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Region 4 Strategic Agricultural Initiative Request for Applications for Fiscal Year 2009

AGENCY NAME: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 4; Air, Pesticides and Toxics Management Division

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TITLE: Strategic Agricultural Initiative (SAI): FY09 Request for Applications

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: EPA-R4-SAI-09-001

ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE: Request for Applications – Initial Announcement

FY2009 CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE (CFDA) NUMBER: CFDA 66.716 – Surveys, Studies, Demonstrations, Educational Outreach, and Special Projects

Dates: The closing date for receipt of hard copy or electronic submission via grants.gov application package is February 28, 2009, 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time (EST). All hard copies of application packages must be received by the EPA Region 4 (Atlanta, GA) office. Applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered for funding.

Executive Summary: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 is soliciting applications to help implement the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) and to support efforts by the agricultural community to “transition” away from high risk pesticides (Organophosphates, Carbamates, and Fumigants) to the use of less and reduced risk pesticides, alternative methods of agricultural pest control, and sustainable practices in food production. The program supports grants for education, extension, demonstration, and studies for FQPA transition and reduced risk practices for pest management in agriculture, especially on minor use crops (most fruits and vegetables).

FUNDING/AWARD: The total estimated funding for this competitive opportunity is approximately $268,000. EPA anticipates awarding 2-3 grants from this announcement, subject to availability of funds and the quality of proposals received. The maximum award is $100,000.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: Assistance under this program is generally available to States, U.S. territories or possessions, federally recognized Indian Tribal governments, and Native American Organizations, public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, other public and private non-profit institutions and individuals which submit applications proposing projects with significant technical merit and relevance. All projects must occur in one or more of the Region 4 states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

CONTENTS BY SECTION

I. Funding Opportunity Description
II. Award Information
III. Eligibility Information
IV. Application and Submission Information
V. Application Review Information
VI. Award Administration Information
VII. Agency Contacts

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Authority

The statutory authority for this grant program is under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), Section 20, 7 U.S.C. s/s 135 et seq. (1972) which authorizes the Agency to issue research grants and cooperative agreements for research, development, monitoring, public education, training, demonstrations and studies. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) 66.716 states that the intended use of these funds is to: “support Surveys, Studies, Investigations, Training Demonstrations, Educational Outreach and Special Purpose assistance relating to the protection of public health and the environment from potential risk from toxic chemicals to come.”

B. Program Description

1. Purpose and Scope

The Strategic Agricultural Initiative (SAI) was developed as EPA's outreach program to demonstrate and facilitate the adoption of farm pest management practices that will enable growers to transition away from the use of high-risk pesticides. The SAI encourages the development of pest management practices and products that are less toxic, effective and support the implementation of the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA).The in-field adoption by farmers of already identified potential low-risk integrated crop or pest management tools and strategies is a priority. The program supports innovative efforts that enable growers to decrease reliance on agricultural chemicals while maintaining economical outcomes, by developing, demonstrating and/or applying reduced-risk alternatives and ecologically-based integrated approaches to pest management.

2. Office of Pesticide Program Priorities for SAI Program

Applicants are strongly encouraged to address one or more of the below identified national program priorities as they may apply to Region 4 as an area of emphasis. Projects including one or more of these priority areas may score higher. Identify and implement reduced risk alternative methods of pest control, especially on minor crops, for the following:

  1. Azinphos methyl (AZM)
  2. Soil fumigants – especially methyl bromide (includes chloropicrin; dazomet; and metam sodium/potassium)
  3. High risk/high benefits and few (or poorly adopted) alternatives
  4. Reduction in the use of Restricted Use Pesticides, especially where there is the potential for worker exposure
  5. Transition away from volatile organic compounds (VOC) emitting pesticides in non-attainment areas to less volatile chemistries or practices.

Specific agricultural issues involving pesticides for which integrated pest management advancements are sought:

  1. Resistance management tools and approaches
  2. Water quality and runoff issues, especially where there are impaired waterways
  3. Pollinator protection issues
  4. Endangered species protection
  5. IPM approaches for controlling rodents in livestock operations
  6. Repeating emergency exemption requests on minor crops (Varroa mites in honeybees and white mold in fruiting vegetables-especially tomatoes)
  7. Urban/Rural interface and volatile pesticides
3. Goals and Objectives

EPA Region 4 will fund projects under this announcement that result in the transition by growers to environmentally sound pest management practices. In order to accomplish this, the SAI Grant Program will give priority consideration to projects that:

Projects must also address one or more of the following goals for the FQPA SAI:

C. Background

The FQPA passed by Congress in 1996, establishes health based standards for pesticide residues in raw and processed food. It is intended to protect public health from exposure to pesticides and to create an environment favorable for the development and adoption of lower risk, effective crop protection tools for U.S. agriculture. The EPA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and numerous agricultural organizations are working on efforts to implement the FQPA. For this effort, EPA established regional programs for FQPA implementation and partnership activities to reduce risks and use of pesticides in agriculture. For more background information on FQPA, visit the EPA website at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/regulating/laws/fqpa/.

D. FQPA/SAI Linkage to EPA Strategic Plan and Anticipated Outcomes/Outputs

In order to be successful, the application needs to demonstrate a clear linkage between the relevant goals listed in EPA's Strategic Plan (2006-2011) and the workplan's expected outcomes and outputs.

1. Linkage to EPA Strategic Plan/GPRA Architecture

The assistance agreement awarded under the RFA will support EPA Strategic Plan Goal 4 - Healthy Communities and Ecosystems; Objective 4.1 - Chemical, Organism and Pesticide Risks; Sub-Objective 4.1.5: Realize the Value from Pesticide Availability. Through 2011, ensure the public health and socio-economic benefits of pesticide availability and use. To see EPA’s 2006-2011 Strategic Plan visit: www.epa.gov/ocfo/plan/plan.htm.

2. Outcomes

Outcome measures are environmental improvements that will occur from carrying out an environmental program or activity that is related to an environmental or programmatic goal or objective. These improvements are changes, benefits, effects or consequences to the environment that are a result from the accomplishment of activities, efforts and outputs. Through this grant program, EPA expects to:

  1. increase the number of growers using reduced risk/IPM tools and techniques;
  2. measure quantitative and qualitative benefits to human health, the environment, and communities; and
  3. support partnerships between crop producers, EPA, other federal/state/local agencies, and other interested stakeholders to implement reduced risk/IPM programs, disseminate project outcomes to producers, and increase the scope of the FQPA/SAI program.
3. Outputs

Output measures are the results or products from accomplishing an environmental activity or effort that are related to an environmental goal or objective and will be produced or provided over a period of time or by a specific date. The anticipated outputs of these projects include:

a) educational and outreach materials for growers that include reduced-risk pest management;
b) conferences, seminars, and on-site field training;
c) partnerships established between federal and non-federal programs to provide reduced risk/IPM programs for minor food crop producers;
d) acres impacted by the project under management that include pesticide risk reduction practices. If applicable, include those acres treated with biopesticides or reduced risk pesticides and/or those pest management techniques that do not employ chemical methods; and
e) percent reduction or pound per acre reduction expected in the use of highly toxic active ingredients.

II. Award Information

Under this competition, the Region anticipates funding 2-3 grants for up to $100,000 per award. Funding is not guaranteed and is subject to the availability of funds and the evaluation of proposals based on the criteria in this announcement. The suggested start date for projects is October 1, 2009. Proposed project periods may be up to two (2) years. Funding and project periods can extend for no more than two (2) years.

In appropriate circumstances, EPA reserves the right to partially fund proposals by funding discrete portions or phases of proposed projects. If EPA decides to partially fund a proposal, it will do so in a manner that does not prejudice any applicants or affect the basis upon which the proposal, or portion thereof, was evaluated and selected for award, and therefore maintains the integrity of the competition and selection process.

The EPA reserves the right to make additional awards under this announcement, consistent with Agency policy and guidance, if additional funding becomes available after the original selections are made. Any additional selections for awards will be made no later than 6 months after the original selection decisions. EPA Reserves the right to reject all proposals and make no awards.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

Assistance under this program is generally available to States, territories, Indian Tribes, and possessions of the United States. Assistance is also available to public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, and other public or private nonprofit institutions, commodity organizations, and farmers groups. 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 not eligible for funding. Ineligible groups are encouraged to collaborate with an eligible organization to submit proposals.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

Matching funds are not required.

C. Threshold Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for consideration under this announcement, applicants must meet all of the following threshold criteria listed below. Failure to meet all of the following criteria will result in the automatic disqualification of the proposal for funding consideration. Applicants will be notified within 15 calendar days of ineligibility determination.

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Application Package

Please follow the instructions provided in the section below titled, "Content and Form of Application Submission." Application kits are available at: http://www.epa.gov/ogd/forms/forms.htm or by contacting the EPA Contact listed below. Completed paper applications should be submitted to:

Lora Lee Schroeder
APTMD, Pesticides Section
US EPA Region 4
Atlanta Federal Center
61 Forsyth Street
Atlanta, GA 30303-8960
404-562-9015
schroeder.lora@epa.gov

If you wish to submit your application electronically, you must use the electronic package available at: http://www.grants.gov/.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

Project Narratives must be double-spaced, typed in 12 point or larger print with minimum 1-inch horizontal and vertical margins. Pages must be numbered in order starting with the cover page and continuing through the document. Project Narratives cannot exceed 30 pages double-spaced. If a single spaced proposal is submitted, it will only be reviewed up to the equivalent of 30 pages double-spaced page limit for Project Narratives.

If you are applying via the hard copy method, two (2) original hard paper copies are required. If you are applying via the grants.gov method, no hard paper copy is required. (See Section IV.D. “Submission” of this announcement for more information about applying via grants.gov)

The following forms and documents are required to be submitted under this Request for Applications (RFA) regardless of mode of submission:

  1. Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)
  2. Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A)
  3. EPA Key Contacts Form 5700-54
  4. Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B)
  5. Grants.gov Lobbying Form 6. EPA Form 4700-4 – Preaward Compliance Review Report
  6. Project Narrative-[prepared as described below]
  7. Budget Narrative Attachment Form (Budget Detail)
  8. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL), if applicable
  9. Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, if applicable
Application for Federal Assistance Standard Form (SF- 424)

Complete the form. There are no attachments. Please be sure to include organization fax number and email address in Block 5 of the Standard Form SF 424. Clearly state the TOTAL funding amount requested for the ENTIRE project period in Block 15. Please note that the organizational Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number must be included on the SF-424. Organizations may obtain a DUNS number at no cost by calling the toll-free DUNS number request line at 1-866-705-5711.

Budget Information for Non Construction Programs-Standard Form (SF- 424A)

Complete the form. There are no attachments. The total amount of federal funding requested for the project period should be shown on line 5(e) and on line 6(k) of SF-424A. If indirect costs are included, the amount of indirect costs should be entered on line 6(j). The indirect cost rate (i.e., a percentage), the base (e.g., personnel costs and fringe benefits), and the amount should be indicated on line 22.

Assurances non-Construction Program Certification (SF) 424B

Complete the form. There are no attachments.

Certification regarding Lobbying

Complete the form. There are no attachments.

EPA Form 5700-54, Key Contacts Form

Complete the form. There are no attachments. If additional pages are needed, attach these additional pages to the electronic application package by using the "Other Attachments Form" in the "Optional Documents" box. (See Application Preparation and Submission Instructions below for more details.)

EPA Form 4700-4, Pre-Award Compliance Review Report

Complete the form. There are no attachments.

Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if indirect costs are included in the project budget)

Use the "Other Attachments Form" in the "Optional Documents" box to attach a copy of your organization's Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, if applicable. (See Application Preparation and Submission Instructions below for more details.) You must submit a copy of your organization's Indirect Cost Rate Agreement as part of the application package if your proposed budget includes indirect costs.

*** Please note if you are submitting your application via grants.gov, the forms will be included in the electronic application package.

Project Narrative

The document, prepared as described below, should be readable in PDF, MS Word for Windows and consolidated into a single file. The number of pages must not exceed 30 double spaced pages.

PROJECT NARRATIVE FORMAT:

a. Cover Page

Provide the following information:

Title and Date of this Funding Opportunity Announcement:
Strategic Agricultural Initiative (SAI): FY09 Request for Applications

Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-R4-SAI-09-001

PROJECT TITLE:
PROJECT COORDINATOR:
Organization:
Address:
Telephone:
E-mail address:
Fax:

PROJECT DURATION:

TOTAL BUDGET REQUEST:
First Year Funding:
Second Year Funding:
Total Funding EPA Funding Request:

b. Executive Summary:

The Executive Summary shall be a stand-alone document, should not exceed one page. It should contain the specifics of what is proposed and what the project will accomplish regarding measuring or movement toward achieving project goals. This summary shall identify the measurable results expected such as agronomic impacts, pest impacts, and impacts on pesticide use, environmental impacts and potential human health benefits.

c. Table of Contents:

A one page table listing the different parts of the application and the page number on which each part begins.

d. Narrative Workplan:

The narrative workplan should include the information below and address all the criteria in Section V.

Part 1. Project Title:

Part 2. Objectives:

A numbered list (1, 2, etc.) of concisely written project objectives - in most cases, each objective can be stated in a single sentence. Identify which of the goals/objectives from Section I are addressed by the project.

Part 3. Justification:

For each goal/objective listed in Part 2 above, discuss the potential outcome in terms of pesticide risk and/or pesticide use reduction, agronomic impacts, environmental and human health. If appropriate, the target pest(s) and crop(s) pesticide product(s) should be explicitly stated. This section should be numbered with a justification corresponding to each objective. The project objectives must reflect the “Goals and Objectives” as outlined above.

Part 4. Project Narrative/Workplan:

Describe in detail how the project will be carried out. Include main project activities, expected outcomes, and deliverables. Describe how the system or approach will achieve the program goals. Describe in detail how the project will work with various partners, for example: producers, USDA Cooperative Extension Specialists, agricultural product marketing professionals, etc. Describe in detail how the information gained from the project will be shared with the agricultural community and other stakeholders.

Part 5. Performance Measures and Expected Outcomes/Outputs:

The project timetable must include a plan for tracking and measuring progress towards achieving the expected environmental outputs/outcomes in Section I of this Request for Applications (RFA). For example, the timetable should explain what will be accomplished under each of the objectives during the project, the individuals responsible for the activity, and when completion of each objective is anticipated. Also, identify how you will evaluate the success of the program in terms of measurable environmental results. How and with what measures will humans or ecosystems be better protected as a result of the program.

The project must have the following measures:

  1. Number of acres impacted by the project under management that include pesticide risk reduction practices. If applicable, include those acres treated with biopesticides or reduced risk pesticides and/or those pest management techniques that do not employ chemical methods.

  2. Percent reduction or pound per acre reduction expected in the use of highly toxic active ingredients and/or pesticide products.

  3. Declared SAI Transition Gradient number (0-5 Rating) from the “SAI Transition Gradient” listed below; Rating must be provided at the beginning and end of the project.

    4. Strategic Agricultural Initiative (SAI) Transition Gradient
    0 No transition, growers resist any change.
    1 Growers are interested in learning about reduced-risk pest management practices
    2 Reduced-risk pest management practices have been initiated at the grower level on a pilot basis.
    3 Growers utilize key management practices to determine pest management needs.
    4 Full implementation of reduced-risk pest management practices.
    5 Adoption of a whole systems approach.

  4. Projects must declare selected measures either direct or surrogate measures. These measures are to be expressed as a benefit to human health and the environment as well as demonstrating results from the use of the reduced-risk practices or integrated pest management (IPM) program that can be tracked throughout the project. Direct measures identify actual environmental changes occurring with IPM program adoption. In contrast, surrogate measures identify changes in strategies or behavior that contribute to environmental changes.

Part 6. Environmental Results Past Performance:

Submit a list of federally funded assistance agreements that your organization performed within the last 3 years ( no more than 5, and preferably EPA agreements), and describe how you documented and/or reported on whether you were making progress towards achieving the expected results (e.g., outputs and outcomes) under those agreements. If you were not making progress, please indicate whether, and how, you documented why not. In evaluating applicants under this factor in Section V, EPA will consider the information provided by the applicant and may also consider relevant information from other sources, including information from EPA files and from current and prior Federal agency grantors (e.g., to verify and/or supplement the information provided by the applicant). If you do not have any relevant or available environmental results past performance information, please indicate this in the proposal and you will receive a neutral score for this factor under Section V. Part

7. Programmatic Capability:

Submit a list of federally funded assistance agreements similar in size, scope and relevance to the proposed project that your organization performed within the last three years (no more than 5, and preferably EPA agreements) and describe whether, and how, you were able to successfully complete and manage those agreements and your history of meeting the reporting requirements under those agreements, including submitting acceptable final technical reports. In evaluating applicants under these factors in Section V, EPA will consider the information provided by the applicant and may also consider relevant information from other sources, including information from EPA files and from current and prior Federal agency grantors (e.g., to verify and/or supplement the information provided by the applicant). Provide information on your experience in the field of the proposed activity and staff expertise/qualifications, staff knowledge, resources or the ability to obtain them and the infrastructure to successfully achieve the goals of the project. If you do not have any relevant or available past performance or reporting information, please indicate this in the proposal and you will receive a neutral score for these factors under Section V.

Part 8. Major Participants:

List all participating farmers/ranchers, farm/ranch organizations, researchers, educators, and conservationists and others having a role in the project. Provide name, organizational affiliation/occupation (such as farmer) and a description of the role each will play in the project. A brief resume must be submitted for each major researcher or other educator.

Part 9. Project Budget Narrative:

Please submit a detailed budget with narrative, explaining the need for funding under each of the appropriate budget categories. List the anticipated amount of funding and associated staff needed to achieve the project objectives. Include the requested federal and any non-federal cost share in these estimates. Link each task or activity from the project work plan to the associated resources that are needed to accomplish the activity. Under travel, include the travel location(s), estimated number of trips, estimated total mileage, and number of nights lodging required throughout the entire project period. Describe how leveraged resources will be obtained (if applicable) and what role EPA funding will play in the overall project. Include enough detail for EPA to determine if the costs are eligible, allocable, reasonable, and allowable. For more information, see http://www.epa.gov/ogd/recipient/tips.htm.

Management Fees: When formulating budgets for proposals/applications, applicants must not include management fees or similar charges in excess of the direct costs and indirect costs at the rate approved by the applicants cognizant audit agency, or at the rate provided for by the terms of the agreement negotiated with EPA. The term "management fees or similar charges" refers to expenses added to the direct costs in order to accumulate and reserve funds for ongoing business expenses, unforeseen liabilities, or for other similar costs that are not allowable under EPA assistance agreements. Management fees or similar charges may not be used to improve or expand the project funded under this agreement, except to the extent authorized as a direct cost of carrying out the scope of work.

Contracts and Subawards:

Can funding be used for the applicant to make subawards, acquire contract services, or fund partnerships?

EPA awards funds to one eligible applicant as the recipient even if other eligible applicants are named as partners, co-applicants, or members of a coalition or consortium. The recipient is accountable to EPA for the proper expenditure of funds.

Funding may be used to provide subgrants or subawards of financial assistance, which includes using subawards or subgrants to fund partnerships, provided the recipient complies with applicable requirements for subawards or subgrants including those contained in 40 CFR Parts 30 or 31, as appropriate. Applicants must compete contracts for services and products, including consultant contracts, and conduct cost and price analyses, to the extent required by the procurement provisions of the regulations at 40 CFR Parts 30 or 31, as appropriate. The regulations also contain limitations on consultant compensation. Applicants are not required to identify subawardees/subgrantees and/or contractors (including consultants) in their proposal/application. However, if they do, the fact that an applicant selected for award has named a specific subawardee/subgrantee, contractor, or consultant in the proposal/application EPA selects for funding does not relieve the applicant of its obligations to comply with subaward/subgrant and/or competitive procurement requirements as appropriate. Please note that applicants may not award sole source contracts to consulting, engineering or other firms assisting applicants with the proposal solely based on the firm's role in preparing the proposal/application.

Successful applicants cannot use subgrants or subawards to avoid requirements in EPA grant regulations for competitive procurement by using these instruments to acquire commercial services or products from for-profit organizations to carry out its assistance agreement. The nature of the transaction between the recipient and the subawardee or subgrantee must be consistent with the standards for distinguishing between vendor transactions and subrecipient assistance under Subpart B Section .210 of OMB Circular A-133 , and the definitions of subaward at 40 CFR 30.2(ff) or subgrant at 40 CFR 31.3, as applicable. EPA will not be a party to these transactions. Applicants acquiring commercial goods or services must comply with the competitive procurement standards in 40 CFR Part 30 or 40 CFR Part 31.36 and cannot use a subaward/subgrant as the funding mechanism.

How will an applicant's proposed subawardees/subgrantees and contractors be considered during the evaluation process described in SectionV of the announcement?

Section V of the announcement describes the evaluation criteria and evaluation process that will be used by EPA to make selections under this announcement. During this evaluation, except for those criteria that relate to the applicant's own qualifications, past performance, and reporting history, the review panel will consider, as appropriate and relevant, the qualifications, expertise, and experience of:

(i) an applicant's named subawardees/subgrantees identified in the proposal/application if the applicant demonstrates in the proposal/application that if it receives an award that the subaward/subgrant will be properly awarded consistent with the applicable regulations in 40 CFR Parts 30 or 31. For example, applicants must not use subawards/subgrants to obtain commercial services or products from for profit firms or individual consultants.
(ii) an applicant's named contractor(s), including consultants, identified in the proposal/application if the applicant demonstrates in its proposal/application that the contractor(s) was selected in compliance with the competitive Procurement Standards in 40 CFR Part 30 or 40 CFR 31.36 as appropriate. For example, an applicant must demonstrate that it selected the contractor(s) competitively or that a proper non-competitive sole-source award consistent with the regulations will be made to the contractor(s), that efforts were made to provide small and disadvantaged businesses with opportunities to compete, and that some form of cost or price analysis was conducted. EPA may not accept sole source justifications for contracts for services or products that are otherwise readily available in the commercial marketplace.

EPA will not consider the qualifications, experience, and expertise of named subawardees/subgrantees and/or named contractor(s) during the proposal/application evaluation process unless the applicant complies with these requirements.

C. Other Submission Information

Confidential Business Information (CBI)

In accordance with 40 CFR 2.203, applicants may claim all or a portion of their application package as confidential business information. EPA will evaluate confidentiality claims in accordance with 40 CFR Part 2. Applicants must clearly mark applications, or parts thereof, they claim as confidential. If no claim of confidentiality is made, EPA is not required to make the inquiry to the applicant otherwise required by 40 CFR 2.204(c)(2) prior to disclosure.

DUNS Requirement

All applicants applying for funding, including renewal funding must have a Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. The DUNS number must be included in the data entry field labeled: “Organizational Duns” on the Form SF 424. Instructions on obtaining a DUNS number can be found at: http://www.grants.gov/GetStarted. A DUNS number can also be obtained by calling: 1-866-705-5711. The DUNs Number used be a certified unique number.

Grants.gov

Applicants applying through Grants.gov will find the instructions for doing so listed in Section IV D. Application and Submission Information.

Commitment Letters

Letters of Commitment from all partners collaborating on projects must be submitted with the full application package, not sent separately. Letters must be submitted on letterhead (if applicable), signed by the project partner(s), and include the partner’s telephone number and address. The commitment letters should be addressed to the applicant and be submitted as part of the full application package as described below. Commitment letters sent directly to EPA Region 4 will not be accepted. Commitment letters must describe the role of the project partner(s) in the project. Applications for projects that have listed partners but do not include commitment letters from every listed project partner may face a reduction in score during the evaluation process. Please do not send letters of general support or others not directly involved in the project; they will not be used in the evaluation and review process.

Intergovernmental Review

Note that final applications will be subject to review under Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs. If your application is selected for funding, further information will be provided.

Pre-Application Assistance and Communication

In accordance with EPA's Assistance Agreement Competition Policy (EPA Order 5700.5A1), EPA staff will not meet with individual applicants to discuss draft proposals, provide informal comments on draft proposals, or provide advice to applicants on how to respond to ranking criteria. Applicants are responsible for the contents of their applications/proposals. However, consistent with the provisions in the announcement, EPA will respond to questions from individual applicants regarding threshold eligibility criteria, administrative issues related to the submission of the proposal, and requests for clarification about the announcement.

D. Submission

Applicants may apply under this announcement in one of two ways. If you wish to apply via hard copy submission, please follow the instructions under “Hard Copy Submission” below. If you wish to apply via Grants.gov submission, please follow the instructions under “Grants.gov Submission” below. Please use only one method. Applications must be received by EPA on or before February 28, 2009, 5 PM EST. For any questions concerning submission, please contact Lora Lee Schroeder at 404-562-9015 or at Schroeder.lora@epa.gov.

1. Hard Copy Submission

EPA will consider all hard copy applications that are received at the EPA Region 4, Atlanta, GA office from the U.S. Postal Service, hand-delivered, courier, or express delivery service. Only one form of delivery listed above is required to meet the deadline. Applications must be received in the EPA Region 4 office no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, February 28, 2009, regardless of the hard copy delivery method. EPA will not accept faxed or email submissions. Proposals received after the due date will not be considered for funding. Two hard copies of the complete application package described in Section IV.B above, and an electronic version on a CD, are required. The CD may be in Adobe Portable Document Format (.pdf) or Microsoft Word (.doc). Letters of support, pictures and/or maps will need to be scanned so that they can be submitted electronically as part of the CD. Pictures and/or maps may be included as separate files using .jpg or .tif format.

Hard Copy Submission address:

Lora Lee Schroeder
APTMD, Pesticides Section
US EPA Region 4
Atlanta Federal Center
61 Forsyth Street
Atlanta, GA 30303-8960
404-562-9015

2. Grants.gov Submission

The electronic submission of your application must be made by an official representative of your institution who is registered with Grants.gov. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov and click on “Get Registered” on the left side of the page. Note that the registration process may take a week or longer to complete. If your organization is not currently registered with Grants.gov, please encourage your office to designate an AOR and ask that individual to begin the registration process as soon as possible.

To begin the application process under this grant announcement, go to http://www.grants.gov and click on the “Apply for Grants” tab on the left side of the page. Then click on “Apply Step 1: Download a Grant Application Package” to download the compatible Adobe viewer and obtain the application package. To apply through grants.gov you must use Adobe Reader applications and download the compatible Adobe Reader version ( Adobe Reader applications are available to download for free on the Grants.gov website. For more information on Adobe Reader please visit the Help section on grants.gov at http://www.grants.gov/help/help.jsp or http://www.grants.gov/aboutgrants/program_status.jsp).

Once you have downloaded the viewer, you may retrieve the application package by entering the Funding Opportunity Number, EPA-R4-SAI-09-01 or the CFDA number that applies to the announcement (CFDA 66.716), in the appropriate field. You may also be able to access the application package by clicking on the Application button at the top right of the synopsis page for this announcement on http://www.grants.gov (to find the synopsis page, go to http://www.grants.gov and click on the “Find Grant Opportunities” button on the left side of the page and then go to Search Opportunities and use the Browse by Agency feature to find EPA opportunities).

Application Submission Deadline

Your organization’s AOR must submit your complete application electronically to EPA through Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov) no later than February 28, 2009, 5 PM EST.

Application Materials

The following forms and documents are required to be submitted under this Request for Applications (RFA) regardless of mode of submission:

  1. Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)
  2. Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A)
  3. EPA Key Contacts Form 5700-54
  4. Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B)
  5. Grants.gov Lobbying Form
  6. EPA Form 4700-4 – Preaward Compliance Review Report
  7. Project Narrative-[prepared as described below]
  8. Budget Narrative Attachment Form (Budget Detail)
  9. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL), if applicable
  10. Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, if applicable

Application Preparation and Submission

Instructions Documents 1 through 6 listed under Application Materials above should appear in the “Mandatory Documents” box on the Grants.gov Grant Application Package page.

For documents 1 through 6, click on the appropriate form and then click “Open Form” below the box. The fields that must be completed will be highlighted in yellow. Optional fields and completed fields will be displayed in white. If you enter an invalid response or incomplete information in a field, you will receive an error message. When you have finished filling out each form, click “Save.” When you return to the electronic Grant Application Package page, click on the form you just completed, and then click on the box that says, “Move Form to Submission List.” This action will move the document over to the box that says, “Mandatory Completed Documents for Submission.”

For documents 7 and 8, you will need to attach electronic files. Prepare your proposal as described above in Section IV. B. of this announcement and save the document to your computer as an MS Word or WordPerfect file. (U.S. EPA prefers to receive documents in MS Word, but documents prepared in WordPerfect will also be accepted.) When you are ready to attach your proposal to the application package, click on “Project Narrative Attachment Form,” and open the form. Click “Add Mandatory Project Narrative File,” and then attach your proposal (previously saved to your computer) using the browse window that appears. You may then click “View Mandatory Project Narrative File” to view it. Enter a brief descriptive title of your project in the space beside “Mandatory Project Narrative File Filename;” the filename should be no more than 40 characters long. If there other attachments that you would like to submit to accompany your proposal, you may click “Add Optional Project Narrative File” and proceed as before. When you have finished attaching the necessary documents, click “Close Form.” When you return to the “Grant Application Package” page, select the “Project Narrative Attachment Form” and click “Move Form to Submission List.” The form should now appear in the box that says, “Mandatory Completed Documents for Submission.” Follow the same general procedures for attaching document 8 – the Detailed Itemized Budget – using the “Budget Narrative Attachment Form.”

Documents 9 and 10 are listed in the “Optional Documents” box, but please note that these so-called “optional” documents must also be submitted as part of the application package, if applicable to your organization. You are only required to submit document 9 – SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities – if your organization is involved in lobbying activities. You are required to submit document 10 – Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement – if you have included any indirect costs in your proposed budget. To attach document 10 and document 11, use the “Other Attachments Form” in the “Optional Documents” box. After attaching the documents, please remember to highlight the “Other Attachments Form” and click “Move Form to Submission List” in order to move the documents to the box that says, “Optional Completed Documents for Submission.”

Once you have finished filling out all of the forms/attachments and they appear in one of the “Completed Documents for Submission” boxes, click the “Save” button that appears at the top of the Web page. It is suggested that you save the document a second time, using a different name, since this will make it easier to submit an amended package later if necessary. Please use the following format when saving your file: “Applicant Name – FY08 – Assoc Prog Supp – 1st Submission” or “Applicant Name – FY 08 Assoc Prog Supp – Back-up Submission.” If it becomes necessary to submit an amended package at a later date, then the name of the 2nd submission should be changed to “Applicant Name – FY08 Assoc Prog Supp – 2nd Submission.”

Once your application package has been completed and saved, send it to your AOR for submission to U.S. EPA through Grants.gov. Please advise your AOR to close all other software programs before attempting to submit the application package through Grants.gov.

In the “Application Filing Name” box, your AOR should enter your organization’s name (abbreviate where possible), the fiscal year (e.g., FY08), and the grant category (e.g., Assoc Prog Supp). The filing name should not exceed 40 characters. From the “Grant Application Package” page, your AOR may submit the application package by clicking the “Submit” button that appears at the top of the page. The AOR will then be asked to verify the agency and funding opportunity number for which the application package is being submitted. If problems are encountered during the submission process, the AOR should reboot his/her computer before trying to submit the application package again. [It may be necessary to turn off the computer (not just restart it) before attempting to submit the package again.] If the AOR continues to experience submission problems, he/she may contact Grants.gov for assistance by phone at 1-800-518-4726 or email at http://www.grants.gov/help/help.jsp or contact: Lora Lee Schroeder Region 4 SAI Coordinator via email; schroeder.lora@epa.gov or by telephone at (404) 562-9015.

Applications submitted through grants.gov will be time and date stamped electronically.

If you have not received a confirmation of receipt from EPA (not from grants.gov) within 30 days of the application deadline, please contact Lora Lee Schroeder Region 4 SAI Coordinator via email; schroeder.lora@epa.gov or by telephone at (404) 562-9015. Failure to do so may result in your application not being reviewed.

V. Application Review Information

A. Selection Criteria

Only those proposals that meet the threshold criteria listed in Section III of this announcement will be evaluated based on the criteria below. Applications may receive up to 100 points.

  1. Program focuses on sustainable agriculture and a whole systems approach. Proposals will be evaluated based on: (i) The description of the program’s approach to methods for grower participation and adoption of sustainable pest management practices, along with applied research and extension program components, and; (ii) The extent that a “whole systems” approach to pest management is encouraged. The project should strive to integrate pest, soil, crop, and water management practices. (5 points)

  2. Importance of project in relation to FQPA. Proposals will be evaluated based on the extent that they address critical pest management issues relative to the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA), are consistent with the goals of the FQPA Strategic Agricultural Initiative (See Section I.B.3 for goals) and address OPP Priorities for the SAI Program (See Section I.B.2). Projects must focus on actual results, getting information and agricultural practices into the hands of growers who actually use them to shift away from FQPA-targeted pesticides to other methods of pest management. (10 points)

  3. Commodity and region-wide significance and degree of transferability to other areas. Proposals will be evaluated based on the extent they address agricultural commodity pest problems, discuss critical pest management issues (explaining the importance of the project and the commodity) and address how the agricultural practice and reduced-risk tools could be adapted to other locations with similar cropping systems. (5 points)

  4. On-farm demonstration with active roles for multiple grower participation. Proposals will be evaluated based on the extent of their partnerships and the participation of growers as part of the project activities. Cooperation with scientists, extension officers, pest control advisors, crop consultants other non-profit organizations, and other partners is encouraged. Letters of support from collaborators, indicating their contributions to the project, should be provided for this factor. (10 points)

  5. Clearly stated and measurable objectives. Proposals will be evaluated based on their clarity and ability to explain the project objectives and the degree to which the proposed project will: (i) Reduce or eliminate the use of highly toxic pesticides; and (ii) Increase farmers’ adoption of reduced risk alternatives and/or sustainable integrated pest or crop management methods. Include a clear explanation of the methods (both quantitative and qualitative) that will be used to measure progress and impacts. Measures of success should be linked to reduction of pesticide use/risks, implementation of alternative agricultural practices, and/or similar impacts. (10 points)

  6. Environmental Measurement/Outputs and Outcomes (Medium and Long-term outcomes) Projects will be evaluated on their likelihood of achieving predicted environmental results, expected outcomes, project goals, and produce on-the-ground, quantifiable environmental change. Projects must have a clear plan to track and measure its progress toward achieving the expected outputs and outcomes as identified in Section I. Include a description of expected outputs and outcomes. Include two to three performance measures that can be tracked throughout the project. Please note that these performance measures may be the same as or in addition to the mandatory measures listed in Section III.C of this announcement.

    If your project is selected for funding, measures included in your proposal may be subject to negotiation. Be sure to describe the method you will use to attain data to support the measures indicated. (35 points)

  7. Outreach/Use of extension to enhance the likelihood of grower adoption. Proposals will be evaluated to the extent that there are clear plans for extension; outreach or communications that will likely lead to effective learning and adoption of new practices, and how the long term, sustainable adoption will be measured. (15 points)

  8. Programmatic Capability (Technical Experience) and Environmental Results Past Performance/Qualification and experience of the applicant relative to the proposed project and involvement of key institutions and stakeholders. Proposals will be evaluated based on the applicant’s: (i) past performance in successfully completing federally funded assistance agreements (assistance agreements include Federal grants and cooperative agreements but not Federal contracts) similar in size, scope, and relevance to the proposed project that your organization has performed and completed within the last three years; (ii) a history of meeting reporting requirements on prior or current assistance agreements (assistance agreements include Federal grants and cooperative agreements but not Federal contracts) similar in size, scope, and relevance to the proposed project performed within the last 3 years with federal and/or non-federal organizations and submitting acceptable final technical reports; (iii) past performance in documenting and/or reporting on its progress towards achieving the expected outcomes and outputs (e.g., results) under federally funded assistance agreements (assistance agreements include Federal grants and cooperative agreements but not Federal contracts) that the organization performed within the last three years (and if such progress was not made whether the documentation and/or reports satisfactorily explained why not); (iv) organizational experience and ability to plan for timely and successfully achieving the objectives of the project; and (v) staff expertise/qualifications, staff knowledge, and resources or the ability to obtain them, to successfully achieve the goals of the project. Applicants without past experience will receive a neutral score in this area. (5 points)

  9. Budget. Applications will be scored based on the adequacy of the budget information provided, and whether the budget breakout is reasonable and acceptable, and demonstrates effective and judicious use of Federal funds. (5 points)

    Note: Strategic Agricultural Initiative grants are not intended to support basic research; however, proposals may include a component for applied on-farm research, as long as they also have demonstration, education and/or outreach activities. Proposals that maximize the use of resources for “on-the-ground” activities will be viewed more favorably than those proposals with high administrative costs.

B. Review and Selection Process

A selected panel of EPA Region 4 staff will review the eligible applications based on the criteria outlined in this Request for Applications (RFA). The quality of the proposals will play a significant role in the selection of grants for funding.

The review panel will develop a list of the most highly rated proposals, and funding recommendations will then be made to the EPA Region 4 Air, Pesticides & Toxics Management Division Director, who will make the final funding decision.

The selected Applicant will be notified of recommendation for funding by e-mail after final decisions have been made, approximately 60 days after the closing of this announcement. This notification is not an authorization to begin performance. The applicants not selected will be also notified electronically, consistent with the Agency’s Disputes Procedures. (Note that applications will be subject to review under Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.)

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

Successful applicants whose final applications have been selected and approved can expect to receive an award document. Please note that only a duly authorized grant officer can bind the government following approval of your final application. The award will not be official and final until a notice of award approval is issued by the EPA award official and affirmed by your organization.

As the assistance agreement is a legal document, an authorized representative of your organization must indicate acceptance by signing and returning the appropriate copies to the EPA Region 4 Grants Office. Specific instructions will be provided with the award document. The mailing address for the Region 4 Grant Office is:

US EPA Region 4
Attn: Elaine Curles, Chief
Grants and Contracts and IAG Section
Atlanta Federal Center
61 Forsyth Street
Atlanta, GA 30303-8960

Dispute Resolution:

Assistance agreement competition–related disputes will be resolved in accordance with the dispute resolution procedures published in 70 FR (Federal Register) 3629, 3630 (January 26, 2005) which can be found at: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/05-1371.htm.

Copies of these procedures may also be requested by contacting:

Lora Lee Schroeder
APTMD, Pesticides Section
US EPA Region 4
Atlanta Federal Center
61 Forsyth Street
Atlanta, GA 30303-8960
404-562-9015
schroeder.lora@epa.gov

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Award recipients must comply with all requirements set forth in 40 Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR), Part 31 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments) and 40 CFR, Part 30 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and other Non-Profit Organizations), as applicable.

Data Access and Information Release

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-110 has been revised to provide public access to research data through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) under some circumstances. Data that are (1) first produced in a project that is supported in whole or in part with Federal funds and (2) cited publicly and officially by a Federal agency in support of an action that has the force and effect of law (i.e., a regulation) may be accessed through FOIA. If such data are requested by the public, the EPA must ask for it, and the grantee must submit it, in accordance with A-110 and EPA regulations at 40 C.F.R. 30.36.

Nonprofit Administrative Capability Clause

Non-profit applicants that are recommended for funding under this announcement are subject to pre-award administrative capability reviews consistent with Section 8b, 8c and 9d of EPA Order 5700.8 - Policy on Assessing Capabilities of Non-Profit Applicants for Managing Assistance Awards. In addition, non-profit applicants that qualify for funding may, depending on the size of the award, be required to fill out and submit to the Grants Management Office the Administrative Capabilities Form with supporting documents contained in Appendix A of EPA Order 5700.8.

Quality Assurance

If environmental activities include direct measurements or data generation, environmental modeling, or compilation of data from literature or electronic media as part of the funding agreement, a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) and submission date to EPA for approval will be required unless the organization can show a previously EPA approved Quality Management Plan.

Funding Restrictions

Regulations governing these assistance agreements are found at: 40 CFR Part 30 for institutions of higher education, colleges and universities, and non profit organizations; 40 CFR Part 31 for States, federally recognized Indian Tribes and local governments; 40 CFR Part 32, governing government wide debarment and suspension; and, 40 CFR Part 34 regarding restrictions on lobbying. All costs incurred under this program must be allowable under the applicable OMB Cost Circulars: A-87 (States and local governments); A-122 (non-profit organizations); or A-21 (universities). Copies of these circulars may be found at: http://whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars.

In accordance with EPA policy, and the OMB circulars, as appropriate, any recipient of funding must agree not to use assistance funds for lobbying, fund raising, or political activities(e.g. lobbying members of Congress or lobbying for other Federal grants, cooperative agreements or contracts) See 40 CFR Part 34.

Please refer to the applicable cost principles in the Office of Management and Budget Circulars; e.g.

OMB Circular A-21, Educational Institutions (8/8/00)
OMB Circular A-87, State and Local Governments (5/4/95, amended 8/29/97)
OMB Circular A-122, Non-Profit Organizations (5/19/98)

These circulars can be viewed at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/

Indirect cost rates will not increase the award funding amount.

Copyrights

EPA reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish or otherwise use, and to authorize others to use, for federal government purposes in accordance with 40 CFR 31.34: (a) The copyright in any work developed under a grant, subgrant, or contract under a grant or subgrant; and (b) Any rights of copyright to which a grantee, subgrantee or a contractor purchases ownership with grant support.

Conference or Workshop

If a conference or workshop is an element of the project, the applicant will be required to answer the following questions: Who is initiating the conference/workshop/meeting? How will it be advertised? Whose logo will be on the agenda and materials? What is the percentage of participants, i.e. federal, state, local or public? Will the grant recipient prepare the proceedings and disseminate the information back to the targeted community? Will program income be generated from this event?

C. Reporting

Progress Reports

The successful applicant will be required to submit progress reports throughout the duration of the project. Reports should include a description of project activities including accomplishments, successes and lessons learned along with any problems and/or delays, and a summary of funds expended. Environmental outcomes should be indicated in relation to the approved schedule and milestones. Reports should be submitted electronically if possible. A format and timetable for the written reports will be sent electronically to the grantee after the award has been made.

Final Reports

Are required at the completion of the project, as stated in 40CFR§31.40 and 40CFR§30.51. The report will include any agreed-upon work-product(s) resulting from the project, and copies of materials generated in connection with project activities (e.g., workshop announcements, workshop sign in sheets, newspaper/newsletter announcements, articles or releases, press packets, pamphlets, etc.). Any additional requirements will be stated in the Special Conditions of the Award document. This report is due 90 days following the end of the project period.

Financial Status Reports (FSRs)

Are required on an annual basis, as stated in 40CFR§30.52 and 40CFR§31.41, as applicable. A Final FSR is required at the completion of the project.

VII. Agency Contact

Lora Lee Schroeder
APTMD, Pesticides Section
US EPA Region 4
Atlanta Federal Center
61 Forsyth Street
Atlanta, GA 30303-8960
404-562-9015
schroeder.lora@epa.gov

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