ESBD_515675_1778788589196_582-27-00033 - Solicitation - Application.docx

TCEQ Solicitation No.: 582-27-00033

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source (NPS) Grant Program Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2027 Grant Application Form The “Nonpoint Source Project Viewer” may help answer questions in this application.

(Can be obtained from SAM.gov).

☐ Watershed Protection Plan (WPP)* Implementation (A1)** ☐ Full WPP Development (A2) ☐ Partial WPP Development (A2): List which of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s nine key elements will be completed through this project (see link to Guidelines below).

☐ Other (A2): Concisely describe the project type.

· Work proposed is not associated with any WPP (i.e., a stand-alone project), or proposal will implement an approved Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Implementation Plan (I-Plan).

*WPP = United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) nine key element plan developed in conformance with the Nonpoint Source Program and Grants Guidelines for States and Territories.

**A1 and A2 Projects will be funded from separate portions of the EPA grant. Projects implementing EPA-accepted WPPs will be evaluated using the A1 criteria as described in the Request for Grant Applications (RFGA) Kit. All other projects will be evaluated using A2 criteria.

1. Project Administration

and provide the specific coordinates shown in the lower left-hand corner.

[BMP 1 Name] – Longitude: (e.g., -97.670456), Latitude: (e.g., 30.509522) [BMP 2 Name] – Longitude: (e.g., -97.670456), Latitude: (e.g., 30.509522)

If specific coordinates cannot be provided, please give an explanation as to why not.

If no physical BMPs are part of this project, enter “Not applicable. This project will not implement physical BMPs.”

Upon signature approval of both parties – August 31, 2030.

Name/Signature:

Title:

Date:

Project Map Insert a map of the watershed showing relevant geographical context, such as the watershed boundary, cities, monitoring stations, BMP sites, etc. Maps must include a title, legend, scale bar, and north arrow. Additional maps should be included to show a close-up of project area(s) especially if physical BMP work is proposed. WPP development and Watershed Characterization projects must show the location of TCEQ water quality sampling station in the watershed on the map.

Activities Check all that apply from the list.

☐ Routine Water Quality Monitoring ☐ Storm Event Monitoring ☐ BMP Effectiveness Monitoring ☐ Specialized Monitoring ☐ Modeling ☐ Data Analysis ☐ Geospatial Database and/or Analysis ☐ Pollutant Load Calculations for Watershed Characterization/WPP Development ☐ Load Reduction Calculations for implementing BMPs ☐ On-site Sewage Facility (OSSF) Remediation ☐ Stakeholder Group Coordination and Meetings ☐ Implement Structural Management Measures ☐ Implement Non-Structural Management Measures ☐ Implement Low Impact Development (LID) Management Measures ☐ Education/Technical Workshops ☐ Outreach and Education ☐ Other: Concisely describe the activity.

Project Partners and Roles Applicants are required to provide unique written letters of commitment from each partner who will materially contribute to the project (e.g., match funds, BMP site, stakeholder venue). Please do not use form (i.e., identical) letters for each partner. Additionally, letters of commitment should be provided from entities whose approval is needed to execute the project.

If developing a WPP, letters of commitment from major partners and/or stakeholders should be included to document local interest and support of the project.

Match funds will be needed for every quarterly invoice submittal. It is expected that match funds will be available by quarter two for billing purposes.

Project Partners (Organizations) List entities other than the lead organization that will actively participate in the project. If certain project activities will be subcontracted through a competitive process, please enter “subcontractor”. If a non-competitive process will be used, please enter “subaward”.

If entity other than the project lead organization is providing match/in-kind funds, a letter of commitment is needed from that entity which states the amount being provided.

Repeat this row for each partner organization participating in this project.

Amount of Match/in-kind being provided: $ Commitment Letter provided: Yes ☐ No ☐

Does the project implement an EPA accepted WPP?

Yes ☐ No ☐ If yes, complete the additional items below.

If no, delete the additional items below.

Document Title: Give the title of the document and a web link or other reference information to indicate how the document may be located.

Developing Organization: Identify the organization that developed the document, and any organizations that approved the document.

State Agency Overseeing Plan: Indicate the state agency overseeing the plan (TCEQ or TSSWCB).

Year Accepted by EPA: Provide the year that the document was accepted by EPA.

Measures to Implement: Specify the locations in the document (section, page number, and management measure) that reference the measures proposed to be implemented in this project.

Yes, fully ☐ Yes, partially ☐ No ☐ If yes, Will project activities involve OSSF remediation (inspection, repair, and/or replacement)?

Yes ☐ No ☐

If yes, List the priority segments in the most recent NPS Priority Watersheds Report that the project will address.

Yes ☐ No ☐ If yes, complete the additional item below.

If no, delete the additional items below.

MS4 Permit Holder: Enter the name of the permittee that holds the MS4 permit.

Based on review of permit, SWMP, latest annual report, and consultation with permittee, explain how activities under this project are not required under the MS4 Permit or associated SWMP. Annual Reports may be requested by TCEQ during application review.

· Activities such as excavation and digging may require review under the National Historic Preservation Act.

· Activities that propose hydrology changes to floodplains, regulatory floodways, or flood elevations that change the National Flood Insurance Map may need to be reviewed by FEMA.

Yes ☐ No ☐ If no, delete the additional items below.

If yes, Describe what steps have already been taken in the process:

Title VI: Requirements for Limited English Proficient (LEP) Populations Use the American Community Survey data from the U.S. Census Bureau to determine the percentage of LEP in project area. Title VI instructions are provided in the RFGA Instructions Kit, Attachment B.

No ☐

B. Does the project involve any education and outreach activities?

If yes, answer questions C-E.

If no, skip to next application section.

Yes ☐

C. Is this a statewide project?

If yes, projects are required to provide materials in Spanish, and question D can be skipped.

Yes ☐

D. Does the project area have a population of 5% or more LEP?

If no, skip to next application section.

If yes, list the common language(s):

Yes ☐

No ☐

Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act If yes/public to all questions, this project must follow BABA requirements. More information is provided in the RFGA Instructions Kit.

A. Does this project include construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair using any of the materials listed in the BABA section of the RFGA Instructions Kit?

Only answer B and C if answer is Yes.

Yes ☐

B. Will the project happen on public or private property?

If private only, skip to next application section, BABA will not apply.

Public ☐ Private ☐

C. Is the federal cost of the construction activity using these materials greater than $250,000?

Only include reimbursable costs associated with construction tasks, not the entire project budget or applicant’s cost share portion.

If no, project may be waived from BABA.

If yes, applicants selected for funding must incorporate a Buy America preference in their work and in the terms and conditions of each of their awarded contract/subcontract/subaward.

Yes ☐

Assessment Unit (AU) Water Quality Status in the most recently EPA approved Texas Integrated Report of Surface Water Quality for Clean Water Act Sections 305(b) and 303(d) at the time of application submittal. If EPA has not approved the draft version, use the previous EPA approved Integrated Report.

Year of Texas Integrated Report used: Enter the Integrated Report year that was used to complete this section.

Provide the segment name(s) and ID number(s), AU ID number(s), parameters of impairment (e.g., bacteria) or concern (CN or CS) (e.g., nutrients), and numeric category (e.g., 5a,b,c,n,r 4a) for all AUs that will be affected by your project as listed in the latest EPA approved Texas Integrated Report at the time of application submittal.

Also list AUs in the project area that are not impaired if this is a protection WPP. (Not applicable for statewide projects).

Fish consumption advisories, mercury, metals, pesticides, organics, biological indicators, and legacy contaminants like PCB and DDE are not addressed by the NPS Program and should not be included in the table.

Background Information Provide a brief statement (1-3 paragraphs) of the water quality problem to be addressed by the project. Include brief descriptions of other projects and coordination efforts that have addressed the water quality issues of the water body. Describe how this project builds on and will be coordinated (technically, financially) with those efforts.

Detailed Project Description Provide a narrative description (3-7 paragraphs) of the project activities, how the activities will address the water quality problem(s), and how the activities will accomplish the project’s goals described in Section 29. This description should include:

· Justification for the project overall and how it addresses the water quality problem.

· Data that will be collected under this project or acquired from another source.

· For outreach and education components of the project:

· What will be accomplished through these activities and how the activities will lead to the accomplishment of project goals.

· Why new materials are needed and how materials created through the project are unique in comparison to materials already available.

· Describe how the project can be scaled if more or less funding than requested is available.

For WPP implementation projects, include:

· Description of the project location, vicinity of work to impaired AUs.

· Discussion of how the management measure(s) are designed to achieve measurable results/load reductions.

· Description of the stakeholders’/partners’ roles in carrying out implementation activities including support with match funding, cash, or in-kind services.

· Description of how the implementation activities integrate with the rest of the WPP.

· Discussion of how the proposed project can encourage further WPP implementation.

For WPP development projects, include:

· Discussion of existing stakeholder activity in the watershed and discussion of capacity for active stakeholder group development and participation.

· Description of the stakeholder group’s role throughout the project including support with match funding, cash, or in-kind services.

· Discussion of known data sources that will be used in the project; describe any preliminary data reviews/analyses conducted.

· Discussion of data needs, with reference to why additional data are necessary.

· Supporting information for the likelihood of WPP implementation after development is complete, with reference to entities/partners who can provide sustainability.

For statewide education and outreach projects, include:

· Coordination with local entities in areas where the project will be conducted, including but not limited to local governments, non-governmental organizations, watershed coordinators, and stakeholders.

Additional Information Project Environmental Data Operations Environmental data operations are defined as acquiring, generating, or analyzing environmental data. These activities typically include but are not limited to data acquisition for statistical and geospatial analysis, environmental data collection, modeling, and associated reports. Environmental data operations require coverage under a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP). Provide an overview of any environmental data operations that will be conducted. Explain why the information is needed and how it will be used. See the QAPP Requirements section of the RFGA Instructions Kit for a definition and explanation.

Sustainability Describe continuing efforts of the project after project completion, including:

· Continued stakeholder group support and involvement.

· Funding commitments.

· How structural management measures (e.g., rain gardens, pet waste stations, constructed low-impact development features) will be operated and maintained, and their impact after project completion (structural management measures must be properly operated and maintained for a minimum of ten years or the appropriate number of years per commonly accepted standards).

· Anticipated long range impact and sustainability of educational programs after project completion.

Project Readiness Describe any conditions that demonstrate the project is ready to proceed, such as having a project team in place, using an existing approved QAPP for one or more Tasks, construction activities that have approval/permits, or the project constituting a subsequent phase of a completed project. Indicate if a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) has been adopted or if a TMDL Implementation Plan has been approved for the AUs in this project area.

Describe the pre-planning that has occurred to develop this project, such as coordination with partners, preliminary check for quantity of data (temporally and spatially), or how this project is a continuation of an existing project/program.

If the project is conducting any construction, bank stabilization, changes flood plains, etc. are the proper permits already acquired or applied for?

Describe source(s) of match and if 40% match is available to fund the project beginning within three months of anticipated start date of project.

For statewide projects or projects working in multiple watersheds, describe how you will prioritize work done in these watersheds.

Project Goals and Measures of Success In the table below, identify the intended outcomes or accomplishments (goals) for the project and the associated measure of success indicating that the goal has been achieved. Include clearly defined goals and measures of success, including a description of how achievement of the goal will be documented.

Information provided in this section should be related to the water quality problems or challenges described in Section 25 and the project description in Section 27.

Environmental goals should be detailed and quantifiable, particularly where historical information or previous projects provide a basis for projections or estimates.

Additional narrative information may be included below the table if applicable.

Estimated Load Reductions and Method(s) (if applicable) If developing a WPP or WC, put not applicable for this section.

a. Management Measures Describe how the project will implement management measures to reduce pollutant loads. Education and outreach, monitoring, data acquisition, or other activities not directly impacting water quality are not considered load reduction management measures under this question.

b. Load Reduction Estimates and Methods If implementing a structural BMP, describe the reduction methodology that will be used to estimate loads. Upon project completion, you will be expected to provide load reduction estimates in pounds per year for all impairments to be addressed, as well as total phosphorus, total nitrogen, and sediment (TSS used as a surrogate).

c. Locations Identify potential locations of management measures. (Use a map or add a list of latitude and longitude points).

Tasks Separate Tasks/Subtask activities should be developed for distinct procedures, events, and outcomes. The Project Administration, Quality Assurance (if needed), and Final Report Tasks are provided and should not be edited.

All Deliverable due dates are calendar days unless otherwise specified.

Task 1: Project Administration

Objective: To effectively administer, coordinate, and monitor any work performed under this project including contractual, technical and financial supervision and submittal of Progress Reports.

Subtask 1.1: Project Oversight — The Performing Party will provide contractual, technical and fiscal oversight of work performed by project staff and/or any subgrantee(s)/subcontractor(s) to ensure Tasks and Deliverables are acceptable and completed as scheduled and within budget. Project oversight status will be provided to the TCEQ Project Manager with the quarterly Progress Reports.

Subtask 1.2: Progress Reports (PRs) — The Performing Party will submit PRs to the TCEQ Project Manager by the 15th of the month following the end of the quarter. If the 15th is not a business day, the PR is due on the next business day. PRs will include reporting on the status of Deliverables and proposed revisions to due dates, narrative description of progress made on each Task, including Subtasks, and the status of nonconformances/corrective actions. The TCEQ Project Manager will provide a PR template to the Performing Party.

Subtask 1.3: Reimbursement Forms (Financial Status Reports)— The Performing Party will submit reimbursement forms at quarterly intervals. The reporting periods will correspond to the State of Texas fiscal year (September-November, December-February, March-May, and June-August). Requests for reimbursement must be submitted within 30 days after the close of each quarter with the exception of the last fiscal quarter of the Contract, when the final invoice will be due within 45 days after the close of the Contract.

Subtask 1.4: Contract Communication — The Performing Party will maintain regular quarterly communication with the TCEQ Project Manager regarding the status and progress of the project and any matters that require attention between PRs. The Performing Party will provide meeting notes to the TCEQ Project Manager and identify action items within seven (7) days of each project meeting.

The Performing Party will attend a project-specific post award meeting to discuss details of the project and due dates for Deliverables at the beginning of the project. The post award meeting will serve as the first project meeting.

Subtask 1.5: Performing Party Evaluation — The Performing Party will participate in an annual Performance Evaluation at the end of each state fiscal year. The TCEQ Project Manager will provide a draft annual evaluation to the Performing Party for comment before a final evaluation is completed.

Subtask 1.6: Project Article — The Performing Party, upon request by TCEQ, will provide a project article that will state the project’s purpose and describe the activities of the past fiscal year and include photographs of the project. The Performing Party will address TCEQ comments on the draft version and provide a Final Article.

Subtask 1.7: Contract Budget Updates — The Performing Party will provide updated budget estimates on a quarterly basis. These updates, recorded in the PRs, will be revised when fiscal year spending projections change, or upon written request by the TCEQ Project Manager. In the second year of the Contract, the Performing Party will provide an Annual Budget Update for the current State of Texas fiscal year detailing spending projections associated with planned project activities.

Deliverables:

If the project includes environmental data operations (data collection, modeling, or acquisition for statistical or geospatial analysis), then include Task 2: Quality Assurance. In most cases, Spatially Explicit Load Enrichment Calculation Tool (SELECT) and Load Duration Curves (LDCs) can be completed under an acquired data QAPP.

Task 2: Quality Assurance

Objective: To refine, document, and implement data quality objectives (DQOs) and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) activities that ensure data of known and acceptable quality are generated by this project.

Subtask 2.1: QAPP Planning Meetings — The Performing Party will schedule a QAPP planning meeting with the TCEQ Project Manager, within 30 days of Contract execution, to discuss project activities and the elements in the applicable QAPP Shell. The information developed during this meeting will be incorporated into a QAPP by the Performing Party. The TCEQ Project Manager will provide the appropriate shell(s) to the Performing Party.

Subtask 2.2: QAPP — The Performing Party will develop and submit to TCEQ a QAPP with project-specific DQOs and other components consistent with the following documents:

TCEQ QAPP Shell(s)/example(s) – provided by TCEQ Project Manager EPA Quality Assurance Project Plan Standard (CIO 2105-S-02.1) TCEQ Surface Water Quality Monitoring (SWQM) Procedures

The Performing Party will develop the QAPP in consultation with the TCEQ Project Manager, QA staff, and subgrantees/subcontractors (if any). The Performing Party will address comments and submit a final QAPP for review. The QAPP must be signed by TCEQ before the Performing Party and its subcontractors(s)/subgrantees(s) can initiate environmental data operation.

Subtask 2.3: QAPP Annual Reviews and Revisions — The Performing Party will submit documentation certifying its annual review or supporting the revision of the QAPP at least 90 days prior to the QAPP anniversary or expiration date. QAPP Amendments approved since the initial QAPP approval or a subsequent certified annual review (if applicable) must be submitted along with the certification. For multi-year QAPPs a full revision may be required to update the QAPP expiration date as determined by the TCEQ Project Manager and QA staff. No work described in a QAPP will be conducted outside the effective QAPP period

Subtask 2.4: QAPP Amendments — The Performing Party will submit Draft QAPP Amendments for TCEQ review when changes to the QAPP are necessary. The TCEQ Project Manager will provide a QAPP Amendment Shell. Draft QAPP Amendments should be submitted at least 90 days prior to the scheduled initiation of changes and must be accompanied by a justification, summary of changes, and detail of changes. The Performing Party will submit Final QAPP Amendments within 30 days of receipt of any comments provided by TCEQ. Final QAPP Amendments will be submitted to TCEQ with responses to comments for final approval. QAPP Amendments must be approved by TCEQ before the Performing Party and its subcontractors(s)/subgrantees(s) can implement any changes conveyed within those QAPP Amendments.

Subtask 2.5: Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) — The Performing Party will provide CAPs, as needed, to document deviations from the approved QAPP, including, but not limited to deviations from sampling method requirements, sample design, failures associated with chain-of-custody procedures, or failures associated with field and laboratory measurement systems. Draft CAPs will be submitted to TCEQ for review by TCEQ’s designated due date. The Performing Party will address TCEQ’s comments and will submit final CAPs to TCEQ by the designated due date.

Subtask 2.6: Quality Assurance Audits — The Performing Party will participate in and conduct quality assurance-related auditing activities conducted by TCEQ as described in the QAPP. The Performing Party will provide responses to any audit finding(s) or deficiencies within a timeframe designated by TCEQ.

Deliverables:

Duplicate the blank Task template below as necessary to enter all the Tasks for your project. You may also use the Task Language document provided with this RFGA to insert common NPS project tasks, as appropriate. Separate Tasks should be developed for distinct activities, and subtasks should be used to provide greater detail about specific components of the Task. Modeling, monitoring, and data acquisition Tasks must be listed separately. For each Task, provide the following information:

Task: Identify the Task number and provide a concise title for the Task.

Objective: State an objective (1-3 sentences) for each Task specifying what the Task is intended to accomplish. Must start with “To…”.

Subtasks: Insert subtasks representing each important and distinct activity involved in the primary Task.

· Number each subtask with the overall Task number followed by a period and the corresponding subtask number.

· Provide a name for the subtask using bold font, followed by an “em” dash (—).

· All subtasks must start with “The Performing Party will…”.

· Draft and Final Task Reports may be included for Tasks resulting in major deliverables such as large outreach campaigns, modeling reports, water quality analyses results, etc.

Deliverables: List all the deliverables for the Task. Deliverables are tangible work products to be submitted in fulfillment and/or documentation of the Task. Assure that all subtasks are documented via at least one deliverable. Completion of minor activities may be documented via PRs (e.g., Deliverable: “Documentation of sampling events (in PRs)”).

Task language for water quality monitoring, modeling, watershed characterization, and WPP Development projects is available in the Project-Specific Task Language released with the application materials. Applicants should use this language when adding additional Tasks.

Task:

Objective: To

Subtask (#.#): Subtask Title — The Performing Party will

Subtask (#.#): (Task Name) Task Report — The Performing Party will produce a report summarizing all [insert type of activities, e.g., education and outreach] activities under this Task. If the TCEQ Project Manager determines that the Draft Task Report requires no edits by the Performing Party, the Draft Task Report will also serve as the Final Task Report.

Deliverables: Please do not use Word’s bullet/numbered lists as often subtasks will have multiple deliverables.

The Final Report Task is provided and required for all projects. The appropriate Task number should be entered. No other information should be edited under the Final Report Task.

For projects that will be implementing a WPP or if no WPP is involved, use the following language for the Final Report Task:

Task (#): Final Report

Objective: To produce a Final Report that summarizes all completed Task activities and conclusions reached during the project. The Final Report will discuss the extent to which project goals and purposes have been achieved and should emphasize successes, failures, and lessons learned. The Final Report should include analyses estimating the project’s water quality improvements and/or load reductions, if applicable. The Final Report will summarize all the Task Reports; Task Reports can be attached as appendices to provide detailed information.

Subtask (#).1: Draft Final Report — At least 45 days prior to submitting the Final Report, the Performing Party will provide a Draft Final Report. The comprehensive report should document all Deliverables under this Scope of Work. The Draft Final Report should be structured per the following outline:

· Title

· Table of Contents

· Executive Summary

· Introduction

· Project Description and Purpose

· Methods

· Study Area/ maps, [maps subject to TCEQ approval when made by a contractor.]

· Summary of work completed in all Tasks

· Results and Observations

· Amount of federal project funding and amount spent, unspent and why

· Discussion: include deliverables not completed, lessons learned, and recommendations

· Water quality results achieved/estimated load reductions (if applicable to project)

· References

· Appendices (if needed)

Subtask (#).2: Final Report — The Performing Party will revise the Draft Final Report to address comments provided by the TCEQ Project Manager. At least 14 days before the expiration of the Contract, the Performing Party will submit the Final Report to the TCEQ Project Manager.

Deliverables:

For projects that will be completing a WPP, use the following language for the Final Report Task:

Task #: Final Report

Objective: To produce a Final Report that summarizes all completed activities and the amount of funds spent on the project.

Subtask #.1: Final Report — The Performing Party will submit the final approved PR from Subtask 1.2 as the Final Report. This final PR will summarize all project activities and document submittal of all Deliverables.

Deliverables:

#.1 Final Report (within 15 days of TCEQ approval of last quarterly PR)

Complete all budget tables in the required RFGA27 Budget Tables Excel document. General instructions for the tables are listed both here and in the Excel document.

Do not paste copies/images of budget tables into this application form.

All budget information is contained within separate Excel spreadsheets.

Budget Summary Complete “Table 32” sheet in RFGA27 Budget Tables Excel document.

All costs and activities associated with the project must be allowable and in accordance with 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200. TCEQ will evaluate the extent to which the Budget presents estimated costs for each budget category and whether the costs are reasonable and necessary.

Applicants must provide documentation of their current indirect cost rate from a cognizant agency or a state single audit coordinating agency. Entities who have never received a negotiated indirect cost rate may elect to use a de minimis rate of 15% of modified total direct costs (MTDC).

Please check one of the following:

☐ This project will use the 15% de minimis rate, which cannot be adjusted during the entirety of the project.

☐ This project has a federally negotiated indirect cost rate and will supply documentation if selected for funding.

TCEQ Reimbursable Project Costs (Federal portion must be exactly 60% of overall project costs) Complete “Table 33” sheet in RFGA27 Budget Tables Excel document.

Provide estimated federal reimbursable costs in each budget category, the basis for the costs, and a breakdown of the costs (itemized expenses) under each budget category. Provide adequate detail in the justification (itemized expenses) sections to account for the full cost of each category.

Matching Project Costs provided by the Grantee (Non-Federal portion must be exactly 40% of overall project costs) Complete “Table 34” sheet in RFGA27 Budget Tables Excel document.

Provide adequate details of the estimated matching costs in each budget category and the basis for the costs, breaking down the costs (itemized expenses) under each budget category. Matching funds cannot come from federal sources and must be allowable costs under federal regulations. Sources may include state funds, local funds, or in-kind contributions.

Match should be available for billing purposes beginning in quarter two. If this will not be feasible an explanation MUST be provided here. All invoices must have 40% match.

By quarter two of the project, match for invoice submittals to TCEQ:

☐ Will be available ☐ Will not be available; Provide explanation:

Budget by Task Complete “Table 35” sheet in RFGA27 Budget Tables Excel document.

Provide the estimated costs for each Task. Tasks shown must match Tasks in Sections 8 and 31.

1. Total Budget by Year Complete “Table 36” sheet in RFGA27 Budget Tables Excel document.

Provide an estimate of the total costs per year (federal and match) of the project according to expected activities and expenses. Yearly budgets should be as accurate as possible and responses only showing one-third of the total for each year are not acceptable. Note: An original QAPP routinely takes four months to receive final approval; adjust anticipated budget for year one to meet tasks expected to be accomplished.

☐ Colleague at your organization ☐ External organization (Please specify) ☐ Other (Please specify)

Applicant Qualifications

· Provide a brief (1-2 paragraphs) description of the Applicant’s organization and previous experience related to the activities in the proposed project, including other state- or federally funded projects. Please cite reports and other work products produced by the Applicant/Team.

· Please identify key project staff. Describe their project role, qualifications, and expertise in specific activities (technical, outreach, budgetary, grant and contract management, other), including work on related or similar projects.

· Please describe the Applicant’s technical and financial management capabilities and resources. Describe how the Applicant ensures successful management of projects and meets performance measurements. Describe how grant funds are managed and accounted for to ensure compliance with appropriate state and federal requirements. Also, describe how financial management is audited.

· Highly competitive applicants will have a documented positive history with TCEQ of meeting grant requirements and successfully fulfilling contract agreements, including fiscal accountability, timeliness, quality of products and achieving project milestones.