[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 97 (Friday, May 18, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27630-27634]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-12607]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Docket No. 010327081-1106-02]
RIN 0648


Request for Proposals for FY 2001--NOAA Educational Partnership 
Program With Minority Serving Institutions: Environmental 
Entrepreneurship Program

AGENCY: Office of Finance and Administration (OFA), National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of request for proposals.

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SUMMARY: The Office of Finance and Administration (OFA) in the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), United States Department 
of Commerce, is soliciting proposals for the NOAA Educational 
Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP/MSI) 
Environmental Entrepreneurship Program. The goal of the Program is to 
strengthen the capacity of Minority Serving Institutions to foster 
student careers in environmental fields. The Program will provide funds 
on a competitive basis to eligible minority serving institutions to 
support education, training, research, and outreach in environmental 
fields related to NOAA's mission. The term ``environmental fields'' is 
defined as those environmental, natural and social sciences and 
engineering, professional and technical fields that are relevant to 
NOAA's mission which is to ``describe and predict changes in the 
Earth's environment, and conserve and manage wisely the Nation's 
coastal and marine resources to ensure sustainable economic 
opportunities.''
    Eligible Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) include educational 
institutions identified by the Department of Education as (i) 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities, (ii) Hispanic-Serving 
Institutions, and (iii) Tribal Colleges and Universities (see Section 
III. Eligibility.)
    In Fiscal Year 2001, NOAA expects to make available a total of 
$3,300,000 to support the EPP/MSI Environmental Entrepreneurship 
Program. The funds will be allocated competitively to support projects 
at eligible minority serving institutions, of up to three years 
duration, in the following two categories:
    (1) Program Development and Enhancement Grants--approximately six 
grants, each up to $250,000 total for up to three years. These grants 
will support the development of effective academic education, training, 
and research programs, at eligible MSIs, focused on issues directly 
related to NOAA's environmental management, assessment, and prediction 
mission. The goal is to enhance education, training, and research 
opportunities that will strengthen developing environmental programs at 
MSIs and facilitate the entry of MSI students into careers in 
environmental fields.
    (2) Environmental Restoration Demonstration Projects--approximately 
six grants, each up to $300,000 total for up to three years. These 
grants will support the engagement of MSI faculties and students in 
demonstration projects that integrate education and training 
opportunities with outreach and/or research activities focused on the 
application of sound methods and technologies to environmental 
restoration and ecosystem protection.
    While partnerships, particularly with NOAA programs and facilities, 
are encouraged where appropriate, there is no requirement for a partner 
or a requirement for the applicant to provide matching funds. NOAA 
retains the right to allocate funds differently than indicated above if 
the number of proposals received is not balanced across these two 
categories, or the proposal quality does not warrant the stated 
allocation. In such cases, funds may be shifted between the two grant 
categories.

DATES: A Letter of Intent is requested by June 18, 2001. Proposals must 
be received by 5 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Savings Time) on July 20, 2001. 
(See Section VI. Instructions for Application: Timetable)

ADDRESSES:  Proposals should be submitted to: Dr. Francis Schuler, EPP/
MSI Environmental Entrepreneurship Program, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Room 11837, SSMC3 (R/SG), 1315 East-West 
Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Francis Schuler, EPP/MSI 
Environmental Entrepreneurship Program, NOAA, Room 11837 SSMC3 (R/SG), 
1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Tel. (301) 713-2445 
ext. 158; e-mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5538263c153a34277b3b3a34347b323a23"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="402d3329002f21326e2e2f21216e272f36">[email protected]</span></a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Program Authority

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 1540, 49 U.S.C. 44720, 33 U.S.C. 883d, 33 
U.S.C. 1442, 16 U.S.C. 1854(e), 16 U.S.C. 661, 16 U.S.C. 753(a), 16 
U.S.C. 1451 et seq., 16 U.S.C. 1431, 33 U.S.C. 883a and Executive 
Orders 12876, 12900 and 13021. Catalog of Federal Assistance Number: 
11.481--Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving 
Institutions.

II. Program Description

Background

    To meet its principal goals of environmental stewardship, 
assessment, and prediction, NOAA provides science, technology, and 
services to describe and predict changes in the Earth's environment, 
and conserve and manage wisely the Nation's coastal and marine 
resources to ensure sustainable economic opportunities. NOAA has made a 
commitment to expand and strengthen its partnership with MSIs. In 
accordance with NOAA's overall mission, and with the policy of NOAA and 
the U.S. Department of Commerce to increase education and training of 
underrepresented minorities in NOAA-related sciences at MSIs, the 
purposes of the NOAA EPP/MSI Environmental Entrepreneurship Program 
are:
    1. To provide opportunities for undergraduate MSI students to gain 
exposure to the fields related to NOAA's mission and to increase the 
number of underrepresented minority students pursuing professional 
environmental-related career fields.
    2. To build the capacity of educational programs in environmental 
fields at MSIs in order to facilitate entrance of well-prepared 
students into environmental career fields or advanced academic 
programs.
    3. To accelerate the development of strong partnerships, where 
appropriate, with NOAA programs and facilities or with other 
universities and research institutions, industry, government agencies, 
and organizations (public, nonprofit, or private) that strengthen 
cooperative education and training, student experiential internships, 
and faculty development opportunities in environmental fields.
    4. To design and encourage the structuring and implementation of 
curricula and training opportunities that facilitate the integration of 
environmental knowledge with entrepreneurship for students interested 
in pursuing careers in the field of environmental restoration.

Rationale

    The recruitment of minorities, particularly underrepresented

[[Page 27631]]

minorities, in the fields of science and engineering, lags behind 
expectations. According to the National Science Foundation (NSF), 
``Women, Minorities and Persons with Disabilities in Science and 
Engineering: 2000,'' the percentage of minority scientists and 
engineers in the workforce ranges from 0.3 percent for American Indians 
to about 3.0 percent each for African-Americans and Hispanics.
    The quality and nature of academic experiences at each point of the 
educational pipeline are crucial to bringing more minorities into 
environmental and engineering fields. Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral 
degrees are the underpinnings of science career achievement and 
employment. At both the undergraduate and graduate levels, Hispanics, 
African Americans, and Native Americans complete fewer degrees, 
relative to their demographic composition in the population, than 
majority ethnic groups. At the Bachelors level, NSF data show that 
African Americans received about 7.4 percent of the Bachelors degrees 
in science and engineering in 1996, Hispanics received 6.4 percent, and 
American Indians/Alaskan Natives receive 0.6 percent. At the Master's 
level, African Americans receive about 5.0 percent of the science and 
engineering degrees, Hispanics about 4.0 percent, and American Indians 
0.4 percent. In FY 1998, MSIs received only 5.8 percent of Department 
of Commerce grants to institutions of higher education.

NOAA EPP/MSI Environmental Entrepreneurship Program

    Proposals should be firmly grounded in ``environmental fields'' 
related to NOAA's mission. The term ``environmental fields'' is defined 
as those environmental, natural and social sciences and engineering, 
professional and technical fields that are relevant to NOAA's mission 
which is to ``describe and predict changes in the Earth's environment, 
and conserve and manage wisely the Nation's coastal and marine 
resources to ensure sustainable economic opportunities.'' (See http://www.noaa.gov/)
    The long-term, underlying objective of the NOAA EPP/MSI 
Environmental Entrepreneurship Program is to enhance participation of 
MSI students and faculty in environmental fields related to NOAA's 
mission. Broadening the opportunity for eligible MSIs to participate in 
NOAA's missions will also serve to increase understanding of the role 
of environmental science and technology among underrepresented groups 
of the American population. Proposals should identify mechanisms to be 
employed that will encourage and enable members of underrepresented 
groups to enter and to remain in environmental fields, particularly in 
the NOAA-related sciences.
    Proposals will be accepted that address one of the following 
categories:
    (1) Program Development and Enhancement Grants--approximately six 
grants, each up to $250,000 total for up to three years. These grants 
will support the development of effective academic education, training, 
and research programs, at eligible MSIs, focused on issues directly 
related to NOAA's environmental management, assessment, and prediction 
missions. The goal is to enhance education, training, and research 
opportunities that will strengthen developing environmental programs at 
MSIs and facilitate the entry of MSI students into careers as 
entrepreneurs, scientists, resource managers, and community leaders in 
environmental fields related to NOAA's mission. Developing and 
enhancing education, training, and research capabilities at MSIs is 
intended to expand opportunities for students to develop the technical 
skills, insights, and experiences needed to equip them for the task of 
environmentally sound decision-making. Typical activities funded under 
this element may include, but are not limited to: Environmental science 
courses and curriculum enhancement; faculty exchange opportunities; 
training and research experiences and active learning opportunities for 
students; and other activities aimed at improving access to and 
retention of students from underrepresented groups in environmental 
fields related to NOAA's mission.
    (2) Environmental Restoration Demonstration Project Grants--
approximately six grants, each up to $300,000 total for up to three 
years. These grants will support the engagement of MSI faculty and 
students in demonstration projects that apply environmentally sound 
methods and technologies to environmental restoration and ecosystem 
protection. Demonstration projects should integrate education and 
training opportunities with outreach and/or research to, among other 
things, enhance and restore coastal and estuarine habitats, prevent 
marine pollution, reduce coastal hazards, assess marine protected 
areas, protect coral reefs, curb the spread of invasive species, 
restore fisheries and fisheries habitat, develop and expand 
aquaculture, plan community waterfront revitalization, mitigate and 
assess impacts of climate variability, or employ remotely sensed data 
and information systems to support environmental monitoring and 
prediction. Projects should involve students with academic training 
across the broad array of environmental fields needed to implement 
resource restoration projects. Research to understand the nature and 
extent of environmental degradation within communities and to test and 
monitor methods for preventing, controlling, and reducing the 
degradation of natural environments is encouraged.
    Partnerships: For both the (1) Program Development and Enhancement 
Grants and the (2) Environmental Restoration Demonstration Project 
Grants, proposals should build creatively on existing expertise and 
research programs, as appropriate. Innovative, imaginative approaches 
to the issue are sought that take maximum advantage of the synergies of 
strong linkages and collaborations with partners such as other 
universities, research institutions, industry, Federal, state, local, 
and tribal government agencies, and other organizations (public, 
nonprofit, or private). While partnerships, particularly with NOAA 
programs and facilities, are encouraged where appropriate, there is no 
requirement for a partner or a requirement to provide matching funds.
    Proposals: Proposals must be submitted by an eligible MSI and are 
expected to have a rigorous work plan, a strong rationale, and clearly 
identified and achievable goals. Proposals should emphasize innovative 
approaches to encouraging, preparing, and graduating MSI students 
trained in environmental science and related professional career 
fields. Projects should strive for multiple-year participation by 
students and include effective use of role models and mentors. A plan 
for evaluating the outcome of the project should be included.

III. Eligibility

    Minority Serving Institutions eligible to submit proposals include 
institutions of higher education identified by the Department of 
Education as: (i) Historically Black Colleges and Universities, (ii) 
Hispanic-Serving Institutions, (iii) Tribal Colleges and Universities, 
on the ``2001 United States Department of Education Accredited Post-
Secondary Minority Institutions'' list: http://www.ed.gov/ocr/minorityinst.html

IV. Evaluation Criteria

    The evaluation criteria for proposals submitted for support under 
the NOAA EPP/MSI Environmental

[[Page 27632]]

Entrepreneurship Program are weighted as follows:
    (1) Technical and Educational Merit (40 percent): The degree to 
which the activity will advance or transfer knowledge and understanding 
in environmental science, education, or professional fields as they 
relate to NOAA's mission; the qualifications of the applicant 
(individual or team) to conduct the project, including the ability to 
involve individuals from the MSI's student population successfully in 
the project; the degree to which the activity explores creative and 
original concepts; the overall design and organization of the planned 
activity; the strength of the proposed partnership, if any, to help 
meet the goals of the project; and the sufficiency of resources for the 
plan of work.
    (2) Impact of Proposed Project (60 percent): The contributions the 
project will make to enhancing the capability of the MSI to bring 
education and training opportunities to its student population in the 
environmental and professional fields related to NOAA's mission; the 
benefit accruing to a faculty member and the institution from 
participation in the NOAA EPP/MSI Environmental Entrepreneurship 
Program; the degree to which the proposed activity develops mechanisms 
that will broaden and sustain the participation of MSIs in NOAA-related 
environmental fields; the extent to which the proposed activity will 
enhance and improve education, training, and research at MSIs; and the 
adequacy of the plan for evaluating the outcome of the project. For 
environmental restoration demonstration projects, the degree to which 
the project is expected to help prevent, control, and reduce 
degradation to habitats will be considered.

V. Selection Procedures

    Reviews of the proposals will be conducted by an independent peer 
review panel. Proposals will be ranked in accordance with the above 
evaluation criteria (Section IV) by the panel members. The panel 
members will provide individual evaluations on proposals, but there 
will be no consensus recommendation. Their recommendations and 
evaluations will be considered by NOAA in the final selection of 
proposals to be funded. NOAA may also consider programmatic or 
geographic balance and budget availability in the final selection of 
proposals to be funded. Investigators may be asked to modify 
objectives, work plans, budget levels, or project duration prior to 
final approval of an award.

VI. Instructions for Application

Timetable

    June 18, 2001--Letters of Intent: To aid NOAA in planning the 
review, potential Principal Investigators are strongly encouraged to 
submit an optional Letter of Intent by June 18, 2001. Letters of Intent 
should be e-mailed (no attachments) to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3e534d577e515f4c1050515f5f10595148"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e08d9389a08f8192ce8e8f8181ce878f96">[email protected]</span></a>. Information 
contained should include a brief description of the scope of the work, 
the parties involved, and an estimated budget.
    July 20, 2001--Proposals are due no later than 5 p.m. (Eastern 
Daylight Savings Time), July 20, 2001. (See Section VII. HOW TO SUBMIT 
for further details.)
    August, 2001--Successful applicants can expect to be notified 
during the last week of August, 2001. Successful applicants may be 
asked to provide revised narratives and/or budgets which would be due 
the first week of September, 2001.
    October 1, 2001--Funds will be awarded through a grant with an 
expected start date of October 1, 2001.

Proposal Guidelines

    All proposals should be typewritten and may not exceed 20-pages. 
Tables and visual materials, including charts, graphs, maps, 
photographs and other pictorial presentations are included in the page 
limitation; literature citations are not included in the page 
limitation. All information needed for review of the proposal should be 
included in the main text; no appendices are permitted. The following 
information should be included:
    (1) Signed title page: The title page should be signed by the 
Principal Investigator and the institutional representative and should 
clearly identify the program area being addressed by starting the 
project title with ``NOAA EPP/MSI Environmental Entrepreneurship 
Program'' followed by either ``Program Development and Enhancement'' or 
``Environmental Restoration Demonstration Project,'' depending upon the 
particular type of grant for which you are applying. The Principal 
Investigator and institutional representative should be identified by 
full name, title, organization, telephone number, e-mail and mailing 
address. The total amount of Federal funds being requested should be 
listed for each budget period.
    (2) Abstract: This information is very important. It is critical 
that the abstract accurately describe the essential elements of the 
project being proposed. The abstract should include: 1. Title: Use the 
exact title as it appears in the rest of the application. 2. 
Investigators: List the names and affiliations of each investigator who 
will significantly contribute to the project. Start with the Principal 
Investigator. 3. Funding request for each year of the project as well 
as total funding requested. 4. Project Period: Start and completion 
dates. Proposals should request a start date of October 1, 2001. 5. 
Objectives, Methodology, and Rationale: This should include a concise 
statement of the objectives of the project, the scientific or 
educational methodology to be used, and the rationale for the work 
proposed.
    (3) Project Description: (a) Introduction/Background/Justification: 
What is the problem or opportunity being addressed and what is its 
scientific, technical, educational, or socioeconomic importance to the 
region or nation?
    (b) Technical Plan: What are the goals, objectives, and anticipated 
approach of the proposed project? While a detailed work plan is not 
expected, the proposal should present evidence that there has been 
thoughtful consideration of the approach to the problem under study. If 
a partner is involved, what capabilities does the partner possess that 
will benefit the project, faculty member and students?
    (c) Output/Anticipated Benefits: What measures will be used to 
evaluate the outcome of the proposed project? Upon completion of the 
project, what are the anticipated benefits to the MSI and its students?
    (d) Literature Cited: Should be included here, but does not count 
against the page limit.
    (4) Budget and Budget Justification: Form SF424A Budget Information 
Non-Construction Programs and budget justification narrative are 
required. There should be an annual budget for each year of the project 
as well as a cumulative budget for the entire project. Subcontracts 
should have a separate budget. Each annual budget should include a 
separate budget justification page that itemizes all budget items in 
sufficient detail to enable reviewers to evaluate the appropriateness 
of the funding requested. (Please see the NOAA budget guidelines at 
http://www.rdc.noaa.gov/grants/BUDGTGUD.PDF).
    (5) Current and Pending Support: Applicants must provide 
information on all their current and pending Federal support for 
ongoing projects and proposals, including potential subsequent funding 
in the case of continuing grants. The proposed project and all other 
projects or activities using

[[Page 27633]]

Federal assistance and requiring a portion of time of the principal 
investigator or other senior personnel should be included. The 
relationship between the proposed project and these other projects 
should be described, and the number of person-months per year to be 
devoted to the projects must be stated.
    (6) Vitae (two pages maximum per investigator).
    (7) Letters of commitment from partnering organizations (if 
applicable). Letters of commitment from partners must be included as an 
attachment to the application. The letters from partnering 
organizations should describe their commitment, identify key 
participants, and state briefly their role in the project.
    (8) Standard Application Forms: Proposals submitted in response to 
this solicitation must be complete and submitted in accordance with 
instructions in the standard NOAA Grants Application package. 
Applicants may obtain all required application forms through the NOAA 
internet site http://www.rdc.noaa.gov/grants/pdf or from Ms. Arlene 
Simpson Porter, NOAA Grants Management Division, (301) 713-0962 ext. 
152, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#78390a141d161d562b5628170a0c1d0a3816171919561f170e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="09487b656c676c275a2759667b7d6c7b4967666868276e667f">[email protected]</span></a>.
    (a) Standard Forms 424, Application for Federal Assistance; SF424A 
Budget Information Non-Construction Programs; SF424B Assurances Non-
Construction, (Rev 4-88). Please note that both the Principal 
Investigator and an administrative contact should be identified in 
Section 5 of the SF424 or Section 10, applicants should enter 
``11.481'' for the CFDA Number and ``Educational Partnership Program 
with Minority Serving Institutions'' for the title. The form must 
contain the original signature of an authorized representative of the 
applying institution.
    (b) Primary Applicant Certifications. All primary applicants must 
submit a completed Form CD-511, ``Certifications Regarding Debarment, 
Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace 
Requirements and Lobbying,'' and the following explanations are hereby 
provided:
    (i) Non-Procurement Debarment and Suspension. Prospective 
participants (as defined at 15 CFR Part 26, Section 105) are subject to 
15 CFR Part 26, ``Non-Procurement Debarment and Suspension'' and the 
related section of the certification form prescribed above applies;
    (ii) 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;
    (iii) 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; and
    (iv) 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.
    (c) 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.'' ORM CD-512 is intended for the 
use of recipients and should not be transmitted to the Department of 
Commerce (DOC). SF-LLL submitted by any tier recipient or subrecipient 
should be submitted to DOC in accordance with the instructions 
contained in the award document.

VII. How To Submit

    Although investigators are not required to submit more than three 
copies of the proposal, the normal review process utilizes 15 copies. 
Applicants are encouraged to submit sufficient proposal copies for the 
full review process if they wish all reviewers to receive color, 
unusually sized (not 8.5"  x  11"), or otherwise unusual materials 
submitted as part of the proposal. Only three copies of the Federally 
required forms are needed.
    Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Savings 
Time) on July 20, 2001. The address is: Dr. Francis Schuler, EPP/MSI 
Environmental Entrepreneurship Program, NOAA, Room11837 SSMC3 (R/SG), 
1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
    Facsimile transmissions and electronic mail submission of 
applications will not be accepted.

VIII. Other Requirements

    (A) Federal Policies and Procedures--Recipients and subrecipients 
are subject to all Federal laws and Federal and Department of Commerce 
(DOC) policies, regulations, and procedures applicable to Federal 
financial assistance awards.
    (B) Past Performance--Unsatisfactory performance under prior 
Federal awards may result in an application not being considered for 
funding.
    (C) 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.
    (D) No Obligation for Future Funding--If an application is selected 
for funding, DOC has no obligation to provide any additional future 
funding in connection with that award. Renewal of an award to increase 
funding or extend the period of performance is at the total discretion 
of DOC.
    (E) Delinquent Federal Debts--No award of Federal funds shall be 
made to an applicant who has an outstanding delinquent Federal debt 
until:
    (1) The delinquent account is paid in full,
    (2) A negotiated repayment schedule is established and at least one 
payment is received, or
    (3) Other arrangements satisfactory to DOC are made.
    (F) Name Check Review--All non-profit and for-profit applicants are 
subject to a name check review process. Name checks are intended to 
reveal if 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.
    (G) False Statements--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.
    (H) Purchase of American-Made Equipment and Products--Applicants 
are hereby notified that they will be encouraged, to the greatest 
extent practicable, to purchase American-made equipment and products 
with funding provided under this program.
    (I) For awards receiving funding for the collection or production 
of geospatial data (e.g., GIS data layers), the recipient will comply 
to the

[[Page 27634]]

maximum extent practicable with E.O. 12906, Coordinating Geographic 
Data Acquisition and Access, The National Spatial Data Infrastructure, 
59 FR 17671 (April 11, 1994). The award recipient shall document all 
new geospatial data collected or produced using the standard developed 
by the Federal Geographic Data Center, and make that standardized 
documentation electronically accessible. The standard can be found at 
the following Internet website: (http://www.fgdc.gov/standards/standards/html).

Classification

    Prior notice and an opportunity for public comments are not 
required by the Administrative Procedure Act or any other law for this 
notice concerning grants, benefits, and contracts. Therefore, a 
regulatory flexibility analysis is not required for purposes of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    This action has been determined to be not significant for purposes 
of E.O. 12866.
    This notice contains collection of information requirements subject 
to the Paperwork Reduction Act. Standard Forms 424, 424A, and 424B have 
been approved under control numbers 0348-0043, 0348-0044, and 0348-
0040. Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is 
required to respond to, nor shall any 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 currently valid OMB Control Number.

    Dated: May 15, 2001.
Louisa Koch,
Chair, NOAA Minority Serving Institutions Council.
[FR Doc. 01-12607 Filed 5-17-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-12-P


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