Department of Commerce

Description

The purpose of this document is to advise the public thatNOAA/NOS/NCCOS/CSCOR is soliciting proposals under the Regional Ecosystem PredictionProgram: From Science to Management for a project to synthesize existing information onmesophotic coral ecosystems within the U.S. Caribbean, describe linkages to resourcemanagement responsibilities, analyze both known and potential threats to MCEs, and developviable options for managing them, as well as identify gaps in information for future research.This information will be used to improve the ability of resource managers to proactively developstrategies to protect poorly understood mesophotic coral ecosystems, including coastal andmarine spatial planning and the siting of marine protected areas and marine protected areanetworks for shallow and mesophotic coral ecosystems. Funding is contingent upon theavailability of Fiscal Year 2012 Federal appropriations. It is anticipated that finalrecommendations for funding under this announcement will be made by early Calendar Year2012, and that any project funded under this announcement will have a September 1, 2012 startdate. One to two projects are expected to be supported for up to 3 years in duration with abudget of approximately $500,000 for projects focused solely on Puerto Rico or the U.S. VirginIslands; or one project of up to 3 years in duration with a budget of approximately $750,000 for aU.S. Caribbean-wide project (excluding Navassa Island)."Electronic Access: Background information about the NCCOS/CSCOR efforts can be found atwww.cop.noaa.gov. Proposals should be submitted through Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov.)

Who can apply

• State governments
• Special district governments
• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
• Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
• Private institutions of higher education
• Small businesses
• Others

Contact

Ms. Kimberly Ann Puglise <br/>Federal Program Officer <br/>301-713-3338/ext 140
Kimberly.Puglise@noaa.gov