EPA-OLEM-ORCR-23-09.pdf

AGENCY: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA)

TITLE: “FY 2023 HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT GRANT PROGRAM FOR

TRIBES”

ACTION: Request for Applications (RFA) - Initial Announcement

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: EPA-OLEM-ORCR-23-09

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER.: 66.812

KEY DATES:

DATE ACTIVITY

July 14, 2023, by 11:59 PM Application Submission Deadline August 26, 2023 Approximate Date for EPA to Notify Applicants of Results September 26, 2023 Approximate Date of Award

CONTENTS BY SECTION:

I. Funding Opportunity Description II. Award Information III. Eligibility Information IV. Application and Submission Information V. Application Review Information VI. Award Administration Information VII. Agency Contact VIII. Other Information

SECTION I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Introduction

To address hazardous waste management issues, EPA is responsible for implementing the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Subtitle C program, 42 U.S.C 6901, et seq. The RCRA Subtitle C program is a comprehensive effort to ensure that hazardous waste is managed safely from “cradle to grave” from the moment it is generated; while it is transported, treated, or stored; until it is finally re-used or disposed of in a safe manner.

B. EPA Strategic Plan Linkage

The activities to be funded under this announcement support EPA’s FY 2022-2026 EPA Strategic Plan. Awards made under this announcement will support Goal 6 (Safeguard and Revitalize Communities), Objective 6.1 (Clean Up and Restore Land for Productive Uses and Healthy Communities) and Objective 6.2. (Reduce Waste and Prevent Environmental Contamination) of the Strategic Plan. All applications must be for projects that support these goals and objectives.

https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan

Specifically, the recipient will develop and implement hazardous waste management programs that identify hazardous wastes, improve management of hazardous waste, encourage waste reduction/re-use/recycling activities, collect household hazardous waste, educate and train employees and the public, implement used oil collection programs, or other related activities. Grantees may also receive training in emergency response and hazardous materials handling.

C. Types of Projects EPA Will Fund Under this Grant Program

This grant program will support projects designed to develop and implement hazardous waste management programs. These programs must improve the applicant’s ability to properly identify, manage, or dispose of hazardous waste. The seven project types listed below are hazardous waste management activities that support the RCRA Subtitle C “cradle to grave” approach to managing hazardous waste and are acceptable for funding. Applicants must address at least one project type in their application:

1. Hazardous Waste Identification;

2. Hazardous Waste Generator Siting, Monitoring, and Compliance (Large Quantity, Small

Quantity, and Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators/Very Small Quantity Generators);

3. Hazardous Waste Minimization and Recycling, and the Management of Used Oil, and Universal Wastes;

4. Hazardous Waste Transportation;

5. Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility Siting, Permitting, Monitoring, Corrective

Action, and Enforcement;

6. Land Disposal Restrictions; and

7. Combustion.

D. Examples of Program Activities

The following activities are examples and do not limit the range of activities considered eligible under this grant program. These activities are eligible when they are performed in support of developing and implementing a tribal program to manage hazardous waste:

1. Develop and implement codes, regulations, ordinances, policies, or guidance to regulate hazardous waste management activities and facilities, such as generators, transporters, and treatment, storage, and disposal facilities.

2. Develop and implement hazardous waste program enforcement policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance, including monitoring and inspection.

3. Develop legal and administrative infrastructure that are adequate to implement and maintain regulatory or non-regulatory hazardous waste management programs.

4. Identify and assess hazardous waste generation and ongoing community concerns regarding the management of waste, including:

a. Developing an inventory of active and inactive dump/disposal sites and assessing their contamination potential;

b. Characterizing hazardous waste streams; and

c. Identifying sensitive sites with potential or actual impacts on water bodies, soil, air, cultural/historic resources, threatened or endangered species, etc.

5. Develop and implement tribal integrated hazardous waste management plans (including source reduction/recycling).

6. Plan and implement used oil collection and other programs to reduce the improper management of hazardous waste in the community. Used oil collection programs must comply with 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 279.

7. Plan and implement household hazardous waste collection events or programs that provide sustainable or long-term solutions for disposal of household hazardous waste for the community.

8. Plan and implement universal waste collection events or programs that provide sustainable or long-term solutions for disposal of universal waste for the community. Universal waste programs must comply with 40 CFR Part 273.

9. Develop outreach documents and other resource materials to plan and conduct hazardous waste management seminars for tribal leaders, community members, businesses and civic organizations, etc.

10. Establish qualifications for environmental management personnel relative to the tribe’s needs and plan for program implementation.

11. Establish a communications plan for hazardous waste management program activities.

12. Identify multi-jurisdictional opportunities for hazardous waste management, including feasibility for intergovernmental (tribal, federal, state, and local) cooperative efforts.

E. Measuring Environmental Results: Anticipated Outcomes/Outputs

Pursuant to EPA Order 5700.7A1, Environmental Results under EPA Assistance Agreements, EPA requires that all grant applicants and recipients adequately address environmental outcomes and outputs. Outcomes and outputs differ both in their nature and in how they are measured. Applicants must discuss environmental outcomes and outputs in their proposed work plan.

1. Outcomes. The term “outcomes” refers to 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, must be quantitative, and may not necessarily be achievable during the project period.

Examples of anticipated environmental outcomes from the projects that are expected to be awarded under this announcement may include, but are not limited to the following:

a. Improved knowledge about the location of hazardous waste handlers/facilities, and the types of hazardous waste they manage as reflected by inventories of facilities.

b. Improved ability to properly identify, manage, or dispose of hazardous waste as demonstrated by a reduction in the number of citations under tribal codes, regulations, and ordinances, and fewer reports of illegal hazardous waste disposal.

c. Increased amount of household hazardous waste recycled, and/or increased use of hazardous waste reduction and re-use activities as demonstrated by increased use of household hazardous waste collection stations and re-use centers.

d. Improved community awareness of proper hazardous waste and used oil management practices as demonstrated by the level of participation in household hazardous waste collection events, used oil collection programs, and/or increased purchasing of alternative, non-toxic or less hazardous products.

2. Outputs. The term “outputs” refers to an environmental activity, effort, or associated work products related to an environmental goal or objective, that will be produced or provided over a period of time or by a specified date. Outputs may be quantitative or qualitative but must be measurable during the project period.

Examples of anticipated environmental outputs from the projects that are expected to be awarded under this announcement may include, but are not limited to the following:

a. Inventory of hazardous waste handlers/facilities in Indian country;

b. Codes, regulations, ordinances, policies or guidance for regulating hazardous waste;

c. Facilities for improved hazardous waste management, such as secure household hazardous waste collection stations and re-use centers for used paint, wood stains, etc.;

d. Number of tribal leaders and environmental staff trained or certified;

e. Educational or community outreach material; and

f. Reports from studies, sampling, or research.

3. Performance Measures. The applicant should also develop performance measures they expect to achieve through the proposed activities and describe them in their application.

These performance measures will help gather insights and will be the mechanism to track progress concerning successful processes and output/outcome strategies and will provide the basis for developing lessons to inform future recipients. It is expected that the description of performance measures will directly relate to the project outcomes and outputs. The following are questions to consider when developing output and outcome measures of quantitative and qualitative results:

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

• How does the plan measure progress in achieving the expected results (including outputs and outcomes) and how will the approach use resources effectively and efficiently?

F. Statutory and Regulatory Information

The statutory authority for this action is Public Law 105-276, 42 U.S.C. 6908a. Tribal recipients of the Hazardous Waste Management Grant Program for Tribes are subject to the regulations found in 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards), 2 CFR Part 1500 and 40 CFR Part 35.720 et. seq.

G. Additional Provisions For Applicants Incorporated Into The Solicitation

Additional provisions that apply to sections III, IV, V, and VI of this solicitation and/or awards made under this solicitation, can be found at EPA Solicitation Clauses. Applicants should review these provisions when preparing applications for this solicitation. If you are unable to access these https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/42/6908a https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-solicitation-clauses provisions electronically at the website above, please contact the EPA point of contact listed in Section VII of this solicitation.

SECTION II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. What is the amount of available funding?

The total estimated funding available under this competitive opportunity is $500,000, subject to the availability of funds, the quality of applications received, and other applicable considerations.

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

B. How many and what type of agreements will EPA award through this competition?

EPA anticipates awarding approximately five (5) assistance agreements under this competitive opportunity, commensurate with funding allocated to support the FY 2023 Hazardous Waste Management Grant Program for Tribes. The proposed federal funding for each award may not exceed $100,000.

In addition, EPA intends to award cooperative agreements under this solicitation. Cooperative agreements provide for substantial involvement between the EPA Project Officer and the selected applicant(s) in the performance of the work supported. Although EPA will negotiate precise terms and conditions relating to substantial involvement as part of the award process, the anticipated substantial federal involvement for these projects may include:

• close monitoring of the successful applicant’s performance to verify the results proposed by the applicant;

• collaboration during performance of the scope of work;

• in accordance with 2 CFR §200.317 and 2 CFR §200.318, review of proposed procurement;

• approving qualifications of key personnel (EPA will not select employees or contractors employed by the award recipient); and

• review and comment on reports prepared under the cooperative agreement (the final decision on the content of reports rests with the recipient).

In addition, EPA does not have the authority to select employees or contractors employed by the recipient. The final decision on the content of reports rests with the recipient.

C. Will Applications be partially funded?

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

D. What is the project period for award(s) resulting from this announcement?

The estimated start date for projects resulting from this announcement is October 1, 2023. All project activities must be completed within the negotiated project performance period of one year.

E. Can funds be added to a Performance Partnership Grant (PPG)?

Funds for a grant awarded under this announcement may be included in a PPG. Applicants should indicate in their application submission if they anticipate incorporating the proposed project, if selected for funding, into an already existing PPG or if they intend to create a new PPG that would include the project proposed under this announcement. The PPG should be in place before the time of grant award or created concurrently with the award of the grant funds. The proposed project under this grant announcement must have a project period that is within the PPG project period. It cannot be longer than the PPG project period. A PPG enables entities to combine funds from more than one environmental program grant into a single grant with a single budget. After the funds have been included in the PPG, the recipient does not need to account for these funds in accordance with the funds’ original program source.

Similarly, tribal and intertribal consortia applications must first be selected under this competitive grant process in accordance with 40 CFR 35.535. If a proposed PPG work-plan differs significantly from the work-plan approved for funding under this competition, the Regional Administrator must consult with the National Program Manager (see 40 CFR § 35.535). The purpose of this consultation requirement is to address the issue of ensuring that a project which is awarded funding under this competition is implemented as proposed once combined with other grant programs in a PPG. For further information, see the final rules on Environmental Program Grants for tribes and intertribal consortia at 40 CFR Part 35, Subpart B. The rules are also available at this link: (tribal).

SECTION III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

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

A. Eligible Entities

Applications will be accepted from (a) an Indian tribal government, or (b) an intertribal consortium or consortia. An Indian tribal government is any tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation (as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, 43 U.S.C. 1601, et seq.), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of the Interior as eligible for the special services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians. A consortium is a partnership between two or more Indian tribal governments authorized by the governing bodies of those tribes to apply for and receive assistance under this program. For certain competitive funding opportunities under http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=36b93a1b033dd72618e9867c2032b53b&rgn=div6&view=text&node=40:1.0.1.2.32.2&idno=40 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&SID=36b93a1b033dd72618e9867c2032b53b&rgn=div6&view=text&node=40:1.0.1.2.32.2&idno=40 this assistance listing description, the Agency may limit eligibility to compete to a number or subset of eligible applicants consistent with the Agency's Assistance Agreement Competition Policy.

Intertribal consortia are eligible to receive grants under this program only if the consortium demonstrates that all members of the consortium meet the eligibility requirements for the grant and authorize the consortium to apply for and receive assistance by submitting to EPA documentation of: (1) the existence of the partnership between Indian tribal governments, and (2) authorization of the consortium by all its members to apply for and receive the grant. Documentation can be in the form of letters signed by all member tribes, approved by-laws that contain language that specifically address the eligibility requirements and/or other forms of documentation that adequately meet the eligibility requirements.

B. Cost-Sharing or Matching

There are no cost-sharing or matching funds required under this competition.

C. Threshold Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following threshold criteria when they submit their application.

Applications that fail to meet any one of the threshold criteria will not be considered further.

EPA will notify applicants who do not meet the threshold criteria within 15 calendar days of determining their ineligibility. Applications that successfully meet the threshold criteria will then be evaluated using the criteria described in Section V(A). Evaluation Criteria. The threshold criteria are:

1. Applications must address at least one project type as described in Section I(C), Types of

Projects EPA Will Fund Under this Grant Program of this announcement.

2. Applications must specifically describe how the applicant will provide technical assistance and transfer information, including lessons learned to other tribal communities under the “Project Description” and “Technical Assistance/Transferability” criteria as outlined below:

Project Description – Applicants must provide a detailed description on how technical assistance and transfer of information will occur through the proposed project.

Technical Assistance/Transferability – Applicants must clearly address the various components of this criterion as disclosed in Section V(A) of this announcement.

3. Federal funds requested may not exceed $100,000. Applications requesting assistance funding in excess of this amount will not be considered.

4. Applications must substantially comply with the application submission instructions and requirements set forth in Section IV(B) of this announcement or else they will be rejected.

However, where a page limit is expressed in Section IV(D) with respect to the application, or parts thereof, pages in excess of the 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.

In addition, the “Narrative Proposal” must explicitly describe the applicant’s proposed project and specifically address each of the evaluation criteria as disclosed in Section V(A) of this announcement.

In addition, initial applications must be submitted through Grants.gov as stated in Section IV of this announcement (except in the limited circumstances where another mode of submission is specifically allowed for as explained in Section IV) on or before the application submission deadline published in Section IV of this announcement. Applicants are responsible for following the submission instructions in Section IV of this announcement to ensure that their application is timely submitted. Please note that applicants experiencing technical issues with submitting through Grants.gov should follow the instructions provided in Section IV, which include both the requirement to contact Grants.gov and email a full application to EPA prior to the deadline.

Applications submitted outside of Grants.gov will be deemed ineligible without further consideration unless the applicant can clearly demonstrate that it was due to EPA mishandling or technical problems associated with Grants.gov or SAM.gov. An applicant’s failure to timely submit their application through Grants.gov because they did not timely or properly register in SAM.gov or Grants.gov will not be considered an acceptable reason to consider a submission outside of Grants.gov.

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

D. Additional Funding Restrictions

The Hazardous Waste Management Grant Program for Tribes is set up to address the active management of hazardous wastes as they are generated, transported, stored, or disposed of.

While other EPA programs fund similar and related projects, hazardous waste management program grants are specifically targeted to enhance federally recognized tribal government’s ongoing management of hazardous wastes and to increase awareness of hazardous waste management activities that may impact Indian country. EPA will only fund applications under this RFA that focus on the active management of hazardous wastes as they are generated, transported, or disposed

of. Accordingly, activities relating to the following programs are ineligible for funding under the Hazardous Waste Management Grant Program for Tribes:

• Cleanup from abandoned or inactive facilities is covered by other EPA programs (e.g., the CERCLA/Superfund program, the Underground Storage Tank program, and the Brownfields Redevelopment program).

• Other EPA waste programs focus on municipal solid waste management, recycling, and responding to emergency releases of hazardous materials and wastes.

SECTION IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

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

A. Requirement to Submit Through Grants.gov and Limited Exception Procedures

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

B. Submission Instructions

1. SAM.gov (System for Award Management) Registration Instructions

Organizations applying to this funding opportunity must have an active SAM.gov registration. If you have never done business with the Federal Government, you will need to register your organization in SAM.gov. If you do not have a SAM.gov account, then you will create an account using login.gov to complete your SAM.gov registration. SAM.gov registration is FREE. The process for entity registrations includes obtaining Unique Entity ID (UEI), a 12-character alphanumeric ID assigned an entity by SAM.gov, and requires assertions, representations and certifications, and other information about your organization. Please review the Entity Registration Checklist for details on this process.

If you have done business with the Federal Government previously, you can check your entity status using your government issued UEI to determine if your registration is active. SAM.gov requires you renew your registration every 365 days to keep it active.

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 Question on the difference for additional details.

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.

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.

2. Grants.gov Registration Instructions

Once your SAM.gov account is active, you must register in Grants.gov. Grants.gov will electronically receive your organization information, such as e-Business (EBiz) point of contact https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-solicitation-clauses https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-solicitation-clauses https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.epa.gov/grants/exceptions-grantsgov-submission-requirement https://www.epa.gov/grants/exceptions-grantsgov-submission-requirement https://login.gov/ https://www.fsd.gov/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=51a2fa061b0bcd500ca4a97ae54bcb18 https://www.fsd.gov/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=51a2fa061b0bcd500ca4a97ae54bcb18 https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0051214&sys_kb_id=dd40f4ef1b9641d0937fa64ce54bcb7a&spa=1 https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0051214&sys_kb_id=dd40f4ef1b9641d0937fa64ce54bcb7a&spa=1 https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp email address and UEI. Organizations applying to this funding opportunity must have an active Grants.gov registration. 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 Authorized Organization Representative (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.

Please note that this process can take a month or more for new registrants. Applicants must ensure that all registration requirements are met in order to apply for this opportunity through Grants.gov and should ensure that all such requirements have been met well in advance of the application submission deadline.

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.

3. Application Submission Process

To begin the application process under this grant announcement, go to Grants.gov and click the red "Apply" button at the top of the view grant opportunity page associated with this opportunity.

The electronic submission of your application to this funding opportunity must be made by an official representative of your organization who is registered with Grants.gov and is authorized 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 point of contact or contact Grants.gov for assistance at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov

Applicants need to ensure that the Authorized Organization Representative (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.

4. Application Submission Deadline

Your organization's AOR must submit your complete application package electronically to EPA through Grants.gov no later than July 14, 2023, by 11:59 PM. Please allow for enough time to successfully submit your application and allow for unexpected errors that may require you to resubmit.

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 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLxg5Tu3qHA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLxg5Tu3qHA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsPRj4ILn7Y https://gditshared.servicenowservices.com/hhs_grants mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.grants.gov/ https://gditshared.servicenowservices.com/hhs_grants mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.grants.gov/ your application is eligible for award. Any application submitted after the application deadline time and date deadline will be deemed ineligible and not be considered.

C. 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:

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

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

3. Send an email with the EPA-OLEM-ORCR-23-09 in the subject line to Luke Hullinger at hullinger.luke@epa.gov before the application deadline time and date and must include the following:

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

b. Description of the issue

c. The entire application package in PDF format.

Without this information, 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 not be considered.

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

EPA will make decisions concerning acceptance of each application submitted outside of Grants.gov on a case-by-case basis. 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.

D. Application Materials

The following forms and documents are required under this announcement:

Mandatory Documents:

1. Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)

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

3. EPA Key Contacts Form 5700-54

4. EPA Form 4700-4 – Preaward Compliance Review Report

5. Narrative Proposal (Project Narrative Attachment Form) - prepared as described in Section

IV(D) of the announcement mailto:hullinger.luke@epa.gov https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.sam.gov/SAM/

6. Budget Narrative (Budget Narrative Attachment Form)- prepared as described in Section IV(D) of the announcement.

7. Milestones, using Other Attachments Form

Optional Documents (using Other Attachments Form):

8. Letters of Support, if applicable

9. Intertribal Consortia Documentation, if applicable

Applications submitted through grants.gov will be time and date stamped electronically. If you have not received a confirmation of receipt from EPA (not from grants.gov) within 30 days of the application deadline, please contact Luke Hullinger at (202) 566-2157. Failure to do so may result in your application not being reviewed.

E. Content and Form of Applications

The following documents are required for all application packages. In addition to the mandatory documents listed in Section IV(D), all applications must contain a “Narrative Proposal,” and a budget narrative. The “Narrative Proposal,” a maximum of 15 pages in length, must explicitly describe the applicant’s proposed project and specifically address each of the evaluation criteria disclosed in Section V(A), Evaluation Criteria, and the threshold eligibility criteria in Section III(C).

1. Narrative Proposal.

Narrative Proposals must be concise, well organized, and not exceed 15 typed, single-line spaced, 8 1/2 x 11” pages. The Narrative Proposal must provide the information detailed in this section and include responses to all Section III(C), Threshold Criteria, Section V(A), Evaluation Criteria, as well as the information identified in Section I, Funding Opportunity Description. Factual information about your proposed project must be provided. Do not include discussions of broad principles that are not specific to the proposed work or project covered by your application. Responses to evaluation criteria should include the criteria number and title but need not restate the entire text of the criteria.

Sufficient detail must be provided to allow for an evaluation of the merits of the application. Vague descriptions, redundancy, and failure to address the evaluation criteria will result in a lower ranking.

The Narrative Proposal (Sections “a” and “b” below) must substantially conform to the following outline and content:

a. Cover Letter. The cover letter must include a brief description of your project, be written on your organization’s official letterhead, and signed by an official with the authority to commit your organization to the proposed project. The cover letter must also include:

i. Applicant Information. Provide the name and full address of the tribe or consortium applying for funds. This is the agency or organization that will be receiving the grant and will be accountable to EPA;

ii. Contacts. Provide phone/fax numbers, email address, and mailing address of the project director and head of organization/executive director responsible for the project application. These individuals may be contacted if other information is needed;

iii. Cooperative Partners. Provide names and phone numbers and/or email addresses of individuals and organizations that have agreed to participate in the implementation of the project, if any; and

iv. Funding Requested. Specify the amount you are requesting from EPA. The total funding requested amount may not exceed $100,000, excluding any in-kind contribution.

b. Detailed Project Description. The project description should provide the information below on how the applicant will implement and conduct its project and discuss how the application addresses each of the evaluation criteria in Section V of this announcement.

You must directly and explicitly address the evaluation criteria as part of your application package. In addition, for projects related to a previous Hazardous Waste Management Grant Program for Tribes’ assistance agreement, applicants should demonstrate how they are expanding upon the previous project.

The detailed project description must substantially conform to the following outline and content:

i. Project Description. Provide a description of the proposed project, as referenced in Section I(C), Types of Projects EPA Will Fund Under this Grant Program, and program objectives. The project description should demonstrate consideration of a sustainable, comprehensive integrated waste management program and include:

(1) a discussion on the need for the proposed project, description of the proposed project goals, activities, budget, and project milestones; (2) a description of a sustainable, comprehensive integrated waste program which incorporates hazardous waste management activities, including long-term waste management planning, program implementation, community education, and staff training;

(3) a description of the approach/actions proposed to transfer information and lessons learned during the project to other tribes; and (4) a discussion of compliance with applicable RCRA regulations.

ii. Community Health Development. The application should describe how the proposed project will contribute to the overall health and development of the community as well as demonstrate the alleviation or reduction of impacts on human health and the environment. In addition, the application must address proposed improvements in the areas of employment, revenue generation, technological innovation, and/or improved health and welfare of the community.

iii. Programmatic Capability and Past Performance. Submit a list of federally and/or non-federally funded assistance agreements (assistance agreements include Federal grants and cooperative agreements, but not Federal contracts) that your organization performed within the last three years (no more than five agreements, and preferably EPA agreements) and describe:

a. whether, and how, you were able to successfully complete and manage those agreements; and

b. your history of meeting the reporting requirements under those agreements including whether you adequately and timely reported on your progress towards achieving the expected outputs and outcomes of those agreements (and if not, explain why not) and whether you submitted acceptable final technical reports under the agreements; and

c. your organizational experience and plan for timely and successfully achieving the objectives of the proposed project, and your staff expertise/qualifications, staff knowledge, and resources or the ability to obtain them, to successfully achieve the goals of the proposed project.

In evaluating applicants under these factors in Section V, EPA will consider the information provided by the applicant and may also consider relevant information from other sources, including information from EPA files and from current/prior grantors (e.g., to verify and/or supplement the information provided by the applicant). If you do not have any relevant or available past performance or past reporting information, please indicate this in the application and you will receive a neutral score for these factors (a neutral score is half of the total points available in a subset of possible points). If you do not provide any response for these items, you may receive a score of 0 for these factors.

iv. Performance Measurement: Anticipated Outcomes and Outputs.

Anticipated Outcomes: Specify the expected environmental outcomes as described in Section I(E), Measuring Environmental Results: Anticipated Outcomes/Outputs of this announcement. Discuss how you propose to track and measure your progress in achieving the project outcomes and results. (Refer to Section V(A), Evaluation Criteria.)

Anticipated Outputs. Identify the expected project outputs, including those described in Section I(E), Measuring Environmental Results: Anticipated Outcomes/Outputs of this announcement and how you will track and measure your expected project outputs. Outputs, quantitative or qualitative, must be measurable during the project performance period.

v. Cooperative Partners. Identify all proposed partners and stakeholder groups that will be involved in the project. Applicants will be evaluated based on the extent to which they demonstrate that they will work in partnership with appropriate partners to effectively and efficiently implement the proposed project and whether their project is coordinated with and/or complements other projects or activities being performed by the applicant or others that will result in a greater positive environmental impact from the applicant’s project. Please note that procurement of commercial services (e.g., consultants, audio visual equipment, meeting space) is subject to the competitive procurement provisions of 2 CFR Part 200. Naming a commercial vendor as a “partner” does not relieve the applicant of responsibility for complying with competitive procurement requirements, including cost or price analysis, or justify sole source procurement. Applicants that do not plan on working with partners in project performance will be evaluated based on the extent to which they demonstrate how they will be able to effectively perform and complete the project without working with partners.

vi. Technical Assistance/Transferability. Describe a proactive, viable, and innovative approach for providing technical assistance to other tribes, including how other tribal communities will benefit from the project. In describing the approach, specifically include the following: a methodology for transferring information and lessons learned during the project to other tribes, and a detailed plan that clearly describes activities that will educate and assist other tribal communities in their efforts to develop and implement sustainable hazardous waste management programs.

The following are examples of proactive approaches tribes can use to provide technical assistance and transferability through their projects:

• Implementing peer matches as a component of the proposed project. Peer matches are voluntary, structured opportunities for tribes, tribal consortia and Alaska Native Villages who are working on similar issues to exchange experiences and practical knowledge through a mentoring program.

• Establishing strategic partnerships to address hazardous waste. Examples include:

Partnering with local governments, schools, or other tribes to develop and implement a Universal Waste (e.g., fluorescent light bulbs, batteries, etc.)

awareness campaign or program.

Identifying barriers to establishing relationships with state or local governments to address hazardous waste management challenges and developing effective solutions to overcome them. Tribes can share information about their successful partnerships using a variety of outreach tools, including webinars, presentations at conferences, etc.

- Developing and implementing Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection events and programs that include removal of waste from more than one tribal community. Examples include the following: joint HHW collection community events or pickups from more than one tribal community.

• Presenting on the EPA hosted RCRA Tribal Waste Management Program Webinar Series and/or partnering with EPA and other tribes to host webinars and trainings including sustainable materials management principles and practices such as green chemistry; and generating less waste from the start (prevention and source reduction) of hazardous materials.

• Providing Impact stories that share best practices learned and implemented during the project via factsheet, brochure, or video documentation.

• Developing outreach materials and other products that tribes share via social media, meetings, or conferences. Examples include:

Developing a Hazardous Waste Management Plan (HWMP) template that other tribes can use as a model for developing their own HWMP.

Creating a “How-To” video of the process, from start to finish (prevention and source reduction), of developing and implementing a used oil collection event or program.

Creating a video tour of HHW collection facilities for other tribal environmental directors, staff, or community members to provide them with a detailed look at the daily operations of these facilities.

vii. Expenditure of Awarded Grant Funds. Describe your organization’s procedures, and controls for ensuring that awarded grant funds will be expended in a timely and efficient manner.

2. Attachments. The following documents should be included as attachments to the work plan, as applicable. These documents will not count as part of the 15-page limit and do not have an individual page limitation. Attachments beyond the required attachments below will not be considered. Please provide a list of all attachments to the application.

a. Intertribal Consortia Documentation, if applicable. Intertribal consortia are eligible to receive grants under this program only if the consortium demonstrates that all members of the consortium meet the eligibility requirements for the grant and authorize the consortium to apply for and receive assistance by submitting to EPA documentation of: (1) the existence of the partnership between Indian tribal governments, and (2) authorization of the consortium by all its members to apply for and receive the grant.

Documentation can be in the form of letters signed by all member tribes or approved by-laws or other forms of documentation that contain language that specifically addresses the eligibility requirements.

b. Letters of Support, if applicable. The applicant should provide names and phone numbers of persons to contact at partnering organizations along with a description of what involvement (e.g., assistance and role) the organization has or will have with your organization/project. Applicants may include letters confirming support and participation in carrying out the proposed project Letters of support may not be from EPA staff.

c. Budget. Provide a detailed itemized budget proposal that clearly explains how funds will be used for each of the following categories and how it relates to the project objective.

Indicate what portion of the cost EPA will pay, and what portion the applicant or other partners will pay, if applicable:

i. Personnel;

ii. Fringe Benefits;

iii. Contractual Costs;

iv. Travel;

v. Supplies;

vi. Other Costs (be specific);

vii. Administrative Costs (other than Indirect Costs);

viii. Non-EPA Project Funding. Identify funding from other sources including in-kind resources;

ix. Total Direct Costs;

x. Total Indirect Costs (For information regarding indirect costs, view the following link: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2018- 08/documents/indirect-cost-policy-for-recipients-of-epa-assistance-agreements.pdf.); and

xi. Total Project Cost (Total Direct + Indirect Costs). Costs proposed in the budget must be linked directly to the narrative proposal.

Management Fees: When formulating budgets for applications, applicants must not include management fees or similar charges in excess of the direct costs and indirect costs at the rate approved by the applicant’s cognizant audit agency, or at the rate provided for by the terms of the agreement negotiated with EPA. The term "management fees or similar charges" refers to expenses added to the direct costs in order to accumulate and reserve funds for ongoing business expenses, unforeseen liabilities, or for other similar costs that are not allowable under EPA assistance agreements.

Management fees or similar charges may not be used to improve or expand the project funded under this agreement, except to the extent authorized as a direct cost of carrying out the scope of work.

d. Milestones. Schedule indicating start times and completion dates of significant tasks under your program.

SECTION V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

Clauses.

All applications received by the closing date and time for the submission will first be reviewed to determine eligibility for funding based upon compliance with the Threshold Eligibility Criteria in Section III(C). Only applications determined eligible will be evaluated for technical merit.

Applications that do not meet the Threshold Eligibility Criteria will not be reviewed according to the evaluation criteria set forth below. You must directly and explicitly address these criteria as part of your application package. EPA will rate your application using a points system, with a total of 100 points possible.

https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2018-08/documents/indirect-cost-policy-for-recipients-of-epa-assistance-agreements.pdf https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2018-08/documents/indirect-cost-policy-for-recipients-of-epa-assistance-agreements.pdf https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2018-08/documents/indirect-cost-policy-for-recipients-of-epa-assistance-agreements.pdf

A. Evaluation Criteria

Criterion Maximum Points per Criterion

Project Description. Under this criterion, EPA will evaluate the quality and extent to which the application effectively describes a project that addresses hazardous waste management program activities as listed in Section I(C), Types of Projects EPA Will Fund Under this Grant Program of this announcement. For projects related to a previous Hazardous Waste Management Grant Program for Tribes’ assistance agreement, applicants will be evaluated on the extent and quality to which they have demonstrated how they are expanding upon the previous project. In addition, the application will be evaluated based on the quality and extent to which it:

• Clearly, concisely, and realistically presents a statement of the problem, description of the proposed project goals, activities, budget, and project milestones. (5 pts.)

• Describes a sustainable, comprehensive integrated waste program that incorporates hazardous waste management activities, as described in Section I(C), considered essential to a “cradle to grave” program, including long-term waste management planning, program implementation, community education, and staff training. (10 pts.)

• Describes the approach/actions proposed to transfer information and lessons learned during the project to other tribes. (5 pts.)

• Will result in compliance with applicable RCRA regulations. (5 pts.)

Community Health Development. Under this criterion, EPA will evaluate the extent to which:

• The…