The NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP) is a division of the NOAA Office of Response and Restoration. Authorized in the Marine Debris Act, codified at 33 U.S.C. § 1951 et seq., the NOAA MDP supports the development and implementation of marine debris assessment, removal, and prevention projects that benefit coastal habitat, waterways, and marine and Great Lake resources. Marine debris is defined as "any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment or the Great Lakes" (15 C.F.R. § 909.1). The mission of the NOAA MDP is to investigate and prevent the adverse impacts of marine debris.
Through this solicitation, NOAA seeks to support marine debris removal projects with funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (PL 117-58). The overall objective of this funding opportunity is to support the installation, monitoring, and maintenance of proven marine debris interception technologies to benefit marine and coastal NOAA trust resources.
Deadlines:
- Required Letter of Intent: Oct. 9, 2024
- Invited Full Proposals: Feb. 7, 2025
As outlined in the Marine Debris Act, eligible applicants from the United States, its territories, or Freely Associated States include:
• State, local, Tribal, and territory governments whose activities affect research or regulation of marine debris
• Federally and non-federally recognized Tribes and Native or Indigenous organizations
• Institutes of higher education
• Nonprofit organizations
• Commercial (for-profit) organizations
NOAA is strongly committed to broadening the participation of veterans, minority-serving institutions, Tribes, and entities that work in communities facing environmental/climate and socioeconomic burdens. The NOAA MDP encourages applicants of all backgrounds, circumstances, perspectives, and ways of thinking to apply.
NOAA anticipates up to $7,000,000 will be available for this grant solicitation. The minimum federal request under this solicitation is $100,000 and the maximum federal request is $1,000,000. The typical funding level for the federal share of project awards ranges from $250,000 to $750,000.