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Policies and Guidance

Background

In 2021, the NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 216-107A was issued to support 15 U.S.C. 1540, 118 Stat. 71, the authority given to NOAA to form a CI. In addition, this statute gives NOAA special authority and allows NOAA to enter into cooperative agreements, and under this special authority allows NOAA to use the personnel, facilities, and services for research, training, education, and outreach to carry out the mission. This order sets forth the basic principles of NOAA Cooperative Institute management and authorizes a NOAA Cooperative Institute Handbook to detail the procedures for implementing the agency-wide policy. In addition, NOAA’s Grants Management Division and Federal Assistance Law Division play critical supporting roles.

NAO 216-107A assigns management responsibilities to the following organizational units within NOAA:

  • Cooperative Institute Administration Office (CIAO) – The CIAO, from the enterprise level, oversees the Cooperative Institute portfolio and administers program policy and procedures.
  • Line Office – The Line Office to which the Cooperative Institute is assigned during the establishment process has the primary responsibility from an award and project level for the Cooperative Institute award, monitoring of Cooperative Institute performance, processing funding to the Cooperative Institute throughout the award period, and managing the review renewal process.
  • Science Council – The Science Council reviews recommendations from NOAA Line Offices for establishing Cooperative Institutes, designates the Line Office responsible for the Cooperative Institute, approves review guidelines for Cooperative Institute renewals, and oversees the Cooperative Institute policy and program implementation.

Notice of Funding Opportunity: New Cooperative Institute in the Northern Gulf of America

NOAA Research is now accepting applications for the establishment of a new Cooperative Institute focused on high-impact, interdisciplinary research within the Northern Gulf of America region. The purpose of this long-term collaborative partnership is to promote crucial research, education, and outreach activities that are directly aligned with NOAA’s mission goals for the Gulf of America.

NOAA’s mission requires a forward-thinking, interdisciplinary perspective to provide the scientific underpinning for an ecosystem approach to management of ocean resources. The CI will help raise awareness around scientific issues and equip community members with information to make informed decisions and improve their quality of life. This Cooperative Institute will focus on four key areas to enhance the Gulf region’s resilience and economic vitality:

  • Advancing technology for environmental modeling and analysis that address the impacts of changing environmental conditions of the region.
  • Improving forecasting capabilities for weather, ocean, and hazards associated with environmental variabilities for resilient coastal communities.
  • Promoting development of marine and coastal resources that strengthens seafood competitiveness, coastal restoration, and the ocean economy.
  • Enhancing data stewardship and accessibility across the Gulf ecosystem that support a data-driven economy.

Cooperative Institutes are centers of excellence that utilize their research and educational expertise to support NOAA’s mission and build the talent for the future workforce in our shared area of expertise. Applications are welcome from eligible U.S. universities, colleges, and research institutions. The competition is through May 18, 2026.

For additional information and eligibility criteria, visit https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/515d374a-24e4-45d4-b6d2-050092d3f1d4