the right to incorporate specific quantitative and qualitative metrics into the award agreement
(i.e. Notice of Award; Specific Award Conditions), These metrics will be focused on the project’s
objectives and its ability to foster industry growth, technical modernization, and workforce readiness.
VII. Agency Contacts
If you have any questions regarding this solicitation, contact NOAA NMFS Alaska Regional Office; Email:
akr.grants@noaa.gov. Mailing Address: PO Box 21668, Juneau Alaska 99802-1668
VIII. Other Information
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