FY 2026 Implementation of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Ocean Service (NOS) U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Office is requesting proposals for 5-year awards supporting coordinated regional efforts that advance the Nation’s understanding and decision-making of its coastal ocean and Great Lakes through integrated observations, data provision and management, modeling, and engagement. The U.S. IOOS is a national and regional partnership working to produce, integrate, and communicate high quality ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes data that meets the safety, economic, and stewardship needs of the nation. Information regarding this Announcement, including additional background information, is available on the U.S. IOOS website (https://ioos.noaa.gov/about/funding-opportunities/ra-base-nofo/).Funding is subject to availability and will be adjusted based on annual appropriations. NOAA anticipates making multiple awards for up to approximately $5,000,000 per award per year, for up to five years. Proposals may be for less than $5,000,000 per year and should include direct and indirect costs.Final recommendations for funding under this Announcement are anticipated to be made in June 2026. Proposals funded under this Announcement will have an anticipated start date of September 1, 2026 and anticipated end date of August 31, 2031.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Ocean Service (NOS) U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Office is requesting proposals for 5-year awards supporting coordinated regional efforts that advance the Nation’s understanding and decision-making of its coastal ocean and Great Lakes through integrated observations, data provision and management, modeling, and engagement. The U.S. IOOS is a national and regional partnership working to produce, integrate, and communicate high quality ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes data that meets the safety, economic, and stewardship needs of the nation. Information regarding this Announcement, including additional background information, is available on the U.S. IOOS website (https://ioos.noaa.gov/about/funding-opportunities/ra-base-nofo/).

Funding is subject to availability and will be adjusted based on annual appropriations. NOAA anticipates making multiple awards for up to approximately $5,000,000 per award per year, for up to five years. Proposals may be for less than $5,000,000 per year and should include direct and indirect costs.

Final recommendations for funding under this Announcement are anticipated to be made in June 2026. Proposals funded under this Announcement will have an anticipated start date of September 1, 2026 and anticipated end date of August 31, 2031.

Eligible funding applicants for this competition are institutions of higher education, non-profit and for-profit organizations, and state, local and tribal governments.
Federal agencies or institutions and foreign governments may not be the primary recipient of awards under this announcement, but they may partner with applicants when appropriate.
If an applicant has a partner who would receive funds, the lead grantee will be expected to use a subcontract or other appropriate mechanism to provide funds to the partner. If a partner is a NOAA office or laboratory, the U.S. IOOS Office will transfer funds internally. If the proposal includes a federal agency outside of NOAA, the applicant must plan its own mechanism to fund that partner. The U.S. IOOS Office will not transfer funds to any other agencies on behalf of an awardee.
Applicants should note that paying for transportation, travel, or other expenses for any federal employee are not allowable costs. This includes federal employees who may serve as board members on applicant governance structures.