Mid-Atlantic SAND Expansion of Mid-Atlantic OCS Sand Supply and Demand Assessment

Background
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), a bureau of the Department of the Interior (DOI), is responsible for managing the exploration and development of energy and mineral resources on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). BOEM’s mission is to promote economic development and energy independence while ensuring protection of the environment. The cooperative agreement aims to forecast the demand for and supply of OCS sand and gravel resources along the Mid-Atlantic region to support existing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects, public holdings, and critical infrastructure. This agreement would help advance the National Offshore Sand Inventory and address coastal resilience considerations reflected in sections 211 and 214 of Executive Order 14008, “Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.”

Grant Details
This cooperative agreement would apply forecasting tools developed in partnership with the Delaware Geological Survey to expand BOEM’s ongoing evaluation of sediment demand and supply in the Mid-Atlantic. As a result, BOEM would be better equipped to evaluate and characterize regional sand supply gaps over time scenarios relevant to climate change adaptation. Understanding these gaps would help BOEM to identify strategic areas for future investments in data acquisition surveys and to prioritize (de-conflict) sand resource areas in this region of concentrated wind energy infrastructure (including transmission lines). Datasets would be housed in the Marine Minerals Information System and shared with State resource agencies, Federal partners, and other stakeholders.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement for this grant. However, BOEM conducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award.

Period of Performance
The project has a 24-month period with two 12-month budget periods, starting on September 01, 2023.

Grant Value
The estimated total funding for this cooperative agreement is $300,000, with an expected award amount ranging from $300,000 to $300,000.