Marine Fisheries Initiative

How to Apply

Award Procedure:
Proposals will be reviewed, evaluated and ranked by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The ranking is divided into two groups; (a) recommended; and (b) not recommended. They are then presented to a panel of fishery experts and to the MARFIN Panel. The Panel will individually submit their funding recommendations to the Regional Administrator of the appropriate Region. The Regional Administrator in consultation with the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries will determine funding availability and select the projects to be funded. The selected proposals will be reviewed and negotiated by the appropriate Regional Office and the assigned Technical Monitor. A complete application will be forwarded to the NOAA Grants Officer for approval and award.

Preapplication Coordination:
This program is covered under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure:
Proposals are submitted through Grants.Gov. Applicants will need to enter the Funding Opportunity Number and/or program number to access the application package and instructions. Application package will then be submitted directly to the (Name of your Office - Example Coastal Services Center). Proposals are subject to the requirements of 15 CFR Parts 14 and 24, as applicable.

Deadlines:
Deadlines are published in the annual Federal Register or contact either the NMFS Southeast Regional Office or the NMFS Northeast Regional Office.

Range of Approval / Disapproval Time:
Successful applicants will be selected generally within 180 days. Awards will be made normally within 240 days after the date of publication of the Federal Register.

Appeals:
None.

Renewals:
Multi-year awards of up to three years may be approved. Once awarded, multi-year projects will not compete for funding in subsequent years. Funding for multi-year projects beyond the first year is contingent upon the availability of program funds in subsequent fiscal years, and the extent to which the recipient meets project objectives and reporting requirements.