Notice of Indirect Cost Rates
Published Date: 2/9/2026
Notice
Summary
NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries just set new indirect cost rates for their natural resource damage work from 2019. These rates help cover shared expenses like admin support when fixing damage caused by pollution or accidents. Starting February 9, 2026, these updated rates will guide how NOAA recovers costs, making sure responsible parties pay their fair share.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
FY2019 Indirect Rates Established
NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries set FY2019 indirect cost rates to recover administrative support costs: Florida Keys 14.01%, Greater Farallones 4.28%, and all other sanctuaries 0.39%. NOAA will apply these rates to natural resource damage and restoration case costs incurred from October 1, 2019 until present using the Direct Labor Cost base allocation method.
Retroactive Application to 2019 Onward
NOAA will apply the FY2019 indirect cost rates to all damage assessment and restoration costs incurred from October 1, 2019 until present. For cases within that period, indirect costs will be allocated using the Direct Labor Cost base and charged using the FY2019 rates.
Settled/Paid Cases Not Reopened
NOAA will not re-open any resolved matters to apply the FY2019 rates for cases that settled or had cost claims paid prior to the effective date of the fiscal year in question. If a case was already settled and paid before the applicable FY effective date, NOAA will not adjust those resolved payments.
Agreed Payments Held at Prior Rates
If a responsible party agreed to pay costs using a previous year's indirect rates but has not yet made the payment because settlement documents are not finalized, NOAA will not recalculate those costs using the FY2019 rates. Your agreed payment amount remains as negotiated until the settlement is finalized.
FY2019 Rates Used Until Replaced
NOAA will use the FY2019 indirect cost rates for future fiscal years until year-specific rates are developed. That means future damage assessment and restoration recoveries will use the FY2019 percentages unless NOAA issues new rates.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-05599 — Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings
NOAA got two applications from companies wanting to explore mining deep under the ocean floor. They’re holding virtual public meetings in April and want your thoughts by May 22, 2026. This affects anyone interested in ocean mining and how we protect our seas while exploring new resources.
2026-04256 — Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Spatial Fisheries Management; Amendment 15 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan
Starting April 3, 2026, new rules change shark fishing zones and times in the Atlantic to better protect sharks and manage fishing risks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear will see updated area boundaries and must pay for electronic monitoring if fishing in certain safer zones. These changes help keep shark populations healthy while supporting responsible fishing.
2026-13867 — Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; 2026 Chub Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Specifications
Starting August 10, 2026, new fishing rules set how much chub mackerel, squid, and butterfish can be caught to keep fish populations healthy. These changes affect fishermen and businesses in the Northeast, aiming to prevent overfishing while supporting a $45 million fishery industry. The rules also look ahead to 2027 and 2028, making sure fishing stays sustainable for years to come.
2026-13808 — Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of America, and South Atlantic; Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan; Amendment 4
The new rule changes how rainbow runner fish are managed in Puerto Rico’s waters by moving them from reef fish to pelagic fish status. This means new catch limits and rules will apply to keep fishing fair and sustainable. Fishermen and seafood businesses should get ready to follow these updates starting after the comment period ends on August 7, 2026.
2026-13809 — Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Omnibus Management Flexibility Amendment to New England Fishery Management Council Fishery Management Plans
The New England Fishery Management Council wants to make fishing rules more flexible and easier to adjust during the season. This change affects fishermen and managers working with 27 fish species along the Northeast coast. Comments are open until August 7, 2026, so get ready to weigh in on how these updates could help keep fishing smart and steady without extra costs.
2026-13666 — International Fisheries; Pacific Tuna Fisheries; Conservation and Management Measures for Tropical Tunas in the Eastern Pacific Ocean for 2026 and Beyond
Starting July 7, 2026, new rules will help protect tropical tunas like bigeye, yellowfin, and skipjack in the eastern Pacific Ocean. These changes affect fishing boats and aim to keep tuna populations healthy while also protecting sea turtles. The U.S. is stepping up to meet international agreements, balancing fishing with conservation without big cost surprises.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-02513 — Agency Information Collection Activities Under OMB Review
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission is asking for public feedback on a new paperwork plan that affects traders and companies. They want to make sure the info they collect is worth the time and money it takes. You’ve got until March 11, 2026, to share your thoughts and help shape the rules!
Next: 2026-02515 — Committee and Quarterly Board Meetings
The National Assessment Governing Board is holding several committee and quarterly meetings in early 2026, both virtually and in Houston, TX. Anyone interested can join by registering online five days before each meeting. These meetings affect educators, policymakers, and the public by shaping how student assessments are developed and shared, with no new costs involved.