Pacific International Training Desk

The National Weather Service Program Office (NWSPO), through the National Weather Service Office of International Affairs, is soliciting a proposal for the operation and enhancement of the Pacific International Training Desk (PITD). This initiative, carried out in collaboration with the Weather Forecast Offices in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Guam, serves as a training fellowship program for meteorologists and observers from the Southwest Pacific Regional Association of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Established in 2001 at the University of Hawaii, the PITD is part of NOAA’s contribution to the WMO Voluntary Cooperation Program and provides foundational and operational forecasting training with a focus on tropical meteorology. The program aims to improve the forecasting capabilities of hydro-meteorologists from Pacific Island States, enhancing their ability to predict severe weather and provide daily forecasts. Training is delivered through a combination of e-learning courses, instructor-led on-site sessions at the Honolulu WFO, roving regional workshops, and communications technology training. These approaches are designed to ensure participants achieve competency in forecasting, with supplemental technology—such as laptops equipped with forecasting tools—and support for remote communications, particularly in emergency situations. Funding for this cooperative agreement is contingent upon federal appropriations, with an anticipated total of approximately $3 million over five years, and current availability for the first three years. Multi-year awards are funded annually, dependent on satisfactory performance and the availability of future appropriations. The award instrument will be a cooperative agreement, reflecting substantial NOAA involvement in project execution and management. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, non-profits, state, local, and tribal governments, commercial organizations, U.S. territories, and federal agencies with authority to accept such funding. There is no cost-sharing requirement. Proposals must adhere to specific formatting and content guidelines, including a title page, abstract, prior results, project description with capacity development plans, detailed budget, vitae, and current/pending support lists. Proposals should not exceed 50 pages, excluding required forms and supplementary materials. Applications are accepted only via Grants.gov, with no fixed deadline. Reviews begin upon receipt, and start dates are determined after review and approval. There is no intergovernmental review requirement. Prohibited costs include unrelated travel, salaries for federal employees, profit, and fundraising expenses. Pre-award costs may be incurred up to 90 days before the award’s start date at the applicant’s own risk. Evaluation is based on program relevance, technical merit, applicant qualifications, project costs, and outreach and education. The review process involves independent peer review by subject matter experts, with a scoring system and possible modifications to proposals before award. For technical questions, applicants may contact Andrew Horan, International Project Manager, NOAA/NWS Office of International Affairs, at Andrew.Horan@noaa.gov or 301-427-9047.