Hydrographic Services

The Office of Coast Survey (OCS) is a program office within the NOAA National Ocean Service that provides charts and related information for the safe navigation of marine commerce, and to provide basic hydrographic data for engineering and scientific purposes and for other commercial and industrial needs. The Coast and Geodetic Survey Act authorizes the conduct of developmental work for the improvement of surveying and cartographic methods, instruments, and equipments; and to conduct investigations and research in geophysical sciences (including geodesy, oceanography, seismology, and geomagnetism). Joint Ocean and Coastal Mapping Centers are authorized in the Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act to advance the purposes of the Acts including research and development of hydrographic technologies necessary to ensure safe and efficient navigation; research and development of innovative ocean and coastal mapping technologies, equipment, and data products; mapping of the United States Outer Continental Shelf and other regions; data processing for nontraditional data and uses; advancing the use of remote sensing technologies for related issues, including mapping and assessment of essential fish habitat and of coral resources, ocean observations, and ocean exploration; and providing graduate education and training in ocean and coastal mapping sciences.

Institutions of higher education, State, Local and Indian tribal governments may apply for assistance, depending upon the specific requirements of each announcement. Federal agencies or institutions and foreign governments may not be the primary recipient of awards under this announcement, but are encouraged to partner with eligible applicants when appropriate. Funding Opportunity Announcements will specify eligible applicants. For Joint Ocean and Coastal Mapping Centers, only Institutions of higher education may apply.

State (includes District of Columbia, public institutions of higher education), Local (includes State-designated Indian Tribes, includes institutions of higher education, Public nonprofit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education), U.S. Territories and possessions (includes institutions of higher education), Private nonprofit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education).

Applications are required for competitive and non-competitive grants. Grantees must apply by the due date published in the announcement posted on Grants.gov. Application packages must be submitted on time, be complete and meet minimum requirements in order to be considered for funding. The applications recommended for funding by the Selecting Official will be forwarded to the NOAA Grants Management Division (GMD) by the Program Office. The applicant will be notified by the program office by email that its application was recommended for funding. Unsuccessful proposals will not be returned to the applicant. The applicant must be aware that the notification by the program office that a proposal was forwarded to GMD is NOT the official award notice. Official notification happens only when the applicant receives an award notice from the Grants Officer either by postal mail or electronically. Costs incurred prior to receiving notice from an authorized federal grants or procurement officer are solely at one's own risk of these costs not being included under the award.