Funding Opportunities

1E. Social Science.

1F. Environmental Engineering.

Funding:

2. Ecosystem Indicators

EPA shares with other Federal agencies the responsibility to assess, prevent, and reverse adverse impacts of human activities on ecosystems. Monitoring all components of an ecosystem (soil, water, air, plants, animals, microorganisms) and their functional interactions is impractical, but certain measurable environmental variables, indicators, can be used as surrogates or markers of the more complete and complex structural and functional attributes that are the cause and consequence of ecosystem integrity and sustainability. An ecological indicator is a characteristic that is related to, or derived from, a measure of a biotic or abiotic variable that can provide quantitative information on ecological structure (component networks) and function (interactions). An indicator should thus contribute to the measurement of ecological integrity and sustainability.

Previous research efforts have largely concentrated on indicators within a single resource type (i.e., wetlands, estuaries, rivers, lakes, streams, or forests), at a single spatial scale and using a single sampling design. While proposed research on single-system, single-scale indicators will be considered in response to this solicitation, research that results in the development or application of ecological indicators that integrate between or among resource types, spatial scales, and/or sampling designs will be given highest priority. A description of a multi-tier framework of sampling designs for monitoring is provided below.

Monitoring Framework

Ultimately, measurements at all three levels must be performed in a coordinated fashion, allowing an improved understanding of ecosystems and an improved ability to manage those systems for integrity and sustainability.

Objectives

(1) The highest priority objective is to stimulate the development, evaluation, and integration of indicators, suites of indicators, indices, and models to improve local, regional, national, and global monitoring and assessment of ecological integrity and sustainability. EPA recognizes the need to develop system-level indicators that cross resource types, span spatial scales, and integrate sampling designs. Cross-resource indicators may be represented by single measurements that reflect and/or integrate conditions in more than one type of ecosystem (e.g., amphibian populations dependent on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems) or different measurements made jointly on more than one ecosystem, and then linked together by an algorithm or model (e.g., simultaneously measuring linked aquatic and terrestrial components of a watershed). Integration across spatial scales may include indicators that combine patch size, vegetation structure, and foliar condition into an index of forest sustainability. Integration among sampling tiers may include techniques that synthesize existing data from different tiers or that combine indicators from different sampling designs to better determine ecosystem condition.

(2) The second priority objective is to develop indicators of functional processes that contribute to ecological integrity and sustainability. In particular, research is needed on indicators that reflect critical functional associations among indicators from different resource types (e.g., the relationship between indicators of forest canopy and stream biotic integrity).

(3) The third priority objective is to develop indicators that identify effects of particular stressors of ecological integrity and sustainability. Research is requested that examines the potential of indicators to improve our ability to interpret changes in ecological integrity as a function of stressor type and exposure characteristics. Studies are desired that relate indicators of population or community structure/function to exposure to either chemical, physical, or biological stressors, consistent with clearly stated mechanistic cause-effect hypotheses. Examples include developing indicators of amphibian and reptile reproduction or estuarine plankton composition that would distinguish between the effects of pesticide exposure and of UV-B radiation.

Scope of Research

Instrument

Funding:

3. Issues in Human Health Risk Assessment

Several recent pieces of legislation have mandated the consideration of cumulative risk and variability factors and press for stakeholder involvement in the risk characterization process. Specifically, the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA) directs EPA in its assessments of pesticide safety to focus in part on the cumulative effects of pesticides and other substances that have a common mechanism of toxicity and the aggregate of dietary and non-occupational consumer exposure. These reports and laws point to an emerging body of evidence that suggests person-to-person differences in metabolism, genetic pre-disposition, physical environment, and age (infants, children, and elderly) may place certain groups of individuals at an increased risk from environmental stressors. This can result in decreased quality of life and increased illness and mortality.

The traditional standard default approaches used in risk assessment may underestimate the impact of environmental agents on particular groups of individuals. These approaches do not adequately account for complex exposure patterns involving multiple acute exposures and/or exposures to mixtures of toxic chemicals or for the variability in human biological responses to toxic chemicals. Expanded investigation in these areas will benefit risk assessment by providing the tools to identify and characterize high risk groups and by providing fundamental data to develop predictive approaches and more reliable assessment methods.

FQPA also directs the Federal Government to begin providing consumer right-to-know information related to understanding the risks and benefits of aggregate and cumulative exposure.

Human health risk assessment research is needed in the three areas described below.

3A. Human Health Effects of Complex Exposure Patterns

EPA is interested in sponsoring basic research to develop novel approaches for assessing cumulative human health risk and to develop methods to account for the multiple elements of environmental risk that affect human health: (1) who, what, and/or where is/are being affected? (2) what are the stressors? (3) what are the sources? (4) what are the pathways and routes of exposure? (5) what are the relevant timeframes? and (6) what are the assessment endpoints? Approaches might include measurement-based, multipathway human exposure assessment, toxicological studies, mechanistic research, pharmacokinetic and/or dose-response modeling.

Specifically, this research should include:

(1) studies to quantify the cumulative exposures resulting from these complex multipathway exposure patterns, including studies utilizing environmental, biological, and/or behavioral data, and
(2)toxicological and other studies that investigate the neurological, developmental, reproductive, and other non-cancer human health effects of these exposures, with the aim of developing dose-response relationships.

3B. Variability in Human Responses to Environmental Agents

(1)The causes and extent of interindividual variability in susceptibility to neurological, developmental, reproductive, and other non-cancer health effects resulting from exposure to toxic chemcials in the environment;
(2)Possible relationships between susceptibility and such covariates as age, race, ethnicity, and sex; and
(3)Approaches for improving the default assumption that individual humans on average have the same susceptibility as populations of humans in epidemiological studies.

3C. Consumer Right-to-Know

Risk communication research is needed: (1) to identify optimal communication strategies and tools with which to disseminate information and educate consumers, and (2) determine what kinds of information consumers will find most useful. Research is needed to explore whether any adjunct or complementary communication strategies (e.g., public information, health information campaign) would contribute to assuring that the public receives accurate, pertinent, and useful information. Factors that could be explored include, but need not be limited to: (1) strategies for increasing comprehensibility and retention of information, (2) strategies to motivate behavioral changes to reduce potential exposures, and (3) identifying factors key to ensuring understanding and cultural acceptability to minorities and potentially susceptible subpopulations.

Funding:

4. Endocrine Disruptors

In response to growing public health concerns related to chemicals in the environment which have the potential to act as endocrine disruptors, the Office of Research and Development of the EPA included Endocrine Disruptors as a high priority research issue in the ORD Strategic Plan and has developed an Endocrine Disruptors Research Plan. The plan identifies the need for three broad categories of research: biological-effects studies, exposure studies, and studies on the linkage of exposure and effects. Grant applications are sought in each category. The focus of the research may range from studies on wildlife populations and laboratory organisms, to humans, in both laboratory and field settings.

EPA has developed a three-year plan for the solicitation of research applications from the scientific community. In the forthcoming first year of the plan, research topics of interest include:

• Development and validation of in vivo and in vitro test methods to screen toxicants, singly or in mixtures, for endocrine-disrupting activity in vertebrate and invertebrate species. Methods may employ tissues, cell lines, isolated receptors, and enzymes in vitro, as well as bioassays and hormone measurements in vivo.
  
• Development of new measurement and analytical methods, including the development of field-portable devices for endocrine disruptors in various media, e.g., air, water, soil.
  
• Studies in animal models on the modes and mechanisms of action of endocrine disruptors on neuroendocrine, reproductive, immune, and central nervous systems at the molecular, cellular, or functional levels resulting from exposure during development, with emphasis on identification of sensitive subpopulations (age/sex). Studies may include physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PB-PK), physiologically-based toxicokinetic (PB-TK), and biologically-based dose-response (BBDR) models.
  
• Development of QSAR models of endocrine disruption mechanisms of action, including receptor binding, enzyme inhibition, etc., for vertebrate and invertebrate species.
  
• Development of animal models of endocrine disruptor-induced human diseases, including reductions in sperm counts and increased incidences of infertility, testicular cancer, hypospadias, endometriosis, breast cancer, thyroid cancer, and prostate cancer.
  
• Studies to define the "baseline" endocrine status in wildlife populations and their laboratory surrogates.
  
• Studies on the role of hormones in sexual differentiation and reproductive development of non-mammalian species and the effects of endocrine disruptors on this process.
  
• Identification and validation of measurement endpoints, in vivo and in vitro screening methods, and other bioassays indicative of the effects of endocrine disruptors at the level of populations and communities.
  
• Studies of sites/systems with problems that are known or strongly suspected to be related to endocrine disruptors.

Ankley, G.T., et al. (1996), Development of a research strategy for assessing the ecological risk of endocrine disruptors. Rev. Toxicol. Series B - Environmental Toxicology, in press.
Kavlock, R.J., et al. (1996), Research needs for the risk assessment of health and environmental effects of endocrine disruptors: a report of the USEPA sponsored workshop, Environmental Health Perspectives 104 (Supplement 4):715-740.

Funding:

5. Ambient Air Quality

In addition, the CAA requires control of toxic air pollutant emissions from point and area sources. The Act prescribes a phased approach to regulate both major point sources and area sources of air toxics. The control program for major sources is a technology-based control program that mandates the use of Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) for major sources emitting one or more of 189 listed hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). A strategy for controlling the 30 most hazardous toxic pollutants in urban areas is also mandated as is an assessment of residual risks in urban areas, which remain after control of these 30.

The EPA seeks applications for research aimed at generating new knowledge in these three major areas: fine particulate matter, tropospheric ozone, and air toxics.

5A. Tropospheric Ozone and Fine Particulate Matter

A similar cooperative multi-year research effort for fine particulate matter is also emerging. Much of the needed research for tropospheric ozone and fine particulate matter overlaps. Exploration of the most important unknowns in tropospheric ozone chemistry emphasizes atmospheric oxidation reactions which also play an important role in aerosol formation. Modeling the transport and fate of both ozone and particulates relies on similar meteorological processes and the same computational frameworks. Precursor nitrogen oxide emissions and ambient nitrate measurements are also important to both.

Research is needed in the following areas:

Atmospheric Chemistry

• Laboratory smog chamber studies of oxidant and aerosol production from irradiated hydrocarbon (HC)/NO_x/SO₂/NH₃ mixtures, including the production of organic nitrates from HC/NO_x mixtures.
  
• Theoretical and laboratory investigations of the chemical heterogeneous reactions involved in atmospheric ozone and fine particulate matter formation.
  
• Theoretical and laboratory investigations of the partitioning of semi-volatile compounds between the gas and aerosol phases.
  
• Laboratory studies of the fine particulates formed during reactions of OH radicals with higher molecular weight alkenes and biogenic and aromatic VOCs.
  
• Computational atmospheric chemistry investigations of hydrocarbons important in photochemical oxidant formation.
  

• Development and diagnostic evaluation of emissions-based modeling which focuses on interactions of urban and point source plumes with the surrounding regional atmosphere in the formation, transport, and fate of ozone and/or fine particulates, using coding approaches compatible with EPA’s Models-3 framework.
  
• Monitoring and observations-based approaches to investigate photochemical ozone and fine particulate problems and to develop and evaluate emissions control strategies,including methods for analysis and interpretation of data from the PAMS (Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Station) network.
  
• Developing models for fine particulate matter which relate ambient air quality models, and/or measurements at a central point, with personal exposures.
  
• Describing the interaction of boundary layer turbulence, vertical mixing, and cloud processes with atmospheric chemistry.
  

• Development and evaluation of a real-time instrument for determining the size-dependent chemical composition of atmospheric particulate matter, including its fine and coarse, biochemical, biogenic, volatile, insoluble, and aqueous fractions.
  
• Developing new, more sensitive techniques for ambient measurement on short time scales of chemically-significant, stable and unstable trace gases and substances participating in the photochemistry of ozone and/or the formation of fine particulate aerosols.
  
• Developing instrument methods and innovative data analysis techniques useful in meeting the PAMS objectives for cost-effectiveness and accurate monitoring.
  

• Developing algorithms for emissions inventories consistent with ambient observations, and source apportionment techniques for important ozone precursors and/or fine particle contributors.
  
• Developing methods and procedures for estimating condensible organic compound, fugative dust, and ammonia emissions.
  
• Developing improved VOC monitoring techniques and receptor modeling techniques as a check on VOC inventories.
  
• Developing new methods to improve transportation models used to estimate mobile source spatial and temporal activity patterns.
  
• Developing measurement techniques for sampling fine particle emissions from diesel engines with minimal deposition in sampling probe.
  
• Developing new analytical techniques to measure nonpolar, oxygenated biogenic volatile organic compound emissions from trees and other vegetation.
  

Funding:

5B. Special Opportunity in Tropospheric Ozone

Potential applicants for this special opportunity ONLY should submit a pre-proposal following the instructions in section K of the application instructions. NCER will follow a two step process for this competition only in which pre-proposals are peer reviewed and the most meritorious applicants are invited to submit full proposals for final peer and programmatic review.

5C. Urban Air Toxics

A discussion of research needs for this area of interest is included in the EPA report "Urban Area Source Research Program: A Status Report on Preliminary Research" (EPA 600-R-95/027). Some of the critical research questions are highlighted below:

• What direct observational evidence (i.e., epidemiologic data) is there to link health effects with ambient levels of exposure to HAPs? Such research should focus on HAPs for whichlittle information now exists and should use a multi-disciplinary approach to address both exposure and the resultant human health effects. Opportunities to leverage observational data from community-based studies already in place should be exploited.
  
• What is the impact of mixtures of urban air pollutants on public health? Urban air pollution is a "soup" of chemicals; the chemicals come from many sources, are modified by atmospheric transformation, and may exhibit a variety of health effects. The risks posed by individual and mixtures of such toxic pollutants need to be characterized.
  
• Are there subpopulations that may be at increased risk from HAPs, due to higher exposures, or exposure to complex mixtures of pollutants? What is the distribution of human exposures to the various HAPs, both for susceptible subpopulations and the general public? By what route, and how effectively, do the HAPs reach humans?
  
• What are the most significant sources of toxic pollutants of concern in urban areas? How can the most critical sources be identified and their contribution to exposures and risk be quantified?
  
• How can monitoring and modeling (including emissions modeling, dispersion modeling, source apportionment modeling, and human exposure modeling) best be linked to estimate exposure and risk? How can the distribution of human exposures best be estimated for populations living and working near to identified point sources?
  

Funding:

6. Health Effects and Exposures to Particulate Matter and Associated Air

Pollutants

The lack of understanding about biological mechanisms that could explain (a) the observed effects; (b) the reported independence of effects from particle composition; and © the lack of an obvious threshold for effects (i.e., the effects observed at very low exposures) underscores the critical need for research on mechanisms of PM toxicity. In addition the lack of research as to whether, and to what extent, the effects attributed to PM exposures are modified by other commonly occurring pollutants such as SO₂ and ozone, leads to uncertainties in interpretation of epidemiological studies.

In addition, there are important scientific uncertainties regarding PM exposures. Uncertainties regarding exposure assessment (e.g., particle concentration, size, chemical speciation, spatial and temporal variability, and copollutants) for important subpopulations (e.g., children, the elderly, individuals with pre-existing disease) are critically important since they affect interpretation of the epidemiological studies on which PM risk estimates are based. Understanding regional and temporal variability in particle characteristics (e.g., Western versus Eastern U.S.) and toxicity (e.g., coarse natural fugitive dust particles versus fine combustion-derived particles) may also lead to more effective risk management.

Research is needed in the following areas:

• Investigation of causal mechanisms of PM toxicity. New clinical, epidemiological, toxicological, and in vitro research is needed for pulmonary, cardiovascular, and immunological effects (or other effects) in normal and sensitive subpopulations to better understand causal mechanisms by which PM, alone and/or in combination with other air pollutants, may cause health effects at levels below the current standard.
  
• Studies using intermediate biological endpoints (i.e., which might relate to morbidity) hypothesized to be important to a causal mechanism(s) are needed to simultaneously test mechanism hypotheses and be indicative of dose-response relationships for PM toxicity. Research is needed on coarse, fine, and ultrafine particles.
  
• Research to reduce uncertainties in exposure assessment for PM and associated copollutants. Research is needed to improve the characterization of individual and population exposures to PM (concentration, size, composition, fine mode versus coarse mode, etc.) and copollutants, including relationships between personal exposure to ambient PM, indoor PM, and total PM, and to allow new epidemiological studies to better define relationships between exposure to PM and other atmospheric constituents and adverse health effects.
  
• Research is needed on the composition of little understood components of PM such as organic compounds (non-volatile and semi-volatile), primary biological materials, and species dissolved in liquid particles. Characterization of the spatial, temporal, and indoor/outdoor patterns of species such as NH₄NO₃ and parameters such as particle number is included. New or improved instruments or techniques may be required for these studies also.
  

Funding:

7. Drinking Water

This section of the solicitation invites research grant applications in two areas of special interest to its mission: Microbial Pathogens in Drinking Water Systems and Drinking Water Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs).

7A. Microbial Pathogens in Drinking Water Systems

• In many cases, the causative agents for waterborne disease outbreaks have not been identified. Emerging pathogens, such as Cyclospora and Helicobacter pylori, could play a role in many of these outbreaks. Efficient methods for measuring the incidence and viability of pathogens in water are needed to assist in identifying the causative agents in future outbreaks. For example, research is needed to develop and field test a practical method for determining the viability and occurrence of Cyclospora in drinking water. Research is needed to determine Helicobacter occurrence patterns in raw water via the development and field testing of a suitable recovery and culture assay method. Innovative proposals for methods development for other emerging pathogens are also encouraged. These methods should be useful for dose-response and exposure estimates for risk assessment.
  
• Research is needed to develop an understanding of the risks associated with exposure to primary waterborne pathogens (e.g., Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and enteric viruses) andto emerging pathogens (e.g., Cyclospora, Mycobacteria, Helicobacter pylori, microsporidia, caliciviruses, adenovirus 40/41, and coxsackievirus B) as a function of such susceptibility factors as age (e.g., children), nutrition, protective immunity, and behavioral patterns.
  
• The safety of drinking water is compromised by pathogenic microorganisms resistant to standard disinfection methods. Research is required on the efficacy of ultraviolet radiation (pulsed and continuous) as a disinfectant in drinking water from various groundwater and surface water sources, including those that may pose limitations. In addition, research is needed on the optimal ultraviolet light wavelengths for inactivating specific species. Also needed is a better understanding of why pulsed UV light has a more destructive impact on cyst viability than continuous UV light.
  

7B. Drinking Water Disinfection Byproducts

It is recognized that there are many other problems in assuring a safe drinking water supply to the public which this solicitation cannot address. EPA anticipates additional solicitations in the future which will focus on some of these.

Funding:

8. Contaminated Sediments

The question for researchers is, "What are the extent, severity, and human health and ecological consequences of contaminated sediments?" In its study on relative risk, EPA's Science Advisory Board cited the problem of input of toxics to surface waters, to which contaminated sediments would contribute, as a moderate source of risk. EPA's Contaminated Sediment Management Strategy (EPA 823-R-94-001, August 1994) highlights ecological impacts and human health concerns expressed through the 1200 fish consumption advisories that were issued in the last year by various state agencies, in which potential consumers are warned of unsafe levels of toxic chemicals in fish and shellfish.

A major issue is the reliability of the risk characterization of contaminated sediments which supports proposed management action decisions. If assessment endpoints have not been demonstrated to reflect ecosystem conditions, expenditures of large amounts of funds for remedial activities may not be justified. EPA seeks research applications for conducting field validations of sediment quality criteria, validations of test methods, and validation of models for determining and assessing ecological effects of contaminated sediments.

Field Validation of Sediment Quality Criteria

Measures of ecological effects which are needed include in situ sediment toxicity, disruption of benthic communities, and elevated body burdens in organisms. Chemical measurements in pore water may be a useful determination. For metals, seasonal variations may be important since acid volatile sulfide levels are known to vary seasonally. The concern is that sediments would exhibit toxicity during the period of low acid volatile sulfides. Also, flux to overlying water could violate water quality criteria. The comparison of ecological effects to calculated sediment quality criteria will require the collection of additional chemical and flux data to provide interpretive information.

Field Validation of Chronic Toxicity Tests

Funding:

Eligibility

Federal employees may cooperate or collaborate with eligible applicants within the limits imposed by applicable legislation and regulations. However, federal agencies, national laboratories funded by federal agencies (FFRDCs), and federal employees are not eligible to receive funding through this program and may not serve in a principal leadership role on a grant. An exception may occur when the principal investigator's institution subcontracts to a federal agency to purchase unique supplies or services unavailable in the private sector. Examples are purchase of satellite data, census data tapes, chemical reference standards, unique analyses not available elsewhere, etc. A written justification for such federal involvement must be included in the application, along with an assurance from the federal agency which commits it to supply the specified service.

Potential applicants who are uncertain of their eligibility should contact Dr. Robert E. Menzer in NCER, phone (202) 260-5779, EMail: menzer.robert@epamail.epa.gov

Standard Instructions for Submitting an Application

Sorting Codes

The Sorting Code must be placed at the top of the abstract (as shown in the abstract format), in Box 10 of Standard Form 424 (as described in the section on SF424), and should also be included in the address on the package that is sent to EPA (see the section on how to apply).

The Application

1. Standard Form 424: The applicant must complete Standard Form 424 (see attached form and instructions). This form will act as a cover sheet for the application and should be its first page. Instructions for completion of the SF424 are included with the form. The form must contain the original signature of an authorized representative of the applying institution. Please note that both the Principal Investigator and an administrative contactshould be identified in Section 5 of the SF424.

2. Key Contacts: The applicant must complete the Key Contacts Form (attached) as the second page of the submitted application.
3. Abstract: The abstract is a very important document. Prior to attending the peer review panel meetings, some of the panelists may read only the abstract. Therefore, it is critical that the abstract accurately describe the research being proposed and convey all the essential elements of the research. Also, in the event of an award, the abstracts will form the basis for an Annual Report of awards made under this program. The abstract should include the following information:
   1. Sorting Code: Use the correct code that corresponds to the appropriate RFA topic. (Be sure to substitute the appropriate code for the "X" in 97-NCERQA-X).
   2. Title: Use the exact title as it appears in the rest of the application.
   3. Investigators: List the names and affiliations of each investigator who will significantly contribute to the project. Start with the Principal Investigator.
   4. Project Summary: This should summarize: (a) the objectives of the study (including any hypotheses that will be tested), (b) the experimental approach to be used (which should give an accurate description of the project as described in the proposal), © the expected results of the project and how it addresses the research needs identified in the solicitation, and (d) the estimated improvement in risk assessment or risk management that will result from successful completion of the work proposed.

4. Project Description: This description must not exceed fifteen (15) consecutively numbered (center bottom), 8.5x11 inch pages of single-spaced standard 12-point type with 1 inch margins. The description must provide the following information:
   1. Objectives: List the objectives of the proposed research and the hypotheses being tested during the project and briefly state why the intended research is important. This section can also include any background or introductory information that would help explain the objectives of the study (one to two pages recommended).
   2. Approach: Outline the methods, approaches, and techniques that you intend to employ in meeting the objective stated above (five to 10 pages recommended).
   3. Expected Results or Benefits: Describe the results you expect to achieve during the project and the benefits of success as they relate to the topic under which the proposal was submitted. This section should also discuss the utility of the researchproject proposed for addressing the environmental problems described in the solicitation (one to two pages recommended).
   4. General Project Information: Discuss other information relevant to the potential success of the project. This should include facilities, personnel, project schedules, proposed management, interactions with other institutions, etc. (one to two pages recommended).
   5. Important Attachments: Appendices and/or other information may be included but must remain within the 15-page limit. References are in addition to the 15 pages.
5. Resumes: The resumes of all principal investigators and important co-workers should be presented. Resumes must not exceed two consecutively numbered (bottom center), 8.5x 11 inch pages of single-spaced standard 12-point type with 1 inch margins for each individual.
6. Current and Pending Support: The applicant must identify any current and pending financial resources that are intended to support research related to that included in the proposal or which would consume the time of principal investigators. This should be done by completing the appropriate form (see attachment) for each investigator and other senior personnel involved in the proposal. Failure to provide this information may delay consideration of your proposal.
7. Budget: The applicant must present a detailed, itemized budget for the entire project. This budget must be in the format provided (see attachment) and not exceed two consecutively numbered (bottom center), 8.5x11 inch pages with 1 inch margins. Please note that institutional cost sharing is not required and, therefore, does not have to be included in the budget table. If desired, a brief statement concerning cost sharing can be added to the budget justification.
8. Budget Justification: This section should describe the basis for calculating the personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and other costs identified in the itemized budget and explain the basis for their calculation (special attention should be given to explaining the travel, equipment, and other categories). This should also include an explanation of how the indirect costs were calculated. This justification should not exceed two consecutively numbered (bottom center), 8.5x11 inch pages of single-spaced standard 12-point type with 1 inch margins.
9. Quality Assurance Narrative Statement: For awards that involve environmentally related measurements or data generation, a quality system that complies with the requirements of ANSI/ASQC E4, "Specifications and Guidelines for Quality Systems for Environmental Data Collection and Environmental Technology Programs," must be inplace. This statement should not exceed two consecutively numbered, 8.5x11 inch pages of single-spaced standard 12-point type with 1 inch margins. This is in addition to the 15 pages permitted for the Project Description. The Quality Assurance Narrative Statement should, for each item listed below, either present the required information or provide a justification as to why the item does not apply to the proposed research.
   1. The data collection activities to be performed or hypothesis to be tested (reference may be made to the specific page and paragraph number in the application where this information may be found); acceptance criteria for data quality (precision, accuracy, representativeness, completeness, comparability).
   2. The study design including sample type and location requirements and any statistical analyses that were used to estimate the types and numbers of samples required.
   3. The procedures for the handling and custody of samples, including sample identification, preservation, transportation, and storage.
   4. The methods that will be used to analyze samples collected, including a description of the sampling and/or analytical instruments required.
   5. The procedures that will be used in the calibration and performance evaluation of the sampling and analytical methods used during the project.
   6. The procedures for data reduction and reporting, including description of statistical analyses to be used.
   7. The intended use of the data as they relate to the study objectives or hypotheses.
   8. The quantitative and or qualitative procedures that will be used to evaluate the success of the project.
   9. Any plans for peer or other reviews of the study design or analytical methods prior to data collection.
   ANSI/ASQC E4, "Specifications and Guidelines for Quality Systems for Environmental Data Collection and Environmental Technology Programs" is available for purchase from the American Society for Quality Control, phone 1-800-248-1946, item T55. Only in exceptional circumstances should it be necessary to consult this document.
10. Postcard: The Applicant must include with the application a self-addressed, stamped 3x5 inch post card. This will be used to acknowledge receipt of the application and to transmit other important information to the applicant.
11. Pre-proposal Procedure for the Special Opportunity in Tropospheric Ozone: In thisone area only EPA is inviting pre-proposals from potential applicants. These pre-proposals will be programmatically and peer reviewed, and EPA will invite applicants to submit a final proposal based on the review results. Decisions on the final awards will be based on the results of a subsequent peer and programmatic review of the final proposal similar to that described for the other components of this program. To facilitate consideration of final proposals, potential applicants should submit pre-proposals in the format described below. The pre-proposal must not exceed eight pages in total and must contain the following information:
    1. Administrative information, including on the first page:
       1. Sorting code: use 97-NCERQA-6B
       2. Exact title
       3. Investigators: list the names and affiliations of each investigator who will significantly contribute to the study. Start with the principal investigator. Provide the address, telephone number, and EMail address of the principal investigator and the administrative contact person.
    2. Project description: this section should not exceed five pages and should cover in an abbreviated fashion the five areas described in paragraph D above.
    3. Budget: present on one page a budget which estimates the cost of the project in the major categories (personnel, supplies, equipment, contractual support, and indirect costs).

Review and Selection

1. The originality and creativity of the proposed research, the potential contribution the proposed research could make to advance scientific knowledge in the environmental area, the appropriateness and adequacy of the research methods proposed, and the appropriateness and adequacy of the Quality Assurance Narrative Statement

2. The qualifications of the principal investigator(s) and other staff, including knowledge of pertinent literature, experience, and publication records as well as the probability that the proposed research will be successfully completed

3. The availability and/or adequacy of the facilities and equipment proposed for the project

4. The responsiveness of the proposal to the research needs set forth in thesolicitation

5. Although budget information is not used by the reviewers as the basis for their evaluation of scientific merit, the reviewers are asked to provide their view on the appropriateness and/or adequacy of the proposed budget and its implications for the potential success of the proposed research. Input on requested equipment is of particular interest.

A summary statement of the scientific review of the panel will be provided to each applicant. Funding decisions are the sole responsibility of EPA. Grants are selected on the basis of technical merit, relevancy to the research priorities outlined, program balance, and budget.

How to Apply

The application and abstract must be prepared in accordance with these instructions. Informal, incomplete, or unsigned proposals will not be considered. The application should not be bound or stapled in any way. The original and copies of the application should be secured with paper or binder clips. Completed applications should be sent via regular or express mail to:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Peer Review Research Division (8703)
Sorting Code: 97-NCERQA-X (replace the "X" with the appropriate code)
Room 2411
401 M Street, SW
Washington DC 20460

Phone: (202) 260-0563 (for express mail applications)

The sorting code must be identified in the address (as shown above). Please do not use the code 97-NCERQA-X. Proposals submitted with this sorting code will be returned to the applicant.

Guidelines, Limitations, and Additional Requirements

Projects which contain subcontracts constituting more than 40% of the total direct cost of the grant for each year in which the subcontract is awarded will be subject to special review and may require additional justification.

Researchers will be expected to budget for and participate in an annual All-Investigators Meeting with EPA scientists and other grantees to report on research activities and to discuss issues of mutual interest.

Proprietary Information

Funding Mechanism

Contacts

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Center for Environmental Research (8703)
401 M Street, SW
Washington DC 20460

Phone: 1-800-490-9194

A contact person has been identified below for each topic within the RFA. These individuals will usually be the Project Officers for the grants funded under a particular topic. They will respond to inquires regarding the solicitation and can respond to any technical questions related to your application.

Exploratory Research

Clyde Bishop --- 202-260-5727
bishop.clyde@epamail.epa.gov

Barbara Levinson --- 202-260-5983
levinson.barbara@epamail.epa.gov

Issues in Human Health Risk Assessment

Chris Saint --- 202-260-1093
saint.chris@epamail.epa.gov

Endocrine Disruptors

David Reese --- 202-260-7342
reese.david@epamail.epa.gov

Ambient Air Quality

Deran Pashayan --- 202-260-2606
pashayan.deran@epamail.epa.gov

Health Effects and Exposures to Particulate Matter and Associated Air Pollutants

Deran Pashayan --- 202-260-2606
pashayan.deran@epamail.epa.gov

Drinking Water

Sheila Rosenthal --- 202-260-7334
rosenthal.sheila@epamail.epa.gov

Contaminated Sediments

David Reese --- 202-260-7342
reese.david@epamail.epa.gov