Questions and Answers related to the RFP Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging

Updated November 6, 2008

Are city departments, such as an office or department on aging eligible to apply?
Yes, city departments or offices are eligible to apply. "Eligible entities include States, or state agencies, the District of Columbia, territories, American Indian Tribes (federally recognized), and possessions of the U.S. It is also available to public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, other public or private nonprofit institutions, and 501(c)(3) organizations. Nonprofit organizations described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying activities as defined in Section 3 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 are not eligible to apply. For profit organizations are generally not eligible for funding."
"Only one application will be accepted per applicant, however, an applicant may submit an application which addresses both areas of emphasis of the RFP: 1) the training older adults to be environmental leaders and 2) the demonstration projects for greenways and sustainable streets. " In this instance, does the term "applicant" refer to the individual Principal Investigator (PI) or to the institution as a whole? Is the University limited to one application or may a University submit more than one application as long as there are different Principal Investigators (in which case the individual PI could submit only one application)?
A university, or any other eligible entity, may submit no more than one application for the training grant and one application for the demonstration projects for greenways and sustainable streets grant." Only one application will be accepted per applicant per area. An applicant, in this case a University, may submit an application for training and one for demonstration projects for greenways and sustainable streets."
Are local governments considered eligible applicants for the "Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging: Training and Demonstration Projects Grant (EPA-AO-OCHP-08-01)?"
Yes, local governments are eligible to apply.
Is there a minimum and maximum amount for requesting an award?
In the overview section of the RFP it states "EPA anticipates awarding up to two grants for a total of approximately $200,000: one grant for $100,000 to train older adults to be environmental leaders on local planning decisions and another grant for $100,000 to demonstrate greenways, sustainable streets or other smart growth activities that can improve the environment and quality of life for persons of all ages. EPA reserves the right to award two grants in either of the two focus areas."
What address should hard copy applications be submitted to?
Kathy Sykes
US EPA OCHPEE
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Room 2512 Ariel Rios North
Washington, DC 20460
Is this program very competitive? How many applications do you expect to receive?
Request for funds under this grant announcement is an open competition. At this time, we do not have an estimate of how many applicants we expect to receive under this RFP. The RFP includes an optional notification to the Agency asking applicants to submit a notice of intent to apply by October 24th, 2008.
Is our small rural town eligible to apply for the Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging: Training and Demonstration Projects, particularly the implementation of the demonstration grant on greenways & sustainable streets.
Any community or town of any size is eligible to apply for either the greenways and sustainable streets grant.
Is this a new funding opportunity, or is it the same as the "Building Health Communities for Active Aging: Recognition Program"?
This is a new funding opportunity. The RFP is related to the overall goals of our awards program Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging because it is a priority for the Aging Initiative.
Who is the target audience for the older adult environmental stewards to train? In different parts of the RFP "young adults," "children" and "everyone" are all mentioned.
The training grant is related to training older adults to be environmental stewards regarding land use in their communities. Local land use decisions affect persons of all ages.
What do you mean by "older adults"? Is this 65+? 55+?
Unlike other federal agencies that address entitlements such as social security or Medicare or age discrimination, our Initiative recognizes the great variability in our older population. It is well understood in the field of gerontology that chronological age is not the same as biological age. There is tremendous variability in how successfully one ages and how resilient or frail people become as they age. For example, life expectancy is shorter in communities of color because diseases of older age occur in persons of younger ages compared to whites. It is for these reasons we have not selected an age to be defined as an older adult. Finally, many people who retire are under 65 years of age and could become civically engaged in their community.
Is focus of grant to change future policy or create public awareness?
As stated in the RFP, "Proposals must include a strategy for accomplishing one of the following two goals: (1) Training older adults, to be environmental leaders on local planning decisions that affect their community’s built environment; (2) Demonstrating how greenways and sustainable streets can improve the quality of life for persons of all ages while improving environmental quality."

The demonstration of greenways and sustainable streets grant is intended for the applicants to exhibit a new technology process or practice or a significantly new combination or use of technologies, processes or practices, subsequent to the development stage, for the purpose of proving technological feasibility and cost effectiveness. Demonstration pilots generally must involve new or experimental technologies, methods, or approaches, where the results of the project will be disseminated so that others can benefit from the knowledge gained in the demonstration project.

The demonstration grant can encompass the first instance of the application of a pollution control technique, or an innovative application of a previously used method. Similarly, the application of established practices may qualify that are part of a broader project.
Does the EPA have a limit on overhead?
No, EPA does not have a limit on overhead.
It appears that there are no matching funds required. Can you please define matching cash and in-kind funding?
See 3.2. COST-SHARING OR MATCHING
"There are no match or cost-sharing requirements. However, the effectiveness with which the project budget uses EPA funds and leverages matching funds will be considered when proposals are evaluated (see Section V of this announcement). Matching funds can include cash or in-kind contributions from the applicant or from project partners. Any dollars counted towards a formal match must be for allowable costs. Allowable costs for nonprofit organizations are defined in OMB circular A-122; allowable costs for public entities are defined in OMB circular A-87. Applicants proposing to use matching funds must document when the funds will be available and what source they are from (see Section 4.2(f), "confirmation of partner participation and/or match"). If matching funds are not documented in the proposal, they will not be considered in evaluating the proposal."

Definition of Matching Funds or In-kind contribution

Cost Share
Cost Share is defined as the portion of allowable project costs that a recipient contributes toward completing its project - costs not borne by the Federal Government (40 CFR Part 30.2 (i)). In-kind services can also be added to an assistance award by the recipient. Some examples of a recipient's in-kind contribution to an award are: volunteer hours, personnel hours, equipment, supplies and so on. Recipients' may choose to meet their cost share or match requirements through in-kind contributions.
Can you please clarify for us whether a County Government is eligible to plan, prepare and submit a grant proposal in response to this RFP

Yes, County government agencies are eligible to apply for this RFP.
Would matching funds greatly improve our chances of receiving the grant?
Under the evaluation criteria under Section 5.1, see item 4, a recipient can receive up to 15 points to address collaboration/partnerships and leveraged resources.

4. Collaboration/Partnerships and Leveraged Resources: The degree to which the project proposes to work in partnership with a diverse set of stakeholders, including the aging community and leverage significant resources to implement the proposal. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with other entities. Applicants will be evaluated based on the extent they demonstrate (i) how they will coordinate the use of EPA funding with other Federal, State or local and/or non governmental sources of funds to leverage additional resources to carry out the proposed project(s) and/or (ii) that EPA funding will compliment activities relevant to the proposed project(s) carried out by the applicant with other sources of funds or resources. Applicants may use their own funds or other resources for a voluntary match or cost share if the standards at 40 CFR 30.23 or 40 CFR 31.24, as applicable, are met. Only eligible and allowable costs may be used for matches or cost shares. Other Federal grants may not be used as matches or cost shares without specific statutory authority (e.g. HUD's Community Development Block Grants (15 points).
Is there already a recipient that the EPA has in mind or does this solicitation offer good chances to all who apply?
EPA does not have a recipient in mind for the grants. This is a fully open competition and all applicants will be reviewed for the merits of their proposal. Threshold criteria must be met and the proposals will each be reviewed in a fair manner in accordance with the points laid out in the RFP.
Can county or local governments apply for this grant opportunity?
Yes, county and local governments may apply for this grant opportunity.
Is a 501(c) 6 non-profit organization eligible to apply under this RFP?
Yes. All non-profit organizations are eligible to apply under this RFP.

Non-profit organizations described in section 501 (c) (4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying activities as defined in the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 are not eligible to apply. For-profit organizations are not eligible to apply. Applications from ineligible applicants will not be considered.
Are construction costs that would be applied to building a park be allowable under this notice?
Building a park is outside of the statutory authority for these grants. Generally, a project must address the causes, effects, extent, prevention, reduction, and elimination of air pollution, water pollution, solid/hazardous waste pollution, toxic substances control, or pesticide control. These activities should relate to the gathering or transferring of information or advancing the state of knowledge. Proposals should emphasize this “learning” concept, as opposed to “fixing” an environmental problem via a well-established method. Proposals relating to other topics which are sometimes included within the term “environment” such as recreation, conservation, restoration, protection of wildlife habitats, etc., must describe the relationship of these topics to the statutorily required purpose of pollution prevention and/or control.
How and to whom do applicants submit the informal notice of “intent
to apply”?
You may send
1. an email
  to sykes.kathy@epa.gov
2. 2) a letter to
  Kathy Sykes
  US EPA OCHPEE
  1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
  Room 2512 Ariel Rios North
  Washington, D.C. 20460
What information should I include in the “intent to apply”?
The information that we would like to see in the intent to apply is the following:

Contact Name:
Organization:
Mailing Address:

Email Address:
Phone Number:

Check all that Apply
1. Training Grant___
2. Greenways and Sustainable Streets Demonstration Grant___
Can you clarify the applicability of the Threshold criterion 6.A? Does it apply to both goals/areas of emphasis (i.e., 1) training older adults to be environmental stewards and 2) demonstration projects for greenways and sustainable streets)?
"Specific Threshold 6. A Criteria for Training Grant Focus and Expertise

The proposed activities and products must demonstrate expertise in aging and working collaboratively with public health officials to find common ground to create a healthy built environment for community residents of all ages."

There are 6 criteria for each grant emphasis. The first 5 criteria are the same for both the training grant and for the greenways and sustainable streets demonstration grant. The 6th criterion differs for the type of grant for which one intends to apply. If you are applying for the training grant, then 6.A. applies. If you are applying for the greenways and sustainable streets demonstration grant, then 6.B applies.

"Threshold Criterion 6.B: Smart Growth Focus and Expertise

The proposed activities and products must result in or encourage smart growth. The proposed activities and products also must support EPA’s strategic objective to sustain, clean up, and restore communities and the ecological systems that support them. The applicant must demonstrate clear understanding of the smart growth issues addressed by the project and must evidence a firm commitment to the principles of smart growth."
A non-profit organization I am affiliated with is not currently an official 501(c) 3 non-profit however we are in the process of filing the paperwork. Are we still eligible to apply?
Applicants must be eligible as a non profit at the time of the award.

3.1. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS and NON ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
Nonprofit organizations described in section 501 (c) (4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying activities as defined in the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 are not eligible to apply. For-profit organizations are not eligible to apply. Applications from ineligible applicants will not be considered.
Are indirect costs included in the $100,000 cap?
Yes, indirect costs are included in the $100,000 cap.
Are for-profits eligible to participate as a sub-award or sub-contractor under this RFP?
Yes, for profits may serve as contractors to the grantee, but the contract must be competed. Sub-awards (sub-grants) may go to for profits in very narrow circumstances such as for subsidies to purchase pollution control equipment with EPA approval. However, grantees may not use sub-awards to avoid competition acquire commercial services.
What is the expectation for evaluation? Will it require scientific evaluation? I.e.: Do organizations generally need to hire an evaluator?
Please see 5.1: EVALUATION CRITERIA

1. Environmental Results—Outcomes and Outputs: Under this criterion, the Agency will evaluate the following factors: (i) the extent to which the project has clearly defined goals and objectives that will result in immediate as well as future environmental outcomes, (ii) the extent to which the applicant has provided an evaluative component to track and measure health and environmental benefits (quantified or qualified) as requested in Section I.D, Measuring Environmental Results. (15 points).
Do we need to demonstrate an intention to expand the program beyond our client base and/or our local community?

Please see Section 5.1 Evaluation Criteria

2. Scope of Project: Degree to which the project has benefits that cross communities, tribes, or encompass a region or state. Projects that have no immediate benefits outside a single community will receive fewer points than those that are regional or state-wide by design (10 points).
Does the EPA anticipate having future funds available to help sustain this project for those funded?
Funding for the Agency is determined by Congress. At this time we are unable to predict future funding opportunities.
In terms of the budget, is it best to follow the guidelines for allowable costs which are described on this web page: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/a122/a122.html#b ?
Yes. For each kind of recipient, there is a set of Federal principles for determining allowable costs. Allowability of costs shall be determined in accordance with the cost principles applicable to the entity incurring the costs. Thus, allowability of costs incurred by State, local or federally-recognized Indian tribal governments is determined in accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular A–87, "Cost Principles for State and Local Governments." The allowability of costs incurred by non-profit organizations is determined in accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular A–122, "Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations."
In the RFP Overview, it says: "Proposals must include their strategy for accomplishing one of the following two goals: Training older adults, to be environmental leaders on local planning decisions that affect their community’s built environment or…." Then, under Scope of Work, it says “Proposals must address one of two areas (1) Train older adults, retirees and semi-retirees to be environmental stewards in their community (emphasis added) AND EDUCATE YOUNG ADULTS AND/OR CHILDREN ABOUT THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND HOW LAND USE DECISIONS CAN IMPACT THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH… Should I conclude that the Scope of Work is to be followed since it goes beyond the Overview to include specific education of young adults/children?
The overview is a summary of the solicitation, while the scope of work is more detailed and suggests areas that can be considered under this RFP.
Proposal guidelines state that the project description should not exceed 10 pages. Are these 10 pages required to be double or single spaced? Is there a word limit for this section of the proposal?
While the RFP is silent on the word limit and the spacing of words within the document, we encourage the applicants to use size 12 font and single space is fine. Reviewers with aging eyes will be appreciative of proposals that are easy to read.
Would the EPA consider proposals that addressed transit issues in rural communities?

Yes, rural communities may apply under this RFP.
When reviewing applications, are developers considered favorably among the pool of non-profit organizations?

Any entity that is eligible under this RFP may apply. If the developer is not for profit, it may apply.

Section 3: ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

Eligible entities include States, or state agencies, the District of Columbia, territories, American Indian Tribes (federally recognized), and possessions of the U.S. It is also available to public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, other public or private nonprofit institutions, and 501(c)(3) organizations.

3.1. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS and NON ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
Nonprofit organizations described in section 501 (c) (4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying activities as defined in the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 are not eligible to apply. For-profit organizations are not eligible to apply. Applications from ineligible applicants will not be considered.
Are regional councils of governments eligible to apply for the RFP?
Yes, Councils of Governments are eligible to apply as are local government entities.
Will grants be awarded on a national level or just in particular states?
The grants will be awarded to eligible entities and based on the scope of the proposals the funds will be awarded accordingly. The scope of the proposals can range from local to national.
Will organizations be invited to submit a full proposal for the Older Adults/Greenways grants OR will everyone who submitted a letter be able to apply?
Everyone who is interested in applying for the grants may submit a proposal. Please see Section 4.2 for instructions on submitting an application.

Section 4.2: FORM AND CONTENT OF PROPOSAL PACKAGE

This section provides detailed instructions on everything that's required in a proposal package. Note that we are asking in the summary page that you tell us where they heard about the solicitation.

To be considered complete and eligible for review, all proposals must include (a) a cover letter; (b) a summary information page; (c) a project description; (d) a budget and budget narrative; (e) supplemental documentation of staff expertise, approach to awarding sub-awards and sub-grants, and programmatic capability; (f) confirmation of partner participation and/or match (if applicable), and (g) a description of related funding. Project descriptions should not exceed 10 pages (see below for additional details).
Did you have a strong response bases on letters of intent?
We did have a strong response to the request for letters of intent. Since this step was not a mandatory step, we continue to receive letters of intent. We do not know how many proposals will actually be submitted from those expressing an interest and we understand that we permit applications from those who did not submit a letter of intent.
In reference to the Building Healthy Communities RFP, for clarification, "10 page sides" is asking for 10 pages, one-sided?
"Ten page sides" refers to a total of ten one-sided pages or 5 pages that contain material on the front and back of the page.
Item 4.2(h) states that paper proposals must be submitted "(as defined above)" To what does that refer?
If you are sending a proposal by courier, not by grants.gov, you need to submit one original package and 5 copies. Section 4.2 includes all the instructions addressing the form and content of a proposal and the "as defined above" relates to what the contents and formatting for the proposal.

Section 4.2: FORM AND CONTENT OF PROPOSAL PACKAGE
This section provides detailed instructions on everything that's required in a proposal package. Note that we are asking in the summary page that you tell us where they heard about the solicitation.
The same paragraph states that submissions sent by direct mail will not be accepted. Could you clarify that point as well?
Direct mail refers to mail sent through the U.S. postal service. Direct mail takes multiple weeks to arrive to our office and that is why we are not accepting application packages that may not arrive to us until December. We will accept applications by courier service such as federal express, UPS, etc, or electronically through grants.gov .

4.2(h). Additional information regarding how applications should be submitted and what will happen following selection

If applicants are submitting paper proposals, you must submit one original and five copies of their proposal (as defined above). If applicants are submitting electronically through www.grants.gov, please follow the directions in Section 4.3 below. Submissions sent by fax and direct mail will not be accepted.
We are interested in submitting a proposal for the above mentioned RFP. We will need to have a partner with expertise in land use planning. We understand that if we sub contract with another organization that we must use a competitive selection process and describe this process in the proposal. Normally, we would conduct a competitive process after being awarded the funds. Is it permissible to describe how we would select a partner using a competitive selection process, but hold off on doing it until we are actually awarded the funds?
You do not have to hold a competition before the grant is awarded. In the proposal a brief statement that you plan to competitively select the partner with expertise in land use planning is all that is needed.

Aging Initiative Home | Customer Satisfaction Survey

Questions and Answers related to the RFP Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging

Local Navigation