EPA-I-R5-GL2023-GLEJGP Revised 2023 08 08.pdf

Issued: May 10, 2023

Revised: July 20, 2023 Revised: August 8, 2023

U.S. EPA GREAT LAKES NATIONAL PROGRAM OFFICE

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

2023 Request for Applications to Create Great Lakes Environmental Justice Grant Programs (GLEJGPs)

Federal Awarding Agency Name: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO) Funding Opportunity Title: Great Lakes Environmental Justice Grant Program (GLEJGP) Announcement Type: Initial Request for Applications (RFA) Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-I-R5-GL2023-GLEJGP Assistance Listing Number: 66.469 Award Range: $2,000,000 - $20,000,000

Key Dates

Deadline for submitting questions via email about the RFA August 18, 2023

Applicant webinars Tuesday, May 23, 11:00

Eastern Standard Time

(EDT)

Approximately 6 weeks after posting (TBD)

See RFA website for details

Closing Date and Deadline for submitting applications. Application packages must be submitted electronically to EPA through Grants.gov (see

Section IV for details.)

September 15, 2023, 11:59

Eastern Standard Time (EDT)

Expected notification to selected applicant. November 2023 (estimated)

Expected announcement of award. February 2024 (estimated) https://www.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/great-lakes-restoration-initiative-fy-2023-request-application-rfa-establish https://www.grants.gov/

Revised: August 8, 2023

Table of Contents

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

I.A. Background on Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

I.B. Environmental Justice Background and Key Terms

I.C. RFA Purpose and Explanation of Approach

I.D. GLEJGP Programmatic Elements

I.E. EPA Strategic Plan Linkage and Anticipated Outcomes and Outputs

I.F. Outcomes, Outputs, and Performance Metrics

I.G. Statutory Authority

I.H. Additional Provisions for Applicants Incorporated into the Solicitation

II. AWARD INFORMATION

II.A. Funding Amount and Expected Number of Awards

II.B. Award Type

II.C. Expected Project Period

II.D. Pre-Award Costs

II.E. Partial Funding Provision

II.F. Additional Awards

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

III.A. Eligible Applicants

III.B. Cost Sharing/Match Requirements

III.C. Threshold Eligibility Criteria

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

IV.A. Requirement to Submit through Grants.gov and Limited Exception Procedures

IV.B. Submission Instructions

IV.C. Technical Issues with Submission

IV.D. Content and Form of Application Submission

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

V.A. Evaluation Process

V.B. Evaluation Criteria

V.C. Review and Selection Process

VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

VI.A. Award Notification

VI.B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

VI.C. Reporting

VII. AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

VIII. OTHER INFORMATION

Revised: August 8, 2023

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

This Request for Applications (RFA) solicits applications from eligible entities for up to six cooperative agreements to be awarded pursuant to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan III (GLRI AP III).

This RFA is the Great Lakes National Program Office’s (GLNPO’s) major competitive grant funding opportunity for FY-23 and uses funding provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, P.L. 117-58, 2021 (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The purpose of the RFA is to help fulfill EPA’s commitment to environmental justice (EJ) by establishing Great Lakes Environmental Justice Grant Programs (GLEJGPs) to be used for issuing and overseeing subawards for environmental restoration projects in underserved Great Lakes communities. Approximately $30 million may be awarded in the form of up to six cooperative agreements. The number of cooperative agreements and total amount awarded is contingent upon funding availability, the quality of applications received, Agency priorities, and other applicable considerations.

Note – Prior to naming a contractor (including consultants) or subrecipient in your application as a “partner”, please carefully review Section IV.D, “Contracts and Subawards”, of EPA’s Announcement Clauses that are incorporated by reference in this announcement (See Section I.H). EPA expects recipients of funding to comply with competitive procurement contracting requirements as well as EPA’s rule on Participation by Underserved Business Enterprises in EPA Programs set forth in 40 CFR Part 33. The Agency does not accept justifications for sole source contracts for services or products available in the commercial marketplace based on a contractor’s role in preparing an application.

I.A. Background on Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) builds on the prior efforts of federal, state, and local agencies;

Indian tribes; businesses; public interest groups; interested citizens; and others to develop a collaborative and comprehensive approach to restoring and protecting the Great Lakes ecosystem. Information about GLRI can be found at www.glri.us .

In addition to annual congressional appropriations to fund the GLRI, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, P.L. 117-58, 2021 (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law or (BIL), provided $1 billion in GLRI funding. This RFA is part of EPA’s commitment to use IIJA funding to advance EPA’s priority mission of advancing Environmental Justice (EJ).

Consistent with the Assistance Listing Number 66.469, this RFA is expected to result in the award of one or more cooperative agreements, as appropriate, to help implement the GLRI. EPA’s authority to make awards covers both outreach and implementation projects in furtherance of the GLRI and Great Lakes Water Quality Act (GLWQA). (The principal goal of GLWQA is the restoration and maintenance of the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Great Lakes ecosystem.) The statutory authority to carry out certain U.S. responsibilities under GLWQA and for GLRI funding is contained in the Clean Water Act Section 118 (c)(7), as amended by Public Law 114-322. Any environmental activities ultimately funded through this RFA must advance protection and restoration of the Great Lakes ecosystem in support of: 1) the most current GLRI Action Plan1 (including other GLRI Action Plans that may be in effect during the term

1 GLRI Action Plan III covers federal fiscal years 2020-2024. EPA expects to issue an updated GLRI Action Plan to take effect in federal fiscal year 2025.

https://www.glri.us/documents http://www.glri.us/ https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2019-10/documents/glri-action-plan-3-201910-30pp.pdf

Revised: August 8, 2023 of the award); and 2) EPA’s Strategic Plan.

The activities to be funded under this announcement support achievement of EPA’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2022- 2026 Strategic Plan. Awards made under this announcement will primarily support Goal 5 of EPA’s Strategic Plan - Ensure Clean and Safe Water for All Communities: Objective 5.2 – Protect and Restore Waterbodies and Watersheds. Information about EPA’s Strategic Plan can be found here. Additionally, awards made under this announcement will support Goal 2 of EPA’s 2022-2026 EPA Strategic Plan “Take Decisive Action to Advance Environmental Justice and Civil Rights” and Goal 1 “Tackle the Climate Crisis,” Objective 1.2 – Accelerate Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Change Impacts of the Strategic Plan.

I.B. Environmental Justice Background and Key Terms

Environmental justice (EJ) is a priority at EPA. The EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights (OEJECR) defines EJ as “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies”.

In addition, Goal 2 of EPA’s 2022-2026 EPA Strategic Plan is: Take Decisive Action to Advance Environmental Justice and Civil Rights. Goal 2 represents part of the EPA’s fulfillment of Executive Order (EO)13985: On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, pursuant to which EPA developed its own EPA Equity Action Plan.

Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, issued on January 20, 2021, stated that the federal government should pursue a comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all, including people of color and others who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality.

Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, issued on January 27, 2021, affirmed the Administration’s commitment to advancing EJ by creating the Justice40 Initiative. The Justice40 Initiative, via Interim Implementation Guidance2, established a goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments—including those in climate change; clean energy and energy efficiency; clean transit; affordable and sustainable housing; training and workforce development; the remediation and reduction of legacy pollution; and the development of critical clean water infrastructure—flow to underserved communities.3, 4

In addition, Section 219 of Executive Order 14008 stresses that EJ and economic justice are key considerations to factor into governmental decision-making and that transforming underserved communities—historically marginalized, underserved, and overburdened—into healthy, thriving communities, and undertaking robust actions to mitigate climate change while preparing for the impacts of climate change across rural, urban, and Tribal areas are governmental priorities. The Executive Order

2 M-21-28: Interim Implementation Guidance for the Justice40 Initiative. https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/M-21-

28.pdf 3 Ibid 4 EPA is currently in the process of defining the term “underserved communities.”

https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/learn-about-environmental-justice https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/learn-about-environmental-justice https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/ https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/equity-action-plan https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/ https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/01/2021-02177/tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/M-21-28.pdf

Revised: August 8, 2023 also called for making EJ part of Agency missions by developing programs, policies, and activities to address the disproportionately high and adverse human health, environmental, climate-related, and other cumulative impacts on underserved communities, as well as the accompanying economic challenges of such impacts.

Key environmental justice terms used in this RFA are introduced in the preceding policies, EOs, and interim agency guidance are defined as follows:

Community is used to refer to a group of individuals living in geographic proximity to one another, or a geographically-dispersed set of individuals (such as migrant workers or Native Americans), where either type of group experiences common conditions.5

Fair treatment means no group of people should bear a disproportionate share of the adverse environmental and human health risks and/or harms resulting from industrial, governmental, and commercial operations or policies.6

Meaningful involvement denotes that all people have an opportunity to participate in decisions about activities which may affect their environment and/or health. The public's contribution can influence the regulatory agency's decision, as community concerns are considered in the decision-making process, wherein decision makers seek out and facilitate the involvement of those potentially affected.7

Equity means the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment, such as Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.8

Underserved communities refer to populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, as exemplified by the list in the above definition of “equity.” These populations experience one or more variables which impact human health and the environment, including, though not limited to: persistent poverty; high environmental stress burdens, including impacts from climate change; racial and ethnic segregation; and impaired or limited access to healthcare.9

All communities, including underserved communities, should have opportunities to benefit from programs designed to protect and restore the Great Lakes, including the GLRI, and this RFA is intended to make such

5 M-21-28: Interim Implementation Guidance for the Justice40 Initiative. https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/M-21-

28.pdf 6 ‘Learn About Environmental Justice’, US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/learn-about-environmental-justice 7 Ibid 8 Executive Order 13985: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/ 9 M-21-28: Interim Implementation Guidance for the Justice40 Initiative. https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/M-21-

28.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/M-21-28.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/M-21-28.pdf https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/learn-about-environmental-justice https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/

Revised: August 8, 2023 opportunities more readily available.

I.C. RFA Purpose and Explanation of Approach

The purpose of this RFA is to solicit applications for awards for one or more cooperative agreements through which recipients will develop and implement Great Lakes Environmental Justice Grant Programs (GLEJGP) in cooperation with EPA. This represents a new type of funding opportunity designed by EPA’s GLNPO to implement the Administration’s goal of directing funds to projects benefitting underserved communities experiencing or affected by adverse and disproportionate environmental and human health risks or harms. In alignment with EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 and the six priorities identified by the EPA in its Equity Action Plan, the GLEJGPs are being established to make GLRI funds available to underserved communities to promote the restoration and protection of the Great Lakes ecosystem in or near those communities.

EPA intends to make up to $30 million available for one or more GLEJGPs via this RFA to provide funding for the implementation of environmental protection and restoration projects in underserved communities that will further the goals of the GLRI. This RFA expects to provide funding available for two types of applications: 1) applications that aim to create a GLEJGP to provide funding for projects in a particular region of the Great Lakes Basin; and 2) applications that aim to create a GLEJGP to provide funding for projects across the entire Great Lakes Basin.

For the basin-wide applications, EPA intends to provide funding for one GLEJGP that will operate across the entire Great Lakes Basin. Basin-wide applicants may request between $10 million and $20 million. For the applications focused on a particular region, EPA intends to provide funding for up to approximately five GLEJGPs. Regional applicants may request between $2 million and $10 million for their program.

While the primary goal of this RFA is the implementation of projects in underserved communities, EPA recognizes that many such communities may not have the capacity for pursuing such grants directly from EPA. Due to historical under-investment, these communities may lack the resources that would enable them to: 1) effectively prepare competitive federal grant applications that can be readily submitted and processed through grants.gov; or 2) effectively comply with the wide array of requirements that accompany receipt of a grant from EPA, such as grant management and oversight, reporting, and close-out. Additionally, the awards process (i.e., the time it takes for a successful federal applicant to receive the funding) can be very time-consuming such that the awarded funding may not be made available to grantees for 6 months or more. This RFA and the resultant GLEJGPs reflect GLNPO’s attempt to address this lack of resources by: 1) alleviating the administrative and other burdens faced by such communities when trying to apply for federal funds and; 2) where appropriate, providing technical support to selected Project Subrecipients that will better enable them to utilize and manage federal funds.

Key terms in the context of this RFA used to describe entities involved in the creation and maintenance of a GLEJGP are as follows:

Principal Recipient (PR): The “Pass-through entity” (as defined at 2 CFR 200.1) which is the initial recipient of funding from EPA under this RFA and accountable to EPA for performance of the cooperative agreement including management and oversight of subrecipients.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1

Revised: August 8, 2023

Project Subrecipient(s): The “Subrecipient(s)” (as defined at 2 CFR 200.1) selected by the Principal Recipient through the Project RFA process to complete Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI)-funded projects under the supervision of the Principal Recipient and Coalition Member(s).

Project Request for Applications: (Project RFA): The process or program developed by the PR and Coalition Member(s) to solicit, identify, select, and fund applications for projects from communities or other organizations representing communities.

Coalition Member(s): Additional eligible entities in a coalition which support the work of the PR.

Coalitions: Groups of two or more eligible applicants may choose to form a coalition and submit a single application under this RFA; however, one entity must be responsible for the grant.

Coalitions must identify which eligible organization will be the recipient of the grant and which eligible organization(s) will be subrecipients of the recipient. Subawards must be consistent with the definition of that term in 2 CFR 200.1 and comply with EPA’s Subaward Policy. The pass-through entity that administers the grant and subawards will be accountable to EPA for proper expenditure of the funds and reporting and will be the point of contact for the coalition. As provided in 2 CFR 200.332, subrecipients are accountable to the pass-through entity for proper use of EPA funding. For-profit organizations are not eligible for subawards under this grant program but may receive procurement contracts. Any contracts for services or products funded with EPA financial assistance must be awarded under the competitive procurement procedures of 2 CFR Part 200 and/or 2 CFR Part 1500, as applicable. The regulations at 2 CFR 1500.10 contain limitations on the extent to which EPA funds may be used to compensate individual consultants. Refer to the Best Practice Guide for Procuring Services, Supplies, and Equipment Under EPA Assistance Agreements for guidance on competitive procurement requirements and consultant compensation. Do not name a procurement contractor (including a consultant) as a “partner” or otherwise in your application unless the contractor has been selected in compliance with competitive procurement requirements.

Community/ies: ‘Community’ or ‘communities’ include governmental organizations, NGOs, and any entity eligible for a grant working at or within a specific locale, neighborhood, town, or city.

This RFA is not targeted directly at underserved communities themselves - instead it is targeted at a potential pass-through entity or entities with established relationships with underserved communities or with the ability to quickly build and sustain such relationships with those communities. Such entity or entities would compete pursuant to this RFA to become a Principal Recipient (PR)10. The PR would be the initial recipient of the RFA funding from EPA and would prepare, develop, implement, and oversee a competitive GLEJGP for the entire Great Lakes basin or a particular community or set of communities11, i.e., a competitive subgrant solicitation and issuance program for underserved communities. The Principal

10 An entity that is applying to be a Principal Recipient can consist of several groups, e.g., a coalition. Coalitions must apply to this RFA under a singular organization.

11 Applicants to this RFA may choose to submit an application that covers a particular region in the Great Lakes or the entire Great Lakes basin. A particular region may be one Great Lake, a smaller watershed (or multiple watersheds), a State (or multiple States), a Tribe (or multiple Tribes), a city (or collection of cities) or some other geographic description.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1 https://www.epa.gov/grants/grants-policy-issuance-gpi-16-01-epa-subaward-policy-epa-assistance-agreement-recipients https://www.epa.gov/grants/best-practice-guide-procuring-services-supplies-and-equipment-under-epa-assistance https://www.epa.gov/grants/best-practice-guide-procuring-services-supplies-and-equipment-under-epa-assistance

Revised: August 8, 2023

Recipient would, pursuant to EPA oversight, administer the funding program for the community or communities, which would include the issuance of a Project RFA that would solicit applications from eligible entities or funding proposed environmental projects in communities. Project RFA applicants may include any entity eligible for a grant working at or within a specific locale, neighborhood, town, or city.

Successful community applicants selected by the PR, the Project Subrecipients, will execute GLRI projects in underserved communities via subawards with the oversight of the PR.

The Principal Recipient(s) may choose to work with other partners who would serve as Coalition Member(s) to assist in the development and execution of a GLEJGP12.

Proposed GLEJGPs must be implemented within the historic Great Lakes Basin, including projects impacting connecting waterways such as the U.S. portions of the St.

Mary’s River, Lake St. Clair and the St. Lawrence River (at or upstream from the point at which the St. Lawrence River becomes the international boundary between Canada and the United States) which includes the Chicago River Watershed. Proposed projects must describe how they will either: (i) protect, enhance, and/or restore the Great Lakes or (ii) protect Great Lakes ecosystem health, including human health.

A successful application to this funding opportunity for the role of Principal Recipient should:

Describe approach and criteria for identifying “underserved communities” in the context of the proposed Project RFA and explain how these criteria will be used in its Project RFA application solicitation, review, and selection process. Applicants can use the tools offered at EJScreen and/or the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST), in conjunction with other environmental, health, and climate risk indicators, to serve as the criteria for the identification of underserved communities. Applicants may also use narrative justifications.

• For applications focused on a particular region of the Great lakes, define the geographic boundaries of where the Principal Recipient will solicit and select local projects that will be funded through subawards;

• Describe the applicant’s existing connections to and relationships with underserved communities intended for inclusion in the Project RFA that will result in effective and meaningful communications between it and such underserved communities and/or describe the applicant’s ability and strategy for developing such connections and relationships with those communities;

• Demonstrate the ability to successfully develop, implement, and manage a Project RFA (i.e., drafting

12 Under this RFA, coalitions are not a requirement.

https://www.epa.gov/ejscreen https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/#3/33.47/-97.5

Revised: August 8, 2023 a Project RFA solicitation; reviewing applications; issuing subawards in a timely manner; effectively managing individual subawards in compliance with 2 CFR 200.332, EPA’s Subaward Policy, and EPA’s General Term and Condition “Establishing and Managing Subawards”; collecting semi-annual and final reports; collecting results for reporting in accordance with the GLRI Measure Reporting Plan;

monitoring and evaluating project outputs and outcomes; and ensuring that projects are completed as planned) by itself or by leading a coalition of organizations;

• Describe an outreach approach that is broad and inclusive, to ensure all potentially interested underserved communities become aware of the Project RFA funding opportunity;

• Describe the approach to providing technical support to Project Subrecipients;

• Describe an application process that minimizes13 the administrative burden on Project RFA applicants; and

• Commit to being able to issue its first Project RFA within one year of being selected as a Principal Recipient.

We currently anticipate that the Project RFA(s) will provide for individual subawards benefitting underserved communities in the range of $50,000 (small projects) to $750,000 (large projects). All projects by Project Subrecipients must be completed by the end of the Principal Recipient’s cooperative agreement project period. Except as otherwise agreed on a case-by-case basis between EPA and the selected Principal Recipient(s), such individual subawards must be for projects located within the historic Great Lakes Basin14.

In summary, the goals of this program will be achieved through a two-step process by which GLNPO would first provide money to a selected Principal Recipient, and that Principal Recipient would then independently (or through a coalition) establish and oversee a GLEJGP that includes the issuance of Project RFA(s) to award competitive subawards to eligible entities which will benefit underserved communities. The primary reason for taking this approach is to attempt to utilize, as the selected Principal Recipient or as Coalition Member(s), existing organizations who already have close contacts and effective relationships with, and are capable of effective communications with, underserved communities, and/or existing organizations who can quickly develop such contacts, relationships, and communications in order to:

• Disseminate information about their Project RFA(s) by connecting with local organizations, community leaders, and other members of the target community to increase involvement, knowledge, and engagement with the Project RFA(s);

• Work with potential applicants to help them through the Project RFA application process;

• Fairly review and evaluate project applications;

• Reduce the administrative burden of communities applying for a grant to undertake environmental restoration and/or protection activities;

• Select successful applicants;

13 Minimized while still ensuring all applicable administrative requirements are met. Please see EPA‘s Subaward Policy for more information.

14 Proposed projects must describe how they will either: (i) protect, enhance, and/or restore the Great Lakes, including projects impacting connecting waterways such as the U.S. portions of the St. Mary’s River, Lake St. Clair and the St. Lawrence River (at or upstream from the point at which the St. Lawrence River becomes the international boundary between Canada and the United States) and projects in the historic Great Lakes Basin, which includes the Chicago River watershed; or (ii) protect Great Lakes ecosystem health, including human health.

https://www.epa.gov/grants/grants-policy-issuance-gpi-16-01-epa-subaward-policy-epa-assistance-agreement-recipients

Revised: August 8, 2023

• Work with successful applicants through the entirety of the project implementation process to ensure the project is successful and benefits the identified underserved community or communities;

• Monitor and evaluate the outputs and outcomes of the Project Subrecipients’ projects; and

• Ensure all projects awarded are completed and closed out prior to the Principal Recipient’s cooperative agreement project period end date.

EPA will provide funds to Principal Recipients to be used for cooperative agreements under this Funding Opportunity for up to 6 years. EPA expects to provide up to $30 million for the GLEJGPs. Funds will be available for funding both: 1) development, implementation, and management of the Project RFA(s); and

2) subawards to Project Subrecipients for on-the-ground GLRI work in underserved communities. Project Subrecipients must engage in activities in support of the GLRI Action Plan in effect at the time of their issuance, including:

• Habitat restoration/enhancement/protection (e.g., small watersheds, streambanks, wetlands);

• Invasive species control;

• Non-point source runoff reduction (e.g., green infrastructure, riparian restoration, shoreline stabilization, or stormwater/nutrient reductions that will ultimately improve water quality at beaches);

• Aquatic connectivity (e.g., dam removals, culvert replacements); and

• Hands-on, place-based Great Lakes environmental educational opportunities.

Note: Subawards may also include activities that improve communities’ access and enjoyment of restored areas, provided they are a part of and enhance an eligible project that accomplishes and is directly related to one of the activities in the list above. Projects focused solely on access and recreational activities will not be considered.

Likewise, subawards may also include activities related to workforce development within communities, provided they are part of and enhance an eligible project that accomplishes and is directly related to one of the activities in the list above. Projects focused solely on workforce development will not be considered. Applications that choose to include workforce development activities should review the workforce development guidance and resources in Section VI.B.

Projects focused only on monitoring will not be considered. Research activities are not eligible for funding under this RFA.

The term “subaward” means an award of financial assistance by any legal agreement made by the Principal Recipient to an eligible subrecipient. Except as otherwise agreed on a case-by-case basis between EPA and the selected Principal Recipient (s), applicant activities and project subawards funded under this RFA must be carried out within the historic Great Lakes basin.15 Applicant activities and project subawards

15 Proposed projects must describe how they will either: (i) protect, enhance, and/or restore the Great Lakes, including projects impacting connecting waterways such as the U.S. portions of the St. Mary’s River, Lake St. Clair and the St. Lawrence River (at or upstream from the point at which the St. Lawrence River becomes the international boundary between Canada and the United States) and projects in the historic Great Lakes Basin, which includes the Chicago River watershed; or (ii) protect Great Lakes ecosystem health, including human health.

Revised: August 8, 2023 funded under this RFA must address common challenges and the priorities identified within the GLRI Action Plan III as well as any subsequent GLRI Action Plans that may be in effect during the time of the award. Additionally, the successful applicant must comply with requirements in 2 CFR Parts 200 and 1500 applicable to “pass-through entities” as well as EPA’s Subaward Policy and General Term and Condition (T&C) Establishing and Managing Subawards.

EPA is seeking cost-effective applications from eligible applicants desiring to be Principal Recipients to:

1. Develop and administer a Project RFA focused on activities within the scope of the GLRI available to underserved communities to promote the restoration and protection of the Great Lakes ecosystem in or near those communities.

a. EPA expects eligible applicants desiring to be Principal Recipients to provide funding for subawards to Project Subrecipients in the range of $50,000 (small projects) to $750,000 (large projects). However, applicants may justify a different subaward range as part of their application narratives. Subawards funded under the cooperative agreement must be completed prior to the end of the cooperative agreement project period as required by the terms and conditions of EPA’s cooperative agreement;

b. The environmental and financial benefits of the Project RFA will be targeted for underserved communities within the historic Great Lakes basin. Applications should include an approach that requires all subaward applications to include community engagement plans and/or strategies to ensure that projects have meaningful involvement and input from members of the target communities. Principal Recipients must provide a written commitment in their application to carry out activities within underserved communities in the Great Lakes geographic region

c. The applicant should describe how they will ensure their Project RFA will strengthen existing partnerships with communities;

d. Applications must describe how applicant activities and project subawards funded under this RFA will address and link to the relevant objectives and Measures of Progress identified within the GLRI Action Plan III, including plans to adjust the linkages in the event of a new GLRI Action Plan being administered during the term of the award. Eligible project subawards and activities are not limited to, but include:

i. Projects that foster diverse, balance and abundant populations of fish, birds, and wildlife;

ii. Prevention and/or control of invasive species;

iii. Projects that manage the pathways through which invasive species can be introduced into Great Lakes ecosystems;

iv. Planning and design for the implementation of non-point source pollution reduction projects (including agricultural and stormwater runoff);

v. Implementation of non-point source pollution reduction projects (including agricultural and stormwater runoff);

vi. Eligible habitat restoration and resilience projects;

vii. Education of the next generation about Great Lakes Ecosystems through hands-on, place-based Great Lakes environmental educational opportunities; and

viii. Other similar activities that the applicant proposes, and EPA approves, that are consistent with the purposes of this RFA and the GLRI Action Plan III and any other GLRI Action Plan that may be in effect during the time of the award.

https://www.epa.gov/grants/grants-policy-issuance-gpi-16-01-epa-subaward-policy-epa-assistance-agreement-recipients https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-general-terms-and-conditions-effective-october-1-2022-or-later https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-general-terms-and-conditions-effective-october-1-2022-or-later https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2019-10/documents/glri-action-plan-3-201910-30pp.pdf

e. The applicant should describe how they will ensure compliance with federal requirements for “Subrecipient Monitoring and Management in 2 C.F.R. § 200.331 through 2 C.F.R. § 200.333, i.e., EPA’s “Establishing and Managing Subawards” General Term and Condition.

EPA requirements for reporting environmental and/or programmatic outputs, outcomes, and metrics apply to the Project RFA and all subawards. This includes identifying how GLRI Action Plan III measures of progress (and any other GLRI Action Plan measures that may be in effect during the time of the award) and EJ metrics (see pages 17 and 18) will be collected from subrecipients and reported to EPA and the Principal Recipient’s approach to monitoring and evaluating Project Subrecipient’s project outputs and outcomes.

Applicants should thoroughly describe their approach to conduct a competitive RFA which will identify potential projects and solicit project applications, as well as describing outreach strategies, frequency and timing of solicitations, and methodologies for ensuring accessibility to all communities within the area covered by your application. Applicants must also thoroughly describe their methodology for evaluating subaward applications and selecting projects for funding in line with the priorities listed above, including criteria for evaluating projects and how funding decisions will be made. The description of project solicitation and application evaluation and selection should include discussion of why these strategies were selected and how they will assist the Principal Recipient [and Coalition Member(s), if applicable] in efficiently and effectively funding projects that will result in positive environmental outcomes for communities as well as how the methodology ensures a fair and equitable evaluation and selection process.

Evaluation criteria for the selection of Project Subrecipients via the Project RFA may include a variety of factors, but must include the following:

• The consistency of the project with the most current GLRI Action Plan16, including achievement of GLRI measures of progress.

Evaluation criteria should also include the following:

• An evaluation of the applying entity’s ability to carry out the project and sustain expected outcomes after the initial project period is complete;

• Technical merit and feasibility of the project; and

• The project’s linkage to other overarching plans, including but not limited to Lakewide Action and Management Plans (LAMPs), Domestic Action Plans, the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, watershed management plans, and other relevant plans.

2. As appropriate, Principal Recipients will provide technical assistance to support, develop, and strengthen the skills and abilities of selected Project Subrecipients to succeed in the work. Applicants should discuss how they will be responsive in adjusting technical assistance resources in response to feedback from Project Subrecipients (including soliciting feedback on what technical support would be beneficial to their organizations), as well as the history, i.e., previous work or partnerships, of their relationship with the Project Subrecipients. EPA anticipates that the applicant will:

16 GLRI Action Plan III has effective dates of federal fiscal years 2020-2024. EPA expects to issue an updated GLRI Action Plan to take effect in federal fiscal year 2025.

Revised: August 8, 2023

a. Demonstrate a nuanced, detailed understanding of the specific environmental and socioeconomic challenges facing the target community/communities and provide an overview of how the proposed support will address the Project Subrecipients’ primary EJ concerns and/or contribute to the organization's overall ability to design and implement projects covered under the GLRI.

b. Provide trainings, workshops, and other educational opportunities/resources that will help Project Subrecipients design and implement projects broadly accessible to underserved communities, such as:

i. Bookkeeping;

ii. Grant administration and reporting;

iii. Networking;

iv. Community engagement and partnership development;

v. Technical environmental data collection;

vi. Financial analysis and budget development;

vii. Workplan and schedule planning and project management;

viii. Quality assurance plan development and compliance;

ix. Operation and maintenance plan development;

x. Compliance with applicable laws, regulations and permits relevant to the work being conducted (e.g., Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act);

xi. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping;

xii. Database creation and maintenance; and

xiii. GLRI Action Plan measure tracking.

Projects may also wish to include trainings for Project Subrecipients on creating high-quality jobs and supporting workforce development initiatives through tools such as Community Benefits Agreements, local hire goals, and partnerships with labor unions and other workforce development partners.

c. Ensure compliance with EPA requirements for reporting environmental and/or programmatic outputs, outcomes, and metrics.

d. Other similar activities that the applicant proposes, and EPA approves, that are consistent with the purposes of this RFA and authorized by Section 118(c)(7) of the Clean Water Act.

Applicants should demonstrate their ability and approach for creating and managing a GLEJGP by describing how they have experience or expertise working with communities experiencing or affected by adverse and disproportionate environmental and human health risks or harms, including the history of the applicant’s relationship with the targeted underserved communities; and how the proposed efforts would result in improved EJ integration into GLRI implementation.

Eligible applicants can be a single entity or a lead entity with collaboration through subawards to other eligible applicant(s). Successful applicants may also procure services through contracts with for profit firms or individual consultants. Trainings, workshops, and other educational opportunities can be provided by the applicant or through procurement contractors or eligible subrecipients. All subawards must comply with Appendix B of EPA’s Subaward Policy and 2 C.F.R. §200.331 through §200.332. Contractors must be procured competitively as required by the Procurement Standards in 2 C.F.R. Parts 200 (§200.317 through §200.327 for procurement standards) and 1500. Additional guidance on compliance is available in EPA’s Subaward Frequent Questions and Best Practice Guide for Procuring Services, Supplies, and Equipment https://www.epa.gov/grants/grants-policy-issuance-gpi-16-01-epa-subaward-policy-epa-assistance-agreement-recipients https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-subaward-frequent-questions https://www.epa.gov/grants/best-practice-guide-procuring-services-supplies-and-equipment-under-epa-assistance

Under EPA Assistance Agreements.

Applicants should incorporate adaptive management into their applications to address and continually improve both EJ and GLRI-specific outcomes within the proposed work. Inclusion of adaptive management addresses the development of EJ-specific outputs under the award by the Principal Recipient, which can demonstrate organizational preparedness for working in underserved communities. Examples may include but are not limited to, ground-truthing or trust building to demonstrate fair treatment and meaningful involvement and consideration of local or community-based climate resiliency and long-term maintenance of the project. The adaptive management strategy should include development of an evaluation plan for measuring success of the GLEJGP.

For purposes of the competition and the evaluation of applications, “underserved communities” is defined as “populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life. These populations experience one or more variables which impact human health and the environment, including, though not limited to: persistent poverty; high environmental stress burdens, including impacts from climate change; racial and ethnic segregation; and impaired or limited access to healthcare.”

Applicants can use the tools offered at EJScreen and/or the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST), in conjunction with other environmental, health, and climate risk indicators, to serve as the criteria for the identification of underserved communities. Applicants may also use narrative justifications to indicate disproportionate and/or adverse impacts in target communities.

A list of resources is available in Section VIII.

I.D. GLEJGP Programmatic Elements Consistent with achieving the goals described above, and the programmatic and environmental results identified in Section I.D, activities to be performed by the Principal Recipient applicant may include, but are not limited to:

1. Developing and implementing an outreach and engagement strategy to potential Project

Subrecipients that is targeted to underserved communities along the U.S. portions of the St. Mary’s River, Lake St. Clair and the St. Lawrence River (at or upstream from the point at which the St.

Lawrence River becomes the international boundary between Canada and the United States) and in the historic Great Lakes Basin, which includes the Chicago River watershed;

2. Developing and implementing a methodology to ensure that the financial and environmental benefits of the Project RFA are targeted to underserved communities. Applicants can utilize review criteria, subrecipient eligibility, or any other methods that comply with the EPA Subaward Policy to achieve this goal;

3. Conducting a robust and transparent process for selecting subaward applications from Project Subrecipients, including: 1) working with EPA to review applications that address the priorities identified in this RFA; 2) responding to input from EPA; 3) considering the needs of underserved communities within the Great Lakes region; and d) articulating transparent review criteria and clear, simplified processes for receiving subaward applications as well as evaluating and selecting subaward applications;

https://www.epa.gov/grants/best-practice-guide-procuring-services-supplies-and-equipment-under-epa-assistance https://www.epa.gov/ejscreen https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/#3/33.47/-97.5 https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/#3/33.47/-97.5 https://www.epa.gov/grants/grants-policy-issuance-gpi-16-01-epa-subaward-policy-epa-assistance-agreement-recipients

Revised: August 8, 2023

4. Coordinating expert review of subaward applications, making selections, and/or providing advice to Coalition Member(s) on selections;

5. Awarding and managing subawards, including ensuring compliance by subrecipients with all regulatory fiscal, administrative, programmatic, and reporting requirements. The Principal Recipient should describe how they have the administrative capacity to manage subawards commensurate with the size of the subaward;

6. Assisting Project Subrecipients in meeting all administrative requirements (reporting, accounting) and developing grants management and reporting systems;

7. Convening at least one annual meeting for Project Subrecipients (and coalition members, if applicable) to update and learn from each other;

8. Managing subawards to achieve project activities and monitoring and evaluating outputs and outcomes and to comply with budgets, timelines, and federal and funding source requirements;

9. Submitting electronic semi-annual performance reports to EPA consistent with requirements described in programmatic terms and conditions. Semi-annual reports, and brief updates as necessary, will summarize environmental as well as EJ outputs and outcomes of projects implemented through the subawards and outreach/support actions under this award. Reports will need to include any updates on project and program progress including any project or program issues, GLRI Action Plan measure results, location information, and EJ output results for each Project Subrecipient. Additionally, the Principal Recipient will develop an evaluation plan for measuring success for the GLEJGP over time; and

10. Other activities the applicant believes will achieve the goals of the RFA provided those activities are eligible for funding under Assistance Listing Number 66.469 as authorized by the Clean Water Act, Section 118(c)(7).

I.E. EPA Strategic Plan Linkage and Anticipated Outcomes and Outputs Section 6a of EPA Order 5700.7 requires EPA to link proposed assistance agreements to our Strategic Plan.

EPA also requires grant applicants and recipients to adequately describe environmental outputs and outcomes to be achieved under assistance agreements. See EPA Order 5700.7, Environmental Results under Assistance Agreements (www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015- 03/documents/epa_order_5700_7a1.pdf).

The activities to be funded under this solicitation support the FY 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. Awards made under this solicitation will support Goal 5 “Ensure Clean and Safe Water for All Communities,” Objective

5.2 – Protect and Restore Waterbodies and Watersheds; Goal 2 “Take Decisive Action to Advance Environmental Justice and Civil Rights,” Objective 2.2 – Embed…