Opportunity Information: Apply for NOAA NOS ORR 2020 2006162
The FY2020 Marine Debris Removal opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number NOAA NOS ORR 2020 2006162) is a discretionary federal grant competition run by the U.S. Department of Commerce through NOAA, specifically the NOAA Marine Debris Program within the Office of Response and Restoration, National Ocean Service. It is grounded in the Marine Debris Act (33 U.S.C. 1951 et seq.) and is designed to support practical, locally-driven work that prevents, assesses, and removes marine debris in ways that directly benefit coastal habitats, waterways, and NOAA trust resources. Awards under this solicitation are made as cooperative agreements, which generally means NOAA expects a higher level of involvement and coordination during the project compared with a standard grant.
The main purpose of the funding is on-the-ground marine debris removal that produces long-term, measurable ecological gains. NOAA emphasizes projects that can show clear, quantifiable habitat improvements and tangible benefits to trust resources, rather than one-time cleanups without documented outcomes. The highest priority is given to proposals that target derelict fishing gear and other medium- to large-scale debris, reflecting the fact that these items can persist for long periods, cause entanglement and habitat damage, and continue harming wildlife and ecosystems if not removed. While removal is the centerpiece, NOAA also wants projects to build public and stakeholder awareness about the effects of marine debris and to strengthen conservation outcomes for living marine resource habitats.
Another major theme is improving the overall understanding of marine debris: what types are present, where they accumulate, how they move, and what impacts they cause. Applicants are therefore encouraged to include components that document debris composition, distribution, and ecological effects, since that information can guide future prevention and removal strategies. In practice, strong projects often pair removal operations with monitoring, data collection, mapping, and reporting that can be used by managers and communities after the project ends.
Financially, NOAA expected up to $2,500,000 total to be available for FY2020 Marine Debris Removal grants, with an estimated 11 awards. The award ceiling for an individual project is $150,000, and NOAA notes that typical federal share awards generally fall between $50,000 and $150,000. This implies the program is looking for focused, implementable projects with realistic scopes, clear deliverables, and outcomes that can be demonstrated within the budget range.
Key administrative details include a creation date of July 15, 2019 and an original closing date of December 4, 2019. The opportunity is listed under CFDA 11.999 and the activity categories include environment, natural resources, science and technology, and other research and development, which reflects the program's blend of hands-on fieldwork and applied data/monitoring. Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others," with the expectation that applicants consult the specific eligibility language in the full announcement for clarification.
Overall, this opportunity funds community- and partner-led removal efforts that are more than just cleanup events: NOAA is looking for projects that remove impactful debris (especially derelict fishing gear), document what is removed and what changes as a result, and leave behind lasting ecological and informational benefits for coastal and marine ecosystems tied to NOAA trust responsibilities.Apply for NOAA NOS ORR 2020 2006162
- 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 "FY2020 Marine Debris Removal" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 11.999.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jul 15, 2019.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Dec 04, 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 $150,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 11 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FY2020 Marine Debris Removal (NOAA NOS ORR 2020 2006162) - FAQs
What is the FY2020 Marine Debris Removal funding opportunity?
This is a discretionary federal grant competition run by the U.S. Department of Commerce through NOAA, specifically the NOAA Marine Debris Program within the Office of Response and Restoration (ORR), National Ocean Service (NOS). The solicitation is titled "FY2020 Marine Debris Removal" and is identified by Funding Opportunity Number NOAA NOS ORR 2020 2006162.
What type of award does NOAA make under this opportunity?
Awards under this solicitation are made as cooperative agreements. This generally indicates NOAA expects a higher level of involvement and coordination during the project than would typically occur under a standard grant.
What law or authority is this opportunity based on?
The opportunity is grounded in the Marine Debris Act (33 U.S.C. 1951 et seq.).
What is the main purpose of the funding?
The central purpose is on-the-ground marine debris removal that produces long-term, measurable ecological gains. NOAA emphasizes practical, locally-driven work that prevents, assesses, and removes marine debris in ways that directly benefit coastal habitats, waterways, and NOAA trust resources.
What kinds of projects are most competitive based on the description provided?
Projects that can demonstrate clear, quantifiable habitat improvements and tangible benefits to NOAA trust resources. NOAA emphasizes removal efforts that go beyond one-time cleanups by documenting outcomes and ecological gains.
Does NOAA fund one-time cleanup events?
NOAA emphasizes that it is looking for projects that are more than one-time cleanups without documented outcomes. The focus is on removal that results in long-term, measurable ecological gains, supported by documentation of what was removed and what changed as a result.
What debris types are the highest priority for removal?
The highest priority is given to proposals that target derelict fishing gear and other medium- to large-scale debris. The description notes these items can persist for long periods, cause entanglement and habitat damage, and continue harming wildlife and ecosystems if not removed.
Is removal the only activity supported, or are other components expected?
Removal is the centerpiece, but NOAA also wants projects to build public and stakeholder awareness about the effects of marine debris and to strengthen conservation outcomes for living marine resource habitats.
Why does NOAA emphasize documentation and data collection?
A major theme is improving understanding of marine debris, including what types are present, where they accumulate, how they move, and what impacts they cause. Applicants are encouraged to include components that document debris composition, distribution, and ecological effects so that results can inform future prevention and removal strategies.
What kinds of documentation activities are mentioned as good fits?
The opportunity description highlights pairing removal operations with monitoring, data collection, mapping, and reporting. These elements help produce information that managers and communities can use after the project ends.
What does NOAA mean by "long-term, measurable ecological gains"?
Based on the description, NOAA is looking for removal work that produces sustained ecological benefits that can be demonstrated with measurable results, such as quantifiable habitat improvements and documented benefits to NOAA trust resources, rather than undocumented or purely short-term outcomes.
What are "NOAA trust resources" in the context of this opportunity?
The solicitation states that projects should directly benefit NOAA trust resources, but it does not provide a definition within the summary provided. The emphasis is on benefits to coastal habitats, waterways, and marine ecosystems tied to NOAA trust responsibilities.
How much total funding did NOAA expect to be available for FY2020?
NOAA expected up to $2,500,000 total to be available for FY2020 Marine Debris Removal grants.
How many awards were anticipated?
The program estimated approximately 11 awards.
What is the maximum award amount for a single project?
The award ceiling for an individual project is $150,000.
What is the typical federal share range for individual awards?
NOAA notes that typical federal share awards generally fall between $50,000 and $150,000.
What does the typical award size imply about project scope?
The stated award range suggests NOAA is looking for focused, implementable projects with realistic scopes, clear deliverables, and outcomes that can be demonstrated within a relatively modest budget.
When was this opportunity created, and when did it close?
The listed creation date is July 15, 2019, and the original closing date is December 4, 2019.
What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is listed under CFDA 11.999.
What activity categories are associated with this opportunity?
The activity categories include environment, natural resources, science and technology, and other research and development. This reflects a blend of hands-on fieldwork (removal) and applied research-type activities (monitoring, mapping, reporting).
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others." The description indicates applicants are expected to consult the specific eligibility language in the full announcement for clarification.
What is meant by "locally-driven" work in this program?
The opportunity description emphasizes practical, locally-driven work, meaning projects are expected to be community- and partner-led and designed around local debris problems and local ecological priorities, while still producing documented benefits to coastal habitats, waterways, and NOAA trust resources.
What kinds of outcomes does NOAA want applicants to leave behind?
NOAA is looking for projects that leave lasting ecological and informational benefits. This includes tangible ecological improvements from removing impactful debris and usable information such as documentation of debris composition, distribution, and ecological effects, supported by monitoring, mapping, and reporting.
How is this opportunity different from general marine debris prevention programs?
While prevention and assessment are included in the overall framing, the primary emphasis here is marine debris removal with measurable ecological gains. The description also encourages collecting information that can guide future prevention and removal strategies.
What is the main takeaway for applicants based on the summary provided?
The opportunity prioritizes impactful debris removal (especially derelict fishing gear and other medium- to large-scale debris), requires projects to document what is removed and the resulting ecological improvements, and encourages added components like monitoring, mapping, reporting, and awareness-building to strengthen long-term conservation outcomes.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: Summer Youth Crew for Habitat Restoration and Community Engagement
Previous opportunity: CDC National Infection Control Strengthening . .
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for NOAA NOS ORR 2020 2006162
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (NOAA NOS ORR 2020 2006162) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| 2020/2021 Sea Scallop Research Set Aside Apply for NOAA NMFS NEFSC 2020 2006140 Funding Number: NOAA NMFS NEFSC 2020 2006140 Agency: Department of Commerce Category: Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Climate Program Office 2020 Apply for NOAA OAR CPO 2020 2006076 Funding Number: NOAA OAR CPO 2020 2006076 Agency: Department of Commerce Category: Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Cooperatively Assess Federal Trust Species, Potential Effects on their Populations, and Habitat Usage and Availability in the Mississippi River Apply for F19AS00198 Funding Number: F19AS00198 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $130,243 |
| FY20-21 CRCP International Coral Reef Conservation Grants and Cooperative Agreements Apply for NOAA NOS OCM 2020 2006143 Funding Number: NOAA NOS OCM 2020 2006143 Agency: Department of Commerce Category: Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Species Recovery Grants to Tribes Apply for NOAA NMFS PRPO 2020 2006172 Funding Number: NOAA NMFS PRPO 2020 2006172 Agency: Department of Commerce Category: Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Species Recovery Grants to States (Section 6 Program) Apply for NOAA NMFS PRPO 2020 2006174 Funding Number: NOAA NMFS PRPO 2020 2006174 Agency: Department of Commerce Category: Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| 2020/2021 Monkfish Research Set-Aside Apply for NOAA NMFS NEFSC 2020 2006149 Funding Number: NOAA NMFS NEFSC 2020 2006149 Agency: Department of Commerce Category: Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| 15.637 - Migratory Bird Joint Ventures Apply for F19AS00324 Funding Number: F19AS00324 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $115,316 |
| John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program (Prescott Grant Program) Apply for NOAA NMFS PRPO 2020 2006163 Funding Number: NOAA NMFS PRPO 2020 2006163 Agency: Department of Commerce Category: Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Plover Management and Monitoring Apply for F19AS00337 Funding Number: F19AS00337 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $29,000 |
| FY2020 Office of Weather and Air Quality Research Programs Apply for NOAA OAR OWAQ 2020 2006188 Funding Number: NOAA OAR OWAQ 2020 2006188 Agency: Department of Commerce Category: Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Design and Implement Status Survey for Cape Fear Shiner Apply for F19AS00361 Funding Number: F19AS00361 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Collaborative Science, Technology, and Applied Research (CSTAR) Program Apply for NOAA NWS NWSPO 2020 2006160 Funding Number: NOAA NWS NWSPO 2020 2006160 Agency: Department of Commerce Category: Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Fiscal Year 2021 National Sea Grant College Program Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Apply for NOAA OAR SG 2021 2006204 Funding Number: NOAA OAR SG 2021 2006204 Agency: Department of Commerce Category: Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $74,000 |
| FY2020 Marine Debris Prevention Apply for NOAA NOS ORR 2020 2006200 Funding Number: NOAA NOS ORR 2020 2006200 Agency: Department of Commerce Category: Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Cooperative Research Units Program FY 2020 Apply for G20AS00004 Funding Number: G20AS00004 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Fiscal Year 2020 NOAA Gulf of Mexico Bay-Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Program Apply for NOAA NMFS SE 2020 2006202 Funding Number: NOAA NMFS SE 2020 2006202 Agency: Department of Commerce Category: Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| FY 2020 Alaska Native Organization Co-Management Funding Program Apply for NOAA NMFS AK 2020 2006233 Funding Number: NOAA NMFS AK 2020 2006233 Agency: Department of Commerce Category: Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| 2020 NOAA Hawaii Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Program Apply for NOAA NOS OCM 2020 2006197 Funding Number: NOAA NOS OCM 2020 2006197 Agency: Department of Commerce Category: Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| 2020 NOAA California Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Program Apply for NOAA NOS ONMS 2020 2006237 Funding Number: NOAA NOS ONMS 2020 2006237 Agency: Department of Commerce Category: Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $100,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "NOAA NOS ORR 2020 2006162", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.