An omnibus is defined by Webster as “of, relating to, or providing for many things at once.” Each state Sea Grant program submits an omnibus proposal every four years that forms the legal basis for the award of federal grant funds from NOAA/Department of Commerce to the Sea Grant programs. The omnibus is one of the most important documents, as it is the “document of record” for the general public. It is primarily a framework for operating and reflects how each program will address the goals of the NOAA strategic plan, the National Sea Grant strategic focus areas. The omnibus also includes a 2-year implementation plan, with more specific information about goals, objectives, timelines and anticipated outcomes. The contents of the omnibus include:

• Budget and budget justification forms
• Proposal, with a summary of accomplishments, as well as the program organization, staffing and management, management objectives and plans
• Separate proposals, summaries and budgets for each program area, including program development, extension, communications, education, and research. The research proposal must also contain a summary of new and continuing research projects.

How are we involved in the omnibus?
Communications leaders are typically involved in several aspects of the preparation of the omnibus, such as strategic planning for the entire program, assisting with the development of the entire proposal, including the structure of the document, as well as developing the communications program proposal and budget.

For more information about the omnibus, see:

• National Sea Grant website, sections:
  1. Omnibus Information
  2. Proposal Guidelines for Sea Grant Extension and Communications Proposals.
• Also see: Proposal Evaluation Guidelines
  The guidelines are a draft of web-based tool for peer reviewers to use in assessing the quality of communication proposals. It centers on key elements that ought to be addressed in any communication proposal. Developed by Kurt Byers (Alaska Sea Grant).