FR Doc 05-1803

[Federal Register: February 1, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 20)]
[Notices]
[Page 5161-5167]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr01fe05-43]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Docket No. 030602141-5010-14; I.D. 012505A]
RIN 0648-ZB55

Availability of Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2005

AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Department of Commerce (DOC).

ACTION: Omnibus notice announcing the availability of grant funds for
fiscal year 2005.

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SUMMARY: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
announces a third availability of grant funds for Fiscal Year 2005. The
purpose of this notice is to provide the general public with a
consolidated source of program and application information related to
the Agency's competitive grant offerings, and it contains the
information about those programs required to be published in the
Federal Register. This omnibus notice is designed to replace the
multiple Federal Register notices that traditionally advertised the
availability of NOAA's discretionary funds for its various programs. It
should be noted that additional program initiatives unanticipated at
the time of the publication of this notice may be announced later in
the year.

DATES: Applications must be received by the date and time indicated
under each program listing in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.

ADDRESSES: Applications must be submitted to the addresses listed in
the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for each program. This Federal
Register notice may be found at the Grants.gov website, http://www.grants.gov, and the NOAA website at http://www.ofa.noaa.gov/amd/%SOLINDEX.HTML.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For a copy of the full funding
opportunity announcement and/or application kit, access it at
Grants.gov, via NOAA's website, http://www.ofa.noaa.gov/amd/%SOLINDEX.HTML
, or by contacting the person listed as the information

contact under each program.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NOAA published its first omnibus notice
announcing the availability of grant funds for both projects and
fellowships/scholarships/internships for Fiscal Year 2005 in the
Federal Register on June 30, 2004 (69 FR 39417). The evaluation

[[Page 5162]]

criteria and selection procedures contained in the June 30, 2004,
omnibus notice are applicable to this solicitation. For a copy of the
June 30, 2004, omnibus notice, please go to: http://www.Grants.gov or

http://www.ofa.noaa.gov/amd/%SOLINDEX.HTML. This omnibus notice

describes funding opportunities for the following NOAA discretionary
grant programs:

NOAA Project Competitions

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

1. 2005 Atlantic Sea Scallop Research Set-Aside Program
2. Alaska Marine Resources Educational Partnership Program
3. Chesapeake Bay Integrated Research Program - Fisheries
4. Chesapeake Bay Integrated Research Program - Non-native oyster
research
5. Chesapeake Bay Integrated Research Program - Submerged Aquatic
Vegetation
6. New Bedford Harbor Restoration Projects Grants
7. Shellfish Growout Facility Development Grants
8. Western Demonstration Project

NOAA Fellowship, Scholarship and Internship Programs

Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR)

1. Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship

Electronic Access

As has been the case since October 1, 2004, applicants can access,
download and submit electronic grant applications for NOAA Programs
through the Grants.gov website at http://www.grants.gov These announcements will also be available at the NOAA web site http://www.ofa.noaa.gov/amd/%SOLINDEX.HTML.
or by contacting the program

official identified below. However, applicants without internet access
may still submit hard copies of their applications. The closing dates
for applications filed through Grants.gov are the same as for the paper
submissions noted in this announcement. For applicants filing through
Grants.gov, NOAA strongly recommends that you do not wait until the
application deadline date to begin the application process.
Getting started with Grants.gov is easy. Go to http://www.Grants.gov.

There are two key features on the site: Find Grant Opportunities and
Apply for Grants. Everything else on the site is designed to support
these two features and your use of them. While you can begin searching
for grant opportunities for which you would like to apply immediately,
it is recommended that you complete the remaining Get Started steps
sooner rather than later, so that when you find an opportunity for
which you would like to apply, you are ready to go.
Get Started Step 1 B Find Grant Opportunity for Which You Would Like to
Apply
Start your search for Federal government-wide grant opportunities
and register to receive automatic email notifications of new grant
opportunities or any modifications to grant opportunities as they are
posted to the site by clicking the Find Grant Opportunities tab at the
top of the page.
Get Started Step 2 B Register with Central Contractor Registry (CCR)
Your organization will also need to be registered with Central
Contractor Registry. You can register with them online. This will take
about 30 minutes. You should receive your CCR registration within 3
business days. Important: You must have a DUNS number from Dun &
Bradstreet before you register with CCR. Many organizations already
have a DUNS number. To determine if your organization already has a
DUNS number or to obtain a DUNS number, contact Dun & Bradstreet at 1-
866-705-5711. This will take about 10 minutes and is free of charge. Be
sure to complete the Marketing Partner ID (MPIN) and Electronic
Business Primary Point of Contact fields during the CCR registration
process. These are mandatory fields that are required when submitting
grant applications through Grants.gov.
Get Started Step 3 B Register with the Credential Provider
You must register with a Credential Provider to receive a username
and password. This will be required to securely submit your grant
application.
Get Started Step 4 B Register with Grants.gov
The final step in the Get Started process is to register with
Grants.gov. This will be required to submit grant applications on
behalf of your organization. After you have completed the registration
process, you will receive email notification confirming that you are
able to submit applications through Grants.gov.
Get Started Step 5 B Log on to Grants.gov
After you have registered with Grants.gov, you can log on to
Grants.gov to verify if you have registered successfully, to check
application status, and to update information in your applicant
profile, such as your name, telephone number, email address, and title.
In the future, you will have the ability to determine if you are
authorized to submit applications through Grants.gov on behalf of your
organization.

NOAA Project Competitions

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

1. 2005 Atlantic Sea Scallop Research Set-Aside Program
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: For fishing year 2005 (March 1, 2005 -
February 28, 2006), the New England Fishery Management Council
(Council) has set aside portions of the total allowable catch (TAC) and
Days-at-Sea (DAS) allowance in the sea scallop fishery to be used for
sea scallop research endeavors under a research set-aside (RSA)
program. The RSA program provides a mechanism to fund research and
compensate vessel owners through the sale of fish harvested under the
research quota. Vessels participating in an approved research project
may be authorized by the Northeast Regional Administrator, NMFS, to
harvest and to land species in excess of any imposed trip limit or
during fishery closures. Landings from such trips would be sold to
generate funds that would help defray the costs associated with
research projects. No Federal funds would be provided for research
under this notification.
FUNDING AVAILABILITY: No Federal funds are provided for research
under this notification, but rather the opportunity to fish and sell
the catch to generate income. The Federal Government's contribution to
the project will be a Letter of Authorization (LOA) that will provide
special fishing privileges in response to sea scallop research
applications selected to participate in this program. In the past, 2-5
awards have been issued. During the 2004 fishing year, the income
generated ranged from $64,140 to $200,460 with an average of $131,990.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 16 U.S.C. 1853(b)(11), 16 U.S.C. 1881a(e), and
16 U.S.C. 1881(c).
CATALOG of FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSITANCE NUMBER: 11.454.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be received by NMFS no
later than 5 p.m. EST, March 3, 2005.

[[Page 5163]]

ADDRESS FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS: Electronic submission online:
http://www.grants.gov; Paper applications should be sent to NMFS,

Northeast Regional Office, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930.
INFORMATION CONTACT(S): Andrew Applegate, New England Fishery
Management Council, 50 Water Street, The Tannery, Mill 2, Newburyport,
MA 01950, phone (978) 465-0492, or Peter Christopher NMFS, Northeast
Regional Office, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, phone (978)
281-9288, fax (978) 281-9135, or email Peter.Christopher@noaa.gov.
ELIGIBILITY: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher
education, hospitals, other nonprofits, commercial organizations,
individuals, State, local and Indian tribal governments. Federal
agencies or institutions are not eligible to receive Federal assistance
under this notice. Also, a person is not eligible to submit an
application under this program if he/she is an employee of any Federal
agency. Fishery Management Council members who are not Federal
employees may submit an application.
COST SHARING REQUIREMENT: None.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW: Applications under this program are
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.''
2. Alaska Marine Resources Educational Partnership Program
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: The Alaska Marine Resources Educational
Partnership Program is a competitively based program designed to: (1)
build the capacity of Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) with
knowledge of Alaska marine resources to support collaborative research
with NOAA Fisheries and (2) nurture a strong and diverse Alaska marine
resource education and training partnership program to advance
environmental literacy and support NOAA's mission in the marine
sciences. Through this program, NOAA is seeking to partner with MSIs
that provide undergraduate degrees in environmental sciences and can
demonstrate their ability to partner with NOAA Fisheries research or
management entities in Alaska to enhance the preparation of students
for careers in marine resource fields.
FUNDING AVAILABILITY: This solicitation announces that
approximately $75K may be available in FY2005 in award amounts to be
determined by the applications and available funds.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 16 U.S.C. 753a, 15 U.S.C. 1540.
CFDA: 11.455 Cooperative Science and Education Program.
Application Deadline: Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit
applications electronically through http://www.grants.gov, however, you

may also submit your application to NOAA in paper format.
For electronic submission - Applications must be received by 5 p.m.
Eastern Time on March 1, 2005. Applications received after that time
will not be considered for funding.
For paper submission - Applications must be received by 5 p.m.
Eastern Time on March 1, 2005. Applications received after that time
will not be considered for funding.
ADDRESS FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS: Electronic submission online
is strongly encouraged: http://www.grants.gov.

Paper submission: MSI-Alaska Program Coordinator, National Marine
Fisheries Service, Alaska Region, 709 W 9th St., RM 420, Juneau, AK
99802-1668 ATTN: AMRSP Program.
INFORMATION CONTACT(S): MSI- Alaska Program coordinator, National
Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Region, 709 W 9th St., RM 420, Juneau,
AK 99802-1668 at (907) 586-7280, or by e-mail at derek.orner@noaa.gov.
ELIGIBILITY: Minority Serving Institutions eligible to submit
applications include institutions of higher education identified by the
Department of Education as:
(i) Historically Black Colleges and Universities,
(ii) Hispanic-Serving Institutions,
(iii) Tribal Colleges and Universities, and
(iv) Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions on the
most recent ``2003 United States Department of Education Accredited
Post-Secondary Minority Institutions'' list: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/edlite-minorityinst.html.
Applications will not be

accepted from any other entity submitted on behalf of MSIs.
COST SHARING REQUIREMENTS: No cost sharing is required under this
program, however, the NOAA Alaska Regional Office strongly encourages
applicants to share as much of the costs of the awards as possible.
Funds from other Federal awards may not be considered matching funds.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW: Applications under this program are
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.''
3. Chesapeake Bay Integrated Research Program - Fisheries
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: The Chesapeake Bay Integrated Research Program
for Fisheries is a competitively based program that supports research,
monitoring, modeling and management addressing various aspects of
Chesapeake Bay fisheries. The Chesapeake Bay is a complex and dynamic
ecosystem that supports many fisheries that are economically and
ecologically important both regionally and nationally. Funded projects
foster our knowledge and understanding of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem
by: (1) providing biological information and life history
characteristics for many individual Chesapeake Bay fisheries stocks,
and (2) broadening the multispecies knowledge base for development of
fisheries ecosystem planning. All projects supported through this
program will address recommendations of ``Fisheries Ecosystem Planning
for the Chesapeake Bay'' (http://noaa.chesapeakebay.net/fish) and

provide timely (real-time) information for making resource management
decisions in an ecosystem context.
FUNDING AVAILABILITY: This solicitation announces that
approximately $2 M may be available in FY2005 in award amounts to be
determined by the applications and available funds. It is the intent of
the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office to renew funding for several projects
currently being supported and to make awards with funding through this
notice to these programs pending successful review of a new application
package, and adequate progress reports and/or site visits.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 16 U.S.C. 753a; 16 U.S.C. 661.
CFDA: 11.457 Chesapeake Bay Studies.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit
applications electronically through http://www.grants.gov, however, you

may also submit your applications to NOAA in paper format.
For electronic submission - Applications must be received by 5 p.m.
Eastern Time on March 1, 2005. Applications received after that time
will not be considered for funding.
For paper submission - Applications must be received by 5 p.m.
Eastern Time on March 1, 2005. Applications received after that time
will not be considered for funding.
ADDRESS FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS: Electronic submission online
is strongly encouraged: http://www.grants.gov.

[[Page 5164]]

Paper submission: NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, 410 Severn Avenue,
Suite 107A, Annapolis, MD 21403 ATTN: - CBIRP-Fisheries.
INFORMATION CONTACT(S): Derek Orner, NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office,
410 Severn Avenue, Suite 107A, Annapolis, MD 21403, (410) 267-5676, or
by fax at (410) 267-5666, or by e-mail at derek.orner@noaa.gov.
ELIGIBILITY: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher
education, other non-profits, commercial organizations, organizations
under the jurisdiction of foreign governments, international
organizations, state, local and Indian tribal governments. Federal
agencies or institutions are not eligible to receive Federal assistance
under this notice.
COST SHARING REQUIREMENTS: No cost sharing is required under this
program, however, the NCBO strongly encourages applicants to share as
much of the costs of the awards as possible. Funds from other Federal
awards may not be considered matching funds. The nature of the
contribution (cash versus in-kind) and the amount of matching funds
will be taken into consideration in the review process. Priority
selection will be given to applications that propose cash rather than
in-kind contributions.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW: Applications under this program are
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.''
4. Chesapeake Bay Integrated Research Program - Non-native Oyster
Research
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: The Chesapeake Bay Integrated Research Program
for non-native oyster research is a competitively based program that
provides information and research to support a programmatic
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the proposed introduction of a
non-native oyster species to the Chesapeake Bay and other tidal waters
of Maryland and Virginia. The EIS will evaluate the proposed
introduction and seven identified alternatives. NOAA is serving as the
science agency ensuring adequate scientific input is obtained to inform
the EIS assessments and decision-making process. NOAA seeks
applications for projects that will provide data and information in the
following three areas: (1) Biological, (2) Economic, and (3) Analysis
of EIS alternatives.
FUNDING AVAILABILITY: This solicitation announces that
approximately $2M may be available in FY2005 in award amounts to be
determined by the applications and available funds. It is the intent of
the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office to renew funding for several projects
currently being supported and to make awards with funding through this
notice to these programs pending successful review of a new application
package, and adequate progress reports and/or site visits.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 16 U.S.C. 753a; 16 U.S.C. 661.
CFDA: 11.457 Chesapeake Bay Studies.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit
applications electronically through http://www.grants.gov, however, you

may also submit your applications to NOAA in paper format.
For electronic submission - Applications must be received by 5 p.m.
eastern time on March 1, 2005. Applications received after that time
will not be considered for funding.
For paper submission - Applications must be received by 5 p.m.
Eastern Time on March 1, 2005. Applications received after that time
will not be considered for funding.
ADDRESS FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS: Electronic submission online
is strongly encouraged: http://www.grants.gov.

Paper submission: NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, 410 Severn Avenue,
Suite 107A, Annapolis, MD 21403 ATTN: CBIRP-oyster.
INFORMATION CONTACT(S): Jamie King, at (410) 267-5655 or Derek
Orner, at (410) 267-5676, NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, 410 Severn
Avenue, Suite 107A, Annapolis, MD 21403, or by fax at (410) 267-5666,
or by e-mail at jamie.king@noaa.gov or derek.orner@noaa.gov.

FUNDING AVAILABILITY: This solicitation announces that
approximately $700K may be available in FY2005 in award amounts to be
determined by the applications and available funds. It is the intent of
the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office to renew funding for several projects
currently being supported and to make awards with funding through this
notice to these programs pending successful review of a new application
package, and adequate progress reports and/or site visits.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 16 U.S.C. 753a; 16 U.S.C. 661.
CFDA: 11.457 Chesapeake Bay Studies.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit
applications electronically through http://www.grants.gov, however, you

Paper submission: NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, 410 Severn Avenue,
Suite 107A, Annapolis, MD 21403 ATTN: CBIRP- SAV
INFORMATION CONTACT(S) Peter Bergstrom, at (410) 267-5665 or Derek
Orner, at (410) 267-5676, NOAA

[[Page 5165]]

Chesapeake Bay Office, 410 Severn Avenue, Suite 107A, Annapolis, MD
21403, or by fax at (410) 267-5666, or by e-mail at
peter.bergstrom@noaa.gov or derek.orner@noaa.gov.

ELIGIBILITY: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher
education, other non-profits, commercial organizations, organizations
under the jurisdiction of foreign governments, international
organizations, state, local and Indian tribal governments. Federal
agencies or institutions are not eligible to receive Federal assistance
under this notice.
COST SHARING REQUIREMENT: No cost sharing is required under this
program, however, the NCBO strongly encourages applicants to share as
much of the costs of the awards as possible. Funds from other Federal
awards may not be considered matching funds. The nature of the
contribution (cash versus in-kind) and the amount of matching funds
will be taken into consideration in the review process. Priority
selection will be given to applications that propose cash rather than
in-kind contributions.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW: Applications under this program are
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.''
6. New Bedford Harbor Restoration Projects Grants
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: NMFS, serving as the Administrative Trustee on
behalf of the New Bedford Harbor Trustee Council (Trustee Council or
Council) is inviting the public to submit applications for available
funding provided for projects that will restore natural resources that
were injured by the release of hazardous substances, including
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), in the New Bedford Harbor
environment. The Trustee Council is responsible for restoration of
natural resources injured through the release of polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs) and other hazardous substances into the New Bedford
Harbor, Massachusetts Environment. The Council consists of the: (1)
Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs; (2) U.S.
Department of Commerce represented by NMFS; and (3) U.S. Department of
the Interior represented by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Funding
will be provided through grants or cooperative agreements issued
through NOAA. Depending on the level of Federal involvement, selected
recipients will enter into either a cooperative agreement or grant.
NOAA reserves the right to utilize a different vehicle, such as a
contract, if a grant or cooperative agreement is determined not to be
the appropriate vehicle for funding.
FUNDING AVAILABILITY: The Council intends to fund up to $5.5
million for restoration projects addressing the natural resource injury
within the New Bedford Harbor Environment.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 16 U.S.C. 661-667e, 42 U.S.C. 9601-9626.
CFDA: 11.463. Habitat Conservation.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: All applications for funding must be received
by 5 p.m. Eastern Time, March 18, 2005. Applications received after
that time will not be considered for funding.
ADDRESS FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS: Electronic submission online:
http://www.grants.gov; Paper applications should be sent to New Bedford

Harbor Trustee Council, c/o National Marine Fisheries Service, 1
Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Attn: Jack Terrill.
INFORMATION CONTACT(S): Jack Terrill, Coordinator, New Bedford
Harbor Trustee Council, c/o National Marine Fisheries Service, 1
Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, or by phone at 978-281-9136 or
on the internet at Jack.Terrill@noaa.gov; or Steven Block, New Bedford
Harbor Trustee Council, c/o National Marine Fisheries Service, 1
Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, or by phone at 978-281-9127 or
on the internet at Steve.Block@noaa.gov.
ELIGIBILITY: Eligible applicants include state, local and Indian
tribal governments, institutions of higher education, other nonprofit
and commercial organizations, and individuals.
COST SHARING: It is not required that applications contain cost
sharing. However, the Trustee Council does encourage respondents to
think about cost sharing, and if it is appropriate for a project, to
discuss within the application the degree to which cost sharing may be
possible. If cost sharing is proposed, the respondent is asked to
account for both the Council and non-Council amounts. This information
will allow the Council to better plan future expenditures.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW: Applications under this program are
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.''
7. Shellfish Growout Facility Development Grants
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: On behalf of the New Bedford Harbor Trustee
Council (Council), NMFS, serving as the Administrative Trustee to the
Council, announces the availability of funds for projects that will
construct and operate a shellfish growout facility or facilities that
will provide the New Bedford Harbor Regional Shellfish Restoration
Committee with quahog (Mercenaria mercenaria) seed annually for a
minimum of five years to enhance shellfish populations in the New
Bedford Harbor Environment. The shellfish growout facility or
facilities must be located in the City of New Bedford or the Towns of
Fairhaven or Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Depending on the level of
Federal involvement in these projects, selected recipients will enter
into either a cooperative agreement or a grant. Multiple grants may be
awarded under this solicitation. Funds are available to state, local
and Indian tribal governments, institutions of higher education, and
other non-profit and commercial organizations. This notice describes
the conditions under which project applications will be accepted and
the criteria under which applications will be evaluated.
FUNDING AVAILABILITY: Funding up to $500,000 is expected to be
available for successful applications by the Trustee Council through
the New Bedford Harbor restoration program.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 16 U.S.C. 661.
CFDA: 11.463 Habitat Conservation.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: All applications must be received by 5 p.m.
Eastern Time, March 18, 2005. Applications received after that time
will not be considered for funding.
ADDRESS FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS: Electronic submission online:
http://www.grants.gov. Paper applications should be sent to: New

Bedford Harbor Trustee Council, c/o National Marine Fisheries Service,
1 Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Attn: Steve Block.
INFORMATION CONTACT(S): Steven Block, New Bedford Harbor Trustee
Council, c/o National Marine Fisheries Service, 1 Blackburn Drive,
Gloucester, MA 01930, (978) 281-9127 or e-mail Steve.Block@noaa.gov.
ELIGIBILITY: Eligible applicants include state, local, and Indian
tribal governments, institutions of higher education, other nonprofit
organizations and commercial organizations.
COST SHARING REQUIREMENTS: Although not required, the Trustee
Council strongly encourages applicants responding to this solicitation
to share as much of the costs of the award as possible. Funds from
other Federal awards may not be considered matching funds. The nature
of the contribution (cash versus in-kind) and the amount of matching
funds will be taken into

[[Page 5166]]

consideration in the final selection process.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW: Applications under this program are
subject to Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.''
8. Western Pacific Demonstration Projects
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: NMFS is soliciting applications for financial
assistance for Western Pacific Demonstration Projects. Eligible
applicants are encouraged to submit projects intended to foster and
promote the use of traditional indigenous fishing practices and/or to
develop or enhance western Pacific community-based fishing
opportunities that benefit the island communities in American Samoa,
Guam, Hawaii, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Projects may also
request support for research and the acquisition of materials and
equipment necessary to carry out such project applications.
FUNDING AVAILABILITY: The maximum total available funding under
this announcement is expected to be $500,000. NMFS will select not
fewer than three and not more than five applicants for Fiscal Year
2005.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: The Secretary is authorized to make direct
grants to eligible western Pacific communities pursuant to section
111(b) of Pub. L. 104-297, as amended, and published within 16 U.S.C.
1855 note.
CFDA: 11.452, Unallied Industry Projects.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: For electronic submissions, applications must
be received by 5 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time on March 15, 2005. All paper
applications must be postmarked or received by 5p.m. Hawaii Standard
Time on March 15, 2005. In addition, applicants should use August 1,
2005, as the proposed start date.
ADDRESSES FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS: Applicants are strongly
encouraged to submit applications electronically through grants.gov at
http://www.grants.gov, however, you may also submit your application to

NOAA in paper format. Project applications must be sent to: Federal
Program Officer for Western Pacific Demonstration Projects, Pacific
Islands Region, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1601 Kapiolani
Boulevard, Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814.
INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Bloom, National Marine Fisheries
Service, 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814, at
808-973-2937, or by e-mail at Scott.Bloom@noaa.gov; or Charles
Ka'ai'ai, Western Pacific Fishery Management Council, 1601 Kapiolani
Boulevard, Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814, 808- 522-8220 or by e-mail
at Charles.Kaaiai@noaa.gov.
ELIGIBILITY: Eligible applicants are limited to communities in the
Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Area, as defined at section
305(i)(2)(D) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), 16 U.S.C. 1855(i)(2)(D).
Applicants also must meet the standards for determining eligibility set
forth in section 305(i)(2)(B) of the Act, 16 U.S.C. 1855(i)(2)(B). The
eligibility criteria developed by the Council and approved by the
Secretary to participate in western Pacific community development
programs was published in the Federal Register on April 16, 2002 (67 FR
18512 and 18513).
COST SHARING REQUIREMENTS: None
INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW: Applications under this program are
subject to Executive Order 12372, ''Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.''

NOAA Fellowship, Scholarship and Internship Programs

Oceanics and Atmospheric Research (OAR)

1. Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (Knauss Fellowship
Program)
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: The Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy
Fellowship matches graduate students who have an interest in ocean,
coastal and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions
affecting these resources with hosts in the legislative and executive
branches of government for a one year paid fellowship.
FUNDING AVAILABILITY: Not less than 30 applicants will be selected,
of which the selected applicants assigned to the Congress will be
limited to 10. The overall cooperative agreement is $41,500 per
student.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 33 U.S.C. 1127(b).
CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSTANCE NUMBER: 11.417, Sea Grant
Support.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Eligible graduate students must submit
applications to state Sea Grant college programs, whose deadlines vary
(contact individual states for due dates). Selected applications from
the sponsoring Sea Grant program are to be received in the National Sea
Grant Office no later than 5:00 pm EDT on April 6, 2005. Hard copy
applications that arrive after the closing date will be accepted for
review only if the applicant can document that the application was
provided to a delivery service that guaranteed delivery prior to the
specified closing date and time; in any event, hard copy applications
received by the NSGO later than two business days following the closing
date will not be accepted.
ADDRESSES FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS: Applications from Sea Grant
programs should be submitted through http://www.Grants.gov, unless an

applicant does not have internet access. In that case, hard copy may be
submitted to the NSGO and should be addressed to: National Sea Grant
Office, R/SG, Attn: Dr. Nikola Garber, Knauss Program Manager, Room
11718, NOAA, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (telephone
number for express mail applications is 301-713-2431). Facsimile
transmissions and electronic mail submission of applications will not
be accepted.
INFORMATION CONTACT(S): Dr. Nikola Garber, National Sea Grant
College Program, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910; tel:
(301) 713-2431 ext. 124; e-mail: nikola.garber@noaa.gov; or any state
Sea Grant Program.
ELIGIBILITY: Any student, regardless of citizenship, who, on April
6, 2005, is in a graduate or professional program in a marine or
aquatic-related field at a United States accredited institution of
higher education in the United States may apply.
COST SHARING REQUIREMENT: There will be the one-third required cost
share for those applicants selected as legislative fellows.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW: Applications under this program are not
subject to Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.

Limitation of Liability

Funding for programs listed in this notice is contingent upon the
availability of Fiscal Year 2005 appropriations. In no event will NOAA
or the Department of Commerce be responsible for application
preparation costs if these programs fail to receive funding or are
cancelled because of other agency priorities. Publication of this
announcement does not oblige NOAA to award any specific project or to
obligate any available funds.

Universal Identifier

Applicants should be aware that, they are required to provide a Dun
and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number during the

[[Page 5167]]

application process. See the October 30, 2002, (67 FR 66177) Federal
Register for additional information. Organizations can receive a DUNS
number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS Number
request line at 1-866-705-5711 or via the internet (http://www.dunandbradstreet.com
).

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

NOAA must analyze the potential environmental impacts, as required
by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), for applicant projects
or applications which are seeking NOAA federal funding opportunities,
including special fishing privileges. Detailed information on NOAA
compliance with NEPA can be found at the following NOAA NEPA website:
http://www.nepa.noaa.gov, including our NOAA Administrative Order 216-6 for NEPA, http://www.nepa.noaa.gov/NAO216_6_TOC.pdf, and the Council

on Environmental Quality implementation regulations, http://ceq.eh.doe.gov/nepa/regs/ceq/toc_ceq.htm
).

Consequently, as part of an applicant's package, and under their
description of their program activities, applicants are required to
provide detailed information on the activities to be conducted,
locations, sites, species and habitat to be affected, possible
construction activities, and any environmental concerns that may exist
(e.g., the use and disposal of hazardous or toxic chemicals,
introduction of non-indigenous species, impacts to endangered and
threatened species, aquaculture projects, and impacts to coral reef
systems). In addition to providing specific information that will serve
as the basis for any required impact analyses, applicants may also be
requested to assist NOAA in drafting of an environmental assessment, if
NOAA determines an assessment is required. Applicants will also be
required to cooperate with NOAA in identifying and implementing
feasible measures to reduce or avoid any identified adverse
environmental impacts of their application. The failure to do so shall
be grounds for the denial of an application.

Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative
Agreements

The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements contained in the Federal Register
notice of December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78389), are applicable to this
solicitation.

Paperwork Reduction Act

This document contains collection-of-information requirements
subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The use of Standard Forms
424, 424A, 424B, SF-LLL, and CD-346 has been approved by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) under the respective control numbers 0348-
0043, 0348-0044, 0348-0040, 0348-0046, and 0605-0001. Notwithstanding
any other provision of law, no person is required to respond to, nor
shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a
collection of information subject to the requirements of the PRA unless
that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control
number.

Executive Order 12866

This notice has been determined to be not significant for purposes
of Executive Order 12866.

Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)

It has been determined that this notice does not contain policies
with Federalism implications as that term is defined in Executive Order
13132.

Administrative Procedure Act/ Regulatory Flexibility Act

Prior notice and an opportunity for public comment are not required
by the Administrative Procedure Act or any other law for rules
concerning public property, loans, grants, benefits, and contracts (5
U.S.C. 553(a)(2)). Because notice and opportunity for comment are not
required pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 or any other law, the analytical
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.)
are inapplicable. Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis has not
been prepared.

Dated: January 25, 2005.
Helen Hurcombe
Director Acquisition and Grants Office, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
[FR Doc. 05-1803 Filed 1-31-05; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3510-22-S