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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Research and Development
National Center for Environmental Research
CLOSED - FOR REFERENCES PURPOSES ONLY
Technology for a Sustainable Environment
EPA/NSF PARTNERSHIP FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
Interagency Announcement of Opportunity
OPENING DATE: November 18, 1997
CLOSING DATE: February 17, 1998
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) announce their intent to support a special
awards competition in Fiscal Year (FY) 1998. This NSF-EPA competition
has been developed based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
signed on December 8, 1994. This MOU establishes a partnership between
the two agencies emphasizing the support and merit review of fundamental,
extramural environmental research. NSF and EPA's Office of Research
and Development are continuing their cooperation in this extramural
grants program in FY 1998. This is the fourth year of the joint
special awards competition. Information on the FY 1995, 1996, and
1997 awards and the 1998 solicitation can be found on the Internet
through: http://www.nsf.gov or
http://es.epa.gov/ncer/.
There are four areas of interest in FY1998:
A. Water and Watersheds
B. Technology for a Sustainable Environment
C. Decision-making and Valuation for Environmental Policy
D. Environmental Statistics
This Announcement is directed only at research on Technology for
a Sustainable Environment (TSE). The other three research areas
are covered by other announcements. Awards made through this TSE
competition are dependent upon responsiveness of the proposals to
the announcement, the quality of the proposed research, and the
availability of funds. Under this announcement, NSF and EPA anticipate
awarding:
* Approximately $4.5 million for Technology for a Sustainable Environment
research, with a projected award range from $50,000 to $150,000
per award per year and an approximate duration of 2 to 3 years.
Proposals in response to this announcement must be received by February
17, 1998. It is anticipated that awards will be made by Fall 1998.
Further information, if needed, may be obtained from the NSF and
EPA officials indicated below. E-mail inquiries are the preferred
communication method.
GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE COMPETITION:
Dr. Robert E. Menzer
EPA National Center for Environmental Research
menzer.robert@epamail.epa.gov
voice (202) 564-6849
Dr. Robert M. Wellek
NSF Directorate for Engineering
rwellek@nsf.gov
fax (703) 306-0319
Dr. Joseph E. Hennessey
NSF Directorate for Engineering
jhenness@nsf.gov
voice (703) 306-1301
Dr. Henry N. Blount, III
NSF Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences
hblount@nsf.gov
voice (703) 306-1946
Information on Technology for a Sustainable Environment:
Dr. Barbara Karn
EPA Environmental Engineering Research Division
karn.barbara@epamail.epa.gov
voice (202) 564-6824
Mr. Stephen A. Lingle
EPA Environmental Engineering Research Division
lingle.stephen@epamail.epa.gov
voice (202) 564-6820
Dr. Robert Wellek
NSF Directorate for Engineering
rwellek@nsf.gov
fax (703) 306-0319
Dr. Margaret Cavanaugh
NSF Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences
mcavanau@nsf.gov
voice (703) 306-1842
2.0 TECHNOLOGY FOR A SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
2.1 Introduction
As a nation, we seek long-term economic growth that creates
jobs while improving and sustaining the environment. It is increasingly
clear that "end-of-pipe" pollution controls are not a
sufficient means of reaching these goals. A new generation of cleaner
industrial manufacturing and processing technologies is needed that
supports pollution prevention, efficient resource use, and industrial
ecology. Such a strategy can help companies become more competitive
by lowering resource and energy needs, reducing waste and emissions
control costs, and fostering sustainable development.
This competition is designed to address pollution prevention processes,
methodologies, and technology research. Research proposals are invited
that advance the development and use of innovative technologies
and approaches directed at avoiding or minimizing the generation
of pollutants at the source. This competition is not intended to
address issues related to waste monitoring, treatment, remediation,
or containment other than those aspects that pertain to in-process
recycling of waste. Research in the areas of remediation and treatment
of hazardous materials, while very important, is supported by other
program activities in both agencies.
NSF and EPA are providing funds for fundamental and applied research
in the physical sciences and engineering that will lead to the discovery,
development, and evaluation of advanced and novel environmentally
benign methods for industrial processing and manufacturing. The
competition addresses technological environmental issues of design,
synthesis, processing, and the production and use of products in
continuous and discrete manufacturing industries. Projects must
employ fundamental new approaches, and address, or be relevant to,
current national concerns for pollution prevention.
2.2 Description of Possible Research Projects
2.2.1 Chemistry for Pollution Prevention
The long-range goal of this program activity is to develop safer
commercial substances and environmentally friendly chemical syntheses
to reduce risks posed by existing practices. Pollution prevention
has become the preferred strategy for reducing the risks posed by
the design, manufacture, and use of commercial chemicals. Green
chemistry, a fundamental approach to preventing pollution at the
source, involves the design of chemicals and alternative chemical
syntheses that do not utilize toxic feedstocks, reagents, or solvents
or do not produce toxic by products or co-products.
Appropriate areas of investigation include: chemical synthesis and
catalysis; analysis and detection; separation processes; and reaction
mechanisms. Examples include:
* Development of innovative synthetic methods by means of catalysis
and biocatalysis; photochemical, electrochemical, or biomimetic
synthesis; and use of starting materials which are innocuous or
renewable.
* Development of alternative and creative reaction conditions, such
as using solvents which have a reduced impact on health and the
environment, or increasing reaction selectivity thus reducing wastes
and emissions.
* Design or redesign of useful chemicals and materials such that
they are less toxic to health and the environment or safer with
regard to accident potential.
2.2.2 Engineering for Pollution Prevention
The focus of this program activity is to develop novel engineering
approaches for preventing or reducing pollution from industrial
manufacturing and processing activities, both for continuous and
discrete processes. The scope includes: technology and equipment
modifications, reformulation or redesign of products, substitution
of alternative materials, and in-process changes. Although these
methods are often thought of in relation to the chemical, biochemical,
and materials process industries, they can be utilized in many other
industriesÐsuch as semiconductor manufacturing systems. Potential
areas of research include:
* Biological Applications: Development of innovative environmental
technologies using bioengineering techniques such as metabolic engineering
and bioprocessing to prevent pollution. Examples include research
to convert waste biomass into useful products, genetic engineering
to produce more specific biocatalysts, metabolic engineering and
bioprocessing to increase energy efficiency, decrease use of hazardous
reactants or byproducts, or develop more cost effective methods
of producing environmentally benign products.
* Fluid and Thermal Systems: Improved manufacturing processes that
employ novel thermal or fluid and/or multiphase/particulate systems
resulting in significantly lower hazardous effluent production.
Examples include: novel refrigeration cycles using safe and environmentally-benign
working fluids to replace halogenated hydrocarbons hazardous to
upper atmosphere ozone levels; improved automobile combustion process
design for reduced pollutant production.
* Interfacial Transport and Separations: Materials substitutions
and process alternatives which prevent or reduce environmental harm,
such as change of raw material or the use of less hazardous solvents,
organic coatings, and metal plating systems where the primary focus
is on non-reactive diffusional and interfacial phenomena. Examples
include: use of special surfactant systems for surface cleaning
and reactions; novel, cost-effective methods for the highly efficient
in-process separation of useful materials from the components of
the process waste stream, for example, field enhanced and hybrid
separation processes; novel processes for molecularly controlled
chemical and materials synthesis of thin films and membranes
* Design, Manufacturing, and Industrial Innovations: (a) New or
improved manufacturing processes that reduce production of hazardous
effluents at the source. Examples include: machining without the
use of cutting fluids that currently require disposal after they
are contaminated; eliminating toxic electroplating solutions by
replacing them with ion or plasma-based dry plating techniques;
new bulk materials and coatings with durability, long life, and
other desirable engineering properties that can be manufactured
with reduced environmental impact. (b) Optimization of existing
discrete parts manufacturing operations to prevent, reduce, or eliminate
waste. Concepts include: increased in-process or in-plant recycling
and improved and intelligent process control and sensing capabilities;
in-process techniques that minimize generation of pollutants in
industrial waste incineration processes.
* Chemical Processes and Reaction Engineering: Improved reactor,
catalyst, or chemical process design in order to increase product
yield, improve selectivity, or reduce unwanted by-products. Approaches
include novel reactors such as reactor-separator combinations that
provide for product separation during the reaction, alternative
energy sources for reaction initiation, and integrated chemical
process design and operation, including control. Other approaches
are: new multifunctional catalysts that reduce the number of process
stages; novel heterogeneous catalysts that replace state-of-the-art
homogeneous ones; new photo- or electro catalysts that operate at
low temperatures with high selectivity; novel catalysts for currently
uncatalyzed reactions; processes that use renewable resources in
place of synthetic intermediates as feedstocks; novel processes
for molecularly controlled materials synthesis and modification.
2.2.3 Measurement, Assessment, and Feedback Techniques for Pollution
Prevention
This competition also encourages research in physical sciences
and engineering that will lead to the development of novel measurement
and assessment techniques for pollution prevention. Topics in this
program activity include life cycle analysis, computational simulations,
and process design algorithms for product life cycle analysis, as
well as the development of appropriate measurement methods to use
as input for such analyses. The methods developed should provide
the basis for scientifically sound and quantitative comparisons
of the environmental impact of various technologies. The following
examples provide some areas of investigation:
* Innovative, full scale, quantitative methodologies for conducting
life cycle analysis which permit sound quantitative comparisons
of impacts of different pollutants on different media.
* Streamlined, targeted life cycle analysis and environmental product
design methodologies and systems that can provide scientifically
sound comparisons with less comprehensive data inputs and computational
analysis.
* Algorithms incorporating pollution prevention into process design,
intelligent control, and simulation methodologies for process and
manufacturing design.
* Process simulator modules for new technologies such as novel membrane
processes.
* Molecular models that predict reaction selectivity in terms of
a few fundamental properties of substances. Integration of those
models into chemical reaction databases relevant to environmentally
benign chemical processes.
* Improved and intelligent sensors and control algorithms for real
time, in-process multivariate control of manufacturing equipment
and systems to reduce waste material and hazardous emission.
2.3 Relation to Current and Past Agency Activities
The EPA/NSF Technology for a Sustainable Environment activity
is an integral part of EPA's research program and supports the Green
Chemistry, Common Sense Initiative, and other pollution prevention
activities in the Agency. For NSF, this activity is an integral
part of its Environmentally Benign Chemical Synthesis and Processing
activity and its Environmentally Conscious Manufacturing program
activity as described below.
2.3.1 Environmental Protection Agency
Green Chemistry Program: This program is directed at preventing
pollution by promoting design of less toxic chemical substances
and alternative chemical pathways that involve less toxic feedstocks,
reagents, or solvents and generate fewer toxic products, by-products,
or co-products. As part of this program, EPA has initiated the Green
Chemistry Challenge to recognize and promote fundamental and innovative
chemical methodologies that accomplish pollution prevention through
source reduction and that have a broad application in industry.
Green chemistry encompasses all aspects and types of chemical processes
- including synthesis, catalysis, analysis, monitoring, separations,
and reaction conditions that reduce negative impacts on human health
and the environment relative to the current state of the art. Through
awards and grants programs, the Green Chemistry Challenge recognizes
and promotes fundamental and innovative technologies that incorporate
the principles of green chemistry into chemical design, manufacture,
and use. The Green Chemistry Challenge Awards Program recognizes
those in industry, academia, and government who have met the Green
Chemistry objectives in an exemplary way, and the Green Chemistry
Challenge Grants Program enhances support for cutting-edge research
in this area.
Common Sense Initiative: EPA's Common Sense Initiative is directed
toward finding better, cheaper, and faster ways of achieving environmental
improvement through a stakeholder-based dialogue in six specific
industrial sectors: metal finishing, printing, iron and steel, electronics,
automobile assembly, and petroleum refining.
2.3.2 National Science Foundation
Environmentally Benign Chemical Synthesis and Processing (EBCS&P):
This program, described in NSF 92-13, is aimed at preventing pollution
by providing financial support for fundamental research in the identification
of environmentally benign chemical and material synthesis and related
manufacturing processes. For the NSF Engineering Directorate's Chemical
and Transport Systems Division, the Technology for a Sustainable
Environment activity subsumes the EBCS&P activity in Fiscal
Year 1998. For the NSF Directorate of Mathematics and Physical Science's
Division of Chemistry, research proposals are also accepted for
EBCS&P activities for July 1, October 1, and January 1, target
dates as part of its normal review process, as well as through this
special NSF/EPA activity.
Environmentally Conscious Manufacturing (ECM): This competition
addresses specific aspects of the Environmentally Conscious Manufacturing
Initiative Announcement, NSF 95-91. Therefore in Fiscal Year 1998,
the ECM activity is largely subsumed in this announcement. However,
only those areas described in this solicitation will be considered;
proposals in all other ECM topic areas may be submitted under the
normal procedures for unsolicited NSF proposals (NSF 98-2) to the
relevant divisions. Copies of NSF 95-91 announcement are available
upon request (703-306-1330) and can also be obtained via the World
Wide Web at http://www.nsf.gov/cgi-bin/pubsys/browser/odbrowse.pl
2.4 Additional Considerations
A clearer understanding of problems and more creative solutions
often result from collaboration between academic and the industrial
investigators who represent the eventual customers for the products
of the research. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to seek meaningful
project collaboration with industrial partners on fundamental research
issues that link basic and applied aspects of pollution prevention.
In some cases, state government agencies or professional organizations
may be an appropriate substitute for an industrial partner. The
NSF Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI)
program announcement (NSF 97-116) outlines several mechanisms for
these collaborations although others will also be considered.
Proposals may be submitted by individuals or small groups of investigators
who are working on projects that will advance the concepts and technologies
of pollution prevention.
Researchers from both academic and non-profit institutions may apply
for support (see Section 3.0). Projects involving the training and
education of junior scientists and engineers (such as graduate students)
in academia through the research experience are very strongly encouraged.
In the present competition, reviewers will consider the potential
impact of the research on pollution prevention, in addition to scientific
criteria described by NSF's standard review criteria in NSF Grant
Proposal Guide (NSF 98-2).
The total number of awards for this activity is dependent upon the
technical merit of the proposals, their relation to the agencies'
missions, and the financial support available to both agencies for
this program. Projects selected for support may receive funds either
individually from NSF or from EPA, or selected projects may be jointly
supported by both agencies. This is at the option of the agencies,
not the grantee.
3.0 ELIGIBILITY
Academic and not-for-profit institutions located in the
U.S., and State or local governments are eligible. Profit-making
firms and federal agencies are not eligible to apply to this program.
However, personnel in profit- making firms may participate as non-funded
co-investigators or through sub-contracts with the awardee institution.
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 submit
applications to this program and may not serve in a principal leadership
role on a grant. Under exceptional circumstances the principal investigator's
institution may subcontract 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, and unique analyses or instrumentation not available
elsewhere. 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.
Federal employees may not receive salaries or in other ways augment
their agency's appropriations through grants made by this program.
Potential applicants who are uncertain of their eligibility should
contact Dr. Robert E. Menzer (listed in Section 1.0).
EPA and NSF welcome applications on behalf of all qualified scientists,
engineers, and other professionals and strongly encourage women,
minorities, and persons with disabilities to compete fully in any
of the programs described in this announcement.
In accordance with Federal statutes and regulations and EPA and
NSF policies, no person on grounds of race, color, age, sex, national
origin, or disability shall be excluded from participation in, denied
the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program
or activity receiving financial assistance from the Environmental
Protection Agency or the National Science Foundation.
4.0 INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION SUBMISSION
4.1 Sorting Codes
In order to facilitate proper assignment and review of applications,
each applicant is asked to identify the topic area in which the
application is to be considered. It is the responsibility of the
applicant to correctly identify the proper sorting code. Failure
to do so may result in an improper review assignment. At various
places within the application, applicants will be asked to identify
this topic area by using the appropriate Sorting Code. The Sorting
Codes correspond to the topic areas within the solicitation and
are shown below:
Chemistry for Pollution Prevention 98-NCERQA-H1
Engineering for Pollution Prevention:
* Biological Applications 98-NCERQA-H2
* Fluid and Thermal Systems 98-NCERQA-H3
* Interfacial, Transport, Separations 98-NCERQA-H4
* Design, Manufacturing, and
Industrial Innovations 98-NCERQA-H5
* Chemical Processes and
Reaction Engineering 98-NCERQA-H6
Measurement, Assessment, and Feedback
Techniques for Pollution Prevention 98-NCERQA-H7
The Sorting Code must be placed at the top of the abstract (as shown
in the abstract format), on the title page (Standard Form 424),
and must also be included in the address on the package that is
sent to EPA (See Section 4.3).
4.2 The Application
The initial application is made through the submission of
the application materials described below. It is important that
the application contain all the information requested and be submitted
in the formats described. If it is not, the application may be eliminated
from review on administrative grounds. Once an applicant is chosen
for award (i.e., after external peer review and internal programmatic
review), additional documentation and forms will be requested by
the Project Officer. The application contains the following:
A. 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 contact should be identified
in Section 5 of the SF424.
B. Key Contacts: The applicant must complete the Key Contacts Form
(attached) as the second page of the submitted application.
C. Abstract: The abstract is a very important document. Prior
to attending 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 topic. (Be sure to substitute the appropriate code
for the "XX" in 98-NCERQA-XX).
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),
(c) the expected results of the project and how they address
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.
5. Supplemental Keywords: A list of suggested keywords is
provided for your use. Do not duplicate terms already used in the
text of the abstract.
The abstract must not exceed one 8.5x11 inch page of single spaced standard 12 point type with 1 inch margins (see attached format).
D. 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, exclusive
of the references cited and the results of prior Federal support.
The description must provide the following information:
1. Objectives: List objectives of the proposed research and/or
the hypotheses being tested during the project. Include a statement
on the context of the proposed research in relation to other environmental
research in the particular area of work; this statement should also
be synopsized in the objectives section of the abstract.
2. Approach: Outline the methods, approaches, and techniques
that you intend to employ in meeting the objective stated above.
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 topics in the announcement under which the
proposal was submitted.
4. Results from Prior Federal Support: Provide information
on the results of research conducted with prior or current Federal
support. This must be limited to five pages but is in addition to
the 15-page limit. This section should include information on any
prior Federal awards closely related to the application (i.e., not
limited to EPA or NSF awards).
5. 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.
6. Important Attachments: Appendices or other information
may be included but must remain within the 15-page limit. References
and Results of Prior Federal Support are in addition to the 15-page
limit.
E. Resumes: The resumes of all principal investigators and important
co-workers should be presented using NCER Form 5 (see attached).
Each resume must not exceed two consecutively numbered (bottom center),
8.5x11 inch pages of single-spaced standard 12 point type with 1
inch margins.
F. Current and Pending Support: The applicant must identify any
current and pending financial resources that are intended to support
research. This should be done by Completing NSF Form 1239 (see attached)
for each investigator and other senior personnel involved in the
proposal. Failure to provide this information may delay consideration
of your proposal. Updates of this information may be requested during
the evaluation process.
G. Budget: A detailed, itemized budget for each year of the proposed
project must be included. This budget must utilize the format shown
in the attachment (do not try to squeeze your complete budget on
the "form" shown as an example).
H. Budget Justification: This section should describe the basis
for calculating the personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment,
supplies, contractual support, construction, and other costs identified
in the itemized budget. This should also include an explanation
of how the indirect costs and charges 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.
I. Quality Assurance Narrative Statement: For any project involving
data collection or processing, conducting surveys, environmental
measurements, and/or modeling, provide a statement on how quality
products will be assured. 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. 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 in place.
1. The 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); criteria for determining the
acceptability of data quality in terms of 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 for physical samples or similar
information for studies using survey and interview techniques.
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 a
description of statistical analyses to be used and of any computer
models to be designed or utilized with associated verification and
validation techniques.
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.
J. Postcard: The application must include a blank, self-addressed,
stamped post card. This will be returned to the applicant to signify
that the application has been received.
4.3 How to Apply
The original and fifteen (15) copies of the fully developed
application and five (5) additional copies of the abstract (20 in
all), must be received by NCER no later than 4:00 P.M. EST on the
closing date, February 17,1998.
The application and abstract must be prepared in accordance with
these instructions. Informal, incomplete, or unsigned proposals
will not be considered. Completed applications should be sent via
regular mail to:
Peer Review Division (8703R)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Sorting Code: 98-NCERQA-XX
(replace the "XX" with the appropriate code)
401 M Street, SW
Washington DC 20460
For express mail applications, the following address must be used:
Peer Review Division (8703R)
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Sorting Code: 98-NCERQA-XX
(replace the "XX" with the appropriate code)
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Room B-10105
Washington, DC 20004
Phone: (202) 564-6939 (for express mail applications)
Proposals must be submitted to only one topic area, using a single sorting code. If you wish to submit more than one application to EPA or NSF, you must ensure that the research proposed is significantly different from the research in other proposals that have been submitted to this solicitation or from other grants you are currently receiving from any Federal government agency.
The sorting code must be identified in the address (as shown above). Please do not fail to substitute the appropriate code for the "XX" in 98 NCERQA-XX. Applications sent via express mail should have the following telephone number listed on the express mail label: (202) 564-6939.
4.4 Guidelines, Limitations, and Additional Requirements
Subcontracts for research to be conducted under the grant
which exceed 40% of the total direct cost of the grant for each
year in which the subcontract is awarded must be especially well
justified.
Researchers may be invited to participate in an annual All-Investigators
Meeting with EPA and NSF scientists and other grantees to report
on research activities and to discuss areas of mutual interest.
Travel funds should be budgeted to accommodate that eventuality.
The application must include a blank, self-addressed, stamped post
card. This will be returned to the applicant to signify that the
application has been received.
5.0 REVIEW AND SELECTION
5.1 Review Procedures
All grant applications are initially screened by EPA and
NSF to determine their compliance with legal and administrative
requirements. Acceptable applications are then reviewed by an appropriate
technical peer review group. This review is designed to evaluate
each proposal according to its technical merit. Each review group
is composed primarily of non-EPA scientists, engineers, and/or social
scientists who are experts in their respective disciplines. The
reviewers use the following criteria to guide them in their reviews:
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 likelihood 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 this solicitation.
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 input on the appropriateness and/or adequacy
of the proposed budget and its implications on the potential success
of the proposed research. Input on requested equipment is of particular
interest.
Grants are selected on the basis of technical merit, relevancy to
the research priorities outlined, program balance, and budget. In
addition to the above criteria, other factors that will be taken
into consideration by NSF in the evaluation and award process are
described in section 6.3, paragraph 3.
Copies of the evaluations by the technical reviewers will be provided
to each applicant. Funding decisions are the sole responsibility
of EPA and NSF.
5.2 Proprietary Information
By submitting an application in response to this solicitation,
the applicant grants EPA and NSF permission to share the application
with technical reviewers both within and outside the Agencies. Applications
containing proprietary or other types of confidential information
will not be reviewed.
6.0 GRANT ADMINISTRATION
Upon conclusion of the review process, meritorious applications
may be recommended for funding by either EPA and/or NSF, at the
option of the agencies, not the applicant. Subsequent grant administration
procedures will be in accordance with the individual policies of
the awarding agency.
6.1 EPA Grant Administration
The funding mechanisms for all awards issued under this
solicitation will consist of grant agreements between EPA and the
recipient. In accordance with Public Law 95-224, grants are used
to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized
by Federal statute rather than acquisition for the direct benefit
of the Agency. In using a grant agreement, EPA anticipates that
there will be no substantial involvement during the course of the
grant between the recipient and the Agency.
EPA grants awarded as a result of this announcement will be administered
in accordance with 40 CFR Part 30 and 40 or the most recent FDP
terms and conditions, depending upon the grantee institution.
EPA provides awards for research in the sciences and engineering
related to environmental protection. The awardee is solely responsible
for the conduct of such activities and preparation of results for
publication. EPA, therefore, does not assume responsibility for
such findings or their interpretation.
6.2 NSF Grant Administration
NSF grants awarded as a result of this announcement will
be administered in accordance with the terms and conditions of the
most recent NSF GC-1, "Grant General Conditions," or the
FDP-III, "Federal Demonstration Partnership General Terms and
Conditions," depending on the grantee organization.
More comprehensive information on the administration of NSF grants
is contained in the Grant Policy Manual (NSF 95-26, July 1995),
for sale through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing
Office (GPO), Washington, D.C. 20402. The telephone number at GPO
is (202) 512-1800 for subscription information.
Organizations applying to NSF for the first time, or which have
not received an NSF award within the preceding two years, should
refer to the NSF Grant Policy Manual, Section 500, for instructions
on specific information that may be requested by NSF. First time
NSF awardees will be required to submit organizational, management,
and financial information, including a certification of civil rights
compliance, before a grant can be made. One copy of the Grant Policy
Manual will be provided free of charge to new grantees.
Upon completion of an NSF project, a Final Project Report (NSF Form
98A) form will be sent to the grantee. Applicants should review
this form prior to proposal submission so that appropriate tracking
mechanisms are included in the proposal plan to ensure that complete
information will be available at the conclusion of the project.
Activities described in this publication are in the following categories
in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA): 47.041 Engineering;
47.049 Mathematical and Physical Sciences.
6.3 NSF Applicant Information
The Foundation provides awards for research and education
in the sciences and engineering. The awardee is wholly responsible
for the conduct of such research and preparation of the results
for publication. The Foundation, therefore, does not assume responsibility
for the research findings or their interpretation.
The Foundation welcomes proposals from all qualified scientists
and engineers and strongly encourages women, minorities, and persons
with disabilities to compete fully in any of the research and education
related programs described here. In accordance with federal statutes,
regulations, and NSF policies, no person on grounds of race, color,
age, sex, national origin, or disability shall be excluded from
participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination
under any program or activity receiving financial assistance from
the National Science Foundation.
NSF will consider in the evaluation and award process the broader
impacts of the proposed research activity, in addition to addressing
the criteria stated in the section 5.1. Questions to be considered
are: How well does the activity advance discovery and understanding
while promoting teaching, training, and learning? How well does
the proposed activity broaden the participation of underrepresented
groups (e.g., gender, ethnicity, geographic, etc.)? To what extent
will it enhance the infrastructure for research and educaton, such
as facilities, instrumentation, networks and partnerships? Will
the results be disseminated broadly to enhance scientific and technological
understanding? What may be the benefits of the proposed activity
to society?
Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with Disabilities
(FASED) provide funding for special assistance or equipment to enable
persons with disabilities (investigators and other staff, including
student research assistants) to work on NSF projects. See the program
announcement or contact the program coordinator at (703) 306-1636.
Privacy Act. The information requested on proposal forms is solicited
under the authority of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950,
as amended. It will be used in connection with the selection of
qualified proposals and may be disclosed to qualified reviewers
and staff assistants as part of the review process; to applicant
institutions/grantees; to provide or obtain data regarding the application
review process, award decisions, or the administration of awards;
to government contractors, experts, volunteers, and researchers
as necessary to complete assigned work; and to other government
agencies in order to coordinate programs. See Systems of Records,
NSF 50, Principal Investigators/Proposal File and Associated Records,
and NSF-51, 60 Federal Register 4449 (January 23, 1995), Reviewer/Proposal
File and Associated Records, 59 Federal Register 8031 (February
17, 1994).
Public Burden. Submission of the information is voluntary. Failure
to provide full and complete information, however, may reduce the
possibility of your receiving an award.
The public reporting burden for this collection of information is
estimated to average 120 hours per response, including the time
for reviewing instructions. Send comments regarding this burden
estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information,
including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Gail A. McHenry,
Reports Clearance Officer, Information Dissemination Branch, National
Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 245, Arlington,
VA 22230.
The National Science Foundation has TDD (Telephonic Device for the
Deaf) capability, which enables individuals with hearing impairment
to communicate with the Foundation about NSF programs, employment,
or general information. To access NSF TDD, dial (703) 306-0090;
for FIRS, 1-800-877-8339.
This is the end of the file. You need the required forms to complete an application for this grant. The grant forms are available in Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF) and can be downloaded and then read on screen and printed only if you have Adobe Acrobat Reader 2.1 or higher. The same forms can also be obtained via our Hotline automated FAX server (1-800-490-9194).
I need Adobe Acrobat Reader first...take me to the Adobe download site.
I have the Reader and I have printed the HTML version of the announcement above.....I just need the PDF version of the STAR Interagency Research Grant Forms.
I have the Reader.....I would like the PDF of this Announcement and the Grant Application Forms.