Climate Program Office for FY 2012

What the official notice requires

Pulled from the official notice noaa-oar-cpo-2012-2003041-ffo-report1.pdf (22 pages) so you can see the requirements at a glance. Each item shows the notice's own words. Open the page to read it in context.

Award size and project length

• Award amounts here are per year · p. 3

  “It is anticipated that most awards will be at a funding level between $50,000 and $200,000 per year, with some exceptions for larger awards.” Open page 3

Registrations you need first (1)

• Grants.gov · p. 12

  “Application packages are available at Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov) "Apply for Grants".” Open page 12

Registration is free but can take weeks, so start now, not when the deadline is close. Get-ready checklist

What to submit

• Memorandum of understanding (MOU) · p. 11

  “(1) the existing University/NOAA Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) would be incorporated by reference into the terms of the competitive award, and (2) any performance report(s) for the competitive project must follow the timetable of the funding program and be…” Open page 11

• Form SF-424 · p. 13

  “All the Federal Forms (SF424, SF424A, SF424B, CD511), the NEPA Statement, and other mandated forms should be inserted in a separate file when submitted and are not included in the page count.” Open page 13

• Form SF-424A · p. 13

  “All the Federal Forms (SF424, SF424A, SF424B, CD511), the NEPA Statement, and other mandated forms should be inserted in a separate file when submitted and are not included in the page count.” Open page 13

• Form SF-424B · p. 13

  “All the Federal Forms (SF424, SF424A, SF424B, CD511), the NEPA Statement, and other mandated forms should be inserted in a separate file when submitted and are not included in the page count.” Open page 13

• Form CD511 · p. 13

  “All the Federal Forms (SF424, SF424A, SF424B, CD511), the NEPA Statement, and other mandated forms should be inserted in a separate file when submitted and are not included in the page count.” Open page 13

• Project abstract or summary · p. 13

  “A one-page abstract must be included and should contain an introduction to the problem, rationale, and a brief summary of the work to be completed.” Open page 13

• Indirect cost rate agreement · p. 14

  “A copy of the institution's current Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (IDCRA) must be included.” Open page 14

• Environmental documentation · p. 15

  “In addition to providing specific information that will serve as the basis for any required impact analyses, applicants may also be requested to assist NOAA in drafting an environmental assessment, if NOAA determines an assessment is required.” Open page 15

Length limits

• Full: 30 pages max · p. 13

  “Full applications are limited to 30 pages using 12-point font type with one- inch margins on standard 8.5 by 11 inch paper.” Open page 13

• Page limit (see quote): 15 pages max · p. 14

  “The statement of work, including references, but excluding figures and other visual materials, must not exceed 15 pages of text.” Open page 14

• Page limit (see quote): 30 pages max · p. 14

  “Note that these justifications are considered part of the 30-page limit, while the required SF424 and SF424A are not part of the page limitation.” Open page 14

• IDCRA: 30 pages max · p. 14

  “The IDCRA does not, however, count as part of the 30-page limit.” Open page 14

Formatting rules

• 12-point font · p. 13

  “Full applications are limited to 30 pages using 12-point font type with one- inch margins on standard 8.5 by 11 inch paper.” Open page 13

How applications are scored (40% listed)

Build your narrative outline from these criteria

• Importance/Relevance and Applicability of Application to the Program Goals: 25% · p. 17

  “Importance/Relevance and Applicability of Application to the Program Goals (25%) This criterion ascertains whether there is intrinsic value in the proposed work and/or relevance to NOAA, federal, regional, state, or local activities.” Open page 17

• Overall Qualifications of Applicants: 15% · p. 17

  “Overall Qualifications of Applicants (15%) This criterion assesses whether the applicant team possesses the necessary education, experience, training, facilities, and administrative resources to accomplish the project. 4.” Open page 17

Mistakes that get applications rejected (2)

• Could get your application rejected: Applications received after these times will not be considered for funding. · p. 1

  “Applications received after these times will not be considered for funding.” Open page 1

• Sent the wrong way or format: Faxed or emailed copies of applications will not be accepted. · p. 1

  “Faxed or emailed copies of applications will not be accepted.” Open page 1