Proposed Cooperative Institute for Earth System Research and Data Science | NOAA OAR CIPO 2022 2007108

Opportunity Information: Apply for NOAA OAR CIPO 2022 2007108

The Department of Commerce, through NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), is seeking proposals to create a new Cooperative Institute focused on Earth system research and data science. The core purpose of the institute is to help NOAA advance its Next Generation Strategic Plan vision of building healthy ecosystems, communities, and economies that can better withstand and adapt to environmental change. This opportunity is structured as a long-term research partnership with NOAA, designed to strengthen the agency's scientific capabilities and accelerate the movement of research into practical applications that support public services, forecasting, risk reduction, and resource management.

The proposed Cooperative Institute is expected to bring strong expertise across major Earth system disciplines, including climate data processing and modeling, atmospheric processes, geophysics, advanced information systems, Earth system modeling, and space weather. The institute's work is meant to deepen understanding of how the Earth system functions as a whole and how its components interact, from the atmosphere and oceans to land systems and near-Earth space. NOAA emphasizes that this institute should support mission science not only through research, but also by advancing the tools and infrastructure that make that research actionable. This includes developing and applying observing and computing capabilities such as satellites, ships, buoys, aircraft, specialized research facilities, high-performance computing, and robust systems for information management, stewardship, and distribution.

NOAA lays out eight major research themes that will guide the institute's portfolio. These themes include: (1) Future Atmosphere, focusing on how the atmosphere may evolve and what that means for hazards and long-term conditions; (2) Climate Science and Prediction, advancing understanding and predictive skill for climate variability and change; (3) Earth System Data Science, Stewardship, and Application, which centers on modern data methods, data management, and turning large and complex datasets into usable products; (4) Regional Science and Applications, emphasizing region-specific impacts and decision support; (5) Scientific Outreach, Education and Diversity, reflecting a commitment to workforce development, broader participation, and engagement; (6) Space Weather Science and Prediction, supporting capabilities tied to solar-terrestrial interactions and impacts to technology and infrastructure; (7) Weather Research and Forecasting, improving observations, models, and forecast systems; and (8) Ecosystem Science and Prediction, enhancing understanding and predictive capacity for ecosystems and living marine resources. NOAA also notes that the institute's scope has been designed to complement existing Cooperative Institutes rather than duplicate work already supported elsewhere, so proposals are expected to clearly explain what is distinct about their approach, capabilities, and planned contributions.

Eligibility is geared toward academic or non-profit, degree-granting institutions with outstanding research programs aligned with NOAA's mission areas. NOAA allows for a single institution or a consortium model, but if a consortium applies, NOAA will make only one award to the lead academic institution, and the Cooperative Institute is expected to be established and primarily housed at that lead institution. Beyond the core applicant team, NOAA strongly encourages broad collaboration with a range of affiliated partners, including other federal or governmental agencies, private industry, non-traditional partners, Minority Serving Institutions, NOAA laboratories, NOAA science and data centers, other Cooperative Institutes, Cooperative Science Centers, and Sea Grant Colleges. This signals that NOAA is looking for an institute that can act as a hub, connecting research excellence with operational needs, diverse partners, and real-world delivery pathways.

From a funding and administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary opportunity using a cooperative agreement, which typically means NOAA expects substantial involvement in guiding priorities, coordinating activities, and ensuring alignment with mission needs throughout the life of the award. The opportunity number is NOAA OAR CIPO 2022 2007108 under CFDA 11.432. NOAA anticipates making one award, with an award ceiling listed at $565,800,000, indicating a potentially large, multi-year institute-scale investment. The notice was created on November 24, 2021, with an original closing date of January 24, 2022. Overall, the opportunity is aimed at establishing a major, NOAA-aligned research institute that blends Earth system science, cutting-edge data science, and strong transition-to-application pathways to improve prediction, resilience, and environmental decision-making at national and regional scales.

• 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 "Proposed Cooperative Institute for Earth System Research and Data Science" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 11.432.
• This funding opportunity was created on Nov 24, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jan 24, 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 $565,800,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

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