PKG00264507-instructions.pdf

OVERVIEW

AGENCY: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

TITLE: Chesapeake Bay Program Office Fiscal Year 2021 Request for Proposals for

Citizens Advisory Committee, Local Government Advisory Committee, and Local Leadership Workgroup Support

ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE: Request for Applications (RFA)

RFA NUMBER: EPA-R3-CBP-21-01

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE (CFDA) NUMBER: 66.466

IMPORTANT DATES

12/11/2020 Issuance of RFA 01/29/2021 Application Submission Deadline (see Section IV for more information) 02/22/2021 Approximate date for EPA to notify applicants of results 03/08/2021 Approximate date for applicant to submit revised federal cooperative agreement application 03/29/2021 Approximate date of award

EPA will consider all applications that are submitted via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm EST on January 29, 2021 and consider any applications submitted after the due date as ineligible. EPA will only accept applications submitted via Grants.gov, except in limited circumstances where applicants have no or very limited Internet access (see section IV.).

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

SUMMARY

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Chesapeake Bay Program Office (CBPO) is announcing a Request for Applications (RFA) for supporting Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) goals related to residents, communities, and local governments of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Support includes two separate activities to coordinate a total of three CBP groups that serve to increase representation, inclusion, and engagement of (1) watershed residents and (2) local governments in the CBP partnership’s restoration and conservation efforts.

(1) One group that represents and provides the perspectives of watershed residents:

A. Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-solicitation-clauses

(2) Two groups related to local governments:

B. Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC), which represents and provides the perspectives of local government leaders; and C. Local Leadership Workgroup (LLWG), which serves to enhance the knowledge and capacity of local government leaders.

Citizens Advisory Committee

The CAC is charged with responsibility for representing residents and stakeholders of the Chesapeake Bay watershed in the restoration effort and advising the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership on all aspects of Chesapeake Bay restoration. Since 1984, the CAC has provided a non-governmental perspective on the Bay cleanup effort and on how CBP policies and programs affect residents who live and work in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Local Government Advisory Committee and Local Leadership Workgroup

The LGAC's mission is to share the views and insights of local elected officials with state and federal decision-makers and to enhance the flow of information among local governments about the health and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The LGAC, which consists of local elected government officials, advises the Chesapeake Bay partnership as it relates to increasing local government involvement in the implementation of actions to restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay and meet the outcomes of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.

The LLWG was established in 2014 after the signing of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. This workgroup exists to accomplish the local leadership outcome in the Agreement.

The outcome statement for local leadership reads: Continually increase the knowledge and capacity of local officials on issues related to water resources and in the implementation of economic and policy incentives that will support local conservation actions. The LLWG is responsible for developing and implementing the local leadership management strategy and logic and action plan.

FUNDING/AWARDS: This RFA will cover the project period up to and including six years from an expected start date of March 29, 2021. CBPO plans to award up to two cooperative agreements under this RFA (one per activity). The total estimated funding for six years is approximately $3,450,000 to $4,650,000, with an estimated $575,000 to $775,000 available for the first year and each subsequent year. Budgets in subsequent years are expected to increase slightly due to increased travel and personnel costs. This total estimated funding includes $1,500,000 to $2,100,000 for CAC support (Activity 1) and $1,950,000 to $2,550,000 for LGAC and LLWG support (Activity 2). There is no guarantee of funding throughout this period or beyond. The final aggregate amount is dependent on the availability of federal funds.

Applicants may apply for both activities described in Section I.B but must submit two separate applications. If an applicant applies for both activities under one application, the application will be deemed ineligible.

FULL TEXT OF ANNOUNCEMENT

I. Funding Opportunity Description II. Award Information III. Eligibility Information IV. Proposal and Submission Information V. Proposal Review Information VI. Award Administration Information VII. Agency Contacts VIII. Other Information (Appendices)

I: FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Background

1. About the Chesapeake Bay Program The Chesapeake Bay is North America's largest and most biologically diverse estuary. A resource of extraordinary productivity, it is worthy of the highest levels of protection and restoration. Authorized by Section 117 of the Clean Water Act, CBP is responsible for supporting the Executive Council through a number of actions, including the coordination of federal, state, and local efforts to restore and protect living resources and water quality of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. Section 117 also authorizes EPA to provide assistance grants to support the goals of the program.

The Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) is a unique regional partnership that has led and directed the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay since 1983. Today, the CBP partners include the states of Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia; the District of Columbia; the Chesapeake Bay Commission, a tri-state legislative body; and EPA, representing the federal government.

The CBP partnership is guided at the direction of the Executive Council, which, through its leadership, establishes the policy direction for the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay and exerts its leadership to rally public support for the Bay effort and signs directives, agreements, and amendments that set goals and guide policy for Chesapeake Bay restoration.

The PSC acts as the senior policy advisors to the Executive Council, accepting items for their consideration and approval and setting agendas for Executive Council meetings. The PSC also provides policy and program direction to the Management Board.

The Management Board provides strategic planning, priority setting, and operational guidance through implementation of a comprehensive, coordinated, accountable implementation strategy for the CBP. It directs and coordinates all of the Goal Implementation Teams (GITs) and workgroups under it.

http://www.state.md.us/ http://www.state.pa.us/ http://www.state.va.us/ http://www.washingtondc.gov/ http://www.washingtondc.gov/ http://www.chesbay.state.va.us/

The GITs include federal and non-federal experts from throughout the watershed. Thus, academic experts, advocacy organizations, and others become active members of the broad restoration partnership.

As described above, the CBP partners include federal agencies, seven watershed jurisdictions, and many non-federal organizations; however, work funded under this RFA will support the seven watershed jurisdictions and other non-federal partners.

Pursuant to Section 117(b)(2) of the Clean Water Act, 33 USC Section 1267(b)(2), CBPO is the office within EPA charged with providing support to the Council in the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay. CBPO and CBP, mentioned above, are two distinct entities.

2. 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement and Executive Order 13508 On June 16, 2014, the Chesapeake Executive Council, CBP’s governing body signed a new voluntary Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement that will guide the CBP partnership’s work into the future. For the first time, Delaware, New York, and West Virginia signed the agreement as full CBP partners in the overall effort. This agreement is one of the most comprehensive restoration plans developed for the Chesapeake region, providing greater transparency and accountability of all CBP partners. With 10 interrelated goals and 31 outcomes, this watershed-wide accord advances the restoration, conservation, and protection of all the lands and waters within the 64,000-square-mile watershed by promoting sound land use, environmental literacy, stewardship, and a diversity of engaged citizens. Additionally, the goals and outcomes aim to better protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay's living resources, water quality, and vital habitats.

President Obama’s Executive Order (EO) 13508, issued in May 2009, called for a new strategy and a “new era of shared federal leadership” for restoring and protecting the Chesapeake Bay.

When it was issued, the EO strategy built upon existing CBP goals and identified a set of goals and outcome measures. Since that time, federal and CBP jurisdictional partners worked collaboratively to better align the EO and CBP partnership’s goals, the results of which are reflected in the new Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.

This cooperative agreement will help fulfill the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement commitments as described by the Stewardship Goal and its Citizen Stewardship, Diversity, and Local Leadership outcomes.

B. Scope of Work

This RFA is seeking cost-effective proposals from eligible applicants for supporting one group that represents and provides the perspectives of watershed residents (Citizens Advisory Committee – Activity 1) and two groups related to local governments (Local Government Advisory Committee and Local Leadership Workgroup – Activity 2).

Please note if that if you are interested in applying for both activities you must submit two separate applications.

Activity 1: Support the Citizens Advisory Committee

The CAC is charged with responsibility for representing residents and stakeholders of the Chesapeake Bay watershed in the restoration effort and advising the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership on all aspects of Chesapeake Bay restoration. CAC advises the Chesapeake Executive Council (Executive Council) and the Principals’ Staff Committee (PSC). The Chair is a non-voting member of the PSC and Management Board (MB) to help advise the MB and its Goal Implementation Teams (GITs) as needed in the implementation of any agreements signed by the Executive Council, including the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. Since 1984, this group has provided a non-governmental perspective on the Bay cleanup effort and on how CBP policies and programs affect residents who live and work in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Activity 2: Support the Local Government Advisory Committee and Local Leadership Workgroup

The LGAC was created by the Executive Council through the 1987 Chesapeake Bay Agreement.

The LGAC's mission is to share the views and insights of local elected officials with state and federal decision-makers and to enhance the flow of information among local governments about the health and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The LGAC, which consists of local elected government officials, advises the Chesapeake Bay partnership as it relates to increasing local government involvement in the implementation of actions to restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay and meet the outcomes of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. As with CAC, the LGAC advises the Executive Council and PSC, and the chair is a non-voting member of the PSC and MB. As needed, LGAC helps to advise the MB and its GITs in the implementation of any agreements signed by the Executive Council, including the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.

The LLWG was established in 2014 after the signing of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. This workgroup exists to accomplish the local leadership outcome in the Agreement.

The outcome statement for local leadership reads: Continually increase the knowledge and capacity of local officials on issues related to water resources and in the implementation of economic and policy incentives that will support local conservation actions.

Unlike the previous two groups, this workgroup does not provide an advisory role to CBP leadership but instead reports to the Enhance Partnering, Leadership, and Management GIT and CBP Management Board. The LLWG is responsible for developing and implementing the local leadership management strategy and logic and action plan. As needed, the LLWG may also work with other GITs and workgroups whose management strategies target local government officials.

CBPO plans to award up to two cooperative agreements under this RFA (one per activity). The total estimated funding for six years is approximately $3,450,000 to $4,650,000, with an estimated $575,000 to $775,000 available for the first year and each subsequent year. There is no guarantee of funding throughout this period or beyond. The final aggregate amount is dependent on the availability of federal funds. This total estimated funding includes $1,500,000 to $2,100,000 for CAC support (Activity 1) and $1,950,000 to $2,550,000 for LGAC and LLWG support (Activity 2). There is no guarantee of funding beyond Year 1.

https://www.chesapeakebay.net/who/group/chesapeake_executive_council https://www.chesapeakebay.net/who/group/chesapeake_executive_council https://www.chesapeakebay.net/who/group/principals_staff_committee https://www.chesapeakebay.net/who/group/management_board http://www.chesapeakebay.net/chesapeakebaywatershedagreement/page http://www.chesapeakebay.net/chesapeakebaywatershedagreement/page

If your organization has an interest in this project, has the skills to accomplish one or both activities, and is eligible to receive a federal assistance agreement as described in Section III of this announcement, we encourage you to submit a proposal. Each eligible proposal will be evaluated using the criteria described in Section V. The activities are multi-year projects (up to six years), and the proposal should have a work plan and budget for the first year and a projected work plan and estimated budget detail for each of the subsequent five years.

Activity 1: Support for the Citizens Advisory Committee Estimated Funding: Approximately $250,000 to $350,000 annually for six years ($1,500,000 to $2,100,000 total).

Since 1984, the CAC has provided a non-governmental perspective on the Bay cleanup effort and on how CBP policies and programs affect residents who live and work in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The CAC advises the CBP partnership on all aspects of Bay restoration.

Specifically, CAC advises the Executive Council and the PSC. The chair of CAC is a non-voting member of the PSC as well as the MB and helps to advise the MB and its Goal Implementation Teams (GITs) as needed in the implementation of any agreements signed by the Executive Council, including the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.

CAC members participate in quarterly CAC meetings and communicate with their constituencies to increase understanding of CBP efforts to restore and protect the Bay and its surrounding watershed. The CAC membership is broad-based with a cross-section of individuals and organizations, including civic groups, whose foci include conservation, business, industry, agriculture, recreation, seafood, and development. CAC members serve in a voluntary capacity;

however, their costs associated with attendance are considered participant support costs (see guidance here: https://www.epa.gov/grants/rain-2018-g05-r1) and are allowable costs under the regulations. Therefore, the proposal should include a budget that factors in the costs of travel and per diem as well as costs associated with the meeting space.

The following is a list of the types of tasks that support CAC. Applicants may consider these activities or describe alternative approaches.

• Work with governors’ offices (or mayor’s office for the District of Columbia) to develop and maintain an active and engaged membership that reflects the diversity of people living in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including people of color and historically underrepresented groups.

• Develop reports and talking points for the chair of CAC to advise the Executive Council at their annual meeting.

• Prepare and support the chair of CAC who participates in monthly MB meetings and approximately three to four PSC meetings per year.

• Serve as the administrator for CAC, which includes arranging quarterly meetings, facilitating information-sharing among CAC members and their constituencies, and coordinating efforts with the CBP partnership’s leadership, GITs, and workgroups.

• Respond to requests for support from the Executive Council and PSC.

• Advise the Management Board, GITs, and workgroups to help the CBP partnership meet its goals, mandates, and agreements.

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=9f1b1c97c0e644c229aa28498c49c567&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_175&rgn=div8 https://www.epa.gov/grants/rain-2018-g05-r1

• Provide input during the biennial assessments of management strategies for the citizen stewardship and diversity outcomes of the Stewardship goal (and other goals and outcomes as appropriate) of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.

• Review and recommend updates of CAC bylaws as needed and as determined by CAC and/or based on revisions that may be required as a result of changing circumstances.

• Understand various aspects and views of an issue by inviting subject matter experts and stakeholders to share information.

• Develop tools and outreach and communication products to inform watershed residents of Bay protection and restoration efforts. Stay current on electronic distribution technologies to ensure widest dissemination of information.

• Inform elected officials and other decision-makers external to the CBP partnership to facilitate their ability to act effectively on behalf of the Bay watershed.

• Coordinate and transmit CAC suggestions to CBP partnership management about the Small Watershed and Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction grant programs.

• In congruence with the Executive Council’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) Statement and PSC’s DEIJ Action Statement, incorporate DEIJ principles in CAC activities, including meeting topics, communication products, and CAC membership selection, to ensure that perspectives of all watershed residents are represented, and especially those from historically underrepresented stakeholder groups.

• Coordinate with DEIJ organizations that would potentially form a new advisory board or other group that serves to advise the partnership on DEIJ issues.

Activity 2: Support for the Local Government Advisory Committee and Local Leadership Workgroup Estimated Funding: Approximately $325,000 – $425,000 annually for six years ($1,950,000 - $2,550,000 total).

Local Government Advisory Committee The LGAC was created by the Executive Council through the 1987 Chesapeake Bay Agreement.

The LGAC's mission is to share the views and insights of local elected officials with state and federal decision-makers and to enhance the flow of information among local governments about the health and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. LGAC advises the Executive Council and PSC. The chair is a non-voting member of the PSC and MB. As needed, LGAC helps to advise the MB and its Goal Implementation Teams (GITs) in the implementation of any agreements signed by the Executive Council, including the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.

The LGAC consists of local elected or appointed government officials who, in addition to advising the CBP, play an important role in communicating with peer local governments on efforts to promote local implementation strategies to meet Bay goals. The LGAC members hold regular forums to discuss policy direction, explore techniques to achieve restoration, and advise the CBP partnership about technical assistance needs of local governments. Like CAC members, LGAC members serve in a voluntary capacity; however, their costs associated with attendance are considered participant support costs (see guidance here: https://www.epa.gov/grants/rain- 2018-g05-r1) and are allowable costs under the regulations. Therefore, the proposal should https://www.chesapeakebay.net/channel_files/40996/deij_statement_final_all_signatures.pdf https://www.chesapeakebay.net/channel_files/40996/deij_statement_final_all_signatures.pdf https://www.chesapeakebay.net/documents/PSC_DEIJ_Action_Statement_FINAL_With_Signatures.pdf http://www.chesapeakebay.net/chesapeakebaywatershedagreement/page http://www.chesapeakebay.net/chesapeakebaywatershedagreement/page https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=9f1b1c97c0e644c229aa28498c49c567&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_175&rgn=div8 include a budget that factors in the costs of travel and per diem as well as costs associated with the meeting space.

The following is a list of the types of tasks to support LGAC. Applicants may consider these activities or describe alternative approaches.

• Work with governors’ offices (or mayor’s office for the District of Columbia) to develop and maintain an active and engaged membership of local government officials who represent the full diversity of communities in the watershed. For example, ensure that membership includes local government officials who reside and/or represent environmental justice and low-income communities.

• Develop reports and talking points for the chair of LGAC to advise the Executive Council at their annual meeting.

• Prepare and support the chair of LGAC, who participates in monthly MB meetings and three or four PSC meetings per year.

• Serve as the administrator for LGAC, which includes arranging quarterly meetings, facilitating information-sharing among LGAC members and their constituencies, and coordinating efforts with the CBP partnership’s leadership, GITs, and workgroups.

• Advise the Management Board, GITs, and workgroups to help the CBP partnership meet its goals, mandates, and agreements.

• Provide input during the biennial assessments of the local leadership outcome of the Stewardship goal (and provide input on local elected official engagement related to other goals and outcomes as appropriate) of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.

• Review and recommend updates of LGAC bylaws as needed and as determined by LGAC and/or based on revisions that may be required as a result of changing circumstances.

• Organize quarterly LGAC meetings that address strategic policy topics that relate to implementation of Bay goals, including the headwater states (Delaware, New York, and West Virginia). These sessions should represent the diverse interests of local governments throughout the watershed.

• Seek opportunities for and facilitate LGAC representatives in peer-to-peer interaction to share and discuss strategies for meeting Bay and local goals.

• Seek opportunities to more effectively understand obstacles to implementing restoration activities and policies facing local governments.

• Develop tools and outreach and communication products to assist local governments and inform them of Bay protection and restoration efforts.

• Coordinate and transmit LGAC suggestions to CBP partnership management about the Small Watershed and Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction grant programs.

• In congruence with the Executive Council’s DEIJ Statement and PSC’s DEIJ Action Statement, incorporate DEIJ principles in LGAC activities, including meeting topics, communication products, and LGAC membership selection, to ensure that perspectives of all watershed residents are represented, and especially those from historically underrepresented stakeholder groups.

• Coordinate with DEIJ organizations that would potentially form a new advisory board or other group that serves to advise the partnership on DEIJ issues.

Local Leadership Workgroup

The LLWG was established in 2014 after the signing of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. This workgroup exists to accomplish the local leadership outcome in the Agreement.

The outcome statement for local leadership reads: Continually increase the knowledge and capacity of local officials on issues related to water resources and in the implementation of economic and policy incentives that will support local conservation actions. Unlike the previous two groups, this workgroup does not act in an advisory role to CBP leadership but instead reports to the Enhance Partnering, Leadership, and Management Goal Implementation Team (GIT) and CBP Management Board. The LLWG is responsible for developing and implementing the local leadership management strategy and logic and action plan. The LLWG may also work with other GITs and workgroups whose management strategies require engagement and participation of local government officials. This RFA is seeking cost-effective proposals from eligible applicants to support the LLWG.

The following is a list of the types of tasks to support LLWG. Applicants may consider these activities or describe alternative approaches.

• Recruit and support members for the LLWG; organize and facilitate quarterly workgroup meetings.

• Coordinate work to meet the local leadership outcome statement in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement; develop strategies and implement actions in the local leadership management strategy and logic and action plan.

• Work with group members to prepare materials for biennial strategy review system presentation to the CBP Management Board.

• Represent the LLWG at regular meetings of coordinators and staffers and other relevant CBP meetings.

• Provide assistance to GITs and workgroups that have identified local government audiences in their management strategies and logic and action plans.

• Assist with building/maintaining relationships with local government partners throughout the watershed, including but not limited to key state associations of municipalities and counties.

Obtaining Additional Information

For additional background information on the CBP achievements and commitments, see the CBP Partnership’s website located at http://www.chesapeakebay.net/

C. EPA Strategic Plan Linkage & Anticipated Outcomes and Outputs

Pursuant to Section 6a of EPA Order 5700.7, “Environmental Results under EPA Assistance Agreements,” EPA must link proposed assistance agreements to the Agency’s Strategic Plan.

EPA also requires that grant applicants and recipients adequately describe environmental outputs and outcomes to be achieved under assistance agreements (see EPA Order 5700.7, Environmental Results under Assistance Agreements, accessible at https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-order-57007a1-epas-policy-environmental-results-under-epa-assistance-agreements).

1. Linkage to EPA’s Strategic Plan http://www.chesapeakebay.net/ https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-order-57007a1-epas-policy-environmental-results-under-epa-assistance-agreements https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-order-57007a1-epas-policy-environmental-results-under-epa-assistance-agreements

The overall objective of this cooperative agreement is to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem through continued technical support to address water-quality restoration goals and maintain public awareness of Chesapeake Bay restoration. The activity to be funded under this announcement supports EPA’s FY 2018-22 Strategic Plan. The award made under this announcement will support Goal 1: A Cleaner, Healthier Environment; Objective 1.2: Provide for Clean and Safe Water of the EPA Strategic Plan. All applications must be for projects that support the goals and objectives identified above.

EPA Order 5700.7A1 also requires that grant applicants adequately describe environmental outputs and outcomes to be achieved under assistance agreements. Applicants must include specific statements describing the environmental results of the proposed project in terms of well-defined outputs and, to the maximum extent practicable, well-defined outcomes that will demonstrate how the project will contribute to the priorities described above.

2. Outputs 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 during an assistance agreement funding period. Expected outputs from Activities 1 and 2 may include the following:

• For Activity 1:

o Develop materials that clearly transmit to the Executive Council and PSC the opinions and suggestions of residents of the watershed.

o Coordinate quarterly meetings and provide administrative, logistical, and qualitative support, including ensuring membership attendance.

o Support the chair in CAC meetings and in serving as a non-voting member of the PSC and MB.

o Advise the MB and its GITs and workgroups as needed.

o Provide advice and input into the Small Watershed and Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction grant programs.

o Develop tools and outreach and communications materials that relate to

Bay protections and restoration efforts and address the needs and interests of watershed residents.

o Provide input during the biennial assessments of management strategies and logic and action plans for the citizen stewardship and diversity outcomes of the stewardship goal of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.

• For Activity 2:

o Develop materials that clearly transmit to the Executive Council and PSC the opinions and suggestions of local government leaders of the watershed (LGAC only).

o Coordinate quarterly meetings for the LGAC and LLWG and provide administrative, logistical, and qualitative support, including ensuring membership attendance.

o Facilitate opportunities for peer-to-peer interaction among local government officials regarding strategies to achieve Bay and local goals.

https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/fy-2018-2022-epa-strategic-plan https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-03/documents/epa_order_5700_7a1.pdf o Develop tools and outreach and communication materials that relate to Bay protections and restoration efforts and address the needs and interests of local governments.

o Support the chair in LGAC meetings and in serving as a non-voting member of the PSC and MB (LGAC only).

o Advise the MB and its GITs and workgroups as needed (LGAC only).

o Provide advice and input into the Small Watershed and Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction grant programs (LGAC only).

o Provide input during the biennial assessments of the local leadership outcome of the Stewardship goal (and provide input on local elected official engagement related to other goals and outcomes as appropriate) of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement (LGAC only).

o Work with LLWG members to take the lead on assessing progress and biennially updating the local leadership management strategy and logic and action plan (LLWG only).

o Provide assistance to GITs and workgroups that have identified local government audiences in their management strategies and logic and action plans (LLWG only).

Progress reports and a final report will also be required outputs as specified in Section VI(C) of this announcement, “Reporting Requirement.”

3. Outcomes The term “outcome” means the result, effect, or consequence that will occur from carrying out an environmental program or activity that is related to an environmental or programmatic goal or objective. Outcomes may be qualitative and environmental, behavioral, health-related, or programmatic in nature but must also be quantitative. They may not necessarily be achievable within an assistance agreement funding period. Examples of potential outcomes under Activities 1 and 2 of this announcement may include but are not limited to the following:

• Amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and/or sediment reduced or prevented.

• Amount of habitat restored, lands conserved, improved public access, sustainable blue crab populations, improved stream health, and/or progress on achieving other outcomes in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.

• Reduction in volume and pollutant load or runoff.

• Changes made to regulations, codes, and/or ordinances.

• Change in behavior and practices of local residents and governments related to reducing pollution or protecting the healthy streams and rivers of the Chesapeake Bay.

• Increased knowledge and strategies to improve local economic, human health, and environmental goals.

• Improved collective knowledge about how the Bay is cleaned up, resulting in the reduction in the amount of pollution and nutrients in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and improvement to the living resources of the Bay.

• Improved citizen stewardship and increased capacity of local leadership in the Chesapeake watershed restoration and protection efforts.

• Increased interaction and information transfer between local government officials and ultimately greater engagement in activities to restore the Bay.

D. Authorizing Statutes and Regulations

This grant is made pursuant to Clean Water Act Section 117(d), 33 U.S.C. Section 1267(d), which authorizes EPA to issue grants and cooperative agreements for the purposes of protecting and restoring the Chesapeake Bay's ecosystem. This project is subject to the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Uniform Grants Guidance (2 C.F.R. Part 200) and EPA-specific provisions of the Uniform Grants Guidance (2 C.F.R. Part 1500).

E. Minority Serving Institutions:

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

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

1. Historically Black Colleges and Universities, as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1061(2)). A list of these schools can be found at Historically Black Colleges and Universities at: https://sites.ed.gov/whhbcu/one-hundred-and-five-historically-black-colleges-and-universities/;

2. Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1059c(b)(3) and (d)(1)). A list of these schools can be found at American Indian Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities at https://sites.ed.gov/whiaiane/tribes-tcus/tribal-colleges-and-universities/;

3. Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1101a(a)(5)). A list of these schools can be found at Hispanic-Serving Institutions at https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/idues/hsi-eligibles-2016.pdf;

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

5. Predominately Black Institutions (PBIs), as defined by the Higher Education Act of 2008, 20 U.S.C. 1059e(b)(6). A list of these schools can be found at Predominately Black Institutions at https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1wlIi3j7gtlNq_w- 0NKAb2bF2VmY&ie=UTF&msa=0&ll=37.35160769312532%2C-96.17229800000001&z=4 https://sites.ed.gov/whhbcu/one-hundred-and-five-historically-black-colleges-and-universities/ https://sites.ed.gov/whhbcu/one-hundred-and-five-historically-black-colleges-and-universities/ https://sites.ed.gov/whiaiane/tribes-tcus/tribal-colleges-and-universities/ https://sites.ed.gov/whiaiane/tribes-tcus/tribal-colleges-and-universities/ https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/idues/hsi-eligibles-2016.pdf https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1XVkOWKMDORm53pvU0L8EPsrJC94&msa=0&ie=UTF8&t=m&z=3&source=embed&ll=40.58644586187277%2C-148.28228249999984 https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1XVkOWKMDORm53pvU0L8EPsrJC94&msa=0&ie=UTF8&t=m&z=3&source=embed&ll=40.58644586187277%2C-148.28228249999984 https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1wlIi3j7gtlNq_w-0NKAb2bF2VmY&ie=UTF&msa=0&ll=37.35160769312532%2C-96.17229800000001&z=4 https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1wlIi3j7gtlNq_w-0NKAb2bF2VmY&ie=UTF&msa=0&ll=37.35160769312532%2C-96.17229800000001&z=4

II: AWARD INFORMATION

A. Funding Amount and Expected Number of Awards

CBPO plans to award one or two cooperative agreements under this RFA. Funding for the activities listed above is approximately $575,000 to $775,000 annually for six years, depending on funding availability, satisfactory performance, and other applicable considerations. The total estimated funding for the two activities for six years is approximately $3,450,000 to $4,650,000.

EPA reserves the right to reject all applications and make no award under this announcement or less than the estimated funding amounts above. Funding for the activity depends on funding availability, satisfactory performance, Agency priorities, and other applicable considerations.

EPA makes no commitment of annual funding amounts for any fiscal year(s), as funds may be limited based on these applicable considerations.

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 selection is made. Any additional selection for awards will be made no later than six months after the original selection decision.

B. Award Type

EPA has determined that a cooperative agreement is the appropriate funding vehicle for this project. Cooperative agreements are used under circumstances where substantial involvement is anticipated between EPA and the recipient during performance of the activity. EPA awards cooperative agreements for those projects in which it expects to have substantial interaction with the recipient throughout the performance of the project. 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; in accordance with 2 C.F.R. 200.317 and 2 C.F.R.

200.318, as appropriate, review of proposed procurements; 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.

For this project, federal involvement would typically be in the form of participation with other CBP partners and stakeholders in an advisory capacity to the grantee. This participation is expected to include involvement through the various CBP Goal Implementation Teams and related committees and workgroups (on which EPA also participates to ensure that all the recommendations for technical work support the CBP partners). All work conducted is to support the efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.

C. Partial Funding

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

D. Expected Project Period

The expected project period for the cooperative agreement is six years, with funding provided on an annual basis. No commitment of funding can be made beyond the first year. The expected start date for the award resulting from this RFA is March 29, 2021.

E. Pre-Award Costs

Recipients may incur otherwise eligible and allowable pre-award costs up to 90 days prior to award at their own risk without prior approval of EPA’s award official. Pre-award costs must comply with 2 C.F.R. 200.458 and 2 C.F.R. 1500.8. If EPA determines that the requested pre-award costs comply with the relevant authorities, and that the costs are justified as allocable to the project, then these costs may be included as allowable expenditures at the time that the assistance award document is prepared.

However, if for any reason EPA does not fund the proposal or the amount of the award is less than the applicant anticipated, then EPA is under no obligation to reimburse the applicant for these costs incurred. Thus, applicants incur pre-award costs at their own risk. Costs incurred more than 90 days prior to award require the approval of EPA Region 3’s grant official.

III: ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligible Applicants

Nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, federally recognized tribes, colleges, universities, and interstate agencies are eligible to submit proposals in response to this RFA. For-profit organizations are not eligible to submit proposals in response to this RFA.

B. Cost-Share or Matching Requirements

Pursuant to Clean Water Act 117(d)(2)(A),), 33 U.S.C. Section 1267(d)(2)(A), the agency shall determine the cost-share requirements for awards. The CFDA Number 66.466 states that assistance agreement applicants must commit to a cost-share ranging from five percent to 50 percent of eligible project costs as determined at the sole discretion of EPA. For this RFA, EPA has determined that an applicant must provide a minimum of five percent of the total cost of the project as the non-federal cost-share.

Cost-share may be in the form of cash or in-kind contributions. Involvement from foundations, watershed groups, private sector, eligible governmental, as well as non-conventional partners can help with the match. This match must be met by eligible and allowable costs and is subject to the match provisions in grant regulations. Applications that do not demonstrate how the five percent match will be met will be rejected.

C. Threshold Eligibility Criteria

Only applications from eligible entities (see Section III.A above) that meet the following threshold eligibility criteria will be evaluated against the criteria in Section V.B. Applicants must meet the following threshold criteria to be considered for funding. Applicants deemed ineligible for funding consideration as a result of the threshold eligibility review will be notified in writing within 15 calendar days of the ineligibility determination.

1. Applications must substantially comply with the proposal submission instructions and requirements set forth in Section IV of this announcement, or else they will be rejected.

Where a page limit is expressed in Section IV with respect to the narrative proposal, pages in excess of the page limitation will not be reviewed.

2. In addition, initial 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.

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 James Hargett at hargett.james@epa.gov (see Section VII, Agency Contact) as soon as possible after the submission deadline—failure to do so may result in your application(s) not being reviewed.

3. The project funded under this announcement must be linked to the strategic goal outlined in Section I.C.1.

4. For an application to be considered eligible for funding, substantive project-related work included in the proposal must take place within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, which includes portions of Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, and all of the District of Columbia.

5. Applications must show how they will meet the five percent cost-share requirement of Section III.B.

https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.sam.gov/ mailto:hargett.james@epa.gov

6. Applications requesting funding for more than the maximum of the cumulative funding range for the activity will be rejected.

7. If an application is submitted that includes any ineligible tasks or activities, that portion of the proposal will be ineligible for funding and may, depending on the extent to which it affects the proposal, render the entire proposal ineligible for funding.

8. Applicants may apply for both activities described in Section I.B but must submit two separate applications. If an applicant applies for both activities under one application, the application will be deemed ineligible.

IV: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. How to Obtain a Proposal Package

Applicants can download individual grant application forms from the application package associated with this opportunity on Grants.gov.

To obtain a hard copy of materials, please send an email or written request to the Agency contact listed in Section VII of this announcement. Do not submit a full federal grant application in response to this RFA. If your proposal is selected for funding, an EPA project officer will request an application from you, negotiate the work plan and budget, and oversee the process of awarding the cooperative agreement.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

Each application will be evaluated using the criteria referenced in Section V.B. of this announcement. You must submit a single-spaced proposal of up to 15 pages in length by the date and time specified in Section IV.C below. The format for this proposal is contained in Appendix A of this announcement. Review the directions for the preparation of the proposal. Proposals that are not prepared in substantial compliance with the requirements in Appendix A will not be considered for funding and will be returned to the applicant.

The application package must include all of the following materials:

1. Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal Assistance – Complete the form.

There are no attachments. Please be sure to include organization fax number and email address in Block 8 of SF-424. Please note that the organizational Dunn 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 or visiting their website at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform.

2. SF-424A, Budget Information – Complete the form. There are no attachments. The total amount of federal funding requested for the project period should be shown on line 5(e) and on line 6(k) of SF-424A, the amount of indirect costs should be entered on line 6(j).

http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform

The indirect cost rate (i.e., a percentage), the base (e.g., personnel costs and fringe benefits), and the amount should also be indicated on line 22.

3. EPA Form 4700-4, Pre award Compliance Review Report for All Applicants and

Recipients Requesting EPA Financial Assistance

4. EPA Key Contacts Form

5. Project Narrative Attachment Form – The format for the project narrative and the budget narrative are contained in Appendix A of this announcement. Review the directions for the preparation of the application.

6. Budget Narrative Attachment Form – The budget narrative should include a spreadsheet that shows each year’s cost for the salaries, fringe benefits, total salaries/wages, travel expenses, equipment, supplies, contractual expenses, other cost, and indirect cost. Please refer to EPA’s Office of Grants and Debarment’s budget detail guidance and IDC guidance located at: https://www.epa.gov/grants/rain-2019-g02 and https://www.epa.gov/grants/rain-2018-g02, respectively.

7. Other Attachment Form - The applicant’s Indirect Cost Rate Agreement should be included, as applicable.

Requirements for Project Narrative — See Appendix A All proposal review criteria in Section V must be addressed in the proposal. The proposal shall not exceed 15 pages in length. Pages refer to one side of a single-spaced, typed page. Font size should be no smaller than 10 and the proposal must be submitted on 8 ½” x 11" paper. Note that the 15 pages include all supporting materials, including resumes or curriculum vitae and letters of support. With the exception of documentation of non-profit status, cost-share letters of commitment, and the SF-424 and SF-424A, if you submit more than 15 pages, the additional pages will be discarded and will not be reviewed. See Appendix A for additional instructions.

C. Intergovernmental Review

Please review the Intergovernmental Review clause included as…