[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 208 (Wednesday, October 28, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57658-57664]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-28861]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[Docket No. 980909232-8232-01 I.D.092595C]
RIN 0648-ZA48
Financial Assistance for Research and Development Projects in the
Gulf of Mexico and Off the U.S. South Atlantic Coastal States; Marine
Fisheries Initiative (MARFIN)
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC).
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: Subject to the availability of funds, NMFS will continue
MARFIN to assist persons in carrying out research and development
projects that optimize the use of fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico and
off the South Atlantic States of North Carolina, South Carolina,
Georgia, and Florida involving the U.S. fishing industry (recreational
and commercial), including fishery biology, resource assessment, socio-
economic assessment, management and conservation, selected harvesting
methods, and fish handling and processing. NMFS issues this notice
describing the conditions under which applications will be accepted and
selected for funding. Areas of emphasis for MARFIN were formulated from
recommendations received from non-Federal scientific and technical
experts and from NMFS research and operations officials.
DATES: Applications for funding under this program will be accepted
between October 28, 1998, and 5 p.m. eastern daylight time on December
28, 1998. Applications received after that time will not be considered
for funding. No facsimile applications will be accepted.
ADDRESSES: Send applications to: Ellie Francisco Roche, Chief, State/
Federal Liaison Office, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 9721 Executive
Center Drive, N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellie Francisco Roche, 727-570-5324.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Authority
The Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) is authorized under 15 U.S.C.
713c-3(d) to carry out a national program of research and development
addressed to such aspects of U.S. fisheries as harvesting, processing,
marketing and associated infrastructures, if not adequately covered by
projects assisted under 15 U.S.C. 713c-3(c), as the Secretary deems
appropriate.
II. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
This program is described in the ``Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance'' (CFDA) under program number 11.433, Marine Fisheries
Initiative.
III. Program Description
MARFIN is a competitive Federal assistance program that promotes
and endorses programs that seek to optimize research and development
benefits from U.S. marine fishery resources through cooperative efforts
that involve the best research and management talents to accomplish
priority activities. Projects funded under MARFIN are focused into
cooperative efforts that provide answers for fishery needs covered by
the NMFS Strategic Plan, available from the Southeast Regional Office
(see ADDRESSES), particularly those goals relating to rebuilding
overfished marine fisheries, maintaining currently productive
fisheries, and integrating conservation of protected species and
fisheries management.
Emphasis will be placed upon funding projects that have the
greatest probability of recovering, maintaining, improving, or
developing fisheries; improving the understanding of factors affecting
recruitment success; and/or generating increased values and
recreational opportunities from fisheries. Projects will be evaluated
as to the likelihood of achieving these benefits through both short-
and long-term research efforts, with consideration given to the
magnitude of the eventual economic or social benefits that may be
realized. Short-term projects that may yield more immediate benefits
and projects yielding longer-term benefits will receive equal
consideration.
IV. Funding Availability
This solicitation announces that funding of approximately $1.10
million may be available in fiscal year (FY) 1999. MARFIN financial
assistance started in FY 1986 for financial assistance to conduct
research for fishery resources in the Gulf of Mexico and off the South
Atlantic states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and
Florida. There is no guarantee that sufficient funds will be available
to make awards for all approved projects.
Project proposals accepted for funding for a project period over 1
year that include multiple project components and severable tasks to be
funded during each budget period will not compete for funding in
subsequent budget periods within the approved project period. However,
funding for subsequent project components is contingent upon the
availability of funds from Congress and satisfactory performance and
will be at the sole discretion of the agency. Publication of this
notice does not obligate NMFS to award any specific cooperative
agreement or to commit all or any parts of the available funds.
V. Matching Requirements
Applications must reflect the total budget necessary to accomplish
the project, including contributions and/or donations. Cost-sharing is
not required for the MARFIN program. However, cost-sharing is
encouraged and, in case of a tie in considering proposals for funding,
cost-sharing may affect the final decision. The allowability of all
cost-sharing will be determined on the basis of guidance provided in
applicable Federal cost principles. If an applicant chooses to cost-
share, and if that application is selected for funding, the
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applicant will be bound by the percentage of the cost share reflected
in the cooperative agreement award.
The non-Federal share may include the value of in-kind
contributions by the applicant or third parties or funds received from
private sources or from state or local governments. Federal funds may
not be used to meet the non-Federal share of matching funds, except as
provided by Federal statute. Third party in-kind contributions may be
in the form of, but are not limited to, personal services rendered in
carrying out functions related to the project and use of real or
personal property owned by others (for which consideration is not
required) in carrying out the projects. NMFS must contribute at least
50 percent of total project costs, as provided by statute, 15 U.S.C.
713c-3(c)(4)(B).
The total cost of a project begins on the effective award date of
an authorized cooperative agreement between the applicant and the NOAA
Grants Officer and ends on the date specified in the award.
Accordingly, costs incurred either in the development of a project or
the financial assistance application or in time expended in any
subsequent discussions or negotiations prior to the award are neither
reimbursable nor recognizable as part of the recipient's cost share.
VI. Type of Funding Instrument
The cooperative agreement has been determined to be the appropriate
funding instrument. NMFS is substantially involved in developing
program research priorities, conducting cooperative activities with
recipients, and evaluating the performance of recipients for
effectiveness in meeting national and regional goals for fishery
research in the southeastern United States.
VII. Eligibility Criteria
A. Applications for cooperative agreements for MARFIN projects may
be made, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this notice,
by:
1. Any individual who is a citizen or national of the United States
or a citizen of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of
Palau, or the Federated States of Micronesia.
2. Any corporation, partnership, or other entity, non-profit or
otherwise, if such entity is a citizen of the United States within the
meaning of section 2 of the Shipping Act, 1916, as amended (46 U.S.C.
802). Colleges, universities, and game and fish departments of the
several states are included in this eligibility criteria.
DOC/NOAA/NMFS are committed to cultural and gender diversity in
their programs and encourage women and minority individuals and groups
to submit applications.
B. Federal agencies, Federal instrumentalities, including Regional
Fishery management Councils and their employees, Federal employees,
including NOAA employees (full-time, part-time, and intermittent
personnel or their immediate families), and NOAA offices or centers are
not eligible to submit an application under this solicitation or aid in
the preparation of an application during the 60-day solicitation
period, except to provide information about the MARFIN program and the
priorities and procedures included in this solicitation. However, NOAA
employees are permitted to provide information about ongoing and
planned NOAA programs and activities that may have implication for an
application. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact Ellie
Francisco Roche at the NMFS Southeast Regional Office (see ADDRESSES)
for information on NOAA programs.
VIII. Award Period
The award period for the project may be more than 1 year consisting
of one, two, or three budget periods that correspond to the funding for
the proposed project components. The award period will depend upon the
duration of funding requested by the applicant in the Application for
Federal Assistance, the decision of the NMFS selecting official on the
amount of funding, the results of post-selection negotiations between
the applicant and NOAA officials, and pre-award review of the
application by NOAA and DOC officials. Normally, each budget period may
be no more than 12 months in duration. NOAA policy limits the total
duration of a project to 3 years.
IX. Indirect Costs
The Project Budget form may include an amount for indirect costs if
the applicant has an established indirect cost rate with the Federal
government. The total dollar amount of the indirect costs proposed in
an application under this program must not exceed the indirect cost
rate negotiated and approved by a cognizant Federal agency prior to the
proposed effective date of the award, or 100 percent of the total
proposed direct costs dollar amount in the application, whichever is
less. The Federal share of the indirect costs may not exceed 25 percent
of the total proposed direct costs. Applicants with approved indirect
cost rates above 25 percent of the total proposed direct costs may use
the amount above the 25-percent level up to the 100-percent level as
part of the non-Federal share. If applicable, a copy of the current,
approved, negotiated indirect cost agreement with the Federal
government must be included in the application.
X. Profit or Fees
Profit or management fees paid to for-profit or commercial
organization grantees are allowable at the discretion of NOAA. However,
they shall not exceed 7 percent of the total estimated direct costs.
There must be no profit or fees to the recipient in any overhead
charge. Payment of fees or profit must be subject to successful
completion of project objectives.
XI. Application Forms and Kit
Before submitting an application under this program, applicants
should contact the NMFS Southeast Regional Office for a copy of this
solicitation's MARFIN Application Package (see ADDRESSES).
Applications for project funding under this program must be
complete and in accordance with instructions in the MARFIN Application
Package. They must identify the principal participants and include
copies of any agreements describing the specific tasks to be performed
by participants. Project applications should give a clear presentation
of the proposed work, the methods for carrying out the project, its
relevance to managing and enhancing the use of Gulf of Mexico and/or
South Atlantic fishery resources, and cost estimates as they relate to
specific aspects of the project. Budgets must include a detailed
breakdown, by category of expenditures, with appropriate justification
for both the Federal and non-Federal shares. Applicants should not
assume prior knowledge on the part of NMFS as to the relative merits of
the project described in the application. Applications are not to be
bound in any manner and must be printed only on one side of each sheet
of paper. All incomplete applications will be returned to the
applicant. Ten copies (one original and nine copies) of each
application are required and should be submitted to the NMFS Southeast
Regional Office, State/Federal Liaison Office (see ADDRESSES). OMB has
approved 10 copies, under Approval #0648-0175.
XII. Project Funding Priorities
Proposals for FY 1999 should exhibit familiarity with related work
that is completed or ongoing. Where appropriate, proposals should be
multi-
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disciplinary. Coordinated efforts involving multiple institutions or
persons are encouraged. The areas of special emphasis are listed here,
but proposals in other areas will be considered on a funds-available
basis.
In addition to referencing specific area(s) of special interest as
listed below, proposals should state whether the research will apply to
the Gulf of Mexico only, the South Atlantic only, or to both areas.
Successful applicants may be required to collect and manage data in
accordance with standardized procedures and formats approved by NMFS
and to participate with NMFS in specific cooperative activities that
will be determined by consultations between NMFS and successful
applicants before project grants are awarded. All recipients of
financial assistance under this program shall include funding in the
budget for the principal investigator to participate in an annual
MARFIN Conference in Tampa, FL, at the completion of the project.
Bycatch
The bycatch of biological organisms (including interactions with
sea turtles and marine mammals) by various fishing gears can have wide-
reaching impacts from a fisheries management and an ecological
standpoint, with the following major concerns:
A. Shrimp trawl fisheries. Studies are needed to contribute to the
regional shrimp trawl bycatch program (including the rock shrimp
fishery) being conducted by NMFS in cooperation with state fisheries
management agencies, commercial and recreational fishing organizations
and interests, environmental organizations, universities, Councils, and
Commissions. Specific guidance and research requirements are contained
in the Cooperative Bycatch Plan for the Southeast, available from NMFS
(see ADDRESSES). In particular, the studies should address:
1. Data collection and analyses to expand and update current
bycatch estimates, temporally and spatially emphasizing areas of
greatest impact by shrimping. Sampling effort should include estimates
of numbers, weight, and random samples of size (age) structure of
associated bycatch complex, with emphasis on those overfished species
under the jurisdiction of the Councils.
2. Assessment of the status and condition of fish stocks
significantly impacted by shrimp trawler bycatch, with emphasis given
to overfished species under the jurisdiction of the Councils. Other
sources of fishing and nonfishing mortality should be considered and
quantified as well.
3. Identification, development, and evaluation of gear, non-gear,
and tactical fishing options to reduce bycatch.
4. Improved methods for communicating with and improving
technology and information transfer to the shrimp industry.
5. Development and evaluation of statistical methods to estimate
the bycatch of priority management species in the Gulf and South
Atlantic shrimp trawl fisheries.
B. Pelagic longline fisheries. Several pelagic longline fisheries
exist in the Gulf and South Atlantic, targeting such highly migratory
species as tunas, sharks, billfish, and swordfish. Priority areas
include:
1. Development and evaluation of gear and fishing tactics to
minimize bycatch of undersized and unwanted species, including sea
turtles, marine mammals, and overfished finfish species/stocks.
2. Assessment of the biological impact of longline bycatch on
related fisheries.
C. Reef fish fisheries. The reef fish complex is exploited by a
variety of fishing gear and tactics. The following research on bycatch
of reef fish species is needed:
1. Development and evaluation of gear and fishing tactics to
minimize the bycatch of undersized and unwanted species, including sea
turtles and marine mammals.
2. Characterization and assessment of the impact of bycatch of
undersized target species, including release mortality, during
recreational fishing and during commercial longline, bandit gear
and trap fishing.
3. Determination of the release mortality of red snapper caught on
commercial bandit rigs that are electrically or hydraulically powered.
D. Finfish trawl fisheries. Studies are needed on quantification
and qualification of the bycatch in finfish trawl fisheries, such as
the flounder and fly-net fisheries in the South Atlantic.
E. Gillnet fisheries. Studies are needed on quantification and
qualification of the bycatch in coastal and shelf gillnet fisheries for
sciaenids, scombrids, bluefish and other dogfish sharks of the South
Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico (particularly interaction with sea turtles
and marine mammals).
F. Economic considerations of bycatch reduction.
1. Develop and test models, using actual or hypothesized
data that explicitly consider the costs to the directed fishery and
gains to the bycatch fishery. The models should include the effects of
the management systems for the directed and bycatch fisheries and
should attempt to describe criteria for the correct level of bycatch
reduction (e.g., marginal cost and value of reduction are equal).
2. Develop economic incentives and other innovative alternatives to
gear and season/area restrictions as ways to reduce bycatch. The
proposal should attempt to contrast the relative costs, potential
gains, and levels of bycatch reduction
associated with traditional methods and any innovative alternatives
addressed by the proposals.
3. Describe the costs and returns performance of South Atlantic
shrimp fisheries as necessary background for the economics of bycatch
reduction.
Reef Fish
Some species within the reef fish complex are showing signs of
being overfished either because of directed efforts or because of being
the bycatch of other fisheries. The ecology of reef fish makes them
vulnerable to overfishing because they tend to concentrate over
specific types of habitat with patchy distribution. This behavior
pattern can make traditional fishery statistics misleading. Priority
research areas include:
A. Collection of basic biological data for species in commercially
and recreationally important fisheries.
1. Age and growth of reef fish.
a. Description of age and growth patterns, especially for red,
vermilion, gray, and cubera snappers; gray triggerfish; gag; black
grouper; hogfish; red porgy; and other less dominant forms in the
management units for which data are lacking.
b. Contributions to the development of annual age-length keys and
description of age structures for exploited populations for all species
in the complex addressed in the Reef Fish and Snapper/Grouper
Management Plans for the Gulf and South Atlantic, respectively,
prioritized by importance in the total catch.
c. Design of sampling systems to provide a production-style aging
program for the reef fish fishery. Effective dockside sampling programs
are needed over a wide geographic range, especially for groupers, to
collect information on reproductive state, size, age, and sex.
2. Reproduction studies of reef fish.
a. Maturity schedules, fecundity, and sex ratios of commercially
and recreationally important reef fish, especially gray triggerfish,
gag, and red porgy in the Gulf and South Atlantic.
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b. Studies of all species to characterize the actual reproductive
contribution of females by age.
c. Identification and characterization of spawning aggregations by
species, area, size group, and season.
d. Effects of fishing on changes of sex ratios for gag, red
grouper, and scamp, and disruption of aggregations.
e. Investigations of the reproductive biology of gag, red grouper
and other grouper species.
3. Recruitment of reef fish.
a. Source of recruitment in Gulf and South Atlantic waters,
especially for snappers, groupers, and amberjacks.
b. Annual estimation of the absolute or relative recruitment of
juvenile gag, gray snapper, and lane snapper to estuarine habitats off
the west coast of Florida and to similar estuarine nursery habitats
along the South Atlantic Bight;
development of an index of juvenile gag recruitment for the South
Atlantic based on historical databases and/or field studies.
c. The contribution of live-bottom habitat and habitat areas of
particular concern (Oculina banks) off Fort Pierce, Florida and off
west central Florida to reef fish recruitment.
4. Stock structure of reef fish.
a. Movement and migration patterns of commercially and
recreationally valuable reef fish species, especially gag in the Gulf
and South Atlantic and greater amberjack between the South Atlantic and
Gulf.
b. Biochemical/immunological and morphological/meristic techniques
to allow field separation of lesser amberjack, almaco jack, and banded
rudderfish from greater amberjack to facilitate accurate reporting of
catch.
c. Stock structure of wreckfish in the South Atlantic and of
greater amberjack in the Gulf and South Atlantic.
B. Population assessment of reef fish.
1. Effect of reproductive mode and sex change (protogynous
hermaphroditism) on population size and characteristics, with reference
to sizes of fish exploited in the fisheries and the significance to
proper management.
2. Source and quantification of natural and human-induced
mortalities, including release mortality estimates for charter boats,
headboats, and private recreational vessels, especially for red snapper
and the grouper complex.
3. Determination of the habitat and limiting factors for important
reef fish resources in the Gulf and South Atlantic. 4. Description of
habitat and fish populations in the deep reef community and the prey
distributions supporting the community.
5. Development of statistically valid indices of abundance for
important reef fish species in the South Atlantic and Gulf, especially
red grouper, jewfish, and Nassau grouper.
6. Assessment of tag performance on reef fish species, primarily
snappers and groupers. Characteristics examined should include shedding
rate, effects on growth and survival, and ultimately, the effects of
these characteristics on estimations of vital population parameters.
7. Stock assessments to establish the status of major recreational
and commercial species. Innovative methods are needed for stock
assessments of aggregate species, including the effect of fishing on
genetic structure and the incorporation of sex change for protogynous
hermaphrodites into stock assessment models.
8. Assessment of Florida Bay recovery actions on reef fish
recruitment and survival.
C. Management of reef fish.
1. Research in direct support of management, including catch-and-
release mortalities, by gear and depth.
2. Evaluation of the use of marine reserves as an alternative or
supplement to current fishery management practices and measures for
reef fish. Studies should focus on the Experimental Oculina Reef
Reserve, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, as well as on the
identification of prime sites for the establishment of reserves in the
U.S. South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.
3. Characterization and evaluation of biological impacts (e.g.,
changes in age or size structure of reef fish populations in response
to management strategies).
4. Evaluation of vessel log data for monitoring the fishery and for
providing biological, economic, and social information for management;
and methods for matching log data to Trip Information Program samples
for indices of effort.
Coastal Migratory Pelagic Fisheries
The commercial and recreational demand for migratory coastal
pelagics has led to overfishing for certain species, including some
stocks of king and Spanish mackerel. Additionally, some are
transboundary with Mexico and other countries and may ultimately demand
international management attention. Current high priorities include:
A. Recruitment indices for king and Spanish mackerel, cobia,
dolphin, wahoo, and bluefish, primarily from fishery-independent data
sources.
B. Fishery-independent methods of assessing stock abundance of king
and Spanish mackerel.
C. Release mortality data for all coastal pelagic species.
D. Improved catch statistics for all species in Mexican waters,
with special emphasis on king mackerel. This includes length-frequency
and life history information.
E. Information on populations of coastal pelagics overwintering off
the Gulf of Mexico and the South Atlantic States of North Carolina,
South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, especially concerning population
size, age and movement patterns.
F. Development of a practical method for aging dolphin.
F. Basic biostatistics for cobia, dolphin, and wahoo to develop
age-length keys and maturation schedules for stock assessments.
H. Impact of bag limits on total catch and landings of king and
Spanish mackerel.
I. Demand and/or supply functions for the commercial king mackerel
fisheries, including baseline cost and return data. Cooperative efforts
that cover the entire Southeast and employ common methodologies for all
geographic areas are strongly encouraged.
J. Sociological and anthropological surveys of coastal pelagic
fisheries.
Groundfish and Estuarine Fishes
Substantial stocks of groundfish and estuarine species occur in the
Gulf and South Atlantic. Most of the database for assessments comes
from studies conducted by NMFS and state fishery management agencies.
Because of the historical and current size of these fish stocks, their
importance as predator and prey species and their current or potential
use as commercial and recreational fisheries, more information on their
biology and life history is needed. General research needs are:
A. Red drum.
1. Size and age structure of the offshore adult stock in the Gulf.
2. Life history parameters and stock structure for the Gulf and the
South Atlantic: Migratory patterns, long-term changes in abundance,
growth rates, and age structure. Specific research needs for Atlantic
red drum are estimates of fecundity as a function of length and weight
and improved coastwide coverage for age-length keys.
3. Catch-and-release mortality rates from inshore and nearshore
waters.
B. Life history and stock structure for weakfish, menhaden, spot,
and croaker in the Gulf and the South Atlantic: Migratory patterns,
long-term changes in abundance, growth rates, and age structure and
comparisons of the inshore and offshore components of recreational and
commercial fisheries.
C. Improved catch-and-effort statistics from recreational and
commercial
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fisheries, including development of age-length keys for size and age
structure of the catch, to develop production models.
D. Abundance and distribution information on spiny dogfish off the
coast of North Carolina, and particularly southern North Carolina.
General
There are many other areas of research that need to be addressed
for improved understanding and management of fishery resources. These
include methods for data collection, management, analysis, and better
conservation. Examples of high-priority research needs include:
A. Identification of fishing communities, characterization of
community dependance upon fishery resources and demographics of the
families dependent on fishing or fishing related businesses.
B. Development of improved methods and procedures for transferring
technology and educating constituency groups concerning fishery
management and conservation programs. Of special importance are
programs concerned with controlled access and introduction of
conservation gear.
B. Design and evaluation of innovative approaches to fishery
management with special attention given to those approaches that
control access to specific fisheries.
D. Social, cultural, and /or economic aspects of establishing
fishery reserves. Studies should employ surveys or other accepted data
collection methods and should include consumptive users, non-
consumptive users, and persons not dependent on use of marine
resources. Various management alternatives should be considered in the
studies, e.g., exclude all users, exclude all consumptive users, size
of reserve, anchoring rules, or any other relevant management tools.
E. Design and evaluation of limited access options for the red
snapper and king mackerel recreational fisheries with specific emphasis
on modes of fishing and jurisdictional issues.
F. Estimation of demand models for recreational fishing trips when
the target species include a single species, an aggregate of related
species, or all species combined. Studies using new data from the
Southeast economics add-on to Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics
Survey are highly encouraged. Priority species include red drum Spanish
mackerel, red grouper, and dolphin.
G. Sociocultural survey of commercial fishing in the Florida Keys.
Proposals should address all fishing enterprises including potential
sociocultural effects of large marine reserves in the Tortugas area.
H. Cost and returns and marketing studies for the live rock
aquiculture industry.
I. Studies to evaluate the value of non-consumptive uses of marine
resources, especially as related to diving activities and marine
reserves.
J. Develop a scientific basis for refining essential fish habitat
(EFH) designation for future amendments to fishery management plans.
Priority in program emphasis will be placed upon funding projects
that have the greatest probability of recovering, maintaining,
improving, or developing fisheries; improving the understanding of
factors affecting recruitment success; and generating increased values
and recreational opportunities from fisheries. Projects will be
evaluated as to the likelihood of achieving these benefits through
short- and long-term research efforts, with consideration given to the
magnitude of the eventual economic benefits that may be realized.
XIII. Evaluation Criteria
Successful applicants generally will be recommended within 210 days
from the date of publication of this notice. The earliest start date of
awards will be about 90 days after each project is selected and after
all NMFS/applicant negotiations of cooperative activities have been
completed (the earliest start date of awards will be about 300 days
after the date of publication of this notice). Applicants should
consider this selection and processing time in developing requested
start dates for their applications. Proposed projects will be evaluated
and ranked as follows:
A. Unless otherwise specified by statute, in reviewing applications
for cooperative agreements, including those that include consultants
and contracts, NOAA will make a determination regarding the following:
1. Is the involvement of the applicant necessary to the conduct of
the project and to the accomplishment of its goals and objectives?
2. Is the proposed allocation of the applicant's time reasonable
and commensurate with the applicant's involvement in the project?
3. Are the proposed costs for the applicant's involvement in the
project reasonable and commensurate with the benefits to be derived
from the applicant's participation?
4. Is the project proposal substantial in character and design?
B. Applications meeting the above requirements will be forwarded
for technical evaluation by a panel of at least 3 experts from non-NOAA
as well as NOAA organizations. Applicants submitting applications not
meeting the above requirements will be notified. Comments submitted to
NMFS by each evaluator will be taken into consideration in the ranking
of projects. NMFS will provide point scores on proposals, based on the
following evaluation criteria:
1. Does the proposal have a clearly stated goal with associated
objectives that meet the needs outlined in the Project Narrative? (30
points)
2. Does the proposal clearly identify and describe, in the Project
Outline and Statement of Work, scientifically valid methodologies and
analytical procedures that will adequately address project goals and
objectives? (30 points)
3. Do the principal investigators provide a scientifically
realistic timetable to enable full accomplishment of all aspects of the
Statements of Work? (20 points)
4. Do the principal investigators define how they will maintain
stewardship of the project performance, finances, cooperative
relationships, and reporting requirements for the proposal? (10 points)
5. Are the proposed costs appropriate for the scope of work
proposed? (10 points)
XIV. Selection Procedures
All applications will be ranked by a NMFS scientific panel into two
groups: ``Recommended,'' and ``Not Recommended.'' Proposals ranked as
``Not Recommended'' will not be given further consideration for
selection and funding. ``Recommended'' rankings will be presented to a
panel of non-NOAA fishery experts who will individually consider the
significance of the problem addressed in each project proposal, the
technical evaluation, and need for funding. These panel members will
provide individual recommendations to NMFS on each proposal classified
as ``Recommended.''
The individual comments, recommendations, and evaluations of the
non-NOAA panel members, and recommendations of the NMFS scientific
panel and of the NMFS Southeast Program Officer will be considered by
the Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, NMFS (Regional
Administrator). The Regional Administrator, in consultation with the
Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, will (a) determine which
projects do not substantially duplicate other projects that are
currently funded by NOAA or are approved for funding by other Federal
offices, (b) select the projects to be funded, (c) determine the amount
of
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funds available for each project, and (d) determine which components of
the selected projects shall be funded. The exact amount of funds
awarded, the final scope of activities, the project duration, and
specific NMFS cooperative involvement with the activities of each
project will be determined in pre-award negotiations among the
applicant, the NOAA Grants Office, and the NMFS Program Staff. Projects
must not be initiated by recipients until a signed award is received
from the NOAA Grants Office.
NMFS will make project applications available for review as
follows:
A. Consultation with members of the fishing industry, management
agencies, environmental organizations, and academic institutions. NMFS
shall, at its discretion, request comments from members of the fishing
and associated industries, groups, organizations, and institutions who
have knowledge in the subject matter of a project or who would be
affected by a project.
B. Consultation with Government agencies. Applications will be
reviewed by the NMFS Southeast Region Program Office in consultation
with the NMFS Southeast Fisheries Science Center, including appropriate
operations and laboratory personnel, the NOAA Grants Office, and, as
appropriate, DOC bureaus and other Federal agencies.
XV. Other Requirements
A. Federal policies and procedures. Recipients and subrecipients
are subject to all Federal laws and Federal and DOC policies,
regulations, and procedures applicable to Federal financial assistance
awards. Women and minority individuals and groups are encouraged to
submit applications under this program.
B. Past performance. Any first-time applicant for Federal grant
funds is subject to a pre-award accounting survey prior to execution of
the award. Unsatisfactory performance under prior Federal awards may
result in an application not being considered for funding.
C. Pre-award activities. If applicants incur any costs prior to an
award being made, they do so solely at their own risk of not being
reimbursed by the Government. Notwithstanding any verbal or written
assurance that they may have received, there is no obligation on the
part of DOC to cover pre-award costs.
D. No obligation of future funding. If an application is selected
for funding, DOC has no obligation to provide any additional future
funding in connection with the award. Renewal of an award to increase
funding or extend the period of performance is at the total discretion
of DOC.
E. Delinquent Federal debts. No award of Federal funds shall be
made to an applicant or to its subrecipients who have any outstanding
delinquent Federal debt or fine until:
1. The delinquent account is paid in full;
2. A negotiated repayment schedule is established and at least one
payment is received; or
3. Other arrangements satisfactory to DOC are made.
F. Name check review. All non-profit and for-profit applicants are
subject to a name-check review process. Name checks are intended to
reveal if any key individuals associated with the applicant have been
convicted of, or are presently facing, such criminal charges as fraud,
theft, perjury, or other matters that significantly reflect on the
applicant's management honesty or financial integrity. Potential non-
profit and for-profit recipients may also be subject to reviews of Dun
and Bradstreet data or of other similar credit checks.
G. Primary applicant certifications. All primary applicants must
submit a completed Form CD-511, ``Certifications Regarding Debarment,
Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace
Requirements and Lobbying,'' and the following explanations are hereby
provided:
1. Nonprocurement debarment and suspension. Prospective
participants (as defined at 15 CFR 26.105) are subject to 15 CFR part
26, ``Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension'' and to the related
section of the certification form prescribed here;
2. Drug-free workplace. Grantees (as defined at 15 CFR 26.605) are
subject to 15 CFR part 26, subpart F, ``Government wide Requirements
for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)'' and to the related section of the
certification form prescribed here;
3. Anti-lobbying. Persons (as defined at 15 CFR 28.105) are subject
to the lobbying provisions of 31 U.S.C. 1352, ``Limitation on use of
appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracting and
financial transactions.'' The lobbying section of the CD-511 applies to
applications/bids for grants, cooperative agreements, contracts for
more than $100,000, and to loans and loan guarantees for more than
$150,000.
4. Anti-lobbying disclosures. Any applicant who has paid or will
pay for lobbying using any funds must submit a Form SL-LLL,
``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,'' as required under 15 CFR part
28, appendix B.
H. Lower tier certifications. Recipients shall require applicants/
bidders for subgrants, contracts, subcontracts, or other lower tier
covered transactions at any tier under the award to submit, if
applicable, a completed Form CD-512, ``Certifications Regarding
Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier
Covered Transactions and Lobbying'' and disclosure form SF-LLL,
``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.'' Form CD-512 is intended for the
use of recipients and should not be transmitted to DOC. A form SF-LLL
submitted by any tier recipient or subrecipient should be submitted to
DOC in accordance with the instructions contained in the award
document.
I. False statements. A false statement on the application is
grounds for denial or termination of funds and grounds for possible
punishment by a fine or imprisonment as provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001.
J. Intergovernmental review. Applications under this program are
subject to the provisions of E.O. 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of
Federal Programs.''
K. Requirement to buy American-made equipment and products.
Applicants are hereby notified that they are encouraged, to the extent
feasible, to purchase American-made equipment and products with funding
provided under this program.
Classification
Prior notice and an opportunity for public comments are not
required by the Administrative Procedure Act or any other law for this
notice concerning grants, benefits, and contracts. Therefore, a
regulatory flexibility analysis is not required for purposes of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act.
This action has been determined to be not significant for purposes
of E.O. 12866.
Cooperative agreements awarded pursuant to pertinent statutes shall
be in accordance with the Fisheries Research Plan (comprehensive
program of fisheries research) in effect on the date of the award.
Federal participation under the MARFIN Program may include the
assignment of DOC scientific personnel and equipment.
Reasonable, negotiated financial compensation will be provided
under awards for the work of eligible grantee workers.
Information-collection requirements contained in this notice have
been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB control
number 0648-
[[Page 57664]]
0175) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required
to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure
to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements
of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information
displays a currently valid OMB control number.
Public reporting burden for agency-specific collection-of-
information elements, exclusive of requirements specified under
applicable OMB circulars, is estimated to average 4 hours per response,
including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data
sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and
reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this
reporting burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of
information, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to NMFS
(see ADDRESSES).
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 713c-3(d).
Dated: October 19, 1998.
Andrew A. Rosenberg,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Fisheries.
[FR Doc. 98-28861 Filed 10-27-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F
