[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 14 (Friday, January 21, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3420-3425]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-1517]



[[Page 3420]]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Docket No.: 991215340-9340-01]
RIN 0648-ZA76


Collaborative Science, Technology, and Applied Research (CSTAR) 
Program

AGENCY: National Weather Service (NWS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC).

ACTION: Notice and request for proposals.

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SUMMARY:  The CSTAR Program represents an NOAA/NWS effort to create a 
cost-effective continuum from basic and applied research to operations 
through collaborative research between operational forecasters and 
academic institutions which have expertise in the environmental 
sciences. These activities improve the accuracy of forecasts and 
warnings of environmental hazards by applying scientific knowledge and 
information from the modernization of the NWS. The NOAA CSTAR Program 
is a contributing element of the U.S. Weather Research Program, which 
is coordinated by the interagency Committee on Environmental and 
Natural Resources. NOAA's program is designed to complement other 
agency contributions to that national effort.
    Pursuant to Executive Orders 12876, 12900, and 13021, DOC/NOAA is 
strongly committed to broadening the participation of Historically 
Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and 
Tribal Colleges and Universities in its educational and research 
programs. The DOC/NOAA vision, mission, and goals are to achieve full 
participation by Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) in order to 
advance the development of human potential, to strengthen the Nation's 
capacity to provide high-quality education, and to increase 
opportunities for MSIs to participate in and benefit from Federal 
Financial Assistance programs. DOC/NOAA encourages all applicants to 
include meaningful participation of MSIs.
    This program is designated under Catalog for Federal Assistance 
number 11.468, Applied Meteorological Research.

DATES:  Proposals must be received by the NWS no later than close of 
business April 14, 2000. We anticipate review of full proposals will 
occur during May 2000, and funding should begin during later summer 
2000 for most approved projects. August 1, 2000, should be used as the 
proposed start date on proposals, unless otherwise directed by the 
appropriate Program Officer. Applicants should be notified of their 
status within 3 months of the closing date. All proposals must be 
submitted in accordance with the guidelines below. Failure to follow 
these guidelines will result in proposals being returned to the 
submitter.

ADDRESSES:  Proposals must be submitted to NWS, NOAA; 1325 East-West 
Highway, Room 13316; Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-3283.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Sam Contorno (see ADDRESSES), or by 
phone at 301-713-1970 ext. 193, or fax to 301-713-1520, or on Internet 
at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#453624283020296b262a2b312a372b2a052b2a24246b222a33"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c9baa8a4bcaca5e7aaa6a7bda6bba7a689a7a6a8a8e7aea6bf">[email protected]</span></a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Funding Availability

    NOAA/NWS believes its warning and forecast mission will benefit 
significantly from a strong partnership with outside investigators. 
Current program plans assume the total resources provided through this 
announcement will support extramural efforts through the broad academic 
community. Because of Federal budget uncertainties, it has not been 
determined how much money will be available through this announcement. 
Proposals should be prepared assuming an annual budget of no more than 
$125,000. It is expected between two and five awards will be made 
depending on availability of funds. This program announcement is for 
projects to be conducted by university investigators for a 1-year, 2-
year, or 3-year period. When a proposal for a multi-year award is 
approved, funding will initially be provided for only the first year of 
the program. If an application is selected for initial funding, the NWS 
has no obligation to provide additional funding in connection with that 
award in subsequent years. Funding for each subsequent year of a multi-
year proposal is at the discretion of the NWS. It will be contingent 
upon satisfactory progress in relation to the stated goals of the 
proposal to address specific science needs and priorities of the NWS 
and the availability of funds. Applications must include a scope of 
work and a budget for the entire award period. Each funding period must 
be discrete and clearly distinguished from any other funding period.
    The funding instrument for extramural awards will be a cooperative 
agreement since one or more NOAA/NWS components--forecast offices, 
National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) service centers, 
or regional headquarters--will be substantially involved in 
implementation of the project. Examples of substantial involvement may 
include, but are not limited to, proposals for collaboration between 
NOAA scientists and a recipient scientist and/or contemplation by NOAA 
or detailing Federal personnel to work on proposed projects. Funding 
for non-U.S. institutions and contractual arrangements for services and 
products for delivery to NOAA are not available under this 
announcement. A matching share is not required by this program.

Program Objectives

    The long term objective of the CSTAR Program is to improve the 
overall forecast and warning capabilities of the operational 
hydrometeorological community by addressing the following national 
science priorities through collaborative efforts between the NWS and 
academic institutions: Quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) and 
forecasting (QPF), including precipitation type and probabilistic QPF; 
Flash flood and probabilistic river prediction; Prediction of seasonal-
to-interannual and decadal climate variability, and the impacts of 
these variabilities on extreme weather events; Prediction of tropical 
cyclones near landfall, including track, intensity, and associated 
precipitation, and hazardous weather; Prediction of marine conditions, 
including fog, winds, coastal ocean, and open-ocean waves; The effect 
of topography and other surface forcing on local weather regimes; 
Locally hazardous weather, especially severe convection, winter 
weather, and phenomena that affect aviation; and Conditions conducive 
for the rapid development of wildfires and the dispersion of smoke and 
other air-quality hazards.
    Individual NWS Regions and NCEP service centers have a subset of 
these science priorities due to differences in factors such as 
topography, weather regimes, and mission.

Program Priorities

    NOAA will give sole attention to individual proposals addressing 
the identified science needs/priorities from NWS Regions and NCEP 
service centers as listed below. It is anticipated one proposal will be 
funded addressing one or more of the science needs/priorities of both 
the NWS Southern and Western Regions. Although there is no guarantee 
funding will be available, a proposal may be considered for funding 
separately as an ``at large'' award if it:

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    (1) Addresses Western or Southern Region science needs/priorities 
and is not selected for funding in its respective category, or
    (2) Addresses one or more of the science needs/priorities from 
other NWS Regions or NCEP service centers. Therefore, universities are 
also encouraged to submit proposals addressing any of the science 
needs/priorities from other NWS Regions and NCEP service centers. 
Proposals must clearly specify which primary science priorities/needs 
are being addressed. Although a proposal may address science needs/
priorities from more than one NWS Region or NCEP service center, a 
proposal can be considered only for funding in a single category which 
must be designated by the Principal Investigators (PI) (i.e., Southern 
Region, Western Region, or at large).
    Since a goal of this call for proposals is to foster long-term 
collaborative interactions between a university and NWS operational 
offices/NCEP service centers, all PIs within this program must be a 
full, assistant, or associate college or university professor with 
substantial documented involvement in the proposal. Proposals should 
clearly state the role of each PI in the project.
    A proposal must be submitted by at least two PIs from the same 
college or university. Multiple university proposals are not allowed. 
Except for researchers who are associate, assistant, or full professors 
at the Naval Postgraduate School or other federally funded educational 
institutions, Federal Government employees are not allowed to be listed 
as PIs, although collaboration between the academic community and NOAA 
within the project is strongly encouraged. A proposal must contain at 
least two distinct subtasks addressing one or more of the science 
needs/priorities listed by a single NWS Region or NCEP service center. 
PIs must clearly address the science and technology transfer process 
contained within the proposal. This includes their interactions with 
operational NWS units, including weather offices, River Forecast 
Centers, NCEP service centers, and regional offices, with the specific 
goal of improving operational services.
    The names, affiliations, and phone numbers of relevant NWS 
regional/NCEP focal points are provided. Prospective applicants should 
communicate with these focal points for information on priorities 
within regional science needs. Applicants should send proposals to the 
NOAA/NWS program office identified earlier rather than to individual 
focal points.

NWS Eastern Region Science Needs/Priorities

    NWS Eastern Region has listed the following science needs/
priorities to be addressed by proposals:
    Unique geomorphic influences on weather problems such as the type, 
amount, duration, and intensity of precipitation associated with the 
complex terrain of the Appalachian Mountains or the formation, 
duration, and intensity of severe storms and winter weather phenomena 
along the Atlantic Seaboard and the Great Lakes.
    The relationship of land-falling tropical storms and hurricanes to 
severe weather, heavy precipitation, flooding, and flash flooding 
throughout the eastern United States. The development and enhancement 
of severe storms throughout the Middle Atlantic and the Piedmont 
regions due to the influence of small-scale thermal and moisture 
boundaries. The interaction of gravity waves and related phenomena with 
severe storms and winter weather systems throughout the East.
    The primary factors causing high winds, waves, and flooding near 
the Atlantic Coast, Chesapeake Bay, and Great Lakes. Widespread river 
and localized flash flooding produced by synoptic and sub-synoptic 
scale weather systems interacting with the complex topography and 
expanding urbanization of the eastern United States.
    Innovative approaches to formulate, produce, display, and deliver 
high-resolution hydrometeorological forecasts and products to meet the 
evolving needs of the user community throughout the heavily populated 
eastern United States.
    For Further Information Contact: Gary Carter, NOAA/NWS/Eastern 
Region Scientific Services Division, 516-524-5131, or on the Internet 
at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c8afa9bab1e6aba9babcadba88a6a7a9a9e6afa7be"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c9aea8bbb0e7aaa8bbbdacbb89a7a6a8a8e7aea6bf">[email protected]</span></a>.

NWS Southern Region Science Needs/Priorities

    The NWS Southern Region science needs/priorities to be addressed by 
proposals are as follows:
    Development of improved techniques for the prediction of freezing 
and frozen precipitation events in the NWS Southern Region including 
timing, areal extent, intensity, and amount.
    Development of diurnal lightning and cloud climatologies stratified 
by weather regime to better predict the onset, spatial coverage, and 
duration of precipitation, especially under weak synoptic forcing.
    Development of improved techniques to forecast and monitor heavy-
rain events.
    Development of relationships between land falling tropical cyclones 
and associated severe weather, heavy precipitation, flooding, and flash 
flooding throughout the southern United States.
    Development of improved techniques to observe and forecast winds 
and waves in the coastal environment.
    Improved understanding of the unique geomorphic influences on 
weather problems such as type, amount, duration, and intensity of 
precipitation and resultant flash flooding associated with the complex 
terrain of the southern Appalachian Mountains, the Mexican Plateau, and 
the Gulf Coast.
    Development of optimal strategies for using mesoscale models to 
accurately predict the effects of topography and other surface forcing 
on local weather.
    Development of methodologies to better predict the development and 
duration of stratus, fog, and other conditions which produce instrument 
flight rule conditions in the NWS Southern Region.
    Development of methodologies to use the Doppler weather 
surveillance radar (WSR-88D) and multi-sensor technology to detect/
identify storm features leading to, and/or associated with, the 
development of weak (F0 and F1) tornadoes characteristic of semi-
tropical environments.
    Development of optimal WSR-88D scan strategies and adaptable 
parameter settings for accurately estimating heavy precipitation 
amounts.
    Development of methodologies to better predict the type, duration, 
and severity of arctic outbreaks that result in damaging freezes 
affecting the NWS Southern Region.
    For Further Information Contact: Dan Smith, NOAA/NWS/Southern 
Region Scientific Services Division, 817-978-2671, or on the Internet 
at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#80e4e1eeaef3ede9f4e8c0eeefe1e1aee7eff6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6703060949140a0e130f270908060649000811">[email protected]</span></a>.

NWS Central Region Science Needs/Priorities

    The NWS Central Region science needs/priorities to be addressed by 
proposals are as follows:
    Improve hazardous weather warnings for different geographical 
locations in Central Region, including the Central Plains, Northern 
Plains, Ozark Plateau, mid and upper Mississippi Valley, lower Ohio 
Valley and Great Lakes regions by:
    Developing more accurate, region-specific conceptual models for 
tornado, hail, high wind, heavy precipitation, and elevated nocturnal 
convection events.
    Developing more accurate, region-specific diagnostic strategies/

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methodologies to interrogate remotely sensed data (radar, satellite, 
etc.) and numerical weather guidance with emphasis on weaker and 
shorter lived severe thunderstorm and tornado events.
    Improve Central Region winter weather precipitation forecasts by:
    Developing a climatology of winter precipitation events including, 
but not limited to, heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain stratified by 
Central Region County Warning Forecast Areas and relating it to public 
products and services.
    Linking cloud physics and associated micro-physical processes, 
precipitation efficiency, water vapor distribution, and transport of 
winter stratiform and/or convective clouds to improved methodologies 
for estimating or forecasting winter precipitation amounts.
    Improve the accuracy (probability of detection) and average 
forecast lead time for winter storm warnings by better understanding 
the development, intensification, and sudden acceleration northeastward 
of strong mid-west storm systems following Rocky Mountain lee-side 
cyclogenesis.
    Improve aviation forecast products and services by:
    Developing a climatology of ceiling, visibility, and low-level wind 
shear for Central Region county warning forecast areas.
    Developing better methodologies to forecast the onset and 
dissipation of fog and low ceilings for different geographical 
locations in the Central Region.
    Improve the utility and utilization of numerical guidance in the 
forecast process by developing more efficient and effective 
methodologies to display, review, and interrogate numerical model 
output in an operational environment.
    Improve the quality of weather services to the public through the 
development of new and innovative forecast methodologies and products.
    For Further Information Contact: Richard Livingston, NOAA/NWS/
Central Region Scientific Services Division, 816-426-5672 ext. 300, or 
on the Internet at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#792b101a11180b1d5735100f10171e0a0d16173917161818571e160f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9fcdf6fcf7feedfbb1d3f6e9f6f1f8ecebf0f1dff1f0fefeb1f8f0e9">[email protected]</span></a>.

NWS Western Region Science Needs/Priorities

    The NWS Western Region science goals are as follows: Improve 
operational precipitation and hydrological forecasts in complex terrain 
across a wide range of western U.S. meteorological regimes. In the 
West, water is a critical and closely managed resource.
    Improve wintertime forecasts of snow in complex terrain and improve 
hydrological modeling of snow melt processes in complex terrain.
    Improve precipitation and flash flooding forecasts produced from 
high based convection with a deep dry sub cloud layer in the arid 
inter-mountain region.
    Improve forecast of significant precipitation events that produce 
flooding along the west coast.
    Improve forecast of the onset of the monsoon season and flash 
flooding in the desert Southwest.
    Improve snow and wind forecast associated with arctic front 
intrusion into complex terrain in the northern plains.
    Improve operational forecasts through better capturing the effect 
of complex terrain and coastal marine environment over the western 
United States.
    Improve use of observational networks, such as mesonets.
    Improve analysis through better assimilation systems that produce 
more realistic analysis in complex terrain.
    Improve numerical model performance in western complex terrain.
    Conceptual models that better describe the effect of complex 
terrain on weather forecasts.
    Develop innovative approaches to produce and deliver high 
resolution hydrometeorological forecasts and products to meet the 
evolving user community needs throughout the western United States.
    Improve fire-weather forecasts and smoke dispersion in the western 
United States.
    Improve forecasters ability to produce forecasts of temperature, 
humidity, and winds in complex terrain.
    Improve forecast and warnings of severe weather unique to the 
western United States through the better use of observational systems 
and conceptual models.
    Improve the performance of coastal and mountain-top WSR-88D radars 
on a variety of NWS Western Region weather regimes, such as high based 
inter-mountain convection and low topped storms along the west coast.
    For Further Information Contact: Andy Edman, NOAA/NWS/Western 
Region Scientific Services Division, 801-524-5131, or on the Internet 
at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#87e6e9e3fea9e2e3eae6e9c7e9e8e6e6a9e0e8f1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a7c6c9c3de89c2c3cac6c9e7c9c8c6c689c0c8d1">[email protected]</span></a>.

NWS Alaska Region Science Needs/Priorities

    The science needs/priorities of the NWS Alaska Region are as 
follows:
    Improve the accuracy (probability of detection) and lead time for 
airborne volcanic ash detection and tracking by better understanding 
source conditions and early developments of the ash cloud. Improvements 
must include remote sensing techniques.
    Innovative approaches to remote sensing that result in the 
formulation and production of high resolution hydrometeorological 
forecasts of river and localized flash flooding produced by synoptic 
and mesoscale weather systems interacting with complex terrain in 
south-central Alaska. Emphasis should be placed on the Kenai River 
watershed.
    Develop better methodologies to forecast winds over the marine 
inland waters of southeast Alaska. Methodologies can include numerical 
forecasts from mesoscale models.
    Determine the geomorphic influences on type, amount, duration, and 
intensity of snow associated with complex terrain to improve forecasts 
for the Anchorage, Alaska, area, where over 50 percent of the state 
population resides.
    Improve methodologies to forecast fog in the Alaska coastal 
communities located along the coast of the Gulf of Alaska.
    Improve the winter season WSR-88D-based rain and snow QPEs. All six 
sites are influenced by complex topography.
    For Further Information Contact: Gary Hufford, NOAA/NWS/Alaska 
Region Environmental and Scientific Services Division, 907-271-3886, or 
on the Internet at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#177076656e397f627171786573577978767639707861"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7f181e0d0651170a1919100d1b3f11101e1e51181009">[email protected]</span></a>.

NWS Pacific Region Science Needs/Priorities

    The science needs/priorities of the NWS Pacific Region are as 
follows:
    Optimize the utility of new and existing observing systems, with 
emphasis on satellites and their use in providing precipitation 
estimations.
    Develop, optimize, and utilize local high-resolution modeling 
capabilities aimed at providing operational real-time guidance as well 
as a tool for locally conducted research.
    Conduct Pacific Basin synoptic climatological studies, with 
emphasis on flash-flood and high-wind events.
    For Further Information Contact: Mark Jackson, NOAA/NWS/Pacific 
Region Regional Scientist, 808-532-6413, or on the Internet at 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6d000c1f0643070c0e061e02032d03020c0c430a021b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e38e829188cd89828088908c8da38d8c8282cd848c95">[email protected]</span></a>.

NWS National Centers for Environmental Prediction Science Needs/
Priorities

    NCEP service centers have established the following science needs/
priorities which may be addressed in proposals:

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Aviation Weather Center
    Develop numerical and subjective techniques to improve the accuracy 
of convective forecasts in the 2-6 hour time scale.
    Improve the treatment of drizzle-size droplets in clouds that lead 
to aircraft icing through improved parameterization and/or explicit 
micro physics techniques that are both economical and support cloud 
initialization using existing observational data sets, including the 
Automated Surface Observing System, radar, and satellite data.
    Enhance understanding of the triggering mechanisms associated with 
different families of clear-air turbulence events, including gravity 
waves emanating from convective systems, gravity waves induced by jet 
streaks, cross mountain flow, critical boundary-layer flow regimes, 
etc.
Climate Prediction Center
    Develop dynamically and ensemble-based techniques to improve the 
prediction of weekly, monthly, and seasonal precipitation skill, 
including regional climate prediction systems.
    Improve global and domestic forecasts of seasonal climate 
variability through better understanding and modeling of the coupled 
atmosphere/ocean system and the effect of variations on that coupling 
to ensemble prediction.
Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (HPC)
    Efforts addressing the broad geographical and seasonal ranges of 
problems associated with QPF, from initiation, duration, movement, to 
winter weather type. This includes the spectrum from drizzle to heavy 
rain and from flurries through lake-effect snow to synoptic-scale 
snowfall.
    Develop new model verification techniques to enhance current 
methods of objectively assessing which models will perform best. The 
techniques should apply for all time ranges used by HPC, from less than 
6 hours to 7 days.
    Develop techniques to modify gridded numerical guidance to produce 
gridded forecast products, which are made horizontally, vertically, and 
temporally consistent using sound meteorological theory.
Marine Prediction Center (MPC)
    Develop a robust marine verification system that utilizes the 
various observations from both in-situ and remote sources. Parameters 
to be verified include, but are not limited to: wind speed and 
direction; sea-state (height, period, direction); visibility; weather; 
and icing conditions.
    Improve forecasting techniques for warnings and forecasts of 
hazardous marine conditions through the use of additional data sources 
(especially in-situ), as well as improved use of all marine data 
sources in numerical weather prediction and model data assimilation 
techniques.
Storm Prediction Center
    Develop mesoscale or storm-scale numerical prediction models, 
ensemble approaches, and verification techniques to improve forecasts 
of the location, timing, intensity, and mode of deep moist convection.
    Develop three-dimensional mesoscale analysis techniques, observing 
systems, expert systems or statistical guidance, robust conceptual 
models, and scientific understanding to improve forecasts of the 
location, timing, intensity, and mode of deep moist convection.
Tropical Prediction Center (TPC)
    Improve hurricane intensity forecasting using either empirical or 
dynamical forecasting techniques, especially those that combine 
atmospheric/oceanic interactions and which can be incorporated with 
existing TPC intensity guidance.
    Improve forecasts for the size of tropical storms, including 
verification of TPC's (and the Geophysical Fluid Dynamic Laboratory's) 
wind radii forecasts. A goal of this effort will be the generation of 
probabilistic guidance by MPC and TPC on 34 and 50 kt forecast wind 
radii for marine and emergency management interests.
    Development an ``all-platform'' surface wind display and analysis 
over marine areas for use by TPC and MPC that would cover the larger 
scale tropical storm environment and that would superimpose QuickScat, 
SSM/I, ERS, low-level cloud-drift winds, and conventional observations, 
including buoys and ships, etc.


    Note: In all instances, projects are encouraged which not only 
address the needs of individual NCEP service centers but also 
address aspects of the NCEP/Environmental Modeling Center's need for 
improving data assimilation and numerical modeling of the 
atmosphere, oceans, and Earth's surface.


    For Further Information Contact: Ralph Petersen, NOAA/NWS/National 
Centers for Environmental Prediction, 301-763-8000 ext. 7008, or on the 
Internet at ralph. <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#81f1e4f5e4f3f2e4efc1efeee0e0afe6eef7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="08786d7c6d7a7b6d664866676969266f677e">[email protected]</span></a>.

Eligibility

    All accredited U.S. colleges and universities, including federally 
funded educational institutions such as the Naval Postgraduate School, 
are eligible for funding under this announcement. The restriction is 
needed because the results of the collaboration are to be incorporated 
in academic processes which ensure academic multidisciplinary peer 
review as well as Federal review of scientific validity for use in 
operations. Funding for non-U.S. institutions is not available under 
this announcement.

Evaluation Criteria

    The evaluation criteria and weighting of the criteria are as 
follows:
    (1) Operational Applicability (30 percent): What is the likelihood 
of the proposed science activities to improve operation 
hydrometeorological services? Are proposed research activities 
transferable to forecast operations in a reasonable time frame?
    (2) Scientific Merit (25 percent): What is the intrinsic scientific 
value and maturity of the subject and the study proposed as they relate 
to the specific science priorities?
    (3) Technology Transfer and Methodology (25 percent): What is the 
degree of collaboration with multiple operational units throughout the 
project? What is the level of planning by research to integrate results 
into operations successfully and efficiently? Were focused scientific 
objectives and strategies, including data management considerations, 
project milestones, and timeliness, used?
    (4) Capability of researchers (10 percent): Do PIs clearly document 
past scientific collaborations with operational meteorologists? Have 
past interactions been successful? Are researchers likely to maintain 
effective and consistent interactions with operational forecasts 
throughout the course of the proposed research program? Have 
researchers demonstrated the ability to conduct successful research?
    (5) Cost Effectiveness (10 percent): Do researchers demonstrate the 
ability to leverage other resources? Is there a high ratio of 
operationally useful results versus proposed costs?

Selection Procedures

    All proposals will be evaluated and individually ranked in 
accordance with the assigned weights of the above evaluation criteria 
by an independent peer panel review. Three to seven NWS experts 
representing NWS Regions and Centers and non-Federal experts may be 
used in this process. Their recommendations and evaluations will be 
considered, along with the program policy factors discussed below, by 
the selecting official who will select the proposals to be funded and 
determine

[[Page 3424]]

the amount of funds available for each proposal. Unsatisfactory 
performance by a recipient under prior Federal awards may result in an 
application not being considered for funding. Because the selecting 
official will take into account program policy factors, awards may not 
necessarily be made to the highest scored proposals.

Program Policy Factors

    In deciding which applications are to be funded, the Selecting 
Official will choose at least one award which addresses Southern Region 
science needs and at least one award which addresses Western Region 
science needs. Further, the selecting official may take into account 
the need to spread awards geographically and among universities. While 
a university may submit more than one application, the selecting 
official may limit the awards to only one per university. Finally, the 
amount of funds available and whether an application substantially 
duplicates other projects currently approved for funding or funded by 
NOAA or other Federal agencies may be considered by the Selecting 
Official.

Proposal Submission

    Proposals must adhere to the five provisions under ``Proposals'' 
and the seven requirements under ``Required Elements'' by the deadline 
of April 14, 2000. Failure to follow these restrictions will result in 
proposals being returned to the submitter without review. In addition, 
applicants should note those provisions under ``Other Requirements/
Information'' that must be complied with before an award can be made.

Proposals

    (1) Proposals submitted to the NOAA NWS CSTAR Program must include 
the original and two unbound copies of the proposal.
    (2) Investigators are not required to submit more than three copies 
of the proposal. Investigators are encouraged to submit sufficient 
proposal copies for the full review process if they wish all reviewers 
to receive color, unusually sized (not 8.5x11), or otherwise unusual 
materials submitted as part of the proposal. Only an original version 
of the federally required forms and two copies are needed.
    (3) Proposals should be no more than 30 pages (numbered) in length, 
including budget, investigators vitae, and all appendices and should be 
limited to funding requests for 1- to 3-year duration. Appended 
information should be counted within the 30-page total. Federally 
mandated forms are not included within the page count.
    (4) Proposals should be sent to the NWS (see ADDRESSES).
    (5) Facsimile transmissions and electronic mail submission of full 
proposals will not be accepted.

Required Elements

    All proposals should include the following elements:
    (1) Signed title page. The title page should be signed by the PIs 
and the institutional representative and should clearly indicate which 
project area is being addressed. The PIs and institutional 
representative should be identified by full name, title, organization, 
telephone number, and address. The total amount of Federal funds being 
requested should be listed for each budget period.
    (2) Abstract. An abstract must be included and should contain an 
introduction of the problem, rationale, and a brief summary of work to 
be completed. The abstract should appear on a separate page, headed 
with the proposal title, institution's investigators, total proposed 
cost, and budget period.
    (3) Results from prior research. The results of related projects 
supported by NOAA and other agencies should be described, including 
their relation to the currently proposed work. Reference to each prior 
research award should included the title, agency, award number, PIs, 
period of award, and total award. The section should be a brief summary 
and should not exceed two pages total.
    (4) Statement of work. The proposed project must be completely 
described, including identification of the problem; scientific 
objectives; proposed methodology; relevance to the priorities of the 
NWS Region or NCEP service center; operational applicability; 
scientific merit; proposed technology transfer; past collaborations 
with operational hydrometeorologists; cost effectiveness of research; 
and the program priorities listed above. Benefits of the proposed 
project to the general public and the scientific community should be 
discussed. A year-by-year summary of proposed work must be included. 
The statement of work, including references but excluding figures and 
other visual materials, must not exceed 15 pages of text. In general, 
proposals from three or more investigators may include a statement of 
work containing up to 15 pages of overall project description plus up 
to 5 additional pages for individual project descriptions.
    (5) Budget. Applicants must submit a Standard Form 424 
``Application for Federal Assistance,'' including a detailed budget 
using the Standard Form 424a, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction 
Programs.'' The form is included in the standard NOAA application kit. 
The proposal must include total and annual budgets corresponding with 
the descriptions provided in the statement of work. Additional text to 
justify expenses should be included as necessary.
    (6) Vitae. Abbreviated curriculum vitae are sought with each 
proposal. Reference lists should be limited to all publications in the 
last 3 years with up to five other relevant papers.
    (7) Current and pending support. For each investigator, submit a 
list which includes project title, supporting agency with grant number, 
investigator months, dollar value, and duration. Requested values 
should be listed for pending support.

Other Requirements/Information

    (1) Applicants may obtain a standard NOAA application kit from the 
NOAA Office of Grants Management. Primary applicant Certification: All 
primary applicants must submit a completed Form CD-511, ``Certification 
Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters; 
Drug-Free Workplace Requirements and Lobbying.'' Applicants are also 
hereby notified of the following:
    (2) Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension. Prospective 
participants (as defined at 15 CFR 26.105) are subject to 15 CFR part 
26, ``Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension,'' and the related 
section of the certification form described above applies to State and 
Local Governments, as applicable. Applications under this program are 
not subject to E.O. 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs.''
    (3) All non-profit and for-profit applicants are subject to a name 
check review process. Name checks are intended to reveal whether any 
key individuals associated with the applicant have been convicted of, 
or are presently facing, criminal charges such as fraud, theft, 
perjury, or other matters which significantly reflect on the 
applicant's management, honesty, or financial integrity.
    (4) A false statement on an application is grounds for denial or 
termination of funds and grounds for possible punishment by a fine or 
imprisonment as provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001.
    (5) No award of Federal funds shall be made to an applicant who has 
an outstanding delinquent Federal debt until either:

[[Page 3425]]

    (a) The delinquent account is paid in full,
    (b) A negotiated repayment schedule is established and at least one 
payment is received, or
    (c) Other arrangements satisfactory to DOC.
    (6) Buy American-Made Equipment or Products. Applicants who are 
authorized to purchase equipment or products with funding provided 
under this program are encouraged to purchase American-made equipment 
and products to the maximum extent feasible.
    (7) The total dollar amount of the indirect costs proposed in an 
application under this program must not exceed the indirect cost rate 
negotiated and approved by a cognizant Federal agency prior to the 
proposed effective date of the award.
    (8) Federal Policies and Procedures. Recipients and subrecipients 
are subject to all Federal laws and Federal and DOC policies, 
regulations, and procedures applicable to Federal financial assistance 
awards.
    (9) Pre-award Activities. If applicants incur any costs prior to an 
award being made, they do so solely at their own risk of not being 
reimbursed by the Government. Notwithstanding any verbal or written 
assurance that may have been received, there is no obligation on the 
part of DOC to cover pre-award costs.
    (10) Drug-Free Workplace. Grantees (as defined at 15 CFR Part 26, 
Section 605) are subject to 15 CFR Part 26, Subpart F, ``Government-
wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants),'' and the related 
section of the certification form prescribed above applies.
    (11) Anti-Lobbying. Persons (as defined at 15 CFR Part 28, Section 
105) are subject to the lobbying provisions of 31 U.S.C. 1352, 
Limitation on use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal 
contracting and financial transactions,'' and the lobbying section of 
the certification form prescribed above applies to applications/bids 
for grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts for more than 
$100,000, and loans and loan guarantees for more than $150,000.
    (12) Anti Lobbying Disclosures. Any applicant that has paid or will 
pay for lobbying using any funds must submit an SF-LLL, ``Disclosure of 
Lobbying Activities,'' as required under 15 CFR Part 28, Appendix B.
    (13) Lower Tier Certifications. Recipients shall require 
applicants/bidders for subgrants, contracts, subcontracts, or other 
lower tier-covered transactions at any tier under the award to submit, 
if applicable, a completed Form CD-512, ``Certifications Regarding 
Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier 
Covered Transactions and Lobbying'' and disclosure form, SF-LLL, 
``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.'' Form CD-512 is intended for the 
use of recipients and should not be transmitted to DOC. SF-LLL 
submitted by any tier recipient or subrecipient should be submitted to 
DOC in accordance with instructions contained in the award document. If 
an application is selected for funding, the DOC has no obligation to 
provide any additional future funding in connection with the award. 
Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of 
performance is at the total discretion of the DOC.
    In accordance with Federal statutes and regulations, no person on 
grounds of race, color, age, sex, national origin, or disability shall 
be excluded from participation in, denied benefits of, or subjected to 
discrimination under any program or activity receiving financial 
assistance from the NOAA/NWS. The NOAA/NWS does not have a direct 
telephonic device for the deaf (TDD capabilities can be reached through 
the State of Maryland-supplied TDD contact number, 800-735-2258, 
between the hours of 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This notice contains collection-of-information requirements subject 
to the Paperwork Reduction Act. The standard forms have been approved 
by the Office of Management and Budget pursuant to the Paperwork 
Reduction Act under OMB approval number 0348-0043, 0348-0044, and 0348-
0046. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required 
to respond to nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to 
comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of 
the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information 
displays a current valid OMB control number.

Executive Order 12866

    This notice has been determined to be not significant for purposes 
of E.O. 12866.

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 313; 49 U.S.C. 44720(b); 33 U.S.C. 883d, 
883e; 15 U.S.C. 2904; 15 U.S.C. 2931 et seq. (CFDA No. 11.468)--
Applied Meteorological Research.

    Dated: January 3, 2000.
John E. Jones, Jr.,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Weather Services.
[FR Doc. 00-1517 Filed 1-20-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-KE-M


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