NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), National Sea Grant College Program invites applications to establish a Sea Grant College for the Commonwealth of Virginia beginning in FY 2013. Applicants should provide a four-year plan for an institutional program that will be part of the larger National Sea Grant network, a partnership between the federal government and universities to conduct integrated research, education and outreach in fields related to ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources. Applicants must comply with all requirements contained in the full funding opportunity announcement. The National Sea Grant College Program was established by Congress to promote responsible use and conservation of the nation's marine and Great Lakes resources by conducting integrated research and outreach through a stable national infrastructure of state Sea Grant programs. The mission of the Program is to "enhance the practical use and conservation of coastal, marine and Great Lakes resources to create a sustainable economy and environment." To accomplish this mission, NOAA is soliciting applications for a new Sea Grant College for the Commonwealth of Virginia. This competition is only open to entities which have three years or more experience as a Sea Grant Institutional Program.