Competition for a Cooperative Institute for Satellite Earth System Studies | NOAA NESDIS NESDISPO 2019 2005893

Opportunity Information: Apply for NOAA NESDIS NESDISPO 2019 2005893

This opportunity is a NOAA NESDIS competition to establish a new Cooperative Institute (CI) focused on Satellite Earth System Studies. NOAA is looking to partner through a cooperative agreement with a single selected institution to build a long-term research and development capability that strengthens how satellite and related environmental observations are turned into usable Earth system information. In practical terms, the institute is meant to help NOAA move from raw satellite measurements (the "bits and bytes") to trusted, validated products and services that can be applied to real operational and scientific needs across the agency.

The proposed Cooperative Institute is expected to support a broad set of NOAA organizations, with primary emphasis on NESDIS programs. Key beneficiaries include the NESDIS Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR), which develops satellite-derived products and capabilities, and the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), which curates and provides access to environmental data records. The institute is also expected to contribute to parts of NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), specifically the Air Resources Laboratory and the Climate Program Office, as well as mission needs within the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). That mix signals that NOAA wants the institute to connect satellite data science not only to research, but also to operations, climate applications, and resource management.

The core mission alignment is directly tied to NESDIS: providing secure, reliable, and timely access to global environmental data and information from satellites and other sources to support national security, environmental stewardship, economic activity, and overall quality of life. The institute is essentially a capacity multiplier for NOAA, helping ensure that satellite observations are calibrated correctly, transformed into consistent geophysical variables, archived properly, and delivered in forms that downstream users can apply for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, air quality analysis, marine and fisheries applications, and broader Earth system decision-making.

Technically, the institute is expected to have wide-ranging expertise and infrastructure. NOAA emphasizes end-to-end capabilities spanning sensor calibration (ensuring instruments are measuring accurately and consistently), product validation (proving that derived products match reality through comparisons with independent observations and reference standards), and the development of applications that enable transfer, visualization, and use of the information. That scope suggests work could include algorithm development, uncertainty characterization, creation and stewardship of long-term climate data records, data assimilation support for models, and tools that help operational centers and external stakeholders interpret and apply satellite-derived information.

From a grant mechanics standpoint, this is a discretionary funding opportunity offered by the Department of Commerce through NOAA, using a cooperative agreement as the funding instrument. A cooperative agreement typically indicates substantial federal involvement compared with a standard grant, meaning NOAA staff are likely to collaborate actively in setting priorities, coordinating work, and integrating outputs into NOAA systems and services. The opportunity is categorized under environment, natural resources, science and technology, and other research and development, and it is listed under CFDA 11.432. Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others" with additional clarification expected in the full eligibility text in the official notice.

Funding details indicate a single expected award, with an award ceiling of up to $40,000,000. The opportunity was created on November 29, 2018, with an original closing date of January 31, 2019. Overall, the competition is designed to select one partner capable of sustaining a comprehensive satellite Earth system research enterprise that directly supports NOAA's satellite product lifecycle, from instrument-level science through operationally useful, well-validated environmental information products and user-focused data access and visualization.

• The Department of Commerce in the environment, natural resources, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Competition for a Cooperative Institute for Satellite Earth System Studies" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 11.432.
• This funding opportunity was created on Nov 29, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jan 31, 2019. (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 $40,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for NOAA NESDIS NESDISPO 2019 2005893

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