Pacific International Training Desk | NOAA NWS IA 31298

Pacific International Training Desk (PITD) - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pacific International Training Desk (PITD) opportunity?

The Pacific International Training Desk (PITD) opportunity is a NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) Office of International Affairs funding call to support and potentially expand a Pacific-based training fellowship program. The program works in association with the Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) in Honolulu and Guam.

What is the main purpose of PITD?

PITD is designed to strengthen operational meteorology capacity across the Pacific Islands by providing structured, basic meteorology training to qualified meteorologists and observers. The goal is practical and workforce-focused: participants can bring foundational skills back to their home services to improve day-to-day forecasting, observing practices, and overall weather readiness.

Who is the funding agency and which NOAA office is leading this call?

The funding call is offered by NOAA within the National Weather Service (NWS), through the NWS Office of International Affairs.

Which NOAA operational partners are associated with this program?

The program is described as working in association with NWS Weather Forecast Offices in Honolulu and Guam, and applicants should expect coordination connected to those offices given the program design.

Who are the intended trainees or participants supported by this program?

The target participants are qualified meteorologists and observers from National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) in the Pacific Islands region.

What region does PITD focus on, and how is it linked to WMO structures?

The opportunity focuses on strengthening capability across the Pacific Islands, with target participants coming from the South West Pacific Regional Association of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This reflects NOAA's intent to support regional forecasting capability and professional development aligned with established international meteorological coordination frameworks.

What type of award is this?

This opportunity is offered as a discretionary cooperative agreement under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development category.

What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?

The description notes that a cooperative agreement typically implies substantial federal involvement during the period of performance. Applicants should expect active coordination with NOAA/NWS partners, especially given PITD's association with WFO Honolulu and WFO Guam and its international training and fellowship character.

What is the CFDA number and category for this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 11.467, under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development category.

How many awards does NOAA expect to make?

NOAA expects to make one award.

What is the maximum funding amount available (award ceiling)?

The stated award ceiling is $3,000,000.

Does the opportunity support only existing PITD operations, or can it include expansions?

In addition to maintaining ongoing operations, NOAA notes that funding may be available for enhanced PITD operations. This suggests proposals may include thoughtful improvements or expansions that better match evolving regional needs and priorities, rather than simply replicating past activities.

What will NOAA evaluate in submitted proposals?

NOAA indicates it will evaluate proposals to confirm that the applicant is eligible and has the expertise and operational capability to continue running PITD for the region.

Who can apply (eligibility)?

Eligibility is broad and includes institutions of higher education, nonprofits, state and local governments, Indian Tribal governments, commercial organizations, U.S. territories, and federal agencies, provided they have the statutory authority to accept funding for this type of work.

What is the official title of the funding opportunity?

The funding opportunity is titled "Pacific International Training Desk."

What is the opportunity number?

The opportunity number is NOAA NWS IA 31298.

When is the application closing date?

The application closing date is listed as August 27, 2025.

When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on August 12, 2025.

What is the broader outcome NOAA is trying to achieve through PITD?

The described outcome is improved operational meteorology capacity across the Pacific Islands, achieved through foundational training that supports stronger forecasting and observing practices and improved weather readiness within participating NMHS organizations.