Science To Achieve Results (STAR) Research Program

 

The Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Program's goal is to stimulate and support scientific and engineering research that advances EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment. It is a competitive, peer-reviewed, extramural research program that provides access to the nation's best scientists and engineers in academic and other nonprofit research institutions. STAR funds research on the environmental and public health effects of air quality, environmental changes, water quality and quantity, hazardous waste, toxic substances, and pesticides. Funding Priority - Fiscal Year 2023: The STAR Program will fund the highest quality research in the following research areas: 1) Air, climate, and energy research to improve air quality, address the causes and consequences of climate change, and protect public health and the environment. 2) Safe and sustainable water resources research and scientific analyses to innovatively and economically support safe and adequate supplies of waterprotecting peoples health and livelihood while restoring and maintaining watersheds and aquatic ecosystems and guiding innovative, cost-effective solutions to meet current, emerging, and long-term water resource challenges for complex chemical and biological contaminants. 3) Sustainable and healthy communities research that supports priorities related to advancing remediation and restoration of contaminated sites, materials management and beneficial reuse of waste, and integrated systems approaches to building healthy and resilient communities. This research will help to empower communities to make scientifically-informed decisions. 4) Chemical safety for sustainability research that addresses the pressing environmental and health challenges associated with a lack of sufficient information on chemicals needed to make informed, risk-based decisions. Research will meet the health and environmental protection goals of the Agency as well as partners including states and Tribes, by supporting transformative research leading to improved science-based approaches that build broader understanding of biology, chemical toxicity, and exposure. Please check the EPA website: https://www.epa.gov/research-grants for an updated listing of all solicitations.

Active 66.509 Environmental Protection Agency B - Project Grants Fiscal Year 2016 Applications received for the STAR Program - FY 16 est.: 84. New awards for the STAR Program - FY 16 est.: 28. Abstracts of current grant awards, and annual interim and final summary results of the research are available on the homepage: https://www.epa.gov/research-grants. Applications received for the STAR Program - FY 16: 87. New awards for the STAR Program - FY 16: 9. Abstracts of current grant awards, and annual interim and final summary results of the research are available on the homepage: https://www.epa.gov/research-grants.
Fiscal Year 2017 Applications received for the STAR Program - FY 17: 187. New awards for the STAR Program - FY 17: 5. Abstracts of current grant awards, and annual interim and final summary results of the research are available on the homepage: https://www.epa.gov/research-grants.
Fiscal Year 2018 Applications received for the STAR Program - FY 18: 32. New awards for the STAR Program - FY 18: 5. Abstracts of current grant awards, and annual interim and final summary results of the research are available on the homepage: https://www.epa.gov/research-grants.
Fiscal Year 2019 Applications received for the STAR Program - FY 19: 189. New awards for the STAR Program - FY 19: 13. Abstracts of current grant awards, and annual interim and final summary results of the research are available on the homepage: https://www.epa.gov/research-grants.
Fiscal Year 2020 Applications received for the STAR Program - FY 20: 145. New awards for the STAR Program - FY 20: 26. Abstracts of current grant awards, and annual interim and final summary results of the research are available on the homepage: https://www.epa.gov/research-grants.
Fiscal Year 2022 Applications received for the STAR Program - FY 22: 222. New awards for the STAR Program - FY 22: 31.
Fiscal Year 2023 Applications received for the STAR Program - FY 23: 46. New awards for the STAR Program - FY 23: 19. Abstracts of current grant awards, and annual interim and final summary results of the research are available on the homepage: https://www.epa.gov/research-grants. National Environmental Policy Act, Section 102(2)(I), 42 U.S.C. 4332
Safe Drinking Water Act, Section 1442, 42 U.S.C. 300j-1
Toxic Substances Control Act, Section 10(a), as amended by P.L. 106-74, 15 U.S.C. 2609
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide, Section 20(a), as amended by P.L. 106-74, 7 U.S.C. 136r
Clean Air Act, Section 103, 42 U.S.C. 7403
Clean Water Act, Section 104, 33 U.S.C. 1254
Solid Waste Disposal Act, Section 8001, 42 U.S.C. 6981
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act, Section 203
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), Section 311, 42 U.S.C. 9660
Annual Appropriations Acts For certain competitive funding opportunities under this assistance listing, the Agency may limit eligibility to compete to a number or subset of eligible applicants consistent with the Agency's Assistance Agreement Competition Policy. Public and private nonprofit institutions/organizations, public and private institutions of higher education (IHEs), and hospitals located in the U.S. and its territories or possessions; state and local governments; Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments; and U.S. territories or possessions are eligible to apply. Profit-making firms and individuals are not eligible to apply. Consistent with the definition of Nonprofit organization at 2 CFR ? 200.1, the term nonprofit organization means any corporation, trust, association, cooperative, or other organization that is operated mainly for scientific, educational, service, charitable, or similar purpose in the public interest and is not organized primarily for profit; and uses net proceeds to maintain, improve, or expand the operation of the organization. The term includes tax-exempt nonprofit neighborhood and labor organizations. Note that 2 CFR ? 200.1 specifically excludes Institutions of Higher Education from the definition of non-profit organization because they are separately defined in the regulation. While not considered to be a nonprofit organization(s) as defined by 2 CFR ? 200.1, public or nonprofit Institutions of Higher Education are, nevertheless, eligible to submit applications under this program. Hospitals operated by state, tribal, or local governments or that meet the definition of nonprofit at 2 CFR ? 200.1 are also eligible to apply as nonprofits or as instrumentalities of the unit of government depending on the applicable law. For-profit colleges, universities, trade schools, and hospitals are ineligible. Nonprofit organizations that are not exempt from taxation under section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code must submit other forms of documentation of nonprofit status; such as certificates of incorporation as nonprofit under state or tribal law. Nonprofit organizations exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that lobby are not eligible for EPA funding as provided in the Lobbying Disclosure Act, 2 U.S.C. 1611. Foreign governments, international organizations, and non-governmental international organizations/institutions are not eligible to apply. National laboratories funded by Federal Agencies (Federally-Funded Research and Development Centers, "FFRDCs") may not apply. FFRDC employees may cooperate or collaborate with eligible applicants within the limits imposed by applicable legislation and regulations. They may participate in planning, conducting, and analyzing the research directed by the applicant, but may not direct projects on behalf of the applicant organization. An award recipient may provide funds through its assistance agreement from the EPA to an FFRDC for research personnel, supplies, equipment, and other expenses directly related to the research. Federal Agencies may not apply. Federal employees are not eligible to serve in a principal leadership role on an assistance agreement. Federal employees may not receive salaries or augment their Agency's appropriations through awards made under this program unless authorized by law to receive such funding. The applicant institution may enter into an agreement with a Federal Agency to purchase or utilize unique supplies or services unavailable in the private sector to the extent authorized by law. Examples are purchase of satellite data, chemical reference standards, analyses, or use of instrumentation or other facilities not available elsewhere. A written justification for federal involvement must be included in the application. In addition, an appropriate form of assurance that documents the commitment, such as a letter of intent from the Federal Agency involved, should be included. Certain competitions may allow for early career awards. The following requirements in addition to the requirements listed above apply to early career awards. The early career awards will support research performed by Principal Investigators (PIs) with outstanding promise. PIs from eligible applicant institutions applying for the early career portion of the RFA must meet the following additional eligibility requirements: 1. By the closing date of this RFA, hold a doctoral degree (for example, a Ph.D. or equivalent) in a field related to the research being solicited; 2. Have received the doctoral degree no earlier than 10 years before the month of the closing date of this RFA; and 3. Be untenured by the closing date of this RFA. In order to be deemed eligible, the application must include an early career verification. See RFAs at: https://www.epa.gov/research-grants for additional information pertaining to eligibility requirements. Public nonprofit institutions/organizations and private nonprofit institutions/organizations located in the U.S.; state and local governments; Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments; U.S. territories or possessions; Anyone/General Public, Health Professional, Education Professional, Student/Trainee, Graduate Student, Scientists/Researchers. The EPA may request that applicants demonstrate they have appropriate background, academic training, experience in the field, and necessary resources to carry out the research. EPA may ask applicants to provide curriculum vitae and relevant publications. EPA may also ask the lead principal investigator/contact principal investigator for information documenting past performance. Preapplication coordination is required. An environmental impact statement is required for this listing. An environmental impact assessment is required for this listing. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. Applicants, except in limited circumstances approved by the Agency, must submit all initial applications for funding through Grants.gov. See RFAs at https://www.epa.gov/research-grants for a description of the steps for applying for assistance. For competitive awards, EPA will review and evaluate applications in accordance with the terms, conditions, and criteria stated in the competitive announcement. Competitions will be conducted in accordance with EPA policies/regulations for competing assistance agreements. Customarily, applicants are notified about award decisions within six months of the solicitation deadline. After being recommended for award, applicants will be required to submit additional certifications and may be requested to provide responses to comments or suggestions offered by the peer reviewers, a revised budget, and/or make appropriate revisions. EPA Project Officers will contact Principal Investigators to obtain these materials. The official notification of an award will be made by the Agency's Grants and Interagency Agreements Management Division. Before or after award, certain applicants will be expected to provide additional quality assurance documentation. For competitive awards, deadlines will be specified in the competitive announcement. Approximately 150-180 days from the close of the solicitation. 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). None. A standard grant application should be prepared and submitted electronically as a new grant using Grants.gov, which will be reviewed in the same manner as the original application and will compete for available funds. The evaluation and selection criteria for competitive awards under this assistance listing will be described in the competitive announcement. See the web page (https://www.epa.gov/research-grants) for additional information on the evaluative criteria for the Request for Applications (RFAs.) Funds awarded via grants/cooperative agreements are available for allowable direct cost expenditures associated with the performance of research plus allocable portions of allowable indirect costs of the institutions, in accordance with established EPA policies and regulations. Applicants must propose EPA mission relevant research based on excellent science as determined through peer review by experts drawn from the national and international scientific community. Other more specialized scientific areas may be solicited via joint RFAs with other Federal agencies. The STAR program may fund research centers that focus on long-term, multi-disciplinary research. Assistance agreement awards under this program may involve or relate to geospatial information. Further information regarding geospatial information may be obtained by viewing the following website: Geospatial Resources at EPA. Performance Reports: Performance monitoring is required under this program. Requirements and frequency will be determined at time of award. Grants and cooperative agreements are subject to inspections and audits by the Comptroller General of the United States, the EPA Office of Inspector General, other EPA staff, or any authorized representative of the Federal government. Reviews by the EPA Project Officer and the Grants Specialist may occur each year. Recipients must keep financial records, including all documents supporting entries on accounting records and to substantiate changes in grants available to personnel authorized to examine EPA recipients grants and cooperative agreements records. Recipients must maintain all records until 3 years from the date of submission of final expenditure reports as required by 2 CFR 200.334. If questions, such as those raised because of audits remain following the 3-year period, recipients must retain records until the matter is completely resolved. Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing.

Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. Grants are normally funded for a minimum of 3 years (over 180 days). Total approved project period may not exceed 5 years. Assistance is either fully funded (lump sum) or incrementally funded on an annual basis. EPA may incrementally fund grants and cooperative agreements under this program. Approval of subsequent funding increments is dependent on satisfactory project progress, continued relevance of the project to EPA's priorities and availability of funds. Renewals and extensions of funding are not available. Applicants are encouraged to communicate with the appropriate EPA contacts listed in the solicitations. Solicitations are located at: https://www.epa.gov/research-grants. Ron Josephson, Eligibility Contact
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Office Research and Development,
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20004 US
josephson.ron@epa.gov
Phone: 202-564-7823 https://www.epa.gov/research-grants 68-0107-0-1-304 (Project Grants (Discretionary)) FY 22$26,469,000.00; FY 23 est $28,600,000.00; FY 24 est $28,600,000.00; FY 21$30,830,000.00; FY 20$20,426,000.00; FY 19$10,200,000.00; FY 18$21,540,757.00; FY 17$28,180,686.00; FY 16$49,200,000.00; - New awards range from $376,846 to $2,499,579 total per grant. Average awards total $800,000. 2 CFR 1500 (EPA Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards) and 40 CFR Part 33 (Participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in United States Environmental Protection Agency Programs); 40 CFR Part 40 (EPA Research and Demonstration Grants). Fiscal Year 2016 1. Support a research center that utilizes novel measurement and modeling approaches to understand spatial and temporal differences in multiple air pollutants and health outcomes, develops and distributes tools for air quality impact assessment, and examines and tests the efficacy of various technology and policy scenarios in meeting outcome and cost-effectiveness goals. 2. Researchers will use state-of-the-art methods to measure in utero chemical exposures that are potential risk factors for childhood leukemia and characterize the biological mechanisms by which these chemicals may act on the fetus to increase the risk of leukemia in human and animal studies. 3. This project evaluates how a range of future changes will impact particulate matter and ozone levels in the western United States. Chemistry and physics simulations for key locations in the western US will use a range of scenarios for future climate change, anthropogenic emissions of pollutant and precursors in the US, wildfire emissions, biogenic emissions, land cover changes and background from long range transport. 4. This grant supports research to identify major sources and composition of air pollutants in the year 2050 resulting from different energy portfolios that optimize economic outcomes related to different assumptions about available technology and climate change. Analyses will include detail to allow air quality health costs to be calculated for a range of socio-economic classes. The study will use combinations of different climate models, air quality models, and energy portfolios. 5. The goal of this project is to develop a transferable framework for linking the health of small streams to water quality indicators, ecosystem services, and human preferences. This project will focus on small streams and the benefits of protection both upstream and downstream. 1. Utilize a freshwater crustacean and a freshwater gastropod as model ecological receptors to develop bioenergetic markers and population models for predicting adverse ecological effects in response to two emerging contaminants, pyroclostrobin fungicide and perfluorooctane sulfonate. 2. Develop new and improved Environmental Public Health Indicators related to the school environment, and explore appropriate statistical methodology in order to evaluate linkages between the school environment and children's health and school performance. 3. Communicate to the public the importance of the effects of nutrient loading and the consequences for ecological services. This will be achieved through the development of an organizational framework, quantification of spatially scalable ecological services production function, investigation of household preferences and economic value of water quality, preference surveys to estimate willingness to pay, and the production of an Integrated Assessment Model (IAM). 4. Use a preference function model to value changes in water quality benefits. The findings will be adaptable to alternative study-sites and will address critical deficiencies in traditional benefit transfer studies. 5. Develop an integrated modeling framework to characterize present and future health risks in an elderly population jointly exposed to ozone and extreme heat.
Fiscal Year 2018 1. The project studies the influence of social and physical factors (residential conditions, personal lifestyles/genetics, socioeconomic behaviors, public interactions) and total chemical pollutant exposures on children’s health and development. The research provides exposure models reflecting the chemical, social and physical environments that influence health outcomes from the prenatal period to age four and estimates the causal effect of these total environment exposures on child health. 2. The project studies the importance of environmental factors such as geographical heat index, personal lifestyles/activities/genetics, societal behaviors, and public interactions on the potential link between adulthood cardiovascular disease (CVD) and PM2.5. Increasing awareness of environmental factors that contribute CVD from PM2.5 exposures enable state and local decision makers and health experts to implement correct and effective preventive measures to achieve the optimal public health outcomes. 3. The project is developing a watershed classification system to diagnose and manage harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the upper Ohio River basin. The focus of this project is to determine characteristics related to distribution, duration, and intensity of HABs and develop a classification system to predict and prevent HABs. 4. The project studies the importance of peri-urban/rural environmental factors (availability of water service, housing conditions, socioeconomic status, behaviors, and water infrastructure) on lead exposures and children’s health. Research will estimate how potential lead in well waters affects children’s developmental outcomes, and the association between lead in private well water and children’s blood lead. 5. The project explores genetic and environmental factors controlling the occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Iowa's lakes. The project will produce tools and databases accessible and useful for state/local decision makers and managers dealing with HABs.
Fiscal Year 2023 Examples of projects funded under this assistance listing include: 1. The purpose of this project is to establish a platform to quantify intrauterine exposure to metal mixtures and determine their effect on epigenetic loci changes in newborns. 2. The goal of the project is to fill scientific data gaps that are essential for developing community-centered tools to assess health impacts of wildfire smoke exposure, climate change, and social disparities in rural, tribal, and aging communities in Alaska. 3. The goal is to address air pollution and subsequent health impacts while considering the challenges for energy, mobility, accessibility, and equitability in fifteen underserved communities in the Columbus Metropolitan Area. 4. The goal of the research is to examine relationships among basement indoor air quality, air pathogens and contaminants, basement moisture, daily rainfall extremes, housing and neighborhood conditions, and cumulative health impacts for residents across the lifespan under the context of increased rainfalls and flooding due to climate change. 5. This project aims to evaluate the relative impacts of perchlorate from fireworks on surface drinking water sources and groundwater drinking sources across the U.S. by measuring perchlorate at six sites during July 4th events, as well as periodic firework displays from baseball stadiums.