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Water: Grants & Funding

Broadcast Meteorology and Environmental Education Grant Solicitation: Request for Applications

Applications are no longer being accepted for this grant.

Environmental Education and Information for the American Public Using Broadcast Meteorologists to Transmit Environmental Information

OVERVIEW:

  1. Federal Agency: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Office of Science and Technology
  2. Funding Opportunity Title: Cooperative Agreement to Inform and Educate Citizens About Important Environmental Issues, to Promote Citizen Involvement and Participation With Assistance From Broadcast Meteorologists
  3. Announcement Type: Request for Applications (RFA)
  4. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number - 66.436
  5. Dates Proposals to be received on or before February 3, 2005, 4:00pm, Eastern Standard Time.

SECTION 1: FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

Project Background: Healthy waters enhance the environment. Healthy waters produce healthy aquatic life, they contribute to the health and vitality of American's, they promote tourism, serve as a source of food for human consumption, provide an outdoor playground for American's and contribute to a productive and viable economy. According to EPA's 2003-2008 Strategic Plan: Direction for the Future, "cleaner, safer water has renewed recreational, ecological and economic interests in communities across the Nation. The recreation, tourism, and travel industry is one of the largest employers in the Nation, and a significant portion of recreational spending comes from swimming, boating, sport fishing, and hunting. Each year, more than 180 million people visit the shore for recreation. In 2001, people spent a total of $70 billion – $35.6 billion on fishing, $20.6 billion on hunting, and $13 million on items used for both hunting and fishing. Wildlife watchers spent an additional $38.4 billion on activities around the home and on trips. The commercial fishing industry, which also depends on clean water and healthy wetlands, contributed $28.6 billion to the economy in 2001."

Public information, education and involvement has and continues to be a hallmark of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) mission. Many approaches and strategies are used by EPA to increase environmental literacy, to educate and inform the public about environmental issues, and to engage the public in environmental protection and stewardship in their local communities.

Education of American citizens about environmental issues is integral to the involvement of Americans in environmental decision making. Informed and involved citizens leads to participation of citizens in environmental issues that affect their lives in their local communities; it ensures that citizens will be informed about the condition of their environment; it helps to ensure that sensitive populations are informed about decisions that effect their everyday lives; it increases environmental awareness and stewardship and it ensures citizen participation and involvement in environmental decision making. Building a community's capability to make decisions that affect the environment is at the heart of the EPA's community-centered work. EPA seeks to educate American citizens about environmental issues through broadcast media representatives and outlets/markets.

American's are connected to the environment in their communities where they experience first-hand the benefits of safe drinking water, clean air, healthy lakes, streams and rivers that are safe for swimming and fishing. EPA is committed to and facilitates community-based protection of local natural resources and will do so by providing opportunities for public participation in environmental decision-making. Access to environmental education information is key to fulfilling this commitment.

Environmental issues that EPA seeks to inform and educate citizens about include:

  1. Water Quality Standards
  2. Fish Advisories
  3. Beach Water Quality
1. Water Quality Standards

Water quality standards are the cornerstone of state and Indian tribal (those authorized by EPA) water quality management programs. The 50 states, U. S. Territories, the District of Colombia and Indian tribes (authorized by EPA to conduct the program), develop water quality standards. Water quality standards are a tool for protecting and improving water quality. Water quality standards define the use of the water body as well as the amount of pollutants that may be discharged into waters from sources such as industrial facilities, wastewater treatment plants, and storm water. Water quality standards help reduce pollution from rural and urban areas. Water quality standards consist of three components:

  • The designated uses (describe the goal for the water body, such as fishing, swimming, boating, cultural, drinking water)
  • Water quality criteria (limits on pollutants and conditions that will protect the designated use)
  • An antidegradation policy governing changes in water quality so as to prevent the deterioration of the water body

Water quality standards are adopted for all surface waters of the United States, including rivers, streams, intermittent streams, lakes, natural ponds, wetlands and marine waters, such as estuaries and near-shore coastal waters.

Common water body uses include uses such as fishing, swimming, boating and are a source of drinking water for many Americans. There is a public involvement role in the water quality standards process. EPA seeks to educate American citizens about the role of water quality standards within watershed protection through established broadcast media representatives and outlets/markets.

2. Fish Advisories

Fish are an important part of a healthy diet. They are a lean, low-calorie source of protein and other essential nutrients. Some fish caught in our Nation's waters -- lakes, rivers and streams – may contain chemicals that could pose health risks. State, tribal and local governments protect people from possible risks of eating contaminated fish by monitoring their waters and issuing fish advisories when contaminant levels are unsafe. While most of the Nation's waters contain fish that are safe to eat, a consumption advisory may recommend that people limit or avoid eating certain species of fish caught from certain lakes, rivers or coastal waters. In some cases, advisories apply to specific water types (such as lakes), or they may include recommendations for specific groups (such as pregnant women or children). Advisories apply to locally-caught fish or water-dependent wildlife and sometimes apply to fish purchased in stores and restaurants. Government agencies have increased the number of notices of "no restriction" or safe eating guidelines to tell the public that the fish from certain areas have been tested and are safe to eat. Statewide advisories are also issued by many states. These statewide advisories warn the public of possible risks from eating certain species from certain types of waters. Commercial fishing bans are sometimes issued which forbid the harvest and sale of fish, shellfish, and/or wildlife species from a designated water body or area. A key public information tool is the Internet-based National Listing of Fish and Wildlife Consumption Advisories. This web-site allows states and tribes to enter their advisories and provides the public with information about the location of advisories, the fish that are affected and the number of meals or amount of fish that a person can safely eat.

3. Beach Water Quality

In 2002, over 709 beaches in the United States were posted with warnings or closed for at least one day because the water was contaminated. Today, many beaches are either not monitored well or not monitored at all, so Americans continue to face risks of illness from swimming and other activities in coastal areas, lakes and rivers that contain disease-causing microbes. The EPA is working with state, tribal and local government partners and others to make sure American's have beach water quality information before they swim. Swimming in polluted water can cause minor illnesses like sore throats or diarrhea. Citizens might also get more serious illnesses such as hepatitis, meningitis, encephalitis or severe gastroenteritis. Children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems have a greater chance of getting sick when they come into contact with contaminated water.

American's can and do have a role in protecting the health of our beaches.

Purpose and Summary: This notice announces the availability of funds from EPA's Office of Science and Technology (OST) within the Office of Water. EPA is soliciting applications from States, Indian tribes, U. S. Territories, interstate agencies and other public or nonprofit organizations that have experience in the field of broadcast meteorology and environmental education. This experience should include such activities as designing, developing content and delivering environmental education information and training programs about watershed protection, producing programs and tools to assist broadcast meteorologists to disseminate and transmit environmental information and messages to the public via the television broadcast medium. Broadcast meteorology provides an innovative mechanism to educate the American public about critically important environmental issues. Weather reports provide a unique opportunity to bridge the environmental gap by conveying important environmental information relevant to people's daily lives. Use of broadcast meteorologists to disseminate environmental information is an effective and proven way to communicate complex health, technical and scientific information to the public. Using weather forecasters and other on-air camera news talent (including station anchors) to educate citizens about environmental issues has the advantage of reaching large segments of the U. S. population at any given time. Local weather reports and other on-air camera news segments will provide an opportunity to increase the public's knowledge and understanding of environmental, health and science issues and serve as a conduit for providing environmental information at the national, regional and local levels. Clean water benefits all Americans. Thus, EPA seeks to utilize broadcast meteorologists (using on air-technology), and other on-camera newscasters (including station anchors) to promote environmental awareness and inform the public about environmental issues related to activities taking place within watersheds across the country.

Mission: Through this solicitation, EPA seeks to improve the delivery of environmental information to the American public by utilizing broadcast meteorologists and other on-camera newscasters (including station anchors) as messengers and transmitters of environmental information. This goal is consistent with EPA's Cross-Cutting Environmental Information Strategy in the Agency's 2003-2008 Strategic Plan: Direction for the Future. The Strategy seeks to enhance environmental results through the improved use of quality environmental information by EPA decision makers, states, tribes other partners and the public to:

  • Promote environmentally beneficial action
  • Improve environmental decisions
  • Promote more environmental responsible attitudes
  • Improve knowledge

The Strategic Plan further states that environmental information and education supports individual and community involvement in decisions that can affect environmental quality and human health. The Strategic Plan also states that making environmental information accessible and usable by the American public, including populations that have been historically disenfranchised, is critical to solving problems and addressing challenges. One of the desired outcomes of the Strategic Plan is by 2008, there will be improved use of environmental information to strengthen EPA's, states' and the public's decisions.

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SECTION II: AWARD INFORMATION

EPA anticipates making one or more awards totaling up to $140,000 (subject to Agency appropriations). The recipient(s) will carry out a series of activities designed to utilize broadcast meteorologists and other on-camera news casters (including station anchors) to increase the American public's knowledge about the water quality standards program, fish advisory and beach water quality programs using broadcast meteorologists through existing and planned watershed education programs and through partnerships with television stations in various media markets. The project period to carry out the activities under this cooperative agreement will be two years. EPA reserves the right not to make any awards.

EPA will award the cooperative agreement(s) under the authority of Section 104(b)(3) of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Section 104(b)(3) of the CWA authorizes the Agency to award grants to conduct projects that promote the coordination and acceleration of research, investigations, experiments, training, demonstrations, surveys, and studies relating to the causes, effects (including health and welfare effects), extent, prevention, reduction and elimination of water pollution.

EPA seeks to tap into existing watershed education programs in various media markets and to utilize new/planned media markets to integrate knowledge about the water quality standards program, fish advisory and beach water quality programs into national, regional and local weather casts and news reports. Weather casters and other on-camera newscasters (including station anchors) can help bridge the information gap by conveying information about these important environmental issues to members of the public in their communities. On-air stories will refer the public to the particular TV station's website or to EPA's web sites for more in-depth information, as appropriate.

EPA anticipates that it will have substantial involvement with the recipient in carrying out project activities. This includes among other things, assisting the recipient with selection of the topics, with development of on-air stories and with technical review and advice on content of on-air news stories to ensure accuracy (National, Regional and local stories) and identifying officials (Federal, State and local, and others, including health and science experts) who may be able to appear during on-camera, on-air stories EPA reserves the right not to make any awards.

The anticipated project period for this award is May 2005 through May 2007.

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SECTION III. ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants

EPA is soliciting applications from states, Indian Tribes, U. S. Territories, interstate agencies and other public or nonprofit organizations. Eligible nonprofit organizations include any organizations that meet the definition of a nonprofit in Section 4(6) of the Federal Financial Management Assistance Act of 1999, Public Law 106-107, 31 U. S. C.6101. This definition includes nonprofit universities and educational institutions. Nonprofit organizations described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying activities as defined in Section 3 of the Lobbing Disclosure Act of 1995 are not eligible to apply. For profit institutions are not eligible.

Cost Sharing

No cost share or match is required. However, projects with matching funding – in-kind services or other support -- will be favored. Matching funds are considered grant funds and are included in the total award amount. Any restrictions on the use of grant funds also apply to the use of matching funds. They may be used for the reasonable and necessary expenses of carrying out the work plan.

Other

To be considered eligible for this competition, applicants must be able to demonstrate experience working with experts in the field of broadcast meteorology as well as experience designing, developing content and conducting/delivering environmental education and training programs on watershed protection aimed at the public. This may include for example, having delivered watershed education and training programs through the use of television broadcast meteorologists.

Applicants must fully explain why they meet the threshold criterion of having experience in working with broadcast meteorologists and designing, developing content and conducting/delivering environmental education and training programs on watershed protection aimed at the American public. Applicants who do not meet this pass/fail criterion will not be considered or evaluated. EPA reserves the right not to make any awards.

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SECTION IV: APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

Address to Request Application Package

Grant application forms are available or upon request by calling the Grants Administration Division at 202-564-5305. Requests for application kits may also be submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency, Grants Administration Division, 3903R, Washington, D. C. 20460.

Content and Form of Application Submission

Proposals must be typewritten, double spaced and limited to 25 pages back and front in 12 point or larger print using 8.5 X11 inch paper with minimum 1 inch horizontal and vertical margins. One signed original and two hard copies must be submitted. Pages must be numbered in order starting with the Introduction Page and continuing through the end. Proposals that do not follow these format guidelines will be eliminated from further review and will not be considered. Proposals should include the following:

  1. Cover Letter - The cover letter that accompanies the proposal must be signed by an official with the authority to commit the organization to the project and must be written on the organization's official letter head. The cover letter does not count against the page limitations.

  2. Introduction - Applicants must fully explain in detail the organization's ability and experience in designing, developing content and conducting/delivering environmental education and training programs and designing and developing on-air stories and tools to assist broadcast meteorologists and other newscasters in disseminating environmental information to the public.

    Applicants must further describe in detail how they will ensure that public education information about the water quality standards program, fish advisory and beach water quality programs within the context of watersheds, will be developed and implemented through broadcast meteorologists and other on-camera newscasters (including station anchors) in between 4-9 media markets (stations) where there are already existing and established delivery mechanisms through local media networks and where media networks are to be expanded and/or planned in other parts of the U. S. EPA wants to ensure that messages about the water quality standards program, fish advisory and beach water quality programs are disseminated widely throughout the U.S. to citizens in their local communities/watersheds. Applicants must describe the organizations's interest and goals in entering into this cooperative agreement, the availability and qualifications of staff and available resources to implement the project.

  3. General Description of How the Project Will Be Implemented - EPA is particularly interested in innovative applications that promote environmental education via local weather casters and other on-camera newscasters (including station anchors) in between 4-9 media markets (stations). This includes markets in various geographical areas of the U. S. to ensure that messages about the water quality standards program, fish advisory and beach water quality programs are disseminated widely throughout the U. S. to citizens in their local communities/watersheds. EPA is interested in tapping into already established watershed education programs and delivery systems through weather broadcasters in various media markets and through the expansion into planned markets or new markets in other parts of the U. S. to deliver on-air stories via meteorologists and other on-camera news talent (including station anchors).
    • EPA is particularly interested in approaches involving development and dissemination of environmental education on-air stories, visualizations, watershed tips, and other tools (e.g., video clips, photos, maps, web streaming, remote sensing, graphics, visualizations, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) satellite imaging) to educate and convey environmental information to the public from a national perspective. To the extent possible, the recipient should work with other entities for the purpose of leveraging resources and utilizing relevant regional information. On-air stories, from a national perspective on the water quality standards, fish advisory and beach water quality programs may also feature representatives of the Federal government and other environmental, science and health experts.

    • EPA is also interested in having broadcast meteorologists and other on-camera news casters (including station anchors) develop and air local and/or regional stories that are of relevance in certain geographical areas or focus on specific watersheds. Localized on-air stories will heighten public awareness about water quality standards, fish advisories and beach water quality. Such stories will inform and educate the public, encourage public involvement and participation in environmental decision making, increase the public's support for clean safe water and increase participation and involvement at the "grass roots" levels in environmental decision making in local communities.

      Examples, of local and/or regional stories could focus on interviews of key officials, (e.g., state and local officials, farmers, the academic community, citizen groups, etc.,) working on local water quality standards projects, including water quality monitoring. Watershed groups are also heavily involved in working with State entities on water quality standards issues about which the public should be informed. Regional and local on-air stories could focus on those efforts, including how citizens can get involved with the activities of their local watershed groups. Many Indian Tribes have developed water quality standards under the Clean Water Act in recent years. These programs have been approved by EPA. On-air stories could focus on these efforts. Other on-air stories could focus on using EPA's water quality standards data base (an educational tool for the public) to inform citizens about the designated uses of waters in their local watersheds, where applicable and other appropriate stories. On-air stories could also focus on the efforts of the low-income and minority populations to protect water resources in their communities. Stories could focus on public hearings on revisions to State water quality standards or efforts by states and/or academic institutions to educate its citizens about water quality standards. Water quality standards development activities are integral to watershed protection initiatives in locally affected areas. Stories can also be centered around Earth Day, National Fishing and Boating Week and other significant events, including local environmental clean up days, community events, school visits by meteorologists and other environmental professionals, etc. On-air stories could refer viewers to relevant state web sites, where applicable.

    • Local and/or Regional on-air stories could focus on the occurrences of contaminants of sport and recreational caught fish and state' efforts to provide public health information on the safety of fish caught in local areas. On-air stories, could focus on dietary meal planning, including the amount of fish or number of meals that are safe to eat, in conjunction with other Federal agencies and public health agencies. On-air stories should also refer viewers to state web sites for related information.

    • Local and/or Regional stories about beach health protection could focus on providing advice to citizens to ensure that they have a healthy beach experience. This includes improving public access to information about the quality of the water at local beaches and health risks associated with swimming in polluted water and local health and environmental protection programs. This also includes providing messages to check with local health and environmental officials for information about advisories, closings and on general health advice. Stories could also focus on web sites that provide links to "timely" beach water quality information. Other on-air stories could focus on ways citizens can get involved in local clean-up efforts to protect their beaches. Stories could focus on volunteer opportunities in which citizens monitor water quality and learn about water quality issues. Stories could also focus on how citizens can make a difference to protect beaches and to prevent beach water pollution. This includes conserving water, keeping septic systems properly maintained, disposing of boat sewage at onshore pump out facilities, picking up after pets, and keeping storm drains clean.

    • Funding under this cooperative agreements may be used to support the development of on-air new stories, graphics and computer effects, including maps to enhance the stories, tips, and environmental news stories that can be used on the air. Successful applicants must demonstrate that they have a plan and mechanisms for arranging and ensuring the production and airing of on-air stories on the water quality standards, fish advisory and beach water quality programs (both nationally and from a local and/or regional point of view). This includes commitments from news directors and station managers for on-air time devoted to this project. Successful applicants must demonstrate the capability to produce and broadcast 8-10 on-air stories (national, local and/or regional) (consisting of 3-4 minutes or other appropriate lengths) in each of 4-9 media outlets (stations) over the life of the project. EPA wants to ensure that messages about the water quality standards, fish advisory and beach water quality programs are disseminated widely throughout the U. S. to citizens in their local communities/watersheds.

  4. Budget : Applicants must provide a detailed budget for the overall project that is broken down into direct labor, fringe benefits, equipment, travel, other direct costs and overhead with summaries for each year. Budgets should also describe any leveraged resources. If leveraged resources are in the form of cash or in-kind services, the value should be estimated. It should be noted that EPA does not require matching funds for this assistance program.

  5. Time line: Describe quantifiable goals, tasks and a time line for accomplishing tasks, including measures of success and expected environmental results.

  6. Required Federal and EPA Forms. All applicants must submit the following:

    • Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424)
      The SF 424 is a standard Federal form to be used by applicants as a required cover sheet for this cooperative agreement program. NOTE: Block No. 10 requires a "Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance" (CFDA) number to be entered. Use CFDA Numbers 66.436 and 66.472 for this cooperative agreement.

    • Budget Information - Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A)

      Grant applicants will be required to provide a Dunn and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when applying for Federal grants and cooperative agreements. Applicants can receive a DUNS number in one day, at no cost, by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS number request lien at 1-866-705-5711 or by visiting www.dnb.com Exit EPA Disclaimer
  7. Biographical Sketches and Organizational Past Performance on Grants. Applicants must provide biographical information detailing staff working on previous Federal grants and experience with management of Federal grants.

  8. Personnel. Personnel to be assigned to this cooperative agreement must be identified and biographical information provided describing qualifying education and experience. In situations where personnel will be hired to staff this agreement, a clear description of the position(s) must be given to indicate the qualifications of individuals the applicant will be seeking.
Submission Dates and Times

Applications must be received on or before February 3, 2005, 4:00pm, Eastern Standard Time. All proposals received after this date will not be considered for funding. Since postal mail delays are to be expected that could inordinately delay EPA's receipt of applications, EPA recommends that applicants use an express courier service, private courier, or hand deliver applications to the address below. Deliver a signed original AND two hard copies of each proposal to the following address:

Attention: Frances A. Desselle
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Science and Technology
Standards and Health Protection Division
Connecting Wing - 5th Floor
Room 5231–XX
1201 Constitution Avene, NW
Washington, D. C. 20004
(Couriers will need to call 202-566-0400 to gain entry to the EPA East Building)

Note: Do NOT use the above address for U. S. Postal Service Mail.

Applicants choosing to mail the submission, using the U.S. Postal Service should use the following address:

Attention: Frances A. Desselle
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Science and Technology (4305-T)
Standards and Health Protection Division
Room 5231
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D. C. 20460

Intergovernmental Review

Applicants requested to submit a full application may be required to comply with Intergovernmental Review Requirements (40 CFR Part 29).

Funding Restrictions

Funding may be used for travel of individuals to be interviewed as part of the on-air stories. Funding will be allowed for pre-award costs.

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SECTION V: APPLICATION REVIEW

Criteria

This program is competitive. EPA will review and evaluate proposals and make a cooperative agreement(s) based upon the applicant's ability to meet the evaluation factors stated below.

To be considered, as a threshold criterion, applicants must demonstrate experience working with experts in the field of broadcast meteorology as well as experience designing, developing content and conducting/delivering environmental education and training programs on watershed protection aimed at the American public. Applicants who do not meet this pass/fail criterion shall not be considered or evaluated. Applicants who meet this threshold criterion will then be ranked according to the following evaluation factors:

  • Degree of experience and demonstrated knowledge in watershed education and training programs, including development and implementation of projects and development of on-air stories and tools aimed at the American public through use of broadcast meteorologists - 30 points
  • Commitments, in the form of Memorandum of Understandings, from station managers and news directors to produce and broadcast 8-10 national, local and/or regional (on-air stories) consisting of 3-4 minutes, or other appropriate lengths in each of 4-9 media outlets (stations) as described in this Request for Applications - 20 points
  • Demonstrated experience and established relationships with metrologists, station managers and news directors in producing and implementing on-air environmental stories aimed at the America public - 10 points
  • Detailed program plan, and mechanisms for arranging and ensuring the production of on-air stories on the programs identified in this Request for Applications, including innovative approaches and creative tools to develop, produce and air environmental programs using broadcast meteorologists and on-air news casters - 5 points
  • Leveraging of additional resources, both financial and in-kind support. Applicants are encouraged to provide information regarding resources (cash/in-kind services) that they, or a project partner, would commit. EPA is not requiring a specific match. The Agency will however, consider these commitments as part of this ranking factor - 10 points
  • Efficiency and effectiveness of the applicant's budget - 5 points
  • Demonstrated ability of the applicant to effectively manage a federal assistance award. Applicants must disclose audit findings, cost disallowance, special terms and conditions, or any adverse actions relating to their performance with a federal assistance agreement - 10 points
  • Plan describing how the applicant will evaluate and report (in the Final Project Report) to EPA the successes and lessons learned from its project based on clearly articulated measurable outcomes, including results related to goals and objectives outlined in EPA's Strategic Plan. The Final Project Report will be due no later than 90 days following the end of the performance period on the cooperative agreement - 10 points
Review and Selection Process

EPA will establish a review panel consisting of Federal employees familiar with watershed training and education and outreach. Each member of the review panel will score applications independently using the evaluation factors identified above. Applications will be ranked according to average score. Final selections will be approved by EPA senior management. EPA reserves the right not to make any awards.

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SECTION VI: AWARD ADMINISTRATION

Award Notices

EPA will notify, in writing, those applicants who were not selected within 60 days of receiving applications. EPA will notify the selected applicant(s) by telephone and e-mail. The notification is not an authorization to begin performance. Official notification of the actual cooperative agreement award(s) will be made to the organization(s) by EPA's Grants Administration Division in accordance with standard Agency practices. The selected applicant(s) may be asked to modify their work plan and budget. EPA reserves the right not to make any awards.

Administrative and National Policy Requirements

For grants and cooperative agreements with States, local governments and Indian tribal governments, the procedures and requirements should be in conformance with 40 CRF Part 31 "Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments," 40 CFR Part 35, "Environmental Program Grants-State, Interstate, and Local Governments Agencies" and Office of Management and Budget Circular Nos. 1-87 "Cost Principles for State and Local Governments" and A-12, "grants and cooperative agreements for States and Local Governments." For grants and cooperative agreements with other entities the procedures should be in conformance with 40 CFR Part 30, "Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations" and Office of Management and Budget Circulars Nos. A-21 for universities, "Cost Principles for Educational Institutions, " and A-122 for non-profit organizations, "Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations".http://whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/.

In accordance with EPA guidance and Office of Management and Budget Circulars, as appropriate, the recipient(s) must agree that it will not use assistance funds for lobbying, fund-raising or political activities (e.g., lobbying members of Congress, or lobbying for other federal grants, cooperative agreement or contracts). The terms and conditions of the formal cooperative agreement may put additional and specific limitations on the funding.

In negotiating the cooperative agreement, EPA will work closely with the recipient to incorporate appropriate performance measures, terms and conditions, reporting requirements and information quality guidelines into the grant agreement consistent with 40 CFR 30.51,31.40, 35.115 and 35.515. These regulations provide some flexibility in determining the appropriate content and frequency of performance reports. At a minimum, however, the reporting schedule must require the recipient to report at least annually. For the purpose of this cooperative agreement, reporting will be quarterly. The recipient(s) will provide a disclaimer subject to EPA review and approval associated with the on-air stories.

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SECTION VII: AGENCY CONTACT(S)

Questions should be directed via e-mail to GrantsSolicitation@epa.gov. EPA cannot provide pre-application assistance that will provide a competitive advantage. Answers to significant questions will be posted on this Web site. Potential applicants should periodically refer to the EPA website containing this Request for Applications for possible postings of supplemental information relevant to applying for this cooperative agreement.

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SECTION VIII: OTHER INFORMATION

EPA reserves the right to not make any awards. Funding is contingent on agency appropriations. Official notification of the actual cooperative agreement award will be made to the organization by EPA's Grants Administration Division in accordance with standard Agency practices.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS

Any disputes regarding proposals or applications submitted in response to these guidelines will be resolved in accordance with 40 CFR 30.63 and Part 31, subpart F.

COALITION APPLICATIONS

EPA encourages applications from coalitions. Groups of two or more eligible applicants may choose to form a coalition and submit a single application for this cooperative agreement. However, one recipient will have to serve as the lead since EPA cannot issue assistance awards to partnerships. Coalitions must therefore, identify which eligible organization will be the recipient of the cooperative agreement and which eligible organization(s) will be subawardees of the recipient. Subawards must be consistent with the definition of that term in 40 CRF 30.2(ff). Please note that for-profits are not eligible applicants. Any contracts for services or products funded with EPA financial assistance must be awarded under the competitive procurement provisions of 40 CFR Part 30. The recipient must administer the cooperative agreement. The recipient is accountable to EPA for proper expenditure of the funds and will be the point of contact for the coalition. As provided in 40 CFR 30.2 (gg), subrecipients are accountable to the recipient for proper use of EPA funding.

EPA WEB SITES

Applicants are referred to the following web sites for further information about the water quality standards, fish advisories and beach water quality programs. Information contained on these web sites may help applicants develop their applications.

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