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 large 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 impactful, large marine debris removal projects that will improve the resilience of the coastal and marine environment. This competition considers impactful projects to be those that will have long-lasting, transformational benefits to marine and coastal NOAA Trust Resources, coastal communities, and/or local economies.
Deadlines:
- Required Letter of Intent: Sep. 27, 2024
- Invited Full Proposals: Jan. 31, 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 with expertise in marine debris removals
NOAA anticipates up to $47,000,000 will be available for this grant solicitation. The minimum federal request under this solicitation is $1,000,000 and the maximum federal request is $10,000,000. The typical funding level for the federal share of project awards ranges from $2,000,000 to $6,000,000. Proposals requesting over $6,000,000 are expected to be proposals including a subaward competition for other organizations to apply for funding for localized removal activities.