FY 2015 Environmental Studies Program | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - FY 2015 BOEM Environmental Studies Program (ESP) - M15AS00009

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is the FY 2015 Environmental Studies Program (ESP) funding opportunity from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), issued as Funding Opportunity Number M15AS00009. It is a cooperative agreement intended to support research that advances safe, environmentally responsible energy and mineral development on the United States Outer Continental Shelf.

2) What is BOEM trying to accomplish with this opportunity?

The intent is to generate scientific information that can be used in federal decision-making related to offshore activities. The emphasis is on producing clear, defensible data that helps address environmental impacts and public interest concerns.

3) Is this a general, open call for proposals?

No. This is not a broad, open solicitation. It is a targeted program announcement describing a specific BOEM study effort, with awards potentially made to identified eligible parties if BOEM receives a proposal that meets its requirements and is acceptable for funding.

4) What project is specifically described in this announcement?

The specific project highlighted is "Understanding Whale Presence in the Virginia Offshore Wind Energy Area." The work focuses on improving knowledge of whale occurrence in and around the Virginia offshore wind area.

5) Why is whale presence in the Virginia offshore wind area the focus?

Based on the announcement description, this topic is directly relevant to offshore wind planning, impact assessment, and mitigation strategies, supporting BOEM's need for science-based information for federal decision-making about offshore activities.

6) Who is this project open to under the announcement?

The project is identified as being open to the Cornell University Bioacoustic Research Program through the North Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU). This indicates BOEM is using the CESU cooperative framework to carry out the research partnership with a specific university-based research group.

7) What type of funding instrument is BOEM using?

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement. This typically implies substantial involvement by the federal agency during the project when compared to a standard grant.

8) What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The opportunity is categorized under the Environment activity category.

9) Is this considered discretionary funding?

Yes. The opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding.

10) How many awards does BOEM expect to make?

BOEM expects to make a single award under this announcement.

11) How much funding is available?

The estimated total funding available is $1,500,000.

12) What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $1,500,000, which suggests BOEM anticipated funding the entire project up to that amount under one cooperative agreement.

13) What is the minimum award amount (award floor)?

The award floor is $100,000, which establishes the minimum award size for projects under this announcement framework.

14) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to public and state-controlled institutions of higher education. This eligibility limitation aligns with the targeted nature of the solicitation and the identified research partner pathway described in the announcement.

15) Is cost sharing or matching required?

Yes. Cost sharing or matching is required, meaning the recipient would need to contribute non-federal resources or otherwise meet a match requirement as defined in the full program announcement.

16) What is the CFDA number for this opportunity, and what does it correspond to?

The CFDA number is 15.423, which corresponds to BOEM's Environmental Studies Program.

17) When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted (and created) on March 12, 2015.

18) What was the closing date for submissions?

The original closing date and the current closing date are both listed as April 27, 2015.

19) When was the opportunity archived?

The archive date is May 27, 2015.

20) Does BOEM guarantee an award will be made under this announcement?

No. The announcement indicates that any award depends on BOEM receiving a proposal that meets its requirements and is acceptable for funding.

21) Who can be contacted for administrative or electronic access issues?

For assistance if applicants have difficulty accessing the announcement electronically, the contact listed is Rhonda Fernandez. Phone: 703-787-1348. Email: Rhonda.Fernandez@bsee.gov.

22) What is the main federal agency associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is issued by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).

23) What geographic area is referenced in the project description?

The project description references the Virginia Offshore Wind Energy Area and the surrounding area, with a focus on whale occurrence in and around that offshore wind area.

24) What framework is mentioned for carrying out the research partnership?

The announcement references the North Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU) as the cooperative framework through which the project is identified as open to the Cornell University Bioacoustic Research Program.