The National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP) is an innovative collaboration of 15 federal agencies that funds research partnerships among academia, government, industry, and non-governmental organizations. Established by Congress in 1996, NOPP coordinates and strengthens oceanographic efforts in the areas of data, resources, education and communication.  Ocean Leadership serves as the NOPP Program Office.  NOPP's Goals include:

1. Achieve and sustain an Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS)
2. Promote lifelong ocean education
3. Modernize ocean infrastructure and enhance technology development
4. Foster interagency partnerships to increase and apply scientific knowledge