National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2017 | NOAA NOS OCM 2017 2005115

Opportunity Information: Apply for NOAA NOS OCM 2017 2005115

The National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2017 is a discretionary NOAA grant opportunity under the U.S. Department of Commerce focused on strengthening long-term protection and management of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. NERRS is a nationwide network of protected estuarine sites across the United States and its territories that are designated and managed primarily for research, education, and stewardship. Each reserve is selected to represent a distinct biogeographic region and a range of ecosystem types, consistent with the national classification and program requirements laid out in federal regulations (15 CFR Part 921). In practical terms, the program exists to help reserves safeguard important coastal and estuarine lands and waters, and to build or improve the physical infrastructure needed to support science, education, and public engagement.

The funding is intended for two main types of work: land acquisition and construction-related projects. On the land side, the grants can support efforts to acquire key parcels that contribute to protecting and maintaining the ecological integrity of reserve areas, helping ensure that critical habitats and watershed features remain intact for long-term monitoring, research, and education. On the construction side, the program supports facility development and improvements that directly advance the NERRS mission, including structures and exhibits that enhance research capability, educational programming, and visitor or community-facing interpretation. A notable emphasis is that facility and exhibit construction should meet the highest sustainable design standards feasible, signaling NOAA interest in durable, efficient, environmentally responsible buildings and infrastructure appropriate for sensitive coastal settings.

For FY 2017, NOAA anticipated a total funding availability of about $1.7 million. That total amount was expected to be distributed across roughly 1 to 10 awards, reflecting the fact that projects can vary widely in scope and cost depending on land values, construction complexity, and the needs of individual reserves. Individual project budgets were expected to range from approximately $20,000 up to an $800,000 ceiling. Typical project periods were projected to run about 12 to 36 months, which allows enough time for common acquisition and construction realities such as appraisals, negotiations, permitting, design, environmental compliance, contractor procurement, and build-out. The notice also makes clear that timing and duration could depend on the actual availability of funds.

Eligibility was limited and tied closely to the structure of the reserve system. The expected applicants were designated lead reserve agencies or universities located in coastal states, essentially entities already responsible for managing NERRS sites or formally supporting their operation. The listing indicates “Others” in the standard eligibility field, but clarifies that the eligible parties are those designated reserve leads or partner universities, rather than general local governments, nonprofits, or private organizations applying independently. The program was offered as a grant (not a contract), categorized under environmental and natural resources work as well as science and technology and other research and development, and associated with CFDA 11.420. The opportunity was published under the number NOAA NOS OCM 2017 2005115, created November 15, 2016, with an original closing date of February 3, 2018, reflecting a longer application window than many single-deadline grant competitions.

Overall, the FY 2017 NERRS Land Acquisition and Construction Program was designed to keep the reserve system resilient and functional by investing in the foundational pieces that make research and education possible: protected land and water resources, and well-designed, sustainable facilities that support long-term monitoring, training, interpretation, and public access in ways that fit the unique demands of estuarine environments.

• The Department of Commerce in the environment, natural resources, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2017" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 11.420.
• This funding opportunity was created on Nov 15, 2016.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Feb 03, 2018. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $800,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 10 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

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