FY 2013 Disaster Relief Appropriations Act for Coastal Resilience Networks | Apply Online

FAQs: FY 2013 Disaster Relief Appropriations Act for Coastal Resilience Networks (NOAA NOS CSC 2013 2003866)

What is this funding opportunity?

This is a NOAA discretionary grant opportunity offered through the U.S. Department of Commerce under the FY 2013 Disaster Relief Appropriations Act for Coastal Resilience Networks (Funding Opportunity Number NOAA NOS CSC 2013 2003866). It is designed to help coastal communities recover from Hurricane Sandy by strengthening their ability to withstand and adapt to coastal hazards.

What is the main goal of the program?

The central goal is to fund practical, on-the-ground and programmatic efforts that improve hazard resilience in Sandy-impacted coastal areas. Projects are expected to produce clear public benefits tied to reducing current and future risks to the natural environment, built infrastructure, local and regional economies, and populations that are especially vulnerable.

What makes this opportunity different from a typical project grant?

A defining feature is the emphasis on building or strengthening networks rather than supporting isolated projects. Competitive proposals are expected to leverage, enhance, or create a human and/or technical network that improves communication, cooperation, coordination, and collaboration around one or more coastal hazard issues.

What does "network" mean in this announcement?

In this context, a network is a connected set of people and/or systems (human and/or technical) that helps address coastal hazard issues by improving information sharing and coordinated action. The announcement emphasizes connections among agencies, communities, practitioners, and experts to improve decision-making and collective action across jurisdictions and sectors.

Does the program fund standalone activities or single deliverables?

The notice indicates that competitive proposals are not just about delivering a single product or activity. Instead, they should demonstrate how the work builds or strengthens a network that supports better coordination and collaboration, with benefits that extend beyond one isolated effort.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include regional authorities, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, Indian Tribal governments, and state, county, and local governments.

Where must the proposed work take place?

To qualify, the proposed work must be conducted in one or more of the five eligible states: Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, or Maryland.

Is there an additional geographic or impact requirement besides being in an eligible state?

Yes. The proposed work must directly support recovery for communities impacted by Hurricane Sandy.

What types of issues or outcomes should projects address?

The opportunity focuses on coastal hazard resilience and reducing risks now and in the future. The notice specifically ties public benefits to reduced risk to the natural environment, built infrastructure, local and regional economies, and especially vulnerable populations.

What is the funding mechanism?

The program is structured as a cooperative agreement. The notice explains that this typically indicates substantial federal involvement during project performance compared with a standard grant, often through collaboration, technical assistance, or coordination expectations.

How much total funding is available?

Total funding for the competition is estimated at $1.7 million.

How many awards does NOAA expect to make?

The announcement indicates an expectation of about five awards.

What is the anticipated award size?

Individual awards are anticipated to range from $200,000 (award floor) to $500,000 (award ceiling).

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The notice states there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement.

What is the activity focus area?

The activity focus is Disaster Prevention and Relief.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA listing provided is 11.483 (NOAA Programs for Disaster Relief Appropriations Act).

Are construction costs allowed?

The notice indicates eligibility for both construction and non-construction costs. This suggests proposals could potentially include physical implementation elements as well as planning, coordination, data, training, or other programmatic components, as long as they fit the notice requirements.

What are the key dates for this opportunity?

The posted date was August 28, 2013. The application deadline was September 30, 2013. The archive date was October 30, 2013.

Who is the listed point of contact for help accessing the full announcement?

The notice lists Penny Larin at the NOAA Pacific Services Center in Honolulu, Hawaii as the point of contact for assistance accessing the full announcement. The source text indicates that telephone and fax numbers were provided.

What kinds of partners are expected for a competitive application?

Because of the network emphasis, proposals are expected to include a broad set of partners spanning multiple institutions and disciplines. The notice highlights participation across local, state, tribal, and federal levels, and where appropriate across public, private, academic, and nonprofit sectors.

What is the core competitive theme applicants should align with?

The core theme is strengthening coastal resilience for Sandy-impacted areas through networks that improve communication and coordination, leading to tangible public benefits and reduced risk across environmental, infrastructure, economic, and vulnerable population dimensions.