CDC/NIOSH Commercial Fishing Occupational Safety Research Cooperative Agreement
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
$150K–$975K
Make commercial fishing safer — backed by federal science
NIOSH and the U.S. Coast Guard jointly fund research to reduce fatalities and injuries in commercial fishing — one of the most dangerous occupations in the U.S. Funding covers vessel safety design, emergency equipment, monitoring systems, bycatch and weather technology, and de-icing research. For-profit fishing industry businesses and maritime companies are explicitly eligible alongside universities and nonprofits.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- Federal
- Amount range
- $150,000 – $975,000
- Realistic amount
- Most awards land around $400K–$700K for a 3-year project. The $975K ceiling is for large multi-site or technology-develo…
- Deadline
- Rolling — next standard receipt date: August 28, 2026
- Status
- active
- States
- Nationwide
- Payment model
- reimbursement
Who qualifies
- U.S.-based organizations only (no foreign institutions or foreign collaborators)
- Eligible types: universities, nonprofits, for-profit businesses, small businesses, state/local/tribal governments
- For-profit fishing industry companies are explicitly eligible — vessel operators, equipment manufacturers, maritime safety businesses
- Must demonstrate relevant expertise in commercial fishing safety, vessel design, emergency response, or related occupational health
- Mandatory 25% non-federal cost match required — must clearly describe how match will be met in application
- SAM.gov, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov registrations required
- Applications must not include foreign institutions or collaborators in any role
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Personnel: researchers, engineers, safety specialists, field coordinators
- Vessel access and charter costs for at-sea research
- Prototype development for safety equipment and monitoring technology
- Occupational health surveys and data collection
- Lab testing of emergency equipment and gear
- Travel to fishing communities, harbors, and field sites
- Data analysis and statistical computing
- Dissemination: reports, training materials, publications
- Indirect costs at negotiated NICRA rate
Ineligible expenses
- Research on non-commercial fishing activities (recreational fishing excluded)
- Foreign institution participation in any form
- Construction or facility renovation unrelated to research
- Lobbying or advocacy activities
- General business operations unrelated to the research project
How to apply
-
1
Register in SAM.gov and eRA Commons
Complete SAM.gov registration (30+ days) and register for an eRA Commons account (used for NIH/CDC grants). Both are required before submission.
~5 hrs
-
2
Submit optional Letter of Intent
Submit a non-binding letter of intent ~30 days before the application deadline. Strongly encouraged — NIOSH uses LOIs to plan review panels. Not required but improves scoring odds.
~2 hrs
-
3
Develop Research Strategy
Write the 12-page Research Strategy section (Significance, Innovation, Approach). Focus on a specific hazard type in commercial fishing with clear testable hypothesis and measurable safety outcomes.
~40 hrs
-
4
Prepare budget and cost-match documentation
Prepare a modular budget (if <$250K direct costs) or detailed budget. Document the required 25% non-federal cost match with specific sources (in-kind vessel access, industry partner time, equipment loans all count).
~10 hrs
-
5
Complete application package
Assemble SF-424 R&R forms, Research Strategy, CVs, Human Subjects or Vertebrate Animals sections, Data Management Plan, and all required attachments. Submit via ASSIST or Grants.gov Workspace.
~10 hrs
-
6
Submit via Grants.gov/ASSIST
Upload complete application before 5:00 PM Eastern on August 28, 2026. Track status in eRA Commons. Allow 48 hours to resolve any submission errors.
~2 hrs
The 25% cost match is routinely satisfied with in-kind: vessel access, crew time, equipment loans — NIOSH explicitly accepts documented in-kind. Projects with USCG co-engagement or industry association partnerships score highest. The LOI is optional but NIOSH reviewers have stated it helps assign your application to the correct study section.
Deadline & timing
Program has bi-annual submission windows: typically January and August. The August 28, 2026 deadline is the next upcoming. A non-binding letter of intent is encouraged 30 days prior (due ~July 31, 2026). Applications submitted via Grants.gov using SF424 R&R forms.
Programs that stack well
- Sea Grant Fisheries Development
- NOAA Marine Turtle Conservation for Sustainable U.S. Fisheries
- USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
Related programs
Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.