FY 2025 NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program - Ruth D. Gates: Supporting Hawaii’s Sustainable Coral Reef Fisheries Management Plans | NOAA NOS OCM 2025 30196

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is an FY 2025 funding opportunity from NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) under the Ruth D. Gates initiative. It supports work that helps Hawaii move forward with island-specific Sustainable Coral Reef Fisheries Management Plans (CR-FMPs).

2) What is the main purpose of the grant?

The purpose is to strengthen and accelerate the development of practical, locally driven CR-FMPs that guide coral reef fisheries decision-making across the Hawaiian Islands, while advancing both state and national coral reef management objectives.

3) How does this opportunity relate to the State of Hawaii's work?

The work is tightly aligned with the State of Hawaii's Holomua Initiative. The State of Hawaii leads the overall planning effort, and island-based Navigator Teams drive community-informed priorities. The selected applicant(s) do not lead the state process; instead, they provide targeted support that helps the State and partners produce high-quality plans and implementation tools.

4) Which islands are specifically called out for technical writing support?

The notice specifically identifies technical writing support tied to CR-FMP development for Lanai, Hawaii Island, Kauai, and Oahu, in close coordination with the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR).

5) What kinds of activities does NOAA want to fund?

A major emphasis is on technical support, including developing decision-making tools, providing technical writing capacity, and filling priority science gaps that directly inform management choices and the CR-FMPs.

6) Is scientific research allowed under this funding?

Yes. Funds can be used for management-driven scientific research, but the intent is applied science that directly advises the CR-FMPs, rather than stand-alone academic research.

7) What is meant by "technical writing" in this context?

It refers to the capacity needed to translate planning discussions, local priorities, and scientific inputs into formal, usable management plan documents for the CR-FMPs, coordinated with DAR.

8) What must the CR-FMPs include?

The CR-FMPs are expected to spell out concrete management actions that advance island-identified sustainable fisheries targets. They must also include monitoring and evaluation approaches to track outcomes once plans are completed.

9) What type of award is this?

The award is offered as a cooperative agreement, which generally indicates substantial involvement by the federal agency during the project.

10) What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?

This opportunity sits within CFDA/Assistance Listing 11.482.

11) How long can the project last?

Projects must be scoped to a period of performance of no more than 36 months (3 years).

12) What are the budget limits per application and per priority area?

Applications should not request more than $400,000 per priority area. The maximum request per application is capped at $600,000 in federal funds.

13) How much total funding does NOAA expect to have available?

NOAA anticipates roughly $600,000 total being available in FY 2025 to make awards, contingent on federal appropriations.

14) How many awards does NOAA expect to make?

The notice indicates an expected two awards, with a posted award ceiling of $600,000.

15) Is cost sharing or matching required?

Yes. Recipients must provide non-federal matching contributions at a minimum 1:1 ratio relative to NOAA's federal share, unless NOAA grants a waiver.

16) What does a 1:1 match mean for applicants?

A 1:1 match means the applicant should be prepared to contribute at least an equal amount of non-federal match compared to the amount requested from NOAA, and to document match sources and present a realistic match plan in the proposal budget and narrative.

17) Who is eligible to apply?

The competition is open to: (1) nongovernmental organizations and research institutions with demonstrated coral reef conservation/restoration experience (through practice or significant scientific contributions); (2) NOAA-designated coral reef research centers under 16 U.S.C. 6411; and (3) regional fishery management councils established under the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

18) What kind of experience does NOAA expect applicants to have?

NOAA emphasizes credible coral reef conservation or restoration expertise and the ability to operate effectively in Hawaii's partner-rich management environment, including collaboration across government, nonprofit, and university partners, including Hawaiian organizations.

19) Does the applicant need to be based in Hawaii?

NOAA indicates that strong Hawaii-based capacity matters. Applications are expected from entities with a physical presence and long-term partnerships in Hawaii, and a track record of working effectively with local partners.

20) What partners are applicants expected to coordinate with?

The work is intended to remain anchored in active partnership with the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), NOAA's Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIRO), and island Navigator Teams.

21) Is State of Hawaii support required for a proposal to be funded?

Yes. Every project must have evidence of support from appropriate State representatives in the jurisdiction where the work occurs (typically a letter of support or another clear indicator of collaboration). Support is encouraged to be submitted with the application and must be confirmed prior to final selection.

22) What happens if a proposal does not obtain the required State support?

If a proposal does not obtain the required support, it cannot be funded, regardless of technical merit.

23) Will the State or jurisdiction have input during review?

Yes. Proposals will be shared with coral reef management representatives from the relevant jurisdiction(s) during review, and that feedback will factor into selection decisions.

24) What federal systems must an organization be registered in to apply?

Applicant organizations must complete and maintain active registrations in SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons, and all registrations must be in place before submitting the application.

25) How long should applicants expect registrations to take?

NOAA warns that completing these registrations can take 4 to 6 weeks, so applicants should start early.

26) Is a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) required?

An organization may need to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) through SAM.gov before completing eRA Commons registration.

27) What eRA Commons accounts are required?

eRA Commons requires setting up at least one Signing Official (SO) account and at least one Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) account to submit.

28) Does NOAA provide guidance to avoid common submission errors?

NOAA points applicants to Department of Commerce applicant/grantee training modules for avoiding common submission errors.

29) What if an applicant does not have internet access for submission?

NOAA notes that applicants without internet access should contact the agency contacts listed in the notice for submission instructions.

30) What is the application deadline?

The application deadline listed is June 13, 2025.

31) What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is NOAA NOS OCM 2025 30196.

32) What is NOAA looking for in the overall approach of proposed work?

The emphasis is on practical support that helps finalize and strengthen island-based CR-FMPs, including decision-support tools, technical writing capacity, and targeted applied science that directly informs management choices, while remaining closely coordinated with the State-led process and island Navigator Teams.