The FY2025 NOAA/OAR/WPO Air Quality Research and Forecasting Competition aims to enhance NOAA's air quality forecasting capabilities through applied research and financial support for research-to-operations (R2O) transition projects. The National Air Quality Forecasting Capability (NAQFC) generates hourly numerical predictions for ozone, PM2.5, wildfire smoke, and airborne dust across the contiguous U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii using advanced models, including the EPA’s CMAQ model and NOAA's Unified Forecast System (UFS). Projects suitable for funding must demonstrate maturity, with an ideal readiness level of 5 to 8, and focus on practical outcomes that NOAA can adopt operationally within 3 to 5 years.
Conversely, the VORTEX-USA program seeks to improve tornado forecasting and public communication strategies by building on lessons from the previous VORTEX-SE program. It emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches with a societal impact, fostering studies that expedite the practical application of research findings. Proposals must demonstrate a clear path for transitioning knowledge to beneficial use, with a budget aligned to their complexity. Both initiatives reflect NOAA’s commitment to integrating research into operational frameworks that directly benefit public safety and environmental quality.
The NOAA Grants Management Division provides guidance for applicants submitting budget narratives for federal grants. All applications must include a comprehensive budget narrative outlining federal and non-federal expenditures categorized by object classes (SF-424A for non-construction and SF-424C for construction awards). The narrative should align with dollar amounts on forms and explain all calculations. Reasonableness, allowability, allocability, and necessity of proposed costs are emphasized. Detailed information is required for personnel, fringe benefits, travel (both domestic and foreign), equipment, supplies, contractual costs, construction, and other expenses, ensuring justifications relate to project objectives. Applicants must adhere to regulations regarding indirect costs and cost sharing. Additional requirements include a breakdown of expenses exceeding specific thresholds and documentation for in-kind contributions. This guidance aims to ensure clarity, accountability, and compliance in the use of federal funds, maintaining efficiency in the administration of grants and federal financial assistance programs.
The WPO Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) outlines the requirements for submitting project abstracts within 50 words or less for internal R&D tracking and external communication. Applicants must address project title, goals, problem statements, methodologies, expected outputs, results, and intended beneficiaries. A hypothetical example emphasizes the importance of clear communication strategies in emergency preparedness. The NOFO aims to ensure projects presented are coherent and focused on societal benefits, vital in federal and state grant applications. As such, it promotes clarity and impact in grant-related documentation to enhance project visibility and support effective communication among emergency response personnel and community leaders.
The FY25 Weather Program Office (WPO) Notice of Funding Opportunity outlines requirements for applicants seeking federal funding. A key element is the collection of information regarding the identity of investigators with respect to underserved groups as defined by Executive Order 13985. This data is not shared with reviewers and is strictly for measuring the WPO's progress in fostering a diverse scientific community. Applicants must complete a standard form indicating whether the investigators identify with any of the specified underserved groups, including various racial and ethnic identities, LGBTQ+ status, disabilities, and socioeconomic conditions. Compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 is emphasized, with an approved OMB Control Number noted for this information collection. The document outlines the expected response time and requests feedback on reducing reporting burdens. By ensuring inclusion in funding applications, the WPO aims to promote diversity in scientific research within its purview.