§ 1126. Sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes

• (a)
  • (1) A sea grant college or sea grant institute shall meet the following qualifications—
    • (A) have an existing broad base of competence in fields related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources;
    • (B) make a long-term commitment to the objective in section 1121(b) of this title , as determined by the Secretary;
    • (C) cooperate with other sea grant colleges and institutes and other persons to solve problems or meet needs relating to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources;
    • (D) have received financial assistance under section 1124 of this title ;
    • (E) be recognized for excellence in fields related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources (including marine resources management and science), as determined by the Secretary; and
    • (F) meet such other qualifications as the Secretary, in consultation with the Board, considers necessary or appropriate.
  • (2) The Secretary may designate an institution, or an association or alliance of two or more such institutions, as a sea grant college if the institution, association, or alliance—
    • (A) meets the qualifications in paragraph (1); and
    • (B) maintains a program of research, extension services, training, and education in fields related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources.
  • (3) The Secretary may designate an institution, or an association or alliance of two or more such institutions, as a sea grant institute if the institution, association, or alliance—
    • (A) meets the qualifications in paragraph (1); and
    • (B) maintains a program which includes, at a minimum, research and extension services.
• (b) Any institution, or association or alliance of two or more such institutions, designated as a sea grant college or awarded institutional program status by the Director prior to March 6, 1998 , shall not have to reapply for designation as a sea grant college or sea grant institute, respectively, after March 6, 1998 , if the Director determines that the institution, or association or alliance of institutions, meets the qualifications in subsection (a).
• (c) The Secretary may, for cause and after an opportunity for hearing, suspend or terminate any designation under subsection (a).
• (d) Subject to any regulations prescribed or guidelines established by the Secretary, it shall be the responsibility of each sea grant college and sea grant institute—
  • (1) to develop and implement, in consultation with the Secretary and the Board, a program that is consistent with the guidelines and priorities established under section 1123(c) of this title ; and
  • (2) to conduct a merit review of all proposals for grants and contracts to be awarded under section 1124 of this title .