This project will provide training, technical support and outreach, with associated activities, to the tribal pesticide program council (tppc), to identify high-priority, pesticide-related issues

The Environmental Protection Agency Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention awarded Northern Arizona University $195,000 in a Cooperative Agreement on April 1, 2026, under the Research, Development, Monitoring, Public Education, Outreach, Training, Demonstrations, and Studies program (CFDA 66.716).

Northern Arizona University, operating through its Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP), will provide administrative and technical support to the Tribal Pesticide Program Council (TPPC) to identify high-priority pesticide-related issues affecting tribes. Deliverables include conducting and coordinating two hybrid TPPC Executive Committee meetings annually, coordinating monthly TPPC conference calls, developing and executing a communication strategy to keep tribes and stakeholders informed of pesticide-related issues and resources, assembling qualified instructors and developing online training for the TPPC and tribes, and managing all aspects of the cooperative agreement including workplan compliance, budget management, and quarterly reporting to the EPA Project Officer. Meeting agendas and notes will be posted on the TPPC website. The agreement aims to foster communication between the Office of Pesticide Programs and tribal members, promote pesticide education and awareness, and support the establishment, development, and implementation of comprehensive tribal pesticide programs.

The period of performance runs from April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2031, with place of performance in Flagstaff, Arizona. No subawards are included in this agreement. The ultimate recipient is the Arizona Board of Regents, Northern Arizona University's parent entity.

The tppc will 1) inform tribes of pesticide issues and promote pesticide education and awareness; 2) assist in the establishment, development and implementation of comprehensive tribal pesticide programs; and 3) fosters good communication between the office of pesticide programs and tribal members.activities:this agreement provides funding to perform the following activities: activity 1: provide robust administrative and technical support to the tppc. Itep will provide the tppc with administrative support to conduct the business of the tppc executive committee (EC) and technical support to identify high-priority pesticide-related areas of tribal interest important to the tppc. Activity 2: supporting and enhancing communication and outreach services for the tppc. Itep will work with the tppc to develop and execute a communication strategy that will keep tribes and other stakeholders across the country abreast of important issues, news and potential resources to advance tribal pesticide programs. Activity 3: provide culturally appropriate training and technical assistance to the tppc and tribes. Itep will assemble qualified instructors and develop and provide on-line training for the tppc and tribes. Activity 4: manage all aspects of the tppc cooperative agreement. Itep will meet workplan requirements, manage the budget, submit quarterly reports, and communicate regularly with the EPA project officer. Subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:coordination and execution of two hybrid meetings annually of the tppc EC. Agendas and meeting notes will be posted on the tppc website. Coordination and execution of monthly conference calls with the tppc. Agendas and meeting notes will be posted on the tppc website. Continued development and refinement of the technical advisory committee to provide the tppc with high-quality technical and policy support. Based on feedback from the tppc, itep and the technical advisory committee will primarily assist the tppc with analysis and development of comments and issue papers on EPA pesticide rules, policies, and programs. Administrative support for the tppc, including regular election of officers, and recruitment of new members. Assist the tppc in identifying high-priority, pesticide-related areas of tribal interest important to the tppc and collaborate with EPA on ways to meet tribal needs and advance the agenda of the tppc. Development and maintenance of tppc website that will serve as a clearinghouse for pesticide related information pertinent to tribes. Maintenance and expansion of the tppc listserv to disseminate pesticide-related information. Development and dissemination a tppc quarterly e-newsletter to provide information on proposed pesticides rules, policies, and programs for tribes, alaska native villages, and other stakeholders. Identify training needs by conducting a needs assessment within the first year. Design and develop trainings to be offered twice annually in years 2-5 based on training needs assessment. Write and submit quarterly reports on the status of workplan requirements and budget. Schedule and participate in coordination calls with EPA project officer at least monthly.