Offshore Research Technology Center (OTRC) Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES)

 

The MMS, as authorized by the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) (43 U.S.C. 1331-1356), is responsible for ensuring that any oil and gas activities located on the OCS conserve resources, operate safely, and protect the coastal and marine environment. The Technology Assessment and Research Program (TA&R) is a research element encompassed by the MMS Regulatory Program. The TA&R Program supports research associated with operational safety and pollution prevention as well as oil spill response and cleanup capabilities. The TA&R Program was established in the 1970's to ensure that industry operations on the Outer Continental Shelf incorporated the use of the Best Available and Safest Technologies (BAST) subsequently required through the 1978 OCSLA amendments. Congress provides TA&R funding to be used by OTRC in order to perform research through the MMS.

Deleted 04/02/2020 (Archived.) 15.425 Agency: Department of the Interior
Office: The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement Project Grants. The MMS has funded OTRC projects to conduct research and assessment studies to promote the development of deep water oil and gas resources in a safe and environmentally sound manner, and to facilitate the development of emerging technologies for the efficient and pollution-free development of deepwater oil and gas resources. 43 U.S.C. 1331-1356, Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. The TEES is qualified to receive funding through this cooperative agreement program. Research scientists, engineers, and the general public. Evidence of the applicant's qualifications for performance of the proposed research including resumes, and lists of past projects. This includes resumes and lists of past projects. No environmental impact statement required. Executive Order 12372 applies. The OTRC must submit ideas and proposals to the MMS. The OTRC consists of the researchers and other faculty from the University of Texas and Texas A&M. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." Applicants should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in their State to find out if the State has selected this program for review and for information on the process the State requires when applying for Federal assistance. The OTRC submits proposals to the MMS in order to determine the benefits to the offshore oil and gas operations in a safe and environmentally responsible manner in order to benefit the industry and the public. The MMS determines which proposals will be the most beneficial to the industry and to the public. The standard SF-424 application forms required by 2 CFR Part 215.12, and the Department of the Interior Code of Federal Regulations at 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart F, or its revisions, must be used. Notification of an award is issued by the MMS. Deadline for proposals will be on or around December 12 of each year. From 90 days to 180 days. Not applicable. Not applicable. University of Texas and Texas A&M, otherwise known as the Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES). Annual and final technical and financial reports using the OMB Standard Form SF-269 are required. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations", nonfederal entities that receive financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 or more in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133. All records must be maintained for 3 years after submission of the final financial report. No statutory requirement. Cooperative agreements will normally be awarded in 12-month yearly intervals for a total of 60 months. Alaska Office MMS 3801 Centerpoint Drive, Suite 500, Anchorage, AK., 99503-5820; New Orleans Office MMS GOM OCS Region, 1201 Elmwood Park Blvd., New Orleans, LA., 70123-2394; Pacific Office MMS 770 Paseo Camarillo, 2nd Floor, Camarillo, CA., 93010. MMS 381 Elden Street, MS-4021, Herndon, VA., 20170. http://www.mms.gov/tarphome. 083E4029AAS. (Cooperative Agreements) FY 07 $400,000; FY 08 est $400,000; and FY 09 est $400,000. $20,000 to $200,000; $50,000. None. Research on Suction Cassions and Vertically Loaded Anchors; Deep Sea Furrows; and Seafloor Interaction with Steel Caternary Risers.