Coastal hydrographic physical dynamics and oceanography assessments | P17AS00405

Opportunity Information: Apply for P17AS00405

The grant opportunity titled "Coastal hydrographic physical dynamics and oceanography assessments" (Funding Opportunity Number P17AS00405) is a National Park Service project under the U.S. Department of the Interior intended to strengthen coastal physical oceanography support for National Park studies in Alaska, while also providing technical assistance on coastal physical issues that come up in National Park contexts nationwide. It is structured as a discretionary cooperative agreement, meaning the work is expected to be carried out in close coordination with the federal agency rather than as a simple pass-through funding award. The activity category is listed under education, environment, and natural resources (CFDA 15.945), reflecting both the applied scientific focus and the public-benefit goals tied to resource management and understanding coastal systems.

The opportunity is framed around two main public purposes. First, it aims to improve scientific understanding of nearshore oceanography at a uniquely important geographic junction between the Pacific Ocean and the Arctic Ocean. This area is described as the only mixing point between those two oceans, which makes it especially valuable for studying how water masses, heat, salt, nutrients, and other physical properties interact and shift in the nearshore environment. The same region is also highlighted as a major migratory corridor for marine mammals, fish, and birds, including species traveling along the North American and Asian flyways. Because many of these species are used for subsistence, the work is positioned as relevant not only to ecosystem science and park stewardship, but also to human communities and cross-border interests involving at least the United States, Canada, and Russia.

Second, the project seeks to expand broader knowledge about how nearshore coastal systems connect with offshore environments. In practice, that kind of objective typically supports better interpretation of coastal change, helps managers understand how offshore conditions can influence park shorelines and habitats, and improves the ability to anticipate or explain impacts from storms, currents, seasonal sea-ice dynamics, or longer-term climate-driven shifts. By emphasizing "connectivity" between nearshore and offshore areas, the notice signals that the work is not limited to local shoreline conditions, but is meant to address the linkages and physical processes that tie coastal parks to the wider marine system.

From an administrative standpoint, the notice is explicitly a "notice of intent to award" to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and it states that applications will not be accepted from any other applicant. The funding ceiling is $250,000, with one expected award. The opportunity was created on June 20, 2017, with an original closing date of June 26, 2017, which aligns with the fact that this is effectively a directed award rather than an open competition.

• The Department of the Interior, National Park Service in the education, environment, natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Coastal hydrographic physical dynamics and oceanography assessments" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.945.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jun 20, 2017.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 26, 2017 This is a notice of intent to award to the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Applications will not be accepted from any other applicant.. (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 $250,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.

Apply for P17AS00405

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