Scientific research into complex coastal systems and the interplay with coastal hazards is vital for predicting, responding to, and mitigating threats in these regions. Understanding the risks associated with coastal hazards requires a holistic Earth Systems approach that integrates improved understanding of and, where possible, predictions about natural, social, and technological processes with efforts to increase the resilience of coastal systems. The Coastlines and People program supports diverse, innovative, multi-institution awards that are focused on critically important coastlines and people research that is integrated with broadening participation goals. The objective of this solicitation is to support Coastal Research Hubs, structured using a convergent science approach, at the nexus between coastal sustainability, human dimensions, and coastal processes to transform understanding of interactions among natural, human-built, and social systems in coastal, populated environments.
Deadline: Dec. 6, 2021 For both Focused Hubs and Large-Scale Hubs
Funding Tracks:
Track 1: Focused CoPe hubs
The CoPe Program welcomes proposals for Focused hubs via this solicitation. These awards are intended to support full-fledged research hubs that require smaller budgets ($1 million or less per year). Therefore, the scope of the Focused hubs may focus on a specific geographic region, a narrow set of research questions, or have other aspects of the chosen theme that keeps the scope of the hub appropriate for the budget.
Track 2: Large-scale CoPe hubs
The CoPe Program welcomes proposals for Large-scale hubs via this solicitation. These awards are intended to support hubs that require larger budgets because of the scope of the science or geographical area involved ($2-$4 million per year). Due to the potential scope and complexity of the Large-scale hubs, the awards may be continuing grants or cooperative agreements.
Proposals may only be submitted by the following:
- Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) - Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Special Instructions for International Branch Campuses of US IHEs: If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a US institution of higher education (including through use of subawards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus, and justify why the project activities cannot be performed at the US campus.
- Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research labs, professional societies and similar organizations in the U.S. associated with educational or research activities.
An individual may be listed as a PI or co-PI on no more than one Hub proposal submitted in response to this solicitation. Proposals exceeding the limit for any person will be returned without review in the reverse order received. There is no limit on the number of proposals on which an investigator may be listed as Lead of a Subaward or as Other Senior Personnel.
Estimated Number of Awards: 5 to 8
Due to the potential scope and complexity of CoPe Hubs, the awards may be continuing grants or cooperative agreements.
Anticipated Funding Amount: $28,000,000
Focused Hubs: Projects with total budgets up to $1 million per year, for 3 to 5 years.
Large-scale Hubs: Projects with total budgets ranging from $2 to 4 million per year (not to exceed 4 million in any one year), with an average award of $3 million per year, for up to 5 years.
Estimated program budget, number of awards and average award size/duration are subject to the availability of funds.