FY2022 Marine Debris Prevention | NOAA NOS ORR 2022 2007022

Opportunity Information: Apply for NOAA NOS ORR 2022 2007022

The FY2022 Marine Debris Prevention opportunity is a competitive federal funding program run by the NOAA Marine Debris Program within the U.S. Department of Commerce. It is authorized under the Marine Debris Act (33 U.S.C. 1951 et seq.) and is designed to support locally driven projects that keep marine debris from entering coastal and aquatic environments in the first place. The central goal is prevention: proposals are expected to focus on practical, community-based education and outreach that leads to measurable behavior change, reduces common sources of debris, and removes everyday barriers that make proper disposal or reuse difficult.

This grant competition prioritizes hands-on engagement with a clearly defined target audience. Examples of audiences called out in the announcement include students and teachers, recreational fishing communities, state and local governments, industries, and elected officials. The intent is not simply to share information, but to build programs that motivate and sustain long-term changes in habits and systems. Competitive projects typically combine awareness-building with on-the-ground solutions that make it easier for people to do the right thing, such as improving access to waste and recycling receptacles, promoting alternatives to single-use products, or implementing practical prevention measures tailored to the debris problem in a specific community or region.

Geographically, projects may be carried out across all U.S. coastal, marine, and Great Lakes areas, including U.S. territories and Freely Associated States. The solicitation also allows work in coastal areas of Mexico or Canada, as long as the applicant can clearly demonstrate that the work will benefit U.S. resources, navigation, or the U.S. economy. This North American regional emphasis is partly supported through funding connected to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2019 (Public Law 116-113, Title IX), which helps NOAA carry out Marine Debris Act activities in the region.

Awards under this program are issued as cooperative agreements rather than standard grants, meaning NOAA expects to have a more active partnership role during the life of the project (for example, through substantial involvement such as technical guidance, coordination, or oversight consistent with a cooperative agreement structure). The opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding, with an overall estimated FY2022 funding pool of up to $5,000,000 and an anticipated number of roughly 15 awards. Individual awards are typically funded at a federal share between $50,000 and $400,000, with an award ceiling of $400,000.

The solicitation is explicit about what it does not intend to fund. It is not aimed at large-scale debris removal efforts or at scientific research projects. While some assessment or limited removal activities might be relevant when tied directly to prevention outcomes (for example, using local data to shape an outreach campaign), the main emphasis is on stopping debris at the source through targeted education, outreach, and behavior change strategies addressing common marine debris issues.

Key administrative details from the listing include the Funding Opportunity Number NOAA NOS ORR 2022 2007022 and CFDA number 11.999. The opportunity opened around September 13, 2021, with an original closing date of February 11, 2022. Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others" with additional clarification provided in the full notice, suggesting that a range of applicant types may be considered depending on the specific eligibility language in the complete funding announcement.

• The Department of Commerce in the environment, natural resources, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY2022 Marine Debris Prevention" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 11.999.
• This funding opportunity was created on Sep 13, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Feb 11, 2022. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $400,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 15 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for NOAA NOS ORR 2022 2007022

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