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Additional Questions and Answers (Posted 9/26/03)
Yes, as long as it is readable. Can extra pages be used to provide the time line? No, either smaller but readable type as described above should be used or somewhat less detail should be provided to stay within the page limit. How strictly do we have to adhere to the cash flow information we provide in the EPA Grant Application Kit 424 A Section D? Can the schedule be changed later? EPA only requires 424 A Section B (not A, C, D, E or F) since this assistance agreement does not require a match or cost sharing. If my state does not require an Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs (SPOC list) in accordance with the Executive Order 12372 http://www.whitehouse.gov/ omb/grants/spoc.html  , can an EPA Region still require adherence to these
provisions.Yes If a proposal only involves the use of previously collected data, is a QA management plan required? The use of any data by any entity receiving an assistance agreement from EPA requires the recipient to be able to certify the quality of the data with respect to the intended use. A QA Management Plan and QA Project Plan help the applicant define his quality requirements and the steps that will be followed to meet those requirements. However, a full proposal can be submitted without the QA documentation as long as the proposal includes a clear statement by the applicant acknowledging the requirement to produce these plans prior to award if the project is selected for funding. If a QA Management Plan is already on file with EPA, is a new one required? QA Management and Project Plans will be required to be provided applicable to this project, IF the project is selected for award. If an existing QA Management Plan defines the QA approach and controls for this project then it could certainly be used. However, the Full Proposal only requires the submission of a clear statement by the applicant acknowledging the requirement to produce these plans prior to award if the project is selected for funding. What is the meaning of a "funding priority" and where would I find them. See Section V of the Solicitation for a list of the available funding priorities under this solicitation. Does EPA need to be notified if an IRB approval is required or do we just obtain it and move forward? If the applicant believes that an IRB approval will be required, that will be their responsibility. A statement addressing the IRB should be included in the Full Proposal. Further documentation is not required with the Full Proposal but, if the project is selected for funding, it will likely be required prior to award. How does an applicant decide whether other participants in the project are contractors or partners? The relationship between participants in a project is determined by the lead state agency and applicant. By definition, a partner has a vested interest in the outcome of the project while a contractor does not. How should a contractor be listed in the project budget? If work is to be performed by a contractor, the selection process for the contractor must be defined. If a sole source selection is made, a sole source justification must be supplied to EPA. Budget elements will need to be defined. How should a partner be listed in a project budget? If the project is to be accomplished through a partnership, budget information will be listed under "other.' The name and tax information will need to be supplied for all partner(s). All applicable budget categories such as personnel, fringes etc. listed in SF 424 will need to be addressed. A total figure for the "Other" category must be supplied. In the work plan, the duties of the partner must be fully explained. If a partner is to be paid through a sub-grant, EPA does not need to approve the work plan or budget. Rather, the work plan should describe the selection process. If partners are selected without competition, a sole source justification must be supplied. Since there is not a match requirement, why does time donated by the recipient have to be included in the budget? As reviewers look over the project and attempt to evaluate the "doability" of the job within the available resources as well as the involvement of all participants, this information can be crucial. EPA is not particularly concerned about the specific valuation of these services under these circumstances. |