The Gulf of America Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS) is initiating the development of its next five-year proposal for the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) funding cycle, which will run from July 2026 to June 2031. To facilitate this process, GCOOS is calling for project ideas from its members and stakeholders throughout the Gulf region.
Based at the Department of Oceanography at Texas A&M University, GCOOS is one of 11 regional networks under the IOOS framework operating across the United States. The organization plays a critical role in uniting business leaders, marine scientists, resource managers, and various governmental and non-governmental organizations. Together, they gather and synthesize data to deliver timely information about ocean conditions, akin to how the National Weather Service provides weather forecasts.
For the past two decades, GCOOS has focused on delivering reliable data about the Gulf’s coastal and open-ocean waters. This information supports the needs of people, ecosystems, and the economy. The organization is continually exploring innovative approaches to ensure that essential data reaches the users who require it.
Project ideas for the upcoming 2026 proposal could originate from public, private, academic, and nonprofit sectors, contributing to a cohesive proposal that GCOOS will submit. Although the official funding opportunity from NOAA has not yet been announced, GCOOS is prioritizing the proposal preparation process to stay ahead.
Timeline and Submission Process
The selected projects will be instrumental in furthering GCOOS’s implementation of its Strategic Plan 2020-2025 and the Addendum to its Build-out Plan. This framework aims to enhance and solidify a robust, resilient ocean observing network throughout the Gulf of America. Each submitted Letter of Intent (LOI) will undergo a formal review to assess its compatibility for inclusion in the complete proposal.
Teams whose projects are chosen will receive notifications and sufficient time to prepare the required official documentation. This includes an approved budget, the SF424A budget form, budget justification, and letters of support from their institutional offices, all to be submitted following NOAA’s official request for applications.
To be considered for inclusion in the GCOOS IOOS proposal, all submissions must comply with specified LOI requirements. Incomplete or non-compliant submissions will be disqualified.
For additional context, details regarding current GCOOS-funded projects and principal investigators are available on their website.
The timeline for submissions is as follows:
– LOI Submission Deadline: 17:00 CT on October 17, 2025
– Informational Webinar and Q&A: Mid-September (exact date TBD)
– LOI Review Period: October 20–31, 2025
– Notification of Inclusion in Full Proposal: November 1, 2025
– Deadline for Completion of Subaward Package: November 30, 2025
– Anticipated GCOOS Proposal Submission to NOAA: December 31, 2025
– Anticipated Project Start Date: July 1, 2026
GCOOS seeks projects that align with its strategic objectives, particularly those focusing on observing platforms and sensors, modeling, as well as education and outreach initiatives. For comprehensive details and submission requirements, visit the GCOOS website.
