Estuary Habitat Restoration Program Project Solicitation | Apply Online

Estuary Habitat Restoration Program Project Solicitation (NOAA Fisheries) - FAQs

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is the Estuary Habitat Restoration Program Project Solicitation, a federal funding opportunity issued by NOAA Fisheries on behalf of the Estuary Habitat Restoration Council. It supports on-the-ground estuary habitat restoration projects.

2) What is the legal authority for the program?

The solicitation is authorized under Section 104 of the Estuary Restoration Act of 2000, which is part of the Estuaries and Clean Waters Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-457).

3) Which federal entities are expected to be involved in implementation?

The opportunity is expected to be implemented using appropriations anticipated for NOAA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Selected projects may be carried out through a cost-share agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or through a cooperative agreement with either the Corps or NOAA, depending on program decisions and the availability of funds.

4) What kinds of projects does the Council want to fund?

The focus is on restoring estuarine habitats in ways that: (a) produce clear ecosystem benefits, (b) are grounded in sound science, (c) can realistically be built and maintained, and (d) deliver strong value relative to cost.

5) How important is climate change in the proposal?

Addressing climate change is a central requirement of the solicitation. Proposals are expected to directly address climate change, with particular emphasis on sea level change and other climate-driven impacts that could affect long-term project performance.

6) What does it mean for a project to be "climate resilient" under this solicitation?

Applicants are expected to show that relevant climate information has been incorporated (or will be incorporated) into the project design, and that the restoration approach is resilient, meaning it is likely to hold up under projected future conditions rather than only today's conditions.

7) How should climate considerations be incorporated into a project?

The Council is looking for projects that do not treat climate considerations as an afterthought. Climate considerations should be built into engineering, siting, habitat selection, and long-term management assumptions so the restoration remains viable over time.

8) How much funding is available in total?

The anticipated total funding available is up to $7,000,000.

9) What is the expected award size?

Individual awards are expected to range from $100,000 (award floor) to $1,000,000 (award ceiling).

10) What type of funding instrument will be used?

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement.

11) Is cost sharing or matching required?

Yes. The opportunity includes a cost sharing or matching requirement.

12) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include institutes of higher education; U.S. Territories; state, local, and Indian tribal governments; and non-governmental organizations, as long as those organizations are not for-profit enterprises.

13) Are for-profit organizations eligible?

No. Non-governmental organizations are eligible only if they are not for-profit enterprises.

14) Can federal agencies or federal employees apply?

No. Applications from federal agencies or federal employees are not accepted.

15) Can federal agencies participate in any way?

Yes. Federal agencies are encouraged to participate indirectly by partnering with eligible applicants such as states, municipalities, counties, conservation corps organizations, and nonprofits.

16) Does the solicitation encourage participation from specific types of institutions?

Yes. The solicitation specifically encourages participation by historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges and universities, and institutions working in underserved areas.

17) Are there requirements related to land ownership or site control?

Yes. The applicant must be able to provide the real estate interests needed for the project over its full lifecycle. This includes implementation and long-term responsibilities such as operation, maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, replacement, and related stewardship needs.

18) Does the applicant need to hold fee title to the land?

In many cases, yes. The solicitation notes that in many cases the applicant must hold fee title to the necessary land, though in some situations an easement may be sufficient.

19) Why does the solicitation require real estate interests for the full project lifecycle?

This requirement is intended to ensure that funded projects can actually be built and sustained without unresolved land tenure issues, including the ability to meet long-term stewardship responsibilities.

20) When was the opportunity posted and what were the key dates?

The opportunity was posted January 4, 2011. The application deadline was March 10, 2011, and the archive date was April 9, 2011.

21) Which department and type of opportunity is this listed under?

It is listed under the Department of Commerce as a discretionary opportunity.

22) What categories does the opportunity fall under?

The opportunity is categorized under environment, natural resources, science and technology, and other research and development.

23) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA 11.463 (Habitat Conservation).

24) What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is NOAA NMFS HCPO 2011 2002885.

25) Who should applicants contact if they have trouble accessing the full announcement?

Applicants needing help accessing the full announcement (specifically for application download issues) were directed to contact Steve Drescher, Policy Advisor.