GM-22-05: Reevaluating BOEM’s Guidelines for Identifying Submerged Pre-Contact Archaeological Sites in the Gulf of Mexico | M23AS00328

FAQs: BOEM GM-22-05 Grant Opportunity (M23AS00328)

What is the GM-22-05 grant opportunity?

GM-22-05 is a Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) discretionary cooperative agreement focused on improving how submerged, pre-contact (pre-European contact) archaeological sites are identified on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM).

What problem is BOEM trying to solve with this project?

BOEM states that submerged pre-contact archaeological sites are especially difficult to detect and confirm using standard mapping tools and BOEM's current survey guidelines. Because direct confirmation is hard, BOEM often requires operators to avoid broad areas that appear to be possible ancient land surfaces (paleolandscapes), even when there is no direct evidence of archaeological materials. This precaution can create unnecessary exclusions for offshore activities while not necessarily pinpointing truly sensitive places as effectively as possible.

Why are submerged pre-contact archaeological sites hard to identify?

Based on BOEM's description, these sites can be difficult to detect and confirm with standard mapping tools and the current survey guidelines. The challenge is both finding preserved paleolandforms and determining whether those landforms are likely to contain archaeological materials.

What are "paleolandscapes" in the context of this opportunity?

In this opportunity, paleolandscapes refer to ancient land surfaces and related landforms (such as former coastlines and river systems) that existed before sea level rise submerged them. BOEM is interested in improving how these features are mapped and evaluated to determine whether they are likely to preserve intact pre-contact archaeological evidence.

What is the main goal of the project?

The project aims to re-evaluate and refine BOEM's approach by combining improved regional reconstructions of past landscapes with field-tested survey methods tailored to Gulf geology, ultimately leading to more targeted and defensible identification and protection of submerged pre-contact cultural resources.

What are the major objectives BOEM describes?

BOEM describes three core objectives: (1) develop updated paleolandscape reconstructions that better identify areas with higher preservation potential for submerged pre-contact archaeological remains, (2) design and test revised survey approaches and recommend best practices across different Gulf geological settings, and (3) translate findings into recommended revisions to BOEM's existing survey guidelines for submerged paleolandscapes in the Gulf.

What does BOEM mean by "updated paleolandscape reconstructions"?

BOEM is looking for improved interpretations of how coastlines, river systems, and other landforms shifted as sea level rose, and for that understanding to be translated into maps that distinguish between areas likely to preserve intact archaeological evidence and areas unlikely to do so.

Why does BOEM want the work tested in different parts of the northern Gulf of Mexico?

BOEM emphasizes that the Gulf is not uniform. Sediment types, burial conditions, and seabed processes differ across the region, so methods that work well in one setting may perform poorly in another. BOEM specifically calls for testing in geologically distinct parts of the northern Gulf, at minimum including an eastern GOM area and a western GOM area.

What types of fieldwork does the opportunity expect?

The opportunity includes conducting geophysical surveys and investigations of potential submerged archaeological features in different environmental and geological settings in the northern Gulf. The intent is to generate real-world comparisons of survey tools and strategies rather than relying only on desk-based modeling.

What are the two major deliverables mentioned?

BOEM describes two major deliverables: (1) an assessment of currently available data and known or suspected locations of submerged pre-contact sites in the Gulf, compiled into a geospatial database, and (2) geophysical surveys and investigations of potential submerged archaeological features across different northern Gulf settings to compare survey tools and strategies.

What information is expected to be included in the geospatial database deliverable?

The database is expected to include attributes such as preservation potential (including areas assessed as having little or no potential), estimated landform age, depth of burial, and other relevant details that help explain why a location is or is not considered sensitive.

Does the project focus only on places likely to be sensitive?

No. BOEM indicates the database should include preservation potential attributes, including areas assessed as having little or no potential. This supports distinguishing between likely-sensitive areas and areas unlikely to preserve intact archaeological evidence.

How is BOEM hoping the results will change offshore planning and cultural resource protection?

BOEM states the intention is to move from broad, caution-driven avoidance based on uncertain indicators toward a more targeted approach that still protects cultural resources but reduces unnecessary constraints where preservation potential is low. The expected outcome is clearer, more defensible decision-making for both cultural resource protection and offshore planning.

How do Native American Tribes relate to the purpose of this grant?

BOEM notes that improved identification and protection of submerged pre-contact cultural resources is a recurring priority raised by Native American Tribes during government-to-government consultation, making it an important cultural and policy driver for the work.

What type of award is this?

This opportunity is offered as a discretionary cooperative agreement, meaning BOEM expects substantial involvement in the project rather than a hands-off grant.

What is the opportunity number and Assistance Listing (CFDA) number?

The opportunity number is M23AS00328. The CFDA/Assistance Listing is 15.423. The funding activity category is Environment.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling listed is $1,500,000.

Is cost sharing or match required?

No. Cost sharing or match is not required. However, BOEM strongly encourages cost sharing and notes that proposals demonstrating partner investment or leveraged resources could be viewed favorably even though it is not mandatory.

Who is eligible to apply based on the information provided?

Eligible applicants include Coastal State Governments and public, state-controlled institutions of higher education participating in the Gulf Coast and Piedmont-South Atlantic Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU).

What geographic area is the work focused on?

The focus is the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), with BOEM calling for testing in geologically distinct parts of the northern Gulf, including at minimum an eastern GOM area and a western GOM area.

What is the listed closing date for this opportunity?

The original closing date listed is 2023-08-01. The information provided indicates applicants would need to verify current status if looking for a reissue or a related funding cycle.

Will BOEM be involved during the project?

Yes. Because this is a cooperative agreement, BOEM expects substantial involvement during the project (as opposed to a fully independent, hands-off award).

What kinds of improvements to BOEM's current survey guidelines are expected?

BOEM expects recommendations for revising existing survey guidelines for submerged paleolandscapes in the Gulf, informed by updated paleolandscape reconstructions and field-tested comparisons of survey approaches, with the aim of better detecting and delineating preserved paleolandforms and better judging their likelihood of containing archaeological materials.