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Alaska Coastal Marine Institute
The Offshore Minerals Management program oversees the exploration
MMS continues to look for better ways to serve the American people and to ensure that the nation receives the best value for its resources now and into the future.
The program not only supports decisions made within the Department of Interior, but also provides coastal states and local governments with the information necessary to ensure that all stages of offshore energy and mineral activities are conducted in a manner to protect both the human and natural environments.
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) Section 1346 mandates the conduct of environmental and socioeconomic studies needed for the assessment and management of environmental impacts on the human, marine, and coastal environments which may be affected by oil and gas or other mineral development.
OCSLA Section 1345 authorizes the use of cooperative agreements with affected States to meet the requirements of OCSLA, including sharing of information, joint utilization of available expertise, formation of joint monitoring arrangements to carry out applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to outer continental shelf operations both onshore and offshore.
The purpose of the Alaska Coastal Marine Institute is to use highly qualified scientific expertise at local levels to collect and disseminate environmental information needed for OCS oil and gas and marine minerals decisions; address local and regional OCS-related environmental and resource issues of mutual interest; and strengthen the MMS-State partnership in addressing OCS oil and gas and marine minerals information needs.
- Louisiana State University (LSU) Coastal Marine Institute (CMI)
- Minerals Management Service (MMS) Environmental Studies Program (ESP)
Examples of Funded Projects
The MMS Alaska Coastal Marine Institute funds studies for better understanding marine, coastal or human environments affected or potentially affected by offshore oil and gas or other mineral exploration and extraction on the outer continental shelf.
Recent efforts include field observations, laboratory experiments and modeling studies of environmental, social, economic, or cultural processes related to offshore OCS gas and oil activities.
The Department of the Interior protects and provides access to the Nation's natural and cultural heritage, including responsibilities to Indian tribes and island communities. Departmental goals include resource protection and usage, overseeing recreational opportunities, serving communities and excellence in management.
Program Accomplishments
The Alaska Coastal Marine Institute currently funds over 30 competitively awarded ongoing extramural research funding commitments. This cutting-edge research has already and will in the future benefit the management of the OCS and increase understanding of the potential impacts of offshore oil and gas activities. Projects are underway to improve understanding of: ocean circulation and physical transport processes and their role in fate and behavior of potential spilled oil in areas offshore Alaska; marine biological resources their health and habitat use; background levels of chemicals that can be associated with oil and gas development activities.
Uses and Use Restrictions
The Environmental Studies Program allocates up to $750,000 per year for cooperative research at the University of Alaska.
The University of Alaska invites proposals that are reviewed by a Technical Steering Committee including the University, State of Alaska, and MMS, and funds individual awards.
Applications must be for scientific research projects which are within the MMS' area of responsibility.
The majority of funds are used to support research that will enhance understanding of long-term effects of oil and gas, and marine minerals projects.
Funds can also be used for attendance at national conferences for the dissemination of project results.
Funds are not normally used for capitalization.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
University of Alaska may make application for support by a named principal investigator.
Non-UA scientists may participate in collaboration with a UA principal investigator.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Research scientists, Federal, State and local decision-makers, Native American Organizations, and the general public will ultimately benefit from the program.
Credentials/Documentation
Evidence of the applicants qualifications for performance of the proposed research including past professional publications, resumes, and lists of past projects.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Limited discussions regarding funding availability and program interest are permitted.
Environmental Impact Statements are not required for these projects.
Executive Order 12372 does not apply.
Application Procedures
Proposals are requested for mission-relevant research likely to provide needed information for OCS oil and gas resource management decisions. Proposals must include a full statement of work, estimated budget, and resumes. The standard SF-424 application forms required by 2 CFR Part 215.12, and the Department of the Interior Code of Federal Regulations at 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart F, or its revisions, must be used.
Award Procedures
Awards are made on the basis of a competitive peer review of proposals by a panel consisting of government research managers and external reviewers, as appropriate. Criteria for judging proposals include mission relevance, technical merit, and the quality and appropriateness of the personnel including past performance and publication record, project management, logistics plan, safety management, permits and interagency coordination, budget/matching funds, and where appropriate, minimization of impacts. Notification of an award is issued. It is anticipated that 6-12 applications will be received and 6 awards will be granted in FY 2009.
Deadlines
Proposals are due by November 15, 2008.
Authorization
43 U.S.C. 1345 (e); 43 U.S.C. 1346 Section 20.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
From 150 to 360 days.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Recipients share costs on a one-dollar-for-one-dollar contribution across the program. In any fiscal year, the collective CMI match commitment must equal or exceed MMS contributions. On rare occasions exceptions may be considered.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Cooperative agreements will normally be awarded for 1 to 5 years, with funding awarded as a lump sum, or added as funds become available.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Quarterly progress reports and an annual report on the progress of the project funded under the cooperative agreement and presentations at a session of the publicly held MMS Information Transfer Meetings are required.
A draft final, proof copy, and final report; draft and final technical summary; articles based on the research published in journals, and presentation slides are required for each award.
Dissemination of the research results conducted under the CMI at professional society meetings and symposia is encouraged.
Annual financial reports using OMB Standard Form SF-269 are also required.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations", nonfederal entities that receive financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 or more in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
All records must be maintained for 3 years after submission of the final financial report.
Financial Information
Account Identification
14-1917-0-1-302; 14-8370-0-7-302.
Obigations
(Cooperative Agreements) FY 07 $500,000; FY 08 $750,000; FY 09 estimate $750,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$75,000 to $250,000; $169,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Kate Wedemeyer, Telephone: 907-334-5278; Fax 907-334-5242; Email address: kate.wedemeyer@mms.gov.
Headquarters Office
James Cimato, Minerals Management Service, 381 Elden Street, MS-4041, Herndon, VA 20170. Telephone: (703) 787-1721; Fax: (703) 787-1053; E-mail address: james.cimato@mms.gov.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Panels of MMS, and non-MMS scientists (government, public and private sector as appropriate), review and evaluate proposals. Criteria for judging proposals include mission relevance, technical merit, and the quality and appropriateness of the personnel including past performance and publication record, project management, logistics plan, safety management, permits and interagency coordination, budget/matching funds, and where appropriate, minimization of impacts.
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