FY 2024 – 2026 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR)

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Description

This opportunity, issued by NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), is a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for FY 2024–2026. It solicits applications for special projects, research, education, outreach, and innovative activities that advance NOAA’s strategic plan and mission goals. The BAA is intended for projects not addressed through NOAA’s regular competitive programs and is not a mechanism to fund existing NOAA awards.

Projects should align with one or more of NOAA’s mission areas, including but not limited to:

• Ocean exploration and technology
• Climate adaptation and mitigation
• Weather-readiness and hazard response
• Healthy oceans and marine ecosystems
• Resilient coastal communities and economies

Applicants must submit their proposals to the BAA for the specific NOAA Line Office most relevant to their project (e.g., OAR, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Ocean Service, National Weather Service, Office of Education, or National Environmental Satellite Data Information Service).

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Due Dates

• Final deadline: September 30, 2026, 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time
• Rolling submissions: Proposals are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the deadline.
• Note: Submissions after March 31 of each fiscal year may not be awarded in that fiscal year.

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Funding Amount

• Award size: No fixed minimum or maximum; funding is contingent on the availability of appropriations.
• Project period: Typically one year, but longer durations may be negotiated.
• Type of award: Grant or cooperative agreement, depending on NOAA’s involvement.
• Cost sharing: Not required unless mandated by the statutory authority for a specific project.

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Eligibility

Eligible applicants include:

• Institutions of higher education
• Nonprofit organizations
• Commercial organizations
• International or foreign organizations or governments
• Individuals
• State, local, and Indian Tribal governments

Note: Federal organizations are generally not eligible under this BAA; they should contact NOAA program officials for interagency agreement processes if applicable.

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Application Process

1. Identify the appropriate NOAA Line Office for your project and submit to the corresponding BAA.
2. Register in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov), Grants.gov, and eRA Commons (if required).
3. Prepare the application package, which must include:
   • SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance (signed)
   • Title page (1 page)
   • Project synopsis (1 page)
   • Project description (up to 15 pages)
   • Budget and detailed budget justification (see NOAA Budget Narrative Guidance)
   • Resumes for key personnel
   • Assurances and certifications (SF-424B or SF-424D, CD-511)
   • Data Management Plan (if applicable)
   • NEPA Questionnaire (if required)
   • Indirect cost rate agreement (if requesting >10% indirect costs)
4. Submit electronically via Grants.gov using the opportunity number NOAA-OAR-CPO-2024-28363.
5. Review process: Applications are reviewed for eligibility, completeness, and alignment with NOAA mission goals, followed by merit review. Awards are typically made 3–6 months after submission.

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Additional Information

• Funding is not guaranteed: All awards are subject to the availability of appropriations.
• No support for existing NOAA awards: This BAA does not provide continuation or supplemental funding for current NOAA-funded projects.
• Data sharing: Environmental data collected must be made publicly accessible, and a Data Management Plan is required.
• Reporting: Semi-annual financial and performance reports are required.
• Pre-award costs: Allowed up to 90 days before the award start date, at the applicant’s own risk.

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External Links

• NOAA BAA Full Announcement (PDF)
• NOAA Budget Narrative Guidance (PDF)
• NOAA Line Offices Overview
• NOAA Office of Education
• Grants.gov Opportunity Page

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Contact Information