Gulf of Mexico Alliance

Because the gulf of mexico was severely impacted by the 2010 deepwater horizon oil spill, goma was asked to provide independent administrative services in connection with a ten (10) year research program to be funded by bp exploration & production, inc. (bp). The program, known as the gulf of mexico research initiative (gri or gomri), will study the impacts of the 2010 deepwater horizon oil spill on the gulf of mexico ecosystem. The controlling document of the gomri is a master research agreement which identifies the independent administrative services required of goma in connection with research grants. The administrative services are the same types of services goma provides in connection with other research activities and public funds. Bp will reimburse goma expenses estimated to be about $8 million per year for administrative services and $18 million for pass-through research grants. While the bp reimbursement is substantial, it does not impact independence and thus does not affect our classification as a public charity.

The goma program accomplishes the mission of the entity through subgranting funds, educating through meetings and seminars, and other means to facilitate regional education and overall well being of the gulf of mexico.