2019 Deep Coral Reef Ecosystem Studies Program: American Samoa | NOAA NOS NCCOS 2019 2005821

Opportunity Information: Apply for NOAA NOS NCCOS 2019 2005821

The 2019 Deep Coral Reef Ecosystem Studies Program: American Samoa funding opportunity is a NOAA-led competitive grant solicitation focused on improving scientific understanding of mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) in American Samoa. The program is administered through NOAA's National Ocean Service (NOS), specifically the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) Competitive Research Program, in partnership with NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and Office of Ocean Exploration and Research. The goal is to support research that fills major knowledge gaps about these deeper coral communities so that coastal and marine resource managers have stronger, science-based information to guide protection and long-term management decisions.

The central research theme is mesophotic coral ecosystems, which are coral and reef-associated communities that rely on light but occur deeper than most commonly studied shallow reefs. In this announcement, MCEs are described as typically beginning around 30 to 40 meters and extending beyond 150 meters in some tropical and subtropical locations. These ecosystems can function as deeper extensions of shallow coral reefs, sometimes sharing species with shallow habitats, but they also host species and ecological dynamics that are distinct to mesophotic depths. Because MCEs are comparatively hard to access and have historically been less studied, they are considered "poorly understood" and in need of targeted research investment.

NOAA's intent is that results from the funded project will directly improve the ability of managers to proactively develop strategies to manage and protect MCEs around American Samoa. In practice, that means generating data and analyses that clarify what species and habitats are present at mesophotic depths, how these communities are structured and functioning, how they connect to shallower reef systems, and what vulnerabilities or threats they may face. By advancing baseline understanding and applied knowledge of these deeper reefs, the program aims to strengthen conservation planning and management actions for an important but under-characterized component of coral reef ecosystems.

From a funding and administrative standpoint, this opportunity is categorized as a discretionary grant program and will be awarded as a cooperative agreement, which generally implies substantial involvement by the funding agency during the project period (for example, coordination, technical input, or collaboration with NOAA partners). The opportunity is listed under CFDA number 11.478 and is offered by the U.S. Department of Commerce through NOAA. Funding is explicitly contingent on the availability of Fiscal Year 2019 federal appropriations, meaning an award would only be made if Congress-funded resources were available for the program.

The solicitation anticipated supporting a single project (one expected award) for a period of up to four years. The approximate annual budget was stated as up to $600,000, establishing the award ceiling at $600,000 per year for the supported effort. The funding opportunity was posted on October 18, 2018, and the original application closing date was January 17, 2019. Eligibility is broadly noted as "Others," with additional eligibility details referenced as being provided in the full announcement text.

In short, this NOAA opportunity was designed to fund one multi-year research effort in American Samoa that advances scientific knowledge of mesophotic coral ecosystems and translates that knowledge into better-informed management and protection strategies, with up to roughly $600,000 available per year for up to four years under a cooperative agreement structure.

• The Department of Commerce in the environment, natural resources, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "2019 Deep Coral Reef Ecosystem Studies Program: American Samoa" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 11.478.
• This funding opportunity was created on Oct 18, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jan 17, 2019. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $600,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for NOAA NOS NCCOS 2019 2005821

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