PKG00261267-instructions.pdf

U.S. EPA GREAT LAKES NATIONAL PROGRAM OFFICE

Great Lakes Sediment Surveillance Program

2020 Request for Applications

Federal Agency Name: Environmental Protection Agency Funding Opportunity Title: Great Lakes Sediment Surveillance Program Announcement Type: Request for Applications Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-R5-GL2020-SSP 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 be awarded pursuant to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan III.

Applications are requested for a project to complete chemical analysis in support of the Great Lakes Sediment Surveillance Program (GLSSP).

Funding/Awards: Under this competition, approximately $3 million may be awarded for one cooperative agreement over a five-year period, consisting of incremental funding of about $600,000 per year. Proposed projects must be limited to the specified project duration of five years. All incrementally funded awards will be subject to the availability of funding, future appropriations, satisfactory performance of work, and other applicable considerations.

The statutory authority of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (“GLRI” or “Initiative”) to award cooperative agreements is contained in the Clean Water Act, Section 118(c)(7), as amended by Public Law 114-322. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (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 in 2 CFR Part 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.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2019-10/documents/glri-action-plan-3-201910-30pp.pdf https://www.glri.us/ https://www.epa.gov/glwqa

Important Dates:

• June 27, 2020 – Applications must be received by EPA via Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m.

Eastern Time (ET). There are limited exceptions to submission via Grants.gov. See Section IV for further submission information.

• July (tentative) – EPA will notify finalist.

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

Other Application Information: For your convenience, an RFA web page has been created where you will find information relating to the RFA process as well as a link to frequently asked questions (FAQs). We encourage all applicants to register with us and sign up for our mailing list. Further submittal information is described in Section IV.

https://www.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/great-lakes-sediment-surveillance-program-2020-rfa https://www.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/great-lakes-news-email-list.

https://www.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/great-lakes-news-email-list.

U.S. EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Request for Applications: EPA-R5-GL2020-SSP

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 X. Appendix II

U.S. EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Request for Applications: EPA-R5-GL2020-SSP

I. APPLICATION INFORMATION

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.

This RFA is expected to result in the award of one cooperative agreement, as appropriate (hereafter collectively referred to as “grant”), 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 GLWQA1 and the GLRI is contained in the Clean Water Act, Section 118(c)(7), as amended by Public Law 114-322. Funded activities must advance protection and restoration of the Great Lakes ecosystem in support of: (i) the GLRI Action Plan III and (ii) EPA’s Strategic Plan. Projects must also either: (i) protect, enhance, and/or restore the Great Lakes and its connecting river systems (St. Marys River, St. Clair River including Lake St. Clair, Detroit River, Niagara River, and St. Lawrence River at the international boundary or upstream from the point at which this river becomes the international boundary between Canada and the United States); or (ii) protect Great Lakes ecosystem health, including human health. 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 the Plan’s Goal 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment, Objective 1.2: Provide for Clean and Safe Water. 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).

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 III. Up to $3

1 The principal goal of GLWQA is the restoration and maintenance of the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

https://www.glri.us/ https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2019-10/documents/glri-action-plan-3-201910-30pp.pdf https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan million may be awarded under this RFA over an approximately five-year and three-month period, consisting of incremental funding of about $600,000 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).

B. Tribal Colleges and Universities, as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1059c(b)(3) and (d)(1)).

C. Hispanic-Serving Institutions, as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1101a(a)(5)).

D. Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions, as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1059g(a)(2)); and

E. Predominantly Black Institutions, as defined by the Higher Education Act of 2008, 20 U.S.C. 1059e(b)(6).

Subawardees and/or Contractors:

If applicants 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 the information in Section III regarding "Coalitions" and to the “Contracts and Subawards” provisions listed here and incorporated by reference in Section IV.

Great Lakes Sediment Surveillance Program Background, Goals, and Objectives: The Great Lakes Sediment Surveillance Program (GLSSP) includes open-lake based collection of sediment cores and surficial sediment grab or core samples in deep depositional zones in all five Lakes; age-dating of cores, and analyses for legacy chemicals and chemicals of emerging concern. Recipients of any awards under this program are expected to work closely with EPA’s 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=1wlIi3j7gtlNq_w-0NKAb2bF2VmY&ie=UTF&msa=0&ll=37.35160769312534%2C-96.17229800000001&z=4 https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-solicitation-clauses

Great Lakes Nation Program Office (GLNPO) and other GLNPO chemical surveillance monitoring program (e.g., Integrated Atmospheric Deposition Network and Great Lakes Fish Monitoring and Surveillance Program) grantees, and the United States Geological Survey (USGS). In proposals, applicants should discuss how their work will further the development of the body of knowledge related to organic persistent bioaccumulative toxic (PBT) chemicals in the Great Lakes. This may include use of data to further study sources, fate, and transport of PBTs to the Great Lakes region, scientific journal publications, and further education of graduate students and post-doctoral candidates in the Great Lakes ecosystem research.

EPA expects to provide up to approximately $3 million for one cooperative agreement over a five-year period, consisting of incremental funding of about $600,000 per year, to support the

GLSSP.

Program Activities: Applicants are expected to conduct activities (listed below) in support of the above goals and objectives through the GLSSP 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 expected activities:

1. Sample Collection and Analysis:

a. Sample Collection and Field Activities – Applicants are expected to participate in sample collection aboard the R/V Lake Guardian. It is expected that the recipient of this cooperative agreement will propose open lake depositional zones for sampling within each of the five Great Lakes within their application. It is also expected that the recipient will work collaboratively with EPA and USGS on sampling design and collection methods for sediment cores and grabs. One lake will be sampled per year, to coincide with and the Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative (CSMI2) five-year cycle beginning with Lake Michigan in the 2020 field year (Table 1). Lake Michigan sampling efforts will take place in September 2020. Applicants should expect to collect roughly two to three cores per lake (one in each basin for each lake) and roughly 25 surficial sediment grabs or cores per lake. These sample numbers are provisional and will be discussed in further detail with a selected applicant as field seasons approach.

b. Sample Analysis – Applicants are expected to analyze for all required contaminants (Table 2) in sediment samples. Physical characteristics of sediment must also be collected (i.e., bulk density, percent moisture, grain size, etc).

2 The Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative (CSMI) is a joint United States and Canadian effort to provide environmental managers with needed information on each Great Lake. The lakes are visited one per year in a five-year rotation. In 2020, CSMI will be focused on Lake Michigan. In subsequent years (2021-2024), CMSI will focus on Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Ontario, and Lake Erie, respectively.

https://www.epa.gov/great-lakes-monitoring/lake-guardian https://www.epa.gov/great-lakes-monitoring/cooperative-science-and-monitoring-initiative-csmi

Applicants must describe their proposed analysis methods and Minimum Detection Levels (MDL) of all proposed methods. As analysis of mercury in sediment cores and surficial sediment grabs or cores will be conducted by USGS;

consequently, a proposed method and MDL for mercury is not required in this application. Applicants are not expected to cover financial costs of USGS mercury analysis. Applicants may also propose new contaminants of interest for analysis that are not included in Table 2. If proposed, applicants should discuss how these activities contribute to the goals and objectives of the GLRI and the

GLWQA.

2. Data Management, Interpretation, Statistical Analysis and Reporting – Applicants are expected to manage data generated through sample collection and analysis and submit it to EPA in electronic format. Applicants are expected to interpret data through statistical analysis and report their findings to EPA. Specific details on formatting types, requirements, and data submission timelines will be agreed upon with the selected applicant in a statement of work. Any data generated pursuant to this cooperative agreement, if awarded, will be provided to EPA and made available to applicable federal and state agencies, and tribal organizations managing chemical contaminant surveillance programs. Semiannual progress summaries and a final report at the end of the five-year cycle are also required. A brief summary of the results may be requested for inclusion in up to two GLWQA State of the Great Lakes Reports.

3. Quality Assurance and Quality Control – Applicants are required to develop, implement and maintain a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).

Table 1. Great Lakes sampling field years

Table 2. Sediment sample required analyte list

Analyte

PCBs PCDDs PCDFs PCNs PCDEs PBDEs Non-PBDE brominated flame retardants Non-DP chlorinated flame retardants Organochlorine pesticides Triazine herbicides Synthetic musk compounds PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, PFHpA, PFBA, PFBS, PFCA*

Polyhalogenated carbazoles PAHs Lead Mercury**

*Priority Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of high interest as stated in EPA’s PFAS Action Plan(2019). Specific priority PFAS compounds may be discussed in further detail with a selected applicant.

**Mercury analysis will be conducted by USGS. This may include but is not limited to methyl mercury and isotopic mercury concentrations.

Year Sampling Lake

2020 Michigan

2021 Superior

2022 Huron

2023 Ontario

2024 Erie

Required Activities:

To be eligible under this request, applicants must demonstrate how they will:

• Analyze sediment cores and surficial sediment grabs or cores from proposed sampling sites. A Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) must be approved by the GLNPO Quality Assurance Manager prior to collection and analysis of any samples. The timing of the 2020 field season may necessitate that the grantee develop the QAPP after selection but prior to award and funding availability. Pre-award costs related to QAPP development may be considered as eligible costs under the grant and should be included in the budget narrative, but reimbursement is not guaranteed. See EPA’s QAPP guidance;

• Perform chemical analyses to retain comparability and continuity with historical GLSSP data;

• Submit quality-assured analytical results to EPA within 10 months of collection of samples (i.e., submit data for all 2020 samples collected in September 2020 to the EPA GLSSP Technical Lead by June 2021);

• Communicate and collaborate with the EPA GLSSP Technical Lead to revise and define the contaminants to monitor according to federal, state and tribal priorities.

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 must include one or more of the following and applicant must link proposed outputs to the GLRI Action Plan III Measures of Progress or goals and objectives:

• A quantification of persistent bioaccumulative toxic chemicals in Great Lakes sediment samples, with attention to continuity and consistency of those measurements, such that trend data are not biased by changes in program operations or personnel;

• An evaluation of the spatial and temporal trends of persistent toxic chemicals in Great Lakes sediments;

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

• Sample collection, sample analysis, data management, data interpretation, statistical analysis, and report writing;

• Collaboration with other federal (U.S. and Canada), state, provincial and tribal contaminant monitoring programs to develop Great Lakes datasets of legacy https://www.epa.gov/quality/guidance-quality-assurance-project-plans-epa-qag-5 https://www.epa.gov/quality/guidance-quality-assurance-project-plans-epa-qag-5 contaminants, contaminants of mutual concern, and emerging chemicals of concern;

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

• Dissemination of results via peer-reviewed journal articles, presentations, and other media including EPA Technical Program Reports.

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

• Increased understanding of persistent bioaccumulative toxic (PBT) chemical trends in Great Lakes sediment;

• Increased understanding of how concentrations and trends of PBTs in Great Lakes sediment relate to concentrations and trends of PBTs in other media such as air, water, biota, and sediment;

• Increased understanding of the effects of PBTs on the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

II. AWARD INFORMATION

Amounts, Targets, and Number of Projects: Approximately $3 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 $600,000 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.

Anticipated Project Start and End Dates: This 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 specify a start date on or around August 15, 2020 and must specify an end date no later than September 30, 2025.

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.

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, provision of 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 agreed upon work; review of proposed procurements in accordance with; 2 CFR § 200.317 and 2 CFR §§ 200.318 and 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.

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

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

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.

Nonprofit Definition: 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.

Note that 2 CFR Part 200 specifically excludes the following types of organizations from the definition of non-profit organization because they are separately defined in the regulation: (i) institutions of higher education; and (ii) state, local and federally recognized Indian tribal governments. While not considered to be a non-profit organization(s) as defined by 2 CFR Part 200, Institutions of Higher Education and state, local and federally recognized Indian tribal governments are, nevertheless, eligible to submit applications under this RFA.

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

EPA recognizes that scientific, technical, engineering and mathematical (STEM) competence is essential to the Nation's future well-being in terms of national security and competitive economic advantage. For instance, the health and vitality of the economy is predicated, in part, on the availability of an adequate supply of scientists, technicians, engineers and mathematicians, to develop innovative technologies and solutions. In other words, this country must engage all available minds to address the challenges it faces. Minorities, women, and persons with disabilities historically have been under-represented in the STEM fields. For this reason, EPA strongly encourages all eligible applicants including, women, minorities, and persons with disabilities to apply.

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 CFR Part 200 and/or 2 CFR Part 1500, as applicable. The regulations also contain limitations on consultant compensation. (Please see 2 CFR Part 200 and 2 CFR Part 1500, as applicable.) For additional information, please review the Federal Register.

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

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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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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 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 Brian Lenell (lenell.brian@epa.gov) as soon as possible after the submission deadline—failure to do so may result in your application not being reviewed.

4. 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 and the connecting river systems of St. Marys River, St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair, Detroit River, Niagara River, and St. Lawrence River at the international boundary or upstream from the point at which this river becomes the international boundary between Canada and the United States; or (ii) protect Great Lakes ecosystem health, including human health. Applications for other activities will be rejected.

5. Applications seeking funding in excess of $3 million over 5 years will be rejected. In addition, an application for a multi-phase project will be treated as a request for the full amount for all phases. If that combined amount exceeds the specified maximum, the application will be rejected.

6. Applications for projects lasting beyond the maximum end date of September 30, 2025 will be rejected.

https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:lenell.brian@epa.gov https://www.epa.gov/great-lakes-funding/great-lakes-restoration-initiative-glri

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 in Appendix I. 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 or email) at least 15 calendar days prior to the 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 https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ mailto:OGDWaivers@epa.gov https://www.grants.gov/ 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. Grants.gov Application Submission Instructions (see Appendix I) Your organization’s authorized official representative (AOR) must submit your complete application electronically to EPA through Grants.gov no later than June 27, 2020, 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time (ET).

C. Content of Application Submission

The application package must include all of the following materials:

1. Grant Application Forms. Please complete the forms as appropriate.

a. Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance. Please note that the organizational Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number must be included on the SF-424. Organizations may obtain a DUNS number at no cost by calling the toll-free DUNS number request line at 1-866-705-5711.

b. Standard Form 424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs

c. EPA Form 4700-4, Pre-Award Compliance Review Report for All Applicants Requesting Federal Financial Assistance

d. EPA Form 5700-54Key Contacts Form e Project Narrative Attachment Form (See Section IV.C.2. below for additional information)

f. Other Attachment Form, if applicable (See Section IV.C.3. below for additional information)

2. Narrative Proposal: 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, inclusion of 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” (a.k.a.

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.

Applicants are encouraged to use sampling and analytical methods that are comparable to the analytical methods and sampling methods previously used by the GLSSP to ensure comparability and continuity in data sets; however, development and optimization of methods are encouraged.

Method development by the Principal Investigator may be necessary as the analyte list is modified. Prior to the receipt or analysis of any environmental samples, the award recipient will need to demonstrate comparability with existing data sets collected under this program through the analysis of a minimum of 10 check samples. These data will be received and evaluated by the EPA GLNPO Technical Lead prior to analysis of actual environmental samples. At the discretion of the EPA Project Officer, the Principal Investigator may need to conduct a pre-award performance evaluation through the analysis of a standard reference sample to be provided by the EPA Technical Lead. Applicants are encouraged to provide suggestions for changes and/or improvements to the GLSSP collections; however, continuity between the historical GLSSP and future data is required. Pre-award costs related to performance evaluations may be considered as eligible costs under the grant and should be included in the budget narrative, but reimbursement is not guaranteed.

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

Funding Opportunity Number. The RFA number is EPA-R5-GL2020-SSP.

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 e-mail address. Do not include private information.

C. Proposed Funding Request. The total dollar amount requested from EPA. Make sure it is within the limits specified 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 using 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., water quality, toxins, mercury, etc.). Do not use acronyms. Should the proposal be selected, and a grant awarded, this description may be posted to the EPA Web. EPA reserves the right to make unilateral changes to conform to posting requirements. Examples can be found here.

F. Project Location. Specify a single, representative project location within the Great Lakes basin, including 8- or 12-digit HUC code available here, and latitude and longitude specifying decimal degrees available here, even if the work will be done at multiple locations or by applicants who are located outside the Great Lakes basin. Please include the reason for the location you identify if that is not self-evident.

2. Work Plan. The Work Plan for each 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. Details and associated point values for each section of the workplan are described in RFA Section V (Application Review) below.

A. Project Summary and Approach B. Sample Collection and Analysis:

i. Sample Collection and Field Activities – Applicants are expected to participate in sample collection aboard the R/V Lake Guardian. It is expected that the recipient of this cooperative agreement will propose open lake depositional zones for sampling within each of the five Great Lakes within their application. It is also expected that the recipient will work collaboratively with EPA and USGS on sampling design and collection methods for sediment cores and grabs. One lake will be sampled per year, to coincide with and the Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative (CSMI) five-year cycle beginning https://www.glri.us/projects https://water.usgs.gov/wsc/reg/04.html https://apply.glnpo.net/map/ https://www.epa.gov/great-lakes-monitoring/lake-guardian with Lake Michigan in the 2020 field year (Table 1). Lake Michigan sampling efforts will take place in September 2020. Applicants should expect to collect roughly two to three cores per lake (one in each basin for each lake) and roughly 25 surficial sediment grabs or cores per lake. These sample numbers are provisional and will be discussed in further detail with a selected applicant as field seasons approach.

ii. Sample Analysis – Applicants are expected to analyze for all required contaminants (Table 2) in sediment samples. Physical characteristics of sediment must also be collected (i.e., bulk density, percent moisture, grain size, etc). Applicants must describe their proposed analysis methods and the Minimum Detection Levels (MDL) of all proposed analysis methods. As analysis of mercury in sediment cores and surficial sediment grabs or cores will be conducted by USGS;

consequently, a proposed method and MDL for mercury is not required in this application. Applicants are not expected to cover financial costs of USGS mercury analysis. Applicants may also propose new contaminants of interest for analysis that are not included in Table 2. If proposed, applicants should discuss how these activities contribute to the goals and objectives of the GLRI and the GLWQA.

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 through statistical analysis and report findings to EPA. Specific details on formatting requirements and data submission timelines will be agreed upon with the selected applicant in a statement of work. Any data generated pursuant to this cooperative agreement, if awarded, will be provided to EPA and made available to applicable federal and state agencies, and tribal organizations managing chemical contaminant surveillance programs.

Semiannual progress summaries and a final report at the end of the five-year cycle are also required. A brief summary of the results may be requested for inclusion in up to two GLWQA State of the Great Lakes Reports.

D. Quality Assurance and Quality Control – Applicants are required to develop, implement and maintain a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).

3. Results: Outputs and Outcomes: Specify the estimated quantitative and qualitative expected results (outputs and outcomes) of the proposed project including but not limited to those specifically identified in Section I, as well as the GLRI Action Plan goal of reporting on GLRI progress and Great Lakes ecosystem health and the GLRI Action Plan III commitment to issue GLWQA triennial State of the Lakes reports, and the approach and measurements that will be used to track and measure progress towards achieving the applicable outputs and outcomes. Demonstrate how the project will achieve the desired results. Provide a timetable or schedule with target dates projected for major tasks, accomplishments and deliverables.

Include a statement of the project’s relevance to the Great Lakes, particularly how the results will address the needs and priorities of the GLRI Action Plan III and/or the

GLWQA.

4. Collaboration: Describe the type of any collaboration/support proposed, how you will ensure that it will materialize during project performance, and what role it will play in the overall project. Any letters demonstrating evidence of collaboration and support from the public or private sector should be attached as part of Section IV, Application Materials, item 11. Describe how you will coordinate activities of the project with related or complementary projects and studies. IF YOU INTEND TO PROVIDE EPA FUNDS TO

ANY COLLABORATING ORGANIZATION, PLEASE CAREFULLY REVIEW

PROVISIONS ON “CONTRACTS AND SUBAWARDS” HERE.

5. Programmatic Capability and Past Performance: Submit a list (of no more than five) federally-funded assistance agreements3 (including but not limited to previous GLRI awards from EPA or other federal sources) similar in size, scope and relevance to the proposed project that your organization performed within the last three years (no more than five agreements, and preferably EPA agreements) and describe: (1) whether, and how, you were able to successfully complete and manage those agreements; and (2) your history of meeting the reporting requirements under those agreements including whether you adequately and timely reported on your progress towards achieving the expected outputs and outcomes of those agreements (and if not, explain why not); and whether you submitted acceptable final technical reports under the agreements. For all EPA grants listed, include the EPA Grant Number. In evaluating applicants under these factors in Section V, EPA will consider the information provided by the applicant and may also consider relevant information from other sources, including information from EPA files and from current and prior federal agency grantors (e.g., to verify and/or supplement the information provided by the applicant).

3 Assistance agreements include federal grants and cooperative agreements, but not federal or other contracts.

NOTE: If you have previously received a GLRI award or awards, you should list the award(s) and provide the information described above. In addition, for EPA GLRI awards received from 2010 to 2019, please provide an explanation of and documentation supporting your quarterly rate of expenditure on those prior GLRI projects up through the date of the applicant’s submission under this solicitation.

If you do not have any relevant or available past performance or past reporting information, please indicate this in the application and you will receive a neutral score for these factors (a neutral score is half of the total points available in a subset of possible points). If you do not provide any response for these items, you may receive a score of 0 for these factors.

In addition, provide information on your organizational experience and plan for timely and successfully achieving the objectives of the proposed project, and your staff expertise/qualifications, staff knowledge, and resources or the ability to obtain them, to successfully achieve the goals of the proposed project.

Applicants should also demonstrate expertise in low-level persistent toxic chemical measurements using the methods proposed in their application. Demonstrated expertise should include publications in the literature relevant to the Great Lakes, environmental science, chemistry, and technology. Provide information on your organizational experience and your plan for timely and successfully achieving the objectives of the proposed project, and your staff expertise/qualifications, staff knowledge, and resources (or the ability to obtain them) to successfully achieve the goals of the proposed project.

This information should be supported by resumes or curricula vitae for key staff as defined in document 8 of Section IV.

6. Education/Outreach: Applicants should describe how they intend to educate and train undergraduate and graduate students in Great Lakes environmental chemistry as part of the project.

Applicants should demonstrate that the project will effectively disseminate data and reports for use by federal, state and tribal environmental managers, academia and/or other interested stakeholders. The applicant must also specify plans for timely information transfer, including annual interpretive reports, presentations at meetings and conferences, journal articles, textbooks, Internet postings, and peer-reviewed publications.

Applicants should describe how project results will be disseminated to interested stakeholders; your demonstrated track record of outreach to citizens on environmental issues; and the potential of the project for transferability and applicability to other places in accordance with the application review criteria in Section V.

7. Detailed Budget Narrative: Applicants should clearly explain how EPA funds and any voluntary cost-shares will be used. For guidance, see Appendix 1. Use this section to provide a narrative description of the budget found in the SF-424A. Applicants must itemize costs related to personnel, fringe benefits, contractual costs, travel, equipment, supplies, other direct costs, indirect costs, and total costs. Applicants should use whole dollar amounts. Applicants should include costs for quality system documentation (i.e., quality assurance project plans or quality management plans) and environmental and regulatory compliance (e.g., costs for assisting EPA with compliance by conducting surveys and analysis to identify whether protected resources are in the project location and, if so, whether there will be any effects; costs associated with potential mitigation measures; etc.). Applicants that do not include such costs may have to fund these and other overlooked costs out of their own funds.

As part of the detailed budget narrative, applicants should explain their approach, procedures, and controls for ensuring…