FY 2024 – 2026 - Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Announcement Type: Initial

GMD Budget Narrative Guidance

NOAA Grants Management Division’s Budget Narrative Guidance
All applications must have a detailed budget narrative explaining and justifying the Federal and the non-
Federal expenditures by object class category as listed on SF-424A - Section B (Budget Category) for
non-construction awards (and the SF-424C for construction awards). For clarification and simplicity, it is
best to discuss each expense by object class in the order that they appear on the SF424A. Include
detailed descriptions of all cost justifications (see below for more detail). Additionally, provide any cost
sharing and matching funds in the same level of detail as the Federal funds. The budget narrative
submitted with the application must match the dollar amounts on all required forms. Please explain each
calculation and provide a narrative that supports each budget category (the SF-424 must equal total costs
identified on the SF-424A form which must match the budget narrative).
Costs proposed to NOAA awards must be reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary to the
supported activity. Refer to 2 CFR §200 for applicable administrative requirements and cost principles.
The SF424 family forms can be accessed at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-
family.html#sortby=1. If your award is for multi-year or multiple year funding, you must provide a budget
and budget justification for each year. Show each year in a separate column on the SF-424A and use a
separate column for listing any match funds. NOAA expects that applicants will ensure that no Federal or
non-Federal grant funds will be expended for in-kind goods or services, for purposes of providing
transportation, travel, and other expenses for any Federal employee.
Personnel
Provide the name of the person in each position (if known), and provide both the annual (for multiyear
awards) and total: salary/amount each position is paid; the percent of time position contributes to this
award; and the number of months the employee is paid. Personnel wages can be found on the Bureau of
Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) website at http://www.bls.gov/ncs/ocs/. State
if any positions are vacant at the time, and if so, anticipated hire date. Also, provide a justification and
description of each position (including vacant positions). Relate each position specifically to program
objectives. Personnel cannot exceed 100% of their time on all active projects. Recipient should ensure
the cost of living increase is built into the budget and justified.
The salaries of administrative and clerical staff should normally be treated as indirect (F&A) costs (2 CFR
§200.413c). Direct charging of these costs may be appropriate only if all of the following conditions are
met: (1) Administrative or clerical services are integral to a project or activity; (2) Individuals involved can
be specifically identified with the project or activity; (3) Such costs are explicitly included in the approved
budget or have the prior written approval of the Grants Officer; and (4) The costs are not also recovered
as indirect costs.
Sample Budget
PERSONNEL Total $ _________________
Position Title
& Name Yearly Salary % of Time No. of Months $Amount
PI, Jane Doe [amount] [percent] [amount] [amount]
Project Coordinator, John Doe [amount] [percent] [months] [amount]
Education Specialist, Janet Doe [amount] [percent] [months] [amount]
Administrative Assistant, Jane Doe [amount] [percent] [months] [amount]

---

Sample Justification
Project Coordinator - [Name]: This position directs the overall operation of the project; responsible for overseeing the
implementation of project activities, coordination with other agencies, development of materials, provision of in-service and training,
conducting meetings and coordinating with agencies, designs and directs the gathering, tabulating and interpreting of required data,
responsible for overall program evaluation and for staff performance evaluation; and is the responsible authority for ensuring
necessary reports/documentation are submitted to NOAA. This position relates to all program objectives. John Doe will provide 10
months effort for a total of $xx each year for three years (total $xx).
Fringe Benefits
Fringe benefits are usually applicable to direct salaries and wages. Provide the fringe benefit rate used.
Provide both the annual (for multiyear awards) and total. If a fringe benefit rate is not used, show how the
fringe benefits were computed for each position. The budget justification should be reflected in the
budget description. Elements that comprise fringe benefits should be indicated. The fringe rate should be
proportional among the Federal and non-Federal share categories. If a fringe rate is greater than 35%, a
description and breakdown of the benefits must be provided unless a negotiated indirect cost rate
agreement (NICRA) has been provided with that information. If fringe benefits are not computed by using
a percent of salaries, provide a breakdown of how the computation is done. The applicant should not
combine the fringe benefit costs with direct salaries and wages in the personnel category.
Sample Budget
FRINGE BENEFITS Total $ _________________
Project Coordinator - Salary [amount]
Retirement 5% of $35,000 = [amount]
FICA 7.65% of $35,000 = [amount]
Insurance = [amount]
Workman’s Compensation, etc. = [amount]
Total [amount]
Position Title
& Name Yearly Salary % Rate $ Amount
Project Coordinator, John Doe [amount] [percent] [amount]
Education Specialist, Janet Doe [amount] [percent] [amount]
Project Assistant, Grad student [amount] [percent] [amount]
Administrative Assistant, Jane Doe [amount] [percent] [amount]
Sample Justification
The fringe benefit rate for full-time employees for years one and two is calculated at 33%. The fringe rate for the student is
calculated at 7%. For years three and four, the fringe rate is anticipated to increase to 34% for employees and remain at 7% for
graduate students.
Travel
Provide both the annual (for multiyear awards) and total for domestic and foreign travel.

---

● Domestic Travel: Domestic travel includes travel within and between the U.S., the
commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Island,
and the territories and possessions of the United States. Provide a narrative justification
describing the travel staff will perform. List origin and destination, number of trips planned, who
will be making the trip, purpose of travel and how it relates to the scope of work, and approximate
dates. If mileage is to be paid, provide number of miles and the cost per mile. If travel is by air,
show cost of airfare and proposed airline (if known). If per diem/lodging is to be paid, indicate
number of days and the amount for each day’s per diem and the number of nights and the
amount for each night’s lodging. Include any ground transportation when applicable. Total each
trip planned.
● Foreign Travel: Travel outside the areas specified above is considered foreign travel. Provide a
narrative justification describing the same information as above. Follow above format. Certify
compliance with the Fly America Act. The Fly America Act limits the use of foreign flag carriers to
foreign travel. A waiver is only allowed for specific instances and will require prior approval. See
http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/103191 for more information.
Dollars requested in the travel category should be for staff travel only. Travel for consultants
should be shown in the consultant category along with the consultant’s fee. Travel for training
participants, advisory committees, review panels and etc., should be itemized the same way as
indicated above and placed in the “other” category. Travel should include: origin and destination,
estimated costs and type of transportation, number of travelers, related lodging and per diem
costs, brief description of the travel involved, its purpose, and explanation of how the proposed
travel is necessary for successful completion of the project.
If travel details are unknown, then the basis for proposed costs should be explained (i.e., historical
information). Travel costs can be charged on an actual basis, on a per diem or mileage basis in lieu of
actual costs incurred, or a combination of the two if applied consistently and results in reasonable
charges. Travel support for dependents of key project personnel may be requested only when the travel
is for a duration of six months or more either by inclusion in the approved budget or with the prior written
approval of the Grants Officer (2 CFR §200.474(c)(2)), and consistent with the non-Federal entity's written
travel reimbursement policies.
Sample Budget
TRAVEL - DOMESTIC Total $ _________________
Domestic Travel:
1 trip x 1 person @ $800 airfare = [amount]
2 days per diem x $37/day x 2 people = [amount]
1 night’s lodging x $67/night x 2 people = [amount]
Ground transportation 1 person = _ [amount]
Total [amount]
Sample Justification
The Project Coordinator and the Education Specialist will travel to [event location] to provide training at the “Train the Trainers”
workshop being held [date]. They will both travel from [origin] to [destination], and take ground transportation from the airport to the
event/hotel.

---

Sample Budget
TRAVEL - FOREIGN Total $ _________________
Foreign Travel:
1 trip x 1 person @ $800 airfare = [amount]
3 days per diem x $45/day x 1 person = [amount]
2 nights lodging x $88/night x 1 person = [amount]
Ground transportation 1 person = [amount]
Total [amount]
Sample Justification
Project Coordinator will travel from [origin] to [destination] on [travel dates] to present research at the Sea Grant Annual Meeting.
The event will be held on [meeting date]. Traveler is requesting lodging for two nights and is requesting per diem for travel days.
Ground transportation is requested. Traveler will comply with the Fly America Act.
Equipment
Provide justification for the use of each item and relate them to specific program objectives. Provide both
the annual (for multiyear awards) and total for equipment. Equipment is defined as an article of tangible
personal property that has a useful life of more than one year and a per-unit acquisition cost which equals
or exceeds the lesser of the capitalization level established by the non-Federal entity for financial
statement purposes, or $5,000. A recipient organization may classify equipment at a lower dollar value
but cannot classify it higher than $5,000. For example, a state may classify their equipment at $1,000 with
a useful life of a year.
It is recommended that applicant’s internal policies for equipment are provided in this section in order to
avoid requests by NOAA for closeout documents and delays during the closeout period.
General use of equipment (i.e., computers, faxes, etc.) must be used 100% for the proposed project if
charged directly to the grant. Maintenance fees for equipment should be shown in the “other” category.
Non-Federal entities should conduct a lease versus purchase analysis to determine best value. General
purpose equipment such as office equipment and furnishings, and information technology equipment and
systems are typically not eligible for direct cost support (2 CFR §200.439).
Provide objective-related justification for all equipment items after the detailed budget. The source for
determining the budget price for each unit of equipment should be included in the justification.
Sample Budget
EQUIPMENT Total $ _________________
[Item] = [amount]
[Item] = [amount]
[Item] = [amount]
Total [amount]
Sample Justification
Equipment costs of [$ amount] is requested for modified gill nets (1x$20,000), anchors (2x$6,000), floating and acoustic transmitters
and receivers (4x$10,000). The gill nets will be used for [description]. The anchors are needed for [description]. The transmitters and
receivers will be used for [description].

---

Supplies
List by supply item. An explanation is necessary for supplies costing more than $5,000, or five percent of
the award, whichever is greater. Show unit cost of each item, number needed, and total amount. Provide
both the annual (for multiyear awards) and total for supplies. Provide justification of the supply items and
relate them to specific program objectives. It is recommended that when training materials are kept on
hand as a supply item, that it be included in the “supplies” category. When training materials (pamphlets,
notebooks, videos, and other various handouts) are ordered for specific training activities, these items
should be itemized and shown in the “other” category. If appropriate, general office supplies may be
shown by an estimated amount per month multiplied by the number of months in the budget period.
Requirements for supplies which exceed the thresholds: explain the type of supplies to be purchased, or
nature of the expense in the budget narrative; provide a breakdown of supplies by quantity and cost per
unit if known; and indicate basis for estimate of supplies, i.e., historical use on similar projects.
Sample Budget
SUPPLIES Total $ _________________
General office supplies (pens, pencils, paper, etc.)
Lab supplies (developing chemicals, petri dishes, etc.)
12 months x $100/month = [amount]
2,000 pamphlets entitled [name] x $.58 ea. = [amount]
Sample Justification
General office supplies will be used by staff to carry out daily activities of the program. Pamphlets will be kept in stock and
distributed to schools as needed upon request. Supplies relate to (describe how pamphlets relate to objectives).
Contractual
It is encouraged that applicants provide separate budgets for each contract, but necessary for each
substantial contract, to determine whether proposed costs are reasonable, necessary, allowable, and
allocable. Describe products or services to be obtained and indicate the applicability or necessity of each
to the project. Provide both the annual (for multiyear awards) and total for contractual. Do not incorporate
contractual indirect costs under the indirect costs line item for the applicant/grantee on the SF-424A or
budget narrative. A contract means a legal instrument by which a non-Federal entity purchases goods or
services needed to carry out the project or program under a Federal award, per §200.22.
Procurement standards are identified in §200.317-200.326. Procurement transactions must be conducted
in a manner providing full and open competition consistent with the standards identified in §200.319.
Sample Budget
CONTRACTUAL Total $ _________________
Name of Organization
Performance Period
Description of Activities
If requested, the non-Federal entity must provide technical specifications on proposed procurements per §200.324.

---

Sample Justification
Contractual costs of [$ amount] is requested for the university to execute a contract with TBD, competed competitively, for [$
amount] to develop and deploy satellite tags on North Atlantic right whales for 2016 (one year). Expenses will include: (1) personnel
and fringe for a technician to implement tag development and testing during Year 1, (2) expenses TBD to travel to Seattle, WA to
meet with XX computers engineers to develop a GPS-linked satellite tag, (3) travel for TBD to the Southeast U.S. to lead tag
deployments in 2015 and 2016, and (4) tagging supplies (satellite tags, tag darts, measurement electronics for tag testing, other tag
testing supplies). TBD will report to the university quarterly to ensure progress. [Attach itemized budget.]
Construction
Construction activity is allowable only when program legislation includes specific authority for construction
and/or when the DOC operating unit specifically authorizes such activity. Activities under an award are
considered construction when the major purpose of the award is construction as defined in this chapter.
In contrast, alteration of facilities incidental to a non-construction purpose is not considered construction
under this chapter.
Most Federal programs do not allow construction costs, and those that do typically have detailed
instructions describing how to figure construction costs. Estimated construction costs must be supported
by documentation including drawings and estimates, formal bids, etc. As with all other costs, follow the
specific requirements of the program, the terms and conditions of the award, and applicable regulations.
Whereas non-construction awards use the SF-424A form; construction awards must use the SF-424C
form. Detail provided should include: administrative and legal expenses; land, structures, rights-of-way,
appraisals, etc.; relocation expenses and payments; architectural and engineering fees, project inspection
fees; site work; demolition and removal; equipment; contingencies; and program income.
Other
This category contains both subawards and other items not included in the previous categories.
● Subawards. It is encouraged that applicants provide separate budgets for each subaward, but
necessary for each substantial subaward, to determine whether proposed costs are reasonable,
necessary, allowable, and allocable. Indicate the applicability or necessity of each subaward to
the project. A subaward is an award provided by a pass-through entity to a subrecipient for the
subrecipient to carry out part of a Federal award, including a portion of the scope of work or
objectives. A pass-through entity is a non-Federal entity that provides a subaward to a
subrecipient to carry out part of a Federal program. Do not incorporate indirect costs incurred by
subawards under the indirect costs line item for the applicant/grantee on the SF-424A or budget
narrative. (It is recommended that subawards fall under the other section; however, the applicant
may opt to categorize subawards under the contractual. The applicant should be clear in the
different regulations/requirements between contracts and subawards.)
● Other. List items by type of material or nature of expense, break down costs by quantity and cost
per unit if applicable, state the necessity of other costs for successful completion of the project
and exclude unallowable costs (i.e., alcohol, fundraising, meals and coffee breaks). Provide both
the annual (for multiyear awards) and total for other. Give justification for all the items in the
“other” category (e.g., separate justification for printing, telephone, postage, rent, etc.). All costs
associated with training activities should be placed in the “other” category except costs for

---

consultant and/or contractual. List all expenses anticipated for the training activity in the format
above. Include rental space for training (if required), training materials, speaker fees, substitute
teacher fees, and any other applicable expenses related to the training. Allowable conference
costs paid by the non-Federal entity as a sponsor or host of the conference may include rental of
facilities, speakers' fees, costs of meals and refreshments, local transportation, and other items
incidental to such conferences unless further restricted by the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. As needed, the costs of identifying, but not providing, locally available dependent-care
resources are allowable. Conference hosts/sponsors must exercise discretion and judgment in
ensuring that conference costs are appropriate, necessary and managed in a manner that
minimizes costs to the Federal award (2 CFR Part 200.432). Furthermore, if such costs are
unallowable by the recipient, they cannot be charged solely to the Federal award.
Total Direct Charges
Show total direct costs by listing totals of each category.
Sample Budget Total $ _________________
A. Personnel [amount]
B. Fringe [amount]
C. Travel [amount]
D. Equipment [amount]
E. Supplies [amount]
F. Contractual [amount]
G. Construction [amount]
H. Other [amount]
Total Direct Costs [amount]
Indirect Charges
Indirect costs are those costs incurred for common or joint objectives which cannot be readily identified
with an individual project or program but are necessary to the operations of the organization. The
following types of indirect cost rates apply:
● Fixed. Established for a future period based on estimates of costs for that period. They are
subject to adjustments using a "carry forward" method. Although there is no adjustment of the
rate for the current year, the difference between the estimated rate and the actual rate is carried
forward in establishing the rate for a subsequent period.
● Provisional. Temporarily established for an award to permit funding and reporting of indirect
costs pending the establishment of a final rate. Billings and charges to contracts and grants must
be adjusted if the final rate varies from the provisional rate.
● Pre-determined. Established for a future period on an estimate of costs for that period. This type
of rate is not subject to subsequent adjustments. It is used only where cost experience is such
that the actual indirect cost can be accurately predicted.

---

Recipients can receive a one-time extension of up to four years on their existing rate. Please refer to the
DOC Financial Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions and the 2 CFR 200 for more information about
indirect costs and facilities and administrative costs, including more information regarding pre-determined,
provisional, and fixed rates.
Provide the most recent negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) with the itemized budget. The
applicable indirect cost rate(s) negotiated by the organization with the cognizant negotiating agency must
be used in computing indirect costs (F&A) for a proposal (2 CFR §200.414). The amount for indirect costs
should be calculated by applying the current negotiated indirect cost rate(s) to the approved base(s). If a
recent NICRA is not in the application package, and is not filed in the organization profile, the grants
specialist should first search the HHS Rate Agreement Distribution System (RADS) at
https://rates.psc.gov/dcaweb/ prior to reaching out to the recipient. If the Grants Specialist is unable to
obtain a recent NICRA from RADS and the applicant, the Grants Specialist, as a last resort, can include a
special award condition on the award for the applicant to submit a Federally Approved Indirect Cost Rate
schedule within 90 days.
Any non-Federal entity that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate, except for those non-
Federal entities described in Appendix VII to Part 200—States and Local Government and Indian Tribe
Indirect Cost Proposals, paragraph (d)(1)(B) may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified
total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely. Foreign grantees that do not have a negotiated
indirect cost rate may also elect to charge the de minimis rate limited to an indirect cost rate recovery of
10% of modified total direct costs, and foreign grantees that have a negotiated rate agreement with a U.S.
Federal agency may recover indirect costs at the current negotiated rate.
(Only mandatory cost sharing or cost sharing specifically committed in the project budget must be
included in the organized research base for computing the indirect (F&A) cost rate or reflected in any
allocation of indirect costs.)
Sample Budget
INDIRECT COSTS Total $ _________________
The rate is _______ % and is computed on the following direct cost base $ ________.
Personnel
Fringe
Travel
Supplies
Other
Total
Multiplied by Indirect Cost Rate _____ %
Total Indirect Costs [amount]
Totals - Direct and Indirect Charges
Provide the total combined direct and indirect costs budgeted.

---

Cost Share or Match
If a non-Federal cost share or match is required for this award, demonstrate it meets the matching
requirements. Provide sources of the match and provide adequate documentation for in-kind match. The
match should provide the same level of detail as the Federal share outlined in this guidance; therefore, it
should be broken down by object class category (personnel, fringe, travel, equipment, supplies,
contractual, other, indirect costs, etc.) The non-Federal share is subject to the same regulations as the
Federal share. If the recipient cannot meet the cost share/match stated in its application, the Federal
award should be reduced by the same percentage. (See reference under “Indirect Charges” regarding
cost sharing and indirect (F&A) cost rate computation.)
This document was last updated May 24, 2017 and is subject to change.

---

NOAA-NESDISPO-STAR-2024-27967

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

---

Table of Contents
NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ....................................................................................................................1
Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................................................1
Full Text of Announcement ............................................................................................................................................1
I. Funding Opportunity Description ...........................................................................................................................2
II. Award Information ................................................................................................................................................2
III. Eligibility Information ..........................................................................................................................................2
IV. Application and Submission Information ............................................................................................................3
V. Application Review Information ...........................................................................................................................7
VI. Award Administration Information ......................................................................................................................9
VII. Agency Contacts ...............................................................................................................................................14
VIII. Other Information ............................................................................................................................................15
Executive Summary
Federal Agency Name
National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service Program Office (NE
Funding Opportunity Title
FY 2024 – 2026 - Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Announcement Type: Initial
Announcement Type
Broad Agency Announcement
Funding Opportunity Number
NOAA-NESDISPO-STAR-2024-27967
Assistance Listing Number(s)
11.015
Dates
Applications must be submitted to Grants.gov up to 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time September 30, 2026.
Applications received after this time will not be reviewed or considered for funding. Applications will be
considered on a continuing/rolling basis as they are received.
Funding Opportunity Description
This notice is not a mechanism to fund existing NOAA awards. The purpose of this notice is to request
applications for special projects and programs associated with NOAA's strategic plan and mission goals, as well as
to provide the general public with information and guidelines on how NOAA will select applications and
administer discretionary Federal assistance under this Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). Each NOAA Line
Office that supports financial assistance (National Marine Fisheries Service, National Ocean Service, National
Weather Service, Office of Atmospheric Research, Office of Education, and National Environmental Satellite Data
Information Service) has a separate BAA found in Grants.gov, so applicants should submit their application to the
BAA for the Line Office that best fits their application. A description of NOAA Line Offices is found at
https://www.corporateservices.noaa.gov/public/lineoffices.html and https://www.noaa.gov/office-education, and
applicants may contact the Agency Contacts in Section VII. below for more information. If you submit the same
application to more than Line Office, mention this in your application and notify the relevant contacts in Section
VII. so that NOAA may coordinate internally.
Full Text of Announcement
NOAA NOFO Page 1 of 15

---

I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Program Objective
This Broad Agency Announcement is a mechanism to encourage research, education and outreach, innovative
projects, or sponsorships that are not addressed through NOAA’s competitive discretionary programs. This
announcement is not soliciting goods or services for the direct benefit of NOAA. Funding for activities described
in this notice is contingent upon the availability of appropriations in the fiscal years applicable to the application.
Applicants are hereby given notice that funds have not yet been appropriated for any activities described in this
notice. Publication of this announcement does not oblige NOAA to review an application beyond an initial
administrative review, or to award any specific project, or to obligate any available funds.
B. Program Priorities
As an agency with responsibilities for maintaining and improving the viability of marine and coastal ecosystems,
for delivering valuable weather, climate, and water information and services, for understanding the science and
consequences of climate change, and for supporting the global commerce and transportation upon which we all
depend, NOAA must remain current and responsive in an ever-changing world.
We do this in concert with our partners and stakeholders in Federal, state, and local governments and private
organizations, applying a systematic approach that links our strategic goals through multi-year plans to the daily
activities of our employees. Every year we are committed to re-evaluate our progress and priorities, look for
efficiencies, and take advantage of new opportunities to improve our information, products, and services. In
furtherance of this objective, NOAA issues this BAA for extramural research, innovative projects, and
sponsorships (e.g., conferences, newsletters, etc.) that address one or more of the following four mission goal
descriptions contained in the NOAA Strategic Plan:
C. Program Authority
The specific program authority will vary depending on the nature of the proposed project. A list of the most
prevalent assistance authorities are
15 U.S.C. 1540; 15
U.S.C. 2901 et. seq.; 16 U.S.C. 661; 16 U.S.C. 1456c; 33 U.S.C. 883a-d; 33 USC
893a; 33 U.S.C. 1442; 49 U.S.C. 44720(b).
II. Award Information
A. Funding Availability
There are no funds specifically appropriated by Congress for this Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). Funding for
potential projects in this notice is contingent upon the availability of appropriations in the fiscal years applicable to
the application. Applicants are hereby given notice that funds have not yet been appropriated for any proposed
activities in this notice.
B. Project/Award Period
The anticipated start date of the award generally will be three to six months after receipt of the application by
NOAA. Applications should generally be submitted for a one-year award period, but this may be negotiated if the
application is recommended for funding.
Note: The award must start on the first day of a month in the year, and end on the last day of a month in the year
(e.g. 08/01/2025 – 07/31/2026)
C. Type of Funding Instrument
Selected applicants will either enter into a grant or a cooperative agreement depending upon the amount of NOAA's
involvement in the project. Substantial involvement by NOAA in the project would require a cooperative agreement.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants may be institutions of higher education, nonprofits, commercial organizations, international or
foreign organizations or governments, individuals, state, local, and Indian Tribal governments. Eligibility also
depends on the statutory authority that permits NOAA to fund the proposed activity. Funding of Federal
organizations is outside the scope of this announcement; if funding authority exists, Federal organizations seeking
NOAA funds should contact relevant program officials about the interagency agreement process.
NOAA NOFO Page 2 of 15

---

B. Cost Share or Matching Requirement
Cost sharing is not required unless it is determined that a project can only be funded under an authority that
requires matching/cost sharing funds.
C. Other Criteria that Affect Eligibility
None
IV. Application and Submission Information
A. Address to Request Application Package
Applicants can obtain electronic application packages through Grants.gov by using Notice of Funding Opportunity
Number NOAA-NESDISPO-STAR-2024-27967 to conduct a search. Grants.gov requires applicants to complete a
free annual registration process in the electronic System for Award Management (SAM), found at
https://sam.gov/SAM/, as described in section IV.C. and IV.G. of this Announcement.
These registration processes can take several weeks and involve multiple steps. In order to allow sufficient time for
these processes, applicants should register as soon as they decide to apply even if they are not ready to submit their
application.
B. Content and Form of Application
1. Format Requirements.
All pages should be single-spaced and composed in at least 11-point font with one-inch margins on 8” x 11” paper.
The project description may not exceed 15 pages, exclusive of title page, project synopsis, literature cited, budget
information, resumes of investigators, and letters of support (if any). Failure to follow the requirements may result in
the rejection of the application and its subsequent return.
Any PDF or other attachments that are included in an electronic application must meet the above format requirement
when printed out.
2. Content Requirements. The following information must be included:
a. Signed SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance: The SF-424 must be signed by the Authorized
Representative. Electronic signatures submitted through Grants.gov satisfy this requirement.
b. Title Page (1-page limit): The title page identifies the project's title, total budget, start and end dates; and the
Principal Investigator's (PI’s) and co-PI's names, affiliations, complete mailing addresses, email addresses, telephone
numbers and fax numbers. The title page must also identify the specific NOAA office (e.g., NESDIS, NMFS, NOS,
NWS, OAR or Office of Education) and the NOAA program targeted by the application.
c. Project Synopsis (1-page limit): It is critical that the project synopsis accurately describes the project being
proposed and conveys all essential elements of the activities. It is imperative that potential applicants tie their
applications to one of the NOAA mission goals described in Section I.B. of this announcement and state it here in
the synopsis.
d. Project Description (15-page limit): The applicant should describe and justify the project being proposed
and address each of the evaluation criteria as described below in Section V. Project descriptions should include clear
objectives and specific approaches to achieving those objectives, including methods, timelines, and expected
outcomes.
e. Literature Cited: If applicable
f. Assurances: The SF-424B Assurances form must be completed and submitted for all non-construction
applications, and the SF-424D Assurances form must be completed and submitted for all construction applications.
g. Completed Form CD-511, Certification Regarding Lobbying.
h. Resumes for each major participant: Key Personnel; Principal Investigator(s).
i. Standard Application Forms: Please refer to the application package available through Grants.gov. Please
review each form to determine which are required with submission. Each applicant may not be required to submit all
forms listed, depending on the project type or applicant type.
j. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Questionnaire: NOAA has a NEPA policy applicable to funding
applicants, described in Section VI of this announcement. NOAA has a NEPA Questionnaire that may be applicable
to some projects, but applicants do not need to provide answers to the NOAA NEPA Questionnaire at this time.
However, NOAA may require additional information from the applicant regarding potential environmental impacts
prior to reviewing the application.
NOAA NOFO Page 3 of 15

---

k. Data Management Plan: If relevant for the proposed project, include a data sharing plan. Refer to Section
VI.
l. Budget and Budget Justification: The SF-424A Budget Information Form must be completed, and there
should be a detailed budget justification accompanying the SF- 424 budget forms (SF-424A non-construction or SF-
424C construction, as appropriate). Indicate matching funds if provided in a separate column. Provide justifications
for all budget items in sufficient detail to enable the reviewers to evaluate the appropriateness of the funding
requested. The budget justification should be broken out and detailed using the same budget categories as
the SF-424 budget form (SF-424A or SF-424C). Budget Narrative Guidance can be found at:
https://www.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/gmd_budget_narrative_guidance_-_05-24-2017_final.pdf.
Applicants requesting indirect costs at a rate greater than the de minimis 10% must provide a signed copy of their
organization’s existing approved Federal indirect cost (IDC) rate agreement with the application package.
m. Indirect Costs: If an applicant has not previously established an indirect cost rate with a Federal agency, the
applicant may choose to negotiate a rate with its cognizant agency (the agency from which the applicant receives the
most grant funding), or use the de minimis indirect cost rate of 10% of Modified Total Direct Costs (as allowable
under 2 C.F.R. §200.414). Applicants requesting indirect costs at a rate greater than the de minimis 10% must
provide a signed copy of their existing approved Federal indirect cost (IDC) rate agreement with
the application package.
If an applicant seeks to establish a new indirect cost rate agreement and NOAA would be the cognizant agency, the
applicant must submit its indirect cost rate agreement documentation per the Department of Commerce Financial
Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions (2019),
https://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/2020-11/DOC%20Standard%20Terms%20and%20Conditions%20-
%2012%20November%202020%20PDF_0.pdf
,or any amended versions that may be applicable (found at
https://www.osec.doc.gov/oam/grants_management/policy/) within 90 days after award start date or those costs will
not be allowed. The approval process may take several weeks. The indirect cost rate applications in these cases
should be sent by mail or email (separately from the grant application) to:
Jennifer Jackson, Grants Officer
NOAA Grants Management Division,
Email: jennifer.jackson@noaa.gov
For applicants seeking to establish a new indirect cost rate agreement and NOAA would be the cognizant agency,
the information that must be provided (separate from the application) to establish an Approved Indirect Cost Rate
Agreement is described below:
Submitted by Non-Profits and Commercial Entities
1. A chart showing the organizational structure during the period for which the proposal applies, along with a
functional statement noting the duties and/or responsibilities of all units that comprise the organization. Please make
sure this includes a brief narrative background statement outlining the financial operation of the organization.
2. The basic proposal including all other supporting schedules and financial and statistical information supporting
the basic proposal. Any supporting schedules should be cross-referenced to the basic proposal (accounting records
and related work papers to support the costs contained in the indirect cost proposal).
a.The total costs shown in the basic proposal should also reconcile to the financial statements in the most recent
audit report, which should also be provided.
b. Reconciliations/Analyses
i. As stated above, detailed reconciliation between the proposal and the financial statements;
ii. Adjusted detailed trial balance which agrees to the audited financial statements;
iii. Trend Analysis Report - It must itemize expense account line items that support the totals of both direct
and indirect expenses, for three years (only two years would be required if the entity has only been in business for
two years).
iv. Comparisons or trends of the indirect cost rates only will cause your indirect cost proposal to be rejected, until
the correctly prepared trend analysis report is received; and
v. Calculations showing how applicable prior year carry-forward amounts were applied to formulate current year’s
rate submission.
3. A listing of directly awarded grants and contracts by Federal agency, Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
(CFDA) number, dollar amounts separated by direct- indirect-total costs, period of performance, applicable cost
principle, and the identification of any cost limitations and special award terms/conditions applicable to each.
NOAA NOFO Page 4 of 15

---

4. Cost Policy Statement (e.g. Disclosure Statement) the purpose of which is to establish an unambiguous
understanding between the grantee and the Federal Government as to what costs will be charged directly and what
costs will be charged indirectly. If a Cost Policy Statement was submitted with last year’s proposal and not
proposing any changes to the current year’s submission, the following suggested language should be included in
their transmittal letter when a proposal is submitted: [ABC Organization] hereby confirms that no
changes to its accounting practices as set forth in its Cost Policy Statement dated [date] have been made.
5. Statement of Total Costs contains all line items of cost included in the organization’s chart of accounts and
applicable columns for direct costs (by cost center/activity, Federal grants, non-Federal grants, fund raising, etc.),
indirect costs (overhead, G&A, etc.), and unallowable costs (if applicable). These columns should show the type
(e.g. labor, travel supplies, etc.) and amount of cost incurred by each activity. The total costs should reconcile to the
organization’s financial statements. If the reconciliation is not clear, the organization should provide a separate
schedule supporting the difference.
6. Statement of Indirect Costs contains all line items of cost included in the indirect cost pool(s), the applicable
base(s), and the resulting indirect cost rate(s). The allocation base should be traceable to the organization’s total
costs. If not clearly traceable, an additional schedule should be provided to support the reconciliation.
7. Specific Personnel Costs includes a list of all volunteers by job title, along with a description of the services they
provided to the organization, if significant. Also required is a list of all management level employees, their position
descriptions and salaries.
8. Certification of Indirect Costs - A completed Certification must be signed on behalf of the organization by an
official at a level no lower than Executive Director or Chief Financial Officer. The Certification must identify the
period of coverage for the indirect cost proposal, asserting that it has been prepared in accordance with the
applicable cost principles and guidelines [2 CFR Part 200 (non-profits), FAR Part 31 (commercial)].
9. Identification of Other Items to be included within the indirect cost proposal package. If these items are not
provided with the organization’s proposal, it may be necessary for them to be provided later during the review
process as circumstances dictate.
a.dentify assets purchased with Federal sponsored program funds or Non-Federal sponsored program funds, if
any, and specify if ownership remains with sponsoring entity or transfers to recipient upon successful completion of
the awards.
b. Identify all related party transactions.
c. Identify idle facilities, if any.
10. Lobbying Certificate – A completed Certification must be signed on behalf of the organization by an official at a
level no lower than Executive Director or Chief Financial Officer. Completion of this Certification indicates the
organization has complied with the requirements and standards on lobbying costs in the development of the indirect
cost rate.
11. DOC’s Indirect Cost Proposal Checklist. Please mark the Checklist item number on the corresponding document
(or start of section) within the final proposal package. Follow this link to view a copy of the IDC Proposal Checklist:
https://rates.psc.gov/fms/dca/icpchecklist.pdf
Submitted by States and Local Government and Indian Tribe
All entities receiving this Guidance desiring to claim indirect costs under Federal awards using an indirect cost rate
must prepare and maintain their completed indirect cost rate proposal for review, as set forth in 2 CFR Part 200,
Uniform Administrative Requirements for Federal Grants.
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 Questionaire is required with the submission of the application
C. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)
NOAA NOFO Page 5 of 15

---

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
Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis starting from the publication date of this Broad Agency
Announcement up to 11:59:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time on September 30, 2026. Applications received after
this time will not be reviewed or considered for funding. Applications shall be evaluated for funding generally
within three to six months of receipt. An applicant can expect to receive either a rejection notice based on the
initial pre-screening review (if found ineligible), a rejection notice based on merit review or program restrictions, a
request for additional information, and/or an award within that time frame.
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 the 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 SPOCs are listed in the Office Management and Budget's home page at
https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc
F. Funding Restrictions
None, unless required by the statute under which the award is funded.
G. Other Submission Requirements
Applicants must register with Grants.gov before any application materials can be submitted. An organization's one
time registration process may take up to three weeks or more to complete. To use Grants.gov, an applicant must
have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) number and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) (both of
which require periodic renewals). Applicants can receive a UEI number and a SAM registration at no cost by
visiting https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration . Please do not register in SAM as a “Private” entity.
Allow a minimum of five days to complete the SAM registration, which will require the applicant’s Employer
Identification Number. The entire registration process, including Grants.gov, UEI, and SAM, it may take more than
three weeks to complete, and the registration must be renewed annually.. Please allow sufficient time for these steps.
The Grants.gov site contains directions for submitting an application, the application package (forms), and is also
where the completed application is submitted. The downloadable application package is available on Grants.gov.
The package will be available for this solicitation's Workspace or download a copy of the application package,
complete it offline, and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. Use the Notice of Funding
Opportunity Number NOAA-NESDISPO-STAR-2024-27967 to conduct a search and obtain electronic application
packages.
After electronic submission of the application through Grants.gov, the person submitting the application will receive
up to three email messages from Grants.gov updating them on the progress of their application. In the first 24 to 48
hours after submission, the first email will confirm receipt of the application by the Grants.gov system, and the
second will indicate that the application has either been successfully validated by the system before transmission to
the grantor agency or has been rejected because of errors. Only validated applications are sent to NOAA for review.
After the application has been validated, this same person will receive a third email, generally within two days,
when the application has been downloaded by NOAA. If an applicant has not received an email verifying that the
application has been downloaded by NOAA, the applicant is responsible for contacting the federal program officer
for this Announcement and providing documentation that demonstrates the application was submitted to Grants.gov
ahead of the deadline.
NOAA NOFO Page 6 of 15

---

The assistance listing number will vary depending on the nature of the proposed project. The applicant should
consult the assistance listing series available at https.sam.gov/. The applicant should review the assistance listing
numbers associated with the “National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration” (Generally 11.400 - 11.481 as
well as 11.008, 11.011, 11.012, 11.015, 11.017 and 11.021) and select the most accurate program for the proposed
project. The assistance listing will also provide the applicant with the eligibility requirements in order to determine
if an applicant can apply under that particular assistance listing.
NOAA uses the eRA system to electronically administer their Grants Management Portfolio. eRA commons,
public.era.nih.gov, is the public facing portal that recipients will use to manage any awarded applications. You can
register at public.era.nih.gov. If you require assistance you can review the instructions here
https://www.era.nih.gov/register-accounts/register-in-era-commons.htm.
The first listed PD/PI on the application must include their eRA Commons ID in the “Credential, e.g., agency login”
field of form. Failure to register in eRA Commons and to include a valid PD/PI Commons ID in the Applicant
Identifier field on the SF-424 form will prevent the successful submission of an electronic application. Additional
personnel included on the form do not need to include this information, however eRA will create a warning
recommending those personnel also have valid eRA Commons IDs. Again - it is not required that those additional
personnel include valid eRA Commons IDs regardless of the warnings created by the eRA system.
H. Address for Submitting Proposals
Applicants should submit full applications through the www.Grants.gov website as described in this announcement.
If for any reason applicants are unable to submit their application through Grants.gov or are concerned about
possible problems associated with the Grants.gov system, send an email to the NOAA point of contact or group
email address identified in this announcement to make alternative arrangements.
V. Application Review Information
Evaluation Criteria
A. Evaluation Criteria
NOAA has standardized evaluation criteria for all competitive assistance announcements. The criteria for this BAA
are listed below. Applicants are required to adhere to all the noted submission requirements and to provide a
demonstrable link and/or to emphasize the manner in which study objectives results relate to NOAA's mission
goals/priorities. Since applications responding to this BAA may vary significantly in their activities/objectives,
assigning a set weight for each evaluation criterion is not feasible, but is based on a total possible score of 100. The
Program Office and/or Selection Official will determine which of the following criteria and weights will be applied.
Some applications, for example sponsorships, may not be able to address all the criteria like technical/scientific
merit. However, it is in your best interest to prepare an application that can be easily evaluated against these five
criteria. When applicable, an applicant’s Data Sharing Plan, as described in Section VI of this announcement, will be
considered within the criteria below.
1. Importance and/or relevance and applicability of proposed project to the mission goals:
This ascertains whether there is intrinsic value in the proposed work and/or relevance to NOAA, Federal, regional,
state, or local activities: i.e., How does the proposed activity enhance NOAA's strategic plan and mission goals?
Applications should also address significance/possibilities of securing productive results, i.e., Does this study
address an important problem? If the aims of the application are achieved, how will scientific knowledge be
advanced? What will be the effect of these studies on the concepts or methods that drive this field? What effect will
the project have on improving public understanding of the role of the ocean, coasts, and atmosphere in the global
ecosystem?
Applications may also be scored for innovation, i.e., Does the project employ novel concepts, approaches or
methods? Are the aims original and innovative? Does the project challenge existing paradigms or develop new
methodologies or technologies?
2. Technical/scientific merit:
NOAA NOFO Page 7 of 15

---

This assesses whether the approach is technically sound and if the methods are appropriate, and whether there are
clear project goals and objectives. Applications should address the approach/soundness of design: i.e., Are the
conceptual framework, design, methods, and analyses adequately developed, well-integrated, and appropriate to the
aims of the audiences to be engaged through the project? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem areas
and consider alternative tactics?
This criterion should also address the applicant's proposed methods for monitoring, measuring, and evaluating the
success or failure of the project, i.e.,What are they? Are they appropriate?
Additionally, if needed, a data sharing plan should include descriptions of the types of environmental data and
information expected to be created during the course of the project; the tentative date by which data will be shared;
the standards to be used for data/metadata format and content; methods for providing data access; approximate total
volume of data to be collected; and prior experience in making such data accessible.
3. Overall qualifications of applicants:
This ascertains whether the applicant possesses the necessary education, experience, training, facilities, and
administrative resources to accomplish the project. If appropriate, applications should also address the physical
environment and collaboration, if any, i.e., Does the environment in which the work will be done contribute to the
probability of success? Do the proposed experiments or activities take advantage of unique features of the intended
environment or employ useful collaborative arrangements?
4. Project cost
The budget is evaluated to determine if the cost is realistic and commensurate with the project needs and time-frame.
5. Outreach and education:
NOAA assesses whether this project provides a focused and effective education and outreach strategy regarding
NOAA’s mission to protect the Nation’s natural resources. NOAA assesses whether this project aligns with NOAA's
education vision, for an informed society that uses ocean, coastal, Great Lakes, weather, and climate science to
make the best social, economic, and environmental decisions. Evaluation of these criteria will include if the project
addresses any of the goals or employ any of the strategies of the NOAA Education Plan
(http://www.noaa.gov/explainers/noaa- education-strategic-plan), as well as how the outcomes of the project will be
communicated to NOAA and the interested public.
1. Importance/relevance and applicability of proposed projects to the program goals Maximum Points: 0
This criterion ascertains whether there is intrinsic value in the proposed work and/or relevance to NOAA, federal,
regional, state, or local activities.
2. Technical/scientific merit Maximum Points: 0
This criterion 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 Maximum Points: 0
his criterion ascertains whether the applicant possesses the necessary education, experience, training, facilities, and
administrative resources to accomplish the project.
4. Project costs Maximum Points: 0
This criterion evaluates the budget to determine if it is realistic and commensurate with the project needs and time
frame.
5. Outreach and Education Maximum Points: 0
This criterion assesses whether the project provides a focused and effective education and outreach strategy
regarding NOAA's mission to protect the Nation's natural resources.
Review and Selection Process
NOAA will conduct an initial administrative review to determine eligibility for award, compliance with
requirements and completeness of the application. This review includes determining whether:
1. Sufficient funds are available in the budget of the program office receiving the application to support the
proposed project;
2. Statutory authority exists to provide financial assistance for the project or organization;
3. A complete application package has been submitted, that is, all required elements of the application are included
and application follows format requirements;
NOAA NOFO Page 8 of 15

---

4. The Project Description/Narrative is consistent with one or more of NOAA’s mission goals;
5. If the application falls within the scope of an existing NOAA competitive announcement (found at
www.Grants.gov) or duplicates an existing non-discretionary project announced or awarded in FY22,FY23, FY24,
FY25, or FY26, then it cannot be funded under this announcement;
6. The work in the application does not directly benefit NOAA (if it will, it should be supported by a procurement
contract, not a financial assistance award which cannot be funded under this announcement, as provided in 31
U.S.C. 6303).
Additional Information
1. Applications not passing this initial review will not be considered further for funding through this BAA, and
will not receive further review. NOAA will evaluate application(s) that pass this initial review and comply with all
the requirements under this BAA individually (i.e., applications will be not compared to each other). A merit review
will be conducted by mail reviewers and/or peer panel reviewers. Each reviewer will individually evaluate the
application(s) using the evaluation criteria provided above; a minimum of three merit reviewers per application is
required. More than three reviewers may be used based on the complexity of the application. The reviewers may be
any combination of Federal and/or non-Federal personnel. Reviewers may discuss an application, but if more than
one non-Federal reviewer is used, the application(s) will be individually scored (i.e., a consensus is not reached).
Otherwise, the Program Officer has the discretion to authorize a score based on consensus. NOAA selects evaluators
on the bases of their professional qualifications and expertise as related to the unique characteristics of the
application. The NOAA Program Officer will assess the evaluations and make a fund or do-not-fund
recommendation to the Selecting Official with an explanation of the reasons for the recommendation.
The selection official shall provide a rationale for funding the application and shall address any comments provided
by the reviewers. Any applicant considered for funding may be required to address the issues raised in the evaluation
of the application by the reviewers, Program Officer, Selecting Official, and/or Grants Officer before an award is
issued.
2. Applications not selected for funding in the fiscal year the application is submitted may be considered for
funding in a subsequent fiscal year, but may be required to revalidate the terms of the
original application or resubmit in the next BAA cycle if one is published for FY2027. The Program Officer,
Selecting Official and/or Grants Officer may negotiate the final funding level of the application with the intended
applicant. The Selecting Official makes the final recommendation for award to the NOAA Grants Officer who is
authorized to commit the Federal Government and obligate the funds.
Selection Factors
Not Applicable.
Selection Factors
Not Applicable
Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Subject to the availability of funds, awards are expected to be made three to six months after receipt by NOAA of
the full application. Given this time frame, applicants applying in Fiscal Year 2024 should take into consideration
that submissions received after March 31, 2024 may not be able to be awarded in FY24 (October 1, 2023 through
September 30, 2024). Submissions received after March 31, 2025 may not be able to be awarded in FY25 (October
1, 2024 through September 30, 2025). Similarly, submissions received after March 31, 2026 may not be able to be
awarded in FY26 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026).
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Notices
PRE-AWARD COSTS. NOAA authorizes award recipients to expend pre-award costs up to 90 days before the
period of performance start date at the applicant’s own risk without approval from NOAA 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.
NOAA NOFO Page 9 of 15

---

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 http://www.ago.noaa.gov and 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 NOAA’s Grants Online 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.
NOAA NOFO Page 10 of 15

---

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.
MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTIONS. The Department of Commerce/National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (DOC/NOAA) is strongly committed to increasing the participation of Minority Serving Institutions
(MSIs), i.e., Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribal colleges and
universities, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian institutions, and institutions that work in underserved
communities.
DATA SHARING PLAN.1. Environmental data and information collected or created under NOAA grants or
cooperative agreements must be made discoverable by and accessible to the general public, in a timely fashion
(typically within two years), free of charge or at no more than the cost of reproduction, unless an exemption is
granted by the NOAA Program. Data should be available in at least one machine-readable format, preferably a
widely-used or open-standard format, and should also be accompanied by machine-readable documentation
(metadata), preferably based on widely used or international standards. 2. Proposals submitted in response to this
Announcement must include a Data Management Plan of up to two pages describing how these requirements will be
satisfied. The Data Management Plan should be aligned with the Data Management Guidance provided by NOAA in
the Announcement. The contents of the Data Management Plan (or absence thereof), and past performance
regarding such plans, will be considered as part of proposal review. A typical plan should include descriptions of the
types of environmental data and information expected to be created during the course of the project; the tentative
date by which data will be shared; the standards to be used for data/metadata format and content; methods for
providing data access; approximate total volume of data to be collected; and prior experience in making such data
accessible. The costs of data preparation, accessibility, or archiving may be included in the proposal budget unless
otherwise stated in the Guidance. Accepted submission of data to the NOAA National Centers for Environmental
Information (NCEI) is one way to satisfy data sharing requirements; however, NCEI is not obligated to accept all
submissions and may charge a fee, particularly for large or unusual datasets. 3. NOAA may, at its own discretion,
make publicly visible the Data Management Plan from funded proposals, or use information from the Data
Management Plan to produce a formal metadata record and include that metadata in a Catalog to indicate the
pending availability of new data. 4. Proposal submitters are hereby advised that the final pre-publication manuscripts
of scholarly articles produced entirely or primarily with NOAA funding will be required to be submitted to NOAA
Institutional Repository after acceptance, and no later than upon publication. Such manuscripts shall be made
publicly available by NOAA one year after publication by the journal.
NOAA NOFO Page 11 of 15

---

More information can be found on NOAA’s Data Management Procedures at:
https://nosc.noaa.gov/EDMC/documents/Data_Sharing_Directive_v3.0_remediated.pdf and at NAO 212-15
Management of Environmental Data and Information:
https://www.noaa.gov/organization/administration/nao-212-15-management-of-environmental-data-and-information
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.
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 athttp://nrc.noaa.gov/ScientificIntegrityCommons.aspx. 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.
NOAA NOFO Page 12 of 15

---

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.
REQUIRED USE OF AMERICAN IRON, STEEL, MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS, AND
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS. If applicable, and pursuant to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
(“IIJA”), Pub.L. No. 117-58, which includes the Build American, Buy American (BABA) Act, Pub. L. No. 117-58,
§§ 70901-52 and OMB M-22-11, recipients of an award of Federal financial assistance from the Department of
Commerce (DOC) are hereby notified that none of the funds provided under this award may be used for a project for
infrastructure unless: 1) all iron and steel used in the project are produced in the United States–this means all
manufacturing processes, from the initial melting stage through the application of coatings, occurred in the United
States; 2) all manufactured products used in the project are produced in the United States—this means the
manufactured product was manufactured in the United States; and the cost of the components of the manufactured
product that are mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States is greater than 55 percent of the total cost of
all components of the manufactured product, unless another standard for determining the minimum amount of
domestic content of the manufactured product has been established under applicable law or regulation; and 3) all
construction materials1 are manufactured in the United States—this means that all manufacturing processes for the
construction material occurred in the United States. The Buy America preference only applies to articles, materials,
and supplies that are consumed in, incorporated into, or affixed to an infrastructure project. As such, it does not
apply to tools, equipment, and supplies, such as temporary scaffolding, brought to the construction site and removed
at or before the completion of the infrastructure project. Nor does a Buy America preference apply to equipment and
furnishings, such as movable chairs, desks, and portable computer equipment, that are used at or within the finished
infrastructure project but are not an integral part of the structure or permanently affixed to the infrastructure project.
WAIVERS. When necessary, recipients may apply for, and DOC may grant, a waiver from these requirements.
DOC will notify the recipient for information on the process for requesting a waiver from these requirements. 1)
When DOC has made a determination that one of the following exceptions applies, the awarding official may waive
the application of the domestic content procurement preference in any case in which DOC determines that: a.
applying the domestic content procurement preference would be inconsistent with the public interest; b. the types of
iron, steel, manufactured products, or construction materials are not produced in the United States in sufficient and
reasonably available quantities or of a satisfactory quality; or c. the inclusion of iron, steel, manufactured products,
or construction materials produced in the United States will increase the cost of the overall project by more than 25
percent. A request to waive the application of the domestic content procurement preference must be in writing. DOC
will provide instructions on the format, contents, and supporting materials required for any waiver request. Waiver
requests are subject to public comment periods of no less than 15 days and must be reviewed by the Made in
America Office. There may be instances where an award qualifies, in whole or in part, for an existing waiver
described at whitehouse.gov/omb/management/made-in-america.
NOAA NOFO Page 13 of 15

---

DEFINITIONS. “Construction materials” includes an article, material, or supply—other than an item of primarily
iron or steel; a manufactured product; cement and cementitious materials; aggregates such as stone, sand, or gravel;
or aggregate binding agents or additives2 —that is or consists primarily of: non-ferrous metals; plastic and polymer-
based products (including polyvinylchloride, composite building materials, and polymers used in fiber optic cables);
glass (including optic glass); lumber; or drywall. “Domestic content procurement preference’’ means all iron and
steel used in the project are produced in the United States; the manufactured products used in the project are
produced in the United States; or the construction materials used in the project are produced in the United States.
“Infrastructure” includes, at a minimum, the structures, facilities, and equipment for, in the United States, roads,
highways, and bridges; public transportation; dams, ports, harbors, and other maritime facilities; intercity passenger
and freight railroads; freight and intermodal facilities; airports; water systems, including drinking water and
wastewater systems; electrical transmission facilities and systems; utilities; broadband infrastructure; and buildings
and real property. Infrastructure includes facilities that generate, transport, and distribute energy. ‘‘Project’’ means
the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of infrastructure in the United States. -- 1 Excludes cement and
cementitious materials, aggregates such as stone, sand, or gravel, or aggregate binding agents or additives. 2 IIJA, §
70917(c)(1).
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 annual and performance (technical) reports are to be submitted semi annual. 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.
Financial reports are to be submitted to the NOAA Grants Officer identified in the award and performance
(technical) reports are to be submitted to the Program Officer. Unless otherwise specified by terms of the award,
program and financial reports are to be submitted semi-annually.
Program reports should include progress on identified milestones. Unless otherwise specified by the terms of the
award, reports must be submitted electronically through eRA Commons
(https://public.era.nih.gov/commonsplus/public/login.era?TARGET=https%3A%2F%2Fpublic.era.nih.gov%3A443
%2Fcommons).
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 sub awards and executive compensation
under Federal assistance awards. All awardees of applicable grants and cooperative agreements are required to
report to the Federal Subaward Reporting System (FSRS) available at https://www.fsrs.gov/ on all sub-awards over
$25,000. Refer to 2 CFR Parts 170.
VII. Agency Contacts
Each NOAA Line Office that supports financial assistance has a separate BAA found in Grants.gov, so applicants
must submit their application to the BAA for the Line Office that best fits their application. A description of NOAA
Line Offices is found at
https://www.corporateservices.noaa.gov/public/lineoffices.html. If you submit the same application to more than one
Line Office, please state this in your application. Contact officials for each Line Office is listed below.
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
Jeffrey Kulnis
jeffrey.kulnis@noaa.gov
(301) 427-8771
SSMC3 Rm: 14358
1315 East-West Hwy
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3282
NOAA NOFO Page 14 of 15

---

National Ocean Service (NOS)
Kadija Baffoe-Harding kadija.baffoeharding@noaa.gov
240-533-0955
SSMC4 Rm: 13250
1305 East-West Hwy
Silver Spring MD 20910-3281
National Weather Service (NWS)
Jennifer Peisach
Jennifer.Peisach@noaa.gov
1325 East West Hwy
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3283
Office of Atmospheric Research (OAR)
Melissa Dixion
melissa.dixon@noaa.gov
302-648-6106
SSMC3 Rm: 11640
1315 East-West Hwy
Silver Spring MD 20910-3282
NOAA Office of Education (OED)
John McLaughlin
John.McLaughlin@noaa.gov
202-743-0854
SSMC3, Room 10812
1315 East West Highway,
Silver Spring, Md. 20910
National Environmental Satellite Data Information Service (NESDIS)
Douglas Howard
douglas.howard@noaa.gov
(240) 233-6828
Bldg. NCWCP
5830 University Research Ct, Ste 2600
College Park, MD 20740
VIII. Other Information
Audits shall be performed in accordance with audit requirements contained in the Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements found in 2 CFR part 200, Subsection F. Recipients
expending $750,000 or more in Federal funds during the recipient’s fiscal year must conduct a single audit in
accordance with guidelines outlined in 2 CFR §§200.500-.520. For-profit organizations not covered by the audit
requirements in 2 CFR §§200.500-.520 are subject to the audit requirements set forth in the terms and conditions
of the award. Recipients that expend less than
$750,000 during the recipient’s fiscal year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that
year, except as noted in 2 CFR §200.503, but records must be available for review or audit by appropriate officials
of the Federal agency, pass- through entity, and Government Accountability Office (GAO). Applicants are also
reminded that other audits may be conducted by the Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General and by
other authorized Federal agencies.
NOAA NOFO Page 15 of 15