Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Environmental Studies (ES)

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) provides major economic and energy benefits on a national and local level to the taxpayers, states and the American Indian community. The BOEM oversees the exploration and development of oil, natural gas and other minerals and renewable energy alternatives on the Nation’s outer continental shelf. BOEM continues to look for better ways to serve the American people and to ensure that the Nation receives the best value for its resources now and into the future. The program not only supports decisions made within the Department of 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 to protect both the human and natural environments. The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) Section 1346 mandates the conduct of environmental and socioeconomic studies needed for the assessment and management of environmental impacts on the human, marine, and coastal environments which may be affected by oil and gas or other mineral development. 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 outer continental shelf operations both onshore and offshore. The purpose of the Environmental Studies Program is to obtain the information needed for the assessment and the management of environmental impacts; to predict impacts on marine biota; and to monitor the human, marine, and coastal environments to provide time series and data trend information.

State agencies, public universities, and non-profits in affected states may apply. More than one institution may collaborate in the preparation of an application for assistance. Scientists from other institutions may participate in collaboration with a principal investigator from a State agency or public university.

Research scientists, Federal, State and local decision-makers, Native American Organizations, 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 as specified in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). NOFOs will be posted on https://www.grants.gov/ Grants.gov. and enroll in a new database GrantSolutions https://home.grantsolutions.gov/home/. Use the standard SF-424 application forms.

Awards are made on the basis of 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. It is anticipated that 30 applications will be received, and 11 new cooperative agreement awards will be granted in FY 2022.

From 90 - 270 days.