Changes Since Prior SN Version - Summary.docx

Changes to the published V2 FY25 Exchange Network Solicitation Notice, as compared to the original publication in January of 2025, includes the following:

GENERAL UPDATES (throughout):

1. Updating of due date to October 22nd, 2025;

1. Updating of indirect cost rate agreement ‘must be valid until’ date, until 9/30/26;

1. Updated period of performance dates to 10/1/26-9/30/29.

SECTION SPECIFIC UPDATES:

1. Section C: Key Dates – Estimated timelines have been updated;

1. Section D: Funding Details: added: “the period of performance for FY25 awards will be 10/1/26 – 9/30/29, due to delays with this Notice’s publication”;

1. Section 3B Program Goals and Objectives: replaced prior strategic alignment language to reflect updated Agency guidance requiring projects to align with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s “Powering the Great American Comeback” Initiative;

5. Specifically, language has been updated to align the EN Grant Program with EPA Pillar 3, while also requesting applicants to speak about additional Pillar alignment as may be applicable.

1. Section 3D: Funding Type, Indirect Costs: updated the indirect cost rate agreement requirement to be valid until 9/30/26;

1. Section 4D, Quality Assurance Requirements: addition of one new QA guidance link;

1. Section 6B, Criterion A: editing of language under evaluation criterion 1A to score project on alignment specifically with EPA Pillar 3 from EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s “Powering the Great American Comeback” Initiative;

1. Appendix D, Budget Guidance, 424A Form: added: “POPs must be listed as 10/1/26 – 9/30/29 for all projects submitted under this Notice”;

1. Appendix D, Budget Guidance, Indirect Costs: updated example to reflect an indirect cost rate which was valid until 9/30/26;

1. Appendix E, General: updated: “key contacts are requested to check their email inboxes frequently in the spring and summer of 2026’;

1. Appendix E, Project Narrative Guidance, Section One: updating of section one language and Table 1 to reflect alignment specifically with EPA Pillar 3 from EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s “Powering the Great American Comeback” Initiative;

1. Appendix E, Project Narrative Guidance, Section Two: added language noting that EPA Pillar 3 must be listed in association with at least one project goal and also added: “workplans should reflect a period of performance which runs from 10/1/26 – 9/30/29.”

1. Appendix F, Optional Pre-Submission Checklist, General: updated the indirect cost rate agreement requirement to be valid until 9/30/26;

1. Appendix F, Optional Pre-Submission Checklist, Project Narrative: updated language over two bullets to check for alignment specifically for EPA Pillar 3.

1. Appendix G, Glossary: Added revised period of performance (POP) dates (10/1/26 – 9/30/29) to the POP definition.

NOTE: Updates have also been made to the optional templates (for the cover letter, project narrative, and budget narrative attachment form) and the optional budget tool, as provided in the grants.gov listing and at Exchange Network Grant Program | US EPA.