[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 43 (Friday, March 5, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10630-10636]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-5116]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[Docket No. 990125030-9030-01]
RIN 0648-ZA56
National Oyster Disease Research Program and Gulf Oyster Industry
Initiative: Request for Proposals for FY 1999
AGENCY: National Sea Grant College Program, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of request for proposals.
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SUMMARY: The purpose of this notice is to advise the public that the
National Sea Grant College Program (Sea Grant) is entertaining
preliminary proposals and subsequently full proposals to participate in
innovative research, outreach and demonstration projects in two
separate competitions: one to continue the National Oyster Disease
Research Program (ODRP) and one to continue the Gulf Oyster Industry
Program (GOIP). In FY 1999 and 2000, Sea Grant expects to make
available about $1,475,000 per year to support the National Oyster
Disease Research Program through projects that focus on diseases that
are impacting the oyster populations of the US, and about $930,000 per
year to support the Gulf Oyster Industry Program through projects that
focus on the oyster industry problems of the Gulf Coast with special
emphasis on the human health considerations within that industry.
Matching funds equivalent to a minimum of 50% of the Federal request
must be provided for each project. Successful projects will be selected
through national competitions.
DATES: Preliminary proposals must be submitted before 5 pm (local time)
on April 5, 1999 to the nearest state Sea Grant College Program or the
National Sea Grant Office (NSGO). After evaluation at the NSGO, some
proposers will be encouraged to prepare full proposals, which must be
submitted before 5 pm (local time) on May 27, 1999 to the nearest state
Sea Grant College Program or the NSGO.
[[Page 10631]]
ADDRESSES: Investigators located in states with Sea Grant Programs must
submit their preliminary proposals and full proposals through those
programs. The addresses of the Sea Grant College Program directors may
be found on Sea Grant's home page (http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/NSGO/
index.html) or may also be obtained by contacting the Program Manager
at the National Sea Grant Office (see below). Investigators from non-
Sea Grant states may submit their preliminary proposals and proposals
directly to the National Sea Grant Office at: National Sea Grant
College Program. R/SG, Attn: Oyster Disease and Gulf Oyster Industry
Competition, Room 11838, NOAA, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring,
MD 20910.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James P. McVey, Program Director for
Aquaculture, National Sea Grant College Program, R/SG, NOAA, 1315 East-
West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, or Mary Robinson, Secretary,
National Sea Grant Office, 301-713-2451, facsimile 301-713-0799.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Program Authority
Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1121-1131.
(Catalog of Federal Assistance Number: 11.417, Sea Grant Support.)
II. Program Description
Background
National Oyster Disease Research Program: For more than two
decades, oyster populations in the Chesapeake Bay and mid-Atlantic area
have been increasingly battered by Dermo and MSX, two parasitic
diseases for which there is no known remedy. In the northeast, a new
and as yet unidentified pathogen, called Juvenile Oyster Disease (JOD),
has been taking a toll in hatcheries. On the west coast, the Pacific
Oyster has been subjected to puzzling summer mortalities.
The continuing decline of oyster stocks has been a catalyst for
federal support of the Oyster Disease Research Program, a far-reaching
effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to
support innovative research that will lead to improved techniques for
combating oyster disease. The Program began in 1990 with oversight by
the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service and its Chesapeake Bay
Office, and is now administered by the National Sea Grant College,
Program.
Through competitive proposals each year, the Oyster Disease
Research Program is supporting efforts to develop:
(1) Optimal strategies for managing around disease.
(2) Molecular tools to better monitor the onset and presence of
disease.
(3) Better understanding of the processes of parasitic infection.
(4) Improved understanding of the oyster's immune system.
(5) Hatchery techniques for producing disease-resistant strains.
This extensive program of ongoing research, coupled with outreach
and management efforts, aims to better serve the restoration of health
populations of oysters in the nation's coastal waters.
Gulf Oyster Industry Program: The Gulf Oyster Industry Program is a
long term, research-based program aimed at assisting the oyster
industry in states adjoining the Gulf of Mexico to achieve full
economic recovery and sustainable oyster production. This program will
foster the participation of highly qualified academic researchers with
industry and management agency personnel in a organized, comprehensive
search for practical solutions to the most pressing problems of the
Gulf oyster industry, including those relating to Vibrio vulnificus, a
human pathogen, and other human health risks associated with raw
molluscan shellfish.
Funding Availability and Priorities
The National Sea Grant College Program encourages proposals that
address one of the following two program areas:
(1) National Oyster Disease Research Program (ODRP)
The official vision statement for the program is ``to provide,
through a coordinated research program, the technological basis for
overcoming diseases which currently limit oyster production in the
United States''. Even though ODRP emphasis is on diseases associated
with the American oyster, proposals addressing disease problems of
other oyster species will be considered as long as they relate to the
priorities identified below:
In response to the progress reports presented at the special
session on the ``Oyster Disease Research Program--Progress to Date'',
during the International Shellfish Restoration Conference, 21-23
November, 1996, the ODRP Steering Committee recommended that future
announcements encourage partnerships for the transfer of basic research
findings and new technology where opportunity exists. These
partnerships may consist of, but will not be limited to, such
activities as involvement of private sector and extension/outreach in
the implementation of research results and trials of diagnostic
methods, or commercial development of tools for oyster disease
management. Even though this Announcement is encouraging projects of
this type, the Steering Committee recognizes that some of the best work
being done on oyster disease involves basic research, which may not be
ready for application, but which still contributes to a greater
understanding of the fundamental nature of oyster diseases. Sea Grant
will continue to support this basic research, while providing
opportunity for those researchers that have already developed useful
applications to receive consideration in the proposal process. We have
also provided more detail on the results of ongoing research on the
National Sea Grant Homepage on the World Wide Web at http://
www.mdsg.umd.edu.
Another consideration identified by the Steering Committee involves
creating opportunities for larger-scale efforts that build on existing
progress where it would be meaningful. The intent of projects that
would fall into this category should be research hypothesis testing,
but not long-term monitoring. The committee felt that this is an avenue
for reaching the next step programmatically, and would encourage
researchers to build the appropriate partnerships and linkages,
especially with concerned State agencies.
Primary consideration for funding will be given to proposals which
address the specific priorities listed below. These priorities,
originally determined at a national workshop in January, 1995 and
further refined at the Oyster Disease Research Program session during
the International Shellfish Restoration Conference in 1996, are not
listed in any implied order of importance.
(1) Parasite life cycles and the dynamics and mechanisms of
transmission--investigations of selected aspects of the life cycles of
oyster pathogens, especially MSX and Perkinsus, and the dynamics/
mechanisms of disease transmission among host organisms.
(2) Host-parasite interactions--investigations which: determine how
pathogens avoid host defense mechanisms; biochemically characterize
Perkinsus strains; determine factors which confer virulence to
Perkinsus strains; determine mechanisms of infection/entry into the
host; or compare disease processes in oyster species.
(3) Mechanisms of disease resistance--continued emphasis is placed
on studies concerning cellular/molecular mechanisms of disease
[[Page 10632]]
infection and resistance in Crassostrea spp. and studies which
determine the mechanisms of immune response in oysters. In addition,
analysis of host defense factors, the development of molecular markers
of disease and stress resistance, the development of immuno-stimulants,
the application of chemo-therapeutics, and the identification of
pathogen virulence and resistance mechanisms are needed; as are studies
comparing resistance among diploid and polyploid oysters.
(4) Development and application of diagnostic methods for all
oyster diseases--investigations which lead to the development and
application of molecular techniques for disease diagnosis, and those
which develop rapid field diagnostic methods are high priority.
(5) Environmental influences on disease processes--proposals which
address the influence of biotic and abiotic factors upon host-parasite
interactions are high priority. Also included are studies of the
effects of eutrophication upon disease dynamics, basic physiological
and adaptation processes in both hosts and parasites, the mechanisms of
the summer kill phenomenon, relationships between disease progression
and climate, and the eco-physiology of Perkinsus.
(6) Taxonomy, phylogeny and population studies of both hosts and
parasites--emphasis continues on studies of variations in population
susceptibility, host resistance and pathogen virulence. Also needed are
investigations of the genetic structure of both hosts and parasites.
(7) Development and application of selective breeding strategies--
We are seeking studies which develop molecular/biochemical markers for
breeding resistance into oysters, as well as genome analysis and gene
transfer techniques related to disease resistance. A priority in this
category is an evaluation of non-native oyster species genomes with
regard to disease resistance under aquaculture conditions.
(8) Development and testing of geographic and mathematical models
to improve understanding of disease dynamics--the highest priority
topic in this category is the need for a dual disease model to examine
the effects of environmental change upon oyster populations. A basic
model now exists and new work in this area must clearly state how
additional investment will take us to an even better level of
prediction.
(9) Design, apply and evaluate disease management strategies for
enhanced natural and aquaculture production and prediction (i.e.
advanced forecasting)--There are many issues related to establishment
of recovery areas, remote setting, use of natural seed, bottom cleaning
before setting, cultch type, etc. which should be addressed as
management priorities.
Approximately $1,475,000 in FY 1999 funding is available for this
competition and additional funds are expected but not assured for FY
2000. Therefore, two-year projects will be considered. Funding will be
on an annual basis, with renewal depending upon satisfactory
demonstration of progress and availability of funds.
(2) Gulf Oyster Industry Program
The Gulf Oyster Industry Program was created as a result of
information provided by Gulf oyster industry leaders, state resource
managers, and academic researchers spanning the five-state Gulf region.
Specific needs identified by these individuals were subsumed into 12
concise issue statements as a result of a workshop held in New Orleans,
Louisiana in 1997. This list of research and extension needs and
proposed responses was presented to a select Industry Advisory Panel at
the Gulf Oyster Industry Program Workshop conducted in New Orleans,
La., on February 28, 1998, and the group was asked to establish
research priorities based on that framework. Through an ensuing
discussion, high-priority issues were delineated as shown below:
(1) Human pathogenic organisms--Human pathogens associated with raw
shellfish are perceived as a problem for consumers thus affecting
market sales. This RFP seeks proposals that will develop means of
treating oyster shell stock and oyster meats to eliminate Vibrio
vulnificus, and to develop improved methods for depurating oysters such
as the use of friendly bacteria or other water treatments.
(2) Consumer attitudes and preferences--Public and consumer
opinions are very important to the strengthening of the Gulf oyster
industry. This RFP seeks proposals that will determine oyster consumer
demographics, consumption patterns, attitudes and preferences.
Development and testing of new oyster products to improve marketing is
also high priority.
(3) Oyster diseases--Oyster diseases are having a major impact on
Gulf Coast Oyster stocks and for the most part this topic will be
covered under the Oyster Disease topic in this solicitation. However,
oyster disease research specific to the Gulf Coast will be considered
in this solicitation.
(4) Coastal restoration and freshwater diversions--These activities
have impacted the Gulf oyster industry both positively and negatively.
Sea Grant seeks proposals that will educate oystermen, public
officials, and citizens regarding the economic role of the oyster
industry and economic costs of displacing and relocating oyster bedding
operations. Proposals to develop and test freshwater diversion and
oyster farming strategies that reduce fouling of oysters by hooked
mussels are also high priority.
(5) Labor and mechanization--Production technology issues are
becoming more important as the traditional labor base that supports
harvesting, and processing declines. Proposals treating this problem
with special attention to cost effective mechanized approaches to
reduce labor costs in all areas of the industry are being sought.
(6) Genetics and oyster hatchery technology--These technologies are
needed to develop cost-effective hatchery/nursery operations to augment
wild oyster production with specialized strains. The development of
triploid oysters for the Gulf Coast, development of disease resistant
oysters, enhancements or immune systems of juvenile oysters through
vaccinations are examples of needed technology.
(7) Hooked mussel fouling--Hooked mussel fouling on oyster growing
areas has drastically increased harvesting costs by requiring laborious
removal of mussels from marketable oysters or transplanting to higher
salinity areas. Research on controlling or managing around hooked
mussel fouling is of high priority.
(8) Harmful algal blooms/red tide--Rapid and more sensitive
detection methods for harmful algal species and management around algal
bloom outbreaks are high priority research areas.
(9) Point-source pollution--Specific point-sources of pollution
negatively impact certain potential oyster growing waters, with
consequent public health risks and loss of revenue to growers. Studies
on identifying sources of pollution and restoration of water quality in
coastal areas are of high priority.
(10) Black drum predation--Development of novel methods of
deterring black drum fish predation on oysters in context with present
fishery regulations has been identified as an important area for
research.
(11) Economic impacts of regulatory action--The oyster industry is
impacted by media comments and regulatory actions that change
perceptions about
[[Page 10633]]
oyster products. Studies to determine the effect of inaccurate media
reporting on sales, analyze the effect of de-listing of a processor or
state from the Interstate Shippers List, and the impact of product
disparagement on markets are appropriate for this competition.
Primary consideration for funding will be given to proposals that
address the topics listed above. Although the Industry Advisory Panel
has indicated a clear preference for projects with a technological
focus, more fundamental scientific studies may be supported when clear
linkages between scientific findings and their incorporation into
technological advances and management practices can be demonstrated.
Approximately $930,000 in funding for FY 1999 is expected to be
available for competitive project awards. A similar amount is expected
for FY 2000. Therefore, two-year projects will be considered. Funding
will be on an annual basis, with renewal depending upon satisfactory
demonstration of progress and availability of funds. State Program
Directors should allow enough time in their process to pass the
proposals to the National Sea Grant Office by the dates indicated
above.
III. Eligibility
Applications requesting support under both of major topics listed
in this call for proposals are open to all non-federal scientists and
institutions. For the Oyster Disease Research topic National Marine
Fishery Services personnel may participate in joint efforts with non-
federal persons or groups in these projects as long as these non-
federal persons or groups are the principal investigators and have
applied and successfully competed for oyster disease research funds
through the process outlined in this announcement. Investigators
submitting proposals in response to this announcement are strongly
encouraged to develop inter-institutional, inter-disciplinary research
teams in the form of single, integrated proposals or as individual
proposals that are clearly linked together. Such collaborative efforts
will be factored into the final funding decision.
IV. Evaluation Criteria
The evaluation criteria for proposals submitted for support under
the Oyster Disease Research Program are as follows:
(1) Impact of proposed project (35%)--Significance of the ODRP
problem that is being addressed; the level of expected improvement of
oyster industry production or technology as a result of funding or the
need for this activity as a necessary step toward having a positive
impact on future improvement of technology or production; the degree of
collaboration of this activity with other ongoing or proposed
activities.
(2) Scientific or professional merit (30%)--Degree to which the
activity will advance the state of the science or state-of-the-art
methods.
(3) Field-scale demonstration (5%)--Degree to which industry and
state oyster managers are using or will use technology or products
developed through applied research under actual field conditions.
(4) User relationships (15%)--Degree to which the potential users
of the results have been involved in the planning of the activity, will
be involved in the execution of the activity and/or are providing
matching funds.
(5) Innovativeness (10%)--Degree to which new approaches to solving
problems and exploiting opportunities in oyster disease research, or in
public outreach on such issues will be employed, or the degree to which
the activity will focus on new types of important or potentially
important resources and issues.
(6) Qualifications and past record of investigators (5%)--Degree to
which investigators are qualified by education, training, and/or
experience to execute the proposed activity; and record of achievement
with previous funding.
The evaluation criteria for proposals submitted for support under
the Gulf Coast Oyster Industry Initiative are as follows:
(1) Impact of proposed project (40%)--Significance of the GCOIP
that will be addressed; the effect this activity will have on the
improvement of oyster industry production or technology as a result of
funding or the need for this activity as a necessary step toward having
a positive impact on future improvement of technology or production;
the degree of collaboration of this activity with other ongoing or
proposed activities.
(2) Field-scale demonstration (10%)--Degree to which industry and
state oyster managers are using or will use technology or products
developed through applied research under actual field or industry
conditions.
(3) Scientific or professional merit (20%)--Degree to which the
activity will advance the state of the science or discipline through
use and extension of state-of-the-art methods.
(4) User relationships (15%)--Degree to which potential users of
the results of the proposed activity have been involved in planning the
activity, will be involved in the execution of the activity, and/or are
providing matching funds.
(5) Innovativeness (10%)--Degree to which new approaches to solving
problems and exploiting opportunities in Gulf Coast Oyster Industry
issues, or in public outreach on such issues will be employed, or the
degree to which the activity will focus on new types of important or
potentially important resources and issues.
(6) Qualifications and past record of investigators (5%)--Degree to
which investigators are qualified by education, training, and/or
experience to execute the proposed activity; and record of achievement
with previous funding.
V. Selection Procedures
Preliminary proposals will be evaluated by the Steering Committees
that have been established for each of the oyster programs during a
meeting to be held at the most convenient location for participation by
the committee members. The Gulf Oyster Industry Steering Committee is
composed primarily of industry representatives and proposers should
keep that in mind when preparing preliminary proposals. The Steering
Committee will evaluate the project's appropriateness according to the
list of priorities listed above, and considering the projects currently
underway in the Program; a list of those projects already funded is
available from the National Sea Grant Office. The Steering Committee
will make individual recommendations to the Director of the NSGO
regarding which preliminary proposals may be suitable for further
consideration. On the basis of the panel's recommendations, the
Director of the NSGO will advise proposers whether or not the
submission of full proposals is encouraged. Invitation to submit a full
proposal does not constitute an indication that the proposal will be
funded. Interested parties who are not invited to submit full proposals
will not be precluded from submitting full proposals if they have
submitted a preliminary proposal in accordance with the procedures
described below.
Full proposals will be received at the individual state Sea Grant
Programs or at the National Sea Grant Office, if from a non-Sea Grant
State, and sent to peer reviewers for written reviews. The National Sea
Grant Office will obtain the written reviews for proposals from non-Sea
Grant states. Complete full proposals and their written reviews will be
sent by the state Sea Grant programs to the National Sea Grant Office
to be ranked in accordance with the assigned weights of the above
evaluation criteria by one of two independent peer review
[[Page 10634]]
panels consisting of government, academic, and industry experts; one
panel will review the Oyster Disease Research Program and a second
panel will review the Gulf Oyster Industry Program. The panel members
of each panel will provide individual evaluations on each proposal, but
there will be no consensus advice. Their recommendations and
evaluations will be considered by the Sea Grant Program Managers in the
final selection. Only those proposals rated by the panel as either
Excellent, Very Good or Good will be eligible for funding. For those
proposals, the Sea Grant Program Managers will: (a) Ascertain which
proposals best meet the program priorities, and do not substantially
duplicate other projects that are currently funded by NOAA or other
federal agencies, hence, awards may not necessarily be made to the
highest-scored proposals; (b) select the proposals to be funded; (c)
determine which components of the selected projects will be funded; (d)
determine the total duration of funding for each proposal; and (e)
determine the amount of funds available for each proposal.
Investigators may be asked to modify objectives, work plans, or budgets
prior to approval of the award. Subsequent grant administration
procedures will be in accordance with current NOAA grants procedures. A
summary statement of the scientific review by the peer panel will be
provided to each applicant.
VI. Instructions for Application
Timetable
April 5, 1999, 5 pm (local time--Preliminary proposals due at state
Sea Grant Program.
April 8, 1999, 5 pm EST--Preliminary proposals due at NSGO.
May 27, 1999, 5 pm (local time)--Full proposals due at state Sea
Grant Program.
July 7, 1999, 5 pm EST--Full proposals due at NSGO.
October 1, 1999 (approximate)--Funds awarded to selected
recipients; projects begin.
General Guidelines
The ideal proposal attacks a well-defined problem that will be or
is a significant societal issue. The organization or people whose task
it will be to make related decisions, or who will be able to make
specific use of the projects results, will have been identified and
contacted by the Principal Investigator(s). The project will show an
understanding of what constitutes necessary and sufficient information
for responsible decision-making or for applied use, and will show how
that information will be provided by the proposed activity, or in
concert with other planned activities.
Research projects are expected to have: a rigorous hypothesis-based
scientific work plan, or a well-defined, logical approach to address an
engineering problem; a strong rationale for the proposed research; and
a clear and established relationship with the ultimate users of the
information. Research undertaken jointly with industry, business, or
other agencies with interest in the problem will be seen as being
meritorious. Their contribution to the research may be in the form of
collaboration, in-kind services, or dollar support. Projects that are
solely monitoring efforts are not appropriate for funding.
Applications must reflect the total budget necessary to accomplish
the project, and be matched by at least one dollar of non-federal funds
for each two dollars of federal funds. The appropriateness of all cost-
sharing will be determined on the basis of guidance provided in
applicable Federal cost principles. The applicants will be bound by the
percentage of cost sharing reflected in the grant award.
What to Submit
Preliminary Proposal Guidelines
To prevent the expenditure of effort that may not be successful,
proposers must first submit preliminary proposals. Preliminary
proposals must be single- or double-spaced, typewritten in at least a
10-point font, and printed on metric A4 (210 mm x 297 mm) or 8\1/2\'' x
11'' paper. The following information should be included:
(1) Signed title page: The title page should be signed by the
Principal Investigator and should clearly identify the program area
being addressed by starting the project title with either ``Oyster
Disease Research Program'' or ``Gulf Oyster Industry Initiative.''
Principal Investigators and collaborators should be identified by
affiliation and contact information. The total amount of Federal funds
and matching funds being requested should be listed for each budget
period, as well as the source of the matching funds. Preliminary
proposals must include matching funds equivalent to at least 50% of the
Federal funds requested.
(2) A concise (2-page limit) description of the project, its
expected output or products, the anticipated users of the information,
and its anticipated impact. Proposers may wish to use the Evaluation
Criteria for additional guidance in preparing the preliminary
proposals.
(3) Resumes (1-page limit) of the Principal Investigators.
(4) Proposers are encouraged (but not required) to include a
separate page suggesting reviewers that the proposers believe are
especially well qualified to review the proposal. Proposers may also
designate persons they would prefer not review the proposal, indicating
why. These suggestions will be considered during the review process.
Three copies of the preliminary proposals must be submitted to the
state Sea Grant Program Director or, for investigators in non-Sea Grant
states, directly to the National Sea Grant Office (NSGO) before 5 pm
(local time) on April 5, 1999. Preliminary proposals submitted to state
Sea Grant Programs will be forwarded, along with a cover letter, to Dr.
James McVey, National Oyster Disease and Gulf Coast Oyster Industry
Coordinator, at the address below so as to reach the NSGO on or before
5 pm on April 8, 1999.
Full Proposal Guidelines
Each full proposal should include the items listed below. All pages
should be single- or double-spaced, typewritten in at least a 10-point
font, and printed on metric A4 (210 mm x 297 mm) or 8\1/2\'' x 11''
paper. Brevity will assist reviewers and program staff in dealing
effectively with proposals. Therefore, the Project Description may not
exceed 15 pages. Tables and visual materials, including charts, graphs,
maps, photographs and other pictorial presentations are included in the
15-page limitation. Conformance to the 15-page limitation will be
strictly enforced. All information needed for review of the proposal
should be included in the main text; no appendices are permitted.
(1) Signed title page: The title page should be signed by the
Principal Investigator and the institutional representative and should
clearly identify the program area being addressed by starting the
project title with either ``Oyster Disease Research Program'' or ``Gulf
Oyster Industry Initiative'', as appropriate. The Principal
Investigator and institutional representative should be identified by
full name, title, organization, telephone number and address. The total
amount of Federal funds and matching funds being requested should be
listed for each budget period.
(2) Project summary: This information is very important. Prior to
attending the peer review panel meetings, some of the panelists may
read only the project summary. Therefore, it is critical that the
project summary accurately describe
[[Page 10635]]
the research being proposed and convey all essential elements of the
research. The project summary should include: 1. Title: Use the exact
title as it appears in the rest of the application. 2. Investigators:
List the names and affiliations of each investigator who will
significantly contribute to the project. Start with the Principal
Investigator. 3. Funding request for each year of the project,
including matching funds if appropriate. 4. Project Period: Start and
completion dates. Proposals should request a start date of October 1,
1999. 5. Project Summary: This should include the rationale for the
project, the scientific or technical objectives and/or hypotheses to be
tested, and a brief summary of work to be completed.
(3) Project description (15-page limit):
(a) Introduction/Background/Justification: Subjects that the
investigator(s) may wish to include in this section are: (i) current
state of knowledge; (ii) contributions that the study will make to the
particular discipline or subject area; and (iii) contributions the
study will make toward addressing the problems of Oyster Disease
Research Program of Gulf Oyster Industry issues;
(b) Research or technical plan: (i) Objectives to be achieved,
hypotheses to be tested; (ii) Experimental design and statistical
analysis to be used; (iii) Plan of work-discuss how stated project
objectives will be achieved; and (iv) Role of project personnel.
(c) Output: Describe the project outputs that will enhance the
Nation's ability to improve the status of oysters and the oyster
industry.
(d) Coordination with other program elements: Describe any
coordination with other agency programs or ongoing research efforts.
Describe any other proposals that are essential to the success of this
proposal.
(e) References and literature citations: Should be included but
will not be counted in the 15 page project description limit.
(4) Budget and budget justification: There should be a separate
budget for each year of the project as well as a cumulative annual
budget for the entire project. Applicants are encouraged to use the Sea
Grant Budget Form 90-4, but may use their own form as long as it
provides the same information as the Sea Grant form. Subcontracts
should have a separate budget page. Matching funds must be indicated;
failure to provide adequate matching funds will result in the proposal
being rejected without review. Each annual budget should include a
separate budget justification page that itemizes all budget items in
sufficient detail to enable reviewers to evaluate the appropriateness
of the funding requested. Please pay special attention to any travel,
supply or equipment budgets and provide details. Regardless of any
approved indirect cost rate applicable to the award, the maximum dollar
amount of allocable indirect costs for which the Department of Commerce
will reimburse the Recipient shall be the lesser of: (a) The Federal
share of the total allocable indirect costs of the award based on the
negotiated rate with the cognizant Federal agency as established by
audit or negotiation; or (b) The line item amount for the Federal share
of indirect costs contained in the approved budget of the award.
(5) Current and pending support: Applicants must provide
information on all current and pending support for ongoing projects and
proposals, including subsequent funding in the case of continuing
grants. All current project support from whatever source (e.g.,
Federal, State, or local government agencies, private foundations,
industrial or other commercial organizations) must be listed. The
proposed project and all other projects or activities requiring a
portion of time of the principal investigator and other senior
personnel should be included, even if they receive no Federal salary
support from the project(s). The number of person-months per year to be
devoted to the projects must be stated, regardless of source of
support. Similar information must be provided for all proposals already
submitted or submitted concurrently to other possible sponsors,
including those within NOAA.
(6) Vitae (2 pages maximum per investigator)
(7) Standard application forms: Applicants may obtain all required
application forms through the World Wide Web at http://
www.mdsg.umd.edu/NSGO/research/rfp/index.html, from the state Sea Grant
Programs or from Dr. James P. McVey at the National Sea Grant Office
(phone: 301-713-2451 x160 or e-mail:jim.mcvey@noaa.gov). The following
forms must be included:
(a) Standard Forms 424, Application for Federal Assistance, 424A,
Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs; and 424B, Assurances--
Non-Construction Programs, (Rev 4-88). Applications should clearly
identify the program area being addressed by starting the project title
with either as appropriate. Please note that both the Principal
Investigator and an administrative contact should be identified in
Sections 5 of the SF424. For Section 10, applicants for the National
Oyster Disease Research Program and Gulf Oyster Industry Initiative
program areas should enter ``11.417'' for the CFDA Number and ``Sea
Grant Support'' for the title. The form must contain the original
signature of an authorized representative of the applying institution.
(b) 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:
(i) Nonprocurement debarment and suspension. Prospective
participants (as defined as 15 CFR Part 26, Section 105) are subject to
15 CFR Part 26, ``Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension'' and the
related section of the certification form prescribed above applies;
(ii) Drug-free workplace. Grantees (as defined at 15 CFR Part 26,
Section 605) are subject to 15 CFR Part 26, Subpart F, ``Government-
wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)'' and the related
section of the certification form prescribed above applies;
(iii) Anti-Lobbying. Persons (as defined at 15 CFR Part 28, Section
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,'' and the lobbying section of
the certification form prescribed above applies to applications/bids
for grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts for more than
$100,000, and loans and loan guarantees for more than $150,000, or the
single family maximum mortgage limit for affected programs, whichever
is greater; and
(iv) Anti-Lobbying disclosures. Any applicant that has paid or will
pay for lobbying using any funds must submit an SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of
Lobbying Activities,'' as required under 15 CFR Part 28, Appendix B.
(c) 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 the Department of
Commerce (DOC). SF-LLL submitted by any tier recipient or subrecipient
should be submitted to
[[Page 10636]]
DOC in accordance with the instructions contained in the award
document.
VII. How to Submit
Preliminary proposals and proposals must be submitted to the state
Sea Grant Programs or, for investigators in non-Sea Grant states,
directly to the National Sea Grant Office (NSGO), according to the
schedule outlined above. Although investigators are not required to
submit more than 3 copies of either preproposals or full proposals, the
normal review process requires 10 copies. Investigators are encouraged
to submit sufficient copies for the full review process if they wish
all reviewers to receive color, usually sized (not 8.5 x 11''), or
otherwise unusual materials submitted as part of the proposal. Only
three copies of the Federally required forms are needed. The addresses
of the Sea Grant College Program directors may be found on Sea Grant's
World Wide Web home page (http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/NSGO/index.html) or
may also be obtained by contacting the Program Manager, Dr. James P.
McVey, at the National Sea Grant Office (phone: 301-713-2451 x160 or e-
mail: jim.mcvey@noaa.gov). Preproposals and proposals sent to the
National Sea Grant Office should be addressed: National Sea Grant
Office, R/SG, Attn: National Oyster Disease and Gulf Coast Oyster
Industry Coordinator, NOAA, Room 11877, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver
Spring, MD 20910 (phone 301-713-2435 for express mail applications).
Applications received after the deadline and applications that
deviate from the format described above will be returned to the sender
without review. Facsimile transmissions and electronic mail submission
of applications will not be accepted.
VIII. Other Requirements
(1) Federal Policies and Procedures--Recipients and subrecipients
are subject to all Federal laws and Federal and Department of Commerce
(DOC) policies, regulations, and procedures applicable to Federal
financial assistance awards.
(2) Past Performance--Unsatisfactory performance under prior
Federal awards may result in an application not being considered for
funding.
(3) Preaward 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 may have been received, there is no obligation on the
part of DOC to cover preaward costs.
(4) No Obligation for Future Funding--If an application is selected
for funding, DOC has no obligation to provide any additional future
funding in connection with that award. Renewal of an award to increase
funding or extend the period of performance is at the total discretion
of DOC.
(5) Delinquent Federal Debts--No award of Federal funds shall be
made to an applicant who has an outstanding delinquent Federal debt
until either:
(a) The delinquent account is paid in full,
(b) A negotiated repayment schedule is established and at least one
payment is received, or
(c) Other arrangements satisfactory to DOC are made.
(6) 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 criminal charges such as fraud,
theft, perjury, or other matters which significantly reflect on the
applicant's management honesty or financial integrity.
(7) False Statements--A false statement on an 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.
(8) Intergovernmental Review--Applications for support from the
National Sea Grant College Program are not subject to Executive Order
12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.
(9) Purchase of American-Made Equipment and Products--Applicants
are hereby notified that they will be encouraged to the greatest extent
practicable, 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.
This notice contains collection of information requirements subject
to the Paperwork Reduction Act. The Sea Grant Budget Form and Standard
Forms 424, 424a and 424b have been approved under control numbers 0648-
0362, 0348-0043, 0348-0044, and 0348-0040 with average responses
estimated to take 15, 45, 180, and 15 minutes, respectively. These
estimates include 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
on these estimates or any other aspect of these collections to National
Sea Grant College Program, R/SG, NOAA, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver
Spring, MD 20910 (Attention: Francis S. Schuler) and to the Office of
Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget,
Washington, DC 20503 (Attention: NOAA Desk Officer). Notwithstanding
any other provision of the 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.
Dated: February 25, 1999.
Louisa Koch,
Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric
Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
[FR Doc. 99-5116 Filed 3-4-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-KA-M
