Ocean and Coastal Mapping Center 2026

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), through its Office of Coast Survey (OCS), has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) inviting proposals from U.S.-based institutions of higher education to establish and operate a cooperative Ocean and Coastal Mapping Center. This opportunity, funded under the authority of the Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act and the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act, is designed to bolster the United States’ capacity for modern ocean and coastal mapping. The cooperative agreement will span five years, with an anticipated total funding level of approximately $8,500,000, distributed in increments of about $1,600,000 per fiscal year starting in 2026. This initiative supports NOAA’s ongoing efforts to enhance hydrographic and cartographic data acquisition, processing, and distribution by leveraging academic partnerships. The selected institution will work in tandem with NOAA to develop and transition innovative technologies and workflows for ocean mapping, focusing on areas such as automated data processing, remote/cloud-based processing, and advanced cartographic algorithms. The program also prioritizes the integration of AI and machine learning to support predictive modeling and operational efficiency in coastal and marine environments. The center will also serve as a hub for education, workforce development, and training in hydrographic and ocean mapping sciences. Allowable activities under the grant include sensor integration research, development of bathymetric processing tools, and deployment of scalable data infrastructure. Additionally, the center will be expected to host workshops and engage stakeholders across the maritime community. Proposals must demonstrate the availability of appropriate facilities, including office space, educational infrastructure, vessels, laboratory and pier space, and IT systems to support NOAA’s on-site personnel. The presence of a NOAA co-director and co-location of up to 14 NOAA employees is a key aspect of this cooperative engagement. The application process involves a comprehensive submission through Grants.gov, utilizing the SF-424 NOAA Research & Related (R&R) Forms Package rather than the standard Non-Construction Application forms. Required components include project narratives, detailed budget justifications, CVs, support letters, and a two-page data management plan. Applicants must also complete and maintain registrations in SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons prior to submission. The deadline for full proposal submissions is May 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Proposals received after this deadline will not be accepted. Evaluation will be based on the technical merit of the proposal, the qualifications of the applicant, potential broader impacts, project costs, and alignment with NOAA’s program priorities. Projects will undergo both administrative and merit reviews by independent experts. Although a single award is intended, final selection may be influenced by factors such as geographic distribution, applicant diversity, and availability of funds. Subject to Congressional appropriations and performance evaluations, successful applicants will not need to re-compete for years two through five. For questions, applicants are advised to contact Teresa Fleisher at the NOAA Office of Coast Survey. Awards are expected to begin as early as October 1, 2026, and no later than July 1, 2027. Proposals involving human subjects or requiring environmental permits must address these elements during submission. The funded cooperative agreement will be subject to NOAA’s data sharing and reporting policies, as well as federal compliance standards on procurement, environmental impact, and harassment-free workplace enforcement.

Reviewers prioritize technical merit, alignment with NOAA priorities, and workforce development; begin registration early due to delays.