[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 234 (Wednesday, December 6, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 62435-62439]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-29744]
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[[Page 62436]]
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[FRL-5338-5]
Office of Environmental Justice; Environmental Justice Community/
University Partnership Grants Program Request for Applications (RFA)
for Fiscal Year (FY) 1996
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, Office of Environmental Justice.
Grants Program Overview
The grants program was established to help community groups and
tribal governments effectively address local environmental justice
issues through active partnerships with one or more institutions of
higher education. 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 must focus on the design,
methods, and techniques to evaluate and solve the environmental justice
issues of concern to affected communities. The Universities/Colleges
that have experience working with, and capabilities to effectively
communicate with, affected communities, in actual partnership with such
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 minority communities and low-income communities or
tribes in order to address environmental justice issues. Partnerships
must be established with formal agreements (i.e. Memoranda of
Agreements) between at least one College/University and at least one
socio-economically disadvantaged community which is adversely impacted
by an environmental hazard. These partnerships become the catalyst for
increasing environmental awareness and involvement in resolving
environmental problems, such as exposure to environmental pollutants in
minority communities 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 four grants are expected to
be awarded for fiscal year (FY) 1996, depending on the amount of
funding.
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 August 1996.
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 all institutions of higher
education, which are eligible under applicable statutory authorities,
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 or low-
income communities, and which have formal partnerships (i.e.. a signed
Memorandum of Agreement) with any affected community groups (e.g.,
community-based/grassroots organizations, churches, schools, or other
nonprofit community organizations) or with tribal governments.
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 at least two of the following statutes:
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)\1\
\1\Projects under this statute are limited to research or
development activities.
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Safe Drinking Water Act, Section 1442(b)(3)
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, Section 20(a)\2\
\2\Projects under this statute are limited to research
activities (e.g., surveys)
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Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act,
Section 111(c)(10).\3\
\3\Projects under this statute are limited to hazardous
substance detection, assessment, and evaluation, and associated
human health effects and risks.
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Background: In its 1992 report, Environmental Equity: Reducing Risk
for All Communities, EPA found that minority and low-income communities
may 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.
[[Page 62437]]
A. What Specific Requirements Exist for the Environmental Justice
Community/University Partnership Grants Program?
Projects under the Environmental Justice Community/University
Partnership Grants Program shall include, but not be 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 (e.g., socio-
economic impact studies);
2. Research projects to understand, assess or address, regional and
local trends in environmental justice issues or problems (e.g.,
monitoring of socio-economic change in a community as a result of an
environmental abuse);
3. Demonstration or dissemination of environmental justice
information, including development of educational tools and materials
(e.g., 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 (e.g., TRI, GIS,
Internet and E-mail); and
6. Provide for a minimal ``hard science'' analysis capability
(e.g., analyze water and soil samples to test for basic pollutants,
provide radon testing kits, etc.).
Projects should involve new and innovative approaches and/or
significant new combinations of resources, both of which should be
identified in the partnership agreements;
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 the grant award. The college/university must
identify the community residents or tribal government representatives
who will serve on the ``partnership team.'' Where appropriate, the
community or tribal representatives on the team may be compensated for
their work; and
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 is the fair treatment and meaningful
involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin,
or income with respect to the development, implementation, and
enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Fair
treatment means that no groups of people, including racial, ethnic, or
socioeconomic groups, should bear a disproportionate share of the
negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial,
municipal, and commercial operations or the execution of federal,
state, local, and tribal programs and policies.
C. 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
D. 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 A and B. The
evaluations will be conducted, and items weighed, as indicated in
Section G.
E. 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 of services or property. 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 of similar
work in the same labor market. 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). Among other things, EPA funds cannot be used for
matching funds for other Federal grants, construction, buying
furniture, lobbying, intervention in federal rule-making, adjudicatory
proceedings, litigation, or personal gifts. Refer to 40 CFR 30.410
entitled, ``How does EPA determine allowable costs?''
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 and 33, and
existing media-specific regulations pertinent to the statement of work.
F. 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
contains an SF 424, SF 424A, a work plan, a Memorandum of Agreement
(MOA), and
[[Page 62438]]
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.
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.
G. 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 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 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 will be used in
terms of personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies,
contract costs, and other. Funds can not be used for matching funds for
other federal grants, construction, buying furniture, lobbying,
intervention in federal rule-making, adjudicatory proceedings,
litigation, or personal gifts. The budget must list proposed milestones
with deadlines and estimated cost and completion dates. All costs must
be consistent with the cost principles of the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB), A-21. (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%)
H. 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 Saturday, March 2, 1996. Applications must
be submitted to this EPA headquarters address: United States
Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Environmental Justice, Mail
Code 3103 Environmental Justice Community/University Partnership
Grants, 401 M Street S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460.
Review and Selection Process
I. 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 the requirements described in
this Sections A-H. Reviewers will specifically evaluate the degree to
which the applications meet EPA's objectives and criteria as discussed
in Section G. Applications will be disqualified if they are incomplete
or do not meet EPA's basic criteria.
J. How Will the Final Selections be Made?
After the applications are reviewed and ranked as described in
Section G, EPA officials will compare the best applications and make
final selections. Factors EPA will take into account include;
geographic and socio-economic balance, diverse nature of the projects,
and if the partnership's benefits can be sustained after the grant is
completed.
K. How Will Applicants be Notified?
After all applications are received, EPA will mail acknowledgements
to each applicant. Once applications have been recommended for funding,
EPA will 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
L. 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 August 1, 1996. It is EPA's intent to fund each partnership only
once. Future funding is dependent upon congressional appropriations.
[[Page 62439]]
M. 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 one or two years from award date. Grant project
periods may be approved for up to two years.
N. Who Will Develop and Manage the Partnerships?
Grant recipients are responsible for the successful development and
management of all projects. All applications must identify a project
manager. The recipient's project manager is subject to approval by the
EPA project officer, but EPA may not direct that any particular person
be the project officer. The lead institution (applicant) is recognized
as the grantee and as such is responsible for all activities under the
agreement.
O. 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 as appropriate,
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.
P. What is the Expected Time frame for the Review and Awarding of the
Grants?
December 1, 1995
Request for Applications Published in the Federal Register
December 1, 1995-March 2, 1996
Eligible grant recipients develop their proposals
March 2, 1996
Proposals must be postmarked or received by EPA by this date
March 2, 1996-May 1, 1996
Federal Agency Officials and review panel evaluate and recommend
award selection
May 1, 1996-June 30, 1996
EPA Grants Administration Division processes grants. Applicants
will be contacted by the grants office if their proposals were selected
for funding. Additional information may be required from the selectees.
August 1, 1996
EPA anticipates the awarding of the grants and the beginning of the
partnership projects/activities.
Fiscal Year 1997 Grants
To Receive Information on the Fiscal Year (FY) 1997 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 H. OEJ's fax number is (202) 260-0852. 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 disponibles en espanol. Si usted esta interesado
en obtener una traduccion de este anunclo en espanol, por favor llame a
la Officina de Justicia Ambiental conocida como ``Office of
Environmental Justice'', linea de emergencia (1-800-962-6215).
Working Definitions
Tribe--all federally recognized American Indian tribes (including
``Alaskan Native Villages''), pueblos, and rancherios. Although the
term ``tribe,'' as defined in this notice, refers to only ``federally
recognized tribes,'' state recognized tribes or indigenous peoples
organizations are able to apply for grant assistance as ``other
eligible grass-roots organizations'' as long as they meet the
definition of an incorporated, nonprofit organization.
Nonprofit--means any corporation, trust, association, cooperative,
or other organization which (1) is operated primarily for scientific,
educational, service, charitable, or similar purposes in the public
interest: (2) is not organized primarily for profit: and (3) uses its
net proceeds to maintain, improve, and/or expand its operations.
November 27, 1995.
Clarice E. Gaylord,
Director, Office of Environmental Justice.
[FR Doc. 95-29744 Filed 12-05-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
