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

Opportunity Information: Apply for M23AS00328

GM-22-05 is a Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) grant opportunity 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). BOEM notes that these sites are especially hard to detect and confirm with standard mapping tools and with its current survey guidelines. Because confirmation is difficult, BOEM often takes a conservative approach by requiring operators to avoid broad areas that look like possible ancient land surfaces (paleolandscapes) even when there is no direct evidence that archaeological materials are actually present. That precaution can lead to unnecessary exclusions for offshore activities across BOEM's program areas, while still not guaranteeing that truly sensitive places are being pinpointed as effectively as they could be. BOEM also emphasizes that better identification and protection of submerged pre-contact cultural resources is a recurring priority raised by Native American Tribes during government-to-government consultation, which adds an important cultural and policy driver to the work.

The project aims to re-evaluate and ultimately refine BOEM's approach by combining better regional reconstructions of past landscapes with field-tested survey methods tailored to Gulf geology. One major objective is to develop updated paleolandscape reconstructions that can more accurately flag areas with a higher chance of preserving submerged pre-contact archaeological remains. In practical terms, this means using improved interpretations of how coastlines, river systems, and other landforms shifted as sea level rose, then translating that understanding into maps that distinguish between places likely to preserve intact archaeological evidence and places unlikely to do so.

A second core objective is methodological: the study is expected to design and test revised survey approaches, compare their results, and recommend best practices for detecting and delineating preserved paleolandforms and for judging whether those landforms are likely to contain archaeological materials. BOEM specifically calls for testing in geologically distinct parts of the northern Gulf for comparison, at minimum including an eastern GOM area and a western GOM area. This reflects the reality that the Gulf is not uniform; sediment types, burial conditions, and seabed processes differ across the region, and a method that works well in one setting may perform poorly in another.

A third objective is to translate the findings into actionable guidance by recommending revisions to BOEM's existing survey guidelines for submerged paleolandscapes in the Gulf. 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. If successful, the outcome would be clearer, more defensible decision-making for both cultural resource protection and offshore planning.

To support those goals, the work includes two big deliverables. First, the study will assess currently available data and known or suspected locations of submerged pre-contact sites in the Gulf and compile a geospatial database. That 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. Second, the project will carry out geophysical surveys and investigations of potential submerged archaeological features in different environmental and geological settings in the northern Gulf. Those field efforts are meant to generate real-world comparisons of survey tools and strategies, rather than relying only on desk-based modeling.

Administratively, this opportunity is offered as a discretionary cooperative agreement (meaning BOEM expects substantial involvement in the project rather than a hands-off grant). The opportunity number is M23AS00328, and it falls under the Environment funding activity category with CFDA/Assistance Listing 15.423. The award ceiling is $1,500,000. The original closing date listed is 2023-08-01 (so applicants would need to verify current status if looking for a reissue or related funding cycle). 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). Cost sharing or match is not required, but BOEM strongly encourages it, suggesting that proposals demonstrating partner investment or leveraged resources could be viewed favorably even though it is not mandatory.

• The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in the environment sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "GM-22-05: Reevaluating BOEM’s Guidelines for Identifying Submerged Pre-Contact Archaeological Sites in the Gulf of Mexico" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.423.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2023-06-01.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-08-01. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,500,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Others.

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