((a)) ** Designation**

((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 , 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 ;

((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)) ** Additional designations**

((1)) ** Notification to Congress of designations**

((A)) ** In general** Not less than 30 days before designating an institution, or an association or alliance of two or more such institutions, as a sea grant college or sea grant institute under subsection (a), the Secretary shall notify Congress in writing of the proposed designation. The notification shall include an evaluation and justification for the designation.

((B)) ** Effect of joint resolution of disapproval** The Secretary may not designate an institution, or an association or alliance of two or more such institutions, as a sea grant college or sea grant institute under subsection (a) if, before the end of the 30-day period described in subparagraph (A), a joint resolution disapproving the designation is enacted.

((2)) ** Existing designees** 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 , shall not have to reapply for designation as a sea grant college or sea grant institute, respectively, after , if the Director determines that the institution, or association or alliance of institutions, meets the qualifications in subsection (a).March 6, 19981998-03-06March 6, 19981998-03-06

((c)) ** Suspension or termination of designation** The Secretary may, for cause and after an opportunity for hearing, suspend or terminate any designation under subsection (a).

((d)) ** Duties** 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 ; and

((2)) to conduct a merit review of all proposals for grants and contracts to be awarded under .