[DOC NOAA - ERA Production](https://www.noaa.gov)

May 27, 2025 (11:59 p.m. Eastern Time)

Up to $47,500,000 total over 5 years; anticipated $9.5M per year; single award

NOAA seeks a U.S. higher education institution to operate a Joint Hydrographic Center, advancing ocean and coastal mapping, technology, and workforce development.

Only one award will be made; registration in SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons is required and can take 4–6 weeks.

--- ## Description This opportunity supports a single cooperative agreement between NOAA and a U.S. institution of higher education to operate and maintain a Joint Hydrographic Center. The Center will advance the technology and practice of hydrographic surveying, ocean and coastal mapping, and related geospatial data science, as authorized by the Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act and the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act. The program aligns with national priorities for mapping, exploring, and characterizing the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to enhance understanding and stewardship of ocean resources, and to support economic, security, and environmental interests. The selected institution will collaborate closely with NOAA, including co-location of NOAA staff, and will be responsible for research, technology development, education, and outreach in hydrography and marine geospatial science. --- ## Due Dates - **Full Proposal Deadline:** May 27, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time - **Anticipated Start Date:** No earlier than October 1, 2025; expected project start is January 1, 2026 - **Project End Date:** No later than December 31, 2030 **Note:** All required registrations (SAM.gov, Grants.gov, eRA Commons) must be completed before submission and may take 4–6 weeks. --- ## Funding Amount - **Total Funding Available:** Up to $47,500,000 over 5 years - **Anticipated Annual Funding:** Approximately $9,500,000 per year - **Number of Awards:** 1 (single institution) - **Funding Instrument:** Cooperative Agreement (substantial NOAA involvement expected) - **Cost Sharing:** No cost share or match required --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Applicants:** U.S. institutions of higher education only - **Ineligible:** Federal agencies are not eligible to receive funds - **Registration Requirements:** Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons prior to submission --- ## Application Process - **Submission Portal:** [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/358602) - **Application Package:** Download from Grants.gov (NOAA-NOS-OCS-2025-30451) - **Required Registrations:** SAM.gov, Grants.gov, eRA Commons (start early; 4–6 weeks processing) - **Proposal Components:** - Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile (with CVs and current/pending support) - Research & Related Budget (with detailed justification) - Project Abstract (≤4,000 characters, plain language) - Project Narrative (≤70 pages, single-spaced, 11/12 pt font) - Data Management Plan (up to 2 pages) - Environmental Compliance Questionnaire (partial completion) - Standard federal forms (SF-424 R&R, SF-424B, CD-511, optional SF-LLL) - **Formatting:** All attachments must be PDFs, ≤100 MB, U.S. letter size, no portfolio/bundled PDFs, filenames ≤50 characters - **Submission Validation:** Applications must be validated by both Grants.gov and eRA Commons; errors must be resolved before the deadline --- ## Additional Information ### Program Priorities - **Technology Advancement:** Improve data acquisition (acoustic/lidar bathymetry, uncrewed systems), data processing, and application of AI/ML in hydrography - **Product Delivery:** Develop new methods for marine geospatial products, electronic navigational charts, and precision navigation tools - **Workforce & Education:** Develop and deliver advanced curricula and training in hydrographic and ocean mapping science at the graduate level - **Outreach:** Promote hydrographic science and engage the future workforce through public education and visualization tools ### Facility & Collaboration Requirements - Must provide suitable office, research, educational, IT, and laboratory facilities - Must support co-location of up to 14 NOAA employees and berthing for NOAA vessels - Integration with an accredited advanced education program is required ### Reporting - Semi-annual financial and technical reports required - Data sharing plan must ensure public access to environmental data within two years --- ## External Links - [NOAA Funding Opportunity Announcement (PDF)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/Foa_Content_of_NOAA-NOS-OCS-2025-30451rev1.pdf) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/358602) - [NOAA Main Website](https://www.noaa.gov) - [Applicant and Grantee Training Modules](https://www.commerce.gov/ocio/programs/gems/applicant-and-grantee-training) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Address | |-------------------|------------------------------------|-----------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | Andrew Armstrong | [Andy.armstrong@noaa.gov](mailto:Andy.armstrong@noaa.gov) | (301)-628-1308 | NOAA Office of Coast Survey, Joint Hydrographic Center, 24 Colovos Rd, Durham, NH 03824 | For technical or submission questions, contact Andrew Armstrong or refer to the [NOAA contact page](https://www.noaa.gov/contact-us). ---

Joint Hydrographic Center 2025

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