NOAA Cooperative Aviation Center
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Program Objective
The NOAA Corps plans to partner with qualified institutions to establish Cooperative Aviation Centers. Qualified partner institutions must have a four-year baccalaureate program of professional flight and piloting instruction that is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International and provide students the opportunity to earn relevant pilot certifications and licenses. These institutions must be located in regions with multiple weather related activities to promote familiarity with various weather conditions consistent with NOAA Corps aviation missions. Additionally, the institutions must demonstrate the ability to provide STEM education aligned to the NOAA Corps requirements. Finally, institutions should also demonstrate access to relevant simulation technology and evidence of past collaborations with NOAA
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Other
Postsecondary Institutions with baccalaureate program of professional flight and piloting instruction accredited by a recognized aviation education body and possess FAA certified flight training programs. Additionally, applicants must include in their degree Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Specific requirements would include at least 48 semester (72 quarter) hours in STEM course work pertaining to NOAA’s missions. The combination of rigorous flight training and specialized STEM education will equip graduates to contribute meaningfully to NOAA's distinctive and critical responsibilities.
To ensure a coordinated effort between OMAO and the university, OMAO's assistance throughout the student selection process is required.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
NOAA anticipates typical federal funding for awards will be up to $600,000 per university annually, for up to three schools, for a program length of 5 years. NOAA anticipates up to $2.7 million will be available under this Announcement in Fiscal Year 2026 and that 1-3 awards will be made. Awards are dependent upon the amount of funds made available to NOAA for this purpose by the congressional direction for FY26 - FY31 budgets. Estimated funding in subsequent fiscal years has not been determined; this announcement may be amended if estimates for future fiscal years become available.
Funds will be administered by the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations. The exact amount of funds that may be awarded will be determined in pre-award negotiations between the applicant and NOAA. Any funds provided to successful applicants for subsequent-year funding requests will be determined by progress towards stated milestones and availability of funding at the discretion of the NOAA/OMAO and the NOAA Grants Management Division (GMD).
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 60 to 90 days
Review process (4 months)
Minimum requirements review (to make sure schools are eligible) 14-30 days
DOC Grant Intake approval; 30 business days
Budget office review; 3-5 business days
GMD Review and Obligations (60 days)
Technical Merit review
Program details & compliance
Description
NOAA Corps aviators are essential to NOAA’s mission of Science, Service and Stewardship. OMAO’s aviators pilot NOAA’s aircraft, including Twin Otters, King Airs, the famous P-3 Orion and Gulfstream IV “hurricane hunters.” These aircraft collect data essential to hurricane and flood prediction, nautical charting, disaster response, and resource management.
The overarching goal of NCAC is to develop future aviation professionals for NOAA Corps by providing a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about aviation and science. Within the program, students will experience mission driven opportunities to prepare them for a direct-to-aviation position. This includes, but is not limited to, a summer internship at the Aircraft Operations Center (AOC), leadership development, and flight training opportunities.
Mission Categories
Primary: STEM Education
Other categories:
Fish and Wildlife PreservationResearch and DevelopmentEarth and EnvironmentLand and Forest Conservation
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
The NOAA Cooperative Aviation Centers will provide a two-year program at selected universities. Funds awarded through this opportunity are to be used by the universities to offer participating students a range of aviation flight and educational experiences.
Required Documentation
All applications should be typewritten on 8 ½ X 11 paper with 12-point font and may not exceed 10 pages. Applications must include:
A title page with the institution's name, address and contact information of a single point of contact that will represent the institution.
A cover letter describing the institution’s interest and qualifications that will not exceed one page.
A detailed description of how the institution meets all relevant evaluation criteria, with clear evidence (including relevant examples, data, and other material) supporting description.
Names, job positions, and contact information for members of the institution that will support the NOAA Cooperative Aviation Center.
Supplemental information:
Documentation of FAA certifications and accreditations
Resumes for members of the institution that will support the NOAA Cooperative Aviation Center
Letters of support, if applicable, highlighting past partnerships with NOAA or other organizations with similar missions to NOAA
Detailed descriptions of relevant curriculum, including STEM and aviation criteria.
Reporting & Compliance
Formula
https://www.congress.gov/bill/95th-congress/house-bill/7691
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-C