National Estuarine Research Reserve System Collaborative Science Program | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NERRS Collaborative Science Program (NOAA)

1) What is the NERRS Collaborative Science Program grant opportunity?

This opportunity is a Department of Commerce grant offered through NOAA (NOAA/NOS/OCRM) to establish and run a coordinated, national applied research program for the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) over five years. The intent is to strengthen collaborative science across the entire NERRS network, not to fund a single stand-alone research project.

2) What is NOAA actually trying to fund: a research project or a program?

NOAA is looking to fund a system-level program operator. The selected lead organization is expected to create and operate a comprehensive program framework that can competitively fund multiple collaborative research efforts over time, aligned with NERRS priorities and management needs across reserves.

3) What is the overall purpose of this grant?

The purpose is to build national infrastructure for estuarine science collaboration that directly supports coastal resource management and improves decision-making capacity within NERRS. The work is expected to be relevant across the reserve network and developed in partnership with NOAA and the 28 reserves nationwide.

4) How is this different from typical one-off research grants?

Rather than supporting isolated studies or short-term local projects, this opportunity emphasizes an ongoing, coordinated program that can run competitive funding rounds and support a portfolio of applied, collaborative projects over time. The focus is on broad applicability and consistent translation of science into practice across the NERRS system.

5) Who is the federal sponsor and which NOAA office is involved?

The sponsor is the U.S. Department of Commerce through NOAA, specifically NOAA/NOS/OCRM, in support of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS).

6) What type of award is NOAA using?

The funding mechanism is a cooperative agreement. This generally indicates NOAA anticipates substantial involvement during implementation, such as coordination, guidance, and partnership activities as the national program is developed and carried out.

7) What category and CFDA listing does this opportunity fall under?

The opportunity is categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development and is listed under CFDA 11.419 (Coastal Zone Management Administration Awards).

8) How many awards does NOAA expect to make?

NOAA anticipated making multiple awards, with expected awards listed as 5.

9) How much funding is available and over what period?

The estimated total program funding is up to about $20,000,000 across five years, described as roughly $4,000,000 per year.

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

The posted award ceiling is $4,000,000.

11) Is there a minimum award amount (award floor)?

No award floor is stated in the information provided.

12) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. Cost sharing or matching is not required, which can reduce barriers for organizations without significant non-federal funds.

13) Who is eligible to apply as the lead organization?

Eligibility is broad and includes institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, Indian Tribal governments, and commercial (for-profit) organizations.

14) Can federal agencies apply as the lead applicant?

No. Federal agencies are allowed to participate as partners on an application, but they cannot serve as the lead institution.

15) Can federal agencies receive funds as partners?

They may participate as partners, and if they are receiving funds they must have legal authority to receive financial assistance.

16) What kinds of activities and deliverables are expected beyond research?

The program is expected to incorporate professional training, communications, and the transfer of information and products to the people who use them. Intended users include reserve staff, resource managers, and other decision-makers.

17) What is the emphasis of the research portfolio that the awardee would support?

The portfolio is expected to be competitive and extramural, aligned with NERRS priorities, grounded in collaboration, relevant to management needs, and broadly applicable across reserves.

18) How closely is the program expected to work with NOAA and the reserves?

The opportunity is explicitly framed around partnership with NOAA and collaboration across the NERRS network, which includes 28 reserves nationwide. The cooperative agreement format also signals ongoing NOAA involvement as the program is built and executed.

19) Does NOAA encourage any specific participation or partnership approaches?

Yes. NOAA indicates an explicit interest in expanding participation and encourages proposals involving women and minority individuals and groups, as well as institutions such as historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges and universities, and organizations working in underserved areas.

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

The opportunity was posted in February 2014. The application deadline was March 31, 2014. The archive date was April 30, 2014. Funding decisions were anticipated for April 2014, and the expected start date was October 1, 2014.

21) Is the award guaranteed once selected?

No. The award was explicitly contingent on the availability of FY 2014 appropriations, meaning final funding depended on federal budget outcomes.

22) How were applicants encouraged to submit their applications?

Applicants were encouraged to submit through Grants.gov.

23) Where could applicants find general background information about NERRS?

General background information about the reserve system was provided through the NERRS website at nerrs.noaa.gov.

24) Who was listed as the program contact for questions or access to the full announcement?

The listed contact was Marie Bundy, NERRS Research Coordinator, for assistance accessing the full announcement.

25) In plain terms, what kind of organization is NOAA looking for?

NOAA is seeking a capable national program operator that can manage competition-based funding, coordinate reserve-relevant applied research across the network, and ensure results are translated into usable tools, training, and communications that strengthen coastal management practice across NERRS.