FY22-23 CRCP International Coral Reef Conservation Grants and Cooperative Agreements | NOAA NOS OCM 2022 2006993

FY22-23 CRCP International Coral Reef Conservation Grants and Cooperative Agreements (NOAA) - FAQs

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is a discretionary federal funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Commerce through NOAA, offered under NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP). It supports international projects that conserve tropical coral reefs outside the United States, with a strong emphasis on resilience-based management.

2) What is the official program name and identifier for this opportunity?

The opportunity is titled the FY22-23 CRCP International Coral Reef Conservation Grants and Cooperative Agreements. The funding opportunity number is NOAA NOS OCM 2022 2006993, and it is associated with CFDA 11.482.

3) Who is the funding agency?

The funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce through NOAA, specifically through the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP).

4) What types of projects does NOAA want to fund?

NOAA is looking to fund international coral reef conservation projects that apply resilience-based management to help reefs withstand and recover from stressors. The intent is to generate tangible, on-the-ground conservation outcomes and strengthen long-term management capacity.

5) What does "resilience-based management" mean in the context of this opportunity?

Based on the description provided, resilience-based management is focused on improving a reef's ability to withstand stressors (such as warming oceans, bleaching, pollution, disease, and overuse) and to recover after disturbances, using management actions informed by science and monitoring.

6) What stressors is this program trying to address?

The opportunity highlights stressors including warming oceans, coral bleaching, pollution, disease, overuse, and other pressures that reduce coral reef health and resilience.

7) Where can projects take place?

Projects must be located in non-U.S. international tropical coral reef locations. The program is open broadly to international sites outside the United States, with additional geographic eligibility details (including specific eligible countries) provided in the funding notice.

8) Are there priority regions?

Yes. While the program is open to all non-U.S. international tropical coral reef locations, it highlights priority attention for the Wider Caribbean, Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, and Micronesia.

9) How do applicants confirm whether a specific country is eligible?

Applicants are directed to consult the funding notice for the specific eligible countries listed in the relevant section of the announcement.

10) What funding mechanisms are available?

The opportunity offers two mechanisms: grants and cooperative agreements.

11) What is the difference between a grant and a cooperative agreement for this program?

Both provide financial support for coral reef conservation work. Cooperative agreements typically involve more substantial ongoing engagement from NOAA during the project period, such as technical collaboration or joint planning, compared with grants.

12) What strategic guidance should proposals align with?

Proposals are expected to align with the NOAA CRCP Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan-2018), which frames coral reef conservation around resilience, including strengthening ecological conditions, reducing local threats, improving management, and using science and monitoring to guide decisions.

13) What is the main goal of concentrating funding in certain regions?

The stated intent is to concentrate resources where coral reefs are extensive, highly biodiverse, under significant pressure, and where targeted investments can meaningfully improve long-term outcomes.

14) What is the CFDA number and why is it included?

The CFDA number associated with this opportunity is 11.482. It is an identifier used to categorize and track federal assistance programs.

15) What is the activity focus area for this opportunity?

The activity focus is categorized under environment, natural resources, science and technology, and related research and development.

16) How many awards does NOAA expect to make?

NOAA anticipated making around 10 awards.

17) What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling is $300,000 per award.

18) Is cost share or matching required?

Yes. The program is structured as a matching opportunity, meaning recipients must provide non-federal match to share in project costs.

19) What counts as non-federal match under this opportunity?

The description notes that match can include cash or eligible in-kind contributions, as allowed under the program rules described in the full announcement.

20) Why does the program require a match?

The matching structure is described as a common feature designed to increase total project resources and demonstrate local or partner commitment to the project.

21) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others." Additional eligibility details are contained in the full announcement, which typically clarifies which types of organizations can apply (for example, non-profits, universities, governmental entities, or other qualified institutions working in eligible countries).

22) What are the key timeline details provided?

The competition was created on September 20, 2021, and the original application closing date was December 1, 2021.

23) Is this opportunity focused on international work or U.S. coral reefs?

This opportunity is focused on international tropical coral reefs outside the United States.

24) What kinds of outcomes is the program aiming for?

The opportunity is aimed at producing tangible, on-the-ground conservation results and stronger management capacity, using approaches that measurably reduce threats and improve coral reef resilience over time.

25) Where should applicants look for the most detailed requirements?

Applicants are directed to the full funding notice/announcement for details such as eligible countries and additional eligibility requirements.