[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 129 (Friday, July 5, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44833-44836]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-16863]



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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[AD-FRL-7242-4]


Request for Applications for Cooperative Agreement: New and 
Emerging Air Technologies (NEAT) Web Data Base

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice; request for applications.

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SUMMARY: This request for applications (RFA) solicits proposals to 
develop, maintain, promote and sustain a New and Emerging Air 
Technologies (NEAT) data base on the World Wide Web (Web). The purpose 
of this Web site is to aid industry, contractors, and State and local 
air permitting agencies in identifying new and emerging air 
technologies. These technologies need to be addressed in major 
permitting actions. They also need to be considered by State and local 
air pollution agencies and tribes in implementing programs to maintain 
and improve ambient air quality and protect public health.

DATES: The opening date of the solicitation is July 5, 2002. Letters of 
intent to apply must be postmarked, or sent via electronic mail (E-
mail), no later than August 5, 2002. The closing date of the 
solicitation is November 1, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Official Mailing Address: NEAT Project, Attn: Bob Blaszczak 
(E143-03), U.S. EPA, OAQPS, ITPID, ITG, Research Triangle Park, NC 
27711. Courier Address: NEAT Project, Attn: Bob Blaszczak (E143-03), 
U.S. EPA, OAQPS, ITPID, ITG, 4930 Old Page Road, Research Triangle 
Park, NC 27709. E-mail Address: [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Bob Blaszczak, Information 
Transfer Group (E143-03), Information Transfer & Program Integration 
Division, Office of Air Quality Planning & Standards, Office of Air & 
Radiation, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711. Telephone (919) 
541-5432, Fax (919) 541-0242, E-mail [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The following outline is provided to aid in 
locating information in this notice:

I. Statutory Authority
II. Background
III. Funding
IV. Duration
V. Eligibility
VI. Description/Scope
VII. Review and Selection Process
VIII. Additional Considerations
IX. How to Apply
X. Pre-Application Assistance
XI. Fields in the EPA Data Base

I. Statutory Authority

    The statutory authority for this action is Clean Air Act Section 
103(b)3. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number is 
66.606.

II. Background

    Section 108(h) of the Clean Air Act (the Act) Amendments of 1990, 
``RACT/BACT/LAER Clearinghouse'' (RBLC), requires that the 
Administrator of EPA make information regarding emission control 
technology available to States and the general public through a central 
data base. As prescribed in the Act, the primary sources for this 
information are permits to construct new and/or modified major 
stationary sources issued by State and local agencies. These permits 
are part of the New Source Review (NSR) program legislated by Congress 
in parts C and D of Title I of the Act. These permitting actions 
require that the applicants propose and that permitting agencies 
determine, on a case-by-case basis, Best Available Control Technology 
(BACT) or Lowest Achievable Emission Rate (LAER) for emission sources 
locating in attainment (meets National Ambient Air Quality Standards) 
and nonattainment areas, respectively.
    In 1993, the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee (CAAAC) recommended 
that the RBLC provide information on new and emerging air pollution 
prevention and control technologies in addition to NSR permit 
technology decisions. The CAAAC is made up of representatives from 
industry, State and local permitting agencies, and environmental 
organizations. The information on new and emerging technologies would 
be used by all of these groups, tribes and the public at large to 
expedite the NSR permitting process. This permit process requires:
    1. Preparation of a comprehensive permit application by industry 
(or their contractors) that addresses emission control and prevention 
options and recommends the best technology (the application also must 
include analyses of potential air quality and other environmental 
impacts, air quality monitoring data or a plan to acquire it, and 
compliance verification procedures);
    2. Review and processing of permit applications and issuance of 
permits by State or local permitting agencies and tribes that require 
best technology; and
    3. Public review and comment on the permit and technology 
requirements.
    The EPA has concluded that the best way to address this 
recommendation would be through the establishment of a Web data base 
that would provide information on new and emerging air pollution 
technologies. Air pollution technologies include methods, procedures, 
or devices, developed in the U.S. or abroad, that are used to: monitor 
air quality; control or prevent air pollution; analyze air pollution 
and related impacts; or test, monitor and verify compliance. This new 
Web data base would complement the existing RBLC Web that contains data 
on air permit emission limits and technology decisions that have 
already been made. To be successful the NEAT Web needs to:
    1. Rely on coordination and communications with air pollution 
technology developers and suppliers;
    2. List supplier and vender information on a public Web page;
    3. Provide links to commercial sites; and
    4. Promote the NEAT Web site and its capabilities.
    The EPA believes that these activities are essential to the 
creation and maintenance of this new Web site, and will be very 
beneficial to the public. These essential activities can best be 
accomplished by an independent organization or institution with an 
existing presence on the Web, and a reputation for expertise in the 
field of air pollution. The EPA also believes that this proposed air 
pollution technology data base could generate revenue and sustain 
itself over time once it has been established (i.e., venders and 
suppliers would be willing to pay a nominal fee to list their 
technologies and/or provide linkage to a vender/supplier Web site or E-
mail). The EPA expects to negotiate a program income plan with the 
successful offeror that will ensure long term sustainability. (See 40 
CFR 30.24(b)(1) and (h))
    This project directly benefits all parties (industry, contractors, 
State and local agencies, and the general public) involved in the 
development, review and processing of NSR permit applications and 
permits. Funds cannot be awarded for projects intended for the direct 
use and benefit of the Federal Government.

III. Funding

    The amount of Federal funds available is $ 300,000 and the number 
of individual awards is one. All revenue generated by the operation of 
the NEAT Web site shall be used to maintain, improve, and sustain the 
NEAT Web site.
    Funds awarded under this agreement may not be used to solicit user 
feedback or conduct user surveys. Non-Federal

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funds must be used for such activities. However, funds awarded under 
this agreement may be used to analyze information derived from user 
feedback mechanisms and surveys specifically related to the 
implementation of the NEAT Web site.
    The EPA shall provide applicants that submit a letter of intent to 
apply (See Section IX--How to Apply) with a Microsoft Access data base 
that contains information on new and emerging air pollution 
technologies compiled by EPA. Section XI of this notice provides a list 
and description of fields included in the EPA data base. The data base 
contains records for approximately 300 new and emerging technologies 
developed in the U.S. and abroad. Note that the data base is part of a 
system that consists of various Web interfaces that interact with the 
data base. These interfaces are written in Microsoft Active Server 
Pages (ASP) and, in order to use the interfaces, must reside on a 
Windows server running Microsoft Internet Information Systems (IIS). 
This data base (and the interfaces, if appropriate) can be used by the 
successful applicant as the startup data base for the NEAT Web site. 
The data base and interfaces to be provided by EPA for review by 
applicants shall be on Compact Disk (CD).

IV. Duration

    This assistance effort will last 2 years starting from the date of 
award.

V. Eligibility

    Academic and not-for-profit institutions and organizations located 
in the U.S. are eligible to apply. Profit-making firms are not eligible 
to receive cooperative agreements from EPA under this program. 
Applications will be accepted from single institutions or organizations 
and from consortia that include more than one institution or 
organization. Federal agencies, national laboratories funded by Federal 
agencies (Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, FFRDCs), 
and Federal employees are not eligible to submit applications to this 
program and may not serve in a principal leadership role on this award.
    Federal employees may not receive salaries or in other ways augment 
their agency's appropriations through this cooperative agreement. 
However, the nature of the cooperative assistance agreement mechanism, 
which will be used to support the NEAT Web site, contemplates 
collaboration between EPA personnel and the assistance provider's 
institution, organization or consortium. Personnel from EPA will 
actively consult and collaborate with the awardee in developing and 
maintaining the Web site. However, discussions regarding EPA 
collaboration will not take place until the final negotiation phase of 
the cooperative agreement.
    The EPA reserves the right to reject all applications and proposals 
and make no award.

VI. Description/Scope

    This solicitation is for a cooperative agreement. Because of RBLC 
staff experience in working with stakeholders and in supplying air 
pollution technology information, EPA anticipates that there will be 
substantial EPA involvement in the design and initial implementation of 
this proposal. Also, EPA is suppling a Web compatible data base to 
serve as a starting point for implementing this proposal and is 
prepared to advise the applicant concerning the development and 
maintenance of that data base.
    The applicant must address the following items in the proposal:
    1. Existing Web presence, equipment, capabilities, security and 
support.
    2. Institution's/organization's level of expertise and recognition 
in the field of air pollution and air pollution technologies.
    3. The approach that will be taken to establish a searchable Web 
data base (including an automated data entry procedure/system for 
information providers) that contains information on new, emerging and 
existing air technologies. These technologies shall include emission 
controls, pollution prevention, emissions and ambient air monitoring, 
air pollution modeling, and environmental management, tracking, and 
decision-making approaches. Provisions shall be made to include both 
U.S. and foreign technologies.
    4. How the data base will be maintained and kept current. This 
should include a procedure to require venders to update their data 
periodically.
    5. Methods that will be used to promote this data base to encourage 
data submittal by technology developers and suppliers and use by 
industry, permitting agencies, environmental groups and the general 
public. If applicable, indicate methods that will be used to acquire 
appropriate co-sponsors (e.g., industry and professional trade 
associations, environmental groups, etc.)
    6. Basic quality assurance and security procedures to maintain the 
integrity of the data base.
    7. Mechanism to acquire feedback from stakeholders and users that 
can be used in establishing and maintaining this Web data base as a 
relevant and reliable information source. Funds awarded under this 
agreement may not be used to solicit user feedback or conduct user 
surveys. Non-Federal funds must be used for such activities. However, 
funds awarded under this agreement may be used to analyze information 
derived from user feedback mechanisms and surveys specifically related 
to the implementation of the NEAT Web site.
    8. Sustainability Plan--methods, procedures and time frame to make 
the NEAT Web site self-sustaining and ensure the viability of the site. 
Applicants should describe the decision-making process that will be 
used to identify and evaluate revenue generating procedures that can 
sustain this site over time. Revenue generating opportunities may 
include, but are not limited to, nominal fees for listing technologies, 
links to vender Web sites, E-mail links to venders, and including 
existing air technologies in the data base to increase the potential 
revenue base. Applicants should describe the decision-making process to 
determine how and when revenue generating procedures will be 
implemented once the NEAT Web site has established itself as a major 
air technologies Web site. Applicants should indicate other resources 
that may be used to support and sustain the NEAT Web.
    9. Budget, staffing and administrative procedures. OMB circulars on 
regulations, cost principles, and other administrative requirements (40 
CFR part 30) shall be followed. See Application Kit for Federal 
Assistance under Section IX (How to Apply) for more information.
    10. Applicants must clearly mark any information in the application 
that they consider confidential. The EPA will make final 
confidentiality decisions in accordance with Agency regulations at 40 
CFR part 2, subpart B.

VII. Review and Selection Process

    Applicants must have an established presence on the World Wide Web 
and possess strong expertise in the field of air pollution. Applicants 
will be judged on the following criteria:
    1. Adequacy of existing Web site (hardware and software) to support 
the New and Emerging Air Technologies Web. (Weight: 10%)
    2. Relevant experience of the applicant (institution/organization) 
in the field of air pollution technology. (Weight: 10%)
    3. Originality and creativity of the proposal to develop, maintain, 
support and promote the New and Emerging Air

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Technology Web site and data base. (Weight: 30%)
    4. Plan to acquire and evaluate user/stakeholder input and 
implement improvements to generate and sustain interest in and 
usefulness of the site. Funds awarded under this agreement may not be 
used to solicit user feedback or conduct user surveys. Non-Federal 
funds must be used for such activities. However, funds awarded under 
this agreement may be used to analyze information derived from user 
feedback mechanisms and surveys specifically related to the 
implementation of the NEAT Web site. (Weight: 20%)
    5. Originality and creativity of the proposal's Sustainability Plan 
in identifying, evaluating, selecting and implementing procedures that 
will generate revenue and allow the site to become self-sustaining. 
(Weight: 30%) All applications will be reviewed by an appropriate 
application review panel. The panel will be composed of EPA staff with 
expertise in information transfer, World Wide Web applications, air 
pollution prevention and control technology, and environmental 
monitoring, measurements and analysis.

VIII. Additional Considerations

    Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs,'' provides States the opportunity to review and comment on 
activities proposed for Federal funding. Where feasible, and to the 
extent permitted by law, State and local review processes and comments 
must be incorporated into Federal Programs as early in the planning 
stage as possible. See Application Kit for Federal Assistance under 
Section IX (How to Apply) for additional information.

IX. How To Apply

    Applicants must:
    1. Send a letter of intent to apply to the address listed under 
ADDRESSES above (or via E-mail to [email protected]) before 
submitting an application for this assistance. Letters of intent to 
apply must be postmarked (or sent via E-mail) no later than August 5, 
2002. Letters of intent must include the name of your organization and 
a contact person's name, mailing address, E-mail address, phone number, 
and fax number.
    2. Obtain, complete and submit an Application Kit for Federal 
Assistance. The kit and any additional forms can be acquired on the Web 
at <http://www.epa.gov/ogd/grants/how_to_apply.htm. Hard 
copies are available from the Program Office contact listed under FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above.
    3. Include a narrative that addresses all of the areas listed under 
Section VI (Description/Scope); and
    4. Submit one (1) original and four (4) printed copies of the 
application to the address listed under ADDRESSES above. Applications 
must be received by 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Savings Time November 1, 
2002. Only a printed (hard copy) submittal will be accepted.

X. Pre-Application Assistance

    The EPA will conduct one conference call to allow potential 
applicants to ask questions. Only potential applicants who submit 
letters of intent to apply will be provided conference call 
information. The call is intended to assist applicants with questions 
about the proper completion and submission of their proposals. The 
content of the calls is entirely dependent upon the questions asked. 
The EPA will also take questions via E-mail that is posted (dated) on 
or before September 6, 2002. All E-mail questions must be sent to the 
Program Office Contact listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
above. All questions received by E-mail and EPA's response to the 
questions will be posted on the Web at <http://www.epa.gov/ttn/catc/
 no later than September 23, 2002.
    In order to ensure that all applicants have access to the same 
information, the only forums for posing substantive questions on the 
competition are the conference call and E-mail procedure noted above. 
Except for responses to procedural questions (e.g., due dates, proposal 
formats), EPA will not provide other assistance prior to final 
submission of applications.

XI. Fields in the EPA Data Base

    The following fields are in the current EPA data base:

1. ID--Primary Key
2. TECH--Name of Technology
3. SUMMARY--Description of Technology
4. CLASS--Classification of Technology (pollution prevention, modeling, 
monitoring, testing, add-on)
5. DEGDEV--Degree of Development (commercially available, prototype, 
product design phase)
6. CATEGORY--Controlled Process Type (based on RBLC process types)
7. POLL--1--Primary Pollutant Treated (NOX, SOx, VOC, PM2.5, 
PM10, NH3, HAP, CO)
8. CONTEFF--P1--Likely Control Efficiency of Primary Pollutant
9. CONTEFF--H--P1--Maximum Control Efficiency of Primary Pollutant
10. CONTEFF--L--P1--Minimum Control Efficiency of Primary Pollutant
11. CSTON--P1--Average Annual Cost Per Ton of Primary Pollutant Reduced
12. POLL--2--Secondary Pollutant Treated (NOX, SOx, VOC, 
PM2.5, PM10, NH3, HAP, CO)
13. CONTEFF--P2--Likely Control Efficiency for Secondary Pollutant
14. CONTEFF--H--P2--Maximum Control Efficiency for Secondary Pollutant
15. CONTEFF--L--P2--Minimum Control Efficiency for Secondary Pollutant
16. CSTON--P2--Average Annual Cost Per Ton of Secondary Pollutant 
Reduced
17. POLL--3--Tertiary Pollutant Treated (NOX, SOx, VOC, 
PM2.5, PM10, NH3, HAP, CO)
18. CONTEFF--P3--Likely Control Efficiency for Tertiary Pollutant
19. CONTEFF--H--P3--Maximum Control Efficiency for Tertiary Pollutant
20. CONTEFF--L--P3--Minimum Control Efficiency for Tertiary Pollutant
21. CSTON--P3--Average Annual Cost Per Ton of Tertiary Pollutant 
Reduced
22. CAPCST--Capital Cost ($)
23. OMCST--Operation and Maintenance Cost ($/year)
24. DLYR--Cost Dollar Year ($1999, $2000, etc.)
25. LIFETIME--Expected Equipment Life (years)
26. NAME--Name of Vendor, or Developer
27. EMAIL--E-mail of Vendor, or Developer
28. VZP--Zip Code of Vendor, or Developer
29. VST--State of Vendor, or Developer (all U.S. States and Canadian 
Provinces)
30. PURL--Web Page URL for Technology
31. VCTY--City of Vendor, or Developer
32. VADD--Address of Vendor, or Developer
33. VADD2--Additional Address Information of Vendor, or Developer
34. VNAME--Name of Organization that developed, or sells technology
35. VPH--Phone Number of Vendor, or Developer
36. TITLE--Job Title of Point of Contact
37. POLL--CONC--Applicable Pollutant Concentration (microgram per cubic 
meter, concentration ranges)
38. STREAM--TEMP--Applicable Gas Stream Temperature (degrees Celsius, 
temperature ranges)
39. STREAM--TEMP--H--Maximum Temperature of Gas Stream (degrees 
Celsius, temperature ranges)
40. STREAM--TEMP--L--Minimum Temperature of Gas Stream (degrees 
Celsius, temperature ranges)

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41. VOL--FL--RT--Volumetric Flow Rate (cubic feet per second, rate 
ranges)
42. APP--ST--States that have Approved Use of this Technology
43. APP--AGENCIES--Federal Agencies that have Approved Use of this 
Technology
44. PARAM--MEA--Monitored Parameter
45. SAMP--FREQ--Sampling Frequency
46. SAMP--PREC--Sampling Precision
47. SAMP--ACC--Sampling Accuracy
48. MAN--AUTO--Manual or Automated (manual, automated, or not 
applicable)
49. ADDITIONAL--Other Applicable Information
50. PRF--TST--MTHD--Performance Test Method
51. ENFORC--PROC--Enforcement and Inspection Procedure
52. CONT--PARA--Continuous or Parametric Monitoring System
53. CRIT--HAP?--Criteria Pollutant or HAP List?
54. IONIC--Ionic Species as Applicable
55. PHYS--ST--Physical State at X Temperature
56. PHYS--ST--TEMP--Physical State Temperature
57. PHYS--ST--PRES--Physical State Pressure
58. OP--PARAM--CONT--PM--MONT--Operational Parameters for Continuous 
Parametric Monitoring
59. COLL--MECH--Sample Collection, Transport, Recovery and Analysis 
Mechanisms
60. VALID--STAT--Validation Status as related to Verification, EPA 
Method 301 validation, Peer Review, or Collaborative Testing Results
61. AVAIL--DOC--Available Documentation
62. COST--PER--TEST--Cost Per Test numeric
63. SYS--REQ--System Requirements

    Dated: June 27, 2002 .
Elizabeth Craig,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation.
[FR Doc. 02-16863 Filed 7-3-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P