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

May 11, 2026 (Full proposal submission deadline)

Single award up to $8,500,000 total over 5 years; approx. $1,600,000/year

Supports a single U.S. higher education institution to advance modern ocean and coastal mapping technologies and data integration in partnership with NOAA.

Only U.S. institutions of higher education are eligible; extensive pre-registration required.

--- ## Description This opportunity from NOAA aims to establish a single, five-year cooperative agreement with a U.S. institution of higher education to operate an Ocean and Coastal Mapping Center. The program is authorized by the Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act and the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act. The funded center will advance national capabilities in ocean and coastal mapping through the development, integration, and operational transition of innovative technologies and workflows. Key priorities include expanding hydrographic and cartographic data accessibility, improving data interoperability and usability, and enhancing efficiency in data acquisition, processing, and product delivery. The program also emphasizes developing automated workflows, implementing advanced data models, and engaging the maritime community through workshops and training. --- ## Due Dates - May 11, 2026: Full proposal submission deadline (must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time) --- ## Funding Amount - Total anticipated funding: $8,500,000 for the five-year period. - Approximately $1,600,000 will be released in FY 2026 and in each subsequent year, subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance. - Only one award is expected under this opportunity. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** U.S. institutions of higher education only. - **Ineligible:** Federal agencies are not permitted to receive funds under this announcement. - **Registration requirements:** Applicants must complete and maintain registrations in SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons. Registration can take 4–6 weeks and must be completed before proposal submission. - **Cost sharing:** No cost sharing or matching is required or desired. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted electronically via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361562). - Required registrations: SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons must all be active prior to submission. - Application package must use the “SF424 NOAA Research & Related (R&R) Forms Package” (not the standard non-construction forms). - Required elements include: - Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile Form (including eRA Commons ID for PI) - Research & Related Budget Form and Budget Justification - Project Abstract and Narrative (max 70 pages for narrative) - Data Management Plan (up to 2 pages) - Environmental Compliance Questionnaire (NEPA) - Standard federal forms (SF-424 R&R, SF-424A, SF-424B, CD-511, and optional SF-LLL) - Projects should have a start date no earlier than October 1, 2026, and no later than July 1, 2027. --- ## Additional Information - No cost sharing is required. - The award will be a cooperative agreement, with substantial NOAA involvement anticipated (including co-location of NOAA staff). - Proposals must demonstrate suitable facilities, including office, laboratory, vessel, and IT infrastructure. - Data and research outputs are subject to NOAA data sharing requirements and public access. - Pre-award costs up to 90 days before the start date are allowable at the applicant’s risk. - All federal, DOC, and NOAA administrative and policy requirements apply, including those related to scientific integrity, NEPA, and anti-discrimination. --- ## External Links - [NOAA (Funder Home)](https://www.noaa.gov) - [Full Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361562) - [NOFO PDF (Full Announcement)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/NOAA-NOS-OCS-2025-30563.pdf) - [Applicant and Grantee Training Modules](https://www.commerce.gov/ocio/programs/gems/applicant-and-grantee-training) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role/Title | Email | Address | |---------------------|-------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | Teresa Fleisher | Program Specialist / Certified Federal Program Officer | Teresa.Fleisher@noaa.gov | NOAA Office of Coast Survey
1315 East-West Highway, N/CS1
Silver Spring, MD 20910 | ---

Ocean and Coastal Mapping Center 2026

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