BWR.NOI.RFP.FY22.WQM.GRANT.11.9.21.docx

APPENDIX A – PROPOSAL TEMPLATE

WATER QUALITY MONITORING GRANTS PROGRAM - STATE FISCAL YEAR 2021

WATER QUALITY MONITORING GRANTS PROGRAM - STATE FISCAL YEAR 2022

Water Quality Monitoring Grant (WQMG) Program Request for Grant Proposals State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2022

1.0 GRANT OPPORTUNITY SUMMARY

A. Proposals Sought: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is seeking grant proposals from Eligible Entities (as defined in Section 1.C. below) for the purpose of supporting ongoing or new monitoring and data collection efforts to increase the amount of external data MassDEP uses for water quality assessments.

B. Grant Program Scope: With more than 3,000 lakes and ponds and 12,000 miles of streams and rivers and almost 3,000 square miles of coastal waters in the Commonwealth, MassDEP’s Watershed Planning Program (WPP) can sample only a fraction of these surface waters in any given year. MassDEP supplements its own surface water quality dataset (“internal dataset”) with data collected by entities outside of the agency (“external dataset”). Internal and certain external data meeting MassDEP’s acceptance criteria for data quality are used as the basis for assessing surface water quality in accordance with requirements set forth in §305(b) and §303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA). For more information on MassDEP’s water quality assessment process (the Massachusetts Consolidated Assessment and Listing Methodology), please see: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/water-quality-assessments.

Through this grant program, MassDEP seeks to facilitate the efforts of federally-recognized tribal nations located in the Commonwealth, community monitoring groups, and other non-profit organizations (referred to collectively as “organizations”) with continued and new work to (1) perform direct monitoring of rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and estuaries (surface waters) through field and laboratory work; (2) perform associated capacity-building actions (including, but not limited to, equipment and supply purchases and training) that increase monitoring of surface waters through field and laboratory work; and (3) develop regional and long-term monitoring programs and networks. While activities eligible for funding through this grant program are broad, MassDEP will (as part of the evaluation criteria) prioritize grant proposals that include (1) clear plans for data submissions to MassDEP; (2) the examination of specific priority analytes or measures using approvable approaches and procedures; (3) clear and tangible benefits for Environmental Justice populations; (4) effective matching funds and/or in-kind services for the project; and (5) demonstration of meaningful collaborative approaches (as described below).

The quality of external data results from project organization and planning, the application of rigorous data quality objectives (DQO), participant training, and the use of standardized field and laboratory procedures, metadata collection, and data verification. Data used for assessments must be based on a MassDEP-approved Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP), which is developed prior to data collection (for more information on writing a QAPP, see https://www.mass.gov/guides/water-quality-monitoring-for-volunteers). Either separately or as part of their QAPP, grantees must also complete their own Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP), which describes the aspects of the monitoring that are specific to their project (e.g., sample locations, sampling frequency, etc.). The completed QAPP/SAP must be submitted to MassDEP for review and approval prior to data collection, separately from this grant program (i.e., QAPPs/SAPs cannot be submitted for approval as part of this grant application).

C. Eligible Entities: Eligible Entities for this Grant Opportunity are limited to (1) federally recognized Tribal Nations within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and (2) non-profit organizations that can include watershed groups, lake and pond associations, and other non-profit organizations with the ability to conduct, or develop the capacity to conduct, monitoring activities using technically-sound, approvable methodologies. Previous grant awardees must be in good standing to be eligible for the current funding cycle. Good standing is defined as fulfilling all requirements and conditions under MassDEP’s SFY2020 or prior WQMG programs, including prompt on-time submittal of applicable invoices and deliverables. This requirement only applies to organizations that have received a prior grant award from MassDEP. Submittal of data collected for the SFY2021 WQMG program will not be evaluated as a component of good standing due to the timing of this RFGP and the 2021 sampling season.

While coalitions are not required for this grant application, collaborative projects that effectively leverage partnerships to create synergies will be given priority for funding. Synergies can include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) regional data collection efforts not feasible by single entities; (2) organization mentorship programs by established community groups of new and developing groups with a focus on mentoring groups associated with Environmental Justice populations; and (3) catalyzation of collaborations to develop long-term water quality monitoring programs and networks. Coalitions must consist of two or more Eligible Entities. MassDEP requests that Intertribal Consortia (as defined in 40 CFR § 35.6015 - Definitions) submit a grant application as a single coalition, with each Eligible Tribe (see Eligible Entities, Section 1.C. above) submitting as a partner organization. Submitting an application as a coalition does not by itself demonstrate synergies leading to unique deliverables or outcomes; the coalition applicant must also provide information that demonstrates how the proposal will continue or provide synergies as described in this section.

D. Eligible Projects/Plans: Eligible Entities must describe in their proposals how the grant funding will support one or more of the following or similar activities aligned with the scope of the grant program.

1. Direct monitoring of surface waters through field and laboratory work that includes:

a. Purchase of monitoring equipment and supplies for field or in-house laboratory use (e.g., enzyme-substrate analytical systems, incubators, reagents, sample containers, Secchi disk, temperature or conductivity data loggers, etc.).

b. Fees for external laboratory analysis performed during the contract period (i.e., services) of samples also collected during the grant contract period.

c. Salary for field staff performing monitoring activities specific to this project during the grant contract period.

d. Salary for a coalition coordinator (only if submitting as a coalition) for activities to coordinate the coalition’s work specific to this project during the grant contract period.

e. Actions for project design and planning (e.g., QAPP/SAP production).

2. Actions that increase the organization’s or coalition’s capacity to perform monitoring of surface waters through field and laboratory work, including:

a. Training of volunteer monitors or organization personnel to conduct monitoring activities.

b. Training on Quality Assurance (QA) activities such as probe calibration or laboratory best practices.

c. Training on data management and review.

3. Actions to develop regional and long-term monitoring programs or networks, including:

a. Purchase of monitoring equipment specifically intended for regional and long-term monitoring.

b. Training of organization personnel to perform actions specific to developing regional and long-term monitoring programs.

The above activities can be associated with monitoring any analyte or biogeochemical parameter used to assess water quality, but proposals examining measures most associated with MassDEP’s data needs for surface water assessments will be given priority (as described below in Section 1.F.).

Eligible entities must also acknowledge and comply with the requirement that all allowed expenditures funded by this grant program must occur during the grant contract period and are completed by June 30, 2022. Eligible Expenses only include (1) purchased and properly documented, equipment and supply costs (including laboratory supplies); (2) disbursed and properly documented expenses and fees for laboratory analytical services; (3) disbursed and properly documented salary (including overhead); (4) disbursed and properly documented expenses and fees for training activities; and (5) vehicle mileage only for travel performed specifically for the project during the grant contract period. Documentation of salaries must unambiguously show both the hours worked on the Eligible Project, and that all salary payment(s) occurred completely within the grant period. Any questions about Eligible Projects and Eligible Expenses should be submitted in writing to MassDEP by the deadline specified in the Grant Procurement Calendar (see Section 3 below).

E. Ineligible Entities and Applications: The following Entities and/or applications are ineligible for this grant funding:

1. Academic institutions are not eligible for funding under this grant program, but they can serve as subcontractors to organizations or coalitions needing their services (e.g., laboratory analysis).

2. For the purposes of this grant program, Eligible Entities do not include towns and municipalities.

3. Applicants cannot propose any activity or the purchase of equipment for work to comply with local or governmental enforcement actions, such as State or Federal judicial proceedings, and/or State or Federal Agency Administrative Orders or Consent Orders.

4. Applicants cannot propose any activity or the purchase of equipment for work to implement specific requirements of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) storm water permits.

Any questions about Eligible Entities should be submitted in writing to MassDEP by the deadline specified in the Grant Procurement Calendar (see Section 3 below).

F. MassDEP Priority Data Needs: Eligible Entities should be aware that MassDEP has identified specific analytes or measures using approvable approaches and procedures as Priority Data Needs, and Eligible Entities should identify such priorities as targets for monitoring activities when applicable. Proposals that address the following priority list below as part of either (1) direct monitoring, (2) capacity building, and/or (3) regional and long-term monitoring program development activities will be given priority by MassDEP for funding:

1. Sampling for cyanobacteria and harmful algal blooms (e.g., algal toxins).

2. Continuous temperature, oxygen, and conductivity (and related chloride) monitoring.

3. Any measure to directly assess chloride concentrations in surface waters.

4. Basic limnological parameters related to trophic status of lake and pond ecosystems (e.g., Secchi depth, total phosphorus, and chlorophyll a).

Proposals to expand capacity for monitoring emerging contaminants (e.g., microplastics, personal care products, per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), etc.) are allowed, but proposals to sample emerging contaminants must demonstrate the organization’s or coalition’s current expertise to effectively employ potentially experimental methods for monitoring. Proposed sampling methodologies for all contaminants are evaluated for the same level of rigor, reliability, and effectiveness. Any organization or coalition interested in sampling emerging contaminants should consider submitting written questions to MassDEP by the deadline specified in the Grant Procurement Calendar (see Section 3 below).

G. Application Deadline: Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 27, 2021.

H. Page Limit: Grant applications must not exceed twelve (12) single-sided pages in length, not inclusive of the Administrative Summary and attached supporting documents (including resumes, short biographies, project examples, coalition letters of support, and supporting documents for the budget justification, such as equipment quotes and documentation of current or anticipated match funds/in-kind services). Pages should have one-inch margins and no smaller than 11-point font (excluding special characters, subscripts, or superscripts).

I. Funding Availability: MassDEP currently anticipates that up to $150,000 in total grant funding may be available for the WQMG program in SFY2022, which ends on June 30, 2022. MassDEP reserves the right not to award the total funding currently available for this grant program. Grant awards may range from $20,000 (minimum) to $75,000 (maximum) per application as an individual organization or coalition, although the MassDEP grant review team reserves the right, in its discretion, to (1) grant smaller awards to proposals of exceptional merit; and (2) grant awards smaller than requested by grant applicant(s) based on the availability of funds. MassDEP currently anticipates that two to six grants will be awarded through this program.

The estimated start date for all grant projects is March 30, 2022 (the formal start date will be identified on the fully executed grant contract following the award). The funding provided through this grant program is available only for Eligible Expenses incurred between the project contract start date and June 30, 2022. The SFY2022 grant funding awarded through this Program is on a reimbursement basis, and Eligible Entities must provide all supporting documentation required by MassDEP indicating that all Eligible Expenses were incurred between the contract start date and June 30, 2022. If submitting as a coalition, the grant applicant’s coalition coordinator must coordinate invoicing and payment of all coalition partners included in its application into a single request for reimbursement. MassDEP will not reimburse invoices from a coalition on an individual organization basis or from any representative of the coalition other than the designated grant coalition coordinator.

J. Match Requirement: While Eligible Entities are not required to provide matching funds, a match is preferred to obtain data for the 2022 summer season following the grant program end date of June 30, 2022 (i.e., for July-October 2022 sampling). Projects with matching sources of funding, including in-kind services and/or external funding, will be prioritized by the MassDEP review committee. There are no restrictions on how matching funds are provided (e.g., corporate, municipal government, etc.) or if they are anticipated or secured. Matching funds with a demonstrated link to data submissions are preferred. Activities directly related to continued monitoring and eventual data submission occurring after the grant end date of June 30, 2022 and during the remainder of summer season of that year are allowed as match. Eligible Entities should identify and describe in detail secured and anticipated sources of matching funds in the budget for their proposed project.

K. Question and Answer Period: Written questions can be submitted to MassDEP at WQMG@Mass.Gov through Thursday, December 2, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. A complete question and answer document will be posted on the MassDEP Website (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/grants-financial-assistance-watersheds-water-quality) by Thursday, December 9, 2021. (See Estimated Procurement Calendar below at Section 3).

L. Total Anticipated Duration of Grant(s): The contract duration will be from the time of contract award date (estimated to be March 30, 2022) through June 30, 2022.

M. Close Out Memorandum: By no later than July 15, 2022, all successful applicants shall submit a Close Out Memorandum consisting of: (1) a (maximum) two-page summary confirming all Eligible Expenses occurred during the grant period and (2) all additional required documentation of expenditures including the relevant dates and amounts. The 2-page summary for the Close Out Memorandum must also describe: (1) specific outcomes resulting from the project’s activities; and (2) the grantee’s plan for timely submittal of quality assured data to MassDEP (including additional work required after the grant’s June 30, 2022 deadline). Successful documentation and submission of expenditures will be considered in the evaluation of the good standing of applicants to potentially receive additional funding in future WQMG program rounds (if available, and contingent upon funding).

In addition, by no later than November 15, 2022, all applicants shall submit a one-page Project Data Submission summary of: (1) how the project met the overall goals in the proposal; and (2) documentation of data submissions of water quality sampling data for the 2022 season (if applicable) directly to MassDEP’s WPP (https://www.mass.gov/guides/external-data-submittals-to-the-watershed-planning-program) or to the Water Quality Exchange (WQX) online tool maintained by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Successful completion of Project Data Submission summary will be considered as part of the evaluation of good standing of applicants for potential future WQMG programs.

N. Applicable Procurement Law: Grants-- MGL c. 7A, § 7; St. 1986 c. 206, § 17; 815 CMR 2.00

2.0 INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION SUBMISSION:

A. Evaluation Criteria (general): Eligible Entities must submit a completed application that includes all the required supporting materials, agreement to the program conditions, and agreement to the ability to meet the stated grant eligibility requirements. A MassDEP review committee will evaluate proposed projects based upon the criteria listed below. The review committee reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

B. Proposal Components and Evaluation Criteria: Sections 1 through 6 describe the components of the proposal. Applicants should strongly consider using the proposal structure described below. However, if applicants seek clarification, they should submit written questions to MassDEP by the question deadline specified in the Grant Procurement Calendar in Section 3 for guidance if they believe a different format will result in an improved proposal. Applicants should read the descriptions for each section and avoid redundancy in the narratives among sections. The review committee will evaluate and score grant applications from Eligible Entities (as defined previously in this Grant Opportunity) based upon the following criteria:

1. Administrative Summary (0 points; the failure to provide the summary, or submission of an incomplete summary, may result in proposal rejection, in the discretion of the review committee.)

Applicants must provide an administrative summary of their proposal. The Administrative Summary will serve as the cover page(s) to the proposal and does not count against the 12-page limit. The Administrative Summary must use the format provided in Appendix A: Proposal Template – Administrative Summary and must include:

a. If submitting as an individual organization: Primary contact’s name, position, organization they represent, mailing address, phone number and email contact information. This person will be the principal point of contact with MassDEP, for grant administration and management on behalf of the organization performing the work.

b. If submitting as a coalition:

· Coalition coordinator’s name, position, organization they represent, mailing address, phone number, and email contact information. This person will be the principal point of contact with MassDEP, for grant administration and management on behalf of the coalition.

· The mailing addresses, phone numbers, and email contact information of all partner organizations in the coalition (only Eligible Entities can be partner organizations);

2. Proposed Work (35 points) Applicants must provide: (1) a narrative that describes the overall project goals and rationale; and (2) a detailed description of specific tasks proposed to monitor water quality or build capacity for water quality monitoring (Scope of Services). The narrative has no template, but the detailed description of specific tasks (Scope of Services) must use the format provided in Appendix A: Proposal Template – Scope of Services. Individual tasks should be content-specific and clearly result in discrete deliverable products or outcomes. Each task description must include the following: (1) a descriptive summary, (2) a list of key personnel expected to work on the task, (3) a list of desired deliverables or outcomes, and (4) a cost for the task. Individual task summaries can include the actions to be undertaken, equipment to be purchased, services to be procured, and any other appropriate details to evaluate the impact of the task’s outcome and cost-effectiveness. Summaries can also note when other personnel such as volunteers, seasonal employees, etc. may participate in the task. Proposed tasks can include: (1) actions directly related to proposed activities occurring within the grant period related to reimbursable expenditures; (2) activities occurring after the grant period ends, but during the sampling season (used as match/in-kind services); and/or (3) activities extending beyond the grant period to support data submission to MassDEP or long-term monitoring. All Applicants should note that only Eligible Expenses occurring within the grant period are eligible for reimbursement. Task summaries should clearly note when tasks are for matching funds/in-kind services, or otherwise part of long-term activities. Applicants should avoid redundancy between the overall narrative (i.e., general description) and the Scope of Services sections (detailed descriptions). The review committee will focus on the following during the evaluation process:

a. Potential impact of the overall work for submitting quality assured data to MassDEP.

b. Clarity of all descriptions in this section.

c. If applicable, effectiveness of sampling design, including sampling locations, sample frequency, quality assurance procedures, and other sampling design components. Applicants must include a map that clearly shows the specific sampling locations proposed.

d. If applicable, the described links between any capacity building activities and future data submissions to MassDEP.

e. A clear and feasible timeline for the proposed work, including future data submissions. The description of the project timeline must use the format provided in Appendix A: Project Timeline. The project timeline’s tasks should match the proposed Scope of Services. The project will be judged on the feasibility that all work activities and related expenditures will be completed and properly documented in accordance with the proposed timeline and WQMG expiration deadline of June 30, 2022. A section for a narrative is included in the template, but descriptions of anticipated challenges with meeting the project timeline should be described in Section 5 (Organizational Capacity).

Resumes, CV’s, or short biographies for all key personnel noted in the Scope of Services should be included as attachments (not counting against the 12-page limit). The project’s primary contact or coalition coordinator’s credentials and experience should demonstrate sufficient expertise to oversee and implement a successful project and manage a coalition (if applicable). Resumes or biographies are not needed for other personnel noted in task summaries.

3. Capacity for Quality Assured Data Collections and Submissions (20 points) Applicants must provide a narrative description of how the proposed work project will generate and submit quality assured data directly to MassDEP’s WPP or EPA’s WQX, including a statement on priority analytes samples (two funding priorities of this WQMG program). The review committee will focus on the following during the evaluation process:

a. How the proposed work can assist MassDEP in meeting the needs and/or requirements of the agency’s federal CWA programs to assess surface waters.

b. The amount of data collected on analytes or using methods described previously as priorities for MassDEP.

c. The status of the current QAPP(s)/SAP(s) and/or a clear plan to develop a QAPP(s)/SAP(s) for performing the proposed work in the timeframe proposed. Descriptions of barriers to developing QAPP(s)/SAP(s) should be included in Section 5 (Organizational Capacity).

d. A plan for submitting quality assured data directly to MassDEP’s WPP or EPA’s WQX for review by MassDEP for water quality assessments. Submitting data is not a required deliverable for completion during the grant cycle, but proposals that describe clear plans for future data submittals will be given priority. Future data submission is also a requirement for the ‘good standing’ metric for grant recipients who also would like to be considered for potential future grant cycles. Proposals that seek to increase long-term capacity should describe a general, long-term data submission plan to address this issue.

4. Environmental Justice (10 points) Work that benefits historically disenfranchised communities that commonly experience disproportionate environmentally poor conditions is a priority for this grant program. The proposal must include a narrative that outlines how Environmental Justice populations would benefit from or be involved in the proposed project. Letters of support can be attached (not counting against the 12-page limit) if needed. The narrative has no template. The proposal should list the Environmental Justice populations or organizations included in the proposed project as partners (if a coalition) or as recipients of deliverables or other outcomes. Work with Environmental Justice populations can include monitoring in areas with Environmental Justice populations, creating new partnerships to benefit Environmental Justice populations, promoting collaboration and inclusive information sharing with Environmental Justice populations, and/or leveraging Environmental Justice population’s local knowledge of water quality issues to expand or refine monitoring programs. Proposed actions without a description of tangible Environmental Justice benefits will not be considered by the review committee for this component of the proposal. Coalition proposals with organizations representing Environmental Justice populations that will receive mentoring should provide a detailed description of the mentoring plan. All specific tasks and associated deliverables or outcomes resulting from this work should be included in the Scope of Services and Timeline (see section 2 Proposed Work). Information on which communities are classified as Environmental Justice populations can be found at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/environmental-justice-communities-in-massachusetts.

5. Organizational Capacity (20 points) Applicants must provide a narrative description of their organization or coalition and its current or future capacity to collect monitoring data. Any application submitted as a coalition must demonstrate the capacity to organize and coordinate all multiple Eligible Entities listed in the application as partners. A template is not provided for this section. It should be written in a narrative form. The review committee will focus on the following during the evaluation process:

a. A short statement describing the organization’s or coalition’s qualifications to perform the proposed work.

b. The spatial extent of the organization’s or coalition’s watershed(s) for all work performed historically (not just in the work proposed for this grant application).

c. Examples (maximum of three) of similar prior projects by the organization, coalition, or individual coalition partners performing water quality monitoring that led to data submissions to MassDEP (if any). Examples should be submitted as attachments (not counting against the 12-page limit) as brief (preferably a single page maximum) summaries of the project goals, activities, and outcomes. While brief executive summaries and infographics of prior report(s) are encouraged for submission, full length program reports will not be reviewed by the program committee.

d. Any challenge(s) for the organization or coalition for meeting the purpose of continuing ongoing or expanding new monitoring and data collection efforts. Specifically, the organization or coalition should identify any needs that are key to submitting quality assured data, including but not limited to sampling and analysis planning, training in data management, Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) plan development (including QAPP/SAP development), data review limitations, assistance in formatting data submissions (submitted either directly to MassDEP’s WPP or EPA’s WQX), and purchase(s) of analytical equipment not requested in the proposal. Applicants should describe any potential challenges with the proposed timeline and appropriate detail on contingency plans as needed.

e. A brief statement describing whether the organization (or all partners in the coalition) included in the grant application are in good standing with MassDEP (if applicable).

f. The organization’s or coalition’s ability to enter into a contract with MassDEP by the date specified in the Estimated Grant Procurement Calendar. If awarded a WQMG, the organization must be able to enter into a contract with MassDEP within 30 days of the award. Please state specifically the organization’s or coalition’s ability to enter into the contract and perform the project, including any activities post submittal of the application required to accept a state grant or any other potential constraints.

g. Coalitions are not required for the SFY2022 WQMG, but collaborations that lead to synergies among coalition partners are given priority. Applicants should describe all meaningful collaborative activities that benefit multiple organizations in the coalition and lead to deliverables or outcomes that would not otherwise occur without collaborating. This section should avoid redundancy with previous sections of the proposal. All applications submitted as a coalition should include letters of support from each partner that briefly explain the shared benefit of being part of the coalition (not included in the 12-page count).

6. Project Budget and Cash Flow Schedule (15 points) Applicants must present a project budget for the expenditure of grant funds using the format provided in Appendix A: Proposal Template – Project Budget. Applicants must record the total amounts in the table and provide a detailed justification that describes individual expenditures. The budget justification can be a narrative, table, or any format preferred by the applicant. Applicants should note the following when constructing project budgets:

a. Firm estimates of equipment and/or supply costs should be documented by including a formal quote or screen capture documenting the cost of each item as attachments (that do not count against the 12-page limit).

b. Matching funds through in-kind service(s) or monetary match can be either anticipated or secured. The justification should note the status of all matching funds, and supporting documentation should be included as attachments (that do not count against the 12-page limit).

The review committee will focus on the following during the evaluation process:

a. Clarity of estimates and descriptions of direct project costs, overhead (for salaries only), and matching funds.

b. Demonstrated financial need by the organization or coalition to perform work activities resulting in future data submissions to MassDEP.

c. Appropriateness of direct project costs and cost effectiveness of proposed activities and equipment purchases.

d. Demonstrated understanding of the realistic project costs likely to be incurred through the proposed work.

e. Timing of reimbursable project costs, which must be incurred after the grant contract start date and be completed by the close of SFY2022 (ending on June 30, 2022).

f. Appropriateness and effectiveness of in-kind service(s) or monetary match for achieving overall project goals.

C. Application Completion and Submission Instructions:

Complete proposals will consist of:

1. A concise application not exceeding 12 pages addressing the evaluation criteria listed above (Section 2.B). Applicants should strongly consider using the following sections in their application:

a. Administrative Summary (as a cover page or pages not counting against the 12-page limit);

b. Proposed Work;

c. Priority Data Needs and Capacity of Quality Assured Data Collections;

d. Environmental Justice;

e. Organizational Capacity; and

f. Project Budget and Cash Flow Schedule.

2. Supporting documents are also allowed and do not count against the 12-page limit. These documents should be essential to understanding the proposal. Submission of supporting documents that are ancillary to the proposal will be viewed unfavorably by the review committee. Supporting documents should be limited to:

a. Resumes or short biographies for key staff;

b. Project example summaries (if available);

c. Letters of commitment from partner organizations if applying as a coalition and other letters of support; and

d. Supporting documents for the budget justification (e.g., formal quotes and screen captures).

Submission Instructions: All grant submissions must include (1) the application and (2) all supporting documents as a single portable document format (.pdf) file submitted electronically by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 27, 2021 to:

Robert Smith, WQMG Program Coordinator; WQMG@mass.gov

The file must have the lead organization’s name AND “MassDEP SFY2022 WQMG” in the subject line (i.e. “Organization Name – MassDEP SFY2022 WQMG”). Documents must be submitted in a single portable document format (.pdf). All application materials will be available for download at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/grants-financial-assistance-watersheds-water-quality

Applications received after the deadline will be rejected automatically. MassDEP reserves the right to reject any and all proposals or request additional information if needed.

Additional Required Documentation:

If selected for a grant award, the applicant will be required to submit the following forms to complete the contracting process. Organizations are encouraged to review the following forms prior to submission of an application. Forms with an asterisk (*) need not be submitted if they have been completed previously and are already on file with the Commonwealth:

· Commonwealth Standard Contract Form, filled out and signed by the applicant http://www.macomptroller.info/comptroller/docs/forms/contracts/StandardContractForm-.docx

· Commonwealth Terms and Conditions http://www.macomptroller.info/comptroller/docs/forms/contracts/CommonwealthTermsAndConditions.pdf. These Terms and Conditions are incorporated by reference into the Standard Contract Form, and do not need to be executed separately.

· Commonwealth W‐9 tax information form filled out and signed by the applicant with Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and Federal Tax ID(*) http://www.macomptroller.info/comptroller/docs/forms/vendorcustomer/newmass-w9.pdf

· Completed Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing Form https://www.macomptroller.org/wp-content/uploads/form_contractor-authorized-signatory-listing.pdf

· Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) form(*) https://www.mass.gov/doc/electronic-funds-transfer-form-2/download

The Commonwealth Forms are located on the Massachusetts Comptroller’s website at the following link:

https://www.macomptroller.org/forms.

3.0 ESTIMATED PROCUREMENT CALENDAR FOR GRANT APPLICATION/AWARD:

Notice of Grant Opportunity – Posted on COMMBUYS AND MASSDEP WEBSITE November 18, 2021

(NOON)

Notification of Grant Award(s) (Estimated) –

POSTED ON COMMBUYS AND MASSDEP WEBSITE

February 23, 2022

Charles D. Baker Governor

Karyn E. Polito Lieutenant Governor

Kathleen A. Theoharides Secretary

Martin Suuberg Commissioner

SUPPORTING INFORMATION GUIDE FOR APPLICANT PROPOSALS

The information in this appendix serves as a guide to assist organizations in their preparation of proposals. Failure to utilize the formatted sections below in this Appendix A where instructed may result in proposal rejection or poor scores during proposal evaluation review. After a Grant Award, grantees must provide additional detail in the grantee’s draft Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) submitted to MassDEP for approval (or in an existing or revised MassDEP-approved QAPP).

Applicants should address the following issues in their proposals:

· Full description of Water Resources to sample limited to: rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and estuaries (pipe discharges can also be sampled but will not be used in assessments of ambient waters).

· A MassDEP-approved monitoring QAPP and SAP are required prior to sampling and analysis but are not submitted as part of the WQMG proposal.

· Safety considerations are required for sampling crews and must be described in the QAPP and/or SAP. Sampling teams of at least two persons are recommended.

· Training documentation is required prior to sampling and analysis, but training can be documented in the QAPP and/or SAP that are not submitted as part of the WQMG proposal (see Section 1.B. above).

· Data Quality Objectives (DQO) are required prior to sampling and analysis, but DQO’s can be documented in the QAPP and/or SAP that are not submitted as part of the WQMG proposal.

· Number of sampling locations will differ among projects, but generally projects should seek to maximize the number of sampling locations when possible, within the budget.

· Analytical laboratory services performed ‘in-house’ or using private/academic laboratories are both acceptable forms of analysis. When applicable, MA certification in the specific method is preferred but not required. In all cases, MassDEP’s pre-approval of laboratory-specific protocols (standard operating procedures) for analysis is required as part of QAPP/SAP approval.

· Laboratory proficiency testing to verify analytical accuracy/precision is optional but preferred (using appropriate QC testing materials; as described in QAPP)

· Grantees are expected to critically review the resulting data and qualify data or censor data that do not meet project data quality objectives prior to submitting final data to MassDEP.

· Data can be submitted directly to MassDEP’s WPP or EPA’s WQX. These two types of data submission methods are required because they are the most reliable methods for MassDEP to evaluate and use external data for assessment purposes.

· A Close Out Memorandum must be submitted to MassDEP by July 15, 2022.

· A Project Data Submission summary must be submitted to MassDEP by November 15, 2022.

APPENDIX A – PROPOSAL TEMPLATE

WATER QUALITY MONITORING GRANTS PROGRAM - STATE FISCAL YEAR 2020

WATER QUALITY MONITORING GRANTS PROGRAM - STATE FISCAL YEAR 2022

Appendix A.2

ADMINISTRATIVE SUMMARY

PRIMARY CONTACT INFORMATION

Primary contact or coalition coordinator name: ENTER HERE Primary contact or coalition coordinator position: ENTER HERE Organization name: ENTER HERE Mailing address: ENTER HERE ON CONTINUOUS LINE Phone number: ENTER HERE Email contact: ENTER HERE

COALITION PARTNERS

Organization name: ENTER HERE Mailing address: ENTER HERE ON CONTINUOUS LINE Phone number: ENTER HERE Email contact: ENTER HERE

Organization nation name: ENTER HERE Mailing address: ENTER HERE ON CONTINUOUS LINE Phone number: ENTER HERE Email contact: ENTER HERE

Organization name: ENTER HERE Mailing address: ENTER HERE ON CONTINUOUS LINE Phone number: ENTER HERE Email contact: ENTER HERE

(add or delete entries above as needed)

PROJECT TITLE:

WATERSHED(S) SERVED BY THIS PROJECT:

AMOUNT OF FUNDING REQUESTED:

ADMINISTRATIVE SUMMARY (350 word maximum):

AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY:

Signatory name and position/title:

Signatory email:

Signatory telephone number:

Signature Date

Please either (1) print this page, hand sign, scan, and add to the final PDF file or (2) add an appropriate electronic signature.

By checking (clicking on) this box ☐ , the applicant confirms they are authorized to submit this grant application on behalf of the specified Eligible Entity and any participating coalition partners.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

Provide a brief descriptive summary for each specific task, the expected key personnel involved, a list of anticipated deliverable(s) or outcomes(s), and the estimated cost.

TASK #1:

SUMMARY:

KEY PERSONNEL:

DESIRED DELIVERABLES/OUTCOME(S):

A)

COST: $

T ASK #2:

SUMMARY:

KEY PERSONNEL:

DESIRED OUTCOME(S):

A)

COST: $

T ASK #3:

SUMMARY:

KEY PERSONNEL:

DESIRED OUTCOME(S):

A)

COST: $

(Repeat as necessary)

PROJECT TIMELINE

Provide a timeline for each project task by placing an “X” within the months the activity is expected to occur. Expected dates of purchases should be represented by an “X-ing” in the timeline. Use the space below the chart to provide a narrative explaining the timeline.

MONTH (year 2022)

Task #1

Task #2

Task #3

Insert additional rows as necessary

Timeline narrative:

PROJECT BUDGET

(This budget is for proposal evaluation purposes. Use whole dollar method.)

(Cost Share; not required) Total Amount (Grant Amount + Match)

Salary (general; list individually and include overhead costs)

1.

2.

3.

4. Add rows as needed

Salary (coalition coordinator, only if submitting as a coalition; include overhead costs)

1.

BUDGET JUSTIFICATION:

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