EPA-OAR-IO-24-05.pdf

AGENCY: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA)

TITLE: American Indian Air Quality Training Program

ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE: Initial Announcement

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: EPA-OAR-IO-24-05

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 66.037

IMPORTANT DATES

September 24, 2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Opens October 7, 2024 Information Session November 8, 2024 Final Date to Submit Questions November 15, 2024 NOFO Closes – Application Deadline December 15, 2024 Anticipated Notification of Selection March 22, 2025 Anticipated Award

Application packages must be submitted electronically to the EPA through Grants.gov (www.grants.gov) no later than November 15, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) to be considered for funding.

NOTE: If you intend to name a contractor (including consultants) or subrecipient in your application as a “partner,” please carefully review Section IV.d. of the EPA’s Solicitation Clauses that are incorporated by reference in this announcement and discussed in relevant part here.

Applicants must compete contracts for services and products, including consultant contracts, and conduct cost and price analyses, to the extent required by the procurement provisions of the regulations at 2 CFR Part 200. Applicants are not required to identify subrecipients and/or contractors (including consultants) in their grant. For the purposes of this NOFO, the term “grant” refers to the cooperative agreement that the EPA will award to a successful applicant.

However, if they do, the fact that an applicant selected for award has named a specific subrecipient, contractor, or consultant in the application the EPA selects for funding does not relieve the applicant of its obligations to comply with subaward and/or competitive procurement requirements as described in Section IV.d. of the EPA’s Solicitation Clauses. Please note that applicants may not award sole source contracts to consulting, engineering, or other firms assisting applicants with the application solely based on the firm’s role in preparing the application or based on an assertion that the individual or firm has “unique qualifications.”

The EPA will not consider the qualifications, experience, and expertise of named subrecipients and/or named contractor(s) during the application evaluation process unless the applicant provides documentation that it has complied with these requirements.

http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-solicitation-clauses

For additional guidance, applicants should review the EPA’s Best Practice Guide for Procuring Services, Supplies, and Equipment Under EPA Assistance Agreements, the EPA’s Subaward Policy, and the EPA’s Subaward Policy Frequent Questions. The EPA expects recipients of funding to comply with competitive procurement contracting requirements in 2 CFR Parts 200 and 1500 as well as the EPA’s rule on Participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in the EPA Programs in 40 CFR Part 33. The Agency does not accept justifications for sole source contracts for services or products available in the commercial marketplace such as consulting, data analysis, or project management.

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 https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-11/documents/gpi-16-01-subaward-policy_attachments.pdf https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-11/documents/gpi-16-01-subaward-policy_attachments.pdf https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-04/epa_subaward_policy_frequent_questions.pdf

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Background and Summary B. Program Goals and Objectives C. Environmental Results and Strategic Plan Information D. Statutory Authority E. Additional Provisions for Applicants Incorporated into the Solicitation

II. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

A. Amount of Funding Available B. Number and Amount of Awards C. Partial Funding D. Additional Awards E. Award Funding and Incremental/Full Funding F. Period of Performance G. Funding Type

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligible Entities B. Voluntary Cost Sharing or Matching Funds C. Threshold Criteria D. Ineligible Activities and Other Considerations

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. How to Register to Apply for Grants under this Competition

Step 1. Register Your Organization in SAM.gov Step 2. Create a User Account and Applicant Profile in Grants.gov Step 3. Create Individual Grants.gov Accounts for Organization Members Step 4. Learn How to Use Workspace in Grants.gov

B. Application Process C. Project Narrative Instructions, Format, and Content D. Coalition Coverage E. Releasing Copies of Applications

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. Evaluation Criteria B. Review and Selection Process C. Other Factors

D. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. Award Notices B. Reporting Requirement

VII. CONTACT INFORMATION

APPENDIX A – Further information Regarding Contracts, Subawards, and Participant Support Costs .. 43

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Background and Summary

This funding opportunity solicits applications from eligible entities to provide continuous and comprehensive air quality training, technical support, and outreach programs for the EPA’s tribal partners and American Indian students considering pursuing environmental careers in the field of air quality. This training and outreach program is best administered as a comprehensive activity with multiple tasks, delivered by a single grant recipient. This approach allows for efficient delivery of programs through effective use of staff and management resources and expertise.

The purpose of the American Indian Air Quality Training Program is to provide continuous and comprehensive air quality training, technical support for Tribal environmental professionals, and outreach programs for the EPA’s Tribal partner governments and American Indian students considering pursuing environmental careers in the field of air quality. The program includes five essential components:

(1) The American Indian Air Quality Training Program, which provides in-person, workshop-style training for Tribal environmental professionals that is timely, relevant, high-quality, and culturally sensitive;

(2) The Tribal Air Monitoring Support Center, which provides comprehensive, hands-on training and technical support for Tribal monitoring and related activities;

(3) The Professional Assistance element supports Tasks 1 and 2 by providing additional technical resources that enhance and supplement the other tasks to support Tribal environmental professionals;

(4) The Tribal Environmental Education, Outreach, and Support Program, which provides environmental outreach, education, and associated support to Tribal educators that will encourage Tribal students to develop interest, understanding, and abilities to pursue careers in the field of air quality management; and

(5) The Internship Program, which provides practical environmental work experience as a complement to course work that will provide exposure to and perspective on the broad range of career opportunities available in air quality management.

American Indian Air Quality Training Program (AIAQTP)

The AIAQTP provides Tribal governments interested in air quality with training and support that would facilitate their interaction with the EPA and air quality programs. The mission of AIAQTP is to assist in building Tribal capacity to manage air quality through in-person, workshop-style training for Tribal environmental professionals that is timely, relevant, high-quality, and culturally sensitive. OAR has supports this activity through grant funding and by providing expertise and technical resources to support AIAQTP and Tribes have made meaningful gains in air quality management as a result.

The AIAQTP hosts up to 20 workshops annually. The scheduling and content of the workshops are based on a combination of air quality expertise and experience, coupled with feedback from participants and instructors and ongoing contact between the recipient and the Tribal environmental community. Close interactions with Tribal governments nationwide, as well as with the EPA, ensure courses are developed and offered to meet current ongoing needs of Tribal governments and their communities on an ongoing basis. In addition to the workshop courses, AIAQTP provides Tribal Environmental Resource Center and Professional Assistance program elements to ensure training activities are fully supported. These components , described later in this NOFO, include support activities that together form the comprehensive program by providing activities such as professional internships, programmatic meetings, supporting technical resources, and outreach.

Tribal Air Monitoring Support (TAMS) Center

The TAMS Center is physically housed within the EPA’s National Center for Radiation Field Operations (NCRFO) facility, located in Las Vegas, NV. NCRFO is a part of the EPA under the Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (ORIA) within the Office of Air and Radiation (OAR). The TAMS Center provides unique scientific and technical support services related to indoor air, ambient air, and radon monitoring. The EPA manages the Center as well as an equipment loan program available to Tribes.

The TAMS Center is a model partnership between Tribes and the EPA. Its mission is to develop Tribal capacity to assess, understand air quality and prevent environmental impacts that adversely affect health, cultural, and natural resources through the provision of culturally specific training and technical support. It is the first technical learning center designed to specifically meet the needs of Tribes involved in air quality management in Indian country. The TAMS Center provides a centralized location where Tribal environmental professionals can obtain both hands-on air monitoring training and arrange for technical support from Tribal and other environmental professionals as well as the EPA. The TAMS Center also serves as a base for air quality outreach to Indian country. This NOFO includes requirements that address the recipient’s staffing, co-management, and operation of TAMS Center activities in close cooperation with EPA staff and management.

Tribal Environmental Education, Outreach, and Support Program

OAR provides assistance to ensure Tribes receive appropriate support as they work to develop and implement air quality management programs. The Tribal Environmental Education Outreach and Support Program continues this support to ensure American Indian students, educators, and communities are properly informed and are provided with opportunities to participate and pursue environmental careers, particularly in the field of air quality management.

B. Program Goals and Objectives

The EPA is seeking applications from eligible entities to provide comprehensive training, technical support, and outreach to federally recognized Indian Tribes related to air quality management. The Tribal Training and Outreach Support for the AIAQTP is designed to build the capacity of interested Tribes to successfully implement effective and efficient air quality programs that address or operate under:

(1) Tribal sovereign authority;

(2) Tribal authority under 301(d) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the Tribal Authority Rule (40

CFR Parts 9, 35, 49, 50, and 81), which describe how the EPA delegates authority to authorized Tribes; and,

(3) The EPA’s policies, rules, and executive orders as well as the unique aspects of Tribal sovereignty and federal Indian law under the CAA.

For additional information, visit the Tribal Air and Climate Resources EPA website.

Applicants must address in their applications how they will perform training, technical support, and outreach services as outlined in the five tasks described below.

Applicants must address each task individually, including a discussion of how much time will be devoted to each task. Clear and efficient use of resources to address all tasks is encouraged. In general, Tasks 1, 2, and 3 are expected to constitute a larger portion of the program than Tasks 4 and 5.

Applications must also describe how they will provide environmental outreach, education, and support to Tribes that will encourage Tribal students to develop interest, understanding, and abilities to pursue careers in the field of air quality management as described in Task 4.

Applicants may include in their applications additional tasks to those listed below; however, they must at a minimum address the five tasks in this announcement. While applicants must address each of the five listed tasks in their application, they have discretion in how to carry out the tasks based on the descriptions of each task below. These tasks are more fully described in Section IV.C.

Task 1: AIAQTP Workshops Task 2: TAMS Center 2.A – Specialized and Individualized Training 2.B – Outreach 2.C – Logistical Support 2.D – Support for Participant Training Attendance Task 3: Professional Assistance 3.A – Website 3.B – Information and Technical Assistance https://www.epa.gov/tribal-air

3.C – Mentoring 3.D – Reference Documents Library 3.E – National Meetings Task 4: Tribal Environmental Education, Outreach, and Support Program 4.A – Outreach to Tribal Schools, Students, and Communities 4.B – Mentoring Programs 4.C – Professional Assistance and Support 4.D – Environmental Education Program Website Task 5: Environmental Education Internship Programs

C. Environmental Results and Strategic Plan Information

The EPA requires that grant applicants and recipients describe environmental outputs and outcomes to be achieved under assistance agreements (see EPA Order 5700.7A1, Environmental Results under Assistance Agreements). Applicants must include specific statements describing the environmental results of the proposed project in terms of well-defined outputs and, to the maximum extent practicable, well-defined outcomes that will demonstrate how the project will contribute to the Strategic Plan goals listed below.

1. Linkage to the EPA Strategic Plan: The activities to be funded under this announcement support the EPA’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. Awards made under this announcement will support Goal 4, “Ensure Clean and Healthy Air for All Communities;”

Objective 4.1, “Improve Air Quality and Reduce Localized Pollution and Health Impacts.”

Under this objective, “The EPA will reduce air pollution on local, regional, and national scales to achieve healthy air quality for people and the environment.” All applications must be for projects that support the goals and objectives above. For more information see the EPA’s FY 2022 - FY 2026 EPA Strategic Plan.

2. Outputs: The term “output” means an environmental activity, effort, and/or associated work product 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 an assistance agreement funding period.

Expected outputs from the project(s) to be funded under this announcement include, but are not limited to:

• Number of AIAQTP workshops conducted;

• Number of new AIAQTP workshop courses developed;

• Number of TAMS specialized and individualized trainings conducted;

• Number of TAMS Steering Committee meetings hosted annually;

• Development of a program website for the Tribal community in support of all Tribal training and technical support activities;

• Number of students mentored per year;

http://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-03/documents/epa_order_5700_7a1.pdf http://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-03/documents/epa_order_5700_7a1.pdf https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan

• Number of Tribes participating in virtual and in-person training and technical assistance;

• Number of Tribal documents documented in an online accessible library;

• Number of national meetings organized;

• Number of educational outreach visits to schools annually; and

• Development of environmental education internship program.

Progress reports and a final report will also be required outputs, as specified in Section VI.B.

“Reporting Requirement,” of this NOFO.

3. Outcomes: 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 also be quantitative. Not all outcomes will be achievable within an assistance agreement funding period.

Projects to be funded under this announcement are expected to produce at least three, and preferably all, of the following environmental outcomes:

• Increase the number of first-time attendees for classes and meetings to stimulate and encourage interest in the development of Tribal air programs that assess air quality and address air quality concerns in Indian country.

• Increase participation of Tribal governments in air quality management nationwide, including at the local and regional levels.

• Increase the number of tribes trained on the causes, effects, extent, prevention, and control of air pollution in Indian country.

• Increase the number of Tribal Emissions Inventories completed by Tribes and/or Tribes approved for Treatments in a Manner Similar to States (TAS).

D. Statutory Authority

The statutory authority for this action is the Clean Air Act, §103(b)(3), which authorizes the award of grants for research, investigations, experiments, demonstrations, surveys, and studies related to the causes, effects, (including health and welfare effects), extent, prevention, and control of air pollution.

E. Additional Provisions for Applicants Incorporated into the Solicitation

Additional provisions that apply to Sections III, IV, V, and VI, and/or awards made under this solicitation, can be found at EPA Solicitation Clauses. These provisions are important for applying to this solicitation and applicants must review them when preparing applications for this solicitation. If you are unable to access these provisions electronically at the website above, please contact the EPA point of contact listed in Section VII of this solicitation to obtain the provisions.

http://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-solicitation-clauses

II. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

A. Amount of Funding Available

The total estimated funding expected to be available for award under this competitive opportunity is approximately $8,000,000. Funding is dependent upon Agency appropriations, funding availability, Agency priorities, and other applicable considerations.

B. Number and Amount of Awards

The EPA anticipates awarding a total of approximately one cooperative agreement under this announcement, subject to the availability of funds, the quantity and quality of applications received, Agency priorities, and other applicable considerations. The award is expected to be approximately $8,000,000 total for a 5-year project period.

The amount of federal funding requested by an applicant must not exceed $8,000,000.00.

C. Partial Funding

In appropriate circumstances, the EPA reserves the right to partially fund applications by funding discrete portions or phases of proposed projects. If the 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, thereby maintaining the integrity of the competition and selection process.

D. Additional Awards

The EPA reserves the right to make additional awards under this solicitation, consistent with Agency policy and guidance, if additional funding becomes available after the original selection is made. Any additional selections for awards will be made no later than 6 months after the original selection decision. In addition, the EPA reserves the right to reject all applications and make no awards under this announcement.

E. Award Funding and Incremental/Full Funding

Awards will be incrementally funded, as appropriate, based on funding availability, satisfactory performance, and other applicable considerations.

F. Period of Performance

The estimated period of performance for awards resulting from this solicitation will be up to 5 years. The estimated project start date for award will begin by April 1, 2025.

G. Funding Type

It is anticipated that cooperative agreements will be funded under this solicitation. The EPA awards cooperative agreements for those projects in which it expects to have substantial involvement/interaction with the recipient throughout the recipient’s performance of the project. Although the EPA will negotiate the precise terms and conditions of “substantial involvement” as part of the award process, the anticipated substantial federal involvement for cooperative agreements under this NOFO may include, but is not limited to:

• Close monitoring of the recipient’s performance to verify compliance with the EPA-approved workplan and achievement of environmental results;

• Collaboration during the performance of the scope of work including participation in project activities, to the extent permissible under EPA policies;

• Reviewing proposed procurements in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.325, as well as the substantive terms of proposed contracts or subawards as appropriate. This may include reviewing requests for proposals, invitations for bids, scopes of work and/or plans and specifications for contracts over $250,000 prior to advertising for bids;

• Reviewing the qualifications of key personnel (The EPA does not have the authority to select employees or contractors, including consultants, employed by the award recipient or subrecipients receiving pass-through awards); and

• Reviewing and commenting on quarterly and annual reports prepared under the cooperative agreement (the final decision on the content of reports rests with the recipient).

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

Note: Additional provisions that apply to this section can be found at EPA Solicitation Clauses.

A. Eligible Entities

Consistent with Assistance Listing number 66.037 and the EPA’s Policy for Competition of Assistance Agreements (EPA Order § 5700.5A1), competition under this solicitation is available to states (including the District of Columbia); local governments; United States territories and possessions; Indian Tribes; public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, and laboratories; and other public or private nonprofit institutions.

Consistent with the definition of nonprofit organization at 2 CFR § 200.1, the term nonprofit organization means any corporation, trust, association, cooperative, or other organization that is operated mainly for scientific, educational, service, charitable, or similar purpose in the public interest and is not organized primarily for profit; and uses net proceeds to maintain, improve, or expand the operation of the organization. The term includes tax-exempt nonprofit neighborhood and labor organizations. Note that 2 CFR § 200.1 specifically excludes Institutions of Higher Education from the definition of nonprofit organization because they are separately https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-solicitation-clauses https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-order-57005a1-epas-policy-competition-assistance-agreements https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-order-57005a1-epas-policy-competition-assistance-agreements https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/section-200.1 defined in the regulation. While not considered to be a nonprofit organization(s) as defined by 2 CFR § 200.1, public or nonprofit Institutions of Higher Education are, nevertheless, eligible to submit applications under this NOFO. Hospitals operated by state, Tribal, or local governments or that meet the definition of nonprofit at 2 CFR § 200.1 are also eligible to apply as nonprofits or as instrumentalities of the unit of government depending on the applicable law. For-profit colleges, universities, trade schools, and hospitals are ineligible. Nonprofit organizations that are not exempt from taxation under section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code must submit other forms of documentation of nonprofit status; such as certificates of incorporation as nonprofit under state or Tribal law. Nonprofit organizations exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that lobby are not eligible for EPA funding as provided in the Lobbying Disclosure Act, 2 U.S.C. 1611.

For-profit organizations are not an eligible entity for this funding opportunity. Additionally, nonprofit 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 not eligible to apply.

B. Voluntary Cost Sharing or Matching Funds

No cost sharing/matching funds or leveraged resources are required as a condition of eligibility under this competition.

C. Threshold Criteria

All applications will be reviewed for eligibility and must meet the eligibility requirements described in Sections III.A., B., and C., to be considered eligibleThe EPA may contact applicants to clarify threshold eligibility questions prior to making an eligibility determination. Applicants deemed ineligible for funding consideration due to 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 or else they will be rejected. However, where a page limit is expressed in Section IV.C. with respect to the application, or parts thereof, pages in excess of the 15-page limitation will not be reviewed. Applicants are advised that readability is of paramount importance and should take precedence in application format, including selecting a legible font type and size for use in the application.

2. All applications must be submitted through Grants.gov as stated in Section IV.A. 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.B. of this solicitation. Applicants are responsible for following the submission instructions in Section IV.A. of this solicitation to ensure that their application is timely and properly submitted. Please note that http://www.grants.gov/ applicants experiencing technical issues with submitting through Grants.gov should follow the instructions provided in Section IV.A., which include both the requirement to contact Grants.gov and email a full application to Pat Childers at childers.pat@epa.gov prior to the deadline.

The EPA will only consider accepting applications outside of Grants.gov from applicants that are able to demonstrate that they are unable to submit through Grants.gov 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 prior to the application submission deadline date because they did not properly or timely register in SAM.gov or Grants.gov is not an acceptable reason to justify acceptance of an application outside of Grants.gov. NOTE: Registering in SAM.gov or Grants.gov can take a month or more. Applicants are advised to begin their registration process early, so it does not interfere with drafting the application near the deadline.

3. Applications must address all tasks (Tasks 1 through 5) under Section I.B. of this NOFO.

4. Applications must support Goal 4 “Ensure Clean and Healthy Air for All Communities”;

Objective 4.1: “Improve Air Quality and Reduce Localized Pollution and Health Impacts” of the EPA’s Strategic Plan described in Section I.C.

5. Applications which request EPA assistance funds in excess of $8,000,000, as specified in

Section II.B. of this NOFO, are not eligible and will not be reviewed.

D. Ineligible Activities and Other Considerations

Any of the following may lead to a portion or all of the application not being reviewed:

1. Ineligible Costs or 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 must meet the following requirements to be eligible for funding:

a. All expenses must meet the allowability requirements in 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E and applicable provisions of 2 CFR Part 1500. To be considered eligible, costs must be necessary and reasonable to implement the measures described in the application. Applications that include measures that do not include components required in the application, may be considered ineligible for funding for this reason.

Applicants may seek funding for projects outside the scope of this grant program by applying for federal grant programs better tailored to their needs. Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding opportunities for which applicants to this program may be eligible can be found here or at Grants.gov.

mailto:childers.pat@epa.gov https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200/subpart-E https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XV/part-1500 https://www.epa.gov/invest/epa-funding-announcements-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-and-inflation-reduction-act

2. Other Considerations:

a. Where a page limit is expressed in Section IV.C. with respect to the project narrative, pages in excess of the page limitation will not be reviewed. The page limit of the project narrative is 15 pages.

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Note: Additional provisions that apply to this section can be found at EPA Solicitation Clauses.

A. How to Register to Apply for Grants under this Competition

Note: The registration process can take a month or more. We advise you to start the process as soon as possible so that it does not overlap or interfere with finalizing your application.

Applicants should visit How to Register to Apply for Grants for additional information. All EPA grant applications must be submitted online, except in limited circumstances. Organizations must be registered in two government systems to apply for EPA grants:

1. The System for Award Management (SAM.gov) registers organizations to conduct business with the U.S. Government, which includes federal grants.

2. Grants.gov is the official system for managing all federal grant applications.

These two systems share information. Together, they provide access to everything needed to identify federal grant opportunities and to complete the online application process.

Note that individuals access both systems through a single user account set up in Login.gov.

Creating a Login.gov account is easy. If you do not have a Login.gov account, you will be prompted to create one when you register with SAM.gov or Grants.gov. Learn more about Login.gov.

If you have done business with the federal government previously, you can and should check your entity status using your government issued Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) to determine if your registration is active. SAM.gov requires you renew your registration every 365 days to keep it active. Organizations should ensure that their SAM.gov registration includes a current e- Business (EBiz) point of contact name and email address. The EBiz point of contact is critical for Grants.gov Registration and system functionality. If the point of contact has changed, you may need to contact the Federal Service Desk for help with your SAM.gov account: (866) 606-8220.

The Federal Service desk hours of operation are Monday – Friday 8am – 8pm ET.

Please note that SAM.gov registration is different than obtaining a UEI only. Obtaining an UEI only validates your organization’s legal business name and address. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions document for additional details.

https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-solicitation-clauses https://www.epa.gov/grants/how-register-apply-grants https://login.gov/ https://login.gov/ https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0051214&sys_kb_id=dd40f4ef1b9641d0937fa64ce54bcb7a&spa=1

Follow these steps to register to apply for the EPA grants. Start the registration process early.

The process can take a month or more. Errors or inconsistencies in registration in the two systems can prolong the process. Applicants are encouraged to start the registration process before you begin your application.

Step 1. Register Your Organization in SAM.gov Organizations must register with SAM.gov to obtain a UEI, which is a 12-character alphanumeric identifier assigned to each unique organization. There is no fee for registering with SAM.gov and registration must be renewed annually.

Registration in SAM.gov requires providing assertions, representations and certifications, and other information so that the federal government can verify the existence and uniqueness of the organization. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Go to the SAM.gov Entity Registration page. Review the “Before You Get Started” section and download the Entity Registration Checklist to help prepare.

2. Click the “Get Started” button when you are ready. You may be prompted to accept the usage terms and sign in through Login.gov. If necessary, click the “Get Started” button again after you sign in.

3. You will be prompted to choose what you want to do. Most grant applicants will select the option to “Register for Financial Assistance Awards Only.”

4. Select the appropriate option and click the Next button.

5. Proceed through the registration process by answering the questions and providing the necessary information.

Organizations will need to designate an E-Business Point of Contact (EBiz POC). The EBiz POC is likely to be your organization’s chief financial officer or authorizing official. There can be only one EBiz POC for each unique organization. The EBiz POC will:

• Manage the SAM.gov account and login.

• Set up the Grants.gov profile for the organization (see Step 2 below).

• Oversee all activities for the organization within Grants.gov.

• Assign all roles in Grants.gov for individuals from the organization who will be involved in applying for grants, including the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR), Expanded AOR roles, Workspace Manager, and Custom roles (see Step 3 below).

Note that the EBiz POC does not submit grant proposals for the organization. Proposals are submitted by the Authorized Organization Representative in Grants.gov. After the information submitted through the registration process is authenticated, the EBiz POC will receive an email from SAM.gov indicating that the registration is active.

Contact the Federal Service Desk for help with your SAM.gov account, to resolve technical issues or chat with a help desk agent: (866) 606-8220. The Federal Service desk hours of operation are Monday – Friday 8am – 8pm ET.

https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp

Once your SAM.gov account is active, you must register in Grants.gov. Grants.gov will electronically receive your organization information, such as EBiz POC email address and UEI.

Step 2. Create a User Account and Applicant Profile in Grants.gov After obtaining a UEI, an organization must create an applicant profile in Grants.gov.

The EBiz POC will set up the applicant profile in 2 steps:

1. Create a user account in Grants.gov with the same email address used by the EBiz POC in SAM.gov. The email address is used to match the EBiz POC from SAM.gov to Grants.gov.

2. Create the applicant profile in Grants.gov using the UEI obtained from SAM.gov.

Grants.gov registration is FREE. If you have never applied for a federal grant before, please review the Grants.gov Applicant Registration instructions. As part of the Grants.gov registration process, the EBiz point of contact is the only person that can affiliate and assign applicant roles to members of an organization. In addition, at least one person must be assigned as an AOR.

Only person(s) with the AOR role can submit applications in Grants.gov. Please review the Intro to Grants.gov-Understanding User Roles and Learning Workspace - User Roles and Workspace Actions for details on this important process. Applicants need to ensure that the AOR who submits the application through Grants.gov and whose UEI is listed on the application is an AOR for the applicant listed on the application. Additionally, the UEI listed on the application must be registered to the applicant organization's SAM.gov account. If not, the application may be deemed ineligible.

Contact Grants.gov for assistance at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov to resolve technical issues with Grants.gov. 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. The Grants.gov Support Center is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week, excluding federal holidays.

Step 3. Create Individual Grants.gov Accounts for Organization Members There is no fee for registering with Grants.gov. Each member of the organization who will participate in the online grant application process needs to register an individual account on Grants.gov.

1. Go to the Grants.gov registration page.

2. Complete the form, which includes specifying a username and password. This username and password are used to create the Grants.gov account. You will be prompted to link the Grant.gov account to your Login.gov account.

3. Associate your individual account with the organization’s UEI. You will also enter the organization’s Profile Name and your Job Title.

https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLxg5Tu3qHA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLxg5Tu3qHA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsPRj4ILn7Y https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsPRj4ILn7Y https://gditshared.servicenowservices.com/hhs_grants mailto:support@grants.gov https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/register.faces

The organization’s EBiz POC can delegate administrative roles to other Grants.gov users associated with the UEI, as necessary. Learn more about managing roles in Grants.gov

Step 4. Learn How to Use Workspace in Grants.gov Workspace is the application in Grants.gov that an organization’s grant team uses when applying for federal grants. Workspace is a role-based tool, in which the user’s assigned role controls permissions to perform specific actions, such as accessing and editing application forms. As noted in Step 3 above, the EBiz POC has the initial responsibility to assign roles to individuals.

The core roles include:

• Expanded AOR: has the most privileges.

• Standard AOR: allows user to submit the final application and perform other actions.

• Workspace Manager: the minimum role required to create a workspace and begin work on an application.

Custom roles can also be created. Becoming familiar with Grants.gov Workspace roles and understanding the process will help applicants be better prepared to submit applications. The videos on this page are just two of many Grants.gov training resources to help applicants get started.

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 in Exceptions to the Grants.gov Submission Requirement website. 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.

B. Application Process

To begin the application process under this grant announcement, go to Grants.gov and click the “Search Grants” tab. Search the opportunity number associated with this opportunity: EPA- OAR-IO-24-05. Once the opportunity has been selected, click the red “Apply” button at the top of the view grant opportunity page.

The electronic submission of your application to this funding opportunity must be made by an official representative of your organization who has been registered as an AOR and is authorized by your organization to sign applications for federal financial assistance. If the submit button is grayed out, it may be because you do not have the appropriate role to submit in your organization. Contact your organization’s EBiz POC or contact Grants.gov for assistance at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov

Applicants need to ensure that the AOR who submits the application through Grants.gov and whose UEI is listed on the application is an AOR for the applicant listed on the application, https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/index.htm?callingApp=custom#callingApp=custom&t=Applicants%2FManagement%2FManageRolesForApplicant.htm https://www.epa.gov/grants/how-register-apply-grants https://www.epa.gov/grants/exceptions-grantsgov-submission-requirement https://www.grants.gov/ https://gditshared.servicenowservices.com/hhs_grants specifically on the SF-424. Additionally, the UEI listed on the application must be registered to the applicant organization's SAM.gov account. If not, the application may be deemed ineligible.

Applications submitted through Grants.gov will be time and date stamped electronically. Please note that successful submission of your application through Grants.gov does not necessarily mean your application is eligible for award. Any application submitted after the application’s time and date deadline will be deemed ineligible and not be considered.

Technical Issues with Submission

If applicants experience technical issues during the submission of an application that they are unable to resolve, follow these procedures before the application deadline date:

a. Contact Grants.gov Support Center before the application deadline date.

b. Document the Grants.gov ticket/case number.

c. Send an email with “American Indian Air Quality Training Program” in the subject line to Pat Childers at childers.pat@epa.gov before the application deadline time and date. The email must include the following:

i. Grants.gov ticket/case number(s)

ii. Description of the issue

iii. The entire application package in PDF format

Without this information, the EPA may not be able to consider applications submitted outside of Grants.gov. Any application submitted after the application deadline time and date deadline will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered.

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

The EPA will make decisions concerning acceptance of each application submitted outside of Grants.gov on a case-by-case basis. The EPA will only consider accepting applications that were unable to submit through Grants.gov 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 prior to the application submission deadline date because they did not properly or timely register in SAM.gov or Grants.gov is not an acceptable reason to justify acceptance of an application outside of Grants.gov.

Application Materials

The following forms and documents are required under this announcement.

Mandatory Documents:

• Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance. Please note that the organizational UEI must be included on the SF-424. Applicants are advised to begin the SAM.gov registration process early so they have an active UEI prior to beginning this mailto:childers.pat@epa.gov https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.sam.gov/SAM/ step. Otherwise, progress can be delayed on other parts of the application. See Section IV.A. for information on SAM.gov registration.

• Standard Form 424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs

• EPA Form 4700-4, Pre-Award Compliance Review Report

• EPA Form 5700-54, Key Contacts Form

• Project Narrative Attachment Form, Project Narrative – Prepared as described in Section

IV.B. below.

• Grants.gov Lobbying Form

Optional Attachment Documents. Use the “Other Attachments” form identified under the Mandatory Documents tab to submit the following:

• Project Team Biographies

• Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, note that this will be required if application is selected for funding

• Partnership Letter(s)

When saving application files, please ensure that the following characters are not included in the file names: ~ “ # % & * : < > ? / \ { | }. Including these characters can cause problems with application files. Please try to name files in a way that concisely indicates their contents.

Applications submitted through Grants.gov will be time and date stamped electronically. If you wish to confirm receipt of your application from the EPA (not from Grants.gov), please contact the Agency contact in Section VII within 30 days of the close of this solicitation.

Your organization’s AOR must submit your complete application electronically to the EPA through Grants.gov no later than November 15th, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET.

C. Project Narrative Instructions, Format, and Content

Instructions: The project narrative should substantially comply with the instructions, format, and content described below. It should also address the evaluation criteria in Section V.A. of the NOFO. The project narrative, including the cover page, workplan, and budget table and detail, must not exceed a maximum of 15 single-spaced typewritten pages. Pages in excess of the 15-page limit will not be reviewed.

Supporting materials, such as project team biographies, partnership letters, and negotiated indirect cost rate agreements can be submitted as attachments and are not included in the 15-page limit. Supporting materials should also be submitted using the Optional Attachments form, as described in Section IV.B. above.

Applicants should ensure that their project narratives are written clearly using understandable terms. Doing so will help ensure that the evaluation team members understand the purpose, outputs, and outcomes of the proposed project.

https://www.grants.gov/

Applicants are not required, but are highly encouraged, to use the project narrative, including cover page, format below.

(1) Cover Page:

The cover page should not exceed one page. The cover page should include the following information:

• Project Title – one descriptive sentence only

• Project Location: List the primary location(s) where the project activities will take place and where the project benefits of the project will be realized

• Applicant Information o Applicant organization o Address o Primary contact name, phone number, and e-mail address

• Funding Request: Applicants should include the total federal amount requested.

As noted in Section II.A. of the NOFO, while each application can request up to the full funding amount of $8,000,000, the total amount of requested funding needs to be commensurate with the applicant’s proposed activities.

• Project Period of Performance: Provide beginning and ending dates of proposed project.

• Short Project Description: Briefly describe your project in one to three sentences only, especially noting the expected outputs and outcomes.

(2) Workplan:

Applicants should ensure that the workplan addresses the evaluation criteria in Section V.A. of the NOFO. Applicants should use the section and subsection numbers and headings below which correspond with the evaluation criteria in Section V.A. of the NOFO. The workplan should be written clearly using understandable terms.

Section 1- Project Summary and Approach (40 possible points from Section V.A. of the NOFO) This section should contain a detailed project summary and description of the proposed activities to be undertaken, consistent with Section I.B. (Program Goals and Objectives) of the NOFO. Include details of every activity for which the applicant is seeking funding. This section should include details about how the activities will meet the goal of the program. Applications should only include information in Section 1.a. of their workplan that will not be covered by another section of their workplan.

Applicants must address in their applications how they will perform training, technical support, and outreach services as outlined in the five tasks described below. Applicants must address each task individually, including a discussion of how much time will be devoted to each task.

Clear and efficient use of resources to address all tasks is encouraged. In general, Tasks 1, 2, and 3 are expected to constitute a larger portion of the program than Tasks 4 and 5.

The anticipated activities associated with providing the training and technical support services envisioned under this project have been divided into five major tasks. Applicants may include in their applications additional tasks to those listed below; however, they must at a minimum address the five tasks in this announcement. While applicants must address each of the five listed tasks in their application, they have discretion in how to carry out the tasks based on the descriptions of each task below.

Task 1: AIAQTP Workshops (10 points)

Applicants must offer at least 15 workshops for Tribal environmental professionals each year including tasks related to both AIAQTP and TAMS tasks. Workshop topics may change annually depending upon Tribal needs, material progression, and the EPA project officer analysis and approval. All trainings are expected to reflect an air quality community-based approach, be specific to Tribal air quality issues, and sensitive to Tribal culture while providing accurate technical information on how Tribes can address each target area of air quality.