NSF Research: Ocean Technology and Interdisciplinary Coordination

The Oceanographic Technology and Interdisciplinary Coordination (OTIC) Program is administered by the Division of Ocean Sciences within the Directorate for Geosciences at the National Science Foundation (NSF). NSF is an independent federal agency dedicated to supporting fundamental research and education in all the non-medical fields of science and engineering. The OTIC Program supports the development of technologies and methodologies that have broad applicability in ocean sciences, enhancing observational, experimental, or analytical capabilities for researchers. The primary purpose of the OTIC Program is to promote advancements in instrumentation and methodologies that can be widely applied across various ocean science research domains. Unsolicited proposals are accepted for projects that demonstrate strong potential to contribute broadly to the oceanographic research community. These projects should focus on technological innovations or improvements that can benefit observational, experimental, or analytical techniques in marine environments. While the program accepts unsolicited proposals, it also occasionally issues specific announcements for targeted funding initiatives. These include projects that focus on improvements in facilities, communications, and equipment at Biological Field Stations and Marine Laboratories (FSML) as well as through the National Ocean Partnership Program. Such initiatives further amplify the scope and impact of the program by addressing specific infrastructure and collaborative research needs. Applicants are required to comply with the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) or the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide, depending on their method of submission. Full proposals must adhere to all specified guidelines and deadlines. Applications submitted via Research.gov must follow the PAPPG guidelines, while those submitted via Grants.gov must adhere to the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide. The program operates on an annual cycle with a recurring submission target date of February 15 each year, with the next target date set for February 16, 2026. Proposals must align with the latest award conditions and federal financial assistance guidelines, including a new standard 15% indirect cost reimbursement policy for awards made on or after October 1, 2024. The primary contact for the OTIC Program is Kandace S. Binkley, who can be reached at kbinkley@nsf.gov or by phone at (703) 292-7577. Additional information and resources, such as previously funded projects and application details, are available on the NSF website. This grant opportunity remains open for full proposal submissions each year, offering ongoing support for innovation in oceanographic technologies.