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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The following questions and answers are for informational and explanatory purposes only and are not meant to amend or change the published 2011 Request for Proposals (RFP) in any way.

The Regional Environmental Education Coordinators will not be able to respond to any questions about the 2011 EE Sub-Grants Solicitation Notice.  Please contact Headquarters staff (by email only at eegrants@epa.gov) until 2:00 PM, Monday, November 7, 2011, with questions about application procedures only.  No questions will be taken regarding proposal content or ideas.

This page will be updated regularly based on questions received from applicants. Please visit this page frequently.

The EPA Environmental Education (EE) Grant Program

How is the EPA EE Sub-Grant Program RFP different from previous EPA EE Grant Program RFPs?

In FY 2011 the Office of Environmental Education (OEE) at EPA has issued two Requests for Proposals (RFP). The current RFP, titled "The EPA Environmental Education Sub-grants Program" is mainly different in that:

  1. It is a program that gives funds to a Prime Recipient (i.e., the entity that directly applies for and receives funds from EPA in response to the RFP) to award sub-grants to organizations to conduct environmental education activities.
  2. The purpose of the program is to fulfill a requirement in the National Environmental Education Act to award 25% of EPA's Environmental Education Grant Program's obligated funding to projects of $5,000 or less.
  3. The Prime Recipient will have a period of two years to reach out to potential candidates for sub-awards, review and select activities to award funds to, conduct oversight on the activities, evaluate their own project and the sub-award activities, and finalize their project.
  4. There is emphasis given to the importance of the Prime Recipient being part of a network of environmental education professionals and using that network affiliation to enhance the opportunity for success in their sub-grant project.

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Application Process and Instructions

In the RFP (EE Sub-Grants) posted on September 9, 2011, in Section I(E)(1), the Linkage to EPA's Strategic Plan seems to be wrong. Can you explain which Goal and Objective we should be supporting in our proposals?

We found an error in the RFP that was posted on September 9, 2011. The RFP has been corrected and the correct version is now posted. The goal that all proposals must support is Goal 5 (Compliance and Environmental Stewardship), Objective 5.2 (Improve Environmental Performance through Pollution Prevention and Other Stewardship Practices), Sub-Objective 5.2.1. (Prevent Pollution and Promote Environmental Stewardship). See EPA's Strategic Plan at http://tinyurl.com/3t8whce).

If we want to apply to do a sub-grant project that would reach states in more than one region, where should we send our application? 

You should apply to the region in which the sub-award project will take place.  If your project crosses regional boundaries (i.e., awarding sub-grants in a variety of states, located in more than one region), apply to the region in which your office is located or the region in which most of the states in your project are located.  No applications should be sent to EPA Headquarters.

What is the deadline for submitting a grant application for the current RFP?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will accept both hard copy and electronic submissions of proposals.

EPA will consider all hard copy proposals that are postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service or sent through an official delivery service with documentation indicating EPA acceptance from a delivery service by 11:59pm (local time), November 8, 2011.  Hand deliveries will be accepted during core business hours of 9:00 am to 4:00 pm local time through November 8, 2011.  Applicants choosing to submit applications in hard copy must submit an original and two copies of the proposal materials described in Section IV of the RFP to the Regional Office in which the project will be located.  The ten EPA Regional Offices and the Environmental Education (EE) contacts in them are listed in the RFP in Section VII (Agency Contacts).

EPA will consider all proposals submitted electronically through www.grants.gov/ by 11:59 Eastern Standard Time (EST), November 8, 2011. 

Any proposals postmarked, hand delivered, sent, or submitted via www.grants.gov/ after the due date and time will not be considered for funding. No proposals will be accepted by facsimile or email.    

Where do I send my application?

You can submit your application electronically (online) to www.grants.gov, or in hard copy format.

Remember, your application must be received/accepted by www.grants.gov by 11:59 pm EST on November 8, 2011, if submitting electronically, or postmarked by USPS or a commercial delivery service no later than November 8, 2011, to be eligible.  Hand deliveries will be accepted during core business hours of 9:00 am to 4:00 pm local time through November 8, 2011.

If you are going to use grants.gov for your submission, please designate an Authorized Organization Representative (someone who is authorized to sign applications for federal assistance funds) and make sure that individual visits www.grants.gov soon in order to register, as the registration process can take a week or longer.

If you are sending your application in hard copy form, it is important that you send it to the correct point of contact at EPA so that your application is not lost or received after the review process has begun.  Send your application to the Region in which your proposed project will be located. Section VII (Agency Contacts) in the RFP contains the complete address information and the person to whom the application should be sent at each of the 10 Regional Offices. (NO applications should be sent to EPA Headquarters in Washington, DC.) Please be sure to send an original and 2 copies and include the first and last name of the point of contact in the Regional Office on the mailing label for your application.

What are the rules for submitting multiple or repeat applications?

An organization may submit proposals to multiple Regional Offices under this program (but may not submit more than one application per Region).   Each Region will evaluate, score and rank all eligible proposals received in that Region based upon the criteria established in this announcement.   An organization may receive an award as a Prime Recipient from more than one Region under this program. 

When will I be notified about my application status?

Applicants will receive a confirmation that their proposal was received by EPA within approximately 30 days of receipt.

Approximately 6 months after receipt of applications, EPA will contact finalists to request additional federal documentation.

Applicants who are not selected for funding will receive official notification from EPA approximately 15 days after the decision has been made.

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Eligibility

What is EPA policy regarding whether an organization that previously received funding for a particular project is eligible to apply for funding under this RFP for the same project? 

It has been our policy under previous RFPs to not give funding for a second time to a project we have previously funded unless it has substantially changed.  HOWEVER, this new announcement for a sub-grant program is completely separate since we have never announced or awarded this type of grant before (for a prime recipient to award sub-grants).  Therefore, any otherwise eligible applicant may apply for a grant under this RFP since this is the first RFP of its type with respect to the EE program.

Am I eligible to apply for a grant?

Any local education agency, college or university, state education or environmental agency, non-profit organization as described in Section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or noncommercial educational broadcasting entities as defined and licensed by Federal Communications Commission may submit a proposal. Applicant organizations must be located in the United States or territories and the majority of the educational activities must take place in the United States; or in the U.S. and Canada or Mexico; or in U.S. Territories. A teacher's school district, an educator's nonprofit organization, or a faculty member's college or university may apply, but an individual teacher or faculty member may not apply.

"Tribal education agencies" that are eligible to apply include a school or community college which is controlled by an Indian tribe, band, or nation, which is recognized as eligible for special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians and which is not administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Tribal organizations do not qualify unless they meet that criteria or the non-profit criteria listed above. The terms for eligibility are defined in Section 3 of the Act and 40 CFR 47.105.

Is a local government agency eligible to apply for a grant?

The RFP states that "any local education agency...may submit a proposal."  The Environmental Education Act does not define a "local education agency".  If there is any question as to whether you are a local education agency, for example, if the terms "education" or "school" are not in the name of the agency, you will have to demonstrate in your proposal/application that you have the authority to conduct education programs.  You can demonstrate this authority by referencing the law or bylaws that established your agency, quoting your current official mission statement, and/or showing us proof that your authority has been set by practice of education programs in the past.  Be sure to include this information in a succinct statement in the Project Summary and in the Project Description, as well as in detail in the Programmatic Capability and Past Performance section of the application.

Are county governments eligible?

Yes, education or environment agencies within county governments are considered eligible as defined in the eligibility requirements.

I am a college student and want to apply for an EPA EE grant. Am I eligible to apply if I am going to use the funds for my own education on environmental issues?

No, individual students are not eligible to apply for grants under this program.

I am an educator and want to apply for a grant (as Prime Recipient) to give out sub-awards to other educators or schools to conduct small projects.  Am I eligible?

No, individual educators are not eligible to apply for a grant under this program.

May an organization apply for 501(C)(3) status at the same time as they apply for a grant, or do they have to have the status approved before they submit their application to EPA?

An organization may apply for 501(C)(3) status at the same time that they apply for a grant, but the organization must have its 501(C)(3) status already approved by the IRS to be eligible for an award under this grant program. If an applicant becomes a finalist for a grant but does not have its 501(C)(3) status approved by the time of the award, it will not be eligible for the award.

Regarding eligibility for the EE grants program, one eligible type of agency is a "tribal education agency." Does this mean a school of some kind, or could a federally recognized tribe's Environmental Health Department be considered a "tribal education agency"?

No, an entity like a tribal health department is not considered an eligible agency. Only schools or a community college which is controlled by an Indian tribe, band, or nation, including any Alaskan native village which is recognized as eligible for special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians, and which is not administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, is eligible.

Do the sub-grantees who are awarded funds by the prime recipient of a grant in this program have to be "eligible" entities as defined in this RFP?

Yes, sub-awardees in this grant program must also be eligible entities as defined in Section III of the current RFP, "Environmental Education Sub-grants Program".

My organization has received funding for an EE grant in the past. Are we eligible to apply for a grant under this RFP?

Yes, there is no restriction in this RFP on previous EE grant awardees applying for a grant as a Prime.

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Clarification of Terms and Priorities

I am interested in submitting a proposal to award sub-grants to schools and organizations to develop their capacity to deliver environmental education by providing training to their staff. Is this considered to be capacity building by EPA's definition?

That depends on if/how those sub-award projects support existing or start-up capacity building efforts in a state or region. For purposes of this grant program, "Capacity Building" refers to developing effective leaders and organizations that design, implement, and link environmental education programs across a state or states to promote long-term sustainability of the networked programs. Coordinated efforts should involve major education and environmental education providers, including state education and natural resource agencies, schools and school districts, professional education associations, and nonprofit educational and tribal organizations. To do this effectively, there needs to be a state plan, a network of trained leaders and qualified providers, funding and other resources that coordinate the efforts. For a proposal to be competitive as a means to support "capacity building", it should identify how the sub-award projects are linked to a state's (or states') or region's larger efforts (e.g., as a coordinated collection of projects within various states' EE Master Plans or EE Strategic Plans.)

Examples of activities EPA is looking for under this priority include: identifying and assessing needs and setting priorities; developing a state master plan; identifying funding sources and resources; establishing requirements for instruction and curricula; facilitating communication and networking; promoting sustained professional development; and sponsoring leadership seminars.

Our organization would like to propose a project to make sub-awards to activities that support educational advancement efforts in our region.  What is EPA looking for in projects that support activities under the educational priority "Educational Advancement"?

"Educational Advancement", as used in this RFP, refers to state, local, or tribal efforts to involve environmental education in the improvement of student academic achievement. Educational advancement projects EPA has funded under previous RFPs (not sub-grant projects) have focused on the involvement of environmental education in efforts to change curriculum, instruction, assessment, or how schools are organized. Curriculum and instructional changes may include inquiry and problem solving, real-world learning experiences, project-based learning, team building and group decision-making, and interdisciplinary study. Assessment changes may include developing environmental education content and performance standards and realigning curriculum and instruction to the new standards and new assessments. School changes may include methods to encourage parental and community involvement in environmental education programs. Proposals under this RFP that propose to make sub-awards to activities that address this educational priority should identify specific educational needs and goals in the region to which they are applying and discuss how the proposed sub-award project will address them.

Is there any guidance you can give our organization regarding what EPA would expect from a sub-award project that proposes to address the educational priority "Teaching Skills" through its sub-awards?

Under previous RFPs EPA has funded various kinds of projects focused on environmental education teaching skills. A resource that could help guide a sub-grant project in addressing "teaching skills" through its sub-award activities is the Guidelines for the Preparation and Professional Development of Environmental Educators developed with EPA funds. You may download or order a copy of this publication by going to EPA's website at www.epa.gov/education/eepubsEPA.htm#guidelines

Will a prime recipient be able to fund sub-grant activities to develop environmental education materials or curriculum?

EPA strongly encourages the use of existing quality environmental education materials rather than developing new ones because many quality materials are available and some are under-utilized. When determining what educational materials to use, EPA recommends you review "Environmental Education Materials: Guidelines for Excellence" developed with EPA funds. You may download or order a copy of this publication by going to EPA's website at www.epa.gov/education/eepubsEPA.htm#resources. This publication provides guidance on developing, evaluating, and selecting quality environmental education materials.

A prime recipient may use EPA funds to fund sub-award activities to develop new materials where the applicant demonstrates that there is a need (e.g., that existing quality educational materials cannot be adapted to a particular local environmental concern or audience or existing quality materials are not available). You should specify what steps you have taken to determine this need (e.g., you may cite a conference where this need was discussed, the results of inquiries made within your community or with educational institutions, or a research paper or other published document).

What advice can a prime recipient in this program give to sub-award activities that want or need to evaluate and select high quality environmental education materials among the many existing choices that seem relevant to their activities?

When determining what educational materials to use in any EE projects, whether funded directly by us or as a sub-award or not funded by us at all, EPA recommends a review of "Environmental Education Materials: Guidelines for Excellence", which can be downloaded or ordered by going to EPA's website at www.epa.gov/education/eepubsEPA.htm#resources.

How does EPA define "students" as part of the target audience of a sub-award activity funded by a prime - for example, are university students considered an eligible target audience?

Yes, university students are considered "students" under the eligibility criteria for projects in the EE grant program. In fact, "students" in EE projects funded by EPA may be any age and the term may be used to refer to students of informal education programs as well -- for example, programs held in nature centers, zoos, or science centers.

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Costs and Use of Grant Funds

Our organization is applying to the EE Sub-Grant Program as a prime recipient. We will be partnering with several other organizations to administer the program. Can we share the grant money we get from EPA with our partners in proportion to their share of the work on the program? Do we have to make them compete with each other and with other organizations for the work/money?

A: The only way you can "share" the grant funds you receive from EPA with your partners without having to make them compete for the work/money is to award them sub-grants. These are the five characteristics of a sub-award (vs a contract, which would have to be competed):

(1) The sub-recipient determines who is eligible to receive what Federal
financial assistance.
(2) The sub-recipient has its performance measured against whether the
objectives of the Federal program are met.
(3) The sub-recipient has responsibility for programmatic decision
making.
(4) The sub-recipient has responsibility for adherence to applicable
Federal program compliance requirements.
(5) The sub-recipient uses the Federal funds to carry out a program of
the organization as compared to providing goods or services for a
program of the pass-through entity.

If these characteristics seem to describe what you have in mind to do with your partners on this project, then you could propose to award sub-grants to your partners (NOTE: the partners must be eligible entities as described in Section III of the solicitation notice) to help you run the program. If the sub-awards are for $5000 or less, then the awards will have to be made from the $92,273.50 that you are required as the prime to award under this grant program. If the sub-grants you award your partners are for more than $5000, they will not count among the 19 or more awards that you must be giving for $5000 or less and not out of the $92,273.50 to be used by you as prime for those required sub-awards.

Can we use any of the $150,000 we would receive from EPA for anything besides sub-awards? 

A:  In fact, you must use exactly $92,273.50 for the sub-awards - no more and no less.  The rest of the money you receive from us and come up with for your match can be used to seek and select sub-awardees, manage the sub-grants, evaluate the project and the sub-award activities, and conduct other eligible activities as defined in the RFP, such as teacher training workshops or workshops for potential sub-grantees, etc. 

May the prime recipient receive a sub-award under its own sub-award project?

A:  The prime recipient may not receive a sub-grant.  However, a prime recipient may conduct other eligible activities as defined in the RFP, including EE activities.  Be clear in your proposal that any activities you are proposing to do as a prime recipient are eligible activities as defined in the RFP, are part of the overall sub-grant project, but are distinct from sub-grantee work.  For example, you may want to conduct a teacher training workshop for teachers from school districts who are receiving sub-grants from you in order to further enhance the potential for success in  your project.  This particular EE Sub-Grant program was established in order to make sure we adhere to the provision in the National Environmental Education Act that says that "25 percent of all funds obligated under this section in a fiscal year shall be for grants of not more than $5,000."  That's why we have to be sure that the prime recipients give out no more or less than $92,273.50 each in sub-awards.  EPA decided that no prime recipient should receive a sub-award from itself to make sure we keep the prime recipient's work separate from the sub-grantees.

Can we award sub-grants to schools, or does the sub-award have to go to a school district and higher?

It depends on the structure of the school system.  A "local education agency" is eligible to receive grants and sub-grants from this program under the National Environmental Education Act.  A "local education agency" is defined by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 as "a public board of education or other public authority legally constituted within a State for either administrative control or direction of, or to perform a service function for, public elementary schools or secondary schools in a city, county, township, school district, or other political subdivision of a State, or of or for a combination of school districts or counties that is recognized in a State as an administrative agency for its public elementary schools or secondary schools." So, if it is in a single school that the EE funded activity is going to occur, then the application for funding (as either a prime recipient or a sub-grantee) must be submitted by the "public authority" on behalf of the school.  Single non-profit non-public schools could also be eligible, as could "sister" organizations (like a single-school PTA, for example) under the "non-profit organization" eligibility.

If an applicant does not have an Indirect Cost Rate Agreement with the government, then what costs cannot be included in their proposed budget?

Without an Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, applicants cannot include overhead costs that are not directly attributable to the performance of a specific task in the proposed project. Organizations with an Indirect Cost Rate Agreement may include such expenses as rent and administrative support for their offices on the "indirect costs" line of their proposed budget. Organizations without such an agreement cannot account for such costs in their proposed budget because those costs are difficult to document as being directly related to specific activities in the grant project.

Does an applicant have to have an Indirect Cost Rate Agreement in place when they apply for funds from this grant program?

No, an applicant can begin the negotiations for an Indirect Cost Rate Agreement at the same time that they apply for a grant to this program, or within 90 days of the date of an award of a grant under this solicitation.

Is there a matching funds requirement?

Yes, applicants must provide non-federal matching funds of at least 25% of the total cost of the project.

Matching Funds Explanation: Non-federal matching funds must be at least 25% of the total cost of the project. The match must be for an allowable cost and may be provided by the applicant or a third party organization or institution. The match may be provided in cash or by in-kind contributions and other non-cash support. In-kind contributions often include salaries or other verifiable costs and this value must be carefully documented. In the case of salaries, applicants may use fair market value for your locale. If the match is provided by a third party, the applicant is still responsible for proper accountability and documentation. All grants are subject to federal audit.

IMPORTANT: The matching non-federal share is a percentage of the entire cost of the project. For example, if the entire budget for the project is $200,000, then the grant recipient must provide $50,000 of those funds, and the request for federal funds would be $150,000. One way to assure that your match is sufficient is to divide the federally requested amount by three (e.g., $150,000/3 = $50,000).

Other Federal Funds: You may use other federal funds in addition to those provided by this program, but not for activities that EPA is funding. You may not use any federal funds to meet any part of the required 25% match described above, unless it is specifically authorized by statute. If you have already been awarded federal funds for a project for which you are seeking additional support from this program, you must indicate those funds in the budget section of the work plan. You must also identify the project officer, agency, office, address, phone number, and the amount of the federal funds.

May a college (or other entity) submit a proposal with a budget that contains less than its federally negotiated indirect cost rate and then claim the rest of that percentage rate as part of its required cost match?

Yes, as long as a written copy of the current negotiated indirect cost rate is submitted along with the proposal.

Do the required matching funds have to be in cash, or can they be in-kind donations and services, e.g., staff time working on the program?

In-kind contributions of services, and other items like equipment, can count toward the required 25% cost match. Please see Section IV(C)(4) of the RFP for a complete matching funds explanation. As stated in the RFP, "the match must be for an allowable cost and may be provided by the applicant or a partner organization or institution. The match may be provided in cash or by in-kind contributions and other non-monetary support."

What is "program income" and how and when may it be used by the recipient?

Program income is defined as the money a grant recipient earns as a direct result of a grant-supported activity. For example, registration fees collected for any workshop or training course supported with grant funds are considered program income. A terms and conditions document will be issued by the Project Officer after an award is made to indicate how the program income shall be used. In most cases, program income will be used to pay for specified grant costs that are eligible and allowable and that further the project's goals. It may also be used to finance the non-federal share (match) of the project. Please see 40 CFR 30.2(x), 40 CFR 30.24 and 40 CFR 31.25 for more details on this topic.

May an applicant use program income as part of their non-federal cost share/match?

Yes, program income may be used to finance the non-federal share of the project.

When is it allowable for a grant recipient to use grant funds to pay for meals?

Generally, when a speaker is provided or other work is being done during breakfast or lunch at a workshop or training event, it is allowable to use grant funds to pay for meals for the participants. It is also generally allowable to use grant funds to pay for light refreshments/snacks offered during breaks at workshops or training events. The specific event at which meals and/or light refreshments/snacks will be provided must be described in the scope of work.

Meals and light refreshments provided at a grant recipient's staff meetings are not allowable, nor are refreshments for evening receptions. Meals and receptions where alcohol is served are not allowable even if the grant funds are not used for the alcohol. Evening banquets paid for with grant funds are not allowed, nor is any EPA-funded entertainment. Also not allowed are any sort of EPA-funded events that conduct any fund-raising or involve strategies to solicit contributions, endowments, gifts or bequests.

Please note that a determination of reasonableness and necessity of costs for light refreshments/snacks and meals will be made on a case by case basis and included in a Terms and Conditions document at the time of the award of a grant.

What kind of funding restrictions does your grant program put on construction projects? Would the installation of a rain garden qualify for funding? Or a playground that was built to instruct children about how a certain environmental principle works?

The solicitation notice specifically prohibits using EPA funds for construction. The creation of something like a rain garden or playground should be peripheral to an education project, not its main activity and not the major expense in the budget. The solicitation doesn't allow the funds to be used, for example, for the construction of a building, even to hold environmental education classes or house environmental displays, etc. So if expenses to install a rain garden or playground dominate the budget and the project period and require something like heavy equipment purchase or rental, then most likely the project is more construction than education and therefore ineligible. (Note: The solicitation gives an example of a nature trail or a bird house as allowable expenses, but even these would have to be part of a larger education project, not the primary focus of the project and/or expenditure of the budget.)  These restrictions apply to both the prime recipient and the sub-awardees in this program.

What are ineligible activities?

Environmental education funds (awarded to either the prime or the sub-grantees) cannot be used for:

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Relationships with EE Networks and Subcontracts

Are applicants required to be currently part of an environmental education network or is it just a preference?

t is not a requirement for an applicant to be part of an EE network.  We do ask that if you are part of an EE network you describe that relationship in your proposal.  See Section IV. C. (b) Project Description, (iv) Who:  "Describe the demographics of your target population of sub-awardees, including the number and types of organizations, schools, nature centers, etc., you expect to award sub-grants to, and what types of audiences those sub-awards will reach, such as formal or non-formal educators and students, specific grade levels, and geographic locations.  (Note:  Be sure to include both the number of sub-awardees and the number of people to be reached in the sub-grant activities.)  Discuss the needs of that population and their audience and why you have chosen to target them. Also, explain your outreach plan to attract interest in your sub-award project among your target population.  If your organization is part of a professional network of environmental educators, please explain that network here, especially if/ how the network will fit into the outreach plan.  An important priority for EPA is expanding the conversation on environmentalism by reaching a variety of audiences.  Proposals should be clear as to how they will ensure the sub-awards and the sub-awardees’ activities will reach a varied population/audience in as many states/territories/commonwealths as possible within the Region in which the project will take place, including but not limited to minority, low income, and tribal communities."

And it is one of many things we look at when awarding points in Section V. A. 1.  :  (iv)       Who:  Under this factor proposals will be evaluated based on how well the applicant’s proposed sub-award identifies the population from which sub-awardees will be sought and selected and the audience those sub-awardees will be trying to reach, lists the number of organizations to be given sub-awards and the approximate numbers of audience participants to be reached in the sub-award activities, explains why the sub-awardee population and their target audience were chosen, and explains the outreach plan to attract interest in the sub-award project among the target population.  If the applicant has a professional connection with an established network of environmental education programs throughout the Region in which the proposal is being submitted, that professional network should be described here and the explanation as to if/how the applicant’s relationship with the network will be used to enhance the opportunities for identifying and reaching sub-awardees will be evaluated.    (8 points). 

In the RFP, applicants are asked to describe any relationships with EE networks and how that/those relationships would be used to enhance a sub-grant project.  What if we are not part of a professional EE network?

While having a role in or relationship with a professional EE network is not required for a proposed project to receive a grant from this program, EPA's EE Program believes such relationships could enhance the success of the sub-award project.  Therefore, consideration will be given in the proposal evaluation process to if/how the applicant intends to use any such relationship to contribute to the success of its project.

May the other organizations in the professional EE network we belong to provide any or all of the 25% share requirement?

Yes, provided the costs are allowable under 40 CFR 30.23 or 40 CFR 31.24 for third party contributions. Please note that a third party's indirect costs may not be counted toward a cost share.  It is acceptable, however, to use the value of in-kind services - for example, a volunteer teacher or a mentor's services - as a match to the extent allowable under 40 CFR Part 30 or Part 31.

However, an organization applying for a grant under this RFP must ensure that they do not enter into a cost share relationship with an entity that provides goods or services that are available in the commercial marketplace in order to obtain those goods and services in a non-competitive transaction.

May an applicant subcontract work on part of the proposed project?

Yes, as long as all federal rules and procedures (or state rules, if the applicant is a state agency) for procurement are followed, then the applicant may subcontract for part of the work of the project. EPA will consider the qualifications of the subcontractor when evaluating the proposal.

May work on a proposed project be subcontracted to either a for-profit company or a non-profit organization - inside or out of the professional EE network to which we belong?

Yes, as long as all federal rules and procedures (or state rules, if the applicant is a state agency) for procurement are followed, then the applicant may subcontract for part of the work of the project. EPA will consider the qualifications of the subcontractor when evaluating the proposal.

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General Information and Other Questions

Our organization is not interested in submitting a proposal for this grant program, but we would like to apply for a funds under a prime recipient's project to award sub-grants.  How and when will those Prime Recipients be identified, and how will they notify qualifying organizations of the sub-grant proposal process? 

The prime recipients will be identified after a review, selection and award process in each of EPA's 10 regions.  The public announcement of those recipients will probably be in January 2012, or possibly later.  The process and timing of the selection of the sub-grantees will be up to the prime recipients.  Once prime recipients are identified publicly by EPA, organizations interested in applying for sub-grants may want to contact those prime recipients to ask about their process and timing for sub-grantee selection.

What is EPA anticipating the length of each project period to be for the prime recipients in this program?

As stated in the RFP in Section II(C) - Start Date and Length of Project Period, EPA anticipates funding two year project periods.  Each proposal must demonstrate clearly how the project will be completed in the time frame proposed.

How many grants/dollar amounts will be awarded?

Funds available for these grant projects are anticipated to be approximately $1.5 million nationwide. This grant program generates a great deal of public enthusiasm for developing environmental education projects. Consequently, the competition is very intense and EPA receives many more applications for these grants than can be supported with available funds.

Regional Office Grants: The EPA Regional Offices each will fund one grant for a two year period in the amount of approximately $150,000 under this RFP; $92,273.50 out of the approximate $150,000 awarded to each Prime Recipient must be used for sub-awards of $5000 or less.

Note: There will be no grants issued from Headquarters this fiscal year.

Where can I find information about EPA's Strategic Plan?

Details about EPA's Strategic Plan are available online at http://tinyurl.com/3t8whce

Do you have guidelines for developing successful grant applications?

Yes, you can find them at: www.epa.gov/education/granttips.html

How can I find out about upcoming solicitations?

You can sign up to receive an email notification at: www.epa.gov/education/grants.html

Solicitations for environmental education grants also are provided at: www.epa.gov/education/grantsols.html

Can I talk to someone about my idea for a grant project?

EPA staff are not permitted to discuss potential grant project ideas with potential applicants. The point of contact in EPA Headquarters may answer only technical questions that are not addressed here or in the RFP and must do so in writing only (via email) - no phone calls please.  Please do not contact Regional EE Coordinators with questions about this RFP.

Will there be any other means through which I can receive more information about this grant program and how to apply for funding?

EPA will host three conference calls for potential applicants interested in additional information about the application process.  The conference calls will take place on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. (EDT)  and Friday, September 30, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. (EDT).

To participate in the conference calls, dial the toll free number and give the Conference ID code.

Scheduled Conference Calls
Call-in Number: 1-866-246-5569
Date Time ID number
Thursday, September 22, 2011 3:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) 97738763
Tuesday, September 27, 2011 2:00 p.m. (EDT) 97740900
Friday, September 30, 2011 12:00 p.m. (EDT) 97741103

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