The NOAA Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) seeks proposals for establishing and supporting partnerships between the National Sea Grant College Program and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in aquaculture for FY2025. Approximately $4 million is available, with up to $1 million allocated for each of the proposed four Regional Collaboratives across specified U.S. regions. The projects, expected to run from September 2025 to August 2028, aim to engage MSIs in aquaculture activities, identify their needs, and enhance collaborative research and educational efforts. Applicants must include Sea Grant programs partnering with MSIs and demonstrate how they will support aquaculture initiatives that align with NOAA's goals for sustainable fisheries.
To apply, a Letter of Intent is required by January 29, 2025, and full proposals must be submitted by March 19, 2025. Applicants must meet several eligibility requirements, including valid registrations on SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons. Evaluations will assess the relevance, technical merit, expected outcomes, outreach strategies, and applicant qualifications. The funding aims to promote diversity in aquaculture education, research programs, and participation of diverse communities, further showcasing NOAA’s commitment to fostering partnerships that enhance the U.S. aquaculture industry.
The NOAA Grants Management Division’s Budget Narrative Guidance outlines requirements for applicants to provide a comprehensive budget narrative for federal grants. The document emphasizes the necessity of detailing and justifying both federal and non-federal expenditures as categorized in SF-424A for non-construction awards and SF-424C for construction awards. Each cost must be reasonable, allowable, allocable, and necessary, aligning with 2 CFR §200 requirements.
The guidance covers various expense categories, including personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contractual, construction, and other costs. Each category requires detailed justification, highlighting the connection to program objectives. Additional instructions pertain to multi-year funding, cost-sharing, and indirect costs, including different indirect cost rates.
Overall, this guidance aims to ensure transparency and accountability in federal funding by requiring thorough documentation and support for all budgetary claims made by applicants, thereby facilitating compliant and effective project execution.