FY 2008 Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Pollution Prevention Information Network (PPIN) Grants Program

AGENCY: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA)
Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances

ACTION: Request for Proposals (RFP)

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE (CFDA) No.: 66.708

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY No.: EPA-OPPT-08-005

DATES: The closing date for receipt of hard copy proposal packages is March 17, 2008, 4 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST). All hard copies of proposal packages must be received by Beth Anderson (anderson. beth@epa.gov) by March 17, 2008, at 4 pm EST, in order to be considered for funding. Electronic submissions must be submitted via www.grants.gov by March 17, 2008 11:59 pm EST. Proposals received after the closing date and time will not be considered for funding. Final applications will be requested from those eligible entries whose proposals have been successfully evaluated and preliminarily recommended for award. To allow for efficient management of the competitive process, EPA requests submittal of an informal notice of an "Intent to Apply" by March 3, 2008. Submission of intent to apply is optional. It is a process management tool that will allow EPA to better anticipate the total staff time required for efficient review, evaluation, and selection of submitted proposals.

SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of funds and solicits proposals that would accomplish the following: (1) Make specific technical assistance available to businesses seeking information about source reduction opportunities, including funding for experts to provide on-site technical advice to businesses seeking assistance and to assist in the development of source reduction plans. (2) Target assistance to businesses for whom lack of information is an impediment to source reduction. (3) Provide training in source reduction techniques.

FUNDING/AWARDS: The total estimated funding for this competition is approximately $800,000. EPA anticipates awarding between 4 to 8 cooperative agreements from this announcement, subject to availability of funds and the quality of proposals received.

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION: Eligible applicants include the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, any territory or possession of the United States, any agency or instrumentality of a State including State colleges/universities, and Indian Tribes that meet the requirement for treatment in a manner similar to a State in 40 CFR 35.663 and intertribal consortia that meet the requirements in 40 CFR 35.504.

CONTENTS BY SECTION:

Funding Opportunity Description
Award Information
Eligibility Information
Application and Submission Information
Application Review Information
Award Administration
Agency Contact

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Background. The goal of the Pollution Prevention Information Network (PPIN) grants program is to assist businesses and industries in identifying better environmental strategies and solutions for reducing or eliminating waste. Funds awarded through this grant program support regional work with businesses to reduce the release of potentially harmful pollutants across all environmental media: air, water, and land. Pollution prevention (P2) technical assistance programs have demonstrated that source reduction can be a cost-effective way of meeting or exceeding Federal and State regulatory requirements.

EPA has awarded PPIN grants since 1997. EPA started this grant program in order to improve coordination as P2 information tools were developed and promoted for use by technical assistance providers or businesses. The communication and coordination of services among the regional centers has: facilitated linkages among environmental assistance programs, across States and EPA regions; promoted long-term sustainability of both State and local technical assistance programs; and provided P2 information, training and related services nation-wide.

Over the past ten years, the PPIN grant program has successfully built a national network of centers that work together to provide P2 information services nation-wide. EPA recognizes that it is important for grantees to share information among themselves. This collaboration between PPIN grantees allows the transfer of technologies and services. Successful collaboration between centers has demonstrated that P2 information products and services can be shared across geographical and political boundaries, to provide P2 solutions and measurement nation-wide. Sometimes an approach developed by a single grantee in response to local geographic or regulatory needs can be successfully applied in other geographic locations. Currently grantees work together: sharing new P2 information, synthesizing current P2 information, developing and providing training, and promoting their products and services.

Communication among grantees has reduced duplicative efforts in State and local governments. These activities have outputs and outcomes that can be documented and measured, whether by case study, emails, or systematic record keeping of these interactions. The current challenge is to clearly demonstrate how PPIN activities have increased regional and national awareness and adoption of P2 practices.

B. EPA Strategic Plan Linkage and Anticipated Outcomes/Outputs

1. Linkage to EPA Strategic Plan. Proposals under this project support EPA's 2006-2011 Strategic Plan's Goal 5: Objective 5.2: Improve Environmental Performance Through Pollution Prevention and Other Stewardship, Sub-Objective 5.2.1: Prevent Pollution and Promote Environmental Stewardship. For more information, go to http://www.epa.gov/cfo/plan/2006/goal_5.pdf
The specific environmental outcomes listed are: reduction in pounds of hazardous waste materials; reduction, conservation or offset of British Thermal Units (BTUs); reduction in gallons of water used; and dollars saved through pollution prevention improvements in businesses.

2. Anticipated Outcomes and Outputs. Pursuant to Section 6a of EPA Order 5700.7, "Environmental Results under EPA Assistance Agreements," EPA requires that grant recipients adequately descibe environmental outputs and environmental outcomes to be achieved under assistance agreements (see EPA Order 5700.7, Environmental Results Under Assistance Agreements, - http://www.epa.gov/ogd/grants/award/5700.7.pdf . Outputs and outcomes differ both in their nature and in how they are measured. Applicants should identify the relevant environmental outputs and environemntal outcomes of their projects in their proposals.

Environmental Outputs. The term "output" means an environmental activity, effort and/or associated work products related to an environmental goal or objective that will be produced or provided over a period of time or by a specified date. Some examples of expected or anticipated environmental outputs from the PPIN grants program include, but are not limited to: progress reports; number of workshops or trainings conducted; development of marketing materials that promote the adoption or awareness of P2 practices; development of P2 publications (electronic or hardcopy); meeting summaries; P2 case studies; and assistance provided to individual clients via telephone, email, or on-site visits.
Environmental Outcomes. The term "outcome" means the result, effect, or consequence that will occur from carrying out an environmental program or activity that is related to an environmental or programmatic goal or objective. Outcomes may be knowledge or attitude-based, behavioral, health-related, or environmental in nature, and ultimately reflect improvements in environmental or environmentally-based health-risk conditions. Examples of outcomes include, but are not limited to: changes in environmental conditions or reductions in pollutant releases. Outcomes may not necessarily be fully achievable within an assistance agreement funding period, but they should strive to be quantitative.

Proposals funded under this announcement should measure and document at least short-term environmental outcomes, such as: increased awareness of P2 opportunities, increased knowledge about P2 tools and resources, or increased capacity to provide P2 resources by intermediate P2 technical assistance programs. In order to demonstrate an increase or change in an outcome, such as awareness, knowledge, or outreach, a baseline for comparison must be provided.

Change in Attitude or Knowledge. These short-term outcomes reflect changes in learning, knowledge, attitude, skills, or understanding. A short-term outcome could be an increase in understanding of available P2 options, increased awareness of P2, or increased audience reach. Some of these short-term outcomes may be reported during the project period.

Change in Behavior. These intermediate outcomes reflect changes in behavior, practice, or decisions, which are the foundations of pollution prevention and environmental stewardship. Intermediate outcomes are expected to lead to beneficial long-term outcomes but are not themselves"ends." An intermediate outcome could be creation of a process map, implementation of P2 plans or implementing a system to measure environmental outcomes. Some of these intermediate-term outcomes may be reported during the project period and some may occur after the end of the project period.

Change in Condition. These long-term outcomes reflect changes in environmental condition. These long-term outcomes are the desired end or ultimate results of a project or program. They represent results that lead to environmental or public health improvement. A long-term outcome of the P2 information network activities could be a reduction in hazardous waste or conservation of water resources. These long-term outcomes will most likely result from program activities outside of a given grant project period.

C. Scope of Work

1. Definition of Pollution Prevention (P2). For purposes of this grant announcement, pollution prevention/source reduction is defined as any practice which: a) Reduces the amount of any hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant entering any waste stream or otherwise released into the environment (including fugitive emissions) prior to recycling, treatment or disposal; b) Reduces the hazards to public health and the environment associated with the release of such substances, pollutants, or contaminants; or c) Reduces or eliminates the creation of pollutants through: (i) increased efficiency in the use of raw materials, energy, water, or other resources; or (ii) protection of natural resources by conservation.

Examples of pollution prevention/source reduction projects or activities include: equipment or technology modifications, process or procedure modifications, reformulation or redesign of products, substitution of raw materials, and improvements in housekeeping, maintenance, training, or inventory control. Pollution prevention/source reduction does not include any practice which alters the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of the volume of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant through a process or activity which itself is not integral to and necessary for the production of a product or the providing of a service. Although recycling in an environmentally sound manner shares many of the advantages of prevention, these activities are not considered pollution prevention/source reduction and are not eligible for funding under this program.

2. Criteria in the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 (PPA). Funding for this grant program is provided by Congress under Section 6605 of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-508). EPA shall consider whether grant outcomes under the PPIN program accomplish the following: (1) Make specific technical assistance available to businesses seeking information about source reduction opportunities, including funding for experts to provide on-site technical advice to businesses seeking assistance and to assist in the development of source reduction plans. (2) Target assistance to businesses for whom lack of information is an impediment to source reduction. (3) Provide training in source reduction techniques. (See PPA Section 6605(b)).

The Agency recognizes that information and training may reach businesses through intermediaries such as State or local technical assistance providers (TAPs). Proposals must address how each proposed program activity will reach or contact businesses.

3. Project Strategy. Under the P2 Grant Program, pollution prevention is a critical tool used to address major national and regional environmental issues, e.g., climate change, the reduction of green house gases, decreased toxics in the environment, energy and water conservation, and renewable energy, in ways that achieve environmental, social and economic benefits. PPIN grants focus on providing information services that: increase awareness of P2 approaches and practices; and support the adoption and implementation of P2 practices. Grant tasks address: identified audience needs for P2 information and assistance; and measure changes in awareness, knowledge, or adoption of P2 plans and practices.

Proposals should include an explanation relating their proposed work to national or regional issues. (EPA Regional priorities are identified in this RFP: www.epa.gov/p2/pubs/grants/ppis/2007fpp2grant.htm) Minutes from advisory committee or regional meetings and customer requests for P2 information services are examples of documentation that should be referenced as evidence to support selection of the proposed activities. Proposed tasks shall include a description of how the intended audience will be reached and how changes in P2 knowledge or practices will be documented.

Proposals should focus on the P2 information products and services which can be shown to be effective in promoting awareness, understanding or adoption of P2 practices by clients. Past PPIN grantees have successfully demonstrated their products and services are valued by clients through customer satisfaction surveys, evaluations of conferences or trainings, and letters from programs using the regional P2 information centers. While an information product or service may be valued by a customer, as seen from a customer satisfaction survey results or anecdote, it does not necessarily follow that the P2 information product is effective in changing practices or promoting the adoption of new practices. Proposals must go beyond only documenting demand for a P2 information product. Proposals should include descriptions of how effectiveness of the proposed products and services will be measured. Currently some PPIN grantees work with their customers, such as State and local TAPs, to document the effect of the services provided. Letters or emails from customers confirming changes in knowledge or practices, case studies showing increased understanding or adoption of P2 practices, or follow-up after trainings could be used to document effectiveness of P2 information services.

Expertise. The proposal shall clearly identify the key personnel and describe their qualifications and expertise (or their ability to obtain the necessary expertise) related to the success of the work plan. The proposal must clearly describe how key personnel will ensure timely and successful completion of proposed short-term outcomes during the grant performance period.
Budget. The proposal shall include a detailed budget which outlines at least the following areas: personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contracts, indirect costs, and income and contains separate columns for EPA funds and non-Federal matching funds. The proposal shall provide an approximation of the percentage of the budget designated for each major activity. In order to meet Agency budget limits, EPA may eliminate tasks or activities in a proposal and the corresponding funding related to that task, prior to award of an assistance agreement.
Partnerships. The work plan describes the role of partnerships, advisory groups, or other stakeholders. Partners providing funding, staffing, or other resources must provide letters of support from an official within the organization, confirming their specific contributions to the project.
Innovation. Innovative activities may involve new communication technologies or sharing existing information or databases more widely among State or local governments. EPA encourages the broader dissemination of successful approaches to promoting the adoption of P2 solutions. Innovative approaches may include services provided across EPA regional boundaries or include sub-grants to other parties to provide specific expertise or services. New activities or outputs proposed must include a process to verify that the intended audience is being reached and measurement of short-term outcomes such as increased awareness, knowledge or customer satisfaction. Documentation of customer satisfaction can be a task funded under these grants, provided grantees work with EPA to comply with EPA Information Collection Request (ICR) number: 1711.05. EPA Headquarters will work with grantees to obtain Office of Management and Budget (OMB) clearance for customer satisfaction surveys. Any surveys conducted under PPIN grants, or where EPA appears to be conducting or sponsoring the collection of information, are subject to the OMB Paperwork Reduction Act (5 CFR 1320).

Grantees may carry out their own documentation efforts independent of EPA grant funding or sponsorship. EPA grant funding can be used to review and analyze survey measurements. Other grant activities that are NOT subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act include: facts or opinions submitted in response to general solicitations of comments, provided that no person is required to supply specific information pertaining to the commenter, other than that necessary for self-identification; examinations designed to test aptitude, abilities or knowledge; and information necessary to identify a respondent (such as web site registration). (See 5 CFR 1320.3(h)).
Efficiency. The Agency acknowledges the need for Regional P2 information centers to be more selective or focused in their activities. EPA encourages grantees to identify how services and P2 information products can be provided more efficiently, in addition to determining the most effective services for impacting the adoption of P2 practices. Efficiencies can include those associated with a single center as well as functions related to the network as a whole, e.g., similar work to maintain web sites or provide training. In order to provide flexibility, the Agency will consider proposals that serve more than one EPA Region or include sub-grants to other parties to provide specific expertise or services.

4. Demonstrate Environmental Outcomes. Current PPIN grantees have developed logic models (as part of a joint evaluation process started in October 2007, with EPA). The grantees' logic models depict a causal link between their activities, outputs and outcomes. In order to provide evidence of a linkage between grantee activities, outputs and environmental outcomes, proposals should include measurement or collection of evidence to document the validity of their logic model. There are a variety of measurements that could be made. One example is the environmental measurement dictionary http://www.p2.org/assets/pdf/Data_Definition_Final.pdf (5 pp, 58K, About PDF), which provides a set of metrics and outcomes for describing technical assistance activities. Documentation such as case studies or advisory committee meeting minutes can be used to demonstrate the linkage between regional center activities and short-term outcomes. Measurement is a valuable first step towards validating the role of the Regional P2 information centers in changing business practices and provides the foundation for evaluating program accomplishments.

5. Past Performance and Programmatic Capability. Proposals should describe the applicant's technical ability to successfully complete and manage the proposed project using examples from previous PPIN grants, if applicable. If the applicant has not received any previous PPIN grants, then the applicant can cite other federally-funded agency assistance agreements performed within the last three years. Proposals should describe past performance and history of meeting reporting requirements with projects of similar size, scope and relevance to the proposed project. Examples of such documentation would include: records of acceptable final technical reports submitted under previous PPIN grants; successful management and completion of previous PPIN grants or related projects of similar size and scope documented with measurement of previous outputs and outcomes; summary of opinions from clients or advisory committees, including satisfactory reviews or comments from customers served.

6. Utilize Quality Assurance Protocol in Collection of Measurements. EPA currently requires that all assistance agreements which involve measurement, or include information obtained from other sources, such as databases or web site logs, shall submit a Quality Management Plan (QMP) prepared in accordance with the specifications provided in EPA Requirements (see http://www.epa.gov/ogd/grants/assurance.htm) or documentation determined by EPA to be equivalent. Applicants should allow sufficient time and resources for this process in their proposed projects. If your organization does not have a Quality Management System in place, one must be developed. Applicants for the FY 2008 Pollution Prevention Information Network Grant Program are not required to submit a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) as part of the application package; however, each grant award will contain a condition establishing a deadline for the grantee to submit acceptable quality assurance documentation to EPA.

Grants awarded under this program will require the recipient to submit Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) to EPA for review and approval by the EPA Project Officer and EPA Quality Assurance Manager before undertaking any work involving environmental measurements or data generation. QAPPs shall be prepared using http://www.epa.gov/quality1/qatools.html

D. Supplemental Information. The statutory authority for this action is Section 6605 of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, which authorizes the award of grants to States, State entities, i.e., colleges and universities, Federally-recognized Tribes and Intertribal Consortia for projects that promote the use of pollution prevention/source reduction techniques by businesses. State and tribal applicants and recipients of P2 Grants are subject to the applicable requirements of 40 CFR Parts 31 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Assistance Agreements to State, local and Federally-Recognized Tribal Governments), 34 (Restrictions on Lobbying) and 35 (Environmental Program Grants for States and Tribes).

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II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. What Is the Amount of Funding Available? The total estimated funding expected to be available for awards under this competitive opportunity is approximately $800,000.

B. Partial Funding. In appropriate circumstances, EPA reserves the right to partially fund proposals by funding discrete activities, portions, or phases of the proposed project. 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/application, or portion thereof, was evaluated and selected for award, and therefore maintains the integrity of the competition and selection process.

C. How Many Agreements Will EPA Award in this Competition? In previous years, eight or nine Pollution Prevention Information Network assistance agreements have been awarded in the range of $50,000 to $129,000. This year it is expected that between four to eight new awards will be made through a competitive process for amounts up to $300,000 per year.

D. What Is the Project Period for Awards Resulting from this Solicitation? The estimated project period for awards resulting from this solicitation will begin in October 2008. Proposed project periods may be up to 12 months.

E. Funding Type. The funding for selected projects will be in the form of a cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements permit substantial involvement between the EPA Project Officer and the selected applicants in the performance of the work supported. Although EPA will negotiate precise terms and conditions relating to substantial involvement as part of the award process, the anticipated substantial Federal involvement for this project will be: close monitoring of the successful applicant's performance to verify the results proposed by the applicant; collaborating during performance of the scope of work; in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 31.36(g), review of proposed procurements; approving qualifications of key personnel (EPA will not select employees or contractors employed by the award recipient); and reviewing and commenting on reports prepared under the cooperative agreement (the final decision on the content of reports rests with the recipient).

F. Funding Restrictions. Grant funds may only be used for the purposes set forth in the grant agreement and must be consistent with the statutory authority in Section 6605 of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990. Grant funds may not be used for matching funds for other Federal grants, lobbying, or intervention in Federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings. In addition, Federal funds may not be used to sue the Federal government or any other government entity. All costs identified in the budget must conform to applicable Federal cost principles contained in OMB Circular A-87; A-122; and A-21, as appropriate. EPA will subtract proposed ineligible costs from the final approved budget if a grant is awarded.

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III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligible Entities. Eligible applicants include the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, any territory or possession of the United States, any agency or instrumentality of a State including State colleges/universities, and Federally recognized Indian Tribes that meet the requirement for treatment in a manner similar to a State in 40 CFR 35.663 and Intertribal Consortia that meet the requirements in 40 CFR 35.504. For convenience, the term "State" in this notice refers to all eligible applicants. Foreign governments, local governments, private universities, non-profit organizations, private businesses, and individuals are not eligible for funding.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching Requirements. Recipients of assistance agreements under Section 6605 of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 must provide at least 50 percent of the total allowable project cost. For example, a project costing $240,000 could be funded by a grant for up to $120,000 from the Federal government. The recipient is responsible for funding the other half ($120,000) of the project cost. Recipient contributions may include dollars, in-kind goods and services, and/or third party contributions consistent with 40 CFR 31.24. The proposal must contain a detailed budget showing how the cost will be matched with non-Federal dollars or in-kind goods and services. Proposals that do not show this will not be reviewed.

C. Threshold Eligibility Criteria. These are requirements that if not met by the time of proposal submission will result in elimination of the proposal from consideration for funding. Only proposals from eligible entities (see III. A. above) and demonstrating at least 50% cost share (see III. B. above) that meets all of these criteria will be evaluated against the ranking factors in Section V of this announcement. Applicants deemed ineligible for funding consideration as a result of the threshold eligibility review will be notified within 15 calendar days of the ineligibility determination.

1. National Requirements.

Proposed activities must meet EPA's definition of pollution prevention (Section I. B.1 and www.epa.gov/p2/pubs/p2policy/definitions.htm).
Proposals must relate grant outcomes to the purposes listed under Section 6605 of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 and described in Section I. C. 2.
Proposals must specify outputs and outcomes as described in Section I. B. 2 and link these outcomes to Goal 5 of EPA's Strategic Plan, Sub-objective 5.2.1 "prevent pollution and promote environmental stewardship."

2. Project Period and Cost. EPA will reject proposals that have a project period longer than 12 months. Proposals may not seek more than $300,000 in Federal funding.

3. Submission Requirements.

Proposals must substantially comply with the proposal submission instructions and requirements set forth in Section IV of this announcement or they will be rejected. If a proposal exceeds the page limit expressed in Section IV, pages in excess of the page limitation will not be reviewed.
Proposals must be received by the EPA or received through www.grants.gov, on or before the proposal submission deadline published in Section IV of this announcement. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their proposal reaches the designated person/office specified in Section IV of the announcement by the submission deadline.
Proposals received after the submission deadline will be considered late and returned to the sender without further consideration unless the applicant can clearly demonstrate that it was late due to EPA mishandling. For hard copy submissions, where Section IV requires proposal receipt by a specific person, receipt by an agency mailroom is not sufficient. Applicants should confirm receipt of their proposal with Beth Anderson (see Section VII), as specified in Section IV, as soon as possible after the submission deadline—failure to do so may result in your proposal not being reviewed.

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IV. SUBMISSION AND PROPOSAL INFORMATION

A. How to Obtain Proposal Package. EPA encourages applicants to obtain proposal materials and apply electronically through http://www.grants.gov. Applicants may also download individual grant application forms from EPA's Office of Grants and Debarment website at: http://www.epa.gov/ogd/grants/how_to_apply.htm. To obtain a hard copy of materials, please send an email or written request to the Agency contact listed in Section VII of this announcement.

B. Form of Proposal Submission. Applicants have the option to submit their proposals in one of three ways: 1) Hard copy by express delivery service or the US postal service, or 2) electronically through the Grants.gov website. All proposals must be prepared, and include the information as described in Section IV.C. below, regardless of mode of transmission.

1. Hard Copy Submission. Because of the unique situation involving U.S. mail screening, EPA highly recommends that applicants use an express mail option to submit their proposal packages. Please provide one original of the proposal package (including signed and completed SF 424 and SF 424A forms) and one copy (preferably double-sided)--no binders or spiral binding--to:

Express Delivery Address (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc.)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1201 Constitution Ave. NW
EPA-East 5213
ATTN: Beth Anderson (Mail Code 7409M)
Washington, DC 20004.
Phone: (202) 546-8833 or (202) 564-8800

Hardcopy proposals sent by regular US Postal Service should be addressed to: Beth Anderson, Pollution Prevention Division (MC-7409M), USEPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001. If submitting a hardcopy proposal through the US Postal Service, the package must be postmarked by March 17, 2008 and an email alerting EPA to expect the proposal should be sent to: anderson. beth@epa.gov

Hard Copy Proposal Submission Deadline. Beth Anderson (see above) must receive all hard copies of proposal packages in-house by March 17, 2008 4:00 p.m., EST.

2. Grants.gov Submission. The electronic submission of your proposal must be made by an official representative of your institution who is registered with Grants.gov and is authorized to sign applications for Federal assistance. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov and click on "Get Registered" on the left side of the page. 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 Authorized Organization Representative (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 and Instructions" to download the PureEdge viewer and obtain the application package for the announcement. To download the PureEdge viewer click on the "PureEdge Viewer" link. Once you have downloaded the viewer, you may retrieve the application package by entering the Funding Opportunity Number, EPA-OPPT-08-0X or the CFDA number that applies to the announcement (CFDA 66.708), in the appropriate field. You may also be able to access the application package by clicking on the button "How To Apply" 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).

ATTENTION – Microsoft Vista and Word 2007 Users: Please note that Grants.gov does not currently support the new Microsoft Vista Operating system. The PureEdge software used by Grants.gov for forms is not compatible with Vista. Grants.gov will be reviewing this new product to determine if it can be supported in the future.

In addition, the new version of Microsoft Word saves documents with the extension .DOCX. The Grants.gov system does not process Microsoft Word documents with the extension .DOCX. When submitting Microsoft Word attachments to Grants.gov, please use the version of Microsoft Word that ends in .DOC.

If you have any questions regarding this matter please email the Grants.gov Contact Center at support@grants.gov or call 1-800-518-4726.

Grants.gov Proposal Submission Deadline. Your organization's AOR must submit your complete proposal package as described below, electronically to EPA through Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov) no later than 11:59 p.m. EST on March 17, 2008

Proposal Materials. The following forms and documents are required to be submitted under this announcement:

Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance: 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. 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.
Standard Form SF 424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs: 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, 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 also be indicated on line 22. *Selected applicant(s) will need to submit a copy of their current indirect cost rate that has been negotiated with a federal cognizant agency during application phase.
EPA Form 5700-54, Key Contacts Form: This form is specific to EPA and can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/ogd/AppKit/application.htm.
Project Narrative: The document should be readable in PDF, MS Word or Word Perfect WP6/7/8 for Windows and consolidated into a single file. See Section IV. C. 4. for a description of the project narrative including a summary page and narrative work plan.

**Documents (a) through (d) listed under Proposal Materials above should appear in the "Mandatory Documents" box on the www.grants.gov Grant Application Package page.

For documents (a) and (b), 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 document numbers (c) and (d) you will need to attach electronic files. Prepare your EPA Form 5700-54, Key Contacts Form (found at: http://www.epa.gov/ogd/AppKit/application.htm) and save the document to your computer as an MS Word, PDF or WordPerfect file. Prepare your project narrative as described above in Section IV.C. of this announcement and save the document to your computer as an MS Word, PDF or WordPerfect file. 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 narrative (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 file name should be no more than 40 characters long.

For document (c) and 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."

Once your proposal package has been completed and saved, send it to your AOR for submission to U.S. EPA through www.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., FY07), 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 . After contacting the grants.gov site for assistance, the AOR may also contact Beth Anderson at (202) 564-8833 or by email at anderson. beth@epa.gov, for further help in completing application for this Request for Proposals.

Proposal packages submitted thru grants.gov will be time/date stamped electronically.

C. Content of Proposal Submission. All proposal submissions, regardless of mode of transmission, must contain a completed and signed SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance, a completed SF-424A, Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs, a completed EPA Key Contacts Form 5700-54, and a Project narrative (as described below).

All proposals should be formatted for 8 ½" x 11" paper using no smaller than 12 point Times New Roman font with margins at least one-half inch wide and single spaced. The Federal forms and appendices, such as resumes, letters of commitment, indirect cost agreement will not count toward the 20 page limit. Electronic files must be readable in Adobe Acrobat PDF, MS Word or Word Perfect WP6/7/8 for Windows in English. Full application packages should not be submitted at this time. Applicants who submit proposals that merit further consideration for funding based on the evaluation criteria, provided in Section V, Part A, will be contacted and instructed to submit a complete application package.

Regardless of mode of submission, the following forms (found at http://www.epa.gov/ogd/AppKit/application.htm) and documents are required under this announcement:

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)
Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424A)
EPA Key Contacts (Form 5700-54)
Project Narrative
Other attachments or appendices. (Not subject to the project narrative page limit)

1. Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance. Complete the form. There are no attachments. 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. Instructions for obtaining a DUNS number may also be found at the following website: http://www.Grants.Gov/GetStarted .

2. SF-424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs. Complete the form. There are no attachments. 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 also be indicated on line 22. If indirect costs are requested, a copy of the Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement must be submitted as part of the proposal package.

3. EPA Form 5700-54, Key Contacts Form. Complete the form. There are no attachments.

4. Project Narrative. The project narrative is described in two sections:

summary page and
narrative work plan.

The complete project narrative cannot exceed a maximum of 20 single-spaced typewritten pages, including the summary page. Pages in excess of 20 will not be considered. Supporting materials, such as resumes and letters of support, can be submitted as attachments and are not included in the 20-page limit. A detailed description of the contents of each section of the project narrative is described below.

Summary Page includes:
1. Project Title
2. Applicant Information. Include applicant (organization) name, address, contact person, phone number, fax and e-mail address.
3. Funding Requested. Specify the amount you are requesting from EPA.
4. Total Project Cost. Specify total cost of the project. Identify funding from other sources, including cost share or in-kind resources.
5. Project period. Provide beginning and ending dates.
Narrative Work Plan. The Narrative must explicitly describe how the proposed project meets the guidelines established in Sections I, II, and III (including the threshold eligibility criteria in Section III) of this announcement, and address each of the evaluation criteria set forth in Section V. The narrative work plan should contain the following sections:
1. Project Summary/Approach
2. Environmental Results- Outputs and Associated Outcomes
3. Past Performance: Programmatic Capability and Reporting on Environmental Results: outputs and outcomes.
4. Detailed Budget Narrative
i. Project Summary/Approach: This section should describe how the tasks being proposed were selected and include documentation or measurement of past client satisfaction and short-term outcomes, if available. The narrative should describe any innovations and efficiencies proposed and how proposed activities will link to outcomes with specific audiences. A sample work plan can be found here: http://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/omp.nsf/af6d4571f3e2b1698825650f0071180a/da066c476cb08dbf88257090007ccbfe/$FILE/Part%2035%20Sample%20Work%20Plan.pdf (4 pp, 63K, About PDF)

The summary shall contain the following components:
a) Detailed project summary, description of specific actions and approaches to be undertaken and the responsible institutions, including estimated time line for each task.
b) Description of the associated work products (outputs) to be developed and associated outcomes that will be measured.
c) Explanation of project benefits to the public, and specifically the potential audience(s) served.
d) Description of the roles of the applicant and partners, if any.
e) Description of the applicant's organization and experience related to the proposed project.
f) Description of staff expertise/qualifications, staff knowledge, and resources or the ability to obtain them, to successfully achieve the goals of the proposed project.
g) Budget including estimated funding amounts and estimated work years for each work component/task. This section provides an opportunity for narrative description of aspects of the budget found in the SF-424A such as "other" and "contractual."
h) Description of a procedure that will capture the program's measurable outputs and outcomes (in accordance with 40 CFR 35.115); see this example: http://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/omp.nsf/webpage/Region+10+Grants:++Part+35+A+&+B+Work+Plan+Requirement

ii. Environmental Results- Outputs and Associated Outcomes. Identify project outputs and their connection to outcomes such as: changes in attitude, knowledge or behavior (see Section I. B. 2). Identify expected outcomes of the project and measurements used to track progress towards achieving these outcomes.

iii. Past Performance and Reporting on Environmental Results.
1. Programmatic Capability. Submit a list of 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 performed within the last three years (no more than five agreements and preferably PPIN agreements), and describe how you were technically able to successfully carry out 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 this factor in Section V, EPA will consider the information provided by the applicant and may also consider other 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 have no relevant or available past performance or past reporting history, please indicate this in the proposal and you will receive a neutral score of five points for the elements of this factor under Section V.
2. Reporting on Environmental Results—Outcomes and Outputs. Submit a list of Federally funded assistance agreements (assistance agreements include Federal grants and cooperative agreements but not Federal contracts) that your organization performed within the last three years (no more than five, and preferably PPIN 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 of five points for this factor under Section V.
iv. Detailed Budget Narrative. In addition to Standard Form 424A, provide a detailed budget that includes the cost of at least the following areas: personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contracts, indirect costs, and income. The detailed budget should contain separate columns for EPA funds and non-Federal matching funds and should identify the source of matching funds. The budget narrative should justify equipment for the project, describe how contractual or sub-grant funds will be used, and outline costs for the project's major tasks. In order to meet Agency budget limits, EPA may eliminate tasks or activities in a proposal and the corresponding funding related to that task, prior to award of an assistance agreement.
1. 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 applicant's 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.
2. Compensation for Consultants: The use of EPA financial assistance compensation for consultants is limited to the daily equivalent of the rate paid to Federal employees at the ES-IV level (see 40 CFR Sections 30.27 (b) and 31.36 (j)).

5. Other Attachments or Appendices. The following information should be included with the proposal package as appendices and will not count against the 20 page limit for the project narrative.

Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, if applicable. You must submit a copy of your organization's Indirect Cost Rate Agreement as part of the proposal package if your proposed budget includes indirect costs.
Resumes for the Project Manager(s). Attach a copy of the biographical sketch or resume for each project manager for the proposed project. Please limit the length of a resume to one page and attach a maximum of three resumes. Each resume should outline the education, work history, and knowledge/expertise of the individual that relate to managing the proposed project.
Letters of Commitment. Each proposal must include letters of commitment from all partners collaborating and/or contributing matching funds (cash or in-kind) to the project. These letters must be submitted on letterhead, signed by the project partner, and include the partner's telephone number and address. The commitment letters should be addressed to the applicant and be submitted with your proposal package, not separately.

D. 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 or co-applicants or members of a coalition or consortium. The recipient is accountable to EPA for the proper expenditure of funds and reporting progress and results under the assistance agreement.

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 (was at:www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/a133/a133.html), 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.

E. How Will an Applicant's Proposed Subawardees/Subgrantees and Contractors be Considered During the Evaluation Process Described in Section V 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, if appropriate and relevant, the qualifications, expertise, and experience of:

1. 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.

2. 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.

F. Submission Dates and Times. The deadline for receipt of hard copy proposal packages is March 17, 2008 4:00 p.m., EST. All hard copies of proposal packages must be received by Beth Anderson by 4:00 p.m., EST on the March 17, 2008 in order to be considered for funding. Electronic submissions must be submitted via Grants.gov by March 17, 2008, 11:59 p.m., EST. Proposals received after the closing date and time will not be considered for funding.

Final (full) grant applications will be requested only from those eligible entities whose proposals have been tentatively selected for award. Additional instructions for final application packages will be provided when the applicant is notified of the tentative selection.

G. Other Submission Requirements.

1. Confidential Business Information. In accordance with 40 CFR 2.203, applicants may claim all or a portion of their proposal as confidential business information. EPA will evaluate confidential claims in accordance with 40 CFR Part 2. Applicants must clearly mark proposals or portions of proposals 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. Note that according to 40 CFR 30.36, data produced under an award is subject to the Freedom of Information Act.

2. Intergovernmental Review. This program may be eligible for coverage under Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs" and 40 CFR Part 29. An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. If the State has not selected the program for review or the State does not have a single point of contact, applicants must coordinate directly with affected State, area-wide, regional, and local entities. If the applicant does not know who their single point of contact is, they are advised to call the EPA Headquarters Grant Policy Information and Training Branch at 202-564-5325 or refer to the State Single Point of Contact web site at www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. Federally-recognized Tribal governments are not required to comply with this procedure.

H. Pre-proposal/Proposal Communications and Assistance. In accordance with EPA's Competition Policy of January 11, 2005 (EPA Order 5700.5A1; http://www.epa.gov/ogd/competition/5700_5A1.pdf (PDF) ( pp, K, About PDF)), 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 proposals. EPA will respond to questions in writing (to anderson. beth@epa.gov) from individual applicants regarding threshold eligibility criteria, administrative issues related to the submission of the proposal, and requests for clarification about the announcement. Please type "PPIN question" in the subject line of your email.

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V. PROPOSAL REVIEW INFORMATION

A. Evaluation Criteria. Only the applications meeting the threshold criteria in Section III will be evaluated against the criteria presented in this section. Each eligible proposal will be evaluated according to the criteria below. Applicants should directly and explicitly address these criteria as part of their proposal submittal. Each proposal will be rated under a point system, with a total of 100 points possible.

1. Project Summary/Approach. (35 points) Under this criterion, the Agency will evaluate the following factors:

(10 pts) the extent and quality of the strategy provided for addressing measurement and documentation of output and outcomes of proposed tasks and activities and quality of innovative activities for communication and information sharing as described in the requirements in Section I. C. (Scope of Work).
(10 pts) the extent and quality of the strategy provided to link grant outputs and outcomes to the EPA strategic plan and Environmental Results, as described in Section I. B. (EPA Strategic Plan Linkage and Anticipated Outcomes/Outputs).
(10 pts) the proposal demonstrates an effective or innovative use of partnerships, leveraging other organizations' resources and expertise and identifying the partner's role in staffing, funding, and implementation.
(5 pts) the proposal provides a reasonable time schedule for the execution of the tasks associated with the project(s).

2. Environmental Results- Outputs and Outcomes. (20 points) Under this criterion, the Agency will evaluate the following:

(10 pts) the extent and quality of the proposed approach to measuring, tracking, or documenting reach to specific customer groups and expected activity outputs including those identified in Section I. B.
(10 pts) the extent and quality of the proposed approach to documenting and measuring short-term outcomes and reach or contact with businesses for each proposed activity, including those outcomes identified in Section I. B.

3. Past Performance: Programmatic Capability and Reporting on Environmental Results. (20 points) Under this criterion, the Agency will evaluate the applicant's technical ability to successfully complete and manage the proposed project taking into account the applicant's:

(10 pts) past performance in successfully managing and 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 performed within the last 3 years. If applicable, the applicant cites examples from previous PPIN assistance agreements, noting customer satisfaction with the services provided.
(10 pts) history of meeting reporting requirements and/OR documenting progress towards expected outcomes and outputs (e.g., results) in a timely manner on Federally-funded assistance agreements (assistance agreements include Federal grants and cooperative agreements but not Federal contracts) similar in size, scope, and relevant to the proposed project performed within the last 3 years. If applicable, the applicant cites previous PPIN assistance agreements.

NOTE: In evaluating applicants under this criterion, the Agency will consider the information provided by the applicant and may also consider relevant information from other sources including EPA files and prior/current grantors (e.g., to verify and/or supplement the information supplied by the applicant). Applicants with no relevant or available past performance or reporting history will receive a neutral score (5 pts for (a) and 5 pts for (b)) for this criterion.

4. Staff Expertise and Qualifications. (10 points) Under this criterion the Agency will evaluate:

(5 pts) qualifications and expertise (or the ability to obtain the necessary expertise) of key personnel and how these qualifications relate to the success of the work plan.
(5 pts) the process for key personnel that will ensure timely and successful completion of proposed short-term outcomes.

5. Detailed Budget and Narrative. (15 points) Under this criterion, the Agency will evaluate:

(8 pts) whether the proposed budget is appropriate to accomplish the proposed outputs and outcomes.
(7 pts) whether the proposal provides a reasonable approximation of the percentage of the budget designated for each major activity.

B. Review and Selection Process. Proposals will first be evaluated against threshold factors listed in Section III. Only those proposals which meet all the threshold factors will be evaluated using the criteria listed above. Each proposal will be given a numerical score and will be rank-ordered according to the numerical score. Preliminary funding recommendations will be provided to the Approving Official based on this ranking.

C. Other Factors. Final funding decisions will be made by the Approving Official, based on the rankings and preliminary recommendation of the EPA evaluation team. In making the final funding decisions, the Approving Official may also consider programmatic priorities (as reflected in the FY 2007 RFP for P2 Grants http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/p2home/pubs/grants/ppis/2007fpp2grant.htm), availability of funds, geographic diversity, or duplication of effort with other ongoing projects. Once final decisions have been made, a funding recommendation will be developed and forwarded to the EPA Award Official.

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VI. Award Administration Information.

A. Award Notices. Following evaluation of proposals, all applicants will be notified regarding their status.

1. EPA anticipates notification to the successful applicant will be made, via telephone, electronic or postal mail by May 12, 2008. The notification will advise the applicant that its proposal has been successfully evaluated and recommended for award. The notification will be sent to the original signer of the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance.
This notification, which advises that the applicant's proposal has been recommended for award, is not an authorization to begin performance. The award notice signed by the EPA grants officer is the authorizing document and will be provided through postal mail. At a minimum, this process can take at least 90 days from the date of recommendation.

2. EPA anticipates notification to unsuccessful applicant(s) will be made via electronic or postal mail by May 12, 2008. The notification will be sent to the original signer of the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Assistance.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirement.

1. EPA Regulations. A listing and description of general EPA Regulations applicable to the award of assistance agreements may be viewed at: http://www.epa.gov/ogd/AppKit/applicable_epa_regulations_and_description.htm.

2. Intergovernmental Review. Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs, may be applicable to awards resulting from this announcement. Applicants selected for funding may be required to provide a copy of their proposal to their State Point of Contact www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html (SPOC) for review, pursuant to Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs. This review is not required with the initial proposal and not all States require such a review. (See Section IV. G. 2.).

3. Reimbursement Limitation. If the recipient expends more than the amount of funding in its EPA approved budget in anticipation of receiving additional funds from EPA, it does so at its own risk. EPA is not legally obligated to reimburse the recipient for costs incurred in excess of the EPA approved budget.

C. Utilize Quality Assurance Protocol in Collection of Measurements. EPA currently requires that all assistance agreements which involve measurement, or include information obtained from other sources, such as databases or web site logs, shall submit a Quality Management Plan (QMP) prepared in accordance with the specifications provided in EPA Requirements (see http://www.epa.gov/ogd/grants/assurance.htm) or documentation determined by EPA to be equivalent. Applicants should allow sufficient time and resources for this process in their proposed projects. If your organization does not have a Quality Management System in place, one must be developed. Applicants for the FY 2008 Pollution Prevention Information Network Grant Program are not required to submit a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) as part of the application package; however, each grant award will contain a condition establishing a deadline for the grantee to submit acceptable quality assurance documentation to EPA.

D. Reporting Requirement. Funding recipients must complete six month and annual reports and provide a final report at the end of the grant period. Progress reports (six month and annual) must address the status of all objectives and activities in the proposal (including measures), and a statement of impacts and expenses. The final report shall be completed within 90 calendar days of the completion of the period of performance. The final report should encompass a complete overview/summary of all of the activities conducted within the grant project period. Specific financial, technical and other reporting requirements to measure the grant recipient's progress will be identified in the EPA grant award agreement. Reporting must be consistent with the requirements of 40 CFR 35.107, 35.115, and 35.515.

E. Exchange Network. EPA, States, and local governments are working together to develop the National Environmental Information Exchange Network, a secure, Internet- and standards-based way to support electronic data reporting, sharing, and integration of both regulatory and non-regulatory environmental data. Specifically the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable and several previous PPIN grantees have developed the "P2 Results" reporting system. More information on this system is available at: http://www.p2.org/workgroup/Background.cfm
For a description of how the reporting system is being used by local and State governments, refer to: http://pprc.org/measure/index.cfm?Page=about . More information on the Exchange Network is available at http://www.exchangenetwork.net.

F. Disputes. Assistance agreement competition-related disputes will be resolved in accordance with the dispute resolution procedures published in 70 FR ( Federal Register) 3629- 3632 (January 26, 2006) located on the web at: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/05-1371.htm

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VII. Agency Contact.

All questions or comments must be communicated in writing via postal mail, facsimile, or electronic mail. For further information contact: Beth Anderson, Pollution Prevention Division (MC-7409M), USEPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001, telephone number: (202) 564-8833; fax number: (202) 564-8899; e-mail address: Anderson. Beth@epa.gov.

VIII. Other Information.

Information about current P2 information network grant program may be viewed at: http://www.epa.gov/p2/pubs/grants/ppin/ppin.htm. Information about the current P2Rx centers may be viewed at www.p2rx.org.

Pollution Prevention Home | OPPT Home

FY 2008 Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Pollution Prevention Information Network (PPIN) Grants Program

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

II. AWARD INFORMATION

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

IV. SUBMISSION AND PROPOSAL INFORMATION

V. PROPOSAL REVIEW INFORMATION

VI. Award Administration Information.

VII. Agency Contact.

VIII. Other Information.

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