The M&A Division provides contracting officer’s representative (COR) expertise to acquire and provide necessary scientific and technical support to the office. CORs work with NOAA’s Acquisition and Grants Office to ensure that contracts are designed, procured and executed in accordance with specified terms and conditions, and that they are meeting the needs of the office. The COR also acts as liaison for contract personnel to facilitate positive working relationships within the office.
The Division oversees grants management activities within the office, which includes assisting in the grant application process, managing the grant lifecycle, and ensuring compliance with grant requirements. It plays a vital role in coordinating funding competitions — in collaboration with Federal Program Officers across WPO — by managing the solicitation, evaluation, and awarding of grants. The Division also provides guidance to WPO on innovative funding opportunities, helping the organization identify and leverage new sources of funding for weather research initiatives.