The NOAA FY 2025 Sea Grant Funding Opportunity is aimed at developing new Sea Grant projects in underrepresented areas, specifically the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI). The Sea Grant Program, established by Congress in 1966, facilitates partnerships between federal and state entities to promote the sustainable use and conservation of coastal, marine, and Great Lakes resources.

This funding opportunity supports the creation of two Sea Grant projects, one in each of the geographic areas mentioned. Approximately $2.4 million in federal funding is available for this initiative, with each project receiving up to $1.2 million over four years. The funding is intended to support research, education, and extension activities that align with the national Sea Grant focus areas as outlined in the National Sea Grant College Program Strategic Plan.

Eligibility is limited to institutions of higher education, public or private corporations, and local or tribal governments located within the USVI or CNMI. Federal agencies are not eligible to receive funding directly, but may collaborate as partners. Applicants must provide a 50% non-federal match, though waivers may be considered for specific insular areas.

The projects must focus on regional priorities, which could include research, community education, and outreach initiatives that benefit coastal communities and their natural resources. Emphasis is placed on addressing regional needs through a combination of research, education, and extension activities. Furthermore, projects must be aligned with the strategic priorities of the National Sea Grant Office.

Proposals are required to outline specific objectives, a clear timeline, and detailed methods for achieving the intended outcomes. Successful projects will demonstrate how they can contribute to the long-term development of a Sea Grant program in the region. Proposals must include a budget narrative, with detailed explanations of both federal and non-federal funding.

Key dates for this opportunity include a full proposal submission deadline of October 11, 2024, and project start dates as early as February 1, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals early and ensure all necessary registrations (SAM.gov, Grants.gov, eRA Commons) are complete well in advance.

The selection process will evaluate proposals based on relevance to program goals, technical and scientific merit, qualifications of the applicants, and project costs. NOAA will engage in substantial involvement with selected projects, guiding research directions and overseeing project progress.

This opportunity emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from institutions serving underrepresented communities. NOAA expects transparency in data management, requiring funded projects to include a plan for public data sharing. Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is mandatory, and selected projects may need to assist NOAA in completing environmental assessments.

Lastly, applicants should ensure that public-facing project outputs comply with the accessibility requirements under Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act.