U S Environmental Protection Agency Region Strategic Agricultural

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Region 6 Strategic Agricultural Initiative Request for Proposals (RFP) FY 2008 EPA-R6-SAI-2008 OVERVIEW EPA Region 6 is soliciting proposals to help implement the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) and to support efforts by the agricultural community to “transition” away from high-risk pesticides to lower risk pesticides and sustainable practices in food production. The program supports grants for education, extension and demonstration projects for FQPA transition and reduced risk practices for pest management in agriculture. Funding Opportunity Title: Strategic Agricultural Initiative Program: FY 2008 Request for Proposals (RFP). Announcement Type: Initial Solicitation for Fiscal Year 2008. Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-R6-SAI-2008 Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 66.716 – Surveys, Studies, Demonstrations, Educational Outreach, and Special Projects within the Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances. Proposal Submission Deadlines: The closing date to submit is February 29, 2008. All hard copy submission of proposal packages must be postmarked by February 29, 2008. Grants.gov submissions must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by February 29, 2008, 5:00 p.m., CST. Electronic proposals received after the due date and time or postmarked after the due date will not be considered for funding. Executive Summary: This notice announces the availability of funds and solicits application packages to help support efforts by the agricultural community to transition to lower risk pesticides and pest management practices in agricultural production. The emphasis is on food crops; however, other agricultural commodities (including turf and ornamentals) will be considered, especially where there are significant demonstrable environmental concerns. The program supports grants for education, extension, demonstration, and implementation projects. The total estimated funding available under this competitive opportunity is $150,000. Under this announcement, EPA Region 6 anticipates awarding 1-2 two year grants for the purpose of transition and implementation. The maximum individual award is $100,000. Eligible Applicants: Assistance under this program is generally available to States, U.S. territories or possessions, federally recognized Indian Tribal governments, and Native American Organizations, public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, other public and private non-profit institutions and individuals which submit applications proposing projects 1 with significant technical merit and relevance. All projects must occur in one or more of the Region 6 states: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Texas. Contents of Full Text Announcement: I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. Funding Opportunity Description Award Information Eligibility Information Application and Submission Information Application Review Information Award Administration Information Agency Contacts FULL TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT I. Funding Opportunity Description A. Background The statutory authority for this grant program is the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) Strategic Agricultural Initiative (SAI) and Section 20 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) as amended. The Food Quality Protection Act passed by Congress in 1996, establishes health based standards for pesticide residues in raw and processed food. It is intended to protect public health from exposure to pesticides and to create an environment favorable for the development and adoption of lower risk, effective crop protection tools for U.S. agriculture. The EPA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and numerous agricultural organizations are working on efforts to implement the FQPA. For this effort, EPA established regional programs for FQPA implementation and partnership activities to reduce risks and use of pesticides in agriculture. For more information of FQPA, visit the EPA website at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/regulating/lows/fqpa/. The general award and administration process is governed by regulations at 40CFR§Part 30 (“Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations”) and 40CFR§Part 31 (“Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments”) as applicable. B. Environmentally Sound Pest Management: Priorities for Consideration EPA Region 6 will fund projects under this announcement that result in the transition by growers to more environmentally sound pest management practices. In order to accomplish this; the SAI Program will give priority consideration to projects that: • • Include a “whole systems” approach by integrating pest, soil, water and crop management practices; Address an array of commodities; 2 • • • • Focus on sustainable agriculture (defined as farming practices that are environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially responsible); Incorporate conservation planning; Are submitted by applicants that have a proven track record of grower participation and adoption of sustainable pest management practices; and Have an outreach and extension component to their program. Projects must also address one or more of the following goals for FQPA SAI: • • • • • • Utilize demonstration projects, outreach, and/or education to increase the adoption of reduced risk/integrated pest management (IPM) practices that provide alternatives to the use of highly toxic pesticides (Organophosphates, Carbamates, and Fumigants); Encourage partnerships between producers, commodity groups, scientists, extension, local/state/federal government agencies, and other stakeholders to demonstrate, promote, and utilize reduced risk/IPM practices in the field; Actively engage scientists, producers, industry, and local/state/federal partners in the specifics of implementing FQPA; Quantitatively measure and document the effects of using the reduced risk/IPM programs on the environment, human health and community; Facilitate a sustainable whole-farm systems approach that utilizes conservation planning and reduced risk/IPM practices; and Demonstrate region-specific pest management practices and integrated crop management systems to replace pesticide uses that have been cancelled under FQPA Environmental Results C. Pursuant to EPA Order 5700.7, “Environmental Results under EPA Assistance Agreement,” EPA requires that all grant recipients adequately address environmental outputs and outcomes. Outputs and outcomes differ both in their nature and in how they are measured. Applicants must discuss anticipated environmental outputs and outcomes in their proposed workplan. Outcomes: Outcome measures are environmental improvements that will occur from carrying out a program or activity that is related to an environmental or programmatic goal or objective. These improvements are changes, benefits, effects or consequences to the environment that are a result from the accomplishment of activities efforts and outputs. Projected environmental improvement outcomes can be over the short (changes in learning, knowledge, attitude, skills), intermediate (changes in behavior, practice, decisions), or long term (changes in condition of the natural resource). Projects to be funded under this announcement are expected to produce at least one, and preferably all, of the following environmental outcomes. 3 Through the SAI Program, EPA expects to: 1) Increase the number of growers using reduced risk/IPM tools and techniques; 2) Measure quantitative and qualitative reduction in the use of higher risk pesticides or pesticides in general; 3) Encourage partnerships between crop producers, EPA, other federal, state, and local agencies, and other interested stakeholders to implement reduced risk/IPM programs; 4) Number of acres impacted by the project under management which include pesticide risk reduction practices; 5) Measure the change in level of pest management based on the SAI Transition Gradient; and 6) Percent reduction or pounds per acre reduction expected in the use of highly toxic active ingredients. Outputs: Output measures are the results or products from accomplishing an environmental activity or effort that are related to an environmental goal or objective and 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. The expected outputs of SAI Grant Program projects may include: 1) 2) 3) 4) Educational and outreach materials for growers; Conservation plans for growers that include reduced risk pest management; Conferences, seminars, and on-site field training; and Partnerships established between federal and non-federal programs to provide reduced risk/IPM programs for crop producers. Progress reports and a final report will also be a required output, as specified in Section VI, Subsection C. (“Reporting Requirement”) of this announcement Linkage to EPA Strategic Plan/Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) Architecture. These assistance agreements will support EPA Strategic Plan Subobjective 4.1.5.: Realize the Value from Pesticide Availability-Through 2011, ensure the public health and socio-economic benefits of pesticide availability and use are achieved. For additional information about how the SAI FQPA Grant Program aligns with EPA’s Strategic Plan consult page 29 of EPA’s Office of Prevention Pesticides and Toxic Substances FY 2008 National Program Manager’s Guidance at: http://www.epa.gov/cfo/npmguidance/oppts/2008/final_npmguidance.pdf For more information of EPA’s Strategic Plan Goal 4, go to: http://www.epa.gov/ocfo/plan/2006/goal_4.pdf All proposed SAI projects must demonstrate how they will result in ensuring the public health and socio-economic benefits of pesticide availability and use are achieved. 4 Projects must demonstrate and facilitate the adoption of farm management decisions and practices that provide growers with a “reasonable transition” away from the highest risk pesticides, as mandated by FQPA. Average percent change in the utilization of reduced risk pest management practices over time per grantee will be determined by regular measurement based on the SAI Transition Gradient. Additional ideas on setting performance measures and the SAI Transition Gradient can be found in the SAI Toolbox at: http://www.aftersearch.org/sai/public/performance_measures.php. II. Award Information A. Amount of Funding Available The estimated funding expected to be available for awards under this competitive opportunity is $150,000. B. Funding Type The funding for selected projects is in the form of a grant awarded under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), Section 20, and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), Section 10, as amended by Public Law 106-74. C. Total Number of Awards EPA Region 6 anticipates awarding 1 to 2 cooperative agreements ranging in size from approximately $50,000 to a maximum of $100,000. Funding for this project is not guaranteed and is subject to the availability of funds and the evaluation of proposals based on the criteria in this announcement. In appropriate circumstances, EPA reserves the right to partially fund proposals by funding discrete activities, portions, or phases of proposed proposals. If EPA decides to partially fund a proposal, it will do so in a manner that does not prejudice any applicants or affect the basis upon which the proposal, or portion thereof, was evaluated and selected for award, and that maintains the integrity of the competition and selection process. The EPA reserves the right to make additional awards under this announcement, consistent with Agency policy, if additional funding becomes available after the original selections are made. Any additional selections for awards will be made no later than 4 (four) months after the original decisions. Award of funding through this year’s competition is not a guarantee of future funding. EPA Region 6 reserves the right to reject all proposals and make no awards under this announcement. 5 III. Eligibility Information A. Eligible Applicants EPA is soliciting from States, U.S. territories or possessions, federally recognized Indian Tribal governments and Native American Organizations, public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, other public and private non-profit institutions, and individuals are eligible to apply for funding. 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 1955 are not eligible to apply. Implementation of all projects must occur within one or more of the five states of EPA Region 6: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. B. Matching/Cost Share Requirements There are no cost-share requirements for these projects nor are matching funds required. C. Eligibility Criteria In order to be eligible for funding consideration under this announcement, proposals must meet all of the following conditions. Failure to meet any one of the following criteria will result in the automatic disqualification of the proposal for funding consideration. Applicants will be notified within 15 calendar days of ineligibility determination. 1. Applicant must be an eligible applicant in accordance with Section III A. 2. Proposals must address one or more of the goals and objectives of the SAI program listed above in Section 1.B. 3. Proposal’s request for EPA funds must fall within the funding limits expressed in Section II. 4. Proposals must utilize the following measure in addition to any other declared environmental measures: Current level of pest management and the projected level of pest management at the end of the project based on the “IPM Transition Index” at: http://www.aftersearch.org/sai/public/pdf/Transition_Matrix.pdf. 5. Since the SAI/FQPA Program is intended to help implement FQPA, proposals must NOT include activities that involve basic research. Proposals may include a 6 component for applied on-farm research, as long as they also have demonstrations, education, and/or outreach activities. 6. Proposals must substantially comply with all format and content requirements and directions for submittal contained in Section IV of this announcement. Proposals which do not substantially meet these criteria will be rejected. In addition, where a page limit is expressed in Section IV, with respect to the proposal or parts of the proposal, pages in excess of the page limitation will not be reviewed. 7. Proposals MUST be received by the EPA through http://www.grants.gov, the U.S. Postal Service, or other delivery service on or before the solicitation closing date published in Section IV of this announcement. Proposals submitted via email will not be accepted and proposals received after the published closing date will be returned to the sender with further consideration. 8. The EPA will consider only one proposal by each individual investigator. Proposals from different investigators with the same organization are acceptable. 9. Projects must be located in one or more of the Region 6 states: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. (Note: It is not required that the applicant be located in Region 6). IV. Application and Submission Information A. Application Package Please follow the instructions provided in the section below titled, “Content and Form of Application Submission.” The complete grants financial application package can be downloaded from EPA’s website at: http://www.epa.gov/ogd/AppKit/index.htm or by contacting the EPA Contact listed below. Completed paper applications should be submitted to: W. Eugene Thilsted, PhD Strategic Agriculture Initiative Coordinator US EPA REGION 6 1445 Ross Avenue (6PD-P) Dallas, Texas 75202 214-665-2782 By Email: thilsted.eugene@epa.gov If you wish to submit your application electronically, you must use the electronic package available at: http://www.grants.gov/. 7 B. Content and Form of Proposal Submission Regardless of the mode of submission, all proposals must adhere to the content and format specifications as laid out in this section. Proposals must be typewritten and should have a page size of 8½ by 11 inches, be easily readable with conventional font size and style, double spaced and be no more than sixteen (16) pages in length (a page is one side of a piece of paper). Please print doublesided if possible. All pages should be numbered in order starting with the cover page for ease of reading. All proposals should include the sections and section titles listed below. For example, the proposal should include a section title “Executive Summary” followed by the sections “Proposal Narrative”, “Project Title”, “Environmental Issue,” and so on. The page numbers shown in parentheses for each section listed below are suggested lengths only; applicants may adjust their project description within the 16-page limit to best fit their needs. All application packages must contain a project workplan and a completed and signed federal grant application (SF 424 and 424A) which can be found at http://www.epa.gov/ogd/AppKit/application.htm or http://grants.gov (see Section IV D III for details about completion of SF 424 and 424A). The project workplan must describe the proposed project and address all of the threshold eligibility factors in Section III and the evaluation criteria listed in Section V.A. 1. Cover Page: Include the following information (Page 1): Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-R6-SAI-2008 Project Title: Project Coordinator: Organization Name and Address: Telephone No.: Fax No.: Email Address: Project Duration (including Starting Date and Ending Date): First Year Funding Request: Second Year Funding Request, if applicable: Total Funding Request (for the entire project): 2. Budget Narrative: (Page 2) Please submit a detailed budget with narrative, explaining the need for funding under each of the appropriate budget categories. List the anticipated amount of funding and associated staff needed to achieve the project objectives. Include the requested federal and any non-federal cost share in these estimates. Link each task or activity from the project workplan to the associated resources that are needed to accomplish the activity. Under travel, include the travel location(s), estimated number of trips, estimated total mileage, and number of nights lodging required throughout the entire 8 project period. Describe how leveraged resources will be obtained (if applicable) and what role EPA funding will play in the overall project. Include enough detail for EPA to determine if the costs are eligible, allocable, reasonable and allowable. For more information, see http://www.epa.gov/ogd/recipient/tips.htm. 3. Table of Contents: (Page 3) 4. Executive Summary: (Page 4) The Executive Summary should be a stand alone document, not to exceed one (1) page, containing the specifics of what is proposed and what you expect to accomplish regarding measuring or movement toward achieving project goals. This summary should identify the measurable environmental results you expect including potential human health and ecological benefits. (See Section I for more information about environmental results). 5. Proposal Narrative: (Includes Part I-VII below). The proposal narrative should address each of the ranking criteria in Section V of the announcement): Parts I-VII listed below should not exceed twelve (12) pages. a. Part I: Project Title. Self-explanatory. b. Part II: Objectives. A numbered list (1, 2, etc.) of concisely written project objectives. In most cases, each objective can be stated in a single sentence. c. Part III: Justification. For each objective listed in Part II above, discuss the potential outcome in terms of pesticide risk and/or use reduction, agronomic impact, environmental and human health. If appropriate, the target pest(s) and crop(s) should be explicitly stated. This section should be numbered with a justification corresponding to each objective. d. Part IV: Project Narrative/Workplan. Describe in detail how the project will be carried out. Include main project activities, expected outcomes and deliverables. Describe how the system or approach will achieve the program goals. Describe in detail how the project will work with various partners, for example: producers, USDA Cooperative Extension Specialist, agricultural product marketing professionals, etc. Describe in detail how the information gained from the project will be shared with the agricultural community and other stakeholders. e. Part V: Performance Measures and Expected Outputs/Outcomes. The project timetable must include a plan for tracking and measuring progress towards achieving the expected environmental outputs/outcomes in Section I of the Request for Proposals. For example, the timetable should explain what will be accomplished under each of the objectives during the project, the individuals responsible for the activity, and when completion of each objective is anticipated. 9 Also, identify how you will evaluate the success of the program in terms of measurable environmental results. How and with what measures will humans or ecosystems be better protected as a result of the program. The project must have the following measures: • Acres impacted by the project-under management that include pesticide risk reduction practices. If applicable, include those acres treated with biopesticides or reduced risk pesticides and/or those pest management techniques that do not employ chemical methods. • Percent reduction or pound per acre reduction expected in the use of highly toxic active ingredients. Declared IPM Transition Index number from the “IPM Transition Index” located at: http://www.aftresearch.org/sai/public/performance_measures.php Environmental Performance Measures Categories must be clearly identified by the applicant. Environmental Performance Measures Categories are: Air, Animals, Dietary, Economic, Human, Plant, Soil, and Water. • • • Projects must declare the selected measures either direct or surrogate measures. Details to determine and select project related direct or surrogate measures for each above listed Category is located at: http://www.aftresearch.org/sai/public/performance_measures.php To assist in identifying measures (both outputs and outcomes), please visit: http://www.aftresearch.org/sai (SAI Grant ApplicantsPerformance Measures). f. Part VI: Environmental Results Past Performance: Submit a list of all EPA and other Federal agency assistance agreements that your organization performed within the last three years, and describe how you documented and/or reported on whether you were making progress towards achieving the expected results (e.g., outputs and outcomes) under those agreements. If you were not making progress, please indicate whether, and how, you documented why not. In evaluating applicants under this factor 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 10 and from current and prior Federal agency grantors (e.g., to verify and/or supplement the information provided by the applicant). g. Part VII: Programmatic Capability Submit a list of all federally funded assistance agreements similar in size, scope and relevance to the proposed project that your organization performed within the last three years and describe how you were (i) technically able to successfully carry out and manage those agreements and (ii) your history of meeting the reporting requirements under those agreements including submitting acceptable final technical reports. In evaluating applicants under this factoring 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 grantor (e.g. to verify and/or supplement the information provided by the applicant.) 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. 6. Proposal Appendices: These appendices must be included in the grant proposal. Continue page numbering as appropriate after Part VI. Appendix A: Literature Cited. List cited key literature references alphabetically by author. Appendix B: Timetable. A timetable that includes what will be accomplished under each of the objectives during the project and when completion of each objective is anticipated. Appendix C (Optional): Signed Letters of Commitment or Support. 7. DUNS Number: Applicants are required to provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number with the full application for federal grants or cooperative agreements. Individuals are exempt from this requirement. Organizations can receive a DUNS number in one day, at no cost, by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS Number request line at 1-866-705-5711. 11 8. Forms: Applicants are required to submit the following forms with the proposal package. These forms will not count against the page limit. Standard Form SF 424 – Application For Federal Assistance Include the organization FAX Number and email address in Block 5 of the Standard Form SF 424. Clearly state the total funding amount requested for the entire project period in Block 15. Standard Form SF424F – Budget Information Use budget amounts for the entire project in Sections A, B, C and D including both federal and any non-federal match. Standard Form SF 424B – Assurances Non-Construction Programs Certification. Certification Regarding Lobbying Key Contacts List Key Contacts List – Additional (If needed). Blank forms can be found at http://www.epa.gov/ogd/AppKit/application.htm. C. Pre-Application Assistance In accordance with EPA’s Assistance Agreement Competition Policy of January 11, 2005 (EPA Order 5700.5A1), EPA staff will not meet or discuss with individual applicants their draft proposals, provide informal comments on draft proposals, or provide advice to applicants on how to respond to ranking criteria. Applicants are responsible for the contents of their applications/proposals. D. Submission Methods, Dates and Times Applicants may apply under this announcement in one of two ways. If you wish to apply via hard copy submission, please follow the instructions under “Hard Copy Submission” below. If you wish to apply via Grant.gov submission, please follow the instructions under “Grants.gov Submission” below. Please use only one method. All proposals must be received by EPA on or before the due date and time. OPTION 1: DIRECTIONS FOR HARD COPY SUBMISSION TO EPA One hard copy (as described in Section IV.B) and one copy on a CD, “IPM” compatible, readable in MS Word is required. The submitted CD will be checked for a computer virus or viruses. Those containing proposals submitted with a virus or viruses will be disqualified. 12 Hard copy applications and CD should be sent to: W. Eugene Thilsted, PhD Strategic Agriculture Initiative Coordinator US EPA REGION 6 1445 Ross Avenue (6PD-P) Dallas, Texas 75202 OPTION 2: DIRECTIONS FOR ELECTONIC SUBMISSION via WWW.GRANTS.GOV: ATTENTION: Microsoft Windows Vista and Word 2007 users: Please note that Grants.gov does not support the new Microsoft Vista Operating system. The PureEdge software used by Grants.gov for forms is not compatible with Vista. Grant.gov will be reviewing this new product to determine if it can be supported in the future. In addition, the newest version of Microsoft Word (Word 2007) saves documents with the extension .DOCX. The Grants.gov system does not process Microsoft Word documents with the extension .DOCX. When submitting Microsoft word documents as attachments on Grants.gov, please use the document format in Microsoft Word with the file extension .DOC. If you have questions regarding this matter, please email the Grants.Gov Contact Center at: support@grants.gov or call: 1-800-518-4726. Applicants who wish to submit their materials electronically must do so through the Grants.gov web site. Grants.gov allows an applicant to download a proposal or application package template and complete the package offline based on agency instructions. After an applicant completes the required proposal or application package, it can submit the package electronically to Grants.gov, which transmits the package to the funding agency. Pictures and/or maps will need to be scanned so that they can be submitted electronically as part of the application package. If you wish to apply electronically via Grants.gov, the electronic submission of your proposal package must be made by an official representative of you institution who is registered with Grants.gov and authorized to sign applications for Federal assistance. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov and click on “Get Registered” on the left side of the page. Note that the registration process may take a week or longer to complete. If you organization is not currently registered with Grants.gov, please encourage your office to designate an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) and ask that individual to begin the registration process as soon as possible. To begin the application process for this grant program, go to http://www.grants.gov and click on the “Apply for Grants” tab on the left of the page. Then click on “Apply Step 1: Download a Grant Application Package and Instructions” to download the PureEdge viewer and obtain the application package and instructions for applying under this announcement using Grants.gov (https://apply.grants.gov/forms_apps_idx.html). You may retrieve the application package and instructions by enter the Funding Opportunity 13 Number, EPA-R6-SAI-2008, or the CFDA number 66.716, in the space provided. Then complete and submit the application package as indicated. You may also be able to access the application package by clicking on the button “How to Apply” at the top right of the synopsis page for this announcement on http://www.grants.gov (to find the synopsis page, go to http://www.grants.gov an click on the “Find Grant Opportunities” button on the left side of the page and then go to Search Opportunities and use the Browse by Agency feature to find EPA opportunities). Application/proposal materials submitted through Grants.gov will be time/date stamped electronically. Proposals must be completed, submitted and time/date stamped by the Grants.gov system no later than the stated deadline date. Please submit all the application materials described in Section IV.B. Application Preparation and Submission Instructions Documents I through III above should appear in the “Mandatory Documents” box on the Grants.gov Grant Application Package page. For document I and II, click on the appropriate form and then click “Open Form” below the box. The fields that must be completed will be highlighted in yellow. Optional fields and completed fields will be displayed in white. If you enter an invalid response or incomplete information in a field, you will receive an error message. When you have finished filling out the form, click “Save.” When you return to the electronic Grant Application Package page, click on the form you just completed, and then click on the box that says, “Move Form to Submission List.” This action will move the document over to the box that says, “Mandatory Completed Documents for Submission.” For document III, you will need to attach electronic files. Prepare your project narrative as described above in Section IV.B of the announcement and save the document to your computer as an MS Word or PDF file. When you are ready to attach it to the application package, click on “Project Narrative Attachment Form,” and open the form. Click “Add Mandatory Project Narrative File,” and then attach your proposal (previously saved to your computer) using the browse window that appears. You may then click “View Mandatory Project Narrative File” to view it. Enter a brief descriptive title of your project in the space beside “Mandatory Project Narrative File Filename;” the filename should be no more than 40 characters long. If there other attachments that you would like to submit to accompany your proposal, you may click “Add Optional Project Narrative File” and proceed as before. When you have finished attaching the necessary documents, click “Close Form.” When you return to the “Grant Application Package” page, select the “Project Narrative Attachment Form” and click “Move Form to Submission List.” The form should now appear in the box that says, “Mandatory Completed Documents for Submission.” Once you have finished filling out all of the forms/attachments and they appear in one of the “Completed Documents for Submission” boxes, click the “Save” button that appears at the top of the Web page. It is suggested that you save the document a second time, using a different name, 14 since this will make it easier to submit an amended package later if necessary. Please use the following format when saving your file: “Applicant Name – FY08 – Assoc Prog Supp – 1st Submission” or “Applicant Name – FY 08 Assoc Prog Supp – Back-up Submission.” If it becomes necessary to submit an amended package at a later date, then the name of the 2nd submission should be changed to “Applicant Name – FY08 Assoc Prog Supp – 2nd Submission.” Electronic Signature: Applications submitted through Grants.gov constitute submission as electronically signed applications. The registration and e-authentication process establishes the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). When you submit the application through Grants.gov, the name of you authorized organization representative on file will be inserted into the signature line of the application. Applicants must register the individual who is able to make legally binding commitments for the applicant organization as the Authorized Organization Representative. Once your application package has been completed and saved, send it to your AOR for submission to U.S. EPA through Grants.gov. Please advise your AOR to close all other software programs before attempting to submit the application package through Grants.gov. In the “Application Filing Name” box, your AOR should enter your organization’s name (abbreviate where possible), the fiscal year (e.g., FY08), and the grant category (e.g., Assoc Prog Supp). The filing name should not exceed 40 characters. From the “Grant Application Package” page, your AOR may submit the application package by clicking the “Submit” button that appears at the top of the page. The AOR will then be asked to verify the agency and funding opportunity number for which the application package is being submitted. If problems are encountered during the submission process, the AOR should reboot his/her computer before trying to submit the application package again. [It may be necessary to turn off the computer (not just restart it) before attempting to submit the package again.] If the AOR continues to experience submission problems, he/she may contact Grants.gov for assistance by phone at 1800-518-4726 or email at: http://www.grants.gov/help/help.isp. Timely Receipt Requirements and Proof of Timely Submission Electronic Submission: All electronic submission must be received via http://www.grants.gov/Apply by 5:00 PM EST Friday, February 29, 2008. Proof of timely submission is automatically recorded by Grants.gov. An electronic time stamp is generated within the system when the application is successfully received by Grants.gov. The applicant will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and a tracking number from Grants.gov with the successful transmission of their application. Applicants should print this receipt and save it, along with facsimile receipts for information provided by facsimile, as proof of timely submission. When EPA successfully retrieves the application from Grants.gov, Grants.gov will provide an electronic acknowledgment of receipt to the e-mail address of the AOR. Prof of Timely submission shall be the date and time that Grants.gov receives your application. 15 Applications received by Grants.gov, after the established due date for the program will be considered late and will not be considered for funding by EPA. EPA suggests that applicants submit their applications during the operating hours of the Grants.gov Support Desk, so that if there are questions concerning transmission, operators will be available to walk you through the process. Submitting your application during the Support Desk hours will also ensure that you have sufficient time for the application to complete its transmission prior to the application deadline. Applicants using dial-up connections should be aware that transmission should take some time before Grants.gov receives it. Grants.gov will provide either an error or a successfully received transmission message. The Grants.gov Support Desk reports that some applicants abort the transmission because they think that nothing is occurring during the transmission process. Please be patient and give the system time to process the application. Uploading and transmitting many files particularly electronic forms with associated XML schemas will take some time to be processed. C. Submission Dates The closing date to submit is February 29, 2008. All hard copy submission of proposal packages must be postmarked by February 29, 2008. Grants.gov submissions must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by February 29, 2008, 5:00 p.m., CST. Electronic proposals received after the due date and time or postmarked after the due date will not be considered for funding. D. Confidential Business Information In accordance with 40 CFR 2.203, applicants may claim all or a portion of their application/proposal as confidential business information. EPA will evaluate confidentiality claims in accordance with 40 CFR Part 2. Applicants must clearly mark applications/proposals or portions of applications/proposals they claim as confidential. If no claim of confidentiality is made, EPA is not required to make the inquiry to the applicant otherwise required by 40 CFR 2.204(c)(2) prior to disclosure. E. Intergovernmental Review Applicants (except for Indian Tribes and Tribal Consortia must comply with the Intergovernmental Review Process and/or consultation provisions of Executive Order 12372 or Section 204 of the Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development Act, if applicable, which are contained in 40 CFR Part 29. Further information regarding this requirement will be provided if your proposal is selected for funding. F. Management Fees When formulating budgets for proposals/applications, applicants must not include management fees or similar charges in excess of the direct costs and indirect costs at the rate approved by the applicants cognizant audit agency, or at the rate provided for by the terms of the agreement negotiated with EPA. The term "management fees or similar charges" refers to expenses added to the direct costs in order to accumulate and reserve funds for ongoing business expenses, 16 unforeseen liabilities, or for other similar costs that are not allowable under EPA assistance agreements. Management fees or similar charges may not be used to improve or expand the project funded under this agreement, except to the extent authorized as a direct cost of carrying out the scope of work. G. Other Information EPA Region 6 will respond to questions from individual applicants regarding threshold eligibility criteria, administrative issues related to the submission of the proposal, and requests for clarification about the announcement. However, in accordance with EPA’s Competition Policy (EPA Order 5700.5A1), EPA staff will not meet with individual applicants to discuss draft proposals, provide informal comments on draft proposals, or provide advice to applicants on how to respond to ranking criteria. Applicants are responsible for the contents of their applications. All applicants applying for funding, including renewal funding, must have a Dunn and Bradstreet Universal Data Numbering System (DUNS) number. Applicants that do not already have a DUNS number may find instructions for obtaining one at the following website: http://www.grants.gov/GetStarted. A DUNS number may also be obtained by calling 1-866705-5711. 17 V. Application Review Information Criteria: Total Points: 100 Applications that pass the threshold eligibility review in Section III will be evaluated using criteria below. Applications may receive up to 100 points. • 1. Qualification, Experience and Past Performance (14 points): The applicants experience in the Field of the proposed activity and its staff expertise/qualifications, staff knowledge, resources or the ability to obtain them, and infrastructure to successfully achieve the goals of the project. (8 points) The applicant’s history of meeting reporting requirements on federally funded agreements performed within the last two years similar in size, scope, and relevance to the proposed project and submitting acceptable final technical reports under these agreements. (2 points) The applicants past performance in successfully completing and managing federally funded agreements performed within the last two years that are similar in size and scope and relevance to the proposed project. (4 points). • • In evaluating applicants past performance and reporting history, EPA will consider the information provided by the applicant and my 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). If you do not have any relevant or available reporting information, please indicate this in the proposal and you will receive a neutral score for these factors. • 2. Environmental Results Past Performance (5 points): Applicants will be scored based on the extent and quality to which they adequately documented and/or reported on their progress towards achieving the expected results (e.g. outcomes and outputs) under Federal agency assistance agreements performed within the last two years, and if such progress was not being made whether the applicant adequately documented and/or reported why not. Note: In evaluating applicants under this factor, EPA will consider the information provided by the applicant and may also consider relevant information from other sources including agency files and prior/current grantors (e.g., to verify and/or supplement the information supplied by the applicant). Applicants with no relevant or available past performance reporting history will receive a neutral score for this factor. 18 • 3. Project Description and justification (30 points): Consistency of applicant’s proposed project with the risk reduction goals of the FQPA/Strategic Agricultural Initiative and whether the project demonstrates and facilitates the adoption of pest management decisions and practices that provide growers with “a reasonable transition” away from the highest risk pesticides. In addition, whether the project implements reduced use or reduced risk control techniques and products, or demonstrate the potential for implementation of project results will be evaluated. (5 points) Likelihood that the project can be replicated in other areas by other agricultural organizations to their benefit. (5 points) Whether it addresses a significant geographically/regional specific or widespread environmental concern. (5 points) The extent and quality to which it addresses the sociological or economic forces that support adoption, or those impediments that limit adoption of environmentally sensitive production systems. (5 points) The extent and quality to which it demonstrates potential for longterm benefits. (5 points) The extent and quality to which it addresses multiple-components of the agro-ecosystem such as soil, water, air, plant, animal, and human resources. (5 points) Applications will be scored based on the extent and quality to which they include a well-conceived strategy to achieve the project goals and objectives and a reasonable schedule for the execution of the tasks associated with each goal. (10 points) • • • • • • 4. Project Strategy (10 points) 19 • 5. Measurement of Environmental Results (20 points) • Progress Measures: The extent to which the proposed project contains clear measures of success for each major task or product, and provides a description of the format in which these measurements will be reported as well as a plan for tracking project progress toward achieving these identified measures. (10 points) Environmental Performance Measures: These measures can be either “direct” or “surrogate” measures. Direct measures identify actual environmental changes occurring with the adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. In contrast, surrogate measures identify changes in strategies or behavior that should lead to environmental changes. (10 points) The project should address two or more, but is not limited to, the following measures: a. Changes in behavior of growers toward the use of lower-risk practices. b. Reductions in number of detections of crops with tolerance violations, particularly organophosphates or carbamates. c. Comparison of levels of residues on crops from conventional vs reduced-risk pesticide practices. d. Acres under management that include pesticide risk reduction practices. Acres treated with biopesticides or reduced risk pesticides. e. Reduction of mortality to non-target aquatic and terrestrial organisms caused by pesticides. f. Populations of beneficial organisms in field and adjacent habitat. g. Percent reduction or pound per acre reduction expected in the use of conventional pesticides. Other examples of performance measures may be found in the SAI Toolbox, located at: http://www.aftresearch.org/sai/ (SAI Grant Applicants, Performance Measures). The project should have two of either direct or surrogate measures. 20 • 6. Innovation (4 points) Applications will be scored based on the extent and quality to which the proposed project provides innovative efforts that enable growers to decrease reliance on agricultural chemicals while maintaining economical outcomes, by developing, demonstrating and/or applying reduced-risk alternatives and ecologically-based integrated approaches to pest management. (4 points) Applications will be scored based on the extent to which the project makes effective use of partnerships and the involvement of local agricultural stakeholders, builds upon existing efforts, or leverages other significant activities or institutional efforts. Partners must provide a Commitment Letter(s) from an official within the organization, specifying and confirming their specific contributions to the project. (4 points) Applications will be scored based on the extent and quality to which the project supports innovative agricultural extension such as farmer-to-farmer education or farmer-scientist interaction, outreach and technology transfer. (8 points) Applications will be scored based on the adequacy of the budget information provided, and whether the budget breakout is reasonable and acceptable, and demonstrates effective and judicious use of Federal funds. (5 points) • 7. Partnerships (4 points) • 8. Outreach (8 points) • 9. Budget (5 points) REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS: A panel comprised of EPA Region 6 staff will evaluate each eligible application based upon the criteria outlined in this Request for Proposals. The decision for award will be based on the total number of points an application receives as described in the Application Review Information in Section V. 21 VI. Award Administration Information A. Award Notices: Once proposals have been reviewed, evaluated and ranked, applicants will be notified via U.S. Mail regarding the outcome of the competition. The notification is not an authorization to begin performance on the selected project(s). The notice of award sent via U.S. Mail to the applicant’s authorized representative and signed by the EPA award official is the authorizing document. If your proposal is selected for funding, you will need to complete a formal application for Federal funding. An application kit containing financial and administrative forms and general information on Federal grants will be mailed to award recipients. Blank forms may also be obtained at: http://www.epa.gov/earth1r6/6md/grants.htm B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements Award recipients must comply with all requirements set forth in 40 Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR), Part 31 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments) and 40 CFR, Part 30 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and other Non-Profit Organization), as applicable. C. Data Access and Information Release: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-110 has been revised to provide public access to research data through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) under some circumstances. Data that are (1) first produced in a project that is support in whole or in part with Federal funds and (2) cited publicly and officially by a Federal agency in support of an action that has the force and effect of law (i.e., a regulation) may be accessed through FOIA. If such data are requested by the public, the EPA must ask for it, and the grantee must submit it, in accordance with A-110 and EPA regulation at 40 C.F.R. 30.36. D. Nonprofit Administrative Capability Clause Nonprofit applicants that are recommended for funding under this announcement are subject to pre-award administrative capability reviews consistent with Sections 8.b, 8.c, and 9.d of EPA Order 5700.8, ‘EPA Policy on Assessing Capabilities of Non-Profit Applicants for Managing Assistance Awards’ which can be found at http://www.epa.gov/ogd/grants/award/5700_8.pdf . In addition, non-profit applicants that qualify for funding may, depending on the size of the award, be required to fill out and submit to the Grants Management Office the Administrative Capability Form, with supporting documents, contained in Appendix A of EPA Order 5700.8. 22 E. Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP): In accordance with 40 CFR 30.54 and 31.45, projects that include the generation or use of environmental data are required to submit a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP). This includes efficacy and performance data, surveys and similar results. The award recipient must develop and implement quality assurance and quality control procedures, specifications and documentation that are sufficient to produce data of adequate quality to meet project objectives. The QAPP is the document that provides comprehensive details about the quality assurance/quality control requirements and technical activities that must be implemented to ensure that project objectives are met. The QAPP should be prepared in accordance with EPA QA/R-5: EPA Requirements for Quality Assurance Project Plans. The QAPP must be submitted to the EPA Project Officer at least 30 days prior to the initiation of data collection or data compilation. Requirements for QAPP’s can found at http://www.epa.gov/quality1/qa_docs.html. F. Copyrights: EPA reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish or otherwise use, and to authorize others to use, for federal government purposes in accordance with 40 CFR 31.34: (a) The copyright in any work developed under a grant, sub-grant, or contract under a grant or sub-grant; and (b) Any rights of copyright to which a grantee, sub-grantee or a contractor purchases ownership with grant support. G. Conferences and Workshops: If a conference or workshop is an element of the project, the applicant will be required to answer the following questions: • • • • • • Who is initiating the conference/workshop/meeting? How will it be advertised? Whose logo will be on the agenda and materials? What is the percentage of participants, i.e. federal, state, local or public? Will the grant recipient prepare the proceedings and disseminate the information back to the targeted community? Will program income be generated from this event? H. Dispute Resolution Process: . Assistance agreement competition-related disputes will be resolved in accordance with the dispute resolution procedures published in 70 FR (Federal Register) 3629, 3630 (January 26, 2005) which can be found at: www.epa.gov/ogd/competition/resolution.htm. 23 I. Funding Restrictions: Regulations governing these assistance agreements are found at: 40 CFR Part 30 for institutions of higher education, colleges and universities, and non-profit organizations; 40 CFR Part 31 for States, federally recognized Indian Tribes and local governments; 40 CFR Part 32, governing government wide debarment and suspension; and 40 CFR Part 34 regarding restrictions on lobbying. All costs incurred under this program must be allowable under applicable OMB Cost Circulars: A-87 (States and local government); A122 (non-profit organizations); or A-21 (universities). Copies of these circulars may be found at: http://whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/. In accordance with EPA policy, and the OMB circulars, as appropriate, any recipient of funding must agree not to use assistance funds for lobbying, fund raising, or political activities (e.g. lobbying members of Congress or lobbying for other Federal grants, cooperative agreements or contracts)). See 40 DFR Part 34. Please refer to the applicable cost principles in the Office of Management and Budget Circulars: e.g. OMB Circular A-21, Educational Institutions (8/8/00) OMB Circular A-87, State and Local Governments (5/4/97, amended 8/29/97) OMB Circular A-122, Non-Profit Organizations (5/19/98) These circulars can be viewed at: http://whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/. Award will not allow for the reimbursement of pre-award costs. Indirect cost rates will not increase the award funding amount. J. Reporting: Progress Reports: The successful applicant(s) will be required to submit a progress report six months after the beginning of the project, and then additional progress reports annually throughout the duration of the project. Reports should include a description of project activities including accomplishments, successes and lessons learned along with any problems and/or delays. Environmental outcomes should be indicated in relation to the approved schedule and milestones. A format for the written reports will be sent electronically to the grantee after the award has been made. Progress reports should be submitted electronically, if possible. Final Report: Are required at the completion of the project, as stated in 40 CFR§31.40 and 40 CFR§30.51. The report will include copies of any agreed-upon work-product(s) resulting from the project, and copies of materials generated in connection with project activities (e.g. workshop announcements, workshop sign in sheets, newspaper/newsletter announcements, articles or releases, press packets, pamphlets, etc.). Any additional requirements will be stated in the Special Conditions of the Award document. 24 The Final Report is due 90 days following the end of the project period. Financial Status Reports (FSR’s): Are required on an annual basis as stated in 40CFR§30.52 and 40CFR§31.41, as applicable. A Final FSR is required at the completion of the project. VII. Agency Contact If you have questions or need additional information regarding the Strategic Agricultural Initiative/Food Quality Protection Act Grant Program: FY 2008 Request for Proposals, please contact: W. Eugene Thilsted, PhD Strategic Agriculture Initiative Coordinator US EPA REGION 6 1445 Ross Avenue (6PD-P) Dallas, Texas 75202-2733 Phone: 214-665-2782 Email: thilsted.eugene@epa.gov 25