The NSF Arctic Research Opportunities Solicitation released in September 2005 included a section requesting proposals addressing the goals of the Bering Ecosystem Study. Five grants were awarded.

On 7-8 September 2006, investigators who received these BEST awards, representatives of the science steering committee, NSF program managers, and NOAA representatives with Bering Sea responsibilities met in Arlington, Virginia. Participants discussed current and future BEST program plans, each individual research project, cruise planning, and NOAA's Bering Sea activities and plans.