Ocean Exploration 2015 Funding Opportunity

pursuant to NOAA's Arctic Vision and Strategy http://www.arctic.noaa.gov/docs/NOAAArctic_V_S_2011.pdf. The applicants' proposed projects should focus on one or more of the areas of the Arctic where ECS data have been collected; and use these data as the foundation from which to launch additional explorations to identify, describe and create baseline characterizations of new habitats, marine resources and/or phenomena. OER is seeking pre-proposals and, ultimately, full proposals to support its exploration mission, consistent with NOAA's Next Generation Strategic Plan (http://www.ppi.noaa.gov/ngsp/), to search, investigate, and document poorly known and unknown ocean areas through interdisciplinary exploration, and to advance and disseminate knowledge of the ocean environment and its physical, chemical, archaeological, and biological resources. Results will inform marine policy and marine resource management decisions. Proposals must address one or more NOAA's mission goals (e.g., Healthy Oceans, Climate Adaptation and Mitigation, Resilient Coastal Communities and Economies, NOAA's Science and Technology Enterprise). Findings from these investigations are anticipated to result in new baseline characterizations, provide better scientific understanding of the processes on our continental margins, offer new insights into climate variability, marine ecosystems, previously unknown or unconventional energy sources, mineral resources, hazards resulting from extreme events such as earthquakes and tsunamis, and deliver technology advancements (platforms, sensors, methodologies, etc.) that will increase observational capability in the Arctic. OER is soliciting proposals that will bring together scientists from different disciplines to use innovative techniques (where feasible) to investigate unexplored and/or poorly known ocean areas and reveal new understandings and interpretations about our marine environment. Competitive proposals must be bold, innovative and interdisciplinary in their approach. It is expected that the results of funded proposals will stimulate further exploration and research, as well as inform marine policy and marine resource management decisions. Through this announcement, NOAA OER anticipates the availability of a total of approximately $3,000,000 including costs for ship and submersible assets. To familiarize themselves with past and present OER-funded activities, applicants are encouraged to visit the program's website http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov. Background on how to apply and the required proposal coversheets are accessible through the OER Office Website at: http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/about/what-we-do/funding-opportunities.html.