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

Background
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 to support coordinated regional efforts that enhance the Nation’s understanding and decision-making regarding its coastal ocean and Great Lakes.

The U.S. IOOS aims to produce, integrate, and communicate high-quality ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes data that meets the safety, economic, and stewardship needs of the nation. This initiative is part of a national partnership established under the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System (ICOOS) Act of 2009, reauthorized by the Coastal Ocean Observations and Research Act (COORA) of 2020.

Grant Details
NOAA seeks proposals for five-year awards that build on past progress toward implementing and enhancing Regional Coastal Observing Systems (RCOS). Proposals must include plans for:

1. Governance and Management - ensuring effective oversight and stakeholder representation;
2. Observing - monitoring environmental conditions through various platforms;
3. Data Management and Cyberinfrastructure (DMAC) - managing data lifecycle from collection to dissemination;
4. Modeling and Analysis - integrating models with observational data for predictions;
5. Engagement - collaborating with stakeholders to tailor products to user needs.

Proposals should describe how they will leverage existing investments in U.S. IOOS and demonstrate integration across these subsystems.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, state, local, and tribal governments. Federal agencies or foreign governments may not be primary recipients but can partner with eligible applicants.

Period of Performance
The anticipated period of performance is from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2031.

Grant Value
NOAA anticipates making multiple awards up to approximately $5,000,000 per award per year for a total potential funding of $25 million over five years.

Place of Performance
The grant activities will be performed across various regions defined by the U.S. IOOS including Northeast Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast Atlantic, Gulf of America, Caribbean, Great Lakes, Southern California, Central and Northern California, Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Pacific Islands.