Grants for Individuals

The Seabed Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization in the Pacific funding opportunity is issued by the U.S. Department of State through the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs. This initiative is part of a broader United States government effort to advance scientific understanding and responsible development of seabed resources in Pacific Island Countries. The program aligns with national priorities related to critical minerals, ocean governance, and strengthening partnerships with allied nations in the Pacific region. It is designed to support strategic, science-driven exploration activities that inform both environmental stewardship and economic development. The primary purpose of this opportunity is to fund a U.S.-based organization to conduct ocean mapping, seabed exploration, habitat and resource characterization, and associated data analysis within Pacific Island Countries. These activities aim to fill significant knowledge gaps that currently limit responsible seabed resource management. By generating high-quality scientific data, the program seeks to enable partner governments to make informed decisions about seabed mineral development, environmental protection, and regulatory frameworks. The project also emphasizes strengthening relationships between U.S. entities and Pacific governments while promoting transparency and environmental standards. Funding for this opportunity is provided through Economic Support Funds under the Foreign Assistance Act, with a total program allocation of seven million dollars. Individual awards are expected to range between two million and seven million dollars, with one to three awards anticipated. The funding will support activities such as ocean mapping expeditions, environmental baseline studies, data processing, and stakeholder engagement. Construction and institutional development activities are not allowable, and funds cannot be used for profit generation, entertainment costs, or expenses outside the performance period. Cost sharing is not required and does not influence the competitiveness of applications. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based for-profit organizations, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions. Applicants must demonstrate technical expertise in seabed mapping or deep-sea exploration, as well as the capacity to manage complex international projects and partnerships. Organizations must also maintain active registration in SAM.gov and possess a Unique Entity Identifier. Applicants are required to show experience working with relevant stakeholders and demonstrate the ability to deliver high-quality data outputs in coordination with partner governments and U.S. agencies. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov or MyGrants and includes several mandatory components. Applicants must submit standard federal forms, a detailed proposal of up to fifteen pages, a summary page, a comprehensive budget and justification, and supporting documentation such as resumes and letters of support. The proposal must clearly outline project objectives, activities, methodology, timeline, personnel, monitoring and evaluation strategies, and sustainability plans. Applications must adhere to strict formatting requirements and be submitted electronically by the stated deadline. Applications will be evaluated based on program quality, organizational capacity, feasibility, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation plans, and sustainability. A merit review panel will score applications on a one hundred point scale, and final selection decisions will consider alignment with U.S. policy priorities and geographic distribution. Successful applicants may be required to address panel recommendations before receiving an award. The cooperative agreement structure ensures substantial involvement from the Department of State throughout project implementation. The application deadline is August 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time, with anticipated project start on September 30, 2026 and a performance period of up to fifty four months. Questions must be submitted by August 7, 2026, and responses will be posted publicly prior to the deadline. Notification of award decisions is expected by the end of August 2026. This funding opportunity is not described as recurring, and applicants should plan for a single competitive cycle based on current information.

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