Managing Agency U.S. Department of the Interior

Program Description

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) provides major economic and energy benefits on a national and local level to the taxpayers, States and the American Indian community. The BOEM oversees the exploration and development of oil, natural gas and other minerals and renewable energy alternatives on the Nations outer continental shelf. BOEM continues to look for better ways to serve the American people and to ensure that the Nation receives the best value for its resources now and into the future. The program not only supports decisions made within the Department of Interior, but also provides coastal States and local governments with the information necessary to ensure that all stages of offshore energy and mineral activities are conducted in a manner to protect both the human and natural environments. Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) Section 1346 mandates the conduct of environmental and socioeconomic studies needed for the assessment and management of environmental impacts on the human, marine, and coastal environments which may be affected by oil and gas or other mineral development. OCSLA Section 1345 authorizes the use of cooperative agreements with affected States to meet the requirements of OCSLA, including sharing of information, joint utilization of available expertise, formation of joint monitoring arrangements to carry out applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to outer continental shelf operations both onshore and offshore. The purpose of the Alaska Coastal Marine Institute is to use highly qualified scientific expertise at local levels to collect and disseminate environmental information needed for OCS oil and gas and marine minerals decisions; address local and regional OCS-related environmental and resource issues of mutual interest; and strengthen the BOEM-State partnership in addressing OCS oil and gas and marine minerals information needs.

General Program Requirements

The Environmental Studies Program allocates up to $100,000 per year for cooperative research at the University of Alaska. The University of Alaska invites proposals that are reviewed by a Technical Steering Committee including the University, State of Alaska, and BOEM, and funds individual awards. Applications must be for scientific research projects which are within the BOEM' area of responsibility. The majority of funds are used to support research that will enhance understanding of long-term effects of oil and gas, and marine minerals projects. Funds can also be used for attendance at national conferences for the dissemination of project results. Funds are not normally used for capitalization.

Applicant Eligibility:
University of Alaska may make application for support by a named principal investigator. Non-UA scientists may participate in collaboration with a UA principal investigator.

Beneficiary Eligibility:
Research scientists, Federal, State and local decision-makers, Native American Organizations, and the general public will ultimately benefit from the program.

Credentials/Documentation:
Evidence of the applicants qualifications for performance of the proposed research including past professional publications, resumes, and lists of past projects. This program is excluded from coverage under 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles.

Your Next Steps

The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this program.

Application Process

Preapplication Coordination:
Limited discussions regarding funding availability and program interest are permitted. Environmental Impact Statements are not required for these projects. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedures:
This program is excluded from coverage under 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. Letters of intent responding to particular information needs/areas will be requested. From these, selected full proposals will be invited for mission-relevant research likely to provide needed information for OCS oil and gas resource management decisions. Proposals must include a full statement of work, estimated budget, and resumes. The standard SF-424 application forms required by 2 CFR Part 215.12, and the Department of the Interior Code of Federal Regulations at 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart F, or its revisions, must be used.

Award Procedure: Awards are made on the basis of a competitive peer review of proposals by a panel consisting of government research managers and external reviewers, as appropriate. Criteria for judging proposals include mission relevance, technical merit, and the quality and appropriateness of the personnel including past performance and publication record, project management, logistics plan, safety management, permits and interagency coordination, outreach, budget/matching funds, and where appropriate, minimization of impacts. Notification of an award is issued. It is anticipated that 6 applications will be received and 6 awards will be granted in FY 2014.

Deadlines:
Contact the headquarters or regional office, as appropriate, for application deadlines.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:
From 150 to 360 days.

Appeals:
Not Applicable.

Renewals:
Not Applicable.

Program Contact Information

Keely Hite
Environmental Protection Specialist
keely.hite@boem.gov
703-787-1003

Additional Information

Current Method of Tribal EligibilityProgram not specific to American Indians and Alaska Natives, but they are eligible
Recurring Base Funding for TribesNo
Do Tribes compete with other entities for funding from the program?Yes. Tribes compete with coastal States and local governments.

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