Educational Partnership Program (11.481)
Program
11.481 Educational Partnership Program
Federal Agency
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION (NOAA), NOAA RESEARCJ, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Authorization
15 U.S.C. 1540, Executive Orders 13256, 13230 and 13021.
Program Number
11.481
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To develop a program aimed at increasing research and educational partnerships between NOAA and Minority Serving Institutions. Partnerships will be achieved through the establishment of new Cooperative Science Centers in atmospheric, oceanic, environmental sciences, and remote sensing (AOES). An Environmental Entrepreneurship Program will be implemented that will support restoration projects in environmentally depleted zones and program development in AOES at minority serving institutions.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants (Cooperative Agreements).
Uses and Use Restrictions
Funds may be used to support a distinguished professor, research, development programs and students undertaking course work and/or research in NOAA related sciences at minority serving institutions.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Applicants are defined as qualified minority serving institutions based on the 2001 United States Department of Education definition of minority serving institutions. Non- minority institutions may also participate in this program when partnered with a minority serving institution. Institutions applying to become a designated Cooperative Science Center in atmospheric, oceanic and environmental sciences and remote sensing must have a graduate program in the respective category.
Beneficiary Eligibility
The benefits to the Nation are an increased number of academic institutions capable of providing services and products in support of the agency's mission to describe and predict changes in the environment, and to conserve and manage the nation's coastal and marine resources to ensure sustainable economic opportunities. Collaboration among NOAA and academic institutions will not only increase the number of trained professionals in the NOAA related sciences, it will also lead to a larger number of institutions participating in collaborative research and co-management of the nation's natural resources with State, local and tribal governments.
Credentials/Documentation
Applicants are required to satisfy all DoC/NOAA standards and regulations, including routine and special terms and conditions, for financial assistance programs application and conduct. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-21 for educational institutions.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
Submission of an application package which includes the Standard Form SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance, SF-424A Budget Information Non-Construction Programs, SF-424B Assurances Non-Construction Programs, statement of work, budget and supporting details, and CD-511 Certifications Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters, Drug Free Workplace Requirements, and Lobbying must be used when applying for Federal funds. This program is subject to the provisions of 15 CFR Part 14.
Award Procedure
Awards are made on the basis of proposal evaluation, technical review and administrative review.
Deadlines
Applications for annual funding must be received by NOAA Office of Finance and Administration, 60 days following the announcement in the Federal Register.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Cooperative activities are generally approved on an annual fiscal year basis, but may be continued for up to three years, subject to approved time frame, program development plan, satisfactory progress, and availability of funds.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
None.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
From 1 to 3 years with funding approved annually.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Periodic progress and financial reports are required. However, the reporting frequency may be changed to be more or less frequent progress reports should summarize work accomplished and explain situations where expected work has not been completed. Financial reports must indicate use of funds during the semi-annual period. Final reports are due ninety days after expiration of the award.
Audits
Recipients will be subject to the provisions of the Single Audit Act Amendments of l996 and revised OMB Circular A-133, "Audits of States and Local Governments and Nonprofit Organizations".
Records
Financial records and support documents and all other records, i.e. property, performance, work products, patents etc. pertinent to the agreement shall be maintained for a period of three years from the date on which the final expenditure report is submitted.
Program Accomplishments
NOAA funded four Cooperative Science Centers will be established at minority institutions in the areas of atmospheric, oceanic and environmental sciences and remote sensing. In addition, NOAA funded proposals in support of environmental restoration and program development in the full range of natural and social sciences that support the agency's mission.
Financial Information
Account Identification
13-1450-0-1-306.
Obligations
(Grants; Cooperative Agreements) FY 02 $13,300,000; FY 03 est $13,300,000; and FY 04 est $13,300,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$20,000 to $2,500,000 per year.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
For cost principles, see OMB Circular No. A-21, "Cost Principles for Educational Institutions". For grants administration requirements, see 15 CFR Part 14, "Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations".
Related Programs
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Education Partnership Program, Office of Finance and Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, SSMC 3, Room 10600, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Telephone: (301) 713-9437. Attn: Jacqueline J. Rousseau.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
a. Cooperative Science Centers b. Program Development and Enhancement Projects c. Demonstration Research Projects.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Proposals are subject to a review process taking into consideration the applicant(s) Performance Plan, research plans, scientific merit, investigator's qualifications, cost and available funds. Proposals must undergo a rigorous technical review and comply with all OMB, DoC and NOAA grant policies and procedures. Specific information about the selection process will be included in the solicitation.
