Bureau of Safety Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) Gulf of America Region - Program Technical Advisor

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), a division of the U.S. Department of the Interior, is offering funding for a Program Technical Advisor to support its Gulf of America Regional Director. This funding opportunity, posted on February 19, 2026, is presented as a cooperative agreement under the Assistance Listing 15.019 — Experienced Services. The BSEE plays a crucial role in ensuring safe and environmentally responsible offshore energy operations. Its mission includes regulatory oversight and enforcement related to offshore oil and gas operations, and this program is directly aligned with its broader safety and environmental protection goals. The Program Technical Advisor selected under this opportunity will provide technical services focused on enhancing offshore well preparedness, improving response capabilities, and strengthening inter-agency coordination within the Gulf of America region. Key responsibilities include support for Unified Command Operations, decommissioning planning, and well and reservoir analysis. Additionally, the advisor will assist in the development of a semi-annual rig forecast for the Gulf of America, which is vital for strategic planning and operational readiness. These services aim to improve BSEE's proactive and reactive capabilities in managing offshore oil and gas activities. This grant provides an estimated total program funding of $99,892, with a defined award range of $99,892 to $100,000. Only one award is expected under this notice. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement, and the funding is made available to nonprofit organizations, both those with and without 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education. Additionally, the selected individual must possess a high level of offshore oil and gas production, exploration, and industry knowledge, indicating a requirement for specialized technical expertise. The application process for this funding opportunity is straightforward, with submissions due by February 20, 2026. The notice does not reference any pre-application gating mechanisms such as a Letter of Intent or concept paper, suggesting that applicants can submit directly through the standard application channels. The opportunity is categorized as “Discretionary,” allowing BSEE some flexibility in selecting the awardee based on the merit and fit of the proposals received. Applications must be submitted in compliance with the provided timeline, as the closing date is emphasized as critical to the successful execution of the associated Task Agreement. The notice was both posted and last updated on February 19, 2026, and it will be archived on February 21, 2026. The opportunity is not noted as recurring, suggesting it may be a one-time or limited-cycle engagement. Interested applicants with difficulty accessing the full announcement are instructed to contact Najma Shaikh at [email protected] for assistance. This funding opportunity represents a focused investment by the federal government in ensuring offshore operations in the Gulf of America maintain the highest standards of safety, readiness, and environmental stewardship. Its design reflects the BSEE's strategic priorities in coordinating complex offshore activities while leveraging specialized expertise from nonprofit partners.