Surveys, Studies, Investigations and Special Purpose Grants within the Office of the Administrator

 

The goals of these assistance programs are to: (1) support surveys, studies, investigations, and special purpose assistance associated with air quality, acid deposition, drinking water, water quality, hazardous waste, toxic substances and/or pesticides; (2) identify, develop, and demonstrate necessary pollution control techniques; (3) prevent, reduce, and eliminate pollution; (4) evaluate the economic and social consequences of alternative strategies and mechanisms for use by those in economic, social, governmental, and environmental management positions; and (5) Support includes research, investigation, studies, training, demonstration, information dissemination, and technical assistance to states. Funding Priorities - Fiscal Year 2023: The Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) will be working closely with the EPA as co-regulators through the jointly governed Combined Air Emissions Reporting (CAERS) Product Design Team (PDT) established under E-Enterprise for the Environment. States will continue to use this existing forum to share information with EPA and ensure that state interests, needs, and issues are adequately addressed by the CAERS project. ECOS will work in close cooperation with the chairs and members of the CAERS Product Development Team (PDT) to plan and execute this work and increase the value of CAERS for states interested in onboarding. ECOS will conduct research to better understand the extent of alignment among data fields used by states, locals, tribes, (SLTs) and EPA relevant to source tests for the Compliance and Emissions Data Reporting Interface (CEDRI). The research will investigate which SLT-specific programs require source test data reporting from their industry for their emissions inventory. Researchers will seek to document how states intake and/or use source test data reports from industry at the facility and unit/process levels for use in emission inventories where stack test is the calculation method. ECOS will support work with state environmental agencies through the ECOS Water Committee to convene the appropriate state environmental leaders to work on water issues, improve communication and partnership with EPA, and coordinate with other state water associations. ECOS will especially seek to support states in engaging in the robust regulatory agenda being pursued by the Office of Water and help coordinate partnership on those topics between states and EPA. ECOS will support EPA in moving forward with Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) implementation and priorities like Justice40 as they relate to the State Revolving Fund programs. Advance the ECOS Member priority to support small and disadvantaged systems. Support the ECOS Infrastructure Workgroup. ECOS intends to bring states together through the Climate and Energy Workgroup to discuss with EPA the implications, opportunities, and challenges for states. Input from ECOS and its members will help EPA shape durable and equitable climate solutions. ECOS staff will also track the work of EPA and other relevant federal agencies as they open financial and technical assistance opportunities to states related to climate and energy aspects of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), IIJA, and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). ECOS will share this information with state environmental agencies to help states seize the opportunities that are being made available through these laws. ECOS will facilitate state engagement and input on PFAS challenges and the PFAS Roadmap: Convene state and EPA leaders and experts to advance coordinated efforts on shared challenges such as PFAS in biosolids, implementing a federally-enforceable drinking water standard, and regulating PFAS as hazardous, among other concerns, and to continue to conduct dialogue on the PFAS Roadmap to ensure effective implementation and co-regulation. ECOS will continue to provide ongoing support in managing the regular/monthly ECOS EJ Workgroup and the ECOS EJ Workgroup Steering Committee meetings, coordinating with EPA leadership and other federal partners, organizing and facilitating discussions, compiling and disseminating information, developing resources, and/or any other additional actions as needed.

Active 66.610 Environmental Protection Agency B - Project Grants Fiscal Year 2016 As of June 21, 2016, ECOS is working on a project to increase the capacity of states to improve their business processes. To date, ECOS has drafted a compilation of states Lean activities and supported state participation at the federal level regarding state-EPA engagement on business process improvement. As of June 21, 2016, ECOS is working on a project to increase the capacity of states to improve their business processes. To date, ECOS has drafted a compilation of states Lean activities and supported state participation at the federal level regarding state-EPA engagement on business process improvement.
Fiscal Year 2017 In FY17, ECOS issued a report on state business process improvement activities from 2010-2016, facilitated 3 BPI peer-to-peer skills exchanges, supported state participation in EPA’s Lean Action Board, scoped a national BPI community of practice, engaged states on draft FY18-19 NPM Guidances, piloted a Measures project, issued a “Field Guide to Flexibility and Results,” published a Green Report on state environmental agency budgets, supported state participation on EPA’s grants management work group, facilitated communication on EJ and Title VI priorities, supported states on the Combined Air Emissions Reporting Team, issued a call for capacity-building projects related to state clean water revolving loan funds that benefit disadvantaged communities, issued an RFP for support of an ECOS-maintained database of state oil and gas documents, researched enforcement training needs and drafted a needs assessment, facilitated communications on EAP ORD’s C-FERST tool and ORD’s Wildfire guide, synthesized and communicated states’ research needs to EPA/ORD, assisted with follow-up communications on state research needs, shared information to states on research including ORD webinars and NAS work and opportunities, created a work group on sustainable materials management, held monthly calls with states and state waste associations on various SMM topics, planned a panel in coordination with ASTSWMO for the August 2017 Materials Management and Hazardous Waste Training Conference, created a work group on amended TSCA implementation, held regular calls on toxics work to share information and solicit state perspectives, and established state representatives for the Inorganics Byproduct Negotiated Rulemaking Committee.
Fiscal Year 2018 1) Combined Air Emissions Reporting Team (CAER). Specific results for the State Level Scoping and Standardizing Source Classification Codes (SCCs) include: a. Completing assessment of new codes/factors needed, retiring old codes/factors, making SCCs consistent, and filing in missing information in the data fields; b. Quality Assurance/Quality Checks (QA/QC) Scoping at the State Level – completed scoping work in the states to understand the full extent of state issues and work; c. Data Integration–supported development of a common emission form (CEF) reporting system; d. Providing Support to State Engagement– to be used for video conferencing, webinar tools, and travel expenses to broaden state participation through more remote involvement opportunities. 2) Environmental-Health Research Connections, Risk Communication and State Engagement in EPA Research. Specific results include: a. Completing work with ASTHO and ORD on PFAS and HABs Project ECOS completed and published its case studies on PFAS and HABs risk communication; b. ECOS interviewing PA, MI, and NH on PFAS risk communication, and MO, NC, OH, and UT on HABs risk communication; c. ERIS continuing to support EPA Office of Research and Development's monthly Tools and Resources webinars by distributing information on the trainings through its weekly newsletter, ECOSWIRE; d. ERIS continuing to gather quotes from states for EPA’s case studies that demonstrate how the agency’s research, tools, and technical assistance were helpful; and e. Gathering interest in developing a clearinghouse of EPA’s science, research and tools for state environmental agency directors and staff (and others). EPA created the inventory and presented. 3) Advancing TSCA Implementation and Continued Coordination for the Reduction of Toxic Substances. Specific results include: a. Holding Semi-Monthly Calls on Amended TSCA and Toxics; b. Holding four semi-monthly calls to build EPA and state awareness of various efforts on chemicals, implementation of the Lautenberg amendments to TSCA, and EPA; c. Convening States to Collaborate on Output Materials; d. States holding several calls and collaborated on comments to EPA’s guidance outlining state access to confidential business information, as well as on letters regarding IRIS and mercury (see attached copies of letters and comments). (Tasks 1 and 2); and e. Gathering Materials on PFAS ECOS shared best practices and state activities regarding per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances.
Fiscal Year 2023 For recent accomplishments under this assistance listing, please visit the following website: https://www.ecos.org/ or https://itrcweb.org/home. Safe Drinking Water Act, Section 1442
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, Section 20, Public Law 106-74
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), Section 311
Toxic Substances Control Act, Section 10, as amended by PL 106-74
National Environmental Policy Act, Section 102(2)(I)
Clean Air Act, Section 103
Solid Waste Disposal Act, Section 8001
Clean Water Act, Section 104
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act, Section 203 Assistance under this program is generally available to State agencies, territories, the District of Columbia, and possessions of the U.S. Assistance is also available to public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, and other public or private nonprofit 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 Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 are not eligible to apply. For profit organizations are generally not eligible for funding. Some of EPA's statutes may limit assistance to specific types of interested applications. 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. State agencies and local governments, U.S. territories and possessions, universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, and other public and private nonprofit institutions. Documentation of nonprofit status may be required. Applicants may be requested to demonstrate they have appropriate background, academic training, experience in the field, and necessary equipment to carry out projects. Office of the Administrator may ask applicants or principal investigators to provide curriculum vitae and relevant publications. Preapplication coordination is required. 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. Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs," applies to this assistance listing when proposed financial assistance involves land use planning or construction associated with demonstration projects. EPA financial assistance programs and activities subject to intergovernmental review that are subject to review under State single point of contact procedures are identified at https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-financial-assistance-programs-subject-executive-order-12372-and-section-204. Applicants for programs or activities subject to Intergovernmental Review that are not subject to State single point of contact review must provide directly affected State, areawide, regional, and local entities at least 60 days to review their application following notification by EPA that the application has been selected for funding as provided by 40 CFR 29.8(a) and (c). Regarding pre-application assistance with respect to competitive funding opportunities under this assistance listing, EPA will generally specify the nature of the pre-application assistance, if any, that will be available to applicants in the competitive announcement. For additional information, contact the individual(s) listed in the competitive announcement. 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. For competitive awards, EPA will review and evaluate applications submissions 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. For non-competitive awards made under this assistance listing, EPA will conduct an administrative evaluation to determine the adequacy of the application in relation to grant regulations and to technical and program evaluation to determine the merit and relevance of the project. The Agency will then advise the applicant if funding is being considered. A final work plan will then be negotiated with the applicant. For competitive awards, deadlines will be specified in the Request for Applications. For non-competitive awards, please contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate, for application deadlines. From 120 to 180 days. Approximately 180 days after deadline for application submission. 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). Copies of these procedures may also be found at: https://www.epa.gov/grants/grant-competition-dispute-resolution-procedures. Disputes relating to matters other than the competitive selection of recipients will be resolved under 2 CFR 1500 Subpart E, as applicable. Not applicable. The evaluation and selection criteria for competitive awards under this assistance listing will be described in the competitive announcement. Grants and cooperative agreements are available to support recipients' allowable direct costs incident to approved surveys, studies, investigations and special purpose assistance, plus allowable indirect costs, in accordance with established EPA policies and regulations. Assistance agreement awards under this program may involve or relate to geospatial information. Assistance agreement awards under this program may involve or relate to geospatial information. Geospatial information is information that identifies the geographic location and characteristics of natural or constructed features or boundaries on the earth, or applications, tools, and hardware associated with the generation, maintenance, or distribution of such information. This information may be derived from, among other things, GPS, remote sensing, mapping, charting, and surveying technologies, or statistical data. Further information regarding geospatial information may be obtained by viewing the following website: Geospatial Resources at EPA (https://www.epa.gov/geospatial). Performance Reports: Requirements and frequency will be determined at the 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 is voluntary. CERCLA Section 311(b)(3) requires that "to the maximum extent possible," EPA enter into an appropriate cost-sharing arrangement with recipients of grants and cooperative agreements relating to innovative and alternative treatment technologies. EPA may waive the Section 311(b)(3) cost-sharing requirement in appropriate cases. Matching fund requirements may be established in program guidance or in the terms of competitive solicitations.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. EPA normally funds grants and cooperative agreements on a 12-month basis. EPA can negotiate the project period with each applicant based on project requirements. EPA has limitations on project periods, and grants and cooperative agreements may be incrementally or fully funded. These determinations are made by EPA. Assistance is generally awarded incrementally and is released on an as-needed basis. None/Not specified. Daniel Murphy
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. (Mail Code: 1301A)
Washington, DC 20460 USA
Murphy.Dan@epa.gov
Phone: 771-210-6423

Andrea Barbery
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. (Mail Code: 1301A)
Washington, DC 20460 US
Barbery.Andrea@epa.gov
Phone: 202-564-1397 https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-policy-op 68-8145-0-1-304 (Project Grants (Discretionary)) FY 22$550,000.00; FY 23 est $913,015.00; FY 24 est $850,000.00; FY 21$550,000.00; FY 20$550,000.00; FY 19$254,323.00; FY 18$520,000.00; FY 17$1,024,035.00; FY 16$340,000.00; - Funding amounts for competitive awards generally range between $50,000 to $250,000. Smaller, non-competitive award amounts are used to support workshops on research topics, or provided funding support technical assistance to help communities learn about and implement smart growth approaches. Awards on the upper end of the range would typically support multiple year projects focusing on identified priority research topics (e.g., using alternative survey methods; examination of alternative market-based mechanisms). 2 CFR 200 and 1500 (EPA Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards); 40 CFR Part 33 (Participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in United States Environmental Protection Agency Programs); 40 CFR Part 45 (EPA Training Assistance) Fiscal Year 2016 No content available. Sustainability - Through a series of informative briefings for state environmental agency leaders, ECOS covered topics including current research, existing and emerging technologies, and regulatory initiatives. These briefings set the stage for ECOS to develop a compendium of principles and best practices and other tools for states to use in addressing methane and VOC emissions. ECOS Partnership and Performance Workgroup - collaborations and deliverables on NPM Guidance development, grants management initiatives, implementing the Partnerships Cross-Agency Strategy, Title VI programs, Environmental Justice tools, and the oversight of state delegated permitting programs. Shale Gas Caucus-through a series of informative briefings for state environmental agency leaders, ECOS covered topics including current research, existing and emerging technologies, and regulatory initiatives. These briefings set the stage for ECOS to develop a compendium of principles and best practices and other tools for states to use in addressing methane and VOC emissions.
Fiscal Year 2018 This comprehensive nationwide project covers a wide array of topics including: air & water quality, drinking water, toxics, planning & resource allocation, data management, compliance & enforcement, solid & hazardous waste, emerging contaminants, climate change, energy & energy efficiency, public & environmental health, state capacity building, alignment of state & EPA priorities, civil rights, EJ, oversight, partnership enhancement, legal relationships, performance measures, streamlining of state environmental business processes, innovations, new technologies, and pollution prevention
Fiscal Year 2020 This comprehensive nationwide program covers a wide array of topics including: air & water quality, drinking water, toxics, planning & resource allocation, data management, compliance & enforcement, solid & hazardous waste, emerging contaminants, energy & energy efficiency, public & environmental health, state capacity building, alignment of state & EPA priorities, civil rights, EJ, oversight, partnership enhancement, legal relationships, performance measures, streamlining of state environmental business processes, innovations, new technologies, and pollution prevention.
Fiscal Year 2023 ECOS creates a cooperative endeavor for states across the country to share ideas/advance shared goals across environmental protection topics including air and water quality, drinking water, water reuse, toxics, emerging contaminants, chemicals management, solid and hazardous waste, land revitalization, pollution prevention, climate change, energy and energy efficiency, science and research, environmental justice, civil rights compliance, planning and resource allocation, data management, compliance and enforcement, public and environmental health, state capacity building, alignment of state and EPA priorities, oversight of state environmental programs, partnership enhancement, reporting burden reduction, performance measures, streamlining of state environmental agency business processes, innovations, tribal and intergovernmental relationships, and new processes and technologies. In FY 2023, ECOS will facilitate continued coordination and information sharing and host quarterly webinars for the ECOS Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) Workgroup on topics of shared interest to states and EPA. EOCS will establish a dedicated ‘special topics’ page for SMM activities on ECOS’ website, continue to update projects in ECOS’ SMM inventory; and promote information sharing through other avenues of ECOS communications including its weekly newsletter, emails to states, etc., with a focus on sharing information on recycling laws across the states, EPR, waste bans, composting, paint disposal and recycling, recycling markets, recycling of clean energy technology, source reduction, and materials exchanges, among other topics of importance. ECOS and the Environmental Research Institute of the States (ERIS) will provide research, studies, training, and technical assistance (hereinafter “support”) to states for overall, ongoing communication and partnership between states and EPA related to research conducted and applied science tools developed by ORD. Specifically, under this proposal, ECOS with ERIS will work with ASTHO on continuing to improve the state environmental agency-state health agency-EPA connections around key environmental and public health challenges. ECOS’s Planning Committee will continue to support ongoing communication and partnership between states and U.S. EPA related to planning, budgeting, outcome measurement, and grants management. Specific tasks include Planning and budgeting input; ECOS Planning Committee support, ECOS-EPA Partnership and Performance Workgroup support and support for the State Grants Subgroup.