Safety and Environmental Research and Data Collection for Offshore Energy and Mineral Activities

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) provides major economic and energy benefits on a national and local level to the taxpayers and states. The Agency oversees the exploration and development of oil, natural gas and other minerals and renewable energy sources on the nation's Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). BSEE continues to look for better ways to serve the American people and to ensure that the nation receives the best oversight and regulation of national resource development now and into the future. BSEE not only supports decisions made within the Department of the Interior, but also provides coastal states and local governments with the information necessary to ensure that all stages of offshore energy and mineral activities are conducted in a manner that protects both human and natural environments. The OCS Lands Act (OCSLA) Sections 1347 and 1348 respectively mandate the development and enforcement of regulations that protect safety, health and the environment. OCSLA Section 1345 authorizes the use of cooperative agreements with affected states to meet the requirements of OCSLA, including sharing of information, joint utilization of available expertise, formation of joint monitoring arrangements to carry out applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to OCS operations both onshore and offshore. The purposes of the BSEE Office of Offshore Regulatory Programs (OORP) is to obtain information to improve the knowledge, practices, and technologies used to promote operational safety and pollution prevention for offshore oil and gas, wind, and other marine energy activities.

State agencies and public universities may apply. More than one institution may collaborate in the preparation of an application for assistance.

Research scientists, Federal, State and local decision-makers, and the general public will ultimately benefit from the program.

2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards apply to this program. Proposals must include a full statement of work, estimated budget, and resumes.

Applicants shall post their applications on Grants.gov www.grants.gov. database and enroll in a new database GrantSolutions https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/ as specified in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. Use the standard SF-424 application forms.

Awards are made based on a competitive peer review of proposals by a panel consisting of government research managers and external reviewers, as appropriate. Criteria for judging proposals include mission relevance, technical merit, and the quality and appropriateness of the personnel, project management, logistics plan, safety management, permits and interagency coordination, budget/matching funds, and where appropriate, minimization of impacts. Notification of an award is issued

From 45 - 270 days.