[Federal Register: March 30, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 60)]
[Notices]
[Page 16267-16271]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr30mr05-74]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[FRL-7892-5]
Notice of Request for Proposals for Projects To Be Funded From
the Water Quality Cooperative Agreement Allocation (CFDA 66.463--Water
Quality Cooperative Agreements)
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: EPA Region 6 is soliciting proposals from eligible applicants
interested in applying for Federal assistance for Water Quality
Cooperative Agreements (WQCA) under the Clean Water Act (CWA) Section
104(b)(3). Funding is for projects conducted within the states of
Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Region 6 EPA
intends to award an estimated $700,000 to eligible applicants through
assistance agreements ranging in size, on average, from $40,000 up to
$200,000 (Federal) for innovative projects/demonstrations/studies
relating to the prevention, reduction, and elimination of water
pollution. From the proposals received, EPA estimates up to 4 to 7
projects may be selected to submit full applications. The Agency
reserves the right to reject all proposals and make no awards.
DATES: EPA will consider all proposals received on or before 5 p.m.
Central Standard Time May 16, 2005. Proposals received after the due
date will not be considered for funding.
ADDRESSES: Proposals should be mailed to: Terry Mendiola (6WQ-AT), U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, Water Quality Protection
Division,1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75202-2733. Overnight delivery
may be sent to the same address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Terry Mendiola by telephone at 214-
665-7144 or by e-mail at mendiola.teresita@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Required Overview Content:
Federal Agency Name--Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6,
Water Quality Protection Division, State Tribal Programs Section.
Funding Opportunity Title--Water Quality Cooperative Agreements.
Announcement Type--Initial announcement.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number--CFDA 66.463--
Water Quality Cooperative Agreements.
DATES: May 16, 2005--Proposals due to EPA.
June 28, 2005--Initial approvals identified and sponsors of
projects selected for funding will be requested to submit a formal
application package.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
EPA Region 6's Water Quality Protection Division is requesting
proposals from eligible applicants for unique and innovative projects
that address watershed-based permitting, water quality trading, water
quality modeling training, water quality standards development and
refinement,
[[Page 16268]]
the Illinois River watershed in Arkansas and Oklahoma, and nutrient
criteria.
Funding is authorized under the provisions of the CWA Section
104(b)(3), 33 U.S.C. 1254(b)(3). The regulations governing the award
and administration of WQCAs are in 40 CFR part 30 (for institutions of
higher learning, hospitals, and other nonprofit organizations) and 40
CFR part 31 (for States, local governments, and interstate agencies).
An organization whose proposal is selected for possible Federal
assistance must complete an EPA Application for Assistance, including
the Federal SF-424 form (Application for Federal Assistance, see 40 CFR
30.12 and 31.10).
High Priority Areas for Funding Consideration
WQCAs awarded under section 104(b)(3) may only be used to conduct
and promote the coordination and acceleration of activities such as
research, investigations, experiments, training, education,
demonstrations, surveys, and studies relating to the causes, effects,
extent, prevention, reduction, and elimination of water pollution.
These activities, while not defined in the statute, advance the state
of knowledge, gather information, or transfer information. For
instance, ``demonstrations'' are generally projects that demonstrate
new or experimental technologies, methods, or approaches and the
results of the project will be disseminated so that others can benefit
from the knowledge gained. A project that is accomplished though the
performance of routine, traditional, or established practices, or a
project that is simply intended to carry out a task rather than
transfer information or advance the state of knowledge, however
worthwhile the project may be, is not a demonstration. Research
projects may include the application of the practices when they
contribute to learning about an environmental concept or problem.
The EPA Water Quality Management Division in Region 6 has
identified six priority areas for funding consideration. These
priorities reflect EPA's Strategic Goal 2. Clean and Safe Water,
Subobjective 2.2.1 Improve Water Quality on a Watershed basis. EPA will
award WQCAs for research, investigations, experiments, training,
demonstrations, surveys and studies related to the causes, effects,
extent, prevention, reduction, and elimination of water pollution in
the subject areas shown below in bold. Funding will be awarded only for
the areas as described below.
Watershed-Based Permitting
Watershed-based National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) permitting is a process that emphasizes addressing all
stressors within a hydrologically-defined drainage basin. The proposal
must include the development of a watershed-based NPDES permitting
strategy for a watershed within Region 6. The strategy should consider
cumulative impacts to water quality over the entire watershed and
develop an efficient permitting methodology. The watershed-based
permitting strategy should be flexible to account for unique watershed
characteristics and can be utilized for other watersheds in the Region.
The strategy should comply with the December, 2003, Watershed-Based
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permitting
Implementation Guidance and validated through the appropriated NPDES
permitting authority to ensure the strategy is credible. This effort
should help develop and issue NPDES permits that better protect entire
watersheds.
Water Quality Trading
Water quality trading is an approach that offers greater efficiency
in achieving water quality goals on a watershed basis. The proposal
must identify opportunities and develop a credible and successful
framework for water quality trading programs for nutrients at reduced
costs in a Region 6 watershed. The framework should identify the
watershed in Region 6, the suitability of pollutants for trading, the
criteria and financial attractiveness based on current and future
market analysis. The trading framework must be in accordance with EPA's
January 13, 2003, Water Quality Trading Policy and integrate the
permitting needs for potential development of an NPDES permit. The
development of a water quality trading approach should improve and
preserve water quality.
Cross-Program Training on Water Quality Modeling
The Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), NPDES, Assessment and
Monitoring, Watershed Protection, Non-point Source (NPS), and Grant
Support Programs are trying to better integrate efforts to develop
TMDLs using water quality models and implementation of TMDLs through
the NPDES and NPS programs. However, little cross-program coordination,
related to water quality model activities, is available to regulators
and TMDL and NPDES developers, which results in resource duplication,
missed opportunities for innovative approaches to resolution, and mis-
communication of intent. A cross-program training for TMDL and
wasteload allocation (WLA) models for the Region 6 States is needed to
help alleviate this issue. The training program should include the
water quality models, TMDL process, TMDL sampling and modeling quality
assurance project plans used by EPA and the Region 6 States for
developing TMDLs for the 303(d) listed waterbodies and wasteload
allocations for point sources. Successful completion of this training
program would provide Region 6 States avenues to better coordinate
resources and investigate innovative resolutions to water quality
issues, especially at the watershed level, in support of State and
National goals to reduce impaired waters in those states.
Water Quality Standards Development and Refinement
Research and/or studies leading to the development and refinement
of waterbody classification systems, narrative or numeric criteria, and
antidegradation policies.
Illinois River Watershed in Arkansas and Oklahoma
Research and/or studies leading to an improved characterization of
water quality conditions in the Illinois River relative to the goals of
the CWA. Preference will be given to proposals submitted by multiple
entities within the watershed that offer the potential to resolve
differences in water quality standards and assessment methods.
Nutrient Criteria
Development of effects based nutrient criteria and assessment
methods, based on the relationship(s) between evidence of impairment of
biological integrity, and/or other response indicators, and instream
nutrient concentrations observed at reference waterbodies.
II. Award Information
Region 6 EPA intends to award an estimated $700,000 to eligible
applicants through assistance agreements ranging in size, on average,
from $40,000 up to $200,000 (Federal). From the proposals received, EPA
estimates up to 4 to 7 projects may be selected to submit full
applications. The average size of an award is anticipated to be
approximately $100,000. Awards will be made in the late summer of 2005.
Typically, the project and budget period for these awards is one to two
years, with an average of about two years. Organizations who have an
existing agreement under this program are eligible to compete for new
awards,
[[Page 16269]]
including supplementation to existing projects.
It is expected that all the awards under this program will be
cooperative agreements. States and interstate agencies meeting the
requirements in 40 CFR 35.504 may include the funds for WQCA in a
Performance Partnership Grant (PPG) in accordance with the regulations
governing PPGs in 40 CFR part 35, subparts A and B. For states and
interstate agencies that choose to do so, the regulations provide that
the workplan commitments that would have been included in the WQCA must
be included in the PPG workplan.
A description of the Agency's substantial involvement in
cooperative agreements will be included in the final agreement.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants for assistance agreements under section
104(b)(3) of the CWA are State water pollution control agencies,
interstate agencies, other public or nonprofit agencies, institutions,
organizations, and other entities as defined by the CWA. The Tribal
Water Quality Programs Request for Proposals will be issued under a
separate notice. Proposals received for projects outside of Region 6
will not be considered.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
A minimum match of five percent will be required for all approved
projects and should be included in the total funding requested for each
proposal submitted.
3. Threshold Eligibility Criteria
Proposals to purchase land, perform construction, fail to conform
to the submission requirements of this notice, or appear to be from a
for-profit organization will not be reviewed and considered.
Additionally, the priority specific criteria listed below will also
be considered threshold eligibility criteria. To be eligible to compete
for funding, ALL PRIORITY SPECIFIC CRITERIA MUST BE ADDRESSED/MET for
the priority area in which it was submitted.
The following threshold eligibility criteria will be used to
evaluate the subject priority area:
Watershed-Based Permitting, specifically, the development of a
watershed-based NPDES permitting strategy for a watershed within Region
6. The following specific criteria will be used to determine
eligibility for this priority area:
The project should identify the watershed within EPA
Region 6 State(s).
Strategy should establish goals such as flow,
concentrations and pollutant loads for the watershed.
Identify water quality parameters and compile existing
data of the identified parameters of concern.
Identify strong community partnership with State entities,
industries, and municipalities to adopt watershed-basin permitting
approach.
Develop a template for watershed-based permitting strategy
that can be transferable to other watersheds within the state and
potentially to other Region 6 States.
Water Quality Trading, specifically, identification of
opportunities and development of a credible and successful framework
for water quality trading programs for nutrients at reduced costs in a
Region 6 watershed. The following specific criteria will be used to
determine eligibility for this priority area:
The framework should describe the legal mechanisms to
facilitate trading.
The specific nutrients should be identified which are
suitable for trading on a watershed basis.
Framework should clearly define the units of trade
necessary for trading to occur.
Framework must create and establish the duration of
credits generated to comply with a monthly, seasonal or annual
limitation.
Develop procedures to account for the generation and use
of credits in NPDES permits and discharge monitoring reports in order
to track the generation and use of credits between sources and assess
compliance.
Include provisions to ensure the framework incorporates an
enforcement mechanism.
Framework must define a public participation process and
public access process.
The framework must describe the program evaluation
process.
Cross-Program Training on Water Quality Modeling, specifically,
development of a cross-program training for TMDL and WLA models for
Region 6 States. The following specific criteria will be used to
determine eligibility for this priority area:
The project should investigate and select the water
quality models used by EPA and Region 6 States.
Demonstrate that the water quality models, training
materials, tools and approaches are effective in developing TMDLs and
WLAs by providing at least one training session for each EPA Region 6
State.
Apply the current EPA and Region 6 States' water quality
models and related regulations, polices and guidance.
The training program should integrate the water quality
modeling needs for the TMDL and the NPDES programs in EPA Region 6.
Water Quality Standards Development and Refinement, specifically,
research and/or studies leading to the development and refinement of
waterbody classification systems, narrative or numeric criteria, and
antidegradation policies. The following specific criteria will be used
to determine eligibility for this priority area:
Demonstrate approaches or provide tools that may be
applied in other areas.
Apply the latest scientific approaches or innovative
techniques to establish and validate the relationship(s) between
pollutant concentrations and response indicators.
Result in recommendations that can be applied to a class
of waters, rather than individual waters.
Results in the development of water quality standards and
assessment methods that will be adopted by the appropriate state water
quality agency.
Illinois River Watershed in Arkansas and Oklahoma, specifically,
research and/or studies leading to an improved characterization of
water quality conditions in the Illinois River relative to the goals of
the CWA. Preference will be given to proposals submitted by multiple
entities within the watershed that offer the potential to resolve
differences in water quality standards and assessment methods. The
following specific criteria will be used to determine eligibility for
this priority area:
Evaluation of relationships between designated use
attainment and water quality conditions.
Results in specific recommendations for changes in water
quality management practices or processes, land use practices, best
management practice implementation, or other corrective actions needed
to meet the goals of the CWA.
Nutrient Criteria, specifically, the development of effects based
nutrient criteria and assessment methods, based on the relationship(s)
between evidence of impairment of biological integrity, and/or other
response indicators, and instream nutrient concentrations observed at
reference waterbodies. The following specific criteria will be used to
determine eligibility for this priority area:
Apply the latest scientific approaches or innovative
techniques to establish and validate the relationship(s) between
elevated nutrient concentrations and indicator response.
[[Page 16270]]
Result in recommendations for numeric water quality
criteria standards or criteria that can be applied to a class of waters
(rather than individual waters).
Demonstrate approaches or provide tools that may be
applied in other areas.
Include mechanisms for technology transfer.
4. Timing of Eligibility
The applicant must be eligible for award consideration at the time
of proposal submission.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address To Submit Proposals
Applicants may submit proposals only in hard copy. Proposals should
be mailed to: Terry Mendiola (6WQ-AT), U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Region 6, Water Quality Protection Division, 1445 Ross Avenue,
Dallas, Texas 75202-2733. Overnight Delivery may be sent to the same
address. Please mail three copies of the proposal(s).
Full application packages should not be submitted at this time;
Region 6 is only requesting proposals. Proposal format and content is
included below. Upon notification of final selections, applicants will
be instructed how financial assistance application packages can be
obtained.
2. Proposal Format and Contents
Proposals should be no more than four pages with a minimum font
size of 10 pitch in Wordperfect/Word or equivalent. Pages in excess of
four will not be considered. Failure to follow the format or to include
all requested information will result in the proposal not being
considered for funding. It is recommended that confidential information
not be included in this proposal. The following format should be used
for all proposals:
Name of Project:
Priority Area Addressed: Only one priority area should be listed.
If more than one addressed, select most pertinent. (i.e., Watershed
Based Permitting, Water Quality Trading, Nutrient Criteria, etc.)
Point of Contact: (Individual and Agency/Organization Name,
Address, Phone Number, Fax Number, E-mail Address)
Is This a Continuation of a Previously Funded Project (if so,
please provide the status of the current grant or cooperative
agreement):
Proposed Federal Amount:
Proposed Non-Federal Match (minimum of 5%):
The match is based on the total project cost not the Federal
amount. To determine a proposed minimum match of 5%, use the following
example:
Federal amount = $25,000
Total Project Cost = T
The Federal amount is 95% of T, therefore:
$25,000 = T x 0.95
$25,000/0.95 = T
$26,316 = T (round the decimal)
If the total project cost is $26,316, then:
$26,316 x 0.05 = $1,316 non-Federal match
Proposed Total Award Amount:
Description of General Budget Proposed To Support Project:
Project Description: (Should not exceed three pages of single-
spaced text)
Expected Accomplishments or Product, With Dates, and Interim
Milestones: This section should also include a discussion of a
communication plan for distributing the project results to interested
parties.
Environmental Results and Outcomes:
Describe Applicant's Capability To Perform Work:
Describe How the Project Meets the Evaluation Criteria Specified in
Section V. Application Review Information:
3. Submission Dates and Times
EPA will consider all proposals received on or before 5 p.m.
Central Standard Time May 16, 2005. Proposals received after the due
date will not be considered for funding.
4. Intergovernmental Review
Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs
may be applicable to awards, resulting from this announcement.
Applicants selected for funding may be required to provide a copy of
their proposal to their State Point of Contact (SPOC) or the States
where the project will be conducted for review, pursuant to Executive
Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs. This review
is not required with the proposal.
5. Funding Restrictions
The following information should be considered in developing
proposal(s):
Construction projects, except for the construction
required to carry out a demonstration project, and acquisition of land
are not eligible for funding under this program.
New or on-going programs to implement routine
environmental controls will not be considered for funding under this
program.
Funding is for projects conducted within the states of
Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
It is encouraged that indirect cost be limited to 15
percent.
Although proposals may meet more than one of the priority
areas listed in Section I. Funding Opportunity Description, select most
pertinent and identify that priority area in the proposal format.
6. Proprietary Information Identification
EPA recommends that no confidential information be included in
proposals. However, in accordance with 40 CFR 2.203, applicants may
claim all or a portion of their application/proposal as confidential
business information. EPA will evaluate confidentiality claims in
accordance with 40 CFR part 2. Applicants must clearly mark
applications/proposals or portions of applications/proposals they claim
as confidential. If no claim of confidentiality is made, EPA is not
required to make the inquiry to the applicant otherwise required by 40
CFR 2.204(c)(2) prior to disclosure.
V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
EPA Region 6 will award WQCA on a competitive basis and evaluate
proposals based on the criteria detailed below (maximum points for each
element are shown). In addition to the selection criteria detailed
below, other factors as geographic diversity, programmatic priorities,
project diversity and program diversity may be considered in selecting
proposals for award. The following criteria will be used to evaluate
each eligible proposal:
The adequacy of proposal to meet priority specific
criteria (Section III. 3.). (25)
The extent to which the proposed project uses innovative
techniques that effectively leads to the protection of water quality as
identified by the priorities in this notice (Section I.). These
priorities reflect EPA's Strategic Goal 2. Clean and Safe Water,
Subobjective 2.2.1 Improve Water Quality on a Watershed Basis. (20)
The extent to which the results of the proposed project,
or tools developed, can be transferred to others and the quality of the
communication strategy to actually achieve transfer. (10)
The realistic expectation that meaningful environmental
benefit will result from the proposed work, and the quality of the
evaluation component to assess or measure the environmental outcome(s).
This may include projects that improve program integrity or efficiency
as well as those with direct environmental benefits. (20)
The capability of the applicant to effectively perform and
complete the tasks and deliver the products of the
[[Page 16271]]
project or activity, as well as the capability to effectively manage
the cooperative agreement. (10)
Cost effectiveness and reasonableness of the proposal.
(10)
Applicant's past performance, if applicable. (5)
2. Review and Selection Process
Each eligible proposal will be evaluated and ranked by a panel
comprised of several EPA Region 6 employees. Members of the review
panel will base their evaluation on the selection criteria disclosed in
this notice (Section V.1). Final selection of proposals will be made by
the Director of the Water Quality Protection Division, EPA Region 6.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
Selected organizations will be notified in writing and requested to
submit full applications. Applications, including workplans, are
subject to EPA review and approval. It is expected that unsuccessful
applicants will be notified in writing. EPA reserves the right to
withdraw the funding offer if a complete application (including an
approved QMP) is not received within four months of selection notice.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Applicants whose proposals contemplate contracting for services or
products must comply with applicable regulations relating to
competitive procurement and preparation of cost or price analyses in
accordance with 40 CFR 30.40 through 30.48 (for institutions of higher
learning, hospitals, and other nonprofit organizations) and 40 CFR
31.36 (for States, local governments, and interstate agencies).
Identifying a contractor in a proposal does not exempt the applicant
from these requirements and gives the appearance that the proposal is
from a for-profit organization. As stated in Section III. Eligibility
Information, proposals that appear to be from a for-profit organization
will not be reviewed or considered. Applicants requested to submit a
full application will be required to confirm compliance with
competitive procurement procedures.
Additionally, applicants requested to submit a full application
will be required to comply with the Quality Assurance requirements (40
CFR 30.54 and 31.45) if projects involve environmentally related
measurements or data generation. Prior to award, a Quality Management
Plan must be submitted and approved by EPA.
Applicants must provide a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal
Numbering System (DUNS) number with the full application. Organizations
may obtain the number by calling, toll free, 1-866-705-5711.
Applicants requested to submit a full application may incur pre-
award costs 90 calendar days prior to award provided such costs are
included in the application, the costs meet the definition of pre-award
costs and are approved by EPA. Pre-award costs are those costs incurred
prior to the effective date of the award directly pursuant to the
negotiation and in anticipation of the award where such costs are
necessary to comply with the proposed delivery schedule or period of
performance and are in conformance with the appropriate statute and
cost principles. The approval of pre-award costs should be reflected in
the budget period on the assistance agreement and if applicable, under
a term and condition of the assistance agreement. Recipients incur pre-
award costs at their own risk (i.e., EPA is under no obligation to
reimburse such costs if for any reason the recipient does not receive
an award or if the award is less than anticipated and inadequate to
cover such costs).
Assistance agreement competition-related disputed will be resolved
in accordance with the dispute resolution procedures published in 70 FR
3629, 3630 (January 26, 2005) which can be found at: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/05-1371.htm.
Copies may also be requested by contacting the Agency
Contact below.
3. Reporting
Post award reporting requirements include, at a minimum, submission
of semi-annual project status reports with submission of a final report
prior to the end of the budget/project period. Recipients will be
required to report direct and indirect environmental benefits that
result from the work accomplished through the cooperative agreement
award. Means of submission and report format will be negotiated in the
workplan.
VII. Agency Contacts
Point of Contact: Terry Mendiola by telephone at 214-665-7144 or by
e-mail at mendiola.teresita@epa.gov.
VIII. Other Information
This Federal Register Notice will be posted on the Region 6 Water
Quality Protection Division, Assistance Programs Branch Web site http://www.epa.gov/earth1r6/6wq/at/sttribal.htm.
This Web site may also
contain additional information about this request. Deadline extensions,
if any, will be posted on this web site and not in the Federal
Register. A list of selected projects will also be posted to this Web
site.
Dated: March 23, 2005.
Miguel I. Flores,
Director, Water Quality Protection Division, Region 6.
[FR Doc. 05-6300 Filed 3-29-05; 8:45 am]
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