Description

Designed to be user-driven and provide sustained data and information in forms and at rates required by decision makers, the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) will efficiently link observations, data management, and modeling to provide required data and information on local to global scales, e.g., from the local scale of beaches and shellfish beds to the global scale of an El Ni[ntilde]o event. Regional coastal ocean observing systems (RCOOSs) are designed to complement the observing systems managed directly by federal agencies that meet national priorities. With the guidance of Regional Associations to understand regional priorities, RCOOSs provide the types of data, information, and products needed to address the estuarine and coastal issues experienced by the different regions, and to leverage the delivery and applicability of data collected by local network nodes. NOAA views this announcement as an opportunity to demonstrate the regional observing system concept. To assist in regional IOOS development, NOAA seeks proposals for one- to three-year grant or cooperative agreement projects that address the following focus areas: 1. Regional coastal ocean observing systems (RCOOS) development - to further the establishment and integration of observing system assets within regions and the operation of those assets for the benefit of the region. Proposals submitted under this focus area will demonstrate the approach and benefits of integration at the scale of the Regional Association. While focus areas 2 and 3 address particular components of IOOS (e.g., data management and product development), this focus area invites proposals that implement an end-to-end RCOOS that addresses regional needs. 2. IOOS application and product development for regional stakeholders -- to develop, advance, and document the value of applying existing IOOS assets to the real-world issues of managers, industry, and the general public. Proposals submitted under this focus area will address regional needs for IOOS applications and products and quantify the value of the application or product to the end user. 3. Data management and communication by local data network nodes -- to develop guidance and processes for regional non-federal data providers to contribute to the IOOS data stream. Proposals submitted under this focus area will develop local data network nodes that deliver regional data to a range of consumers using common standards and protocols. The program priorities for this opportunity support NOAA's mission support goal of: Weather and Water -- Serve Society's Needs for Weather and Water Information. Other goals are supported, but this is the goal the opportunity most closely addresses.

Important dates

• Lettter of intent: Jan 31, 2007 5:00 ET
• Full proposal: April 17, 2007 5:00 ET

Awards and Funds

• Expected number of awards: 14
• Award range: $100,000 - $6,000,000 over 3 years

Opportunity Types

• Funding
• Grant