FR 2021-00385

Summary of the Document

The document announces a pilot program by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), under the Department of Commerce, which seeks to partner with non-Federal entities to conduct hydrographic surveys. This initiative is part of NOAA's broader efforts to map U.S. waters by 2040. Through this program, NOAA plans to match the funds contributed by partners such as state governments, universities, and NGOs. The aim is to enhance the scope and quality of ocean and coastal mapping to support uses like safe navigation, climate adaptation, and coastal management. The deadline for proposal submissions is set for February 26, 2021. The program encourages submitting ideas that align with strategic mapping goals and detailing funding sources.

Significant Issues or Concerns

One significant issue in the document is the lack of clear, objective criteria for how proposals will be evaluated and ranked. This ambiguity could lead to subjective decision-making, introducing risks of favoritism or bias. Additionally, while NOAA promises to match funds, the specific financial commitments and maximum limits per project are not thoroughly transparent, which may lead to uncertainties about fiscal responsibilities.

Another concern arises from the unclear guidelines regarding the potential extension of project periods without additional funding. The criteria or processes for such extensions are not specified, which could have unforeseen financial consequences for the involved partners.

The document's complexity, especially in sections like 'Project Proposal' and 'Review Process and Evaluation Criteria', might be challenging for those unfamiliar with technical and governmental documentation. This complexity could deter participation from interested but inexperienced applicants. Additionally, while several links to external documents and tools are provided, their necessity or relevance is not well-explained, posing a barrier for those without prior knowledge.

Impact on the Public

The document has the potential to impact the public by promoting safer navigation along U.S. coasts, contributing to emergency planning, climate change adaptation, and economic investments through improved coastal and ocean mapping. These areas are fundamental to the well-being and safety of coastal communities.

However, the public might also face challenges due to the technical and bureaucratic nature of the proposal process, which could limit access for smaller or less experienced non-Federal entities wanting to participate. This limitation could potentially slow the broader goal of comprehensive mapping for the collective benefit of the United States.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders such as state governments, universities, and NGOs, this initiative presents an opportunity to engage in impactful projects aimed at expanding ocean and coastal mapping. These partnerships can advance scientific understanding and provide vital data for environmental conservation, resource management, and economic development.

Nonetheless, stakeholders might encounter complexities in drafting proposals that meet NOAA's stringent criteria and requirements. Individuals or organizations with limited resources may find it difficult to navigate the process effectively, potentially reducing the diversity of collaborative entities.

In conclusion, while the NOAA's pilot program presents substantial opportunities for advancing coastal knowledge and infrastructure, it must balance clarity and accessibility with its intricate evaluation and funding processes to maximize participation and fulfillment of its ambitious goals.

The document describes a pilot program initiated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), through its Office of Coast Survey. This program aims to encourage partnerships between NOAA and non-Federal entities, offering a 50% matching fund opportunity for hydrographic surveys. The principal financial feature of this initiative is NOAA's commitment to fund up to $1 million per project, provided that suitable proposals are submitted and meet eligibility and program criteria.

In terms of financial allocations, NOAA anticipates funding between two to five survey projects in the first year of the program. This allocation signifies a substantial fiscal commitment to acquiring more ocean and coastal hydrographic data, which is essential for various activities such as safe navigation and coastal management. However, the document indicates that this funding is contingent upon appropriations, suggesting that the exact number of projects funded could vary based on the availability of resources.

The financial references in the document raise several issues related to budgetary clarity and administrative processes. Firstly, while the document outlines that NOAA will match funds up to $1 million per project, specifics regarding NOAA’s overall financial commitment and budgetary responsibility remain opaque. This lack of detail could make it challenging for potential partners to gauge fiscal responsibility and plan financial contributions accordingly.

Moreover, the document notes the possibility of extending project periods without additional funding. Although this flexibility might be advantageous for project completion, the absence of clear criteria or processes governing such extensions introduces uncertainty. This ambiguity could lead to potential fiscal implications if projects extend beyond their original timeline without extra financial support.

Additionally, the document's complexity, particularly in sections describing the project proposal and evaluation criteria, might create barriers for some interested applicants. The intricate language and references to numerous external documents could dissuade less experienced contenders, impacting the program's reach and diversity in financial contributions.

Finally, the document contains several external links to tools and resources meant to aid proposal justification. Yet, these links are not fully explained within the text, which could make it difficult for applicants to understand their purpose and importance without prior knowledge. This lack of detailed guidance might result in proposers underestimating essential financial components required for a successful application.