USM GOMESA Application Process
GOMESA Multi‑Step Approval Process
Final Application Due to ORSD for Internal Routing: Five business days before August 18, 2026
This page outlines The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) internal process for preparing and submitting FY2027 Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) proposals. It is designed to help Principal Investigators (PIs) plan ahead, understand required review steps, and submit complete and compliant proposals on time. Please use the information below as a reference throughout the application and approval process.
To support a smooth and timely submission, completed GOMESA applications from PIs at USM must proceed through internal approval routing, a final ORA-PAM review, and Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) approval prior to the sponsor's submission deadline.
PIs are encouraged to begin working on their applications as early as possible. Early preparation allows time to address questions, refine budgets, obtain required approvals, and complete internal routing without delay.
The complete application package — including the budget, budget justification, application materials, and a completed Cayuse record — is due to ORA-PAM no later than 5:00 p.m. on August 18, 2026. All proposal documents must be finalized and reviewed by the assigned Pre-Award Administrator by this deadline.
Once the budget, budget justification, and Application Worksheet have been reviewed, the Office of Research Support and Development will obtain the required signatures on the Application Worksheet. The proposal may not be submitted to the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDR) until the AOR has provided final approval and all proposal documents have successfully completed the required internal Cayuse routing process.
This internal deadline provides sufficient time to complete all required reviews and approvals before the submission deadline of 5:00 p.m. on August 31, 2026 for FY2027 funding consideration.
Once the application has completed USM’s internal routing and received all required approvals:
- The PI must copy and paste the information from the approved application worksheet into the official GOMESA webform.
- After submitting the webform, the PI will receive an email confirmation.
- The PI must forward the confirmation email to their assigned ORA‑PAM Coordinator/Administrator as verification of submission.
The following resources provide agency guidance and USM support materials for preparing GOMESA applications:
If you have questions or need assistance, feel free to contact our team members directly. Not sure who your assigned contact is? Click here to view the area assignments chart.