FY 2013 Environmental Studies Program--University of California Santa Barbara

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The Environmental Studies Program (ESP) of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is offering a cooperative agreement opportunity to conduct research in topics that serve the public interest of safe and environmentally sound energy and mineral production on the nation¿s outer continental shelf. The BOEM manages the exploration and development of the nation's offshore resources. The bureau seeks to balance economic development, energy independence, and environmental protection through oil and gas leases, renewable energy development and environmental reviews and studies. Section 1346 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) mandates the conduct of environmental and socioeconomic studies needed for the assessment and management of environmental impacts on the human, marine, and coastal environments which may be affected by oil and gas or other mineral development. OCSLA Section 1345 authorizes the use of cooperative agreements with affected States to meet the requirements of OCSLA, including sharing of information, joint utilization of available expertise, formation of joint monitoring arrangements to carry out applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to outer continental shelf operations both onshore and offshore. The total amount of funding available for projects beginning in Fiscal Year 2013 is not to exceed $2.7 million. Work performance under awards must start before September 30, 2013. Additional information regarding multi-year proposals is presented in the ¿Multi-Year Proposal¿ section below. This Program Announcement describes specific projects that may be awarded to the universities or eligible groups identified for each project. All awards are premised on receipt of an acceptable proposal. This is not an open solicitation for proposals. This announcement is specifically to announce intent to undertake the following project only:Understanding the Role of Offshore Structures in Managing Potential Watersipora Invasions(University of California, Santa Barbara, Californian CESU). No other proposals are requestedat this time, although additional opportunities may be announced in the future.Awards will be cooperative agreements (with the exception of tasks performed by Federal partners ¿ see Eligibility Information below). This involves substantial involvement by BOEM scientists in various aspects of study development and/or study conduct.

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