[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 239 (Wednesday, December 11, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 65210-65214]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-31431]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[FRL-5663-4]
Environmental Justice Community/University Partnership Grants
Program; Request for Applications (RFA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 1997;
Sponsored by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of
Environmental Justice
Purpose of Notice
The purpose of this notice is to solicit applications from eligible
candidates under the Environmental Justice Community/University
Partnership Grants Program, sponsored by the Environmental Protection
Agency.
Grants Program Overview
The grant program was established to help community groups and
tribal governments effectively address local
[[Page 65211]]
environmental justice issues through active partnerships with all
institutions of higher education. These institutions are expected to
have an ongoing relationship with the community partner, including
institutions such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities
(HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges (TC),
urban institutions and those serving Asian-American (AA) and other
minority as well as low-income communities. The Universities/Colleges
shall support affected environmental justice community groups and
American Indian tribes who engage in or plan to carry out projects that
address environmental justice issues. The Universities/Colleges that
focus on the design, methods, and techniques to evaluate and solve the
environmental justice issues of concern of affected communities, in
actual partnership with these communities, will be given priority. This
grants program will further the federal government's commitment to
develop stronger partnerships with stakeholders in order to enhance
community-based environmental protection.
The emphasis of this grants program is on meaningful, two-way
cooperation between communities or tribes and institutions of higher
education serving disproportionately exposed communities or tribes in
order to address environmental justice issues. Partnerships must be
established with formal agreements (i.e. Memorandum of Agreements)
between at least one College/University and at least one socio-
economically disadvantaged community or tribes which is adversely
impacted by an environmental hazard and public health concerns. These
partnerships become the catalyst for increasing environmental awareness
and involvement in resolving environmental problems, such as exposure
to environmental pollutants in minority and low-income communities and
on Tribal lands.
The main objective of this grants program is to link community
residence/organizations and tribes with their neighboring or affiliated
academic institutions to forge partnerships to address local
environmental and public health concerns. This effort is designed to
ensure that these partners:
Are aware of basic environmental regulations, laws,
concepts, issues, and resources;
Understand their role in identifying and defining
problems, and monitoring contaminants related to environmental
exposures;
Are included in the dialogue that results in shaping
future policies, guidances, and approaches to problem solving; and
Are encouraged to be active partners in developing
responses and setting priorities for intervention.
Through these partnerships, communities will be encouraged to
become involved in accessing information from environmental databases,
in cleaning-up and restoring environmental quality in communities that
have environmental insults, and in surveying and monitoring
environmental quality.
Number of Grants Proposed: A minimum of six grants are expected to
be awarded for fiscal year (FY) 1997.
Grant Award Amount: A maximum of $250,000 will be awarded to each
recipient, contingent upon the availability of funds. Work funded by
this program is expected to begin upon award of the grant. All grants
under this notice are expected to be awarded by September 1997.
Grant Term: The grant award will be a maximum of $250,000, but the
project period can extend up to three years, if necessary. However, if
the project period extends beyond one year the funding will be
dispersed to the grantee over the course of the project period, not all
in the first year.
Eligibility: Participation is limited to institutions of higher
education, including Historically Black Colleges or Universities
(HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges (TCs),
and institutions serving Asian-American (AA's) and other minority
communities, low-income communities or tribes that have formal
partnerships (i.e., a signed Memorandum of Agreement) with any affected
party which is eligible under applicable statutory authorities (i.e.,
community-based/grassroots organizations, churches, schools or other
non-profit community organizations, etc.) and tribal governments.
``Preference will be given to University or Community groups who have
not previously been recipients of a CUP award''.
The Environmental Justice Community/University Partnerships may be
either a partnership among two single entities or consortium of
entities. If a consortium is proposed, the lead academic institution
must be identified and be one of the eligible applicants. This lead
institution is recognized as the grantee and as such is responsible for
all activities under the agreement.
Statutory Authorities: The granting authority is multi-media and
the grant proposal must address two or more of the statutory
requirements.
Clean Water Act, Section 104(b)(3)
Solid Waste Disposal Act, Section 8001(a)
Clean Air Act, Section 103(b)(3)
Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act, Section 203
Toxic Substances Control Act, Section 10(a)
Safe Drinking Water Act, Section 1442(b)(3)
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, Section 20(a)
Background
In its 1992 report, Environmental Equity: Reducing Risk for All
Communities, EPA found that people of color and low-income communities
experience higher than average exposure to toxic pollutants than the
general population. The Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) was
established in 1992 to help these communities identify and assess
pollution sources, implement environmental awareness and training
programs for affected residents and work with local stakeholders
(community-based organizations, academia, industry, local governments)
to devise strategies for environmental improvements.
In June of 1993, OEJ was delegated granting authority to solicit
projects, select suitable projects from among those proposed, supervise
such projects, evaluate the results of projects, and disseminate
information on the effectiveness of the projects, and feasibility of
the practices, methods, techniques and processes in environmental
justice areas.
General
The following questions and answers are designed to respond to
frequent concerns of applicants.
A. What Specific Requirements Exist for the Environmental Justice
Community/University Partnership Grants Program?
Projects or proposals that meet the Environmental Justice
Community/University Partnership Grant requirements shall include, but
are not limited to:
1. Design and demonstration of field methods, practices, and
techniques, including assessment and analysis of environmental justice
conditions and problems which may have a wide applicability and/or
addresses a high priority environmental justice issue (i.e., socio-
economic impact studies);
2. Research projects to understand, assess or address, regional and
local trends in environmental justice issues or problems (i.e.,
monitoring of socio-economic change in a community as a result of an
environmental abuse);
[[Page 65212]]
3. Demonstration or dissemination of environmental justice
information, including development of educational tools and materials
(i.e., establish an environmental justice clearinghouse of successful
environmental justice projects and activities or teach about risk
reduction, pollution prevention, or ecosystem protection as potential
strategies for addressing environmental justice problems or issues);
4. Determine the necessary improvements in communication and
coordination among local, state and tribal environmental programs and
facilitate communication, information exchange, and community
partnerships among all stakeholders to enhance critical thinking,
problem solving, and decision making;
5. Provide technical expert consultation and training for
accessing, analyzing, and interpreting public environmental data, and
utilization of electronic communications technology (i.e., TRI, GIS,
Internet and E-mail);
6. Provide for a minimal ``hard science'' analysis capability
(i.e., analyze water and soil samples to test for basic pollutants,
provide radon testing kits, etc.);
7. Projects that involve new and innovative approaches and/or
significant new combinations of resources, both of which should be
identified in the partnership agreements;
8. An applicant is required to include in the application a signed
agreement which describes the role of the prospective partner(s) in the
project and its implementation, and which includes a commitment or
intent to commit resources from the prospective partner(s) contingent
only upon receipt of funds. The college/university must identify the
community residents or tribal government representatives who will serve
on the ``partnership team.'' It is expected that the community or
tribal representatives on the team will be appropriately compensated
for their work; and that overall resources will be balanced among the
partners.
9. Applications should include partnerships between colleges and
universities which are providers of training and programs for these
communities. One of the goals of the partnerships should be to develop
a plan to shift the focus of these organizations from maintenance to
that of self-sufficiency;
B. What Does Environmental Justice Involve Under the Environmental
Justice Community/University Partnership Grant?
Environmental justice involves the fair treatment of people of all
races, cultures, and income with respect to the development,
implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and
policies. It seeks to ensure that all stakeholders (communities,
industry, federal, tribal, state and local governments, grassroots
organizations, and individuals) act responsibly to protect the
environment and public health of all communities. Environmental justice
efforts may include, but are not necessarily limited to enhancing the
gathering, observing, measuring, classifying, experimenting and other
data gathering techniques that assist individuals in discussing,
inferring, predicting, and interpreting information to address
environmental justice issues and concerns. Environmental justice
projects or activities should enhance critical thinking, problem
solving, and effective decision-making skills.
C. Who May Submit An Application?
Any institution of higher education which has a working
relationship with affected communities or American Indian tribes, such
as Historically Black College or University (HBCU), Hispanic Serving
Institutions (HSI), Tribal Colleges (TC), and institutions of higher
education serving Asian-American (AA), other minority communities, or
low-income communities may submit an application upon publication of
this solicitation. College/University consortiums are eligible to
apply. In order to be considered for funding, applicants must provide a
signed Memorandum of Agreement which identifies the partners and
defines the roles and responsibilities of each partner.
D. May An Individual Apply?
No. Only institutions of higher education may apply. The
professional qualifications or community-based experience of those
individuals participating in the proposed project will be an important
factor in the selection process.
Funding Priorities
E. What Types of Proposed Environmental Justice Community/University
Partnerships Will Have the Best Chance of Being Funded?
The Environmental Justice Community/University Partnerships must
meet the objectives and criteria as described in section B. The
evaluations will be conducted, and items weighed, as indicated in
Section H.
F. Are Matching Funds Required?
Yes. Federal funds for the Environmental Justice Community/
University Partnerships shall not exceed 95% of the total cost of the
project. EPA encourages non-Federal matching shares of greater than 5%.
The non-Federal share of costs may be provided in cash or by in-kind
contributions and other non-cash support. In-kind contributions often
include salaries or other verifiable costs. In the case of salaries,
applicants may use either minimum wage or fair market value. The
proposed match, including the value of in-kind contributions, is
subject to negotiation with EPA. All grants are subject to audit, so
the value of in-kind contributions must be carefully documented. The
matching (non-Federal) share is a percentage of the entire cost of the
project. For example, if the total project cost is approximately
$260,000 then the Federal portion can be no more than $247,000, which
is 95% of the total project cost. For this example, the grant recipient
would be required to provide $13,000 for the project. The amount of
non-Federal funds, including in-kind contributions, must be briefly
itemized in Block 15 of the application form (SF 424) included at the
end of this notice. Among other things, EPA funds cannot be used as
matching funds for other Federal grant match requirements, nor used for
construction, buying furniture, lobbying, or legal action (or any non-
federal contributions used as a match for the grant).
Application Procedure
An ``Application for Federal Assistance'' form (Standard Form 424
or SF 424), a ``Budget Information: Non-Construction Programs'' form
(SF 424A), a Work Plan (described below), and a Memorandum of Agreement
must be submitted. These documents contain all the information EPA
needs to evaluate the merits of your proposed grant proposal.
Each instrument approved under the environmental justice delegation
must be consistent with the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreements
Act of 1977, Public Law 95-224, as amended, 31 U.S.C. Section 6301;
Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 30, 31, 33, 40, 45
and 47, as appropriate; and existing media-specific regulations
pertinent to the statement of work.
[[Page 65213]]
G. How Must the Application Be Submitted and Specifically What Must It
Include?
The applicants must submit one original, signed by a person
authorized to receive funds for the applicant, and two copies of the
application (double-sided copies encouraged). Applications must be
reproducible (for example; stapled once in the upper left hand corner,
on white paper, and with page numbers).
For the purposes of this grants program, an application must
contain an SF 424, SF 424A, 424B, a work plan, a Memorandum of
Agreement (MOA), and the Certification Forms. The following describes
these items:
1. Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424). An SF 424 is an
official form required for all Federal grants. A completed SF 424 must
be submitted as part of your preapplication. This form, along with
instructions are included at the end of this notice.
2. Budget Information: Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A). An SF
424A is an official form required for all Federal grants. A completed
SF 424A must be submitted as part of your application. This form, along
with instructions are included at the end of this notice. In addition,
a detailed budget which breaks down the budget categories is required.
3. Work Plan. A work plan describes the applicant's proposed
project. Work plans must be no more than 15 pages total. One page is
one side of a single spaced typed page. The pages must be letter size
(8\1/2\ x 11), with normal type size (19 or 12 cpi) and at least 1''
margins. The only appendices and letters of support that EPA will
accept are a budget, resumes of key personnel, and commitment letters.
4. Memorandum of Agreement. The Memorandum of Agreement will
provide the foundation for the working relationship between the
college/university and the partners involved in the project. This
agreement must be signed and have the roles and responsibilities of
each partner clearly defined.
5. Necessary Signed Forms. Procurement Systems Certification,
Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility
Matters, Certification Regarding Lobbying. These forms are provided in
the grant package.
H. How Will the Applications Be Evaluated?
The applications will be evaluated by a review panel and selected
according to the following criteria. The percentages next to the items
are the weights EPA will use to evaluate the applications. Please note
that certain sections are given greater weight than others.
(a) A concise introduction of no more than three pages that states
the nature of the college/university, how the college/university has
been successful in the past, proposed uses, objectives, methods, plans,
target audiences, and expected results of the proposed project. (10%)
(b) Clear and concise description of the project which includes the
following:
1. A section describing the field methods, practices, and
techniques, including assessment and analysis, which the partnership
expects to implement to address national, regional and local
environmental justice issues. (10%)
2. A section describing how the partnership will disseminate
environmental justice information and provide training, including
educational tools and materials. (10%)
3. A section describing how the partnership will improve
communications and coordination among local, state, tribal and federal
environmental programs and community organizations, and how the
partnership will enhance critical thinking, problem solving and
decision making among all stakeholders. Specify effective and realistic
methods for involving members of the targeted population. (10%)
4. A section describing who or how the partnership will obtain
expert consultation and provide training for the partners to access,
analyze and interpret public and environmental data and utilize
electronic communications technology. (10%)
5. A section describing the ``hard science'' analysis capability of
the college(s)/university(ies). (10%)
(c) A conclusion discussing how the applicant will evaluate the
success of the partnership, in terms of the anticipated strengths and
challenges in developing and administering the partnership. (10%)
(d) An appendix with a budget describing how funds (including
Federal and non-Federal shares) will be used in terms of personnel,
fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contract costs, and
other. Funds cannot be used for construction, lobbying, or legal
action. The budget must list proposed milestones with deadlines and
estimated cost and completion dates. All costs must be consistent with
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) ``The Cost Principles for
Educational Institutions,'' such as A-87 and A-122. (10%)
(e) An appendix with one or two page resumes of up to five key
personnel. (5%)
(f) An appendix with one page letters of commitment from community-
based organizations with a significant role in the development and
administration of the partnership. Letters of endorsement will not be
considered. (5%)
(g) A Memorandum of Agreement signed by each representative of the
partnership team which identifies the roles and responsibilities of
each partner. (10%)
I. When and Where Must the Applications Be Submitted?
An original plus two copies of the application must be mailed to
EPA postmarked no later than Friday, March 7, 1997. Applications must
be submitted to this EPA headquarters address:
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Environmental Justice, Mail Code 2201-A
Environmental Justice Community/University Partnership Grants, 401 M
Street S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460
Review and Selection Process
J. How Will Applications Be Reviewed?
EPA's Office of Environmental Justice will form a selections
committee comprised of EPA, other federal agency staff, and outside
reviewers to evaluate proposals and recommend selections. Applications
will be screened to ensure they meet all eligible activities described
in Sections A-I. Reviewers will specifically evaluate the degree to
which the applications meet EPA's objectives and criteria as discussed
in section H. Applications will be disqualified if they are incomplete
or do not meet EPA's basic criteria.
K. How Will the Final Selections Be Made?
After the applications are reviewed and ranked as described in
section H, EPA officials will compare the best applications and make
final selections. Factors EPA will take into account include:
geographic and socio-economic balance, diversity, substantial community
group participation in development of proposal and if the partnership's
benefits can be sustained after the grant is completed.
L. How Will Applicants Be Notified?
After all applications are received, EPA will mail acknowledgments
to each applicant. Once applications have been recommended for funding,
EPA will
[[Page 65214]]
notify those applicants selected and request any additional information
necessary to complete the award process. The EPA Office of
Environmental Justice will notify those applicants whose grant
applications were not selected for funding.
Post-Award
M. When Should the Proposed Partnership Begin Functioning?
Partnerships cannot operate or begin development on this specific
project before funds are awarded. Start dates are currently targeted
for September 15, 1997. It is EPA's intent to fund each center only
once. Future funding is dependent upon congressional appropriations.
N. How Much Time Do Grant Recipients Have To Complete the Work
Proposed?
Activities must be completed within the time frame specified in the
grant award, usually two or three years from the award date. Grant
project periods may be approved for up to three years.
O. Who Will Develop and Manage the Partnerships?
EPA requires that partnerships be developed and managed by the
applicant or by persons satisfactory to the applicant and EPA. All
applications must identify any person(s) other than the applicant for
approval. The lead institution (applicant) is recognized as the grantee
and as such is responsible for all activities under the agreement.
P. What Reports Must Grant Recipients Complete?
Recipients of grants will be expected to report on quarterly
progress, as well as final project completion. All recipients must
submit final reports for EPA approval prior to the expiration of the
project period. Specific reporting requirements will be detailed in the
award agreement. EPA plans to collect, evaluate, and disseminate
grantees' final reports to serve as model programs. Since networking is
crucial to the success of the program, grantees may be asked to
transmit an extra copy to a central collection point.
Q. What Is the Expected Time Frame for the Review and Awarding of the
Grants?
December 15, 1996--Request for Applications Published in the Federal
Register
December 15, 1996--Eligible grant recipients develop their proposals
March 7, 1997
March 7, 1997--Applications must be postmarked or received by EPA by
this date
April 15, 1997--Federal Agency Officials and review panel evaluate and
recommend award
May 9, 1997--Selection
May 12, 1997--EPA grants division processes grants and makes awards
July 31, 1997--Applicants will be contacted by the grants office if
their proposals were selected for funding. Additional information may
be required from the selectees
September 15, 1997--EPA anticipates the awarding of the grants and the
beginning of the partnership projects/activities
Fiscal Year 1998 Grants
To receive information on the Fiscal Year (FY) 1998 Environmental
Justice Community/University Partnership (CUP) Grants Program and
future year grants, please mail or fax your request along with your
name, organization, address, and phone number to the Office of
Environmental Justice (OEJ), FY 1997 CUP Grants. OEJ's address is
provided in Section I. OEJ's fax number is (202) 501-0740. You may also
obtain this information by calling OEJ's 24 hour hotline number 1-800-
962-6215.
Available Translations
A Spanish translation of this announcement is available upon
request. Please call the Office of Environmental Justice at 1-800-962-
6215 for a copy.
Hay traducciones disponsibles en espanol. Si usted esta interesado
en obtener una traduccion de este anuncilo en espanol, por favor llame
a la Oficina de Justicia Ambiental conocida como ``Office of
Environmental Justice'', linea de emergencia (1-800-962-6215).
Thank you for your interest in our Community/University Partnership
Grant and we wish you luck in the application process.
Dated: December 5, 1996.
Clarice E. Gaylord,
Director, Office of Environmental Justice.
[FR Doc. 96-31431 Filed 12-10-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-M
