IADN_2019_RFA_4.9.2019_Final.pdf

U.S. EPA GREAT LAKES NATIONAL PROGRAM OFFICE

Integrated Atmospheric Deposition Network 2019 Request for Applications

Federal Agency Name: Environmental Protection Agency Funding Opportunity Title: Integrated Atmospheric Deposition Network Announcement Type: Request for Applications Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-R5-GL2019-IAD Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 66.469

INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

This Request for Applications (RFA) solicits applications from eligible entities for a cooperative agreement to support the Integrated Atmospheric Deposition Network pursuant to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) action plan (www.glri.us/documents#actionplan). This RFA is one of several funding opportunities available through federal agencies under the GLRI.

Funding/Awards Under this competition, approximately $6 million may be awarded for one cooperative agreement over a five-year period, consisting of incremental funding of about $1.2 million per year. Awarding of the cooperative agreement, and incremental funding, is contingent upon funding availability, the quality of applications received and other applicable considerations. Applications must have a project period of five years and three months. The award is expected to be incrementally funded and subject to the availability of funding, future appropriations, satisfactory performance of work, and other applicable considerations.

GLRI’s statutory authority to award cooperative agreements is contained in the Clean Water Act, Section 118(c)(7), as amended by Public Law 114-322. EPA has authority to award grants and cooperative agreements for planning, research, monitoring, outreach and implementation projects in furtherance of the GLRI and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. Governmental entities, including state agencies, interstate agencies, Indian tribes, local governments, institutions of higher learning (i.e., colleges and universities), and non-profit organizations (as defined at 2 CFR 200) are eligible to apply for funding under this RFA. Individuals, foreign organizations and governments, nonprofit organizations exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying, and “for-profit” organizations are not eligible.

https://www.glri.us/documents#actionplan

Important Dates

• Tuesday, May 28, 2019 – Applications must be received by EPA via Grants.gov by 10:59 p.m.

Central Daylight Time / 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. There are limited exceptions to submission via Grants.gov. See Section IV for further submission information.

• June 2019 (tentative) – EPA will notify finalist.

• August 2019 (tentative) – EPA will make official award.

Other Application Information For your convenience, an RFA web page has been created at www.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/2019-rfa-integrated-atmospheric-deposition-network. Here you will find information relating to the RFA process as well as a link to frequently asked questions (FAQs). We encourage all applicants to sign up for our mailing list and register with us at www.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/great-lakes-news-email-list. Further submittal information is described in Section IV.

http://www.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/2019-rfa-integrated-atmospheric-deposition-network http://www.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/great-lakes-news-email-list

U.S. EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Request for Applications: EPA-R5-GL2019-IAD

Contents

I. APPLICATION INFORMATION

II. AWARD INFORMATION

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

V. APPLICATION REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION

VII. AGENCY CONTACTS

VIII. OTHER INFORMATION

IX. APPENDIX I--BUDGET SAMPLE

U.S. EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Request for Applications: EPA-R5-GL2019-IAD

I. APPLICATION INFORMATION

A. General Background, Authority, and Funded Activities The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (“GLRI” or “Initiative”) builds on the prior efforts of federal, state, and local agencies; Indian tribes; businesses; public interest groups; interested citizens; and others to develop a collaborative and comprehensive approach to restoring the Great Lakes. Information about the Initiative can be found at www.glri.us.

This RFA is expected to result in the award of one cooperative agreement, as appropriate (hereafter collectively referred to as “grants”), to help implement the GLRI. Authorization for GLRI funding is contained in the Clean Water Act, Section 118(c)(7), as amended by Public Law 114-322.

EPA has authority to award cooperative agreements for planning, research, monitoring, outreach and implementation projects in furtherance of GLRI and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA). The statutory authority to act to implement the U.S.

responsibilities under GLWQA and for GLRI funding is contained in the Clean Water Act, Section 118(c)(7), as amended by Public Law 114-322. The principal goal of GLWQA is the restoration and maintenance of the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Great Lakes ecosystem. Funded activities must advance protection and restoration of the Great Lakes ecosystem in support of: (i) the GLRI action plan (www.glri.us/documents#actionplan) and (ii) EPA’s Strategic Plan. Projects must also either: (i) protect, enhance, and/or restore the Great Lakes, including projects impacting connecting waterways such as Lake St. Clair and the St.

Lawrence River (at or upstream from the point at which the St. Lawrence River becomes the international boundary between Canada and the United States); or (ii) protect Great Lakes ecosystem health, including human health. Information about the GLRI can be found at www.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/great-lakes-restoration-initiative-glri. Applications for other activities will be rejected.

The activities to be funded under this announcement support EPA’s FY 2018-22 Strategic Plan.

Awards made under this announcement will support Goal 1: Core Mission, Objective 1.2:

Provide for Clean and Safe Water of the EPA Strategic Plan (www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan.html). All applications must be for projects that support the goals and objectives identified above.

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

https://www.glri.us/ http://www.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/great-lakes-restoration-initiative-glri http://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan.html

This RFA solicits applications from eligible entities for a cooperative agreement to be awarded pursuant to the statutory authorities referenced above and the GLRI action plan. Up to $6 million may be awarded under this RFA over an approximately five-year and three-month period, consisting of incremental funding of about $1.2 million per year, contingent on the quality of applications received, funding availability, future appropriations, satisfactory performance of work, and other applicable considerations. Funding each year is not guaranteed. The application should include an annualized budget and budget detail narrative for the project, and a detailed workplan covering each year of the project.

All projects will be evaluated as described in Section V.

Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) 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:

A. Historically Black Colleges and Universities, as defined by the Higher Education Act (20

U.S.C. § 1061). A list of these schools can be found at sites.ed.gov/whhbcu/one-hundred-and-five-historically-black-colleges-and-universities/

B. 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 sites.ed.gov/whiaiane/tribes-tcus/tribal-colleges-and-universities/

C. 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 ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/idues/hsi-eligibles-2016.pdf

D. Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions; (AANAPISIs), as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1059g(a)(2)). A list of these schools can be found at www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1XVkOWKMDORm53pvU0L8EPsrJC94&msa=0&ie= UTF8&t=m&z=3&source=embed&ll=40.58644586187277%2C-148.28228249999984; and

E. Predominantly 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 www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1wlIi3j7gtlNq_w- 0NKAb2bF2VmY&ie=UTF&msa=0&ll=37.35160769312534%2C-96.17229800000001&z=4.

Subawardees and/or Contractors If you name subawardees/subgrantees and/or contractor(s), including individual consultants, in your application as partners to assist you with the proposed project, pay careful attention to 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://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=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=37.35160769312534%2C-96.17229800000001&z=4 https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1wlIi3j7gtlNq_w-0NKAb2bF2VmY&ie=UTF&msa=0&ll=37.35160769312534%2C-96.17229800000001&z=4 the information in Section III regarding "Coalitions" and to the “Contracts and Subawards” provisions at www.epa.gov/grants/epa-solicitation-clauses (incorporated by reference in Section IV).

B. IADN Background, Goals and Objectives

The Integrated Atmospheric Deposition Network (IADN) was established in 1990 as a binational monitoring network between EPA and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), in response to scientific evidence that demonstrated the atmosphere is a significant source of many persistent toxic chemicals to the Great Lakes. Since 1990, IADN has monitored persistent toxics in vapor, particulates, and precipitation at both urban and rural sites across the basin. Master stations are located on each of the Great Lakes (Eagle Harbor, MI; Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI; Burnt Island, ON; Sturgeon Point, NY; and Point Petre, ON) to characterize the broad lakewide trends of persistent toxic chemical loadings to the Lakes. Satellite stations are also located in two urban areas in the U.S. (Chicago, IL; and Cleveland, OH) to better understand the contribution of urban areas to lakewide loadings.

IADN measures the concentrations of persistent toxic chemicals in Great Lakes air and precipitation. These measurements are used to track and report spatial and temporal trends, determine atmospheric loadings to the Great Lakes, and identify emerging contaminants.

The goals of IADN are to track spatial and temporal trends of atmospheric toxics, determine atmospheric loadings of persistent toxics in the Great Lakes, and to identify emerging chemicals that may be impacting the lakes. These goals are accomplished through the following objectives, which should be addressed by applicants in their applications:

• Acquire quality-assured vapor and particulate and precipitation concentration measurements, with attention to continuity and consistency of those measurements, so that trend data are not biased by changes in network operations or personnel;

• Determine the atmospheric loadings and trends (both spatial and temporal) of persistent toxic chemicals to the Great Lakes;

• Discovery of new emerging chemical threats to the Great Lakes;

• Make data publicly available in a user friendly and effective manner; and

• Develop annual reports and Triennial State of the Great Lakes (SOGL) indicator reports

C. Program Activities

Applicants are expected to conduct activities in support of the above goals and objectives through the IADN core program (listed below) and may also include other activities associated with conducting new and emerging chemical surveillance and special research. The following provides a brief description of the of expected activities, more extensive details can be found in Section IV.D.2.a.

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

1. Core Program – Applicants must propose projects to address the IADN core program. The IADN core program monitors the long-term air deposition of persistent toxics, including PCBs, PAHs, pesticides, PBDEs, and other flame retardants in vapor, particulate, and precipitation phases (see table 1).

a. Sample Collection Applicants are expected to collect air (vapor and particulate) and precipitation samples and perform meteorological measurements at the five U.S. IADN sites (Eagle Harbor, MI; Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI; Burnt Island, ON; Sturgeon Point, NY;

and Point Petre, ON) through agreements with local site operators from October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2024.

b. Sample Analysis Applicants are expected to analyze all collected vapor, particulate, and precipitation samples for persistent toxic chemicals currently on the IADN analyte list (see table 1).

c. Data Management, Interpretation, Statistical Analysis and Reporting Applicants are expected to manage data generated through sample collection and analysis and submit to EPA. Applicants are expected to interpret data though statistical analysis and report findings.

d. Quality Assurance and Quality Control Applicants are expected to develop, implement, and maintain a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).

2. New Chemicals and Special Research - Applicants may propose plans to conduct targeted and non-targeted surveillance of new and emerging chemicals. Further, monitoring per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) has become a focus for the IADN program

a. Applicants should propose plans to monitoring per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD).

b. Applicants may also propose plans for surveillance activities including targeted and non-targeted screening for new chemicals.

c. Applicants may also propose plans for other special research including include measurement of persistent toxic chemicals in water samples to calculate net loadings to/from the Lakes; the use of other sampling methods to supplement the existing network with supporting rationale; and other research that contributes to the overall understanding of atmospheric concentrations and impacts to the Great Lakes.

Note: Applications must demonstrate a plan for performing chemical analyses to retain comparability and continuity with historical IADN data. IADN’s Quality Assurance Project Plan (www.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/2019-rfa-integrated-atmospheric-deposition-network) detail the analytical methodology currently used in IADN. Applications that do not demonstrate how they will ensure continuity and comparability of sampling and analytical methods with historic IADN data will be rejected.

Table 1: List of priority toxic chemicals analyzed by IADN (PCB congeners are only analyzed in vapor and precipitation samples; pesticides are analyzed in vapor and precipitation samples at all sites, and in particle samples at the 2 urban sites; PAHs

PCB congener PAHs PBDE congener 4+10 119 Fluorine 7 153

7+9 83 phenanthrene 10 154 + BB-153 6 97 anthracene 15 156+169

8+5 81 fluoranthene 17 180 19 87 Pyrene 28 183 12 85 Retene 30 184 13 77 benzo[a]fluoranthene 47 191 18 110 benzo[b]fluoranthene 49 196

15+17 135+144 benzo[k]fluoranthene 66 197 16 123 benzo[e]pyrene 71 201 32 149 benzo[a]pyrene 85 203 26 118 chrysene+ triphenylene 99 204 31 114 indeno[1,2,3,cd]pyrene 100 205 28 131 dibenzo[a,h]anthracene 119 206 33 132+153+105 benzo[g,h,i]perylene 126 207 53 163+138 Coronene 138 208 22 128 Total PAHs 139 209 45 167 Pesticides 140 Total

52 174 HCB

49 202+171 alpha-HCH Other flame retardants 47 156 beta-HCH decabromodiphenylethane 48 172 gamma-HCH tribromophenoxyethane 44 180 heptachlor epoxide Dechlorane Plus 37 199 alpha-chlordane pentabromobenzene 42 169 gamma-chlordane p-tetrabromoxylene

41+71 170+190 Oxychlordane tetrabromobenzoate 64 201 trans-nonachlor tetrabromophthlate

100 207 Methoxychlor pentabromoethylbenzene 74 194 endosulfan I hexabromobenzene

70+76 205 endosulfan II 66 206 endosulfan sulfate 95 Total p,p’-DDT 91 p,p’-DDE

56+60 p,p’-DDD 92+84 o,p’-DDT

89 o,p’-DDD 101 Aldrin

99 Endrin 126 Dieldrin

D. Outputs and Outcomes

For purposes of this RFA:

• 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 cooperative agreement funding period.

• 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 cooperative agreement funding period.

Outputs should include the following (and any additional ones that apply to the project) and must link to the GLRI Action Plan’s Measures of Progress or goals and objectives:

• A quantification of persistent toxic chemicals in Great Lakes air and precipitation samples, with attention to continuity and consistency of those measurements, so that trend data are not biased by changes in network operations or personnel.

• An evaluation of the spatial and temporal trends of persistent toxic chemicals

• Co-author State of the Great Lakes (SOGL) Toxic Chemicals in Air sub-indicator; an estimate of the atmospheric loadings of persistent toxic chemicals and select CMCs to the Great Lakes.

• The discovery of new emerging chemical threats to the Great Lakes.

• Development of Great Lakes scientists through the education of graduate and undergraduate students in Great Lakes ecosystem science and environmental chemistry.

• Delivering quality assured data to EPA in appropriate timeframes (listed above)

• Dissemination of results via peer-reviewed journal articles

Applicants should also demonstrate how their proposed project will achieve one or more of the following outcomes:

• Improved understanding of the atmospheric fate and cycling of persistent toxic chemicals in the Great Lakes region.

• Improved understanding of the sources and loadings of persistent toxic chemicals entering the Great Lakes.

• Improved decision-making in the development of strategies to reduce toxic chemicals in the Great Lakes.

• Increased understanding of the effectiveness of toxic reduction strategies.

• Increased understanding of persistent toxic chemical trends in Great Lakes air and precipitation.

• Increased understanding of the effects of persistent toxic chemicals on the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

• Increased understanding of emerging toxic chemicals in the Great Lakes.

II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Amounts, Targets, and Number of Projects Approximately $6 million in EPA funding is expected to be awarded under this RFA for one cooperative agreement over an approximately 5-year period, consisting of incremental funding of approximately $1.2 million per year. Awarding and funding of the cooperative agreement is contingent upon funding availability, the quality of applications received and other applicable considerations. The anticipated total amount and annual increments are estimates only and are being provided solely for application preparation purposes. Applications requesting funding above the anticipated total amount will not be considered.

The actual total and incremental award amount may differ from what is estimated for many reasons, including funding availability. In addition, EPA reserves the right to reject all applications and make no award under this announcement or make an award for less than expected.

B. Anticipated Project Start and End Dates This Request for Applications (RFA) instructs applicants to submit certifications and other documentation required for a full and complete funding package so that their projects could, if selected, proceed expeditiously. Applications should have a project period ending October 31, 2024. The award will be incrementally funded each year, and is expected to start August 1, 2019, and is subject to the availability of funding, future appropriations, satisfactory performance of work, program priorities and other applicable considerations.

C. Additional Awards EPA reserves the right to make additional awards under this announcement, consistent with Agency policy and guidance, if additional funding becomes available after the original selections are made. Any additional selections for awards will be made no later than 6 months after the original selection decisions.

D. Funding Type The successful applicant will be issued a cooperative agreement. A cooperative agreement is an assistance agreement that is used when there is substantial federal involvement with the recipient during the performance of an activity or project. EPA expects to have substantial involvement in this project in the form of technical assistance, network guidance, use of the

R/V Lake Guardian as appropriate, providing historic data, evaluation of project progress, and quantification and reporting of results. EPA will negotiate the precise terms and conditions of “substantial involvement” as part of the award process. Federal involvement may include close monitoring of the recipient’s performance; collaboration during the performance of the scope of work; review of proposed procurements in accordance with; 2 CFR 200.317 and 2 CFR

200.318 and 2 CFR 1500.9 reviewing qualifications of key personnel; and/or review and comment on the content of printed or electronic publications prepared. EPA does not have the authority to select employees or contractors employed by the recipient. The final decision on the content of reports rests with the recipient.

E. Future Funding Selection or award of funding under this RFA is not a guarantee of future funding.

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

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Applicant Eligibility (CFDA 66.469) Qualified non-federal entities eligible to apply for grants include non-federal governmental entities, nonprofit organizations, and institutions. This includes state agencies; any agency or instrumentality of local government; interstate agencies; federally-recognized tribes and tribal organizations; colleges and universities; non-profit organizations; and other public or non-profit private agencies, institutions, and organizations.

Non-profit organization means any corporation, trust, association, cooperative, or other organization which: (1) is operated primarily for scientific, educational, service, charitable, or similar purposes in the public interest; (2) is not organized primarily for profit; and (3) uses its net proceeds to maintain, improve, and/or expand its operations. 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 applicants. "For profit" organizations, federal agencies, and individuals are not eligible applicants.

Eligible Minority Serving Institutions, as described in Section I, are strongly encouraged to apply for funding under this competition.

Coalitions Groups of two or more eligible applicants may choose to form a coalition and submit a single application under this RFA; however, one entity must be responsible for the grant. Coalitions must identify which eligible organization will be the recipient of the grant and which eligible organization(s) will be subawardees of the recipient. Subawards and subgrants must be consistent with the definitions of those terms in 2 C.F.R. 200.92. The recipient that administers the grant will be accountable to EPA for proper expenditure of the funds and reporting and will be the point of contact for the coalition. As provided in 2 C.F.R. 200.331(d), subrecipients or subgrantees are accountable to the recipient or grantee for proper use of EPA funding.

Coalitions may not include for-profit organizations that will provide services or products to the successful applicant. For-profit organizations are not eligible for subawards. For-profit organizations are eligible to receive contracts. Any contracts for services or products funded with EPA financial assistance must be awarded under the competitive procurement procedures of 2 C.F.R. 200.319, as applicable. The regulations also contain limitations on consultant compensation. (Please see 2 C.F.R. § 1500.9, formerly at 40 C.F.R. § 30.27(b) or 31.36(j), as applicable.) For additional information, please review the following Federal Register: edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-7867.pdf.

B. Match or Cost-Share There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement as a condition of eligibility under this RFA.

C. Threshold Eligibility Criteria These are requirements that if not met by the applicant by the time of application submission will result in elimination of the application from consideration for funding. Only applications for eligible activities from eligible entities that meet these criteria by the time of application submission will be evaluated against the ranking factors in Section V of this RFA. Applicants deemed ineligible for funding consideration as a result of the threshold eligibility review will be notified by email within 15 calendar days of the ineligibility determination.

A. Applications must substantially comply with the application submission instructions and requirements set forth in Section IV of this RFA or else they will be rejected. Where a page limit is stated for the Narrative Proposal in Section IV, pages in excess of the page limitation will not be reviewed.

B. In addition, applications must be submitted through Grants.gov as stated in Section IV of this announcement (except in the limited circumstances where another mode of submission is specifically allowed for as explained in Section IV) on or before the application submission deadline published in Section IV of this announcement. Applicants are responsible for following the submission instructions in Section IV of this announcement to ensure that their application is timely submitted.

C. Applications submitted after the submission deadline will be considered late and deemed ineligible without further consideration unless the applicant can clearly demonstrate that it was late due to EPA mishandling or because of technical problems associated with Grants.gov http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-7867.pdf https://www.grants.gov/ or relevant SAM.gov system issues. An applicant’s failure to timely submit their application through Grants.gov because they did not timely or properly register in SAM.gov or Grants.gov will not be considered an acceptable reason to consider a late submission. Applicants should confirm receipt of their application with Derek Ager (ager.derek@epa.gov) as soon as possible after the submission deadline—failure to do so may result in your application not being reviewed.

D. Unless specifically excluded under this RFA, assistance is available to eligible applicants for planning, research, monitoring, outreach, and implementation of the GLRI and GLWQA.

Proposed projects must also either: (i) protect, enhance, and/or restore the Great Lakes, including projects impacting connecting waterways such as Lake St. Clair and the St. Lawrence River (at or upstream from the point at which the St. Lawrence River becomes the international boundary between Canada and the United States); or (ii) protect Great Lakes ecosystem health, including human health. Information about the GLRI can be found at www.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/great-lakes-restoration-initiative-glri. Applications for other activities will be rejected.

E. Applications must address the four components of IADN’s core program (detailed in Section I and IV).

F. Applications must demonstrate a plan for performing chemical analyses to retain comparability and continuity with historical IADN data. IADN’s Quality Assurance Project Plan (www.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/2019-rfa-integrated-atmospheric-deposition-network) detail the analytical methodology currently used in IADN.

G. Applications requesting funding above the anticipated total amount specified in Section II ($6 million) will not be considered.

D. Ineligible Activities If an application is submitted that includes any ineligible tasks or activities, including, but not limited to, those listed above, that portion of the application will be ineligible for funding and may, depending on the extent to which it affects the application, render the entire application ineligible for funding.

Applicants should contact the applicable individual listed in Section VII with any questions about the threshold eligibility requirements.

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. Requirement to Submit Through Grants.gov and Limited Exception Procedures Applicants, except as noted below, must apply electronically through Grants.gov under this funding opportunity based on the Grants.gov instructions in this announcement. If an applicant does not have the technical capability to apply electronically through Grants.gov because of limited or no internet access which prevents them from being able to upload the required application materials to Grants.gov the applicant must contact OGDWaivers@epa.gov or the address listed below in writing (e.g., by hard copy, email) at least 15 calendar days prior to the https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:ager.derek@epa.gov http://www.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/great-lakes-restoration-initiative-glri http://www.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/2019-rfa-integrated-atmospheric-deposition-network https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:OGDWaivers@epa.gov submission deadline under this announcement to request approval to submit their application materials through an alternate method.

Mailing Address:

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

Mail Code: 3903R Washington, DC 20460

Courier Address:

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

Rm # 51278 Washington, DC 20004

In the request, the applicant must include the following information:

1. Funding Opportunity Number (FON)

2. Organization Name and DUNS

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

4. Explanation of how they lack the technical capability to apply electronically through

Grants.gov because of 1) limited internet access or 2) no internet access which prevents them from being able to upload the required application materials through Grants.gov.

EPA will only consider alternate submission exception requests based on the reasons stated above and will timely respond to the request--all other requests will be denied. If an alternate submission method is approved, the applicant will receive documentation of this approval and further instructions on how to apply under this announcement. Applicants 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 the announcement including the submission deadline and requirements regarding proposal content and page limits (although the documentation of approval of an alternate submission method will not count against any page limits).

If an exception is granted, 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, 2019, it is valid for any competitive or non-competitive application submission to EPA through December 31, 2019). Applicants need only request an exception once in a calendar year and all exceptions will expire on December 31 of that calendar year. Applicants 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, 2018 with a submission deadline of January 15, 2019, the applicant would need a new exception to submit through alternative methods beginning January 1, 2019.

NOTE: The process described in this section is only for requesting alternate submission methods. All other inquiries about this announcement must be directed to the Agency Contact listed in Section VII of the announcement. Queries or requests submitted to the email address identified above for any reason other than to request an alternate submission method will not be acknowledged or answered.

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 completed 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) and ask that individual to begin the registration process as soon as possible. Please note that the registration process also requires that your organization have an unique entity identifier (e.g., 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.

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

Applicants need to ensure that the AOR who submits the application through Grants.gov and whose unique entity identifier (e.g., DUNS number) is listed on the application is an AOR for the applicant listed on the application. Additionally, the DUNS number listed on the application must be registered to the applicant organization’s SAM account. If not, the application may be deemed ineligible.

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 (www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html).

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-R5-GL2019-IAD, in the appropriate field and click the Search button.

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NOTE: All applications must now be submitted through Grants.gov using the "Workspace" feature. Information on the Workspace feature can be found at www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html.

Application Submission Deadline Your organization’s AOR must submit your complete application package electronically to EPA through Grants.gov on or before 10:59 p.m. Central Time / 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 28, 2019.

Please allow for enough time to successfully submit your application and allow for unexpected errors that may require you to resubmit. Please submit all of the application materials described below using the Grants.gov application package accessed using the instructions above. All documents must be submitted as PDF files.

Application Materials The following forms and documents are required under this announcement. 1-7 are listed as mandatory on Grants.gov. Submit 8 and 9, as applicable, using the Other Attachments Form listed in the mandatory section in Grants.gov:

1. Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)

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

3. Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B)

4. EPA Key Contacts Form 5700-54

5. EPA Form 4700-4 – Pre-award Compliance Review Report

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

Section IV.D of the announcement

7. Other Attachments Form - Resumes or curriculum vitae of Principal Investigators and

Critical Staff

8. Other Attachments Form - Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, if applicable

9. Other Attachments Form - Letters of support, if applicable

NOTE: The Narrative Proposal includes the Summary Information Page; Workplan; Detailed Budget Narrative; Maps, Charts and Figures; and Meeting/Conference/Workshop Information.

Prepare as described in Section IV.D of the announcement. This is the only file that should be submitted using the Project Narrative Attachment form.

NOTE: An Other Attachments Form should be used for Resumes or curriculum vitae of Principal Investigators and critical staff. Such documentation should outline the education, work history, and knowledge/expertise of the individual that relate to managing the proposed project.

Please include the word “resume” in the filename.

NOTE: An Other Attachments Form should be used for Support Letters from collaborators or partners in support of the project. Specifically indicate how the supporting organization will assist in the project or what that organization supports, as applicable. No other types of letters https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/workspace-overview.html of support will be considered in the review of the application. Please include the words “letters of support” or “LOS” in the filename.

Applications submitted through Grants.gov will be time and date stamped electronically. If you have not received a confirmation of receipt from EPA (not from Grants.gov) within 30 days of the application deadline, please contact Derek Ager at 312-353-7463. Failure to do so may result in your application not being reviewed.

C. Technical Issues with Submission

1. 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. Applicants should save the completed application package with two different file names before providing it to the AOR to avoid having to re-create the package should submission problems be experienced, or a revised application needs to be submitted.

2. 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.

3. Transmission Difficulties. If transmission difficulties that result in a late transmission, no transmission, or rejection of the transmitted application are experienced, and following the above instructions do 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 ager.derek@epa.gov with the FON in the subject line. If you are unable to email, contact Derek Ager at 312-353-7463. Be aware that EPA will only consider accepting applications that were unable to transmit due to Grants.gov or relevant SAM.gov system issues or for unforeseen exigent circumstances, such as extreme weather interfering with internet access. Failure of an applicant to submit timely because they did not properly or timely register in SAM.gov or Grants.gov is not an acceptable reason to justify acceptance of a late submittal.

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a. 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 Derek Ager at 312-353-7463.

b. Unsuccessful transfer of the application package: If a successful transfer of the application cannot be accomplished even with assistance from Grants.gov due to electronic submission system issues or unforeseen exigent circumstances, send an email message to ager.derek@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.

c. Grants.gov rejection of the application package: If a notification is received from Grants.gov stating that the application has been rejected for reasons other than late submittal promptly send an email to ager.derek@epa.gov with the FON in the subject line within one business day of the closing date of this solicitation. The email should include any materials provided by Grants.gov and attach the entire application in PDF format.

NOTE: Successful submission through Grants.gov or via email does not necessarily mean your application is eligible for award.

D. Narrative Proposals Narrative Proposals (including the Summary Information Page, Workplan, Detailed Budget Narrative; Maps, Charts and Figures; and Meeting/Conference/Workshop Information) must be no more than thirty single-spaced pages in length and include the items below in the requested order. Excess pages will not be reviewed. Maps, charts, pictures, and other figures must be included in the Narrative Proposal file. They may be included within the body of the workplan or as an appendix. In either case those items will be counted against the page limit.

Maps, charts, pictures, and other figures that are submitted as a separate attachment will not be reviewed.

Each Narrative Proposal must be formatted for 8½” x 11” paper and should use no smaller than an 11-point Times New Roman font with 1” margins. Do not use a “double column” (aka newspaper) format. Readability is of paramount importance. Do not include more than one application in any file. Please do not zip the file or use a zip extension for your file because it will not be accepted.

1. Summary Information Page (should not exceed one page)

a. Project Title. Please limit to 60 characters. EPA reserves the right to change the project title for its administrative convenience.

b. Applicant Information. Include applicant (organization) name, address, contact person, phone number, and email address. Do not include private information.

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c. Proposed Funding Request. The total dollar amount requested from EPA-make sure it is within the limits specified in Section II or your application will be rejected.

d. Project Duration. Provide beginning and ending dates. See “Anticipated Start and End Dates” in Section II.

e. Brief Project Description. Summarize the proposed project in 100 words or less in a clear and succinct manner in PLAIN LANGUAGE, including expected outputs, outcomes and environmental benefits resulting from implementation of the project. Include environmental KEY TERMS that could be used as search terms (e.g., monitoring, atmosphere, chemicals, etc.). Do not use acronyms. Should the application be selected, and a grant awarded, this description may be posted to the EPA Website. EPA reserves the right to make unilateral changes to conform to posting requirements. See www.glri.us/projects for examples.

2. Work Plan The Work Plan for the proposed project must explicitly describe how the proposed project meets the guidelines established in Sections I-III of this RFA (including the threshold eligibility criteria in Section III) and must address each of the evaluation criteria set forth in Section V. Each Work Plan should be organized in the order and with the headings and information requested below.

a. Technical Process and Study Design Applicants should describe with specificity the nature of the proposed project including what will be done, by whom, how, and when it will be accomplished. Outline the steps to be taken and the significant milestones to be achieved to complete the proposed project as well as the estimated dates of these achievements, including the submittal of the final report. Further, plans should be organized in accordance to the two project components mentioned in section I: Core Program; New Chemicals and Special Research.

Core Program

i. Sample Collection Applicants are expected to collect air (vapor and particulate) and precipitation samples and perform meteorological measurements at the five U.S. IADN sites through agreements with local site operators from October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2024. Historically, air samples have been collected for 24 hours every 12 days using a modified high-volume air sampler with XAD-2 resin cartridges and quartz fiber filters. Historically, precipitation samples have been collected every month using an automated wet-only MIC sampler and XAD-2 resin. Historically, meteorological measurements (wind speed, wind direction, air temperature, barometric pressure, relative humidity, and solar radiation) have been made on a tower at each site, recorded on a data logger and transferred remotely. All sampling equipment is presently located at each site and available for use under this request. Duplicate high-volume air samplers are also presently located at all https://www.glri.us/projects five U.S. IADN stations to collect field blanks. A summary of the current sampling methods can be found in the IADN QAPP and SOPs found at www.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/2019-rfa-integrated-atmospheric-deposition-network.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate how they will ensure efficient operation of the network. This includes coordination of sample collection schedules with the EPA and ECCC for sampling site at Point Petre; review and optimization of field sampling methods as appropriate; preparation and shipping of sampling supplies and…