Background Information:
Offshore oil and gas leases on federally controlled waters are administered by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. The number and location of leases sold are dictated by a five year plan that is approved by the Secretary of the Interior. The current 5 year plan runs until 2017.
Helpful Links:
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management leasing rules:
http://www.boem.gov/Oil-and-Gas-Energy-Program/Leasing/Leasing.aspx