Strengthening Environmental Assessment Processes in the Lower Mekong Region

This notice announces a Request for Proposals (RFP) through an open competition for EPA funds. EPA is soliciting proposals for a project to provide assistance in strengthening environmental impact assessment (EIA) processes in the Lower Mekong Region. EPA anticipates awarding one Cooperative Agreement from this announcement, subject to availability of funds and the quality of proposals received. The award amount is $600,000 provided incrementally over the four-year period of performance. Under this agreement, the recipient will work with EPA to help conceptualize, develop, and deliver capacity building programs and provide technical assistance to enhance key functions of environmental regulatory agencies, promote social and environmental safeguards, and strengthen the environmental impacts assessment and enforcement with particular emphasis on robust public participation in the processes that form the foundation for enhanced environmental protection in the Asia-Pacific Region. Proposals for this project should focus on the provision of technical expertise, project management, stakeholder coordination, and development and logistical management of workshops and training designed for cooperating countries in the Lower Mekong region, including Cambodia, Laos, Burma, Thailand and Vietnam. Through direct engagement with governments, civil society, and private sector stakeholders, the recipient, in cooperation with US EPA and other partners, will promote rigorous implementation and enforcement of EIA laws and processes that lead to more socially equitable, environmentally sustainable economic growth in the region. The awarding instrument will be a cooperative agreement. There is no cost share or matching requirement for these funds. Selection of the recipient will be based on the evaluation of the eligible proposals; once selected, the applicant will receive instructions to submit a full application package. EPA reserves the right to reject all applicants and make no award from this competition.