EPA-R1-SNEP-2024-NETWORK (Final 2024_02_08).pdf

SOUTHEAST NEW ENGLAND PROGRAM

Request for Applications for

SNEP Technical Assistance Network Federal Fiscal Years 2025-2029

Federal Agency Name: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Region 1

Funding Opportunity Title: Southeast New England Program (SNEP) Technical Assistance

Network FFY2025-FFY2029

Announcement Type: Request for Applications (RFA)

Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-R1-SNEP-2024-NETWORK

Assistance Listing Number: 66.129

Important Dates:

RFA Released 02/12/2024

Information Session (Webinar) 02/25/2024 1:00PM-2:30PM EST

Deadline to Submit Questions via Email Questions should be direct to SECoastalNE@epa.gov

04/12/2024 (11:59PM EST)

Closing Date/Application Deadline Application packages must be submitted electronically to EPA through grants.gov (see Section IV for details)

05/01/2024 (11:59PM EST)

Anticipated Applicant Notifications Summer/Fall 2024

Anticipated Announcement of Awards Fall 2024 mailto:SECoastalNE@epa.gov

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 Contacts

VIII. Other Information

IX. Appendices

Section I: Funding Opportunity Description

A. Background for the Southeast New England Program

The objective of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) is to "restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters." Despite continuing progress in achieving these goals, coastal ecosystems are recognized as particularly vulnerable to upstream pollution sources, fragmented management, and the impacts of climate change. The coastal watersheds of southeast New England are prime examples of this vulnerability. The economy and community health of this region are directly tied to its unique ecological systems, but these systems are currently impaired by excessive nutrients from wastewater and stormwater, by the legacies of past industrial uses, by shifting land use patterns, and other factors. Traditionally, these problems have been addressed independently, separated by jurisdictions, institutional identities, and sometimes parochial interests. It has become clear, however, that the scope and scale of these environmental stressors calls urgently for a more holistic approach to protecting aquatic ecosystems and sustaining local communities. Created by Congress to take this approach, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Southeast New England Program (SNEP) has a crucial role as a partnership facilitator among multiple organizations. Our mission is to foster collaboration among regional partners across southeast New England's coastal watersheds to protect and restore water quality, ecological health, and diverse habitats by sharing knowledge and resources, promoting innovative approaches, and leveraging economic and environmental investments to meet the needs of current and future generations. We aim to empower collective action in the region and address complex, common issues while also working at the local scale to align restoration and management efforts to achieve greater equity, effectiveness and efficiency. SNEP’s priorities and goals have been laid out in the Southeast New England Program 2021-2025 Strategic Plan.

B. Environmental Issues to be Addressed by this RFA This RFA specifically seeks to fund the next iteration of the Southeast New England Program Technical Assistance Network (“The SNEP Network” or “The Network”). The SNEP Network began in Fall 2019 to provide regionally customized training, https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-11/documents/snep-2021-2025-strategic-plan.pdf consultation, and other services to help municipalities, Tribes and other communities better assess and address critical environmental management needs, and ultimately build local capacity to develop and undertake environmental projects on their own. The Network accomplishes this by offering assistance and training to local communities, Tribes, and environmental organizations to improve financial and environmental decision making, project design and implementation, stormwater management, and watershed restoration planning. Information about the current SNEP Network can be found here https://snepnetwork.org/. The original 2019 RFA can be found here:

https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/315950.

Through this RFA, SNEP seeks to continue and enhance the functions of the SNEP Network from FFY2025 to FFY2029 (inclusive). Applicants should demonstrate their ability, and describe their approach, to further the principles on which the Network was founded and manage a regional program that addresses the priorities listed in Section I.C of this RFA. Applications should describe the applicant’s understanding of the Region, coastal watersheds, regional governmental and non-governmental institutions, and local environmental concerns, including infrastructure challenges as well as the needs of disadvantaged communities. In addition, the applicant should describe their plans to provide essential SNEP Network services, including their plans to solicit and obtain appropriate expertise through subawards and/or contracts (if needed), and foster innovations and best practices within the SNEP region.

Ultimately, all work funded or conducted by the SNEP Network is in furtherance of the SNEP Strategic Plan. The Plan lays out the three broad goals of working towards (1) a resilient ecosystem of safe and healthy waters, (2) thriving watersheds and natural lands, and (3) sustainable communities. To achieve those goals, the Plan suggests five priority actions of (1) increasing local capacity, (2) increasing available restoration/protection solutions, (3) ensuring diverse representation, (4) demonstrating ways to address common challenges, and (5) increasing local buy-in by working with community leaders. The grant funded through this RFA should incorporate all three goals using any/all of the five priority actions. Applicants must explain how their project fits within these elements of the SNEP’s Strategic Plan.

C. Goals of this Solicitation EPA Region 1 is soliciting applications for one (1) entity to administer the SNEP Network to support the goals of the SNEP Strategic Plan, and specifically to fulfill the “Proposed Network Functions” and “Proposed Network Expertise” listed later in this section. The total grant amount will be for up to $8,750,000 over five (5) years. The grant will be funded in yearly increments as described in Section II.A. Applicants will be evaluated as stated in Section V.

The total amount of funding anticipated for the first year of this award is $1,750,000.

https://snepnetwork.org/ https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/315950

Broadly, the goal of this solicitation is to provide funding to support continued local training and technical assistance through the next iteration of the SNEP Network to increase the capacity of local organizations to successfully develop, fund, and execute environmental projects. Ultimately, increased capacity will contribute to achieving SNEP’s Strategic Plan goals of healthy waters, thriving habitats, and resilient communities.

In addition to the Proposed Network Functions and Expertise listed below, SNEP seeks an entity to administer the next iteration of the SNEP Network in a way which emphasizes:

• Implementation of the SNEP Strategic Plan.

• Building upon the work of the current SNEP Network (https://snepnetwork.org/).

• Holistic, multi-disciplinary approaches.

• Improved community financing for infrastructure improvements.

• Evaluating and using innovative techniques or techniques which have shown promise elsewhere but haven’t been used in the SNEP Region.

• Work that produces multiple benefits (environmental, social, economic, climate resilience, etc.) in the SNEP Region.

• Assisting communities in recognizing and addressing the impacts of stormwater runoff, habitat loss and reduced function, decentralized wastewater discharges, and climate change.

• Meaningful engagement with disadvantaged communities (as defined by SNEP: Please see map of communities based on this definition).

• Providing planning and training for Tribes and communities that leads to improved financial planning, access to available financing, environmentally sensitive land development and construction practices, and Best Management Practice (BMP) design, permitting and implementation through the development of project pipelines (i.e., plans and designs that prepare entities to develop successful grant applications for funding and implementation).

o A focus on assisting in development and design of project (i.e., the focus should be on project elements which lead to implementation through other funding sources).

o Consider including elements of successful community training programs like Rutgers University’s Green Infrastructure Champions Program.

• Integration with existing regional organizations, efforts, and projects.

• Coordination with the SNEP Watershed Implementation Grants (https://estuaries.org/snep-watershed-grant/) program and other elements of SNEP.

• Collaboration with other technical assistance networks such as the EPA Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers https://snepnetwork.org/ https://epa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=35aa363ddd574202bc12dcf01ede86ca https://estuaries.org/snep-watershed-grant/

Program and national Environmental Finance Centers and with existing regional organizations, efforts, policies, and projects.

Applicants must substantially address the Proposed Network Functions and Expertise below. If an applicant does not believe a function or expertise is feasible given budgetary, time, logistical, or capacity constraints (or any other reason), that must be explained in the application.

Proposed Network Functions:

Applicants may propose a variety of approaches to manage the SNEP Network and provide no-cost training, capacity development, and technical assistance services to Tribes, communities, and environmental organizations in the SNEP Region. Note that project implementation is not an eligible function of the Network. Examples may include a single organization undertaking all Network roles; developing and funding a group of expert organizations qualified to assist in the operation of the Network;

preparing and advertising Request for Proposals (“RFPs”) to solicit a variety of for-profit contractors and/or non-profit subawardees to provide services in support of the Network; securing sources of financial or in-kind sponsorship to support the Network;

and/or any combination of these.

The primary function of the Network is to offer no-cost services that build local capacity to prepare and maintain environmental infrastructure, improve financial planning, encourage smart growth, and improve environmental protection through local guidance and bylaws, and plan environmental projects (including funding, design, permitting, operation, maintenance and oversight). While implementation is not an eligible activity, Network activities are expected to lead to successful on-the-ground implementation. Project types might include activities related to smart growth planning, stormwater and green infrastructure control measures; resiliency planning;

hydrologic restoration; flood mitigation; community septic system management, and various nonpoint source pollution best management practices (structural and/or non-structural).

Network functions should include, but are not limited to:

• Overall financial and logistical administration of the Network, including providing a range of no-cost services and support to local Tribes, communities, and environmental organizations.

• Developing, in conjunction with EPA, and releasing a monthly newsletter highlighting accomplishments of SNEP as a whole, including Network updates. EPA will develop the bulk of the content and the Network will distribute.

• Developing and implementing a SNEP Network “Road Show” communications strategy to engage communities where they are (e.g., in the community or at regional meetings/events), explain the functions of the

Network, share success stories, and seek new technical assistance opportunities.

• Managing a SNEP Network website to serve as an information hub.

• Participating in EPA SNEP events, including forums, symposia, funding announcements and project kickoff events.

• Participating in national networks of financial innovators and environmental professionals to share knowledge with Tribes, communities, and environmental organizations.

• Annual reporting on the achievement of EPA project metrics, contribution to a SNEP End of Year Accomplishments report, and development of activity/project highlights for posting on EPA’s SNEP website and/or other formats.

• Furthering SNEP priorities by facilitating partnerships, networking, and technical transfer to help communities plan for and finance future implementation projects and increase local capacity.

• Having an on-the-ground presence in the SNEP Region by designating lead points of contact for Rhode Island and Massachusetts who are available to share the Networks services at appropriate events and provide technical assistance to organizations in their respective states and generally serve as liaisons.

• Soliciting expert organizations that can provide support to Tribes, local communities, and environmental organizations through RFPs for contracts and/or subawards (if specific expertise is not available within the applicant organization).

• Determining target communities in need of support, identifying opportunities for outreach to gain their participation and provide technical assistance, and developing an understanding of local needs.

• Providing coordination, outreach, training, resources, and opportunities for peer-to-peer learning related to the goals referenced in Sections I.B and I.C of this solicitation.

• Providing financial and environmental training to provide Tribes, local communities and environmental organizations with the expertise referenced later in this solicitation.

• Working with municipalities and Tribes to help them develop successful grant applications, with special attention to organizations that have applied for and been rejected from SNEP funding in the past.

• Connect organizations with local, state and federal permitting authorities to help them understand and successfully navigate permitting requirements related to stormwater, flood reduction, climate resilience and wastewater.

• Where communities are facing similar challenges, provide guidance, tools, training programs, or model bylaws/regulations (for example, see SNEP Network tools like the stormwater retrofit manual, bylaw review tool, grant funding inventory).

https://snepnetwork.org/snep-network-tools-and-resources/ https://snepnetwork.org/snep-network-tools-and-resources/

• Offer trainings to Tribes and communities on the methods and tools available for environmental-sensitive construction practices, smart growth, stormwater planning, habitat resilience, restoration and protection planning, wastewater planning, and climate resiliency planning.

• Provide guidance to small towns which lack professional help on the development and review of a contractor solicitation for services, and oversight.

• Conducting a yearly RFP process to select projects for in-depth, no-cost technical assistance. Examples might include helping a Tribe or community:

o review/develop stormwater bylaws or regulations;

o design and gain permits for a stormwater practice aimed at restoring a water body;

o complete a financing plan;

o apply for funding to upgrade infrastructure;

o develop a Watershed-Based Plan (required for CWA section 319 funded projects);

o prepare a BMP operation and maintenance plan; and o update local regulations to encourage environmentally-sensitive site design and development practices.

• Preparing and gaining approval of Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) for Network activities involving the use of secondary data or modeling.

• Reporting on qualitative and quantitative program measures to capture the environmental outputs, outcomes, and metrics resulting from activities undertaken through this grant.

• Developing a transition plan to ensure that if another entity is awarded the SNEP Network grant after 2029, transition will be as seamless as possible.

The above are examples of the types of activities desired for the Network. Applicants may also describe additional activities for the Network that would amplify its reach and broaden support provided to the Region within the budget constraints of this RFA.

Proposed Network Expertise:

The SNEP Network should, at a minimum, be capable of providing the following expertise to Tribes, communities and local environmental organizations:

• Insight into the SNEP Region’s environmental conditions, including water quality, watershed and habitat conditions, resilience and climate change impacts as well as the Clean Water Act and state water quality and ecosystem regulations.

• Insight into legal, regulatory, political, fiscal, and institutional frameworks governing environmental and municipal management in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Federally Recognized Tribes.

• Conveying complex financial and environmental topics to non-expert audiences and providing training on said subjects.

• Tribal and/or municipal capacity analysis.

• Conventional and innovative approaches for private, federal, state and local financing options and how to apply a mix of options to accomplish local environmental needs, including exploring public-private partnerships.

• Guidance on private, state, federal, and/or local funding sources, such as grants and loans, and how to apply for them.

• Managing environmental assets to serve diverse communities and diverse needs.

• Use and application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

• Hydrologic & hydraulic (H&H) modeling and water quality modeling.

• Land use planning and design including techniques, guidance and regulations that encourage smart growth, environmentally-sensitive development design and construction practices.

• Assistance with stormwater and green infrastructure tools, modeling, regulations and practices (e.g., EPA stormwater performance curves, Opti-tool, New England Stormwater Retrofit Manual, and others); general understanding of EPA, MassDEP and RIDEM stormwater permit requirements; stormwater planning; and identification of cost-effective stormwater control practices including their siting, design, performance, operations and maintenance, and monitoring needs. Stormwater assistance provided through the Network should focus on pre-implementation assistance (i.e., modeling, planning, site and technology selection, design, and permitting; implementation is not an eligible activity).

• Climate resilience modeling, prioritization, planning, and design with a focus on providing both resiliency and water quality, ecosystem, economic and social co-benefits. Assistance provided through the Network should focus on pre-implementation project phases.

• Assistance and training related to septic system regulations, system replacement/upgrade, developing structures of municipal septic oversight, and financing related to those topics. An emphasis should be placed on innovative/alternative (nitrogen reducing) systems. Assistance provided through the Network should focus on pre-implementation project phases.

Applicants must state in the application if they are not capable of providing the expertise identified above.

D. Proposal Details

Applicants should refer to Section IV.F when developing their proposal as well as the evaluation criteria listed in Section V.B.

E. EPA Strategic Plan Linkage

Section 6.a of EPA Order 5700.7 requires EPA to link proposed assistance agreements to the EPA Strategic Plan. EPA also requires grant applicants and recipients to adequately describe environmental outputs and outcomes to be achieved under assistance https://www.epa.gov/npdes-permits/stormwater-tools-new-england agreements. See EPA Order 5700.7, Environmental Results under Assistance Agreements (www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015- 03/documents/epa_order_5700_7a1.pdf).

The activities to be funded under this solicitation must support the FY 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. Awards made under this solicitation will support Goal 5 “Ensure Clean and Safe Water for All Communities,” Objective 5.2 – Protect and Restore Waterbodies and Watersheds; Goal 2 “Take Decisive Action to Advance Environmental Justice and Civil Rights,” Objective 2.2 – Embed Environmental Justice and Civil Rights into EPA’s Programs, Policies, and Activities; and Goal 1 “Tackle the Climate Crisis,” Objective 1.2 – Accelerate Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Change Impacts of the Strategic Plan.

F. Outputs, Outcomes, and Performance Metrics

For this RFA, the term “outcome” means the result, effect, or consequence that will be achieved by carrying out an environmental activity, effort, and/or associated work product 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 within a grant funding period. For this RFA, “Desired Outcomes” describe the environmental conditions that the recipient aims to achieve for the SNEP region that are found in the SNEP Strategic Plan. Efforts to achieve these outcomes will steer the actions necessary to meet specific targets. These outcomes will help achieve SNEP’s three overarching goals and their outcomes:

• Prevent, reduce and eliminate pollution to waters to support native seagrasses and aquatic life, plentiful native fish and shellfish, and a variety of water-based recreation opportunities.

• Protect and restore watershed habitat so that they provide essential ecological functions, species diversity, and protection from both human-based and naturally occurring environmental stressors, and healthy, connected natural lands which support a variety and range of native plant and wildlife communities.

• Prevent, reduce and eliminate pollution to waters to encourage the development of communities that share robust water-based economies and strive to foster equity in health and economic outcomes, prevent, reduce and eliminate pollution to waters by protecting and providing access to natural lands, open spaces and parks, and prevent, reduce and eliminate pollution to air by encouraging local food sources, and adapting for resilience to expected impacts of climate change.

For this RFA, the term “output” means an environmental activity, effort, and/or associated work product 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 over the term of the grant funding period. For this RFA, “Outputs” are detailed activities that SNEP, our recipients and their partners will undertake to meet quantitative targets, work towards accomplishing 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 https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan desired outcomes, and ultimately achieve the SNEP 2050 regional vision. EPA has developed SNEP project metrics (see Appendix B) that capture outputs generally supported by SNEP funding, and that when completed, contribute to achieving program outcomes.

Applicants should consider the following questions when developing output and outcome measures of quantitative and qualitative results:

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

• How will progress be measured in achieving the expected results (including outputs and outcomes) and how will their proposed approach use resources effectively and efficiently?

• Are there ways to incorporate social and/or economic benefits as part of a broader environmental improvement effort?

For this RFA, the term “metrics” refers to specific, trackable measures specified by SNEP (see Appendix B for a list of potential project metrics). Applicants must incorporate metrics reporting into their workplan and shall select SNEP metrics related to the outcomes/outputs of the proposed project. Please note, selected recipients shall work with EPA to determine final metrics for the recipient to track and report on through the life of the grant.

G. Statutory Authority

The SNEP program is authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328), and the Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-22). This authority allows EPA to award grants and cooperative agreements to carry out the SNEP, including planning, research, monitoring, outreach, and implementation projects within the SNEP geographic area.

H. Additional Provisions for Applicants Incorporated into this 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. 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 this solicitation to obtain the provisions.

Section II: Award Information A. Funding Amount and Expected Number of Awards

EPA expects to award one (1) cooperative agreement for activities under this RFA. The total estimated funding available for the awards under this competitive opportunity is up to $8,750,000 over five years, distributed incrementally over the life of the grant.

EPA anticipates roughly $1,750,000 increments.

https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2022-06/external-clauses-2022-06-06.pdf

All funding decisions are subject to funding availability, quality of applications, and other applicable considerations.

B. Partial Funding Provision 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.

C. No Awards Provision EPA reserves the right to reject all proposals and make no award under this announcement.

D. Additional Awards 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 selections are made. Any additional selections for awards will be made no later than 6 months after the original selection decisions.

E. Award Type EPA intends to award one (1) cooperative agreement 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.

• Review of proposed procurements in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.317 and 2 C.F.R. § 200.318.

• Approving qualifications of key personnel (EPA will not select employees or contractors employed by the award applicant).

• Review and comment on reports prepared under the cooperative agreement (the final decision on the content of the report rests with the applicant).

EPA personnel do not have the authority to select employees or contractors employed by the successful applicant or to direct, recommend or direct that the pass-through entity make a subaward to a particular organization. EPA personnel may, if requested by the successful applicant, participate in selection panels to the extent permitted by section 10(b) of the EPA Subaward Policy. EPA staff may also approve the substantive terms of subawards to ensure compliance with legal or policy requirements.

F. Expected Project Period

For this RFA, it is EPA’s expectation that the award will have a maximum period of performance of up to five years (October 2024 – September 2029). No commitment of funding will be made beyond the first year and subsequent funding is dependent on Congressional appropriation levels for SNEP. The expected start date for the award resulting from this RFA is 10/01/2024.

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

A. Eligible Applicants In accordance with Assistance Listing 66.129, assistance under this SNEP RFA is available to state, local, and tribal governments; institutions of higher education; nonprofit institutions and organizations; and interstate agencies. Private businesses, federal agencies, and individuals are not eligible to apply; however, they may work in partnership with eligible applicants on these projects.

For-profit organizations are not an eligible entity for this funding opportunity.

Additionally, non-profit organizations described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying activities as defined in Section 3 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 are not eligible to apply.

Consistent with the definition of nonprofit organization at 2 C.F.R. § 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 C.F.R. § 200.1 specifically excludes Institutions of Higher Education from the definition of non-profit organization because they are separately defined in the regulation. While not considered to be a nonprofit organization(s) as defined by 2 C.F.R.

§ 200.1, public or nonprofit Institutions of Higher Education are, nevertheless, eligible to submit applications under this RFA. 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.

B. Cost Share/Match Requirements https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-solicitation-clauses

This award requires that at least 20% of the total federal dollars awarded must be matched by non-federal funds. This award therefore requires that applications include at least a 20% match, i.e., $1 in non-federal match for every $5 of federal funds requested.

To calculate the minimum match under this RFA, multiply the total federal request by

0.2 using the following formula.

Total Federal Funds Requested ($) times (0.2) = minimum cost share/match ($)

For example, if an applicant is requesting $8,750,000 in federal funds, they would need to provide $1,750,000 in match, for a total project cost of $10,500,000.

Match/cost shares can be in the form of cash or in-kind contributions, such as the use of volunteers and/or donated time, equipment, expertise, salaries, or other verifiable costs and must be carefully documented. Involvement from foundations, watershed groups, private sector, eligible governmental, as well as non-conventional partners can help with match. The match/cost share must be for allowable project costs under the SNEP funding authority described in Section I.G, and any restrictions on the use of grant funds also apply to the use of cost share/matching funds. In the case of salaries, applicants may use either minimum wage or fair market value. All funds are subject to federal audit. Applicants that do not describe how they will meet the minimum match/cost share requirements in their submission will not be considered for funding.

Other federal grants may not be used as cost share/match for this solicitation without specific statutory authority. Regulations governing match/cost share requirements are found in 2 C.F.R. § 200.306.

C. Threshold Eligibility Criteria

Only applications from eligible entities (see Section III.A above) that meet the following threshold eligibility criteria will be evaluated against the criteria in Section V.B.

Applicants deemed ineligible for funding consideration as a result of the threshold eligibility review will be notified within 15 calendars days of the ineligibility determination.

a. Applicant activities, contract and subaward projects funded under this RFA must be eligible for funding under the Assistance Listing 66.129, Geographic Programs – Southeast New England Coastal Watershed Restoration Program and carried out within SNEP geographic region (see map in Appendix A).

b. Applications must substantially address the Proposed Network Functions and Expertise listed in Section I.C.

c. Applications must substantially comply with the application submission instructions and requirements set forth in Section IV of this solicitation or else they will be rejected. However, where a page limit is expressed in https://sam.gov/fal/0c227372e97b4bcc8042d8b16a812bbb/view https://sam.gov/fal/0c227372e97b4bcc8042d8b16a812bbb/view https://epa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=596401a1439e48a8a02ce9473b453c41

Section IV 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.

d. In addition, initial applications must be submitted through Grants.gov as stated in Section IV of this solicitation (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 solicitation. Applicants are responsible for following the submission instructions in Section IV of this solicitation 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.

e. Applications submitted outside of Grants.gov or after the submission deadline 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.

f. 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 entire application, render the entire application ineligible for funding.

Section IV: Application and Submission Information

A. Coalition Coverage

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

Coalitions must identify which eligible organization will be the recipient of the grant and which eligible organization(s) will be subrecipients of the recipient (the “pass-through entity”). Subawards must be consistent with the definition of that term in 2 C.F.R. §

200.1 and comply with EPA’s Subaward Policy. The pass-through entity that administers the grant and subawards will be accountable to EPA for proper expenditure of the funds and reporting and will be the point of contact for the coalition. As provided in 2 C.F.R. § https://www.epa.gov/grants/grants-policy-issuance-gpi-16-01-epa-subaward-policy-epa-assistance-agreement-recipients

200.332, subrecipients are accountable to the pass-through entity for proper use of EPA funding. For-profit organizations are not eligible for subawards under this grant program but may receive procurement contracts. Any contracts for services or products funded with EPA financial assistance must be awarded under the competitive procurement procedures of 2 C.F.R. Part 200 and/or 2 C.F.R. Part 1500, as applicable. The regulations at 2 C.F.R. § 1500.10 contain limitations on the extent to which EPA funds may be used to compensate individual consultants. Refer to the Best Practice Guide for Procuring Services, Supplies, and Equipment Under EPA Assistance Agreements for guidance on competitive procurement requirements and consultant compensation. Do not name a procurement contractor (including a consultant) as a “partner” or otherwise in your application unless the contractor has been selected in compliance with competitive procurement requirements.

B. 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 IV.D, Technical Issues with Submission, below.

C. 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 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.grants.gov/ 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 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 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 https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html 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://www.grants.gov/ 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 05/01/2024 11:59 PM ET.

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 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.

D. 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:

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

• Document the Grants.gov ticket/case number.

• Send an email with EPA-R1-SNEP-2024-NETWORK in the subject line to SECoastalNE@epa.gov before the application deadline time and date and must include the following:

▪ Grant.gov ticket/case number(s)

▪ Description of the issue

▪ 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 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.

https://gditshared.servicenowservices.com/hhs_grants mailto:support@grants.gov

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.

E. 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. Budget Detail (Budget Narrative Attachment Form)

6. Project Narrative Attachment Form: Use this to submit your Project Narrative, prepared as described in Section IV.F

7. Supporting Documents (Other Attachments Form)

a) Resumes or curriculum vitae of staff who will be working on the grant.

b) Letters of commitment from any partners identified in the proposal in order to confirm their partnership. If no partners are identified, letters of commitment are not required.

c) List documenting past or ongoing federal and/or non-federally funded assistance agreements administer by the applicant, including documentation supporting grant performance and meeting of reporting requirements.

d) Documents of non-profit status if appropriate.

e) Verification of proposed sources of matching funding (if available).

F. Format for Proposal Narratives

Proposal narratives must be no longer than 15 numbered pages (“Pages” refers to one side of a single-spaced, typed page, i.e., a double-sided page equals two pages), 8.5x11 inches, single spaced, font size no smaller than 10pt) and must address the evaluation criteria in Section V.B. The narrative should include a cover page with applicant contact information and the proposal’s title. The 15 pages do not include the cover page, Supporting Documents listed above, the budget detail/narrative, the SF-424, SF-424A, Key Contacts Form, or EPA Form 4700-4.

Applicants should fully address the criteria listed in Section V.B.

https://www.sam.gov/SAM/

Section V: Application Review Information

A. Evaluation Process After EPA reviews applications for threshold eligibility as described in Section III, eligible applications will be reviewed by a team of EPA, state, and/or non-governmental organization professionals with a working knowledge of the technical and programmatic aspects needed to rigorously evaluate applications. EPA will not consider the qualifications, experiences, and expertise of named subrecipients and/or named contractor(s) during the application evaluation process.

B. Evaluation Criteria Eligible applications will be evaluated and scored by reviewers using the criteria listed below. Applicants should explicitly address these criteria as part of their application package submittal in the project narrative, following the content requirements set forth in Part IV. Each application may receive up to 100 points. Applications should fully address these criteria.

Criterion Description of Evaluation Criteria Point Value

Regional Context Under this criterion, reviewers will evaluate the application based on the extent and quality to which the applicant:

• Demonstrates familiarity and local expertise with environmental, historical, and institutional conditions in the SNEP region, including relevant advisory experience working with local communities, the States of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, Tribes, and environmental organizations.

• Demonstrates their experience working in the SNEP region to convene and facilitate partnerships, understand local and regional needs, provide technical assistance, and undertake environmental projects.

Technical Assistance Network Description

Under this criterion, reviewers will evaluate the application based on the extent…