The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) is seeking proposals from qualified organizations or institutions to enter into a cooperative agreement with BSEE for five years beginning October 1, 201 3.

This project will be a collaborative venture with the Recipient, including

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substantial involvement of the BSEE and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).

Funds of up to $5 million will be made available for the operation of the Ocean Energy Safety Institute (OESI) through this cooperative agreement during this 5-year period.

BSEE will accept proposals for the establishment of an institute that will facilitate research and development, training of federal workers on identification and verification of Best Available and Safest Technology (BAST), and implementation of operational improvements in the areas of offshore drilling safety and environmental protection, blowout containment and oil spill response.

OESI will be a collaborative initiative involving government, academia and scientific experts.

The recipient institution(s) receiving the award will be responsible for managing OESI, providing input on yearly objectives, conducting certain work to further the attainment of those objectives, and being a focal point for collaboration on issues within the OESI mandate.