Final SNEP PTE RFA___4-06-21.pdf

SOUTHEAST NEW ENGLAND PROGRAM

Federal Agency Name: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Region 1 Funding Opportunity Title: Southeast New England Program Watershed Implementation Grants Program Announcement Type: Request for Applications (RFA) Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-R1-SNEP-2021A Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 66.129

Important Dates

Deadline for submitting questions via email about the RFA April 28, 2021

Information Session May 12, 2021 1:00-2:30PM EDT:

See https://www.epa.gov/snep/snep-watershed-implementation-grant-administrative-entity-2021 for log-in details

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

(www.Grants.gov) (see Section IV for details.)

On or before June 13, 2021 11:59

Eastern Standard Time (EDT)

Anticipated Notification to selected applicant. July 18, 2021

Anticipated Announcement of award. September 2021

SUMMARY

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 1 (EPA) is soliciting applications for a single eligible entity (see Section III.A) to develop and administer a subaward grant program on behalf of the Southeast New England Program (SNEP) to support the Program’s collaborative goals and priorities for coastal watershed restoration. A broad range of entities, as described in Section III.A, are eligible to submit applications under this announcement.

Applications must fully describe the scope of the program approach, budget, and environmental results. We will use the criteria described in Section V to evaluate eligible applications. Subject to the availability of appropriated funding and Agency priorities, we plan to award one incremental cooperative agreement under this announcement.

The total amount to be awarded under this announcement is up to $15 million over a project period of seven years and requires the applicant to provide a minimum non-federal match of 25% of the total Federal request. See Section III.B. for detailed information on the minimum cost share/match requirement. Applications will be expected to include all the documentation necessary to serve as a grant application and to respond fully to evaluation criteria described in this RFA. We expect to select and fund an organization by September 2021.

Dates All applications must be submitted by electronic submission through Grants.gov on or before 11:59 P.M. EDT June 13, 2021. We will not consider late applications for funding. Questions about this RFA must be submitted in writing via e-mail and must be received by the Agency Contact identified in Section VII by April 28, 2021. We will post written responses on EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/snep. Following evaluation of applications, we will notify all applicants regarding their status.

Note to Applicants: If your proposal names subawardees/sub-grantees and/or contractors to assist with the proposed project, pay careful attention to the information in the CONTRACTS AND SUBAWARDS provision found at www.epa.gov/grants/epa-solicitation-clauses

For purposes of this RFA:

• “You” or “applicant” refers to the organization submitting an application.

https://www.epa.gov/snep/snep-watershed-implementation-grant-administrative-entity-2021 https://www.epa.gov/snep/snep-watershed-implementation-grant-administrative-entity-2021 https://www.epa.gov/snep/snep-watershed-implementation-grant-administrative-entity-2021 http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.epa.gov/snep

• “We” means EPA.

• “SNEP” refers to the Southeast New England Program.

• “SNEP geographic boundaries” refers to the area within Massachusetts and Rhode Island that includes the south-facing coastal watersheds in Rhode Island and Massachusetts between Westerly, Rhode Island and Chatham, Massachusetts, the watersheds of Narragansett Bay and Buzzards Bay National Estuary Programs (NEPs), and the off-shore islands of Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Elizabeth Islands (Town of Gosnold, MA), and Block Island (Town of New Shoreham, RI). Projects must occur within this geographic area to be eligible for funding consideration. A high-resolution map of the SNEP geographic boundaries is found in Appendix A of this RFA and at www.epa.gov/snep/background-information-southeast-new-england-program.

• “SNEP Watershed Implementation Grants” (SWIG) refers to the EPA-funded pass-through grant program to carry out on-the-ground implementation projects to achieve SNEP’s goals as laid out in the “Strategic Plan.”

• “Shall” means must.

Other Application Information For applicants’ convenience, we have created a web page at www.epa.gov/snep where we will provide information relating to the RFA process as well as a link to any questions asked during the solicitation process. We encourage all potential applicants to sign up for SNEP’s RFA mailing list by sending an email to SEcoastalNE@epa.gov with a request to be placed on the list to receive any updates regarding this RFA, the review process, and/or selections.

Please reference the Opportunity Number (EPA-R1-SNEP-2021A) in your email subject line.

CONTENTS OF FULL ANNOUNCEMENT 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 (Appendices)

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

I.A. Background for the SNEP SWIG 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 septic systems, by the legacies of past industrial uses, by shifting socio-economic 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 mission of EPA’s SNEP is to empower collective action in these areas, and its focus on the region’s ecosystems offers an opportunity to address complex common issues while also working at the local scale to align restoration and management efforts more broadly to achieve greater effectiveness and efficiency.

I.B. SNEP SWIG Goals Coastal ecosystems are challenged by the complexity, interconnection, and variability of their underlying natural regimes; maintaining their integrity and the benefits they provide requires aligning restoration and management efforts on a regional scale. The SNEP Strategic Plan (www.epa.gov/snep/snep-strategic-plan) lays out a process for taking action to address these challenges. This RFA to select an organization to manage the SWIG program is a key http://www.epa.gov/snep/background-information-southeast-new-england-program http://www.epa.gov/snep mailto:SEcoastalNE@epa.gov http://www.epa.gov/snep/snep-strategic-plan element of that process. We are seeking cost-effective proposals from eligible applicants to solicit, support, and manage subaward projects focused on activities that: address the challenges and opportunities facing the SNEP region ecosystems and communities, including analyzing how well existing efforts are succeeding; contribute to achieving the SNEP vision and goals; and implement projects that carry out SNEP priority actions. Applicants should demonstrate their ability and approach for managing a SWIG subawards program, including describing how they would work within the existing SNEP partnership framework of the states of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, two National Estuary Programs, the Cape Cod Commission, and multiple municipalities and environmental organizations;

how their efforts would result in improved water quality and restoration of resilient habitat and ecosystem functions; and how projects would address the outcomes and priority actions identified in the SNEP Strategic Plan in a cost-effective and inclusive manner, including actions to:

• increase local capacity to undertake and complete projects and adopt new policies;

• expand use and availability of successful environmental restoration practices, as well as provide opportunities to test and apply innovative approaches;

• ensure diverse representation in program activities and decision-making;

• demonstrate ways to address common challenges; and

• increase community leaders’ understanding of the benefit of restoration projects.

1.C. SWIG Program Elements Consistent with achieving the objectives described above, and the programmatic and environmental results identified in Section 1.D and Appendix D, activities to be performed by the grant recipient may include, but are not limited to:

• Consulting with EPA and the SNEP Steering Committee to develop funding priorities for the annual SWIG Requests for Proposals (RFPs);

• Conducting a robust and transparent process for soliciting subaward proposals, including: working with EPA and SNEP committees to prepare, advertise, and manage annual RFPs that address the priorities identified in this RFA; that support the coastal watershed restoration goals defined in SNEP’s Strategic Plan; that respond to input from EPA and the SNEP Steering Committee; that consider project type, geographic distribution across SNEP boundaries, and the needs of underserved communities; and that include transparent review criteria and clear, simplified processes for submitting proposals and evaluating and selecting subaward proposals;

• Convening and organizing expert panels to review proposals and advise on selections;

• Awarding and managing subawards, including ensuring compliance by subawardees with all fiscal, administrative, programmatic, and reporting requirements;

• Working with SNEP partners and grantees to provide technical support to subawardees by coordinating outreach, training in quality assurance project plan (QAPP) development, data collection and reporting, project metrics and measures, information resources, and peer-to-peer tech transfer, including convening at least one annual regional meeting for subawardees and SNEP partners to update and learn from each other;

• Reporting periodically to EPA and SNEP committees and subcommittees on the outputs and environmental outcomes of projects implemented through the subawards, including participating as requested on SNEP committees and subcommittees, and reporting qualitative and quantitative measures as described in the SNEP Strategic Plan, in Section I.D and Appendix D of this announcement, and in the terms and conditions of the cooperative agreement;

• Developing and executing a strategy to promote, grow, and sustain EPA’s SWIG program by facilitating and mentoring participants to develop and engage in sustained partnering and implementation efforts, as well as to undertake innovative approaches;

• Communicating and transferring the successes and lessons learned of the subaward projects through vigorous outreach via traditional and new channels; and

• Expanding the presence and visibility of SNEP and the SNEP “brand” throughout the SNEP region through clearly promoting the SWIG as an EPA-funded component of SNEP.

The above are examples of the types of activities we expect applications to address. Applicants should consider these activities but may also describe alternative or expanded approaches for managing and issuing SWIG subawards.

I.D. EPA Strategic Plan Linkage and Anticipated Outcomes and Outputs Section 6a of EPA Order 5700.7, “Environmental Results under EPA Assistance Agreements,” requires EPA to link proposed assistance agreements to our Strategic Plan. We also require grant applicants and recipients to adequately describe environmental outputs and outcomes to be achieved under assistance agreements. See EPA Order 5700.7, Environmental Results under Assistance Agreements (www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015- 03/documents/epa_order_5700_7a1.pdf).

Linkage to EPA Strategic Plan. All applications must support progress towards EPA’s 2018-2022 Strategic Plan Goal 1 “A Cleaner, Healthier Environment: Deliver a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment for all Americans and future generations by carrying out the Agency’s core mission, Objective 1.2 – Provide for Clean and Safe Water”

(www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan).

Outcomes, Outputs, and Performance Metrics The SWIG program is intended to provide EPA funding for local, on-the-ground projects that best support the SNEP goals and priorities laid out in its Strategic Plan. In addition to establishing a regional vision and goals, the plan also articulates desired outcomes, priority actions, and a framework for target-setting over the next five years that together provide a pathway for SNEP and its many diverse partners to work towards a thriving and resilient region.

We recognize that conditions in the region will change over time, in part in response to SNEP partners’ efforts, and we expect the SWIG program to take an adaptive management approach that both creates and responds to experience and data.

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 conditions that we aim 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 five-year targets; these outcomes include:

• waters that support native seagrasses and aquatic life, plentiful native fish and shellfish, and a variety of water-based recreation opportunities;

• watersheds that provide essential ecological functions, species diversity, and protection from both human-based and naturally occurring environmental stressors, and healthy, connected natural lands support a variety and range of native plant and wildlife communities; and

• communities that share robust water-based economies, strive to foster equity in health and economic outcomes, protect and provide access to natural lands, open spaces and parks, encourage local food sources, and are adapting for resilience to expected impacts of climate change.

• The term “output” means an environmental activity, effort, and/or associated work product related to an environmental goal and objective that will be produced or provided over a period of time or by a specified date.

Outputs may be quantitative or qualitative but must be measurable over the term of the grant funding period.

For this RFA, “Outputs (Actions)” are detailed activities that SNEP and our partners will undertake during each five-year period to meet quantitative targets, work towards accomplishing desired outcomes, and ultimately achieve the 2050 regional vision and goals.

• The term “Performance Metrics” means measures that offer insights into long-term progress, will be the mechanism to track progress on successful process and outcome strategies, and will provide the basis for lessons to inform future recipients. For this RFA “Performance Measures are “specific and quantitative metrics for results that SNEP will strive to achieve over the next five years, and that will be developed based on each SNEP goal for each five-year period; a table of potential metrics and indicators is found in the SNEP Strategic Plan and Appendix D of this RFA.

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

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

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

• How will you measure progress in achieving the expected results (including outputs and outcomes)?

• How will you know whether existing efforts are succeeding or need improvement?

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

I.E. Statutory Authority Authorization for SNEP funding is contained in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 which gives EPA the authority to award grants and cooperative agreements to carry out the SNEP, including planning, research, monitoring, outreach, and implementation projects within the SNEP geographic area.

II. AWARD INFORMATION

II.A. Funding Amount and Expected Number of Awards Subject to the availability of appropriated funding and Agency priorities, we expect the total estimated funding available for awards under this competitive opportunity will be up $15 million over a seven-year project period. We expect to provide up to $2 million the first year of the award, and up to $3.25 million annually for the next four years of the project period. We plan to fund a single entity under one incremental cooperative agreement to coordinate and manage the SWIG program on behalf of EPA, contingent upon funding availability, the quality of applications received, and other applicable considerations. While EPA expects future funding to become available, applicants should be aware that if future appropriations do not become available or significant changes are made to EPA’s funding authority, we may be required to modify or cancel awards made under this announcement and determine whether and how to proceed. We expressly reserve the right to make no award. All funded work must address SNEP priorities as identified in this announcement, SNEP’s Strategic Plan, and input from the SNEP Steering Committee.

This award requires the applicant to provide a minimum non-federal match of 25% of the total Federal request. See Section III.B. for detailed information on the minimum non-federal cost share/match requirement. We expect funding for each subaward may be up to $400,000; however, applicants may justify a different subaward range as part of their application narratives. Subawards funded under the cooperative agreement must be completed prior to the end of the cooperative agreement project period.

We expect the recipient of this award to participate in appropriate SNEP committee and subcommittee meetings, including providing updates and periodic reports as needed to them and to EPA. We also expect the recipient of this award to work with local partners from within the SNEP geographic area and the SNEP Network, the organization funded by EPA to provide technical assistance to communities and organizations throughout the SNEP region.

(www.snepnetwork.org).

Note that funding under this announcement is not a guarantee of future funding. An incrementally funded award will be subject to the availability of funding, future appropriations, satisfactory performance of work, and other applicable considerations.

II.B. Award Type For award under this RFA, we have determined that a cooperative agreement is the appropriate funding vehicle.

Cooperative agreements are used when we expect to be substantially involved and to interact with you during performance of the award activity(ies). If you are selected, we will negotiate the precise terms and conditions of “substantial involvement” as part of the award process, but our involvement specifically may include:

• Identifying and recommending priority issues and innovative technologies and approaches for annual subaward funding solicitations based on issues highlighted in the SNEP Strategic Plan and input from SNEP committees and subcommittees;

• Monitoring your performance and reports to track proposed outputs and outcomes and their results, and ensuring your data help to inform EPA’s reporting on the status of the SNEP region;

http://www.snepnetwork.org/

• Collaborating with you during performance of the scope of work, including involvement in developing annual RFPs and serving in proposal review panels and networking and other peer-to-peer events (we do not make final subaward decisions; you will make final subaward selections and administer the subawards);

• Participating in activities such as public events/announcements, workshop/forum planning, subaward consultations, monitoring, and communication and data sharing efforts;

• Reviewing any proposed procurements and subawards in accordance with Uniform Grant Guidance requirements found in the 2 C.F.R. § 200.317, 2 C.F.R. § 200.318 and 2 C.F.R. § 200.330;

• Approving qualifications of key personnel (we will not select employees or contractors); and

• Reviewing and commenting on reports, informational materials, and announcements prepared under the cooperative agreement. (we do not make final decisions on the content of reports. The final decision on the content of reports rests with you.)

II.C. Expected Project Period For this RFA, it is EPA’s expectation that the award will have a total project period of up to seven years (October 2021 – September 2028 with funding provided on an annual basis for up to five years. No commitment of funding will be made beyond the first year. The expected start date for the award resulting from this RFA is October 1, 2021.

II.D. Pre-Award Costs EPA award recipients may incur allowable project costs 90 calendar days before the Federal awarding agency makes the Federal award. Expenses more than 90 calendar days pre-award require prior approval of EPA. All costs incurred before EPA makes the award are at the recipient's risk. EPA is under no obligation to reimburse such costs if for any reason the recipient does not receive a Federal award or if the Federal award is less than anticipated and inadequate to cover such costs.

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

III.A. Eligible Applicants In accordance with Assistance Listing 66.129, eligible applicants under this RFA are state, local, and tribal governments; institutions of higher education; nonprofit institutions and organizations; and interstate agencies.

Your organization does not have to be located in the SNEP region

For-profit organizations and private businesses, federal agencies, and individuals are not eligible to apply;

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.

Projects funded under this RFA must be carried out within the SNEP geographic region (see Summary section above and map in Appendix A) and address common challenges and priorities within the SNEP boundaries (see SNEP Strategic Plan at www.epa.gov/snep.)

III.B. Cost Sharing/Match Requirements This award requires applicants to provide a minimum non-federal match of 25% of the total Federal request, which must be met by the end of the project period. 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 the match. The match/cost share must be for allowable project costs under the SNEP funding authority described in Section I.E, 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 who do not describe how they will meet the minimum match/cost share requirement in their submission will not be considered for funding. Other federal grants may not be used as cost shares/matches without specific statutory authority. Regulations governing match/cost share requirements are at 2 C.F.R. § 200.306.

http://www.epa.gov/snep

To calculate the minimum match under this RFA, divide the total federal request by four using the following formula:

Total Federal Funds Requested ($) divided by four (4) = minimum cost share/match ($). For example, if you are requesting $15,000,000, you must be able to provide $3,750,000 in cash or in-kind contributions as cost share/match. The federal funds plus the match is the total project cost.

Although other federal grants or funds may not be used for cost-share, applicants may seek additional leveraging from project partners and/or subawardees in addition to meeting the cost share/match requirements. If leveraging is sought, applicants must explain how the SNEP award can leverage funds from other sources for related activities beyond the scope of work for the award. Applicants should not place leveraged funds in the SF-424A budget form.

III.C. Threshold Eligibility Criteria Only proposals from eligible entities (see Section III.A above) that meet the following threshold eligibility criteria will be evaluated. Under these threshold criteria you must:

• Comply with the application submission instructions and requirements set forth in Section IV of this announcement, including compliance with the page limit stated in Section IV; if your submission exceeds the limit, we will not review the excess pages and the information they contain will not be factored into our evaluation; and

• Submit your application through www.Grants.gov on or before the submission deadline stated in Section IV of this announcement (note that Section IV explains a very limited set of circumstances where another mode of submission is specifically allowed); you are responsible for following the instructions in Section IV and ensuring timely submittal.

Applications submitted after the submission deadline will be considered late and deemed ineligible without further consideration unless you can clearly demonstrate they were late due to EPA mishandling or because of technical problems associated with Grants.gov or relevant SAM.gov system issues. Failure to submit your application in a timely manner through Grants.gov because you did not timely or properly register in SAM.gov or Grants.gov will not be considered an acceptable reason to consider a late submission. You should confirm that EPA has received your application with SECoastalNE@epa.gov as soon as possible after the submission deadline—failure to do so may result in your application not being reviewed. If your application includes any ineligible tasks or activities, that portion of the application will be ineligible for funding; depending on the extent to which the ineligible portion affects the application, it may render the entire application ineligible for funding.

If your application is deemed ineligible for funding consideration as a result of the threshold eligibility review, you will be notified in writing within 15 calendar days of the ineligibility determination.

IV: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

IV.A. Requirement to Submit through Grants.gov and Limited Exception Procedures Except as noted below, you must apply electronically through Grants.gov under this funding opportunity based on the Grants.gov instructions in this announcement. If you do not have the technical capability to apply electronically through Grants.gov because limited or no internet access prevents you from being able to upload the required applicant materials to Grants.gov, you must contact OGDWaivers@epa.gov or the address listed below in writing (e.g. by hard copy or email) at least 15 calendar days prior to the submission deadline under this announcement to request approval to submit your application materials through an alternate method.

Mailing Address Courier Address:

OGD Waivers c/o Jessica Durand USEPA Headquarters William Jefferson Clinton Building 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.

Mail Code: 3903R Washington, DC 20460

OGD Waivers c/o Jessica Durand Ronald Reagan Building 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.

Rm #51278 Washington, DC 20004 mailto:OGDWaivers@epa.gov

Your request must include the follow information:

• Funding Opportunity Number (FON)

• Organization Name and unique entity identifier (e.g., DUNS number; DUNS is an organizational identity number provided through Dunn and Bradstreet (D&B). Organizations may obtain a DUNS number at no cost by calling the toll-free DUNS number request line at 1-866-705-5711 or by visiting their website at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform.)

• Organization’s Contact Information (email address and phone number)

• Explanation of how you lack the technical capability to apply electronically through grants.gov because 1) limited internet access or 2) no internet access prevents you from being able to upload the required application materials through Grants.gov.

We will only consider requests for an alternate submission exception based on the two reasons stated above and will timely respond to the request -- all other requests will be denied. If we approve an alternate submission method, you will receive documentation of this approval and further instructions on how to apply under this announcement. You will be required to submit the documentation of approval with any initial application submitted under the alternative method. In addition, any submittal through an alternative method must comply with all applicable requirements and deadlines in this announcement, including the submission deadline and requirements regarding proposal content and page limits. (Documentation of approval of an alternate submission method will not count against any page limits).

If we grant an exception, it is valid for submissions to EPA for the remainder of the entire calendar year in which the exception was approved and can be used to justify alternative submission methods for application submissions made through December 31 of the calendar year in which the exception was approved (e.g., if the exception was approved on March 1, 2021, it is valid for any competitive or non-competitive application submission to EPA through December 31, 2021). You only need to request an exception once in a calendar year and all exceptions will expire on December 31 of that calendar year. You must request a new exception from required electronic submission through Grants.gov for submissions for any succeeding calendar year. For example, if there is a competitive opportunity issued on December 1, 2020 with a submission deadline of January 15, 2021, you would need a new exception to submit through alternative methods beginning January 1, 2021.

Please note that the process described in this section is only for requesting alternate submission methods. We will not acknowledge or answer queries or requests submitted to the email address identified above for any reason other than to request an alternate submission method.

IV.B. Submission Instructions

• The electronic submission of your application must be made by an official representative of your institution who is registered with Grants.gov and is authorized to sign applications for Federal assistance. For more information on the registration requirements that must be complete in order to submit an application through Grants.gov, go to Grants.gov and click on “Applicants” on the top of the page and then go to the “Get Registered” link on the page.

• If your organization is not currently registered with Grants.gov, please encourage your office to designate an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) who can begin the registration process as soon as possible.

• Please note that the registration process also requires that your organization have a DUNS number and a current registration with the System for Award Management (SAM) and the process of obtaining both could take a month or more. SAM is an official website of the U.S. government that enables registration to do business with the U.S. government.

• You must meet all registration requirements in order to apply for this opportunity through Grants.gov and you should ensure that all such requirements have been met well in advance of the submission deadline.

Registration on Grants.gov, SAM.gov, and DUNS number assignment is FREE.

http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform

• The AOR who submits your application through Grants.gov and whose DUNS number is listed on the application must be an AOR for the applicant listed on the application. Additionally, the DUNS number listed on your application must be registered to your organization’s SAM account. If these requirements are not met, your application may be deemed ineligible.

IV.C. Application Process To begin the application process under this grant announcement, go to Grants.gov and click on “Applicants” on the top of the page and then “Apply for Grants” from the dropdown menu and then follow the instructions accordingly.

Please note: To apply through grants.gov, you must use Adobe Reader software and download the compatible Adobe Reader version. For more information about Adobe Reader, to verify compatibility, or to download the free software, please visit Adobe Reader Compatibility Information on Grants.gov.

You may also be able to access the application package for this announcement by searching for the opportunity on Grants.gov. Go to Grants.gov and then click on “Search Grants” at the top of the page and enter the Funding Opportunity Number (EPA-R1-SNEP-2021A) or the CFDA number (CFDA 66.129) that applies to the announcement in the appropriate field and click the Search button.

Please note that all applications must now be submitted through Grants.gov using the "Workspace" feature.

Information on the Workspace feature can be found at the Grants.gov Workspace Overview Page.

Application Submission Deadline Your organization’s AOR must submit your complete application package electronically to EPA through Grants.gov no later than June 13, 2021. Please allow for enough time to successfully submit your application and allow for unexpected errors that may require you to resubmit.

Please submit all the application materials described below using the Grants.gov application package that you downloaded using the instructions above

Application Materials The following forms and documents are required under this announcement

Required Federal Grant Application Forms

• Standard Form SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

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

• EPA Key Contacts Form 5700-54

• EPA Form 4700-4 – Pre-award Compliance Review Report

• Narrative Proposal – Prepare your narrative as directed below and in Appendix B of this solicitation. Your proposal must address all the application review criteria listed in Section V. Do not exceed 12 pages in length for your proposal narrative. “Pages” refers to one side of a single-spaced, typed page i.e., a double-sided page equals two pages. Font size should be no smaller than 10 points and the application must be submitted on 8 ½” x 11" paper. Note that the 12-page limit does not include the SF-424, required budget detail, supporting materials, and other required federal grant application forms listed above and in Appendix B. If you submit more than 12 pages, the additional pages will be discarded and will not be reviewed. See Appendices B and C for additional instructions.

• Budget Detail – See Appendix C for an example of expected format. Budget detail must show match broken into the appropriate cost categories.

Supporting Materials

• Resumes or curriculum vitae of staff who will be working on the SWIG.

• Documentation listing past or ongoing federally and/or non-federally funded assistance agreements your organization has administered, including documentation supporting grant performance and meeting of reporting requirements.

• Documentation of non-profit status if appropriate

Applications submitted through Grants.gov will be timed and date stamped electronically. If you have not received a confirmation of receipt from EPA (not from grants.gov) within 7 days of the application deadline, please contact Ian Dombroski (dombroski.ian@epa.gov, 617-918-1342). Failure to do so may result in your application not being reviewed.

Technical Issues with Submission

• Once the application package has been completed, the “Submit” button should be enabled. If the “Submit” button is not active, please call Grants.gov for assistance at 1-800-518-4726. 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. You should save the completed application package with two different file names before providing it to the AOR; this will avoid having to re-create the package should submission problems be experienced or a revised application needs to be submitted.

• Submitting the application. The application package must be transferred to Grants.gov by an AOR. The AOR should close all other software before attempting to submit the application package. Click the “submit” button of the application package. Your Internet browser will launch and a sign-in page will appear. Note:

Minor problems are not uncommon with transfers to Grants.gov. It is essential to allow sufficient time to ensure that your application is submitted to Grants.gov BEFORE the due date identified in Section IV of the solicitation. The Grants.gov support desk operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except Federal Holidays. A successful transfer will end with an on-screen acknowledgement. For documentation purposes, print or screen capture this acknowledgement. If a submission problem occurs, reboot the computer – turning the power off may be necessary – and re-attempt the submission. Note: Grants.gov issues a "case number" upon a request for assistance.

• Transmission Difficulties. If you experience transmission difficulties that result in a late transmission, no transmission, or rejection of the transmitted application, and following the above instructions does not resolve the problem so that the application is submitted to Grants.gov by the deadline date and time, follow the guidance below. The Agency will make a decision concerning acceptance of each late submission on a case-by-case basis. All emails, as described below, are to be sent to SECoastalNE@epa.gov with the FON in the subject line. If you are unable to email, contact Ian Dombroski at 617-918-1342. Be aware that we will only consider accepting applications that were unable to transmit due to Grants.gov or relevant www.Sam.gov system issues or for unforeseen exigent circumstances, such as extreme weather interfering with internet access. Failure to submit timely because you did not properly or timely register in SAM.gov or Grants.gov is not an acceptable reason to justify acceptance of a late submittal.

• If you are experiencing problems resulting in an inability to upload the application to Grants.gov, it is essential to call Grants.gov for assistance at 1-800-518-4726 before the application deadline. 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. Be sure to obtain a case number from Grants.gov. If the problems stem from unforeseen exigent circumstances unrelated to Grants.gov, such as extreme weather interfering with internet access, contact Ian Dombroski 617-918-1342.

• Unsuccessful transfer of the application package: If an application cannot be successfully transferred even with assistance from Grants.gov due to electronic submission system issues or unforeseen exigent circumstances, and you have already attempted to resolve the issue by contacting Grants.gov, send an email message to Ian Dombroski@epa.gov prior to the application deadline. The email message must document the problem and include the Grants.gov case number as well as the entire application in PDF format as an attachment.

• Grants.gov rejection of the application package: If Grants.gov notifies you that your application has been rejected for reasons other than late submittal and it is too late to reapply, promptly send an email to Ian Dombroski@epa.gov with the FON in the subject line within one business day of the closing date of this mailto:pryor.margherita@epa.gov solicitation. The email should include any materials provided by Grants.gov and attach the entire application in PDF format. Note that successful submission through Grants.gov or via email does not necessarily mean your application is eligible for award.

IV. D Additional Provisions For Applicants Incorporated Into The Solicitation Additional provisions that apply to this solicitation and/or awards made under this solicitation, including but not limited to those related to confidential business information, contracts and subawards under grants, and proposal assistance and communications, can be found at EPA Solicitation Clauses. These, and the other provisions that can be found at the website link, are important, 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 communicate with the EPA contact listed in this solicitation to obtain the provisions.

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

V.A. Evaluation Process After we review applications for threshold eligibility as described in Section III, eligible applications will be reviewed by a team of EPA professionals with a working knowledge of the technical and programmatic aspects needed to rigorously evaluate SWIG management proposals. All reviewers will sign a conflict-of-interest statement indicating there is no real, or perceived, conflict of interest. We will not consider the qualifications, experience, and expertise of named subrecipients and/or named contractor(s) during the proposal/application evaluation process.

V.B. Evaluation Criteria Applications will be evaluated and scored by reviewers using the criteria listed below. Each application may receive up to 130 points. Your submittals should fully address these criteria.

Criterion Evaluation Criteria Points

Program Approach and Organizational Capability

1. The quality and degree to which the applicant demonstrates understanding of challenges and opportunities facing the SNEP region ecosystems and communities, including how existing efforts are succeeding or need improvement, the specific approaches proposed to address them through the SWIG program, EPA’s role in the SNEP management framework and program priorities, and how the applicant’s efforts would support SNEP goals as described in Section I.B.

2. The quality and degree to which the applicant describes their ability and approach for managing a SWIG subawards program and demonstrates the applicant’s skill, experience, and resources to:

a. execute a successful subawards program by managing a competitive process to solicit, evaluate, and select subaward projects that address SNEP vision, goals, and program objectives to foster innovation, and build resilience in SNEP communities and watersheds, including diversity of project types, distribution across the SNEP boundaries within the two states, and representation of the needs of underserved communities;

b. manage subaward recipients to achieve the objectives of the SWIG program as described in Section 1.C;

c. demonstrate expertise and organizational ability to successfully execute needed oversight for administrative, travel, fiscal, and reporting tasks, as well as provide technical and outreach support to subawardees;

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

d. ensure subawardees comply with all quality assurance, financial, and reporting requirements; and

e. provide or secure relevant staff expertise/qualifications, staff knowledge, and/or other experts experienced and qualified to successfully achieve SNEP goals as described in Section I.C.

3. The quality and degree to which the applicant demonstrates familiarity and ability to work with institutional, environmental, and socio-economic conditions of the SNEP region, including knowledge of EJ and underserved communities as well as differing management regimes between Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

Past Performance in Program Capability and Environmental Results

1. The applicant’s past performance in successfully completing within the last three years federally- and non-federally funded assistance agreements (no more than five, and preferably EPA agreements) similar in size, scope, and relevance to the proposed project. Assistance agreements include federal grants and cooperative agreements but not federal contracts. Successful completion of federally funded assistance agreements also includes your organization’s history of meeting reporting requirements and submission of acceptable final technical reports under those agreements.

2. The applicant’s history of thorough, well-documented reporting on progress or impediments in achieving expected results under federal agency assistance agreements performed within the last three years.

Note: In evaluating applicants under Items 1. and 2. of this criterion, we will consider the information provided by the applicant and may also consider relevant information from other sources, including Agency files and prior/current grantors (e.g., to verify and/or supplement the information supplied by the applicant). If applicants do not have any relevant or available past performance, this must be indicated in the proposal which will receive a neutral score for these subfactors; a neutral score is half of the total points available in a subset of possible points. If there is no response for these items, applicants will receive a score of zero for these subfactors.

Cost-effectiveness and Match

1. The degree to which the application is cost-effective, including consideration of factors such as organizational costs, indirect costs and overheard, prudent cost-allocation over the life of the award, subaward costs versus anticipated results of projects, organizational and partner resources brought to the effort, consistency with proposed budget detail, and ability to perform tasks within the operational range of budgets provided by SNEP.

2. The degree to which the applicant confirms sources of match or amount and sources of match to be secured; applications without confirmed match or a plan to secure match will receive a score of zero.

Tracking and Measuring Environmental and Programmatic Results

1. Identifies specific environmental results to be achieved by the activities proposed for the program, explains how those results will be tracked and measured, and describes how the activities are expected to achieve the outputs and outcomes described in Section I.B.

2. The effectiveness of applicant’s plan to ensure subawardees comply with rules for reporting environmental and/or programmatic output, outcome, and metrics.

3. The effectiveness of the applicant’s plan to collect negotiated metrics from subawardees and report to EPA.

4. The quality of the applicant’s proposed adaptive management approach to create and respond to experience and data, including a process to assess the effectiveness of the proposed approach and tasks through monitoring, measuring, and reporting.

Transferability of Results

1. The quality and adequacy of the applicant’s plan to gather and develop information to support and communicate lessons learned from the proposed activities, including:

a. documenting and distributing results, including information materials and recommendations, in a timely manner to EPA and to key partners in the SNEP region and other appropriate audiences;

b. ensuring subawardees are available to present or report on their subaward activities as needed; and

c. being available to present results both during and after the life of the award.

2. The quality of the applicant’s proposed a strategy to promote, grow, and sustain the SWIG program by:

a. facilitating and mentoring participants in sustained partnering and implementation efforts, as well as in innovative solutions and approaches;

b. communicating and transferring the successes and lessons learned of the subaward projects through vigorous outreach via traditional and new channels; and

c. expanding the presence and visibility of SNEP and the SNEP “brand” throughout the SNEP region through clearly promoting the SWIG as an EPA-funded component of SNEP

Timely Expenditure of Funds

The effectiveness of the applicant’s approach, procedures, and controls for ensuring that award grant funds will be expended in a timely and efficient manner, and before the end of the project period.

V.C. Review and Selection Process Once eligible proposals have been reviewed and ranked by the panel of reviewers using the criteria stated in Section V.B, the review team will forward their rankings and evaluation to the selection official for final selections.

V.D. Additional Provisions For Applicants Incorporated Into The Solicitation Additional provisions that apply to this solicitation and/or awards made under this solicitation including the clause on Reporting and Use of Information Concerning Recipient Integrity and Performance can be found on the EPA Solicitation Clauses page. These, and the other provisions that can be found at the website link, are important, and applicants must review them when preparing applications for this solicitation.