The Gulf of America Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS) has announced its intention to prepare a proposal for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) funding cycle from July 2026 to June 2031. GCOOS is seeking project ideas from its members and stakeholders throughout the Gulf region as part of this initiative.
Based at Texas A&M University, GCOOS is one of 11 regional networks under the IOOS framework in the United States. The organization plays a critical role in gathering and sharing oceanic data, similar to the way the National Weather Service provides weather forecasts. Over the past two decades, GCOOS has been delivering accurate and reliable information about the Gulf’s coastal and open-ocean waters, benefitting ecosystems, communities, and the economy.
The proposal, which is currently in the preparatory stages, will encompass project ideas from various sectors, including public, private, academic, and nonprofit organizations. Although NOAA has not yet released the official funding opportunity, GCOOS is proactively moving forward with the proposal development process.
Project Selection and Review Process
Selected projects will support the implementation of GCOOS’s Strategic Plan 2020-2025 and its Addendum to the Build-out Plan, which aim to establish a robust and resilient ocean observing network across the Gulf of America. Each Letter of Intent (LOI) submitted will undergo a formal review to assess its suitability for inclusion in the comprehensive proposal.
Project teams that are chosen will be notified and will have sufficient time to complete and submit the necessary official documentation. This includes an approved budget, the SF424A budget form, budget justification, and letters of support, all coordinated through their respective institutional offices, following NOAA’s official request for applications.
It is important to note that all submissions must comply with the specified LOI requirements. Incomplete or non-compliant submissions will not be considered for inclusion in the GCOOS IOOS proposal.
Key Dates for Submission
GCOOS has established a timeline for the LOI submission process, which is subject to change. Key dates include:
– LOI Submission Deadline: 5 p.m. CT on October 17, 2025
– Informational Webinar and Q&A: Mid-September (date to be determined)
– LOI Review Period: October 20–31, 2025
– Notification of Inclusion in Full Proposal: November 1, 2025
– Deadline for Completion of Subaward Package: November 30, 2025
– Anticipated GCOOS Proposal Submission to NOAA: December 31, 2025
– Anticipated Project Start Date: July 1, 2026
GCOOS is particularly interested in projects that align with its Strategic Plan and focus on observing platforms and sensors, modeling, and education and outreach. Detailed information regarding submission requirements can be found on their official website.
By inviting diverse project ideas, GCOOS aims to enhance its mission of providing timely and comprehensive oceanic data, ultimately benefiting stakeholders across the Gulf region.
