Seabed Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization in the Pacific
🏛 Bureau of Oceans - Int. Environmental - Scientific
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 27, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for U.S. organizations interested in ocean mapping and seabed exploration in Pacific Island Countries.
U.S.-based for-profit organizations, educational institutions (public, private, or state), and not-for-profit organizations can apply. 501(c)(3) status is not required. Think tanks and civil society organizations are eligible.
Work must focus on ocean mapping, seabed exploration, habitat characterization, and data management in Pacific Island Countries. Applicants propose their own projects within this geographic scope.
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Program description
The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES), Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs (OPA) announces an open competition for a U.S. institution, company, or organization (see eligibility information in B.1) interested in submitting an application to conduct ocean mapping, seabed exploration, habitat and resource characterization, and data management and analysis in Pacific Island Countries (PICs).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Cover letter or project summary
- Technical/Project narrative
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational capability statement
- Letters of support from Pacific Island Country partners
- Data management plan
- CV or personnel qualifications
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau of Oceans - Int. Environmental - Scientific
- 📧 andersoncb@state.gov
- 📞 703-516-1684
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 19.017 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$250,000,000
-
$60,000,000
-
$60,000,000
-
$47,000,000
-
$44,644,475
-
$39,467,189
-
$28,389,507
-
$26,000,000
-
$24,880,911
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$17,500,000
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 19.017). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2016 | $560,206,000 | |
| 2017 est. | $7,100,000 | |
| 2022 | $355,702 | |
| 2023 est. | $1,223,802,132 | |
| 2024 est. | $1,223,802,133 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
U.S. for-profit organizations, educational institutions, nonprofits, think tanks, and civil society organizations can apply. 501(c)(3) status is not required.
Do I need to be based in the United States?
Yes, your organization must be U.S.-based to be eligible.
What activities does this grant fund?
Ocean mapping, seabed exploration, habitat characterization, and data management/analysis in Pacific Island Countries are funded.
What is the funding range?
Individual awards range from $2 million to $7 million under this competition.
Can we propose work in other regions?
No, work must be conducted in Pacific Island Countries specifically.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start by identifying a specific Pacific Island Country or region for your project. Clear geographic focus strengthens competitiveness.
- Emphasize how your seabed data will support sustainable development, resource management, or climate adaptation in the target country.
- Secure partnerships with local institutions or governments in the Pacific Island Countries you'll work with. Collaboration demonstrates buy-in.
- Detail your data management and sharing plan. This is a federal priority for all ocean research grants.
- Budget for extended field mobilization and logistics. Ocean mapping in remote Pacific locations requires significant operational planning.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals lack specific partnership agreements with target Pacific Island Countries. Vague data management plans fail to address long-term archiving, access, or distribution. Applications underestimate logistics and operational costs for remote ocean work in the Pacific.
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