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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the TEES grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number MMS08HQPA0006)?

This opportunity is a mandatory cooperative agreement sponsored by the former Minerals Management Service (MMS), now within the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. It is designed to support applied research that advances safe and economically viable oil and gas activity on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

Which agency is sponsoring this funding opportunity?

The sponsor is the former Minerals Management Service (MMS). The notice indicates MMS is now within the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.

What is the purpose of this grant opportunity?

The purpose is to fund applied research that supports offshore oil and gas operations on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf, with an emphasis on solutions that improve efficiency and economics while maintaining or enhancing worker safety and environmental protection.

What law or responsibility is this funding tied to?

The funding is tied to MMS responsibilities under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, which involves oversight of offshore energy operations in a way that protects workers, infrastructure, and the coastal and marine environment.

What type of award is being offered?

The award mechanism is a Cooperative Agreement.

What does it mean that the award is a Cooperative Agreement?

A cooperative agreement generally means the federal agency expects to have substantial involvement during the life of the project, rather than providing a fully hands-off grant.

Is this opportunity described as mandatory?

Yes. The opportunity is described as a mandatory cooperative agreement.

What research areas or topics does this opportunity support?

The focus is on science and technology and other research and development related to offshore exploration and development challenges on the OCS. The description emphasizes real-world, operationally relevant problems, including improving exploration and development efficiency and economics while maintaining or enhancing safety and environmental protection.

How is TEES involved in this opportunity?

The opportunity is described as a TEES grant opportunity and is associated with the Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES), indicating the work is intended to be carried out in close coordination with TEES and aligned with offshore technology and safety priorities.

What is the Offshore Research Technology Center (OTRC), and how does it relate to this opportunity?

The work is associated with the Offshore Research Technology Center (OTRC). The listing indicates the program is designed to be carried out in close coordination with OTRC and TEES and aligned with offshore technology and safety priorities.

What is the estimated total funding amount?

The estimated total funding amount is $400,000.

What is the award ceiling?

The award ceiling is $400,000 (the maximum available per award as stated in the opportunity details).

What is the award floor?

The award floor is listed as 1, suggesting awards could be made in very small amounts in principle, although the ceiling indicates the maximum per award.

How many awards are anticipated?

The opportunity anticipates up to 10 awards.

Does this opportunity require cost sharing or matching?

Yes. A cost sharing or matching requirement applies, meaning applicants should expect to contribute non-federal resources (cash and/or allowable in-kind contributions) as part of the total project cost, consistent with the agency terms.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to private institutions of higher education.

Is this funding intended for academic research organizations?

Yes. The eligibility restriction to private institutions of higher education and the described applied research focus indicate it is intended for academic research entities capable of conducting technical research and development related to offshore engineering and similar disciplines.

What is the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in the context of this opportunity?

In this opportunity, the OCS refers to the offshore areas where the federal agency oversees oil and gas activity and where the funded applied research is intended to support safe and economically viable operations.

When was this opportunity posted?

The posting and creation date listed is December 31, 2007.

What is the application closing date?

The original and current closing date listed is September 30, 2008.

Is this an open-ended program or a time-limited announcement?

Based on the provided dates (posted December 31, 2007 and closing September 30, 2008), it is framed as a time-limited federal funding announcement from that period rather than an open-ended program.

Where can applicants access the full announcement?

The listing points applicants to Grants.gov for administrative access and full announcement details.

Who is the contact person for help obtaining the full announcement details?

The listing provides an agency contact: Kimberly Luke, Contract Specialist.

How can Kimberly Luke be reached?

Phone: 703-787-1339. Email: Kimberly.Luke@mms.gov.

What is the main practical aim of the funded work?

In practical terms, the opportunity is structured to channel federal support into an academic research program that produces new knowledge, tools, and solutions relevant to offshore exploration and development challenges on the OCS.