[Federal Register: March 28, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 60)]
[Notices]
[Page 15167-15170]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr28mr03-65]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[FRL-7474-9]
Notice of Availability for FY 03 Enforcement and Compliance
Assurance Multi-Media Assistance Agreements
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Office of Compliance (OC), within EPA's Office of
Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA), is soliciting proposals
for a Environmental Compliance Grant program assistance for States and
tribes in two focus areas: environmental enforcement training and
supporting improved linkages between EPA and State/tribal systems.
Grants will be in the range of $50,000-$200,000. The total number and
amount of the awards will depend on the amount of funds made available.
DATES: Pre-proposals should not exceed 5 pages. (12 point font, on 8\1/
2\ by 11 inch paper.) Pre-proposals must be received electronically or
hard copy by May 5, 2003. Funding decisions will be made by late June
based on the pre-proposals. Applicants selected to receive funds will
be required to submit final proposals to the appropriate EPA Region by
September 15, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Copies of Pre-proposals should be sent to David Piantanida
(2222A), U.S. EPA--Ariel Rios South Rm 6149D, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue,
NW., Washington, DC 20460, e-mail: piantanida.david@epa.gov, Tel: (202)
564-8318, Fax: (202) 564-0034; and simultaneously to the appropriate
Regional Enforcement Coordinator. This document will be posted on the
EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Web site at http://www.epa.gov/compliance/planning/state/grants.html
.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Piantanida at (202) 564-8318.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Eligibility and Authority
The funds available are from OECA's Multi-Media State and Tribal
Assistance Grants (STAG) appropriation. Eligible applicants include
States, tribes, inter-tribal consortia, territories, local governments,
and multi-jurisdictional organizations. Where a lead State
environmental agency exists, applicants should work with and coordinate
through the lead State environmental agency.
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EPA expects to award these grants under the following grant
authorities: Clean Water Act, section 104; Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, section 20; Clean Air Act, section 103;
Solid Waste Disposal Act, section 8001; Safe Drinking Water Act,
section 1442 (c); Toxic Substances Control Act, section 10; Marine
Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act, section 203; Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, section 311;
National Environmental Policy Act, section 102(2)(F) for international
awards; and Indian Environmental General Assistance Program Act. The
applicable grant regulations for this grant program are in 40 CFR part
31 for State and local governments and Indian tribes.
Authority to enter into assistance agreements for the purposes
described in this notice are delegated to OECA in EPA Delegation 1-47,
Assistance Agreements for Economic, Social Science, Statistical, and
Other Research, Development, Studies, Surveys, Demonstrations,
Investigations, Public Education Programs, Training, and Fellowships.
Funding priorities must be allowable under 66.709 (Capacity
Building Grants and Cooperative Agreements for States and Tribes) of
the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA).
Desired Projects
OECA will only consider funding projects for the two focus areas
described below, and for projects which can be completed in 3 years or
less. Projects will be evaluated for potential funding based on the
extent to which they address the information below. Please note,
applicants should not address both focus areas in their pre-proposals.
Each focus area is separate and proposals from each category will be
evaluated independently.
Table of Contents
1. Environmental Enforcement Training
2. Support Improved Linkages Between EPA and State/Tribal Systems:
(A) Permit Compliance System (PCS) Modernization
(B) Air Facility System (AFS)--Universal Interface (UI)
1. Environmental Enforcement Training
OECA's Office of Compliance is seeking ways to improve and build
capacity among State and tribal personnel in the area of environmental
enforcement training. We are looking for States/tribes or organizations
to host training workshops or sponsor State and tribal personnel
attendance at existing training programs (e.g., inspector, case
developer).
Since EPA has discretionary authority to ask States and tribes to
conduct inspections on behalf of the Agency under each Federal
environmental statute, strengthening enforcement skills through
training is important. To ensure that State, local and tribal
environmental personnel conduct and perform specific responsibilities
appropriately, OECA will consider funding pre-proposals that fall into
the following training areas:
--Inspector training and inspector training involving cross-training
with other specialities--including cross-media, and criminal
investigation,
--Single and multi-media enforcement for case developers,
--Basic and multi-media inspector/compliance training; and,
--Environmental benefits of enforcement cases.
Pre-proposal Criteria: All training pre-proposals will be evaluated
and ranked based on the criteria outlined below. The following seven
criteria and associated points will be used by EPA to evaluate the pre-
proposals.
(a) (10 points) Clearly identify intended audience by identifying
other States and tribes within an EPA region to host or participate in
a workshop that includes training from the areas listed above.
(b) (10 points) Explicitly state and describe the training and
verify that the particular training can accommodate the number of
participants specified in the pre-proposal.
(c) (25 points) Description of course outline and content shows
consistency with EPA Federal guidelines and is supportive of an
authorized program (e.g., training provides information on Federal
inspection law and policy). Course content may also provide information
on inspection issues that arise under State and tribal laws.
(d) (10 points) Pre-proposals that include development of new
training must show evidence that existing course materials will be used
(e.g., EPA's NETI-West Basic Inspector Training Course materials).
Funding should be used to revise/adapt existing training as much as
possible and not used to duplicate training that is readily available
from other sources.
(e) (10 points) All training funding pre-proposals must include
payment of full travel and lodging costs for State and tribal training
participants.
(f) (15 points) Address sharing results. Describe how you will
share training materials and products (e.g., archive training materials
on CD-ROM; make available on Web site; distribute training materials at
conferences).
(g) (20 points) Identify output and outcome measures (i.e.,
identify number/type of personnel to be trained as well as describe how
this training will improve skillfulness or job performance). Describe
how success will be measured (e.g., use of questionnaires and surveys
before and after training).
Applicants are encouraged to consult and utilize EPA's Guide to
Compliance Assistance Outcome Measurement. This document is available
at http://es.epa.gov/oeca/perfmeas/full-oec.pdf. If you do not have
access to the Internet, you may request a hard copy by contacting David
Piantanida on (202) 564-8318.
2. Support Improved Linkages Between EPA and State/Tribal Systems
It is critical that State or tribal data systems be able to report
data to EPA that is consistent with EPA/State data standards and in
line with new requirements of media data systems (e.g. Permit
Compliance System) being modernized as well as consistent with current
requirements of legacy media systems. OECA is making funds available to
support the provision of quality data to EPA from States and/or tribes
through improved system interfaces, data linkages, and data clean-up.
States/tribes need to make sure their systems are compatible with EPA's
systems and that they can accurately transmit data to EPA. The funds
will allow the States/tribes to go out and procure the expertise they
need in order to do that.
This notice also solicits projects that assist States/tribes with
reporting of consistent streamlined environmental compliance data to
EPA including the following:
(A) Permit Compliance System (PCS) Modernization: Grant funding
would support State efforts to procure technical assistance and
technical expertise for State system modifications to ensure the
continued flow of nationally required National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) data from State systems to the PCS. This
effort would ensure that States will be able to continue to meet
delegation and regulatory reporting requirements to EPA. Areas of
technical assistance may include: (1) Support for modification of
existing State/tribal system interfaces or development of new State/
tribal system interfaces to the new modernized system format (IDEF/XML
format, revised flat file or batch card format), (2) support to develop
capability of State/tribal systems to incorporate new data requirements
for new NPDES programs (i.e., biosolids, CAFO, SSO/CSO, storm
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water), and (3) data clean-up/data migration efforts.
(B) Air Facility System (AFS) Universal Interface (UI): Grant
funding would support State/tribal efforts to procure technical
assistance to incorporate the AFS UI software with their current
systems resulting in improved system interfaces, data linkages and data
clean-up; and to support State/tribal efforts to build system
capability to implement the air compliance monitoring strategy (CMS)
data reporting requirements. To support the CMA, grant funding would
assist States/tribes to streamline the capture and transmission of
nationally required air compliance and enforcement data with special
emphasis on reporting of the following data: (a) Stack tests and
results; (b) compliance certification due, received, and reviewed
dates; and (c) information on compliance certification deviations and
certification review results.
Pre-proposal Criteria: All support pre-proposals will be evaluated
and ranked based on the criteria outlined below. The following three
criteria and associated points will be used by EPA to evaluate the pre-
proposals:
(a) (20 points) The pre-proposal must describe briefly the existing
State/tribal data system;
(b) (30 points) The pre-proposal must describe briefly the
technical aspects of methods for currently exchanging nationally
required NPDES and AFS data with EPA; and,
(c) (50 points) Pre-proposal must clearly identify and describe the
States/tribes development efforts to support the modernized system
formats (i.e., revised IDEF/XML format, revised flat file or batch card
format, or AFS UI interface software), to incorporate new data
requirements for NPDES programs (i.e., biosolids, CAFO, SSO/CSO, storm
water) or the CMS data reporting requirements, and support for data
clean-up, linkage, and migration efforts.
Past Performance
In addition to the above criteria, EPA will also be looking at past
performance of a grantee under this grant program (e.g., timely and
complete quarterly/semi-annual reports, results/outcomes are apparent
during the project, final reports are timely and complete). Where there
are two pre-proposals that have been ranked equally, the one with a
better track record will win based on their past performance. If a
grantee should have no record under this program, they will not be
unfairly penalized.
Funding
The grants/cooperative agreements should be in the range of $50,000
to $200,000, although proposals below or above that range will be
considered. The total number and amount of the awards will depend on
the amount of funds made available. The U.S. EPA reserves the right to
make no awards under this solicitation.
State and tribal matching funds are not required. However,
preference will be given to pre-proposals which also make a commitment
of State or tribal resources towards the total project cost. This can
be State or tribal personnel salary dedicated to the project, cash
contribution to the project budget or other ``in kind'' contributions.
The value of donated or ``in-kind'' services in the performance of a
project should be considered in accordance with OMB Circular A-87,
``Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments.''
Lastly, Federal funds cannot generally be used to provide a match or
cost-share for other Federal projects.
EPA can not predict that additional funds for these focus areas
will be available in future years. Therefore, States and tribes should
assume that these funds will be available on a one-time only basis and
should not propose projects requiring annual funding.
Process and Schedule
Electronic pre-proposals must be received by EPA by May 2, 2003,
and should follow the format below. Pre-proposals should be submitted
simultaneously to the appropriate Regional Enforcement Coordinator, and
to David Piantanida, OECA, (see Contact Information below.) Funding
decisions will be made by late June 2003 based on the pre-proposals.
Applicants selected to receive funds will be required to submit final
proposals electronically by August 29, 2003. Regions will provide
application materials to selected applicants.
FOIA, CBI, and Enforcement Screening: Applicants should be aware
that pre-proposals submitted under this or any other EPA grant program
are subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This means that
anyone can request and receive copies of all the information submitted
in your grant proposal. If your application contains any Confidential
Business Information (CBI), be sure to highlight it so the
confidentiality can be protected in the event of a FOIA request.
Proposed Milestones for 2003 OECA Multi Media Assistance Agreements
May 5--Electronic Pre-Proposals due simultaneously to the
appropriate EPA Regional Enforcement Coordinator, and David Piantanida,
OECA. (See Contact Information below.)
Late June--EPA notifies all applicants via e-mail of funding
decisions.
July 31--Selected recipients receive final application materials
from EPA Regional office and name and contact information of Regional
Project Officer and Regional Grants Contact.
September 15--Final Proposals/Work Plans due to Regional Project
Officers and Regional Grants Contact, and David Piantanida, OECA.
September--Grants awarded.
Format for Pre-Proposals
Pre-proposals should not exceed 5 pages and follow the format
below:
I. Project Information
State/Tribe and Department:
Title of Project:
Focus Area: (From Notice of Availability)
Total Funds Requested from EPA:
Total Project Cost: (Including state/tribe cash and in-kind
contributions)
Contact Person: (Name, title, address, phone, fax, & email)
Preferred Assistance Agreement: (Grants or cooperative agreements)
II. Summary
--Summary of the problem being addressed;
--Summary of project goal(s);
--Summary of project components;
--Summary of how the project components will address the problem &
attain the goals.
III. Summary Work Plan
--Proposed activities--List and describe activities and how they relate
to the evaluation elements listed under Desired Projects above;
--Measures--How will the success of the project be measured? (E.g.,
training--return on investment and number trained.) Include both output
and outcome measures.
--Sharing results--How will the results of the project be shared across
States/tribes? (E.g., training--how will the archived materials be
disseminated to other States/tribes?)
IV. Project Milestones
--List project milestones with estimated dates, including estimated
duration of project.
V. Project Costs
--Include an itemized budget for all project costs--distinguish the
funds
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requested from any State/tribe contributions (in kind or other).
Reports
Awardees will be required to submit semi-annual and final progress
reports to their project officer and to David Piantanida at the address
below. A template reporting form will be provided to all funded
grantees. Recipients will also be required to complete annual Financial
Status Reports. All reports must be prepared in either Word or
Wordperfect formats and delivered electronically to the appropriate
project officer and to David Piantanida.
Contact Information
For more information regarding this process, please contact David
Piantanida at the address below: David Piantanida (2222A), US EPA--
Ariel Rios South Rm 6149D, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington,
DC 20460. piantanida.david@epa.gov. Tel: (202) 564-8318. Fax: (202)
564-0034.
EPA Regional Contacts
EPA Region I
Enforcement Coordinator: Ken Moraff_moraff.ken@epa.gov.Enforcement Division Director: Sam Silverman_silverman.sam@epa.gov.
EPA Region II
Enforcement Coordinator: Barbara McGarry_mcgarry.barbara@epa.gov.Enforcement Division Director: Richard Caspe_caspe.richard@epa.gov.
EPA Region III
Enforcement Coordinator: Samantha Fairchild_
fairchild.samantha@epa.gov.
EPA Region IV
Enforcement Coordinators: Sherri Fields_fields.sherri@epa.gov. Bruce
Miller_miller.bruce@epa.gov.Enforcement Division Director: William Anderson_
anderson.william@epa.gov.
EPA Region V
Enforcement Coordinator: Tinka Hyde_hyde.tinka@epa.gov.
EPA Region VI
Enforcement Coordinator: Walter Biggins_biggins.walter@epa.gov.Enforcement Division Director: Samuel Coleman_coleman.samuel@epa.gov.
EPA Region VII
Enforcement Coordinator: Cecilia Tapia_tapia.cecilia@epa.gov.
EPA Region VIII
Enforcement Coordinator: Eddie Sierra_sierra.eddie@epa.gov.Enforcement Division Director: Carol Rushin_rushin.carol@epa.gov.
EPA Region IX
Enforcement Coordinator: Jim Grove_grove.jim@epa.gov.
EPA Region X
Enforcement Coordinator: Lauris Davies_davies.lauris@epa.gov.
Dated: March 24, 2003.
Michael M. Stahl,
Director, Office of Compliance.
[FR Doc. 03-7509 Filed 3-27-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P