Letters of recommendation

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FY24 Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Program Objective
B. Program Priorities
C. Program Authority
II. Award Information
A. Funding Availability
B. Project/Award Period
C. Type of Funding Instrument
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
B. Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement
C. Other Criteria that Affect Eligibility
IV. Application and Submission Information
A. Address to Request Application Package
B. Content and Form of Application
C. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)
D. Submission Dates and Times
E. Intergovernmental Review
F. Funding Restrictions
G. Other Submission Requirements
V. Application Review Information
A. Evaluation Criteria
B. Review and Selection Process
C. Selection Factors
D. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Notices
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
C. Reporting
VII. Agency Contacts
VIII. Other Information

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NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Federal Agency Name(s): National Ocean Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce
Funding Opportunity Title: FY24 Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
Announcement Type: Initial
Funding Opportunity Number: NOAA-NOS-ONMS-2024-2008244
Federal Assistance Listings Number: 11.429, Marine Sanctuary Program
Dates: Completed applications must be received by the Grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov) by
December 20, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time or paper applications postmarked no later than
December 20, 2023 and sent to the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. Applications
received after the due date will not be reviewed and will likely result in disqualification.
An informational webinar about the FY2024 NOAA Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
funding announcement will be held on November 15, 2023 at 1:00 PM Pacific Time. To register
for this webinar please visit: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/257954657774913117 or
visit the Foster Scholarship website (https://fosterscholars.noaa.gov).
Please Note: We encourage all Grants.gov applicants to begin the application process several
days before the December 20, 2023 deadline. All applicants should be aware that adequate time
must be factored into applicant schedules for delivery of the application. It may take Grants.gov
up to two (2) business days to validate or reject the application. Please keep this in mind in
developing your submission timeline. Electronic applicants are advised that the volume on
Grants.gov can be extremely heavy, resulting in further delays. Paper applications must be
postmarked no later than December 20, 2023 and sent to the NOAA Office of National Marine
Sanctuaries. Applications received after the due date will be disqualified. Otherwise, all
applications must be submitted via Grants.gov.
Funding Opportunity Description: The Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program provides support
for master’s and doctoral degrees in oceanography, marine biology, maritime
archaeology—these may include but are not limited to ocean and/or coastal: engineering, social
science, marine education, marine stewardship, cultural anthropology, and resource management
disciplines—and particularly encourages women and members of minority groups to apply.
The Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program is dedicated to ensuring that diversity, equity, and

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inclusion are at the core of every action and every decision. We know that having varied
perspectives helps generate better ideas to solve the complex problems of a changing world. To
be effective stewards we must ensure our programs reflect the communities in which we live,
work, and play. The longevity and success of our system depends on creating a culture that is
welcoming and inclusive of all.
Individuals who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, or citizens of U.S. territories, and are
applying to or have been accepted to a graduate program at a U.S. accredited institution, may
apply. Prospective scholars do not need to be enrolled in a graduate program at the time of
application, but must be admitted to a graduate level program in order to be awarded this
scholarship. Scholarship selections are based on academic excellence, letters of
recommendations, research proposals, relevant experience, and financial need. Applicants must
have a cumulative 3.30 grade point average (GPA) to be eligible to apply and maintain a
minimum cumulative and term GPA of 3.30 for every term and for the duration of their award.
Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarships may provide, subject to appropriations, yearly support of
approximately $47,000 per student (a 12-month stipend of $35,000 in addition to an education
allowance of $12,000) and up to $10,000 of support for a 4-6 week program collaboration at a
NOAA facility. Applicants can only obtain funding for the number of years they have remaining
in their graduate studies when they apply for the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program. For
example, if you have already completed two (2) years of your PhD studies, and you become a
Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship recipient and indicate it will take you two additional years to
complete your degree, you will only be able to obtain funds for the remaining two (2) years of
your graduate studies.
Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program recipients will be required to participate in a mandatory
Science Communication Training and Retreat to meet with the NOAA Office of National Marine
Sanctuaries staff at a date and location to be determined in the summer of 2024. If scholarships
have not been awarded before this training, recipients may be required to incur pre-award costs
that will be reimbursed after award funds have been issued.
As a recipient of the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program, you become a recognized member
of the NOAA community. NOAA provides significant financial resources to help you pursue
your independent graduate degree, as well as the staff expertise to assist you with your research
along the way. Therefore, Dr. Nancy Foster Scholars must conduct some specific outreach
efforts. To help increase diversity of future applicants, Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
recipients must give at least one (1) presentation about the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship
Program to a diverse audience, such as undergraduate students at a minority serving institution,
historically black colleges and universities, student organizations promoting diversity at their

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campus, or other appropriate venue(s). All Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program recipients are
required to develop an outreach product (e.g., video, infographic, lesson plan, or other
educational product) within the scholarship time period. The outreach product may be about their
research or some other relevant topic. Discussions with the Foster Scholar team can be helpful
when determining the product and the topic.
Completion of one (1) program collaboration is required for every doctoral scholarship award.
Scholars may opt out of a program collaboration if there are unforeseen circumstances that
prevent them from completing this requirement, but this discussion must happen with the
Program Collaboration Coordinator and the Federal Program Officer before a decision is made.
For master's degree level scholars, completion of a program collaboration is strongly
recommended, but is not required. The program collaboration is designed to allow scholars to
participate in research or other activities for 4-6 weeks at a field office of the National Marine
Sanctuary System, or other NOAA program offices. Federal support for the program
collaboration may be used toward allowable costs such as: travel to and from the NOAA facility,
housing, per diem, laboratory costs, research vessel support, and consumables while conducting
research at the NOAA facility. Funds cannot be used toward research costs. Scholars are required
to provide their own health insurance coverage during the program collaboration. More details
on allowable costs can be found in 2 CFR part 200, Subpart E – Cost Principles. If scholars
choose to participate in a program collaboration during a specific year, they must notify the
Program Officer by December of the academic year in which they intend to participate in the
collaboration. Approval from the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is required prior
to embarking on the program collaboration.
In order to have a competitive application for the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program, it is
recommended that you review the following bullets to assess whether or not you should apply
for this scholarship. For a complete list of review criteria, please see Section V.A.
1) Your research proposal aligns closely with NOAA's mission, with particular emphasis on
addressing the science needs/priorities of the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. This
is 30 points of your application score.
2) Your financial need statement documents a strong financial need due to challenges, hardships,
or other information through a compelling personal narrative. This is 25 points of your
application score.
3) You have exceptional letters of recommendation. This is 10 points of your application score.
4) Historically, proposals that do not support the science or education priorities of NOAA’s

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National Marine Sanctuary System do not rank as high.
5) Note that if you are in the last year of your Masters or Ph.D. program, it is not advised to
apply for this scholarship.

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FULL ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT

I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Program Objective
The Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program is authorized at 16 U.S.C. 1445c-1 and 16
U.S.C. 1445c to recognize outstanding achievement in master’s and doctoral degrees in
oceanography, marine biology, maritime archaeology—these may include but are not limited
to ocean and/or coastal: engineering, social science, marine education, marine stewardship,
cultural anthropology, and resource management disciplines—and particularly encourages
women and members of minority groups to apply. The scholarship supports independent
graduate level research through financial support of graduate degrees in such fields. Gender
and minority status are not considered when selecting award recipients. However, special
outreach efforts are employed to solicit applications from women and members of minority
groups. Scholarships are distributed by disciplines, institutions, and geography, and by
degree sought, with selections within distributions based on financial need, the potential for
success in a graduate level studies program (academic achievement), and the potential for
achieving research and career goals. The program is administered through the NOAA Office
of National Marine Sanctuaries and is funded annually with 1% of the amount appropriated
each fiscal year to carry out the National Marine Sanctuaries Act.
B. Program Priorities
The NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is seeking applications for the Dr.
Nancy Foster Scholarship Program from individuals, particularly women and minorities,
who, due to financial constraints, may otherwise not be able to pursue an advanced degree in
oceanography, marine biology, maritime archaeology; these may include but are not limited
to ocean and/or coastal: engineering, social science, marine education, marine stewardship,
cultural anthropology, and resource management disciplines—and particularly encourages
women and members of minority groups to apply. The program seeks to increase the number
of women and minorities in these scientific disciplines, particularly as they relate to the
mission of the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.
The NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries conducts, sponsors, and facilitates
research to better understand ecosystems and cultural resources in national marine
sanctuaries, their changing condition, and the significance of threats. The National Marine
Sanctuary System uses conservation science to support policy decisions, develop effective
response capabilities, evaluate management practices, and support broader, NOAA-wide
responsibilities for marine conservation and management. Science priorities are identified

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within national marine sanctuary management plans and are necessary to protect and
conserve sanctuary resources, manage risks, reduce threats and respond to unexpected
events. Strong partnerships, expert scientific content and judgment, and peer review
enhances the accuracy and credibility of monitoring and research. In addition, science,
education, outreach, and policy development work together to raise awareness and prompt
effective action that will address ocean problems. More information on the NOAA Office of
National Marine Sanctuaries can be found at https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov.
NOAA recognizes the student's need to ensure that scholarly research, which is often
hypothesis based, addresses critical gaps in knowledge about ecological processes,
physiological mechanisms, evolutionary underpinnings, human behaviors, preferences and
values, and related areas. The nature of the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries’
research, as well as interactions with sanctuary staff and partners with similar goals, can help
students fulfill their degree requirements through work benefiting not only national marine
sanctuaries, but marine conservation more broadly and ecosystem science as a whole. In
addition to natural resource studies, scholars may investigate socioeconomic, maritime
archaeological and maritime heritage resource studies in national marine sanctuaries.
General science priorities/needs for the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries can be
found online: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/science/assessment/. Applicants are strongly
encouraged to reach out to national marine sanctuary site research coordinator for more
information on site-specific science needs as they relate to the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship
Program focus on oceanography, marine biology, maritime archaeology (contact information
is available at https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/science/assessment/research_coordinators.html).
For guidance on project proposals that address the entirety of the National Marine Sanctuary
System, please contact Steve Gittings (steve.gittings@noaa.gov).
C. Program Authority
16 USC 1445c-1 and 16 USC 1445c.
II. Award Information
A. Funding Availability
Subject to appropriations, approximately $500,000 may be available for awards under
this program during FY2024. The Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program anticipates that
each year approximately 2-5 scholarships will be awarded. The Dr. Nancy Foster
Scholarship Program provides yearly support of approximately $47,000 per student (a 12month stipend of about $35,000 in addition to a tuition allowance of about $12,000) and

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$10,000 support for a one-time, 4-6 week program collaboration at a field office of the
National Marine Sanctuary System or other NOAA facility.
More specifically, the Program anticipates providing approximately $104,000 to master’s
degree level students (covering up to two (2) years of support, one (1) program collaboration
opportunity, and travel support for the ONMS Science Communication Training and
Retreat). For doctoral level students, the Program anticipates providing approximately
$208,000 (covering up to four (4) years of support, one (1) program collaboration
opportunity, and travel support for the ONMS Science Communication Training and
Retreat). The Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship funds cannot be used toward research costs.
Based on the availability of funding, the completion of one (1) program collaboration is
required for every doctoral scholarship award. For master's degree level scholars, completion
of a program collaboration is recommended, but is not required. Scholars may opt out of a
program collaboration if there are unforeseen circumstances that prevent them from
completing this requirement. But this discussion must happen with the Program
Collaboration Coordinator and the Federal Program Officer before a decision is made.
A mandatory ONMS Science Communication Training and Retreat will be held annually for
incoming and current scholars. Scholars must participate in this orientation and training to
ensure a basic knowledge of the scholarship program. If scholars cannot participate, the
program manager has the discretion to revoke the scholarship. Travel support (logistics and
funding, not to exceed $3,000 per year) will be provided to Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship
Program recipients, also known as Foster Scholars, who will also meet with the NOAA
Office of National Marine Sanctuaries leadership and staff.
B. Project/Award Period
The award periods are up to two (2) years for a student in a master's level program and
up to four (4) years for a doctoral level candidate, to be funded one year at a time. The
anticipated start date is July 1, 2024. If an applicant is selected for initial funding, NOAA
still reserves the right to revoke funding at any point. Receipt of any prospective funding
beyond the first year is contingent upon the availability of funds from Congress, satisfactory
performance, and continued relevance to program objectives and will be at the sole
discretion of the Department of Commerce. Note that scholars may request a one-time no
cost extension for up to one (1) year that must be requested at least 60 days before the end of
the award and must provide a justification and a current budget (NOAA maintains discretion
to accept requests deviating from this deadline in extreme circumstances.)
C. Type of Funding Instrument

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The funding instrument will be a cooperative agreement to the individual applicant. The
substantial involvement anticipated under this award includes a program collaboration, a
component where the scholar is required to spend approximately 4-6 weeks at a NOAA
facility to contribute to their education and training. The NOAA Office of National Marine
Sanctuaries’ staff intends to work with each scholar to facilitate placement at a NOAA
facility and to help the scholar refine the scope of their program collaboration, if necessary.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants
To apply, each applicant:
1) Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident, or citizen of the U.S. territories. A
territory of the U.S. means, “(A) American Samoa; (B) the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands; (C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; (D) Guam; (E) the United States
Virgin Islands; and (F) any other territory or possession of the United States” (16 U.S.C.
§6602(9)).
2) Must be applying to or have been accepted to a U.S. accredited graduate institution to
pursue a master's or doctoral level degree in oceanography, marine biology, or maritime
archaeology—these may include but are not limited to ocean and/or coastal: engineering,
social science, marine education, marine stewardship, cultural anthropology, and resource
management disciplines.
3) Must have a cumulative 3.30 GPA.
Further, individuals who already receive NOAA or Federal funding from grants or
scholarships for graduate school are not eligible to receive the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship.
If a student is willing to give up the other Federal funding, then they are eligible to receive
the award.
Universities or other organizations may not apply on behalf of an individual. Prospective
scholars do not need to be enrolled in a graduate program at the time of application but must
be admitted to a graduate level program in order to be awarded this scholarship. Eligibility
must be maintained for each succeeding year of support, and annual reporting requirements,
to be specified at a later date, will apply. Individuals who are in their last year of graduate
school are unlikely to receive this award.
B. Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

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There are no matching requirements for this award.
C. Other Criteria that Affect Eligibility
None.
IV. Application and Submission Information
A. Address to Request Application Package
Application packages are available through Grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov).
Grants.gov requires applicants to register with the system prior to submitting an application.
This registration process can take several weeks and involves multiple steps. In order to
allow sufficient time for this process, applicants should register as soon as they decide they
intend to apply, even if they are not yet ready to submit their applications. Adobe Acrobat is
continuously making updates to their software. We recommend that applicants check the
compatibility of Adobe products with the application’s required forms well in advance.
Additional guidance on the application package, instructions, submission procedures, and an
application checklist can be located on the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program website:
https://fosterscholars.noaa.gov. Further information about the scholarship and the NOAA
Office of National Marine Sanctuaries research priorities can be found at the following
websites https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/science/assessment, respectively.
Information in hard copy may be requested from:
Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
Attn: Seaberry Nachbar
99 Pacific Street
Monterey, CA 93940
Information contact: Send requests for information to the NOAA Office of National Marine
Sanctuaries at the address shown above or via email to fosterscholars@noaa.gov. Please
allow adequate time for inquiry responses, do not expect an immediate response to email or
written correspondence to the address above.
B. Content and Form of Application
Each application package must include the items listed below unless otherwise indicated.
Failure to submit any items as described in this section is likely to result in disqualification.
Application packages are available through Grants.gov.

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Each application package must be included within the single Adobe PDF document in the
correct order as outlined in Section B of the Application and Submission Information. Please
provide a title of the item (for example, General Information Sheet, Statement of Intent, etc.)
on each page in a Header Section except when a previously formatted PDF is added, such as
transcripts or a PDF copy of a letter of recommendation. Please do not include a cover page
for your application.
1. Standard Form 424 (SF-424), Application for Federal Assistance, is located on the
Grants.gov portal and must be completed with information pertinent to the applicant.
Specific guidance on how to complete the SF-424 form for the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship
Program can be found at
https://fosterscholars.noaa.gov/media/docs/sf-424_guidance.pdf. Item number 21 on the SF
424 cannot be used as a replacement for the declaration statement required in Item 10 below.
The SF-424 must be uploaded to Grants.gov separately from the items outlined below. The
start date that must be used on the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) is July 1,
2024. If submitting a paper application, the application packet must also include a completed
SF 424 and the SF-424 must be signed and dated with pen and ink.
Numbers 2-10: The following items of the application listed below shall be uploaded into
Grants.gov in the single Adobe PDF file, in the order outlined below. Failure to provide the
single Adobe PDF file with all of the components in the order listed below is likely to result
in disqualification. If submitting a paper application, the full application must be in the order
outlined below or the application is likely to result in disqualification. If sealed letters of
recommendation are included in a paper application these envelopes can be added to the
mailing envelope and not included in the rest of the correctly organized application package
and should be referenced in the table of contents as attachments at the end. Submitting a
paper application is only acceptable for the following reasons: 1) Grants.gov is unable to
accept applications electronically in a timely fashion; 2) if the applicant does not have access
to the internet; or 3) if the person providing the letter of recommendation does not wish for
the applicant to see the contents of the letter.
2. Table of Contents: On a single page, please list the items and page numbers of the
following required information. Page numbers are not required for pre-existing PDF
documents, such as transcripts or PDF letters of recommendation, but should still contribute
to the page count. If the sealed letters are in envelopes, the table of contents should reference
them as attachments.
3. General Information Sheet: Provide the information outlined below, but do not exceed two

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(2) typewritten single-spaced pages, font size 12 in Times New Roman, with a 1” margin.
a. Personal Data: Provide your full name (including all aliases and maiden/married names);
country of citizenship; current address and/or permanent address; current phone number; and
email address.
b. Optional Personal Data: The Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program is committed to
broadening the participation of groups currently underrepresented in science. In order to
accurately gauge whether the scholarship program is achieving this important goal, we ask
that applicants indicate gender, race, and ethnicity. Please note that this information is
voluntary. Your application will not be disqualified if you do not provide this optional
personal data.
c. Degree Sought: State your proposed field of study oceanography, marine biology or
maritime archaeology—these may include but are not limited to ocean and/or coastal:
engineering, social science, marine education, marine stewardship, cultural anthropology,
and resource management disciplines—and the degree being sought (e.g. M.S., M.A.,
Ph.D.), including the month and year the degree is expected. If already enrolled in a graduate
program, state the name and location of your institution and your academic department for
your graduate study.
d. Education: List the academic degrees received, or you expect to receive by the start of
your proposed graduate degree for this program, including the institution, date of receipt, and
your cumulative GPA. If enrolled in an institution, include your current GPA.
e. Academic Honors: List any academic honors received.
f. Relevant Experience: List experience related to your field of study. You may include
research and teaching assistantships and any other paid or unpaid work.
g. Knowledge of Scholarship: In a few words, please describe how you initially heard about
the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program (e.g. word of mouth, current scholar,
school/institution, specific professor/mentor, online database, etc.).
4. Statement of Intent: Provide the following components outlined below in two (2) separate
sections. The Statement of Intent must be typewritten, single-spaced, font size 12 Times
New Roman, with a 1” margin and must not exceed one (1) page in length including sections
(a) and (b). Both sections (a) and (b) will be weighted equally; therefore, your descriptions
must provide enough detail to review accordingly.

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This statement should not be a research proposal or scientific abstract. This statement will be
used to evaluate you as an individual, not necessarily as a scientist, it evaluates your
motivation for applying for this scholarship, and evaluates your communication skills and
ability to educate the public about your research. This statement must tell us something
about why you are interested in this scholarship opportunity and demonstrate your
organizational and written communication skills.
a. Academic, Research, Career Goals and Aspirations: A self-description of your academic,
research, career goals, and how your proposed course of study or research will help you
achieve these goals. This is your opportunity to present yourself, your aspirations and your
career goals. Include any background information that is pertinent, such as work and
academic experience, and extra-curricular activities that are relevant to your educational
goals, and provide insight into why you choose to pursue these goals.
b. Communicating the Importance of your Research: As a Dr. Nancy Foster Scholar, you are
asked to become a “National Marine Sanctuary Ambassador,” which emphasizes the
opportunity to conduct science communication through education and outreach to the public
(i.e. your college or university, community groups/organizations, or schools) about current
research issues in the National Marine Sanctuary System. In this section, please provide a
description of how you envision sharing your research and your results to the broader
community and how the benefits of your research will impact society. Outline your ideas for
a focused and effective education and outreach strategy regarding your research as it relates
specifically to the National Marine Sanctuary System, as well as the global ocean. This must
include anticipated locations and audiences for education and outreach events, potential
partners in the community, and any potential outputs or outcomes from your activities. If you
are a recipient of this scholarship, you will be required to show proof of completion of the
project outlined in this section before the conclusion of your scholarship period. If changes
to the outreach project occur after the award has been made, a discussion of proposed
changes must occur with the Nancy Foster Scholar team.
All Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program recipients are required to put together an outreach
product (e.g., video, infographic, lesson plan, or other educational product) within the
scholarship time period. The outreach product may be about their research or some other
relevant topic. Discussions with the Foster Scholar team can be helpful when determining
the product and the topic.
To strengthen this section of your application, please provide one outreach letter from a
community organization or group with which you would partner or collaborate to

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communicate your research. No more than one outreach letter will be considered. Please
make sure it is on official letterhead, signed, and inserted after the statement of intent. The
letter must outline your strategy for the outreach and education work you plan to undertake
with this partner, their role in the collaboration, and the potential for success. Inclusion of
this letter will be taken into consideration during the review process. Your application will
not be disqualified if you do not include this letter. However, an outreach letter is
specifically considered by merit reviewers when an applicant is scored (see Evaluation
Criteria, Section V.A.).
5. Transcripts: Applicants must submit transcripts for all complete years of academic
training (both undergraduate and graduate), including courses in which you are currently
enrolled. Headers are not required for transcripts. Transcripts from an institution or
university that are only for one (1) semester are not required (excluding work in progress),
but may be included in the single Adobe PDF document if needed to support evidence of
research experience. Applicants must currently have a cumulative 3.30 GPA to be eligible to
apply. If applicants have completed at least a year towards their current graduate degree, the
cumulative GPA considered will be from that program. If students have not completed at
least a year, the cumulative GPA considered will be from their most recent degree you
received. Students whose school does not follow a typical 4.0 GPA scale must submit a letter
from a school representative, advisor, or independent reviewer that states you meet the 3.30
GPA requirement and provides an accurate conversion. Unofficial transcripts, which clearly
state the name of the student and institution and show the cumulative GPA, submitted by the
applicant are acceptable and must be included within the single Adobe PDF document in the
correct order as outlined in Section B of the Application and Submission Information. All
unofficial transcripts must list the student’s name and the name of the institution. Note that
official transcripts will be required of selected applicants.
6. Enrollment Verification or List of Graduate Schools Applied: For current graduate
students, transcripts showing courses in which you are currently enrolled can be used as
enrollment verification. Enrollment verification must include the name of school and
applicant. If an applicant is not currently enrolled, but is applying to graduate schools, they
must submit a "List of Graduate Schools Applied to" including the month and year graduate
studies will begin, and any acceptance letters received at the time of application, with their
application. Individuals selected to receive the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship award must
provide proof of acceptance into a graduate program at a U.S. accredited institution at the
time of notification or the individual will be ineligible to receive the award.
7. Research Proposal: The Research Proposal must be typewritten, single-spaced, font size
12 Times New Roman with a 1” margin and must not exceed three (3) pages, including

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figures and other visuals, but excluding references. Do not include a cover page for your
research proposal. In the proposal, explain how your research supports NOAA's mission,
particularly that of the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the science or
education needs of one or more national marine sanctuaries.
Historically, proposals that do not support the science or education needs of the National
Marine Sanctuary System do not rank as highly as those that do.
Please make sure your research and education goals, hypotheses, and project plans are
clearly defined and communicated, and can be completed within the period of the
scholarship. Make sure you clearly demonstrate your technical knowledge of the research
area and the potential application of your findings. Your proposal will be evaluated on the
alignment with NOAA and the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries priorities, feasibility
of the project, innovation and design, and technical understanding and clarity of the
proposal. Funds for the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship cannot be used to fund research.
8. Two Letters of Recommendation: Each application must include only two (2) letters of
recommendation with handwritten or electronically created signatures on the actual letter
from individuals who have knowledge of your academic record, research effort, and work
and/or life experience. The letter of recommendation may not be from more than one
individual, meaning the letter cannot be signed by more than one person.
It is recommended that each letter is no more than two (2) pages long. Letters of
recommendation do not need to include headers. It is recommended that one of these letters
be from someone in your current academic career. If you are currently not enrolled, consider
submitting one (1) letter from a professor who can provide knowledge of your academic
career. Relevant paid work, such as internships and volunteer efforts, are applicable. Letters
of recommendation must include: 1) Statements of the applicant's ability to succeed in the
program proposal; 2) Familiarity with the applicant’s work; 3) Statement that the individual
writing the letter has a clear understanding of the goals and aspirations of the applicant on a
personal and professional level; and 4) Clear support for the applicant.
If an applicant plans to have a NOAA employee submit a letter of reference as one of the
letters of recommendation required in this section, please note that the letter is limited to
factual information and the NOAA employee’s knowledge of the applicant’s ability or
character based on the employee’s government interactions with the applicant. The letter
may not endorse one applicant over other applicants. Subject to restrictions and management
approval, a NOAA employee may submit a letter of reference to NOAA for the agency’s use
in evaluating the application. The supervisor must make a decision regarding whether it is in

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the agency’s interest to write such a letter. If the supervisor approves the letter, it must be
written on agency letterhead and the employee must use his or her NOAA title. The
employee may not send the letter in his or her personal capacity. NOAA employees can sign
the letter digitally, but it is advised to not have these letters signed with their CAC card to
prevent PDF issues. If a letter of reference is based on a current NOAA employee’s
engagement with an applicant prior to his/her NOAA employment or if the letter of reference
is based on a current NOAA employee’s present engagement with an applicant in his/her
outside teaching or other personal (non-official) activities, then the letter of reference must
be written in the recommender’s personal capacity. For example: If a NOAA employee is
teaching as part of his/her official duties and engages with an applicant in that capacity.
The two (2) letters of recommendation must be included in the single Adobe PDF document.
Each letter must have a handwritten or electronically created signature on the official
letterhead of the person recommending the candidate. Page numbers are not required for preexisting PDF documents but should still contribute to the page count.
If the person providing the letter of recommendation does not wish for the applicant to see
the contents of the letter, the applicant must submit a paper copy of their full application,
include their letters of recommendation in sealed envelopes, and reference the letters of
recommendation as attachments in the table of contents. Note that if you are submitting a
paper application, the SF-424 form must be signed and dated with pen and ink.
9. Statement of Financial Need: Your EFC documentation (9a) must not exceed one (1)
page. Yearly tuition documentation may be more than one (1) page, especially if you are
applying to multiple colleges and/or universities. Answers to all questions in 9c (questions 18) must be answered within one (1) page. The Statement of Financial Need requires the
following documentation:
a. Department of Education's Expected Family Contribution (EFC) determination: To
evaluate financial need, NOAA will use the Department of Education's EFC determination.
To receive an EFC determination, applicants must submit a Free Application for Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA) to the Department of Education (https://www.fafsa.ed.gov). In
response to the FAFSA, the Department of Education will provide the applicant with a
Student Aid Report (SAR), which will contain the EFC determination. It may take up to two
(2) weeks to receive these results, so please make sure to budget enough time. The previous
year's SAR is acceptable for this requirement if no major financial changes have occurred. A
copy of the first page of the SAR, which includes the EFC and the applicant’s name or last
four digits of the applicant’s social security number, must be submitted. The documentation
of EFC must be from the Department of Education and not exceed one (1) page.

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b. Yearly Tuition Documentation: Applicants must also provide documentation of estimated
yearly tuition for each school they are applying to. The tuition estimate must clearly state the
name of the school and applicants must also provide documentation of where this estimate
comes from, either as a screenshot of a tuition estimate from the university’s website, or a
letter or other documentation from the school, on official letterhead, showing tuition costs.
Tuition is not inclusive of room, board, and other miscellaneous fees. Only the forms of
documentation outlined above will be accepted. This can be more than one (1) page in length
if needed.
c. Financial Need Information Questions (answers to these questions must be provided on
one (1) page): Questions do not need to be repeated on the single page to allow you more
space to write your answer. Simply mark down the number for each answer:
1) How likely are you to get a paid teaching or research assistantship in your program for the
upcoming school year? Choose from the following choices: a) highly likely, b) somewhat
likely, c) unlikely, or d) there is no opportunity for assistantship. Write 1-2 sentences
explaining your answer.
2) How likely are you to get a paid teaching or research assistantship in your program for the
entirety of your degree? Choose from the following choices: a) highly likely, b) somewhat
likely, c) unlikely, or d) there is no opportunity for assistantship. Write 1-2 sentences
explaining your answer.
3) Do you have other money supporting your degree (e.g., grants or scholarships)? Please
answer yes or no. If yes, include the amount of funding and if it is a one time or recurring
award. Current funds that expire in the current school year do not need to be included.
4) What is the amount of tuition needed for each school you are applying to or currently
attend? List school(s) and the amount needed for tuition. Remember tuition does not include
room and board or other miscellaneous fees.
5) Are you a first-generation college graduate? A first-generation college graduate is defined
as a student whose parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelor’s degree. This
means that you are the first in your family to attend a four-year college/university to attain a
bachelor’s degree. Please answer yes or no, and if needed provide 1-2 sentences explaining
your answer.
6) Are there circumstances that will waive your tuition such as a teaching assistantship,

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research assistantship, or other instances? Please answer yes or no, and if needed provide 1-2
sentences explaining your answer.
7) Is your financial need based on personal hardships (a hardship unique to you and your
situation compared to peers in a similar situation)? Please answer yes or no, and if needed
provide 1-2 sentences explaining your answer. Note that you will have an opportunity to
share more about your financial need and personal hardships in your Statement of Need
essay.
8) Provide your Estimated Financial Need for each school to which you are applying, which
can be determined by performing the following calculation: (Estimated Tuition per academic
year) - (Expected Family Contribution [this is a monetary value]) = Estimated Financial
Need (EFN). If your tuition is waived by your school, use zero (0) for the Estimated Tuition
per Academic Year.
Do not use room and board or any miscellaneous fees as part of your estimated tuition
expenses. Please write out the calculation for your EFN. If your EFN is not calculated
correctly or your calculation is not included, your application is likely to result in
disqualification. For example:
Estimated Tuition (not to include room and board or miscellaneous fees) = $12,000/year
(documentation of this estimate is required)
Expected Family Contribution (EFC) = $8,000 (determined by Student Aid Report)
$12,000 - $8,000 = $4,000 (So $4,000 is your EFN or Estimated Financial Need)
d. Statement of Financial Need: In a one (1) page, single-spaced essay, provide a personal
narrative of your financial need, personal hardship(s), and, if necessary, include further
clarification for the answers to the Financial Need Information Questions section. This is
your personal story and your opportunity to give insight into your financial status, including
any challenges, hardships, or information that may not be evident in the statements above. In
your essay describing your financial need, discuss how you plan to use these scholarship
funds for your graduate level education and what the impact will be if you do not receive this
scholarship.
10. Declaration: Applicants must certify that all statements and information in their
application are true and correct by either 1) copying the following statement on a separate
sheet of paper or 2) downloading the declaration statement from
https://fosterscholars.noaa.gov/media/docs/declaration_statement.pdf, then providing a
handwritten or electronically created signature on the same paper, and including it in the

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single Adobe PDF document:
I, the undersigned, declare, under penalty of perjury, that:
I understand and agree to the limitations of the allowable costs for the scholarship funds as
defined in this Notice of Funding Opportunity and that I am aware of the data sharing
stipulation policy applicable to all NOAA federal funding opportunities. This statement
serves as my "Data/Information Sharing Plan" insofar as it expressly states that no funds
associated with this award will be used for the collection or creation of any environmental
information or data. If I engage in fraudulent conduct or fail to comply with any term or
condition of the scholarship my funding may be withdrawn, or I may be required to repay
the amount of funding already received. I understand that if determined by the selecting
official that satisfactory progress towards a thesis or dissertation is not completed within the
timeframe of the award, I may be required to pay the full amount of the scholarship
provided.
All statements and information in my application are true and correct at the time of this
application.
Executed on [insert date]:
Print or type name:
Signature: [insert handwritten or electronically created signature]
Failure to include the exact statement above, signed in pen by the applicant, will likely result
in disqualification.
Answers to frequently asked questions on the application process are available at:
https://fosterscholars.noaa.gov/faqs.html.
Questions from the NOAA National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) questionnaire are
not required to be answered because the scholarship has been determined to be exempt from
NEPA review. Funds provided under this program cannot be used toward research costs.
NOAA, in its sole discretion, may continue the review process for applications with nonsubstantive issues that can be easily rectified or cured.
C. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)
To enable the use of a universal identifier and to build the quality of information
available to the public as required by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency
Act, 16 U.S.C. 6101 note, to the extent applicable, any applicant awarded in response to this
announcement will be required to use the System for Award Management (SAM), which
may be accessed online at https://sam.gov/content/home. Each applicant (unless the
applicant is an individual or Federal awarding agency that is expected from those
requirements under 2 CFR §25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal

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awarding agency under 2 CFR §25.110(d)) is required to: (i) Be registered in SAM before
submitting its application; (ii) provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application; and
(iii) continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times
during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by
a Federal awarding agency. The Federal awarding agency may not make a Federal award to
an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and
SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the
time the Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, the Federal awarding
agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use
that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.
Applicants are also required to use the Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System
(DUNS) and will be subject to reporting requirements, as identified in OMB guidance
published at 2 CFR Part 25 and 2 CFR Part 170. See Section IV.F.3. of this Announcement
below for more information.
D. Submission Dates and Times
Applications are due at 11:59 pm Eastern Time on December 20, 2023. Applications
must be received by Grants.gov on the due date listed above. Paper applications are only
allowable for the following reasons: 1) Grants.gov is unable to accept applications
electronically in a timely fashion; 2) if the applicant does not have access to the internet; or
3) if the person providing the letter of recommendation does not wish for the applicant to see
the contents of the letter. Paper applications must be postmarked no later than December 20,
2023 and sent to the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. Applications received
after the due date will be disqualified.
The NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries mailing address is located in Section
IV.G. “Other Submission Requirements,” below. Applications received after the due date
will not be reviewed or considered and will likely result in disqualification. Date and time of
receipt of each application sent via Grants.gov is electronically recorded. For paper
applications, each envelope is time and date stamped when received and needs to be
postmarked by the due date mentioned above. In order for pre and full applications to be
considered "Complete" all items are required in subsection IV.B. If you choose to mail in a
pre or full paper application, we suggest using a service that can guarantee confirmation of
delivery.
Please Note: For detailed information about registering as an individual and applying in the
Grants.gov system, please review the following document:
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html.

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The NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries will not accept applications that are
submitted late due to an applicant’s error during the time of submission to Grants.gov. The
NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries may allow more time for application
submission due to a “systems issue” with Grants.gov that takes place at the time of
application submission and is beyond the control of the applicant. In these limited
circumstances when there is a systems issue, the applicant must contact the help desk for the
relevant system (e.g. Grants.gov) and obtain a help desk ticket number. The applicant must
contact the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries immediately upon discovering the
issues and must still submit the required application documents in order for their application
to be considered for review. Required information for the application, such as financial
documentation, may require extra time to obtain, so please plan accordingly.
E. Intergovernmental Review
Applications under this program are not subject to Executive Order 12372,
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.
F. Funding Restrictions
No special restrictions apply.
G. Other Submission Requirements
Please refer to important information in submission dates and times above to help ensure
your application is received on time. Applications should be submitted via Grants.gov.
If an applicant must submit a paper application because: 1) Grants.gov is unable to accept
the application electronically in a timely fashion; 2) an applicant does not have access to the
internet; or 3) the person providing the letter of recommendation does not wish for the
applicant to see the contents of the letter, the paper application must be submitted in one
envelope to:
Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
Attn: Seaberry Nachbar
99 Pacific Street
Monterey, CA 93940
Please Note: For full paper applications, failure to submit all application items in one (1)
envelope and in the correct order, including a completed SF-424 will likely result in

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disqualification. If submitting a paper application, the application packet must also include a
completed SF-424, and the SF-424 must be signed and dated with pen and ink.

V. Application Review Information
A. Evaluation Criteria
The evaluation criteria and weighting of the criteria are as follows:
1. Academic Record and Statement of Career Goals of the Students (20 points). For this
program, this includes:
a. Statement of Intent – 10 points
b. Sanctuary Ambassador – 5 points
c. Outreach Letter – 5 points
2. Quality of Project and Applicability to Program Priorities (30 points). For this program,
this includes:
a. Alignment with NOAA and National Marine Sanctuaries Priorities – 15 points
b. Innovation and Design – 5 points
c. Feasibility – 5 points
d. Technical Understanding and Clarity of Proposal – 5 points
3. Recommendations and or Endorsements of Students (10 points). For this program, this
includes:
a. Familiarity of Applicant – 5 points
b. Strength of Support – 5 points
4. Additional Relevant Experience (15 points). For this program, this includes:
a. Experience – 7 points
b. Communication Skills – 8 points
5. Financial Need (25 points). For this program, this includes:
a. Estimated Financial Need – 4 points
b. Financial Need Information Questions – 11 points

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c. Statement of Financial Need – 8 points
d. Clarity of Financial Need Statement – 2 points

B. Review and Selection Process
Once NOAA receives an application, an initial administrative review is conducted to
determine compliance with the minimum requirements, including completeness of the
application and inclusion of all elements required in each of the NOFO sections. NOAA, in
its sole discretion, may continue the review process for applications with non-substantive
issues that can be easily rectified or cured.
Master’s and doctoral applications will be evaluated based on the same criteria; however,
masters and doctoral scores will be ranked and considered separately. If an existing Dr.
Nancy Foster Scholar who has been selected to receive funding for a Master’s level degree
from a previous year of funding chooses to bypass the Master’s degree and continue directly
to a Ph.D. degree, the scholar may be given priority in the final selection process and
selected over existing applicants.
All applications that pass the administrative review will be evaluated and scored individually
in accordance with the assigned weights of the above evaluation criteria by a review panel.
The panel will be composed of three (3) or more individuals, having expertise in NOAA
related science, education and/or policy, with knowledge of the program priorities/needs of
the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. The reviewers will rate the proposals
using the evaluation criteria and weighting provided above. The panel will then meet to
discuss proposals. The review panel will not come to a consensus regarding applicants’
scores. The individual panelist scores will be averaged for each application and placed in a
ranking order of all applications. The Program Officer will transmit the review information
to the Selection Official and may make a recommendation to the Selection Official about
applying the selection factors below. We strive to have varied research projects across
selection factors, such as academic disciplines, type of institution, geographic area, national
marine sanctuary priorities, degree in scientific area, and type of degree sought. The
Selection Official will recommend in rank order unless an application is justified to be
selected out of rank order based on one or more of the selection factors below.
C. Selection Factors
The merit review ratings shall provide a rank order to the Selecting Official for final
funding recommendation. The Selecting Official shall award in rank order unless a proposal
is justified to be selected out of rank order based upon one or more of the following factors:

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1. Balance/Distribution of Funds
a. Across academic disciplines
b. By types of institution
c. Geographic area
d. New universities that the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has not partnered
with in the past through the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
2. Availability of funds
3. Specific to the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries’ science priorities
4. Meets the goals of NOAA education and pathways to future NOAA workforce
5. Degree in scientific area and type of degree sought
D. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Subject to the availability of funds, review of applications and subsequent notification to
applicants will be completed by May 22, 2024. Funds are expected to be awarded by July 1,
2024.
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Notices
Successful applicants will receive an electronic notification that the application has been
funded from the NOAA Grants Management Division. An email notification will be issued
to each successful applicant with instructions on how to access the Grants.gov system and
view the terms of the award. The annual reporting requirements are also included in the
award package.
The names, academic institutions, degrees being sought, research plans, photographs and
biographical information of the scholarship award recipients will be posted on the Dr. Nancy
Foster Scholarship Program website: https://www.fosterscholars.noaa.gov after selections
have been confirmed and accepted. The information posted on the website may also be
published in marketing materials developed to advertise the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship
Program and further the mission of the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.
NOAA anticipates notifying unsuccessful applicants that their proposal was not

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recommended for funding by May 22, 2024.
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
1. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE PRE-AWARD NOTIFICATION
REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS – The
Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative
Agreements contained in the Federal Register notice of December 30, 2014 (79 FR 78390)
are applicable to this solicitation and may be accessed online at
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2014/12/30/201430297/departmentofcommerce-pre-award-notification-requirements-for-grants-andcooperativeagreements
2. UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS, COST PRINCIPLES, AND AUDIT
REQUIREMENTS – Through 2 C.F.R. § 1327.101, the Department of Commerce adopted
Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal
Awards at 2 C.F.R. Part 200, which applies to awards in this program. Refer to
http://go.usa.gov/SBYh and http://go.usa.gov/SBg4.
3. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TERMS AND CONDITIONS – Successful applicants
who accept a NOAA award under this solicitation will be bound by Department of
Commerce Financial Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions. This document will be
provided in the award package in NOAA’s Grants Online system at
https://grantsonline.rdc.noaa.gov/flows/home/Login/LoginController.jpf and is also available
at https://www.noaa.gov/organization/acquisition-grants/financial-assistance, as well as
https://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/202011/DOC%20Standard%20Terms%20and%20Conditions%20%2012%20November%202020%20PDF_0.pdf
4. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY – Funding for programs listed in this notice is contingent
upon the availability of appropriations. Applicants are hereby given notice that funds may
not have been appropriated yet for the programs listed in this notice. In no event will NOAA
or the Department of Commerce be responsible for proposal preparation costs. Publication of
this announcement does not oblige NOAA to award any specific project or to obligate any
available funds.
5. DATA SHARING PLAN – This announcement is seeking proposals that do not generate
environmental data; therefore, no data management plan is required as part of the
application.

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6. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA) – The applicant acknowledges and
understands that information and data contained in applications for financial assistance, as
well as information and data contained in financial, performance and other reports submitted
by applicants, may be used by the Department of Commerce in conducting reviews and
evaluations of its financial assistance programs. For this purpose, applicant information and
data may be accessed, reviewed and evaluated by Department of Commerce employees,
other Federal employees, and also by Federal agents and contractors, and/or by non-Federal
personnel, all of whom enter into appropriate conflict of interest and confidentiality
agreements covering the use of such information. As may be provided in the terms and
conditions of a specific financial assistance award, applicants are expected to support
program reviews and evaluations by submitting required financial and performance
information and data in an accurate and timely manner, and by cooperating with the
Department of Commerce and external program evaluators. In accordance with 2 C.F.R. §
200.303(e), applicants are reminded that they must take reasonable measures to safeguard
protected personally identifiable information and other confidential or sensitive personal or
business information created or obtained in connection with a Department of Commerce
financial assistance award.
In addition, Department of Commerce regulations implementing the Freedom of Information
Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. Sec. 552, are found at 15 C.F.R. Part 4, Public Information. These
regulations set forth rules for the Department regarding making requested materials,
information, and records publicly available under the FOIA. Applications submitted in
response to this Notice of Funding Opportunity may be subject to requests for release under
the Act. In the event that an application contains information or data that the applicant deems
to be confidential commercial information that should be exempt from disclosure under
FOIA, that information should be identified, bracketed, and marked as Privileged,
Confidential, Commercial or Financial Information. In accordance with 15 CFR § 4.9, the
Department of Commerce will protect from disclosure confidential business information
contained in financial assistance applications and other documentation provided by
applicants to the extent permitted by law.
7. NEPA – It has been determined that the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program awards are
categorically excluded from the requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act.
8. PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT – This notification involves collection-of information
requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act. The use of Standard Form 424 has
been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under control number
4040-0004. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to respond to,
nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of

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information subject to the requirements of the PRA unless that collection of information
displays a currently valid OMB control number.
9. NOAA SEXUAL ASSAULT AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT PREVENTION AND
RESPONSE POLICY – If NOAA-operated, leased, or owned facilities and/or vessels are
involved in any awards funded under this announcement, such awards are subject to the
NOAA Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response Policy Applicable
to Financial Assistance Awards Involving NOAA-Operated Facilities (May 2018) found at:
https://www.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/document/2020/Mar/202-1106_SASH.pdf.
(NOTE: Please copy and paste this link to access)
C. Reporting
Scholarship recipients are required to provide annual reports documenting the scholar's
activities, accomplishments, academic progress, research progress, and education and
outreach progress. The report must include copies of receipts indicating disbursement of the
education allowance and copies of receipts for allowable expenses under the program
collaboration. The report must include a certification from the scholar's academic advisor
indicating that the student's work is on track and a copy of the official transcript indicating
the scholar has a minimum term and cumulative GPA of 3.30. These reports must be
submitted through the Grants.gov system. In addition, recipients will be required to
participate in an evaluation survey.
At the conclusion of the award, recipients are required to submit a final report encompassing
their accomplishments during the award period and their post scholarship plans, especially
regarding NOAA interactions and the "National Marine Sanctuary Ambassador"
requirement. The final report must include a copy of the final transcript indicating a degree
earned, if applicable. Recipients will also be asked to comply with two Special Award
Conditions as a part of their award.
To help increase diversity of future applicants, Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
recipients must give at least one (1) presentation about the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship
Program to a diverse audience, such as undergraduate students at a minority serving
institution, historically black colleges and universities, or other appropriate venue(s).
Documentation of this outreach presentation must be included in the final scholarship report.

All Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program recipients are required to put together an outreach
product (e.g., video, infographic, lesson plan, or other educational product) within the
scholarship time period. The outreach product may be about their research or some other

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relevant topic. Discussions with the Foster Scholar team can be helpful when determining
the product and the topic.
All scholars are required to submit a copy of their master's thesis or doctoral dissertation
upon completion of their degree and a one-page plain language summary of their
dissertation.
Scholars are allowed one (1) one-year no-cost extension that they must request at least 60
days before the end of the award and will need to provide a justification and a current
budget. This semi-detailed justification can include the following:
1) Completion rate of sampling/data collection, data analysis, and or writing;
2) Plan or timeline for finishing an uncompleted item;
3) Identify additional costs, if any, and funding sources;
4) Statement supporting the additional time requested will be sufficient to complete the
remaining tasks, especially writing of dissertation and why.
The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 includes a requirement
for awardees of applicable Federal grants to report information about first-tier subawards and
executive compensation under Federal assistance awards issued in FY 2011 or later. All
awardees of applicable grants and cooperative agreements are required to report to the
Federal Subaward Reporting System (FSRS) available at https://www.FSRS.gov on all sub
awards over $30,000.
VII. Agency Contacts
Send requests for information to fosterscholars@noaa.gov or mail requests to:
Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
Attn: Seaberry Nachbar
99 Pacific Street
Monterey, CA 93940
VIII. Other Information
A. The Stipend and Education Allowance
The annual stipend (which consists of the full scholarship award) will be paid directly to the
scholar. Tuition (including fall, winter, spring and summer) and academic fees may be

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negotiated between the academic institution and the scholar prior to the receipt of funds.
This negotiation is intended to leverage scholarship funds and enhance opportunities for
scholarship recipients. In those instances, in which tuition and academic fees are not totally
waived by the academic institution, the education allowance in an amount equal to the
tuition and fee not waived (approximately $12,000) will be paid directly to the scholar for
remittance to the academic institution. If tuition and fees are reduced or waived by the
academic institution, then that portion of the education allowance not needed (i.e.,
approximately $12,000 in the case of a total waiver) will be retained by NOAA for future
scholarships. No money will be paid directly to the student from the education allowance for
purposes other than the payment of tuition, fees, and education costs including but not
limited to books required for courses. Health insurance is an allowable education cost if it is
directly billed on the tuition statement. You may work and receive loans if you receive this
scholarship.
B. General Scholarship Information
Specific instructions regarding the disbursement, management, and reporting requirements
for all stipend and tuition allowance payments will be provided to the scholarship recipients
upon selection for the award. The awarding of funds beyond the first year will be based on
availability of funds, continued eligibility of the student, semi-annual certification by the
academic institution that adequate academic progress is being made, and in compliance with
applicable reporting requirements. At its discretion, each academic institution may
supplement a scholar's stipend from institutional funds in accordance with the
supplementation policy of the institution.