FY20 National Priorities Biosolids RFA - revised CLEANV2.pdf

COVID-19 Update: EPA is providing flexibilities to applicants experiencing challenges related to COVID-19. Please see the Flexibilities Available to Organizations Impacted by COVID-19 clause in Section IV of EPA’s Solicitation Clauses.

OVERVIEW INFORMATION

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Science Advisor, Policy and Engagement Office of Research and Development

NATIONAL PRIORITIES: EVALUATION OF

POLLUTANTS IN BIOSOLIDS

This is the initial announcement of this funding opportunity.

Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-G2021-ORD-F1

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 66.511

Solicitation Opening Date: October 13, 2020 Solicitation Closing Date: January 5, 2021: 11:59:59 pm Eastern Time

Table of Contents

SUMMARY OF PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Synopsis of Program Award Information Eligibility Information Application Materials Agency Contacts

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Introduction

B. Background C. Authority and Regulations D. Specific Areas of Interest/Expected Outputs and Outcomes E. References F. Special Requirements

II. AWARD INFORMATION

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligible Applicants B. Cost Sharing C. Other

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. Grants.gov Submittal Requirements and Limited Exception Procedures https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-solicitation-clauses

B. Application Package Information C. Content and Form of Application Submission D. Submission Dates and Times E. Funding Restrictions F. Submission Instructions and Other Submission Requirements

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. Peer Review B. Relevancy Review C. Past Performance History Review D. Human Subjects Research Statement (HSRS) Review E. Evaluation of the Scientific Data Management Plan F. Funding Decisions G. Additional Provisions for Applicants Incorporated into the Solicitation

VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. Award Notices B. Disputes C. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

VII. AGENCY CONTACTS

Access Standard Forms (https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-funding-opportunities-how-apply-and-required-forms) View research awarded under previous solicitations (https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-grant-areas)

SUMMARY OF PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Synopsis of Program:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking applications proposing research that will provide the best available science needed to support states, municipalities, and utilities in determining potential risk from pollutants found in biosolids and developing standards and policies for biosolids management. Research under this RFA is intended to address multiple treatment scales including large publicly owned treatment works and medium- to small-scale wastewater treatment facilities.

This solicitation provides the opportunity for the submission of applications for projects that may involve human subjects research. Human subjects research supported by the EPA is governed by EPA Regulation 40 CFR Part 26 (Protection of Human Subjects). This includes the Common Rule at subpart A and prohibitions and additional protections for pregnant women and fetuses, nursing women, and children at subparts B, C, and D. Research meeting the regulatory definition of intentional exposure research found in subpart B is prohibited by that subpart in pregnant women, nursing women, and children. Research meeting the regulatory definition of observational research found in subparts C and D is subject to the additional protections found in those subparts for pregnant women and fetuses (subpart C) and children (subpart D). All applications must include a Human Subjects Research Statement (HSRS, as described in Section https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-funding-opportunities-how-apply-and-required-forms https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-funding-opportunities-how-apply-and-required-forms https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-grant-areas https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-grant-areas

IV.C.6.c of this solicitation), and if the project involves human subjects research, it will be subject to an additional level of review prior to funding decisions being made as described in Sections V.D and V.F of this solicitation.

Guidance and training for investigators conducting EPA-funded research involving human subjects may be obtained here:

https://www.epa.gov/osa/basic-information-about-human-subjects-research-0 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/40cfr26_main_02.tpl

Award Information:

Anticipated Type of Award: Cooperative agreement Estimated Number of Awards: Approximately four awards Anticipated Funding Amount: Approximately $5,992,000 total for all awards Potential Federal Funding per Award: Up to a total of $1,498,000 in federal funds, including direct and indirect costs, with a maximum duration of 3 years. Each applicant must contribute a minimum 25% non-federal cost share/match of the federal funds awarded which may include in-kind contributions (see Section III.B. for more detail).

Cost-sharing is required. Applications with budgets including a federal contribution exceeding the total maximum federal award limit will not be considered. Each applicant must contribute a minimum non-federal cost share/match of 25% of the federal funds awarded. This is equivalent at a minimum to 20% of the total project costs. Cost share may include in-kind contributions. In order to be eligible for funding consideration, applicants must demonstrate in their applications how they will meet the required minimum 25% cost share/match in accordance with 2 CFR §200.306. The minimum 25% non-federal cost share/match, equal to a minimum of $374,500 (assuming the applicant requests $1,498,000 in EPA funds) must be included. Including matching, total project costs can exceed $1,872,500 (if the applicant proposes more than the minimum required non-federal cost share/match), however the federally funded portion of the budget must not exceed $1,498,000.

Eligibility Information:

Public and private nonprofit institutions and public and private universities and colleges located in the United States are eligible. Foreign entities, States, including the District of Columbia, and State and local government departments, territories, possessions, and Tribal nations of the U.S., are not eligible to apply under this Request for Applications (RFA). Profit-making firms are not eligible to receive assistance agreements from EPA under this program. See full announcement for more details.

Application Materials:

To apply under this solicitation, use the application package available at Grants.gov (for further submission information see Section IV.F. “Submission Instructions and other Submission Requirements”). Note: With the exception of the current and pending support form (available at https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-funding-opportunities-how-apply-and-required-forms), all necessary forms are included in the electronic application package. Make sure to include the current and pending support form in your Grants.gov submission.

https://www.epa.gov/osa/basic-information-about-human-subjects-research-0 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/40cfr26_main_02.tpl https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-funding-opportunities-how-apply-and-required-forms

If your organization is not currently registered with Grants.gov, you need to allow approximately one month to complete the registration process. Please note that the registration process also requires that your organization have a unique entity identifier (e.g., ‘DUNS number’) and a current registration with the System for Award Management (SAM) and the process of obtaining both could take a month or more. Applicants must ensure that all registration requirements are met in order to apply for this opportunity through Grants.gov and should ensure that all such requirements have been met well in advance of the submission deadline. This registration, and electronic submission of your application, must be performed by an authorized representative of your organization.

If you do not have the appropriate internet access to utilize the Grants.gov application submission process for this solicitation, see Section IV.A below for additional guidance and instructions.

Agency Contacts:

Technical Contact: Ben Packard; phone: 202-564-7673; email: packard.benjamin@epa.gov Eligibility Contact: Ron Josephson; phone: 202-564-7823; email: josephson.ron@epa.gov Electronic Submissions Contact: Debra M. Jones; phone: 202-564-7839; email:

jones.debram@epa.gov

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Introduction

Multiple data gaps exist related to the occurrence, fate and transport, and management of chemical pollutants found in wastewater biosolids. Given the uncertainty in the risks posed by these chemicals, and with an increased focus on resource recovery and water reuse, research is needed to identify, characterize and manage risks of chemical pollutants found in biosolids, particularly those that may persist and/or accumulate in soils and biota post application.

This National Priorities research request for applications (RFA) will solicit innovative research that advances understanding in these areas and will provide the best available science needed to support states, municipalities, and utilities in determining potential risk from chemical pollutants found in municipal biosolids and developing standards, methods, and policies to determine acceptable pollutant concentrations in biosolids management. The research should also help inform utilities and states of potential risks from known and emerging pollutants. Research under this RFA is intended to address multiple treatment scales including large publicly-owned treatment works and medium- to small-scale wastewater treatment facilities and focuses on: 1) fate and transport of chemical pollutants in biosolids, including following land application of biosolids; 2) understanding the impact of different treatment processes and management practices on chemical pollutant levels in Class A biosolids and Class B biosolids; and 3) development of cost effective methods to measure and manage chemical pollutants in biosolids.

mailto:packard.benjamin@epa.gov mailto:josephson.ron@epa.gov mailto:jones.debram@epa.gov

EPA recognizes that it is important to engage all available minds to address the environmental challenges the Nation faces. At the same time, EPA seeks to expand the environmental conversation by including members of communities which may not have previously participated in such dialogues to participate in EPA programs. For this reason, EPA strongly encourages all eligible applicants identified in Section III, including minority serving institutions (MSIs), to apply under this opportunity.

For purposes of this solicitation, the following are considered MSIs:

1. Historically Black Colleges and Universities, as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1061(2)). A list of these schools can be found at Historically Black Colleges and Universities;

2. Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1059c(b)(3) and (d)(1)). A list of these schools can be found at American Indian Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities;

3. Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1101a(a)(5)). A list of these schools can be found at Hispanic-Serving Institutions;

4. Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions; (AANAPISIs), as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1059g(b)(2)). A list of these schools can be found at Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions; and

5. Predominately Black Institutions (PBIs), as defined by the Higher Education Act of 2008, 20 U.S.C. 1059e(b)(6). A list of these schools can be found at Predominately Black Institutions.

B. Background

Biosolids result from the treatment of sewage sludge produced in a wastewater treatment facility.

When applied to land at the appropriate agronomic rate (and meeting federal and state quality requirements), biosolids provide a number of benefits including nutrient addition, improved soil structure, and enhanced moisture retention [1]. Land application of biosolids also can have economic and waste management benefits (e.g., conservation of landfill space; recycling a waste product; reducing the demand for synthetic fertilizers and non-renewable resources like phosphorus; and reducing the overall farm cost for fertilizers). There are over 14,600 publicly owned treatment works, servicing over 234 million people across the U.S. [2]. Additionally, there are more than 60 million people in the U.S. that have private sewage systems (septic systems) [3]. Based on 2019 reporting to the EPA [4] (by over 2,200 facilities) (Figure 1) about:

• 4.8 Million Dry Metric Tons (mdmt) of biosolids were generated.

• 2.4 mdmt biosolids were applied to land o 1.4 mdmt to agricultural land o 1.0 mdmt to non-agricultural land

• 0.8 mdmt biosolids were incinerated

• 0.9 mdmt biosolids were landfilled https://sites.ed.gov/whhbcu/one-hundred-and-five-historically-black-colleges-and-universities/ https://sites.ed.gov/whhbcu/one-hundred-and-five-historically-black-colleges-and-universities/ https://sites.ed.gov/whiaiane/tribes-tcus/tribal-colleges-and-universities/ https://sites.ed.gov/whiaiane/tribes-tcus/tribal-colleges-and-universities/ https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/idues/hsi-eligibles-2016.pdf https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1XVkOWKMDORm53pvU0L8EPsrJC94&msa=0&ie=UTF8&t=m&z=3&source=embed&ll=40.58644586187277%2C-148.28228249999984 https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1wlIi3j7gtlNq_w-0NKAb2bF2VmY&ie=UTF&msa=0&ll=37.35160769312532%2C-96.17229800000001&z=4

• 0.5 mdmt biosolids were disposed of via other management practices (deep well injection, storage, syngas and other).

Figure 1: Relative use and disposal of biosolids. From EPA annual report data on publicly owned treatment works (POTWS) that have a design flow rate equal to or greater than one million gallons per day, serve 10,000 people or more, are required to have an approved pretreatment program (Class I Sludge Management Facility), or are otherwise required to report by the EPA or permitting authority.

It should be noted that most smaller facilities generally treating less than 1 million gallons per day (mgd) are not represented in the above data but, according to a 2007 North East Biosolids and Residuals Association (NEBRA) report, contributed to 8% of the total flow [5]. According to the report, these smaller treatment facilities generally used methods that were easier to implement and had lower costs associated with them, such as storing solids in lagoons, transporting untreated solids to larger wastewater treatment plants, and landfilling biosolids.

Wastewater treatment plants use a variety of sludge treatment processes to produce biosolids.

Larger treatment plants use, on average, two or more sludge treatment processes to facilitate handling, reduce costs, and meet the biosolids rule requirements. Figure 2 illustrates biosolids treatment processes reported to EPA for facilities treating greater than 1 mgd.

Figure 2: Biosolids treatment process information reported to EPA’s electronic annual report database in the last four years.

Individual wastewater treatment plants may use more than one process.

There are two classes of biosolids of interest relative to this RFA: 1) Class A and 2) Class B.

Both Class A and B biosolids have similar nutrient characteristics but Class A are treated to a higher degree than Class B biosolids. The EPA Class A treatment processes are designed to remove bacterial, viral, and protozoan pathogens below detectable levels. Class A biosolids can be land applied or distributed without restrictions. Class B materials, in many situations, have not been subject to the same level of treatment as Class A and may contain pathogens. As a result, Class B biosolids have site restrictions imposed after land application and cannot be sold or given away. EPA estimates that Class A biosolids represent approximately 60% of land-applied biosolids. In addition, there seems to be a trend towards producing Class A biosolids products by those facilities currently producing Class B products.

For materials to qualify as Class A for pathogen reduction, 40 CFR part 503 [6] outlines the processes (known as alternatives) that must be used to treat sewage sludges. There are six alternatives which mainly consist of engineering or operational controls and treatments. In addition to these controls, these materials are tested for the presence of microbiological indicators. Class A materials must be tested for either fecal coliforms or Salmonella, and in some instances, they are required to be tested for enteric viruses and viable helminth ova. Class A materials must meet both the minimum operational standards and be under the microbial indicator levels in the finished product. Class B materials, in contrast, have 3 alternatives for pathogen reduction. They must also meet the minimum microbial indicator standard. Unlike thickening 37% aerobic digestion 20% preliminary operations 16% anaerobic digestion 14% methane or biogas capture and recovery 7% other including treatment by a third party 6%

BIOSOLIDS TREATMENT PROCESSES REPORTED TO EPA THROUGHOUT THE LAST FOUR YEARS

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2018-title40-vol32/xml/CFR-2018-title40-vol32-part503.xml

Class A materials, fecal coliforms are the sole indicator required to be tested in the final Class B product. The acceptable levels of fecal coliforms are 3 logs higher in Class B materials. Both Classes must meet one of twelve alternatives listed for vector attraction reduction. In addition, per 40 CFR part 503, both classes must meet pollutant limits. Currently, 10 pollutants are regulated under Part 503 and include: arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, selenium, zinc and molybdenum. For additional information on biosolids and management practices, please go to the EPA biosolids website [7].

One of the barriers to land application of biosolids is the presence of unregulated chemical pollutants in biosolids which may migrate to surrounding surface or subsurface water resources.

While the presence of a pollutant alone does not indicate that it poses a risk to human health and the environment, data and tools are needed to conduct risk assessments for unregulated biosolids pollutants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, pharmaceuticals, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), flame retardants, surfactants, and other chemicals, particularly those that may persist and/or accumulate in soils and biota post application. Per the Clean Water Act Section 405(d), EPA must review biosolids regulations every two years to identify additional pollutants that occur in biosolids (i.e., biennial reviews) and set regulations for pollutants if sufficient scientific evidence shows they may harm human health or the environment. EPA identifies pollutants found in biosolids through open literature reviews and sewage sludge surveys in order to assess their potential risk to public health and the environment. A total of approximately 400 pollutants have been found to occur in biosolids (in at least one instance) since EPA began tracking their occurrence in 1993 when 40 CFR Part 503 was promulgated. Not all of the approximate 400 pollutants that have been found in biosolids will be present in every wastewater treatment facility. Pollutants found in biosolids will vary depending upon inputs to individual wastewater treatment facilities over time. A curated database for a subset of these biosolids pollutants can be found in the EPA Chemistry Dashboard [8,9]. The Dashboard currently has 220 separate lists of chemicals segregated into relevant sets (e.g. drugs, pesticides) and includes development of six fate and transport models. Datasets and models on the Dashboard evolve and are updated as more and better data on pollutants and the related endpoints becomes available. In addition to the Dashboard, EPA provides a number of Clean Water Act Test Methods for regulated entities, permitting authorities, and the public [10].

Given the current knowledge of the variety of pollutants in biosolids from sewage sludge surveys along with available toxicity and exposure data, utilities and states need information on the most persistent and problematic pollutants, or classes of pollutants, found in Class A and B biosolids.

To address these needs, the agency is seeking new information on occurrence, fate and transport, analytical methods, and emerging chemicals in biosolids; as well as the impact of various common treatment and management processes on resulting chemical levels in Class A and B biosolids.

C. Authority and Regulations The authority for this RFA and resulting awards is contained in the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. 300j-1, Section 1442, the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1254, Section 104(b)(3), the Solid Waste Disposal Act, 42 U.S.C. 6981, Section 8001, and the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, P.L. 116-94.

https://www.epa.gov/biosolids https://comptox.epa.gov/dashboard/chemical_lists/BIOSOLIDS https://comptox.epa.gov/dashboard/chemical_lists/DRUGBANK https://comptox.epa.gov/dashboard/chemical_lists/EPAPCS https://www.epa.gov/cwa-methods/other-clean-water-act-test-methods-biosolids

For research with an international aspect, the above statutes are supplemented, as appropriate, by the National Environmental Policy Act, Section 102(2)(F).

Note that a project’s focus is to consist of activities within the statutory terms of EPA’s financial assistance authorities; specifically, the statute(s) listed above. Generally, a project must address the causes, effects, extent, prevention, reduction and elimination of air pollution, water pollution, solid/hazardous waste pollution, toxic substances control or pesticide control depending on which statute(s) is listed above. Further note applications dealing with any aspect of or related to hydraulic fracking will not be funded by EPA through this program.

Additional applicable regulations include: 2 CFR Part 200, 2 CFR Part 1500, and 40 CFR Part 40 (Research and Demonstration Grants).

D. Specific Areas of Interest/Expected Outputs and Outcomes Note to applicant: 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. 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.

The activities to be funded under this announcement support EPA’s FY 2018-22 Strategic Plan (https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan). Activities to be funded under this announcement support Goal 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment, Objective 1.2: Provide for Clean and Safe Water, of EPA’s FY 2018-22 Strategic Plan. All applications must be for projects that support the goal and objective identified above. The agency is seeking new information on

1) the impact of various common treatment and management processes on resulting chemical levels in Class A & B biosolids and compost and 2) the occurrence, fate and transport, and analytical methods on emerging chemicals in biosolids.

EPA also requires that grant applicants adequately describe environmental outputs and outcomes to be achieved under assistance agreements (see EPA Order 5700.7A1, Environmental Results under Assistance Agreements, https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-order-57007a1-epas-policy-environmental-results-under-epa-assistance-agreements). Applicants must include specific statements describing the environmental results of the proposed project in terms of well-defined outputs and, to the maximum extent practicable, well-defined outcomes that will demonstrate how the project will contribute to the priorities described above.

Note that the research should be national in scope; it should also focus on water quality (by looking at the impact of chemicals in source waters and drinking water from land application and disposal of biosolids) and water availability (to the extent that improving water quality increases the amount of safe drinking water to the public). The proposed research will provide new information needed to determine the concentration of chemicals in biosolids and an increased ability to understand and identify potential public health and ecosystem risks from land application and disposal of biosolids. There are two distinct areas of research covered by this https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-order-57007a1-epas-policy-environmental-results-under-epa-assistance-agreements https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-order-57007a1-epas-policy-environmental-results-under-epa-assistance-agreements solicitation. EPA encourages applicants to focus on only one research area so that applications have the detail necessary to fully address one research area. However; applications that address more than one research area will not be deemed ineligible but will not necessarily be rated more highly than those that address just one. The proposed research project should be as responsive as possible to as many of the research questions listed under the selected research area.

Applications should clearly indicate which research area is being addressed.

Research Area 1: Understanding the impact of different common treatment and management processes on resulting pollutant levels in Class A & B biosolids. Note, this research area should focus on the most prevalent biosolids management practices used from the point of sewage sludge separation in wastewater plant treatment trains throughout the U.S. This includes, but is not limited to dewatering, digestion, additives, and composting.

• What are the differences in biosolids quality generated from municipal dominated sources and mixed municipal/commercial/industrial sources? What are the differences in biosolids generated from combined vs. separated sewer systems?

• What is the fate and transformation of chemicals of emerging concern and pollutant groups in biosolids treatment and management? How do different operational factors affect pollutant concentrations in biosolids?

• What are amendments or novel processes that can remove or degrade chemicals of emerging concern in sludge and biosolids, particularly those that may persist and/or accumulate in soils and biota post application?

• How do amendments or novel processes affect the mobility of chemicals of emerging concern, particularly those that may persist and/or accumulate in soils and biota post application?

• Can analytical methods be developed or adapted to identify chemical pollutants in raw sewage sludge, biosolids, and composts throughout the residual’s management process?

If a single analytical method can be developed for analyzing solid matrices from raw sludge to soil with land applied biosolids, what are the necessary sample preparation steps?

Research Area 2: Better understanding of the occurrence, fate, and transport of chemical pollutants in land-applied biosolids, particularly those that may persist and/or accumulate in soils and biota post application.

• What are the highest priority chemical pollutants with respect to risks to:

o Groundwater and surface water resource protection?

o Edible plant/forage crop uptake?

o Incidental/direct ingestion?

o Ecological endpoints?

• What are the fate, transport, and transformation characteristics of high priority chemical pollutants when biosolids are land-applied? How do high priority chemicals and/or chemical groups interact with surface/subsurface constituents, co-pollutants, and different soil types? How will laboratory/bench-scale experimental results characterize these interactions and be verified in field settings?

• What is the distribution and variability in the uptake, transformation, and movement of chemical pollutants and groups of pollutants in plants grown for human consumption and livestock feed?

• What tests and procedures, or suite of tests and procedures for biosolids can be developed as screening tools prior to land application? How do these tests and procedures, or suite of tests and procedures, relate to exposure pathways (e.g., plant uptake, transport to ground and/or surface water, soil organism bioavailability, bioavailability to livestock)?

Expected Outputs and Outcomes The proposed research will provide new information needed to determine the extent of chemical contamination in biosolids and an increased ability to understand and identify public health and ecosystem risks from biosolids land application and disposal.

Expected Outputs: Some examples of desirable outputs are listed below:

All:

• Reports and peer reviewed publications pertaining to the research areas listed above.

• Workshops and webinars to disseminate information to states and utilities.

• Better planning to mitigate the sources of chemical pollutants found in biosolids, particularly those that may persist and/or accumulate in soils and biota post application.

Example outputs for Research Area #1:

• Information for utilities to better understand the products from a given process or treatment train.

• Biosolids management options and costs for handling biosolids and wastewater treatment processes.

• Economic analyses evaluating the feasibility of treatment processes.

• Cost effective methods to be used by states and utilities.

• Training on new methods to evaluate chemical pollutants in biosolids, particularly those that may persist and/or accumulate in soils and biota post application.

Example outputs for Research Area #2:

• Information to describe chemical pollutant concentrations in relevant media and models to predict chemical pollutant concentrations to support risk assessments.

• Risk communication materials and tools that translate scientific results into easily understandable outreach and education materials for wastewater professionals and the public.

• New and updated management strategies for biosolids based on characterization and modeling studies.

Expected Outcomes: Outcomes include better planning and increased ability for wastewater treatment facilities to identify and manage chemical pollutants in biosolids as well as improved ability to identify and mitigate public health and ecosystem risks from land application and disposal of biosolids.

Collaboration and Engagement Plan Collaboration and cooperative partnerships are strongly encouraged in the design and execution of the proposed research. Therefore, applications must include a Collaboration and Engagement Plan. Applications should, at minimum, describe how: a) applicants will work in partnership with appropriate partners (states, tribes, academia, industry groups, non-profit organizations, associations, and local communities/community-based organizations) to effectively design and implement the proposed project; b) to the extent possible, coordinate with and/or complement other projects or activities being performed by others that will result in a greater positive impact;

and c) demonstrate how the proposed project will address the needs and concerns of local communities including how community-based organizations (as defined below) and/or other appropriate parties will be engaged to enhance the project’s effectiveness and/or efficiency.

For the purpose of this announcement, a “community-based organization” generally means a nongovernmental organization that has demonstrated effectiveness as a representative of a community or a significant segment of a community and that helps members of that community obtain environmental, educational, or other social services. A community-based organization must be a nonprofit or not for profit corporation in good standing under state or tribal law with authority to enter into binding legal agreements. The community-based organization need not be tax exempt under the Internal Revenue Code but may use documentation of tax-exempt status to demonstrate that it is a nonprofit.

The collaboration and engagement plan should:

• Describe the type of collaboration/support proposed and what role it will play in the overall project including the degree of partner and/or community input or engagement in the conceptualization, design, methods, analyses and implementation of the research.

• Describe how the collaboration will enhance the overall impact of the project such that the project results are applicable and useable by state/local agencies, utilities, and impacted communities. This includes the capacity of the project to more effectively communicate risk and translate scientific results into easily understandable outreach and education materials.

• Describe how activities of the project will be coordinated with related or complementary projects and studies.

• Describe how the collaboration will materialize during project performance. Describe the partner(s)’ intent to participate in the proposed research including evidence of support of an active partnership with states, tribes, academia, industry groups, non-profit organizations, associations, and/or local communities/community-based organizations (e.g., letter(s) of intent or support from community-based organizations, community leaders, state or local government agencies, non-government organizations, industry-based organizations, water utility managers, site managers or operators). Any letters demonstrating evidence of collaboration and support should be included as part of section IV.C.10.a. Letters of Intent/Letters of Support.

Applicants that do not plan on collaborating with other groups in project performance must still include a collaboration and engagement plan in their application describing how they will be able to effectively perform and complete the project without such collaboration.

E. References

1. United States Department of Agriculture. Agricultural Research Service.

https://www.ars.usda.gov/ (accessed 1 June 2020).

2. U.S. EPA, Environmental Protection Agency. (2016). Clean Watersheds Needs Survey 2012:

Report to Congress. https://www.epa.gov/cwns/clean-watersheds-needs-survey-cwns-report-congress-2012 (accessed 26 June 2020).

3. U.S. EPA, Environmental Protection Agency. Septic Systems Overview.

https://www.epa.gov/septic/septic-systems-overview (accessed 1 June 2020).

4. U.S. EPA, Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO). https://echo.epa.gov/ (accessed 26 June 2020).

5. North East Biosolids and Residuals Association (NEBRA). (2007). A national biosolids regulation, quality, end use & disposal survey. North East Biosolids and Residuals Association, Tamworth, NH.

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54806478e4b0dc44e1698e88/t/5488541fe4b03c0a9b8ee09 b/1418220575693/NtlBiosolidsReport-20July07.pdf (accessed 26 June 2020).

6. Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge. 40 CFR part 503 (2018).

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2018-title40-vol32/xml/CFR-2018-title40-vol32-part503.xml (accessed 26 June 2020).

7. U.S. EPA, Environmental Protection Agency. Biosolids. https://www.epa.gov/biosolids (accessed 26 June 2020).

8. U.S. EPA, Environmental Protection Agency. Chemistry Dashboard.

https://comptox.epa.gov/dashboard. Open source models are available via the GitHub repository for OPERA: https://github.com/kmansouri/OPERA. (accessed 26 June 2020).

9. Williams, A. J. et al. (2017). The CompTox Chemistry Dashboard: A community data resource for environmental chemistry, Journal of Cheminformatics. BioMed Central Ltd., 9(1).

doi: 10.1186/s13321-017-0247-6.

10. U.S. EPA, Environmental Protection Agency. Other Clean Water Act Test Methods:

Biosolids. Clean Water Act Analytical Methods. https://www.epa.gov/cwa-methods/other-clean-water-act-test-methods-biosolids (accessed 26 June 2020).

F. Special Requirements https://www.ars.usda.gov/ https://www.epa.gov/cwns/clean-watersheds-needs-survey-cwns-report-congress-2012 https://www.epa.gov/cwns/clean-watersheds-needs-survey-cwns-report-congress-2012 https://www.epa.gov/septic/septic-systems-overview https://echo.epa.gov/ https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54806478e4b0dc44e1698e88/t/5488541fe4b03c0a9b8ee09b/1418220575693/NtlBiosolidsReport-20July07.pdf https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54806478e4b0dc44e1698e88/t/5488541fe4b03c0a9b8ee09b/1418220575693/NtlBiosolidsReport-20July07.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2018-title40-vol32/xml/CFR-2018-title40-vol32-part503.xml https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2018-title40-vol32/xml/CFR-2018-title40-vol32-part503.xml https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2018-title40-vol32/xml/CFR-2018-title40-vol32-part503.xml https://www.epa.gov/biosolids https://comptox.epa.gov/dashboard https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgithub.com%2Fkmansouri%2FOPERA&data=02%7C01%7CPackard.Benjamin%40epa.gov%7C90e06dc6924c41eed05c08d7f3c33030%7C88b378b367484867acf976aacbeca6a7%7C0%7C0%7C637245891953861274&sdata=JLlcUao6yCPlCkhF95pqst6%2FBsIonr89hEFxFoxKm1M%3D&reserved=0

It is EPA Policy to ensure that the results of EPA-funded extramural scientific research are accessible to the public to the greatest extent feasible consistent with applicable law; policies and Orders; the Agency’s mission; resource constraints; and U.S. national, homeland and economic security. This entails maximizing, at no charge, access by the public to peer-reviewed, scientific research journal publications or associated author manuscripts, and their underlying digital research data, created in whole or in part with EPA funds, while protecting personal privacy;

recognizing proprietary interests, confidential business information and intellectual property rights; and avoiding significant negative impact on intellectual property rights, innovation and U.S. competitiveness. EPA’s Policy for Increasing Access to Results of EPA-Funded Extramural Scientific Research may be accessed at: https://www.epa.gov/research/non-epa-researcher-requirements. Terms and conditions implementing this policy may be accessed at:

https://www.epa.gov/research/non-epa-researcher-requirements.

Applications submitted under this announcement shall include a Scientific Data Management Plan (SDMP) that addresses public access to EPA-funded scientific research data. See the SDMP clause in Section IV for details on the content of an SDMP. Applicants will also be asked to provide past performance information on whether journal publications or associated author manuscripts, and the associated underlying scientific research data and metadata, under prior assistance agreements were made publicly accessible. These items will be evaluated prior to award.

Reasonable, necessary and allocable costs for data management and public access as discussed in EPA’s Policy for Increasing Access to Results of EPA-Funded Extramural Scientific Research, may be included in extramural research applications and detailed in the budget justification described in Section IV.

Agency policy and ethical considerations prevent EPA technical staff and managers from providing applicants with information that may create an unfair competitive advantage.

Consequently, EPA employees will not review, comment, advise and/or provide technical assistance to applicants preparing applications in response to EPA RFAs. EPA employees cannot endorse any particular application.

Multiple Investigator applications may be submitted as: (1) a single Lead Principal Investigator (PI) application with Co-PI(s) or (2) a Multiple PI application (with a single Contact PI). If you choose to submit a Multiple PI application, you must follow the specific instructions provided in Sections IV. and V. of this RFA. For further information, please see the EPA Implementation Plan for Policy on Multiple Principal Investigators (https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-grants-guidance-and-policies).

This solicitation provides the opportunity for the submission of applications for projects that may involve human subjects research. All applications must include a Human Subjects Research Statement (HSRS; described in Section IV.C.6.c of this solicitation). If the project involves human subjects research, it will be subject to an additional level of review prior to funding decisions being made as described in Sections V.D and V.F of this solicitation.

https://www.epa.gov/research/non-epa-researcher-requirements https://www.epa.gov/research/non-epa-researcher-requirements https://www.epa.gov/research/non-epa-researcher-requirements

Groups of two or more eligible applicants may choose to form a consortium and submit a single application for this assistance agreement. The application must identify which organization will be the recipient of the assistance agreement and which organizations(s) will be subawardees of the recipient.

These awards may involve the collection of “Geospatial Information,” which includes information that identifies the geographic location and characteristics of natural or constructed features or boundaries on the Earth or applications, tools, and hardware associated with the generation, maintenance, or distribution of such information. This information may be derived from, among other things, a Geographic Positioning System (GPS), remote sensing, mapping, charting, and surveying technologies, or statistical data.

II. AWARD INFORMATION

It is anticipated that a total of approximately $5,992,000 will be awarded under this announcement, depending on the availability of funds, quality of applications received and other applicable considerations. The EPA anticipates funding approximately four awards under this RFA. Requests for amounts in excess of a total of $1,498,000 in federal funds, including direct and indirect costs, will not be considered. In addition, a minimum 25% non-federal cost share/match of the federal funds awarded, which may include in-kind contributions (see Section III.B. for more details) equal to a minimum of $374,500 (assuming the applicant requests $1,498,000 in EPA funds) must be included. Applications which do not demonstrate how the minimum 25% non-federal cost share/match will be met will not be considered. The total project period requested in an application submitted for this RFA may not exceed 3 years.

The EPA reserves the right to reject all applications and make no awards, or make fewer awards than anticipated, under this RFA. The EPA reserves the right to make additional awards under this announcement, consistent with Agency policy, if additional funding becomes available after the original selections are made. Any additional selections for awards will be made no later than six months after the original selection decisions.

In appropriate circumstances, EPA reserves the right to partially fund applications by funding discrete portions or phases of proposed projects. If EPA decides to partially fund an application, it will do so in a manner that does not prejudice any applicants or affect the basis upon which the application, or portion thereof, was evaluated and selected for award, and therefore maintains the integrity of the competition and selection process.

EPA will award cooperative agreements under this announcement. When addressing a research question/problem of common interest, collaborations between EPA and the institution’s principal investigators are permitted under a cooperative agreement. These collaborations may include data and information exchange, providing technical input to experimental design and theoretical development, coordinating extramural research with in-house activities, the refinement of valuation endpoints, and joint authorship of journal articles on these activities. Cooperative agreements permit substantial involvement between the EPA 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 Federal involvement proposed by EPA for this project will be:

• Sharing data from related projects.

• Training by EPA scientists on EPA and standard methods commonly used in EPA and state laboratories.

• Sample analysis by EPA laboratories with unique instrumentation and expertise not available to applicants. Concurrent or split sample analysis in cases where EPA has instrumentation.

• Quality assurance support including assistance with refining the applicants’ Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) to be written after award.

• Assisting in coordinating with other Federal Agencies and states to help grantees gain access to state and other agency/state/utility information.

Potential applicants should contact Ben Packard; phone: 202-564-7673; email:

packard.benjamin@epa.gov regarding questions pertaining to EPA’s substantial involvement.

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligible Applicants

This solicitation is available to public and private nonprofit institutions and public and private universities and colleges located in the United States. Foreign entities, States, including the District of Columbia, and State and local government departments, territories, possessions, and Tribal nations of the U.S., are not eligible to apply under this RFA. Profit-making firms are not eligible to receive assistance agreements from the EPA under this program.

Non-profit organization, as defined by 2 CFR 200.70, means any corporation, trust, association, cooperative or other organization that: (1) is operated primarily for scientific, educational, service, charitable or similar purposes in the public interest; (2) is not organized primarily for profit; and (3) uses its net proceeds to maintain, improve and/or expand its operations. Note that 2 CFR 200.70 specifically excludes Institutions of Higher Education from the definition of non-profit organization because they are separately defined in the regulation. While not considered to be a non-profit organization(s) as defined by 2 CFR 200.70, public or nonprofit Institutions of Higher Education are, nevertheless, eligible to submit applications under this RFA. Hospitals that meet the definition of nonprofit at 2 CFR 200.70 are also eligible to apply as nonprofits.

Hospitals operated by state, tribal, or local governments or that are instrumentalities of the unit of government depending on the applicable law are not eligible to apply. For-profit colleges, universities, trade schools, and hospitals are ineligible. Nonprofit organizations described in Section 501(c) (4) of the Internal Revenue Code that lobby are not eligible to apply.

National laboratories funded by Federal Agencies (Federally-Funded Research and Development Centers, "FFRDCs") may not apply. FFRDC employees may cooperate or collaborate with mailto:packard.benjamin@epa.gov eligible applicants within the limits imposed by applicable legislation and regulations. They may participate in planning, conducting, and analyzing the research directed by the applicant, but may not direct projects on behalf of the applicant organization. The institution, organization, or governance receiving the award may provide funds through its assistance agreement from the EPA to an FFRDC for research personnel, supplies, equipment, and other expenses directly related to the research. However, salaries for permanent FFRDC employees may not be provided through this mechanism.

Federal Agencies may not apply. Federal employees are not eligible to serve in a principal leadership role on an assistance agreement. Federal employees may not receive salaries or augment their Agency’s appropriations through awards made under this program unless authorized by law to receive such funding.

The applicant institution may enter into an agreement with a Federal Agency to purchase or utilize unique supplies or services unavailable in the private sector to the extent authorized by law. Examples are purchase of satellite data, chemical reference standards, analyses, or use of instrumentation or other facilities not available elsewhere. A written justification for federal involvement must be included in the application. In addition, an appropriate form of assurance that documents the commitment, such as a letter of intent from the Federal Agency involved, should be included.

Potential applicants who are uncertain of their eligibility should contact Ron Josephson in the Office of Research and Development (ORD), phone: 202-564-7823, email:

josephson.ron@epa.gov.

B. Cost sharing

Each applicant must contribute a minimum non-federal cost share/match of 25% of the federal funds awarded. This is equivalent at a minimum to 20% of the total project costs. Cost share may include in-kind contributions. In order to be eligible for funding consideration, applicants must demonstrate in their applications how they will meet the required minimum 25% cost share/match in accordance with 2 CFR §200.306.

The cost share/match may be provided in cash or can come from in-kind contributions, such as the use of volunteers and/or donated time, equipment, etc., subject to the regulations governing matching fund requirements at 2 CFR §200.306. Cost share/matching funds are considered grant funds and are included in the total award amount.

All contributions, including cash and third party in-kind, shall be accepted as cost sharing or matching when such contributions meet all of the following criteria: (1) Are verifiable from the non-Federal entity's records; (2) Are not included as contributions for any other Federal award;

(3) Are necessary and reasonable for proper and efficient accomplishment of project or program objectives; (4) Are allowable under Subpart E—Cost Principles of 2 CFR Part 200; (5) Are not paid by the Federal Government under another Federal award, except where the…