The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a funding opportunity titled "International Capacity Development for Weather and Climate Observations and Forecasting and Disaster Risk Reduction" (NOAA-NWS-IA-2024-26755). This program aims to enhance the capacity of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) in developing and least-developed countries, enabling them to implement end-to-end early warning systems for a range of hydrometeorological hazards, including tsunamis. It focuses on collaboration between meteorologists, hydrologists, and researchers to support the creation and maintenance of effective weather and climate-based early warning systems.

The funding opportunity seeks to strengthen the skills and resources of these countries through initiatives such as training on 3D-Printed Automatic Weather Stations (3D-PAWS), improving storm surge forecasting capabilities, and supporting the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWSNET). The overall objective is to reduce the socio-economic impacts of climate-related hazards, especially in rural and data-sparse regions.

The program anticipates a total funding availability of up to $75 million over five years, contingent on federal appropriations, with $15 million available annually. The funding will support multiple awards, although there is a possibility of issuing only one award. Recipients will receive funding on a yearly basis, and continuation depends on satisfactory progress, quality of deliverables, and the availability of funds. The first year of the project will start on February 10, 2025, with subsequent funding dependent on yearly assessments of performance and alignment with program objectives.

Eligible applicants for this program are private non-profit entities and academic institutions based in the United States. There is no cost-sharing requirement. Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of the current requirements for developing and implementing early warning systems in developing countries. Proposals should clearly articulate a plan to enhance NMHS capacity, including specific program priorities like expanding 3D-PAWS, training in weather forecasting and impact-based services, maintaining communication systems like "Chatty Beetles," and evaluating and enhancing disaster-related decision-making processes.

Applications must be submitted by November 29, 2024, by 5:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, and no late submissions will be reviewed. The application package must include detailed components, such as a project description, budget justification, and a summary of relevant past projects. The applicants must also comply with registration requirements, including SAM, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons, before submission.

Evaluation criteria for the proposals include their relevance to program goals, scientific merit, qualifications of the applicants, and the cost-effectiveness of the proposed approach. The proposals will be reviewed by an independent peer review panel based on these criteria, and the selection will consider factors like geographic distribution and alignment with program priorities.

Applicants should also be prepared for administrative requirements, including regular progress reports and adherence to national policies on data management, environmental impact assessment, and other administrative conditions set by NOAA. The awarded projects will be subject to semi-annual reporting to track financial and technical progress, ensuring alignment with the outlined goals and proper utilization of funds.