EPA-HQ-OCSPP-2021-001_EPA_OCSPP_05_24.pdf

Funding Opportunity Announcement (EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-001)

FEDERAL AGENCY: U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) OFFICE OF PESTICIDE

PROGRAMS

TITLE: PESTICIDE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM GRANTS

ACTION: REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

FUNDING OPPORTUITY NUMBER (FON): EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-001

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE (CFDA) NO: 66.714

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.

DATES: The closing date and time for receipt of application submissions is July 9, 2021 by

11:59 pm Eastern Time (ET).

SUMMARY: The purpose of the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program Grant Initiative is to encourage smart, sensible and sustainable pest control in agriculture. The initiative, which is an extension of the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP), will enable grantees to implement sustainable pest management practices that align with the Agency’s strategic goal of providing a cleaner and healthier environment for all Americans and contribute to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Proposed projects should address implementation of environmentally sound pest management practices, approaches, training, and innovations that reduce the risks associated with pesticide use in agricultural settings and, where feasible, lead to corresponding reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. These projects will reduce unnecessary exposures to pests and pesticides through the adoption of integrated pest management practices and strengthen our shared goals of sustainable pest management and its intersection with climate change.

FUNDING/AWARDS: Under this competition, EPA intends to award approximately ten cooperative agreements to U.S. States, District of Columbia, U.S. Virgin Islands, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, any territory or possession of the United States, any agency or instrumentality of a State including State universities, and Federally recognized Native American Tribes. The total estimated funding for the awards is approximately $1 million. EPA expects to make approximately one award in each of the agency’s ten regions at a maximum of $100,000 per awardee.

COST-SHARING REQUIREMENT: Cost-sharing is not required.

PROJECT PERIOD: All projects should have an anticipated start date of October 1, 2021.

Proposed project periods may be up to 2 years.

Contracts, Subawards and “Partnerships” Prior to naming a contractor or subrecipient as a “partner” or otherwise in your applications, please carefully review the “Contracts and https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-solicitation-clauses subawards” solicitation provision available at https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-solicitation-clauses. Refer to EPA’s Best Practice Guide for Procuring Services, Supplies, and Equipment

Under EPA Assistance Agreements and Subaward Policy and supplemental Frequent Questions for additional guidance.

CONTENTS BY SECTION

SECTION l: Funding Opportunity Description

SECTION II: Award Information SECTION III: Eligibility Information

SECTION IV: Application and Submission Information

SECTION V: Application Review Information

SECTION VI: Award Administration Information

SECTION VII: Agency Contact

APPENDIX A: Detailed Budget

SECTION I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Background EPA’s mission is to protect human health and the environment. PESP is guided by the principle that partnership programs complement the standards and decisions established by regulatory and registration actions. This partnership has previously invested nearly $4 million to support over 100 successful grants, awards for outstanding stewardship, and collaborative efforts that have promoted integrated pest management (IPM) in schools, integrated vegetation management on utility rights-of-ways, information sharing on tick management strategies, and

EPA Region-specific projects on sustainable pest management practices.

EPA expects to award assistance agreements under the authority provided in Section 20 of the

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA, 7 U.S.C. 136r) which authorizes the Agency to issue assistance agreements for research, public education, training, monitoring, demonstration (which is the use of new or innovative approaches, methods, or technologies), and studies. Through this funding opportunity, EPA is encouraging and promoting smart, sensible and sustainable pest control in agriculture. The initiative, which is an extension of the

Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP), will enable grantees to implement sustainable pest management practices that align with the Agency’s strategic goal of providing a cleaner and healthier environment for all Americans and contribute to reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

IPM is an environmentally friendly, common sense approach to controlling pests. Traditional pest control involves the routine application of pesticides. IPM, in contrast, combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health and environmental risks. This provides a more effective, environmentally sensitive approach to https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-solicitation-clauses https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-solicitation-clauses https://www.epa.gov/grants/best-practice-guide-procuring-services-supplies-and-equipment-under-epa-assistance-agreements https://www.epa.gov/grants/best-practice-guide-procuring-services-supplies-and-equipment-under-epa-assistance-agreements https://www.epa.gov/grants/grants-policy-issuance-gpi-16-01-epa-subaward-policy-epa-assistance-agreement-recipients pest management in agriculture. Because IPM implementation may lead to reductions in pesticide use, it may correspondingly lead to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. For example, reductions in GHG emissions could occur from fewer tractor passes for pest control or the application of less synthetic pesticides.

EPA is seeking to support the agricultural community by funding projects that explore innovative practices, technologies, educational outreach and non-regulatory solutions that promote the adoption of IPM strategies and address a holistic approach to reduced risk practices. Through this initiative, EPA is providing growers with additional tools they need to reduce the risks of pests and pesticides in agricultural settings with the goals of integrating pest, soil, water and crop management practices that address an array of commodities or that focus on “sustainable” agriculture or incorporates conservation planning. According to the National

Institute of Food and Agriculture, the term sustainable agriculture (U.S. Code Title 7, Section 3103) means an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will over the long-term:

• Satisfy human food and fiber needs.

• Enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agriculture economy depends.

• Make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls.

• Sustain the economic viability of farm operations.

• Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.

B. Scope of the Work

Under this competition, EPA is accepting applications from eligible applicants for projects that:

• Utilize demonstration projects and outreach and education projects to increase the adoption of reduced risk/integrated pest management (IPM) practices.

• Encourage partnerships between producers, commodity groups, scientists, extension, local/state/federal government agencies, and other stakeholders to demonstrate, promote, and utilize reduced risk/IPM practices in the field.

• Actively engage scientists, producers, industry, and local/state/federal partners/Tribal stakeholders in the specifics of meeting the objectives.

• Quantitatively measure and document the effects of using the reduced risk/IPM programs on the environment, human health, community, and greenhouse gas emissions.

• Facilitate a sustainable systems approach that utilizes reduced risk/IPM practices and leads to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

• Demonstrate region-specific pest management practices and integrated crop management systems.

EPA strongly encourages applicants to use existing quality, authoritative IPM training and outreach materials rather than developing new ones, because many quality materials are https://nifa.usda.gov/program/sustainable-agriculture-program#:~:text=The%20term%20''sustainable%20agriculture,will%20over%20the%20long%2Dterm%3A&text=Enhance%20environmental%20quality%20and%20the,which%20the%20agriculture%20economy%20depends.

available, and some are underutilized.

EPA will consider funding translation of existing materials or the development of new outreach, education, guidance, or technical assistance documents only where the applicant demonstrates that there is a need (e.g., that existing quality materials are not available). The applicant must specify what steps they have taken to determine this need (e.g., you may cite a conference where this need was discussed, the results of inquiries made within your stakeholder community or with educational institutions, or a research paper or other published document).

If the applicant does not yet know which materials will be used as part of the project, the applicant must identify what steps it will take to search for and select those materials.

Examples of Activities: EPA’s expectation is that the awards under this grant initiative will help to advance pesticide risk reduction and integrated pest management well beyond the period of performance of the grants. We strongly encourage collaborative partnerships among key stakeholders. Below are some examples of the types of projects and activities applicants may submit under this competition – these are examples only, and this list is not intended to be all-inclusive.

i) Develop and deliver guidance, technical assistance, training or other support (e.g., financial) to growers to assist them in implementing integrated pest management practices that foster a holistic approach to reduced risk practices for growers.

ii) Develop and implement training programs that include promoting awareness and actionable steps to address pest and pesticide issues. Novel approaches to training are encouraged, e.g., just-in-time training; collaboration to provide training through stakeholders’ existing training portals; scenario-based simulation training, etc. Note:

Training materials should not be developed anew but should use or build upon already existing materials to the extent possible.

iii) Develop and implement outreach and training activities to promote the adoption of comprehensive integrated pest management programs to reduce pesticide risk and lead to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Training materials need not be developed anew; applicants are encouraged to use or build upon already existing materials to the extent possible.

iv) Launch or expand an IPM program to address multiple pest/pesticide issues or the intersection of IPM and greenhouse gas emissions as it relates to climate change.

v) Establish a communication network with growers to promote IPM practices.

vi) Create a public-private partnership to develop resources and provide services to reduce unnecessary pest and pesticide exposure through IPM adoption in agricultural settings.

Proposed projects should reflect multi-media and holistic approaches for reducing unnecessary exposure to pests and pesticides. Applications should also demonstrate a broad reach and collaborative problem-solving with appropriate partners and, describe how this project’s objectives create sustained activities that continue beyond the completion of the grant project period.

This funding cannot be used to fund human subject research.

NOTE: Grant activities must relate to gathering or transferring information or advancing awareness and demonstrating changes in attitudes and behaviors of those participating.

Applications should emphasize this “learning” concept, rather than trying to “fix” an environmental problem using a well-established method. All the eligible activities listed above promote learning and understanding and are acceptable activities. Examples of unacceptable grant applications involve performing large-scale clean-ups, treatments, routine recycling services, and major disposal and/or energy recovery projects.

For projects that will support demonstration activities, the project must involve new or experimental technologies, methods, or approaches; where the results of the project will be shared so that others can benefit from the knowledge gained. A project that is accomplished through the performance of routine, traditional, or well-established practices, or a project that is simply intended to carry out a task rather than transfer information or advance the state of knowledge, however worthwhile the project might be, is not a demonstration. The applicant must clearly explain in the applications how the technologies, methods, or approaches used are new or experimental and how the project otherwise meets the requirements of a demonstration as described in this RFP. If your project uses technologies, methods or approaches that have been used previously in other geographic areas and/or business sectors, then your application must include an explanation as to how your demonstration project is different from such prior projects and is a true demonstration. You must also explain what will be learned from the demonstration project. If your project is truly a demonstration and complies with other eligibility factors, then it will be considered for funding. Remember, your project doesn’t have to include demonstration activities. But if it does, then those activities must comply with the details listed above.

C. EPA Strategic Plan Linkages, Anticipated Outcomes and Outputs and Performance

Measures

Linkage to EPA’s Strategic Plan

Pursuant to Section 6a of EPA Order 5700.7A1, “Environmental Results under EPA Assistance Agreements,” EPA must link proposed assistance agreements to the Agency’s Strategic Plan.

EPA’s Strategic Plan is available at: https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan.html.

The activities to be funded under this announcement are intended to further EPA’s Strategic

Goal 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment, Objective 1.4 Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace. EPA works with other federal, state, and tribal agencies, trade organizations, industry, and non-governmental organizations to ensure the effective and safe use of pesticides.

Anticipated Outputs and Outcomes

EPA requires that grant applicants and recipients 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-https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan.html/ https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-order-57007a1-epas-policy-environmental-results-under-epa-assistance-agreements

57007a1-epas-policy-environmental-results-under-epa-assistance-agreements). Applicants must include specific statements describing the environmental results of the program in terms of well-defined outputs and, to the extent practicable, well-defined outcomes that will demonstrate how the project will contribute to the strategic goal described above.

The term “output” means an environmental activity, effort, and/or associated work products related to an environmental goal and objective, that will be produced or provided over a period of time or by a specified date. Outputs may be quantitative or qualitative but must be measurable during the assistance agreement funding period.

The term “outcome” means the result, effect or consequence that will occur from carrying out an environmental program or activity that is related to an environmental or programmatic goal or objective. Outcomes may be environmental, behavioral, health-related or programmatic in nature, but must be quantitative. They may not necessarily be achievable within an assistance agreement funding period.

Expected Outputs and Outcomes

Examples of outputs under the awards expected to be made include, but are not limited to:

1. Final project report that documents activities and quantifies results;

2. Educational, training, or outreach materials developed for producers and technical service providers;

3. New policies, guidance or protocols to advance integrated pest management advancements in agriculture;

4. Measures to assess progress established (e.g., acres impacted by the project under management that include pesticide risk reduction practices); and/or

5. IPM programs, tactics, and trainings implemented.

Examples of outcomes under the awards expected to be made include, but are not limited to:

1. An increase in the average and/or number of growers using reduced risk/IPM tools and techniques;

2. A reduction in risks from exposure to pesticides through implementation of proven reduced risk approaches to pest management;

3. A quantitative measure or qualitative reduction in the use of higher risk pesticides or pesticides in general;

4. A business case that supports the adoption of a reduced risk pest management strategy;

and/or

5. Increased partnerships between stakeholders, producers, state/tribal entities to implement reduced risk programs or achieve quantitative and qualitative benefits to human health, environment and communities due to the adoption of integrated pest management advancements in agriculture.

During the evaluation process for applications, EPA will determine if each work plan contains well-defined educational and environmental outputs and outcomes, adequately describes the https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-order-57007a1-epas-policy-environmental-results-under-epa-assistance-agreements applicant’s plan and approach for tracking and measuring progress towards achieving the outputs and outcomes, and clearly explains how the applicant will achieve the expected outputs and outcomes. Proposed outputs and short-term outcomes must be completed and be reported to EPA within the project period. See Section 5(A) for evaluation criteria.

Performance Measures. The applicant should develop performance measures related to the proposed activities and describe them in their application. The following are questions to consider when developing output and outcome measures of quantitative and qualitative results:

• What are the measurable short-term and longer-term results the project will achieve?

• How does the plan measure progress in achieving the expected results (including outputs and outcomes)?

• How will the approach use resources effectively and efficiently?

D. Statutory Information

Statutory Authority: EPA expects to award these grants under the following grant authority:

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA, 7 U.S.C. 136r), Section 20.

SECTION II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Number and Amount of Award

The total estimated funding expected to be available for awards under this competitive opportunity is approximately $1 million. EPA expects to make approximately one award in each of the agency’s ten regions at a maximum of $100,000 per awardee subject to the availability of funds, quality of evaluated applications, and other applicable considerations. The goal is to have awardees representing the diversity of the ten EPA regions.

EPA reserves the right to reject all applications and make no awards, or make fewer awards than anticipated, under this announcement. In addition, EPA reserves the right to make additional awards under this announcement, consistent with Agency policy and guidance, 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.

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.

B. Start Date and Length of Project Period

The estimated initial project period for the awards resulting from this solicitation will be

September 30, 2021 to September 29, 2023. Proposed project periods will be up to 2 years.

C. Funding Type

The successful applicant will be issued a cooperative agreement. A cooperative agreement is an assistance agreement that is used when there is substantial federal involvement with the recipient during the performance of an activity or project. EPA awards cooperative agreements for those projects in which it expects to have substantial interaction with the recipient throughout the performance of the project. EPA will negotiate the precise terms and conditions of “substantial involvement” as part of the award process. Federal involvement may include:

• Close monitoring of the recipient’s performance;

• Collaboration during the performance of the scope of work;

• Review of proposed procurements in accordance with 2 CFR 317 and 2 CFR 318, as appropriate;

• Review of the qualifications of key personnel (EPA does not have the authority to select employees or contractors employed by the recipient);

• Review and comment on mid-year and yearly reports prepared under the cooperative agreement (the final decision on the content of reports rests with the recipient); and

• Participation in periodic telephone/video conference calls to share project successes and challenges, etc., with EPA.

SECTION III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligible Applicants Assistance under this competition is available to the 50 States, District of Columbia, U.S. Virgin Islands, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, any territory or possession of the United States, any agency or instrumentality of a State including State universities, and all Federally recognized Native American Tribes.

Local governments, private universities, private nonprofit entities, private businesses, and individuals are not eligible. For-profit organizations are not eligible. Non-profit organizations described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying activities as defined in Section 3 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 are also not eligible to apply.

B. Matching Funds

Cost-sharing or matching is not required as a condition of eligibility under this competition.

C. Threshold Eligibility Criteria

Applications must meet the following threshold criteria to be eligible for funding consideration under this solicitation. Failure to meet any of the following criteria in the application will result in disqualification of the application for funding consideration. Only applications from eligible entities (see above) that meet all of these criteria will be evaluated against the ranking factors in Section V of this announcement. Applicants deemed ineligible for funding consideration because of the threshold eligibility review will be notified within 15 calendar days of the ineligibility determination.

(1) Applications must substantially comply with the application submission instructions and requirements set forth in Section IV of this announcement or else they will be rejected. Where a page limit is expressed in Section IV with respect to the workplan, pages in excess of the page limitation will not be reviewed.

(2) Applications must be submitted through the Grants.gov website: https://www.grants.gov as stated in Section IV of this announcement (except in the limited circumstances where another mode of submission is specifically allowed for as explained in Section IV) on or before the application submission deadline published in Section IV of this announcement. Applicants are responsible for following the submission instructions in Section IV of this announcement to ensure that their application is timely submitted.

(3) Applications submitted after the submission deadline will be considered late and deemed ineligible without further consideration unless the applicant can clearly demonstrate that it was late due to EPA mishandling or because of technical problems associated with the

Grants.gov website (https://www.grants.gov) or relevant SAM.gov (https://www.sam.gov) system issues. An applicant’s failure to timely submit their application through Grants.gov because they did not timely or properly register in SAM.gov or Grants.gov will not be considered an acceptable reason to consider a late submission. Applicants should confirm receipt of their application with Jennifer Lemon (info_pesp@epa.gov) as soon as possible after the submission deadline—failure to do so may result in your application not being reviewed.

NOTE: Successful submission and receipt of an application does not guarantee its eligibility for review.

(4) The applicant must be an eligible organization as described in Section III (A) above and state in its application how it meets that eligibility criterion.

(5) Applicants may submit only one application under this solicitation. If an applicant submits more than one, EPA will contact them to determine which one to withdraw.

(6) A project must further EPA’s Strategic Goal 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment, Objective

1.4 Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace and must consist of activities authorized under the following EPA authority: Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, Section

20. 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.

(7) Applications must not include routine program implementation, implementation of routine environmental protection or restoration measures, meeting any legal mandate (such as federal, state, or local regulations or settlement agreements), land acquisition, purchase of vehicles, or completion of work which was to have been completed under a prior grant.

https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ https://www.sam.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://grants.gov/

D. Ineligible Activities

If an application is submitted that includes any ineligible tasks or activities, that portion of the application will be ineligible for funding and may, depending on the extent to which it affects the application, render the entire application ineligible for funding. Activities and tasks ineligible for funding include:

(1) Lobbying or political activities as defined in 2 CFR Section 200.450;

(2) Non-educational research and development; or

(3) Construction projects–EPA will not fund construction activities such as the acquisition of real property (e.g., buildings) or the construction or modification of any building.

SECTION IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. Requirement to Submit Through Grants.gov and Limited Exception Procedure Applicants must apply electronically through Grants.gov under this funding opportunity based on the grants.gov instructions in this announcement. If your organization has no access to the internet or access is very limited, you may request an exception for the remainder of this calendar year by following the procedures outlined here. Please note that your request must be received at least 15 calendar days before the application due date to allow enough time to negotiate alternative submission methods. Issues with submissions with respect to this opportunity only are addressed in section c. Technical Issues with Submission below.

B. Submission Instructions

The electronic submission of your application must be made by an official representative of your institution who is registered with Grants.gov and is authorized to sign applications for Federal assistance. For more information on the registration requirements that must be completed in order to submit an application through grants.gov, go to Grants.gov and click on "Applicants" on the top of the page and then go to the "Get Registered" link on the page.

If your organization is not currently registered with Grants.gov, please encourage your office to designate an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) and ask that individual to begin the registration process as soon as possible. Please note that the registration process also requires that your organization have a 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. Registration on Grants.gov, SAM.gov, and DUNS number assignment is FREE. Please see RAIN-2021-G01 for information about

EPA's implementation of the upcoming Government-wide transition from DUNS to Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

Applicants need to ensure that the AOR who submits the application through Grants.gov and https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.epa.gov/grants/exceptions-grantsgov-submission-requirement https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.epa.gov/grants/rain-2021-g01 whose DUNS is listed on the application is an AOR for the applicant listed on the application.

Additionally, the DUNS listed on the application must be registered to the applicant organization's SAM account. If not, the application may be deemed ineligible.

To begin the application process under this grant announcement, go to Grants.gov and click on "Applicants" on the top of the page and then "Apply for Grants" from the dropdown menu and then follow the instructions accordingly. Please note: To apply through Grants.gov, you must use Adobe Reader software and download the compatible Adobe Reader version. For more information about Adobe Reader, to verify compatibility, or to download the free software, please visit Adobe Reader Compatibility Information on Grants.gov

You may also be able to access the application package for this announcement by searching for the opportunity on Grants.gov. Go to Grants.gov and then click on "Search Grants" at the top of the page and enter the Funding Opportunity Number, EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-001, or the

CFDA number that applies to the announcement (CFDA 66.714), in the appropriate field and click the Search button.

Please Note: All applications must be submitted through Grants.gov using the "Workspace" feature. Information on the Workspace feature can be found at the Grants.gov Workspace Overview Page.

Application Submission Deadline: Your organization’s AOR must submit your complete application package electronically to EPA through Grants.gov no later than July 9, 2021 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time (ET). Please allow for enough time to successfully submit your application package and allow for unexpected errors that may require you to resubmit.

Please submit all of the application materials described below using the Grants.gov application package that you downloaded using the instructions above.

https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html http://www.grants.gov/

Application Materials

The following forms and documents are required under this announcement:

(1) Standard Form 424 (SF-424), Application for Federal Assistance. Please note that the organizational DUNS Number must be included on the SF-424.

(2) Standard Form 424A (SF424A) Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs

(3) EPA Key Contacts Form 5700-54

(4) EPA Form 4700-4 Pre-award Compliance Review Report

(5) Project Narrative (Project Narrative Attachment Form) prepared as described in Section IV

(E) (6) below

Applications submitted through Grants.gov will be time and date stamped electronically. If you have not submitted a confirmation of receipt from EPA (NOT from the Grants.gov website) within 30 days of the application deadline, please contact Jennifer Lemon

(info_pesp@epa.gov). Failure to do so may result in your application no being reviewed.

C. Technical Issues with Submission

(1) Once the application package has been completed, the “Submit” button should be enabled.

If the “Submit” button is not active, please call Grants.gov for assistance at 1-800-518-4726.

Applicants who are outside the U.S. at the time of submittal and are not able to access the tollfree number may reach a Grants.gov representative by calling 606-545-5035. Applicants should save the completed application package with two different file names before providing it to the AOR to avoid having to re-create the package should submission problems be experienced, or a revised application needs to be submitted.

(2) Submitting the application

The application package must be transferred to Grants.gov by an AOR. The AOR should close all other software before attempting to submit the application package. Click the “submit” button of the application package. Your Internet browser will launch, and a sign-in page will appear.

Note: Minor problems are not uncommon with transfers to Grants.gov. It is essential to allow sufficient time to ensure that your application is submitted to Grants.gov BEFORE the due date identified in Section IV of the solicitation. The Grants.gov support desk, 1-800-518-4726, or support@grants.gov operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except Federal Holidays.

A successful transfer will end with an on-screen acknowledgement. For documentation purposes, print or screen capture this acknowledgement. If a submission problem occurs, reboot the computer – turning the power off may be necessary – and re-attempt the submission.

Once you have submitted, you will receive the following communications:

• Submission Receipt Email This email confirms successful receipt of your application by the Grants.gov system http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:support@grants.gov and indicates application status is "Received." This will include a tracking number, which will have the following format: GRANTxxxxxxxx

• Submission Validation Email –OR– Rejection with Errors Email This email Indicates that your application was either successfully validated or rejected by the Grants.gov system prior to transmission to the grantor agency. If your application is rejected with errors, you may resolve these errors and attempt to submit again if the submission deadline has not already passed.

• Received by Agency Email Once your application package has passed validation, it is available for the awarding agency (EPA) to retrieve to perform further review and award determination. (Please note that Grants.gov does not review application content for award determination). After the EPA confirms receipt of your application, Grants.gov will send you a third email to indicate the Received by Agency status.

If you do not receive the above emails, please contact Grants.gov for assistance at 1-800-518- 4726 before the application deadline. Applicants who are outside the U.S. at the time of submittal and are not able to access the toll-free number may reach a Grants.gov representative by calling 606-545-5035.

Note: Grants.gov issues a “case number” upon a request for assistance. Save this number in case you encounter additional problems.

(3) Transmission Difficulties

If transmission difficulties that result in a late transmission, no transmission or rejection of the transmitted application are experienced, and following the above instructions does not resolve the problem so that the application is submitted to Grants.gov by the deadline date and time, follow the guidance below. EPA will decide concerning acceptance of each late submission on a case-by-case basis. All emails, as described below, are to be sent to Jennifer Lemon (info_pesp@epa.gov) with the FON (EPA-HQ-OPP-2021-001) in the subject line. If you are unable to email, contact Jennifer Lemon at 703-347-0336. Be aware that EPA will only consider accepting applications that were unable to transmit due to Grants.gov or relevant SAM.gov system issues or for unforeseen exigent circumstances, such as extreme weather interfering with internet access.

Failure of an applicant to submit by the deadline because they did not properly or timely register in SAM.gov or Grants.gov is not an acceptable reason to justify acceptance of a late submittal.

(a) If you are experiencing problems resulting in an inability to upload the application to

Grants.gov, it is essential that you call Grants.gov for assistance at 1-800-518-4726 before the application deadline. Applicants who are outside the U.S. at the time of submittal and are not able to access the toll-free number may reach a Grants.gov representative by calling 606-545-5035. Be sure to obtain a case number from

Grants.gov. If the problems stem from unforeseen exigent circumstances unrelated to http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://sam.gov/ http://sam.gov/ http://sam.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://grants.gov/ http://grants.gov/ http://grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/

Grants.gov, such as extreme weather interfering with internet access, contact Jennifer Lemon (info_pesp@epa.gov) as soon as internet access is available and explain the circumstances.

(b) Unsuccessful transfer of the application package

If a successful transfer of the application cannot be accomplished even with assistance from Grants.gov due to electronic submission system issues or unforeseen exigent circumstances, and you have already attempted to resolve the issue by contacting

Grants.gov, send an email message to Jennifer Lemon (info_pesp@epa.gov) prior to the application deadline. The email message must document the problem and include the Grants.gov case number as well as the entire application in PDF format as an attachment.

(c) Grants.gov rejection of the application package

If a notification is received from Grants.gov stating that the application has been rejected for reasons other than late submittal promptly, send an email to Jennifer

Lemon (info_pesp@epa.gov) with the Funding Opportunity Number (EPA-HQ-OPP-

2021-001) in the subject line within one business day of the closing date of this solicitation. The email should include any materials provided by Grants.gov and attach the entire application in PDF format.

Please note that successful submission through the Grants.gov website or via email does not necessarily mean your application is eligible for award.

D. Format of Application Submission

Applications must include the information described below, and it is highly recommended that applications follow the format provided. Please follow the instructions and do not submit additional items or forms. Please do not refer to websites or online tools in your application as the reviewers will evaluate only the materials provided in the application.

The required contents of the application package are described in detail below. Pages in excess of the page limits noted will not be reviewed. “One page” refers to one side of a single-spaced typed page. The pages must be letter-sized (8 ½ X 11 inches); recommended font size is no smaller than 10 point; and margins no less than 1 inch are recommended.

E. Contents of Submission:

A complete application package must contain all the information outlined below.

1. Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance. Please note that the organizational DUNS Number must be included on the SF-424A.

2. Standard Form (SF) 424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs.

3. EPA Key Contacts Form 5700-54. The Key Contacts form should also be completed for major sub-agreements. Do not include information for consultants or other contractors.

4. EPA Form 4700-4, Pre-award Compliance Review Report http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/

5. Project Narrative

a. Work Plan—not to exceed 12 single spaced pages total

• Executive Summary—recommended 1 page

• Detailed Project Description

• Project Evaluation

b. Detailed Budget—no page limit

c. Appendices—no page limit

• Timeline

• Logic Model

• Partnership Letter of Commitment (only if you have partner organizations making a commitment to the project and please, NO letters of endorsement or recommendation)

Project Narrative Instructions

You must include a project narrative, which will consist of a work plan that describes your proposed project, a detailed budget and appendices. The work plan must address the requirements in Section I of this solicitation as well as any applicable threshold eligibility requirements in Section III and each of the evaluation criteria set forth in Section V. Your application should use ordinary terms to provide reviewers with an understanding of the purpose and expected outcomes of your project. A person unfamiliar with your project, its location/setting, and its topics should be able to read the application and understand it without further research. Your application will be scored based on the ranking factors identified in Section V.

(1.) Work Plan. The Work Plan must not exceed a maximum of 12 single-spaced typed pages;

excess pages will not be reviewed. The workplan must include the items listed under Detailed Project Description (2). Supporting materials, such as appendices, resumes and commitment letters, can be submitted as attachments and are not included in the 12-page limit.

(a) Executive Summary: Provide a concise overview (recommended one page) of your application in the following format. Detailed explanation should be provided in the Detailed

Project Description (2), not here. The primary purpose of this part of the work plan is to help reviewers determine the eligibility of the applicant/application. Please provide the following information:

Organization

• Name of Organization

• Point of Contact for Organization, Mailing and Email Address

• How your organization meets the eligibility requirement described in

Section III (A).

Project Objectives, Outputs and Outcomes-Concisely list

Link to EPA Strategic Plan Briefly describe the project’s link to the EPA Strategic Plan as outlined in Section I (C).

Brief Project Description

Please provide the following information:

• Project Title

• Project Period--Provide beginning and ending dates.

• A Brief Synopsis of the Project.

-Include the goals, objectives, outputs and outcomes of the program by the end of years one and two.

-Number Reached. Include the estimated number of acres/growers/etc. to be reached as well as the expected demographics of the audiences reached.

-How the funds will be used. Specify how these funds will be used in the project. Note: The form 424A and the Detailed Budget are where you will include your full allocation of costs.

(2) Detailed Project Description

The detailed project description must explicitly describe how the proposed project meets the guidelines established in Sections I-III of this announcement (including threshold eligibility criteria in Section III (C)) and must address each of the evaluation criteria set forth in Section V.

Reviewers look at many applications when scoring them, so providing information in the order listed prevents information from being overlooked. Additionally, the project description and work plan should use ordinary terms to provide reviewers with an understanding of the purpose and the expected outcomes of the project. A reviewer unfamiliar with the project should be able to read the work plan and understand it without further research.

This section of the work plan should describe the goals, objectives, outputs and outcomes of the program. It should indicate how the program will be managed, implemented and evaluated. This section of the work plan must also contain the sections discussed below.

Purpose Statement. A statement describing what will be accomplished because of the project, including the number of acres, growers, or other stakeholders impacted, and, to the extent this can be quantified, how they will be impacted.

Management and Implementation Plan. A detailed plan of how the project will be managed and implemented.

Under the headings WHAT, WHY, WHO and HOW describe precisely what your project will achieve, why the goals and priorities were chosen; how it will achieve its goals; and who it will reach. It is highly recommended that you explain each aspect of the application clearly and address each topic by following the format below. Include the headings as given and do not reorder the paragraphs or you risk the possibility of information being left out by you as the applicant or overlooked or not fully understood by the reviewers when the project is scored.

WHAT your project will achieve in terms of proposed activities and long-term support and identify all key outputs and outcomes of the project.

• Provide a detailed description of the activities that will occur under your project. Clearly identify your activities as well as the materials and implementation/delivery methods that will be used. The description should include the project goals and list specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-based objectives.

• Describe the major responsibilities, qualifications, expertise and abilities of the Program Manager and key staff as well as key partners where the applicant is a consortium to effectively manage and implement the program.

• Describe the project impact area(s) – environmental, human health, economic, and/or community.

WHY the goals and objectives of the project were chosen and WHY the project is important to the advancement of the field of integrated pest management, pest/pesticide risk reduction, and the intersection of IPM and climate change by discussing how these activities will build upon existing national efforts and programs;

• Explain the need for this project. Describe why you are proposing this project, why you have chosen these goals and these objectives, and how this project will promote integrated pest management to reduce unnecessary risk from pests and pesticides, thereby improving human health and/or the environment and lead to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

• Describe how the project activities will build upon or consider lessons learned from existing efforts, including pre-existing programs such as a coordinated approach for integrated pest management across an agricultural commodity.

• Cite studies or sources, where appropriate, that verify the need for your project. (Citations and lists of sources may be submitted as a separate

Attachment and not counted in the page limit for the Work Plan).

WHO will the project reach?

▪ Describe in detail your target audience and geographic area intended for this project and the number of acres, growers, etc. the project is expected to reach.

▪ Explain your recruitment plan to attract and encourage participation with your target audience.

▪ Explain (where appropriate) how the project will reach diverse and/or underserved communities, including federally-recognized Tribes.

▪ Provide evidence of stakeholder participation, consortia involvement, or partnerships in the project.

HOW the project will achieve its goals, outputs and objectives?

• Outline the strategic approach, specific goals and objectives, methodology for accomplishing goals and objectives, metrics that will be used to measure attainment of project goals and objectives, the evaluation methods used to assess the metrics, and the anticipated project outputs and human health/environmental outcomes.

• Provide a timeline for the project.

Management Capability and Staff Expertise. Provide information on your organizational experience, management plan, and experience in overseeing projects similar in size and complexity to the proposed project. Provide information about key personnel responsible for the roll-out of this project, including staff qualifications, expertise and experience and, for staff not yet hired, demonstrate ability to obtain qualified staff that will enable successful achievement of the goals of the proposed project.

Cross-agency Coordination, Outreach, Transferability and Sustainability. Describe your history of working with growers, ranchers, researchers, and other stakeholders on integrated pest management issues. Explain the extent to which this project will include cross-agency coordination, including involvement of relevant State, tribal or territorial agencies, partner organizations and local stakeholders. Explain how the project will be promoted to ensure project information and outcomes are clearly presented and reach the intended audiences and potential audiences. Describe your plan for maintaining project viability after the funding for this assistance agreement has been exhausted. Describe how the project will ensure that information and outcomes produced under this project will be promoted so that other growers, commodity groups, researchers, and extension personnel can use this information to promote IPM-based practices after this EPA funding is exhausted.

Project Performance Measures and Expected Outcomes and Outputs. Identify expected project outputs and how progress towards achieving the expected outputs will be tracked and measured. Also, identify expected quantitative and qualitative outcomes of the project (see

Section I.E.), including what measurements (direct or surrogate) will be used to track your progress towards achieving the expected outcomes; the impact this project will have on low income, tribal, minority and other underserved communities; and how the results…