FY21 National Priorities Reuse Cooperative Agreement - RFA FINAL.pdf

COVID-19 Update: EPA is providing flexibilities to applicants experiencing challenges related to COVID-19. Please see the Flexibilities Available to Organizations Impacted by COVID-19 clause in Section IV of EPA’s Solicitation Clauses.

OVERVIEW INFORMATION

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Science Advisor, Policy and Engagement Office of Research and Development

NATIONAL PRIORITIES: WATER INNOVATION,

SCIENCE, AND ENGAGEMENT TO ADVANCE WATER

REUSE

This is the initial announcement of this funding opportunity.

Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-G2021-ORD-E1

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 66.511

Solicitation Opening Date: July 19, 2021 Solicitation Closing Date: September 29, 2021: 11:59:59 pm Eastern Time

Table of Contents

SUMMARY OF PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Synopsis of Program Award Information Eligibility Information Application Materials Agency Contacts

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Introduction

B. Background C. Authority and Regulations D. Specific Areas of Interest/Expected Outputs and Outcomes E. References F. Special Requirements

II. AWARD INFORMATION

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligible Applicants B. Cost Sharing https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-solicitation-clauses

C. Other

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. Grants.gov Submittal Requirements and Limited Exception Procedures B. Application Package Information C. Content and Form of Application Submission D. Submission Dates and Times E. Funding Restrictions F. Submission Instructions and Other Submission Requirements

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. Peer Review B. Relevancy Review C. Past Performance History Review D. Human Subjects Research Statement (HSRS) Review E. Evaluation of the Scientific Data Management Plan F. Funding Decisions G. Additional Provisions for Applicants Incorporated into the Solicitation

VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. Award Notices B. Disputes C. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

VII. AGENCY CONTACTS

For Updates and Additional Information (https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-funding-opportunities) Access Standard Forms (https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-funding-opportunities-how-apply-and-required-forms) View research awarded under previous solicitations (https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-grant-areas)

SUMMARY OF PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Synopsis of Program:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is seeking applications proposing to accelerate water innovation, information availability, and engagement to advance clean and safe water reuse goals, promote better understanding of the Nation’s water and wastewater treatment and infrastructure, and enhance the availability and efficient use of water resources through water reuse. This request for applications (RFA) is intended to address multiple water reuse sources and applications to support national efforts to reduce technological and institutional barriers for expanded water reuse.

This solicitation provides the opportunity for the submission of applications for projects that may involve human subjects research. Human subjects research supported by the EPA is governed by EPA Regulation 40 CFR Part 26 (Protection of Human Subjects). This includes the Common Rule at subpart A and prohibitions and additional protections for pregnant women and fetuses, nursing women, and children at subparts B, C, and D. Research meeting the regulatory https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-funding-opportunities https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-funding-opportunities https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-funding-opportunities-how-apply-and-required-forms https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-funding-opportunities-how-apply-and-required-forms https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-grant-areas https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-grant-areas definition of intentional exposure research found in subpart B is prohibited by that subpart in pregnant women, nursing women, and children. Research meeting the regulatory definition of observational research found in subparts C and D is subject to the additional protections found in those subparts for pregnant women and fetuses (subpart C) and children (subpart D). All applications must include a Human Subjects Research Statement (HSRS, as described in Section IV.C.6.c of this solicitation), and if the project involves human subjects research, it will be subject to an additional level of review prior to funding decisions being made as described in Sections V.D and V.F of this solicitation.

Guidance and training for investigators conducting EPA-funded research involving human subjects may be obtained here:

https://www.epa.gov/osa/basic-information-about-human-subjects-research-0 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/40cfr26_main_02.tpl

Award Information:

Anticipated Type of Award: Cooperative Agreement Estimated Number of Awards: Approximately 2 awards Anticipated Funding Amount: Approximately $6,492,000 total in federal funds for all awards.

Potential Federal Funding per Award: Up to a total of $3,246,000 in federal funds, including direct and indirect costs, with a maximum duration of 4 years. Each applicant must contribute a minimum 25% non-federal cost share/match of the federal funds awarded which may include in-kind contributions (see Section III.B. for more detail).

Cost-sharing is required. Applications with budgets including a federal contribution exceeding the total maximum federal award limit will not be considered. Each applicant must contribute a minimum non-federal cost share/match of 25% of the federal funds awarded. This is equivalent at a minimum to 20% of the total project costs. Cost share may include in-kind contributions. In order to be eligible for funding consideration, applicants must demonstrate in their applications how they will meet the required minimum 25% cost share/match in accordance with 2 CFR §200.306. The minimum 25% non-federal cost share/match, equal to a minimum of $811,500 (assuming the applicant requests $3,246,000 in EPA funds) must be included. Including matching, total project costs can exceed $4,057,500 (if the applicant proposes more than the minimum required non-federal cost share/match), however the federally funded portion of the budget must not exceed $3,246,000.

Eligibility Information:

Public and private nonprofit institutions and public and private universities and colleges located in the United States and its territories or possessions are eligible. Foreign entities, States, the District of Columbia, State and local government departments, territories, possessions, and Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments of the U.S., are not eligible to apply under this Request for Applications (RFA). Profit-making firms and individuals are not eligible to receive assistance agreements from the EPA under this program. See full announcement for more details.

https://www.epa.gov/osa/basic-information-about-human-subjects-research-0 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/40cfr26_main_02.tpl

Application Materials:

To apply under this solicitation, use the application package available at Grants.gov (for further submission information see Section IV.F. “Submission Instructions and other Submission Requirements”). Note: With the exception of the current and pending support form (available at https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-funding-opportunities-how-apply-and-required-forms), all necessary forms are included in the electronic application package. Make sure to include the current and pending support form in your Grants.gov submission.

If your organization is not currently registered with Grants.gov, you need to allow approximately one month to complete the registration process. 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.

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 submission deadline. This registration, and electronic submission of your application, must be performed by an authorized representative of your organization.

If you do not have the appropriate internet access to utilize the Grants.gov application submission process for this solicitation, see Section IV.A below for additional guidance and instructions.

Agency Contacts:

Technical Contact: Sarah Ludwig-Monty; phone: 202-566-1072; email: ludwig-monty.sarah@epa.gov Eligibility Contact: Ron Josephson; phone: 202-564-7823; email: josephson.ron@epa.gov Electronic Submissions Contact: Debra M. Jones; phone: 202-564-7839; email:

jones.debram@epa.gov

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Introduction Safe and reliable water supplies are critical for our Nation’s public health, ecosystems, and economy. Communities, agriculture, and businesses are looking to diversify their supply portfolios to meet current and future needs. Water reuse (also commonly known as water recycling or water reclamation) represents a major opportunity to enhance the sustainability and efficient use of water resources to ensure the quality and quantity of existing water supplies.

Water reuse is a well-established practice in some areas of the United States and internationally, yet substantial barriers exist to expand its consideration and application for different purposes and benefits. This National Priorities research RFA will solicit innovative research to further the acceptance and practice of water reuse in the United States.

Technology innovation and health-based risk assessment for water reuse applications are important to provide solutions that will advance the Nation’s clean and safe water goals.

Research is needed to inform future fit-for-purpose treatment specifications, which describe the level of treatment needed to protect public and environmental health and other needed end points https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-funding-opportunities-how-apply-and-required-forms https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-funding-opportunities-how-apply-and-required-forms mailto:ludwig-monty.sarah@epa.gov mailto:ludwig-monty.sarah@epa.gov mailto:josephson.ron@epa.gov mailto:jones.debram@epa.gov for specific use applications of reclaimed water. Source waters for potential reuse can contain a variety of chemical and microbial contaminants, which without treatment can result in adverse human, animal, and/or environmental health outcomes [1, 2]. While it is not possible to eliminate all risks, treatment technologies are available to generate water of sufficient quality for specific use applications that do not pose significant risks. Development and validation of new and innovative technologies is needed to establish effective pathways to utilizing water reuse for a variety of source waters and applications. Evaluation of innovative technologies that can incorporate future fit-for-purpose treatment applications are critical to building a more sustainable water system and help address risk management questions associated with water reuse.

Research is also needed to improve the national understanding of the water available for reuse and the critical impediments to advancing water reuse across the U.S., including public acceptance. The production and distribution of recycled water requires the participation and collaboration of numerous public and private entities. Integrated planning and implementation in managing finite water resources is critical for long-term resilience, reliability, and to meet both community and ecosystem needs. Key information gaps exist among the various applications of recycled water, which need to be systematically identified and a roadmap must be developed to bridge these gaps.

Additionally, communication and public engagement efforts are critically important means of increasing community awareness of and support for water reuse, which requires the minimization of concerns among the public and decision makers about the safety and economic feasibility of recycled water. Water resource managers need tools and information that support decision-making regarding water availability and quality for both human and ecological uses.

Tools are also needed to enable stakeholders and communities to work across programs and jurisdictions in order to design and implement successful reuse projects.

The Office of Research and Development’s (ORD) Consolidated Research/Training/Fellowships program supports research and development to: (1) determine the environmental effects of air quality, drinking water, water quality, hazardous waste, toxic substances, and pesticides; (2) identify, develop, and demonstrate effective pollution control techniques; (3) perform risk assessments to characterize the potential adverse health effects of human exposures to environmental hazards; and (4) facilitate training and program participant support in these areas.

Awards made under this program further EPA’s priorities supporting robust science for air quality, safe and sustainable water resources, sustainable and healthy communities, chemical safety, and human health risk assessment. The national priorities competition under this program supports high-priority water quality and availability research.

EPA recognizes that it is important to engage all available minds to address the environmental challenges the Nation faces. At the same time, EPA seeks to expand the environmental conversation by including members of communities which may have not previously participated in such dialogues to participate in EPA programs. For this reason, EPA strongly encourages all eligible applicants identified in Section III, including minority serving institutions (MSIs), to apply under this opportunity.

For purposes of this solicitation, the following are considered MSIs:

1. Historically Black Colleges and Universities, as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1061(2)). A list of these schools can be found at Historically Black Colleges and Universities;

2. Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1059c(b)(3) and (d)(1)). A list of these schools can be found at American Indian Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities;

3. Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1101a(a)(5)). A list of these schools can be found at Hispanic-Serving Institutions;

4. Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions; (AANAPISIs), as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1059g(b)(2)). A list of these schools can be found at Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions; and

5. Predominately Black Institutions (PBIs), as defined by the Higher Education Act of 2008, 20 U.S.C. 1059e(b)(6). A list of these schools can be found at Predominately Black Institutions.

B. Background Approximately 33 billion gallons of municipal wastewater are produced each day in the United States [3]. Of that volume, approximately 2.2 billion gallons per day are recovered and reused leaving a major opportunity for reclamation and reuse. There are additional opportunities to reuse water from other sources, such as stormwater, agricultural flows, and industrial waters, and for other use applications. In recent years, Congress has also recognized the critical need to improve our Nation’s water infrastructure, as reflected in recent legislative action, including:

1) Water Infrastructure Improvement for the Nation Act (WIIN) – December 2016

2) American’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) – October 2018

3) Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act (ASADRA) – June

4) Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA) – January 2019

In February 2020, EPA released the National Water Reuse Action Plan: Collaborative Implementation Version 1 (WRAP) [1] representing the coordinated and collaborative effort across the water user community. The WRAP includes 37 specific developed actions and over 200 implementation milestones supported by more than 80 partners across 11 strategic themes.

The WRAP seeks to promote the consideration of water reuse by implementing actions that will help communities, policymakers, water resource planners and practitioners, and other stakeholders match potential sources of water that can be provided at a quantity and quality needed for identified applications. The scope of this RFA could generate information that addresses four of the eleven strategic themes in the WRAP:

1) Science and Specifications: Compile and refine fit-for-purpose specifications;

https://sites.ed.gov/whhbcu/one-hundred-and-five-historically-black-colleges-and-universities/ https://sites.ed.gov/whhbcu/one-hundred-and-five-historically-black-colleges-and-universities/ https://sites.ed.gov/whiaiane/tribes-tcus/tribal-colleges-and-universities/ https://sites.ed.gov/whiaiane/tribes-tcus/tribal-colleges-and-universities/ https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/idues/hsi-eligibles-2016.pdf https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1XVkOWKMDORm53pvU0L8EPsrJC94&msa=0&ie=UTF8&t=m&z=3&source=embed&ll=40.58644586187277%2C-148.28228249999984 https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1wlIi3j7gtlNq_w-0NKAb2bF2VmY&ie=UTF&msa=0&ll=37.35160769312532%2C-96.17229800000001&z=4

2) Technology Development and Validation: Promote technology development, deployment, and validation;

3) Water Information Availability: Improve availability of water (quality and quantity) information; and,

4) Integrated Research: Integrate and coordinate research on water reuse.

Water reuse represents a major opportunity to ensure the quality, availability, and effective use of water resources and its application can include integrated water resources management strategies and approaches. The major sources of water for potential reuse include municipal wastewater, industrial sources, agriculture runoff and return flows, and stormwater. Source waters to be reclaimed can be evaluated and treated with fit-for-purpose specifications for the reuse application desired. Examples of reuse applications include agriculture and irrigation, potable water supplies, groundwater storage and recharge, industrial processes, onsite non-potable use, saltwater intrusion barriers, and environmental restoration [2]. While innovative examples of water reuse are increasing, research can help expand its scope and efficiency.

Integrated and coordinated research planning for water reuse can optimize its value, better identify critical institutional barriers and speed utilization at the national scale.

C. Authority and Regulations The authority for this RFA and resulting awards is contained in the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. 300j-1, Section 1442, the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1254, Section 104(b)(3), the Solid Waste Disposal Act, 42 U.S.C. 6981, Section 8001, and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Public Law 116–260.

For research with an international aspect, the above statutes are supplemented, as appropriate, by the National Environmental Policy Act, Section 102(2)(F).

Note that a project’s focus is to consist of activities within the statutory terms of EPA’s financial assistance authorities; specifically, the statute(s) listed above. Generally, a project must address the causes, effects, extent, prevention, reduction and elimination of air pollution, water pollution, solid/hazardous waste pollution, toxic substances control or pesticide control depending on which statute(s) is listed above. Further note applications dealing with any aspect of or related to hydraulic fracking will not be funded by EPA through this program.

Additional applicable regulations include: 2 CFR Part 200, 2 CFR Part 1500, and 40 CFR Part 40 (Research and Demonstration Grants).

D. Specific Areas of Interest/Expected Outputs and Outcomes Note to applicant: The term “output” means an environmental activity, effort, and/or associated work products related to an environmental goal or objective, that will be produced or provided over a period of time or by a specified date. The term “outcome” means the result, effect or consequence that will occur from carrying out an environmental program or activity that is related to an environmental or programmatic goal or objective.

The activities to be funded under this announcement support EPA’s FY 2018-22 Strategic Plan (https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan). Activities to be funded under this announcement support Goal 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment, Objective 1.2: Provide for Clean and Safe Water, of EPA’s FY 2018-22 Strategic Plan. All applications must be for projects that support the goal and objective identified above. Awards made under this announcement will further the goals of the Consolidated Research/Training/Fellowships program by furthering EPA’s priorities supporting robust science for safe and sustainable water resources and promoting high-priority water quality and availability research.

EPA also requires that grant applicants adequately describe environmental outputs and outcomes to be achieved under assistance agreements (see EPA Order 5700.7A1, Environmental Results under Assistance Agreements, https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-order-57007a1-epas-policy-environmental-results-under-epa-assistance-agreements). Applicants must include specific statements describing the environmental results of the proposed project in terms of well-defined outputs and, to the maximum extent practicable, well-defined outcomes that will demonstrate how the project will contribute to the priorities described above.

The proposed research should be national in scope and address environmental problems associated with both water quality and availability. This funding opportunity is intended to incentivize research to unlock the potential of water reuse as a tool for national water security and resiliency, climate adaptation and mitigation, and environmental justice. Applications in response to this solicitation should clearly demonstrate how the proposed research will directly support the goals of this solicitation, and the expected impact of the research in advancing water availability and water quality through the consideration of water reuse at the national level.

There are two distinct research areas covered by this solicitation. Applicants should address both research areas and cover all the topics of interest (A-E) listed below. The research area and topic(s) of interest being addressed should clearly be indicated throughout the application.

Research Area 1: Science, Technology Development, and Validation for Water Reuse Applications Research is needed to help inform the role of water reuse in the nation’s priorities for securing water availability and water quality for user communities. Research gaps exist for future fit-for-purpose specifications using risk assessment strategies; brine reduction and disposal technologies and processes; development of real-time monitoring and control strategies for water treatment trains; and assessment, demonstration, and validation of novel or improved treatment technologies.

Topics of interest:

TOPIC A: Health-Based Risk Assessment: Any proposed research toward health based risk assessment and specifications should describe the state of the science, the gap being addressed, and how the proposed assessment is expected to have a broad impact on the https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-order-57007a1-epas-policy-environmental-results-under-epa-assistance-agreements https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-order-57007a1-epas-policy-environmental-results-under-epa-assistance-agreements

Nation’s ability to address real world water reuse challenges. Research under this topic may include:

• Characterize the quality of sources of water for potential reuse, which may include: (1) municipal wastewater, (2) industrial water such as process water and cooling water, (3) agriculture runoff and return flows, (4) stormwater, with a focus on the occurrence and density of pathogens and relevant chemicals of concern, and (5) other sources.

• Evaluate risk assessments and analysis methods that estimate or calculate fit-for-purpose treatment standards for different types of source waters, and water reuse treatment approaches/technologies to identify treatment levels needed to protect human health and the environment and meet regulatory standards, as appropriate, including for surface water and groundwater.

• Define treatment performance (e.g., log removal credits of representative pathogens) of existing and emerging unit processes both through mining existing information and generating data on critical gaps.

• Research on other topics of relevance related to health-based risk assessment and specifications to unlock the potential of water reuse as a tool for national water security and resiliency, climate adaptation and mitigation, and environmental justice.

TOPIC B: Technology Innovation: Any proposed technology research should clearly describe the state of the science, the technology development context, and the gap being addressed. The technology research should be at a high Technology Readiness Level and clearly demonstrate the pathway from the proposed work to application in the real world toward addressing water reuse challenges. Research under this topic may include:

• Identify and validate innovative technologies for the removal of chemical and microbial contaminants, including emerging pollutants, from various types of wastewater streams, to enable fit-for-purpose reuse or improved quality of discharged effluent.

• Research, develop and/or validate technologies or processes for disposal or other innovative use of concentrate from membrane treatment systems to reduce management costs and to mitigate public health and ecological risks.

• Research, develop and/or validate technologies for continuous monitoring and control or other innovative monitoring strategies to ensure reliability and adequate performance across reuse treatment trains.

• Identify, research, and/or develop low- and zero-energy water and wastewater treatment systems and expanded recovery of beneficial treatment byproducts.

• Analyze low-input treatment technologies for small, mid-size treatment plants as well as decentralized and onsite systems. “Low-input” is a term that describes a combination of low-energy, low-cost, and/or low-maintenance technologies over a technology’s life cycle.

• Research on other topics of relevance related to technology innovation to unlock the potential of water reuse as a tool for national water security and resiliency, climate adaptation and mitigation, and to serve underserved communities.

Research Area 2: Social science, Information, Engagement, and Organizational barriers to Water Reuse Research is needed to improve the national understanding of the water available for reuse and the critical impediments to advancing water reuse across the U.S., including public acceptance. Both social and organizational barriers contribute to the critical research gaps surrounding reuse, including, but not limited to potential policy, legal, regulatory, financial, and social impediments.

More research is needed on the best approaches for improving cross-organizational engagement as well as approaches that increase public acceptance of water reuse.

Topics of interest:

TOPIC C: Water Information and Availability: Any proposed research on current and future water availability should clearly identify the gap in current knowledge, and the actionable solution(s) toward addressing water reuse challenges within the water industry. Research under this topic may include:

• Research and establish a methodology for identifying and quantifying the water currently being recycled, and available for potential future reuse, including municipal, agricultural, stormwater, industrial, and other sources of supply. This methodology should be capable of yielding data on reuse activity and potential at national, regional, state, and local scales.

• Characterize the drivers shaping future water planning decisions at the local and regional scales and identify solutions required to incorporate water reuse for long term water planning.

• Research on other topics of relevance related to current and future water availability to unlock the potential of water reuse as a tool for national water security and resiliency, climate adaptation and mitigation, and to serve underserved communities.

TOPIC D: Organizational Barriers: Any proposed research on water sector policy, organizational structures, and legal/ financial/ regulatory barriers should identify the gap in the current knowledge, advance understanding of the problem, and/or clearly identify actionable solution(s) toward addressing water reuse challenges within the water industry. Research under this topic may include:

• Understand and identify the current research efforts across the water sector to foster collaborations, prevent duplication of efforts, and inform a coordinated water reuse research strategy.

• Research and identify limitations on water reuse due to policy, legal/regulatory, financial, organizational/institutional, and social constraints for various sources of waters for potential reuse (e.g., municipal wastewater, industrial water such as process water and cooling water, agriculture runoff and return flows, and stormwater).

• Synthesize relevant research activities and findings to support and inform development of policies and strategies necessary to build water reuse capacity.

• Research on other topics of relevance related to water sector policy, organizational structures, and legal/ financial/regulatory barriers to unlock the potential of water reuse as a tool for national water security and resiliency, climate adaptation and mitigation, and to serve underserved communities.

TOPIC E: Social Barriers: Any proposed research on public attitudes, perceptions, and acceptance should identify the gap in the current knowledge, advance understanding of the barrier, and/or clearly identify actionable solution(s) toward addressing water reuse challenges within the water sector. Research under this topic may include:

• Compile and evaluate previously conducted community-based strategies to increase acceptance of reuse.

• Identify improved communication strategies to build public acceptance for different types of reuse sources and applications, accounting for differences in local water management interests, needs, and priorities.

• Develop qualitative research and evaluate existing research to understand the primary drivers affecting public acceptance of and user confidence in different types of water reuse.

• Research on other topics of relevance related to public attitudes, perceptions, and acceptance of water reuse to advance water reuse as a tool for national water security and resiliency, climate adaptation and mitigation, and to serve underserved communities.

Expected Outputs The outputs of this project will assist communities, states, tribes, local governments, utilities, agriculture, and industry to more effectively incorporate innovation, applied research and other products to improve the Nation’s water availability, quality, and infrastructure. Some examples of desirable outputs are listed below:

The cooperative agreements are expected to result in a variety of products that may include:

• Analyses

• Technical guidance documents

• Cost-effective technologies analysis

• Synthesis of research and evaluation efforts

• Best practices

• Partner convenings and reports

• Strategies for acting upon research results

• Communication materials

• Published research papers

• Technology demonstration or system operation

Example Outputs Research Area 1: Science, Technology Development, and Validation for Water Reuse Applications (non-exhaustive)

Health-Based Risk Assessment:

• Reports and or publications characterizing the quality of sources of water for potential reuse which may include information on the occurrence and density of pathogens and relevant chemicals of concern that will be relevant to informing the development of future fit-for-purpose specifications.

• Reports or publications addressing fit-for-purpose treatment standards and the ability of existing technologies to meet treatment standards for different types of reuse.

Technology Innovation:

• Demonstration scale test-bed, pilot processes in full-scale treatment facilities, or system test, launch or operation at a full-scale treatment facility of the relevant technology.

• Information for stakeholders to understand technologies available for continuous monitoring or other innovative monitoring and tracking methods.

• List of technologies that remove pollutants for a variety of end uses including information about their appropriate applications, strengths, and weaknesses.

• Economic analyses evaluating the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, life cycle costs, and operation and maintenance costs of treatment processes.

• Compilations and reviews of low-input treatment methods to be used by states, utilities, onsite system managers, and/or communities stressed by climate change.

• Compilations and reviews of low-input methods to reduce salinity and meet disinfection requirements that may foster greater adoption of reuse.

• Technology validation approaches and strategies that can be used to evaluate existing and future technologies and support needs of new technology adoption and permitting processes.

• Best practices for operations of reuse facilities, including as curricula for system operators’ certification programs, or other mechanisms to support utility operations for reuse.

Example Outputs Research Area 2: Social science, Information, Engagement, and Organizational barriers to Water Reuse (non-exhaustive)

Water Information and Availability:

• One or more methodologies to identify and quantify existing and potential future reuse across various sources of water.

• A publicly available, centralized database with information on the amount of wastewater reused by state or tribe’s reuse and stormwater capture, organized by state, tribal reservation, and jurisdiction levels.

• A report that quantifies the current practice of water reuse across states, tribes, regions, and/or nation-wide for various sources of water for potential reuse (i.e., municipal, industrial, agricultural, and stormwater).

• An interactive map of where water reuse is in place across states, regions, and the nation.

• Convening of experts to evaluate regional differences, drivers, and barriers to water reuse across different sources of water for potential reuse, and potential strategies for tailoring capacity building efforts that are sensitive to these differences.

• A portal that improves data sharing of information among states and allows for data sharing among stakeholders (as well as access to water quality data), including criteria for acceptable water quality. This could include sharing case studies and reuse planning frameworks.

Organizational Barriers:

• Report(s) that synthesizes research and relevant institutional stakeholder input concerning communication and outreach needs, challenges, and the adequacy of existing strategies and tools.

• Report(s) that compiles and evaluates effective communication strategies for a variety of users.

• Curricula to educate public health professionals, medical professionals, and others in the public health community about reuse generally and potential health risks associated with water reuse.

Social Barriers:

• Synthesis of research and relevant public stakeholder input concerning challenges with water reuse acceptance, communication and outreach needs, and the adequacy of existing strategies and tools, including those for underserved communities.

• Practical tools to assist in public and decision-maker risk communication and building consumer confidence in recycled water.

• Evidence-based outreach strategies around reuse tailored to various concerns and perceptions of diverse communities that highlight the benefits and successes of reuse while accounting for public health and environmental protection safeguards.

Expected Outcomes Expected outcomes of this agreement will facilitate a holistic path forward to understanding the state and potential for reuse, as well as address the health risk concerns in municipal, agricultural, stormwater, and industrial sectors. Outcomes from this agreement will provide a better understanding of the available technologies to support reuse, their cost-effectiveness, and potential for holistic resource recovery within a changing climate. Additionally, the proposed research will develop tools needed to support local, state, and national communication efforts to reduce institutional barriers and improve public acceptance and understanding of reuse.

Environmental Justice To the extent practicable, research applications must seek to incorporate environmental justice and underserved community considerations. Environmental justice (EJ) is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies. Fair treatment means no group of people should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, governmental and commercial operations or policies. Meaningful involvement means people have an opportunity to participate in decisions about activities that may affect their environment and/or health; the public's contribution can influence the regulatory agency's decision; community concerns will be considered in the decision making process; and decision makers will seek out and facilitate the involvement of those potentially affected. For purposes of this competition and the evaluation of applications, “underserved communities” means people/communities of color, low income, tribal and indigenous populations, and other vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those who pre-existing medical conditions.”

In addressing the research areas and topics of interest above, applicants should demonstrate how the project will address the disproportionate and adverse human health, environmental, climate-related and other cumulative impacts, as well as the accompanying economic challenges of such impacts, resulting from industrial, governmental, commercial and/or other actions that have affected and/or currently affect the underserved communities. Applicants should also demonstrate how the project benefits the underserved communities including those that have experienced a lack of resources or other impediments to addressing the impacts identified above that affect their community.

Community Engagement Plan Collaboration and cooperative partnerships are strongly encouraged in the design and execution of the proposed research. Therefore, applications must include a Community Engagement Plan.

Applications should, at minimum, describe how: a) applicants will work in partnership with appropriate partners (MSIs, states, tribes, academia, industry groups, non-profit organizations, associations, and local communities/community-based organizations) to effectively design and implement the proposed project; b) applicants will, to the extent possible, coordinate with and/or complement other projects or activities being performed by others that will result in a greater positive impact; c) applicants will ensure substantive and cohesive collaboration between researchers tackling different disciplinary activities described within the two research areas and all five topics of interest (A-E) described in Section I.D; and (d) applicants will incorporate input of appropriate partners (MSIs, states, tribes, academia, industry groups, non-profit organizations, associations, and local communities/community-based organizations, underserved communities) in the definition of relevant research hypotheses, questions, design, and implementation plans.

For the purpose of this announcement, a “community-based organization” generally means a nongovernmental organization that has demonstrated effectiveness as a representative of a community or a significant segment of a community and that helps members of that community obtain environmental, educational, or other social services. A community-based organization must be a nonprofit or not for profit corporation in good standing under state or tribal law with authority to enter into binding legal agreements. The community-based organization need not be tax exempt under the Internal Revenue Code but may use documentation of tax-exempt status to demonstrate that it is a nonprofit.

The community engagement plan should:

• Describe the type of collaboration/engagement proposed and what role it will play in the overall project including the degree of partner and/or community input or engagement in the conceptualization, hypothesis/question development, design, methods, analyses and implementation of the research. This includes describing how the project addresses engagement with underserved communities, especially local residents in these communities who will be affected by the project, to ensure their meaningful participation with respect to the design, project planning, and performance of the project.

• Describe how the collaboration/engagement will enhance the overall impact of the project such that the project results are applicable and useable by state/local agencies, utilities, and impacted communities. This includes the capacity of the project to more effectively communicate risk and translate scientific results into easily understandable outreach and education materials.

• Describe how activities of the project will be coordinated with related or complementary projects and studies.

• Describe how substantive and cohesive collaboration between researchers tackling different disciplinary activities detailed within the two research areas and all five topics of interest (A-E) described in Section I.D will be accomplished.

• Describe how the collaboration/engagement will materialize during project performance.

Describe the partner(s)’ intent to participate in the proposed research including evidence of support of an active partnership with MSIs, states, tribes, academia, industry groups, non-profit organizations, associations, and/or local communities/community-based organizations (e.g., letter(s) of intent or support from MSIs, community-based organizations, community leaders, state or local government agencies, non-government organizations, industry, water utility managers, site managers or operators). Any letters demonstrating evidence of collaboration and support should be included as part of section IV.C.10.a. Letters of Intent/Letters of Support.

Applicants that do not plan on collaborating/engaging with other groups in project performance must still include a community engagement plan in their application describing how they will be able to effectively perform and complete the project without such collaboration/engagement.

Innovation and Sustainability To the extent practicable, research applications must embody innovation and sustainability.

Innovation for the purposes of this RFA is defined as the process of making changes; a new method, custom or device. Innovative research can take the form of wholly new applications or applications that build on existing knowledge and approaches for new uses. Research applications must include a discussion on how the proposed research is innovative (see Section IV.C.6.a). The goal of sustainability, derived from the U.S. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), is to “create and maintain conditions, under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations.” Research applications must include a discussion on how the proposed research will seek sustainable solutions that protect the environment and strengthen our communities (see Section IV.C.6.a). Reviewers will draw from all of the above-mentioned innovation and sustainability definitions in the review/evaluation process of research applications (see Section V.A).

E. References

(1) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). (2020). National Water Reuse Action Plan. (https://www.epa.gov/waterreuse/water-reuse-action-plan)

(2) United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). (2012). 2012 guidelines for water reuse. Washington, DC: U.S. EPA Office of Water, Office of Wastewater Management.

https://www3.epa.gov/region1/npdes/merrimackstation/pdfs/ar/AR-1530.pdf

(3) Rauch-Williams, T; Marshall, MR; Davis, D. (2018). Baseline data to establish the current amount of resource recovery from WRRFs. (WSEC-2018-TR-003).

https://www.wef.org/globalassets/assets-wef/direct-download-library/public/03---resources/WSEC-2018-TR-003

F. Special Requirements

It is EPA Policy to ensure that the results of EPA-funded extramural scientific research are accessible to the public to the greatest extent feasible consistent with applicable law; policies and Orders; the Agency’s mission; resource constraints; and U.S. national, homeland and economic security. This entails maximizing, at no charge, access by the public to peer-reviewed, scientific research journal publications or associated author manuscripts, and their underlying digital research data, created in whole or in part with EPA funds, while protecting personal privacy;

recognizing proprietary interests, confidential business information and intellectual property rights; and avoiding significant negative impact on intellectual property rights, innovation and U.S. competitiveness. EPA’s Policy for Increasing Access to Results of EPA-Funded Extramural Scientific Research may be accessed at: https://www.epa.gov/research/non-epa-researcher-requirements. Terms and conditions implementing this policy may be accessed at:

https://www.epa.gov/research/non-epa-researcher-requirements.

Applications submitted under this announcement shall include a Scientific Data Management Plan (SDMP) that addresses public access to EPA-funded scientific research data. See the SDMP clause in Section IV for details on the content of an SDMP. Applicants will also be asked to provide past performance information on whether journal publications or associated author manuscripts, and the associated underlying scientific research data and metadata, under prior assistance agreements were made publicly accessible. These items will be evaluated prior to award.

https://www.epa.gov/waterreuse/water-reuse-action-plan https://www3.epa.gov/region1/npdes/merrimackstation/pdfs/ar/AR-1530.pdf https://www.epa.gov/research/non-epa-researcher-requirements https://www.epa.gov/research/non-epa-researcher-requirements https://www.epa.gov/research/non-epa-researcher-requirements

Reasonable, necessary and allocable costs for data management and public access as discussed in EPA’s Policy for Increasing Access to Results of EPA-Funded Extramural Scientific Research, may be included in extramural research applications and detailed in the budget justification described in Section IV.

Agency policy and ethical considerations prevent EPA technical staff and managers from providing applicants with information that may create an unfair competitive advantage.

Consequently, EPA employees will not review, comment, advise and/or provide technical assistance to applicants preparing applications in response to EPA RFAs. EPA employees cannot endorse any particular application.

Multiple Investigator applications may be submitted as: (1) a single Lead Principal Investigator (PI) application with Co-PI(s) or (2) a Multiple PI application (with a single Contact PI). If you choose to submit a Multiple PI application, you must follow the specific instructions provided in Sections IV. and V. of this RFA. For further information, please see the EPA Implementation Plan for Policy on Multiple Principal Investigators (https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/research-grants-guidance-and-policies).

This solicitation provides the opportunity for the submission of applications for projects that may involve human subjects research. All applications must include a Human Subjects Research Statement (HSRS; described in Section IV.C.6.c of this solicitation). If the project involves human subjects research, it will be subject to an additional level of review prior to funding decisions being made as described in Sections V.D and V.F of this solicitation.

Groups of two or more eligible applicants may choose to form a consortium and submit a single application for this assistance agreement. The application must identify which organization will be the recipient of the assistance agreement and which organizations(s) will be subawardees of the recipient.

These awards may involve the collection of “Geospatial Information,” which includes information that identifies the geographic location and characteristics of natural or constructed features or boundaries on the Earth or applications, tools, and hardware associated with the generation, maintenance, or distribution of such information. This information may be derived from, among other things, a Geographic Positioning System (GPS), remote sensing, mapping, charting, and surveying technologies, or statistical data.

II. AWARD INFORMATION

It is anticipated that a total of approximately $6,492,000 million will be awarded under this announcement, depending on the availability of funds, quality of applications received and other applicable considerations. The EPA anticipates funding approximately 2 awards under this RFA.

Requests for amounts in excess of a total of $3,246,000 in federal funds, including direct and…