The purpose of this document is to advise the public that NOAA/NOS/National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS)/Competitive Research Program (CRP) is soliciting proposals for the Monitoring and Event Response for Harmful Algal Blooms (MERHAB) and The Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful Algal Blooms (ECOHAB) Research Programs. Funding is contingent upon the availability of Fiscal Year 2019 Federal appropriations. It is anticipated that projects funded under this announcement will have a September 1, 2019 start date.
Deadlines:
The principal objective of MERHAB is to build capacity of local, state, and tribal governments, regional observing systems, wild and farmed seafood industry, and other HAB-impacted sectors, for less costly and more precise and comprehensive monitoring of phytoplankton cells and algal toxins, and for responding to harmful algal bloom (HAB) events.
The overall objectives of ECOHAB are to develop: 1) Quantitative understanding of HABs and, where applicable, their toxins in relation to the surrounding environment with the intent of developing new information and tools, predictive models and forecasts, and prevention strategies to aid managers in coastal environments; and 2) Understanding leading to models of trophic transfer of toxins, knowledge of biosynthesis and metabolism of toxins, and assessment of impacts of toxins on higher trophic levels. All of the regional projects funded in the past have focused primarily on the first objective. Regional or cross-regional proposals addressing the second objective are especially encouraged.
Eligible applicants for Federal financial assistance in this competition are institutions of higher education, other non-profits, state, local, Indian Tribal Governments, U.S. Territories, and for-profit organizations. Federal agencies that possess the statutory authority to receive transfers of funds are eligible to submit applications for intra- or interagency funds transfers through this competition. DOC/NOAA supports cultural and gender diversity and encourages women and minority individuals and groups to submit applications to the CRP programs. In addition, DOC/NOAA is strongly committed to broadening the participation of historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic serving institutions, tribal colleges and universities, and institutions that work in underserved areas. DOC/NOAA encourages applications involving any of the above institutions to apply.
Total funding for this research:
MERHAB: It is anticipated that up to approximately $2,500,000 may be available in Fiscal Year 2019 for the first year for all MERHAB projects combined. Approximately 7 to 9 projects are expected to be funded at the level of approximately $200,000 to $600,000 per year per proposal. Projects are expected to last 3 to 5 years. Both Regional and Targeted projects are expected to be funded.
ECOHAB: It is anticipated that up to approximately $3,000,000 may be available in Fiscal Year 2019 for the first year for all ECOHAB projects combined. Approximately 1-4 Regional projects are expected to be funded at the level of $700,000 to $1,000,000 (including ship time) per year per proposal. Projects are expected to last 5 years. Only Regional projects are expected to be funded.
