[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 136 (Friday, July 16, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42723-42727]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-16212]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[OPP-2004-0171; FRL-7361-8]


Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP) Regional 
Grants; Notice of Funds Availability

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice

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SUMMARY: EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), in coordination with 
the EPA Regional Offices, is soliciting proposals for the Pesticide 
Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP) from eligible applicants who 
include the 50 States, District of Columbia, U.S. Virgin Islands, 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, any territory or possession of the United 
States, any agency or instrumentality of a State including State 
universities, and

[[Page 42724]]

all federally recognized Native American Tribes. Under this program, 
cooperative agreement awards will provide financial assistance to 
eligible applicants to carry out projects that reduce the risks 
associated with pesticide use in agricultural and non-agricultural 
settings. The total amount of funding available for award in fiscal 
year 2004 is expected to be approximately $500,000 with a maximum 
funding level of $40,000 per project.

DATES: Applications must be received by your EPA Regional Office on or 
before August 30, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Proposals must be mailed to your EPA Regional Office. Please 
follow the detailed instructions provided in Unit IV.H. of 
theSUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Your EPA Regional PESP Coordinator 
listed in Unit IV.H. of the Supplementary Information.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Overview Information

    The following listing provides certain key information concerning 
the proposal opportunity.
     Federal agency name: Environmental Protection Agency 
(EPA).
     Funding opportunity title: Pesticide Environmental 
Stewardship Program (PESP) Regional Grants; Notice of Funds 
Availability.
     Announcement type: The initial announcement of a funding 
opportunity.
     Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number(s): 
66.714.
     Dates: Applications must be received by EPA on or before 
August 30, 2004.

II. General Information

A. Does this Action Apply to Me?

    This action is directed to the public in general but will be of 
particular interest to eligible applicants which include the 50 States, 
District of Columbia, U.S. Virgin Islands, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, 
any territory or possession of the United States, any agency or 
instrumentality of a State including State universities, and all 
federally recognized Native American Tribes. If you have any questions 
regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, 
consult your EPA Regional PESP Coordinator listed under Unit IV.H.

B. How Can I Get Additional Information, Including Copies of this 
Document and Other Related Documents?

    1. Docket. EPA has established an official public docket for this 
action under docket identification (ID) number OPP-2004-0171. Although 
a part of the official docket, the public docket does not include 
Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose 
disclosure is restricted by statute. The official public docket is the 
collection of materials that is available for public viewing at the 
Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Rm. 119, 
Crystal Mall 2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA. This 
docket facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, excluding legal holidays. The docket telephone number is (703) 
305-5805.
    2. Electronic access. You may access this Federal Register document 
electronically through the EPA Internet under the ``Federal Register'' 
listings athttp://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/. Additional information is 
available on EPA's PESP Website athttp://www.epa.gov/oppbppd1/PESP/regional_grants.htm.
    An electronic version of the public docket is available through 
EPA's electronic public docket and comment system, EPA Dockets. You may 
use EPA Dockets at http://www.epa.gov/edocket/, to access the index 
listing of the contents of the official public docket, and to access 
those documents in the public docket that are available electronically. 
Although not all docket materials may be available electronically, you 
may still access any of the publicly available docket materials through 
the docket facility identified in Unit II.B.1. Once in the system, 
select ``search,'' then key in the appropriate docket ID number.
    3. By mail or in person. Contact your EPA Regional PESP Coordinator 
listed under Unit IV.H.

III. Introduction

    The goal of the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP) 
is to reduce the risks associated with pesticide use in agricultural 
and non-agricultural settings in the United States. Each year since 
1996, EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs, in coordination with the EPA 
Regional Offices, has published similar solicitations, awarding 
approximately $500,000 annually to eligible State and Tribal entities 
for projects supporting pesticide risk reduction. This Federal Register 
notice provides qualification and application requirements to parties 
who may be interested in submitting proposals for fiscal year 2004 
monies. The total amount available for award during this funding cycle 
is expected to be approximately $500,000. Maximum award amount per 
proposal is set at $40,000. Indirect cost rates will not increase the 
$40,000 maximum funding amount.
    A list of projects funded since fiscal year 1998 and their 
proposals may be obtained athttp://www.epa.gov/oppbppd1/PESP/regional_grants.htm or from your Regional PESP Coordinator.

IV. Purpose and Objectives

A. Purpose and Scope

    Cooperative agreements awarded under this program are intended to 
provide financial assistance to eligible States and Tribal governments 
for projects that address pesticide pollution prevention, integrated 
pest management (IPM), IPM in schools, children's health issues related 
to pesticides, and those research methods for documenting IPM adoption 
or the reduction of risks associated with changes in pesticide use. 
Other projects will be considered as they complement these goals 
through public education, training, monitoring, demonstrations, and 
other activities. Emphasis will be placed on those projects with 
defined outcomes that can quantitatively document project impacts. 
Although the proposal may request funding for activities that will 
further long-term objectives, this program provides one time funding, 
and the maximum period of performance for funded activities is expected 
to be not more than 24 months.
    This program is included in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance at http://www.cfda.gov/public/whole.pdf under number 66.714.

B. Goals and Objectives

    EPA intends that recipients will use funding provided under this 
Regional Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program Grants program to 
help address specific pesticide risk reduction concerns. The Agency 
will consider funding a broad range of projects that reduce pesticide 
risk to human health and the environment. For a partial listing of 
eligible types of projects, see Unit IV.E.

C. Eligibility

    1. Applicants. The 50 States, District of Columbia, U.S. Virgin 
Islands, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, any territory or possession of 
the United States, any agency or instrumentality of a State including 
State universities, and

[[Page 42725]]

all federally recognized Native American Tribes that are eligible to 
receive federal funding may submit a project proposal. Local 
governments, private universities, private nonprofit entities, private 
businesses, and individuals are not eligible. The organizations 
excluded from applying directly are encouraged to work with eligible 
applicants in developing proposals that include them as participants in 
the projects.
    To be eligible for consideration, applicants must meet all of the 
following criteria. Failure to meet the following criteria will result 
in the automatic disqualification of the proposal for consideration for 
funding:
     The applicant must be eligible to receive funding under 
this announcement.
     The proposal must meet all format and content requirements 
contained in this notice.
     The proposal must comply with the directions for submittal 
contained in this notice.
    2. Qualifications. Qualified applicants are limited to the 50 
States, District of Columbia, U.S. Virgin Islands, Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico, any territory or possession of the United States, any 
agency or instrumentality of a State including State universities, and 
all federally recognized Native American Tribes as defined in Unit 
II.A. Additional application requirements are listed under Unit IV.G.

D. Authority

    EPA expects to award grants and cooperative agreements under the 
authority provided in FIFRA section 20 which authorizes the Agency to 
issue grants or cooperative agreements for research, public education, 
training, monitoring, demonstration and studies.
    The award and administration of these grants will be governed by 
the Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative 
Agreements to States, Tribes, and local governments set forth at 40 CFR 
part 31. Grants awarded pursuant to this solicitation are program 
grants subject to the regulations for ``Environmental Program Grants'' 
set forth at 40 CFR part 35, subpart B. In addition, the provision in 
40 CFR part 32, governing government-wide debarment and suspension, and 
the provisions in 40 CFR part 40 regarding restrictions on lobbying, 
apply.
    All costs incurred under this program must be allowable under the 
applicable OMB Cost Circular A-87. Copies of this circular can be found 
athttp://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/. In accordance with the EPA 
policy and the OMB circular, any recipient of funding must agree not to 
use assistance funds for fund-raising, or political activities such as 
lobbying members of Congress or lobbying for other federal grants, 
cooperative agreements, or contracts. See 40 CFR part 40.

E. Activities that May be Funded

    EPA specifically seeks to build IPM capacities or to evaluate the 
economic feasibility of new IPM approaches at the local level (i.e., 
innovative approaches and methodologies that use application or other 
strategies to reduce the risks associated with pesticide use). 
Following are three examples of possible projects.
     Researching the effectiveness of multimedia communication 
activities for, including but not limited to promoting local IPM 
activities, providing technical assistance to pesticide users, 
collecting and analyzing data to target outreach and technical 
assistance opportunities, developing measures to determine and document 
progress in pollution prevention, and identifying regulatory and non-
regulatory barriers or incentives to pollution prevention.
     Investigating methods for establishing IPM as an 
environmental management priority, establishing prevention goals, 
developing strategies to meet those goals, and integrating the ethic 
within both governmental and non-governmental institutions of the State 
or region.
     Initiating projects that test and support innovative 
techniques for reducing pesticide risk including reduced use and 
improved application techniques to reduce worker and environmental 
exposure.

F. Award and Distribution of Funds

    1. Available funds. Funding for each award recipient will be in the 
form of a cooperative agreement for $40,000 or less, under FIFRA 
section 20. The total available for award is expected to be 
approximately $500,000.
    Should additional funding become available for award, the Agency 
may make additional monies available, based on this solicitation and in 
accordance with the final selection process, without further notice of 
competition. The Agency also reserves the right to decrease available 
funding for this program, or to make no awards based on this 
solicitation. All costs charged to these awards must be allowable under 
the applicable OMB Cost Circular, A-87 which may be found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/.
    2. Evaluation process and criteria. Proposals will be reviewed and 
approved for validity and completeness by EPA Regional Office 
personnel. If the Region determines that an application is incomplete, 
the proposal will not be considered further. Each Region will convene a 
panel consisting of regional staff to evaluate all complete proposal 
packages. The highest ranked proposal in each Region will be funded.
    Proposals ranked second highest in each Region will be placed into 
a national pool. A panel, composed of three Regional Offices and one 
Office of Pesticide Programs personnel will re-evaluate these 
proposals. Funding decisions for these proposals will be based on their 
ranking and available funds. Final selections will be made by close of 
business 21 days after the closing date for receipt of proposals.
    Applicants must submit information, as specified in this 
solicitation, to address award criteria. Applicants must also provide 
information specified in this solicitation that will assist EPA in 
assessing their capacity to do the work outlined in the project 
proposal. The proposed work plan and budget should reflect activities 
that can realistically be completed during the period of performance of 
the cooperative agreement. Criteria that will be used to review, rank, 
and award funding are found below.
    a. General background information request. EPA Regional Offices are 
responsible for the receipt, screening, and selection of proposals. A 
generic proposal format will be available on EPA's PESP Website on or 
before July 23, 2004, athttp://www.epa.gov/oppbppd1/PESP/regional_grants.htm.
    b. Selection criteria. All proposal reviews will be based on the 
following evaluation criteria and weights. (Total: 100 points)
     Consistency with goals of PESP. Is the project consistent 
with the risk reduction goals of PESP, pesticide pollution prevention 
or IPM, or children's health issues related to pesticides? Does the 
project implement reduced risk control techniques? Or, does the project 
develop strategies that will lead to implementation of such projects, 
or research methods for documenting the trends toward the adoption of 
IPM or the reduction of risk associated with pesticide use? (Weight: 10 
points)
     Relevance. Does the project identify a critical issue in 
the Region or nation? Does the project address a significant local or 
widespread environmental concern? Does the project clearly target and 
define the environmental problem? For EPA Region 4 only, preference 
will be given to proposals that directly, measurably, and cooperatively 
provide service and

[[Page 42726]]

direct impact to a Tribe within the Region. (Weight: 15 points)
     Project design. Does the project specify realistic goals 
and objectives that deal with the identified environmental problem? 
Does the project demonstrate potential for long-term benefits? Can the 
project be accomplished within the designated24-month time frame? Does 
the project apply holistic problem-solving, particularly biological 
systems, and address multiple components of the system in focus? For 
example, if an agricultural project, does it consider soil, water, air, 
plant, animal and human resources? If non-agricultural, does it 
consider sanitation, exclusion, multiple vectors, etc.? Does the 
project build upon or consider lessons learned from existing efforts, 
or leverage other significant activities? (Weight: 20 points)
     Qualifications. Does the applicant demonstrate experience 
in the field of the proposed activity? Does the applicant have the 
properly trained staff, facilities or infrastructure in place to 
conduct the project? (Weight: 5 points)
     Measurement. Is the project designed in such a way that it 
is maximized to measure and document the results quantitatively and 
qualitatively? Are the measures relevant to EPA's goals and objectives? 
Does the applicant identify the method that will be used to measure and 
document the project's results quantitatively and qualitatively? Will 
the project assess or suggest a new means of measuring progress in 
reducing pesticide risks and result in information that will be 
valuable to other efforts? (Weight: 20 points)
     Outreach and extension. Does the project include 
participation of partner organizations? Does the project include the 
involvement of local stakeholders, farmer-to-farmer education or 
farmer-to-scientist interaction to achieve technology transfer? 
(Weight: 15 points)
     Transferability. Is the project likely to be replicated in 
other areas by other organizations to benefit other communities, or is 
the product likely to have broad utility to a widespread audience? Does 
the project address the sociological or economic forces that support 
adoption, or those impediments that limit adoption, of environmentally 
sensitive system? (Weight: 15 points)
    3. Dispute resolution process. The procedures for dispute 
resolution at 40 CFR 30.63 and 40 CFR 31.70 apply.

G. Application Requirements

    Content requirements. Proposals must be typewritten, double spaced 
in 12 point or larger print using 8.5 x 11 inch paper with minimum 1 
inch horizontal and vertical margins. Pages must be numbered, in order, 
starting with the cover page and continuing through the appendices. One 
original and one electronic copy (e-mail or disk) are required.
    The electronic copy must be submitted on a 3.5'' disk or CD in 
Microsoft Word or Corel WordPerfect for Windows. The electronic copy 
must be consolidated into a single file. Please check your electronic 
submission to ensure that it does not contain any computer viruses. To 
be considered, both the paper and electronic copy must arrive by the 
due date. In order to be considered for funding, proposals must be 
submitted to the EPA Regional PESP Coordinator indicated in Unit IV.H. 
of this solicitation.
    A generic proposal format is available from the EPA Internet 
athttp://www.epa.gov/oppbppd1/PESP/regional_grants.htm. Your 
application package must include the following information:
    Cover Page (page 1). The cover page should list the following 
information: EPA docket ID number OPP-2004-0171; project title; project 
coordinator; organization; address; telephone number; fax number; e-
mail address; and project duration. A budget table should also be 
included that lists first year funding, second year funding, and total 
funding being requested and any matching funds that will be provided.
    Executive Summary (page 2). The Executive Summary shall be a stand-
alone document, not to exceed one page. It should quickly explain the 
high points of the proposed project and why it is important. It should 
also explain what is proposed and what you expect to accomplish 
regarding measuring or movement toward achieving project goals. This 
summary should identify the measurable environmental results you expect 
including potential human health and ecological benefits.
    Table of Contents (page 3). List the different sections of your 
proposal and the page number on which each section begins.
    Proposal narrative (page 4 up to page 14). Includes sections I-VI 
as identified below. The narrative should not exceed 10 pages.
    Part I--Project title. Descriptive project title.
    Part II--Project description and objectives. What is this project? 
Please clearly state its objectives and goals. (In most cases, each 
objective can be stated in a single sentence, perhaps followed by a 
brief discussion of timing, methods, expected outcomes, including 
impacts on human and environmental health, pesticide risk reduction, 
etc.). Does the project have a definite end point or might it give rise 
to future activities? If the latter, what future endeavors might it 
generate? What will you consider to be indicators/measures of success? 
How will this project benefit your State or Tribe?
    Part III--Justification. For each objective listed in Part II 
above, discuss the potential outcome in terms of environmental, human 
health, pesticide risk and/or use reduction or pollution prevention. If 
appropriate, the target pest(s) and crop(s) should be explicitly 
stated. This section should be numbered with a justification 
corresponding to each objective.
    Part IV--Literature review. Briefly describe relevant information 
currently available. This should also include information on projects 
currently in progress that are relevant to or provide the basis for 
either the experimental design or the validation of a new approach to 
pest management.
    Part V--Approach and methods. Describe in detail how you will go 
about implementing the project and how your planned approach will 
support project success. Identify any personnel and/or contractors that 
you expect to involve in this project. Describe their roles and 
qualifications, including relevant training or experience.
    Part VI--Impact assessment. How will you evaluate the success of 
the project in terms of measurable environmental results? How and with 
what measures will human health and the environment be better protected 
as a result of this project?
    Part VII--Proposal appendices. Continue page numbering. These 
appendices must be included in the grant proposal. The appendices may 
be single spaced. Additional appendices are not permitted.
    Appendix A--Literature cited. List cited key literature references 
alphabetically by author.
    Appendix B--Timetable. A timetable that includes what will be 
accomplished under each of the objectives during the project and when 
completion of each objective is anticipated.
    Appendix C--Major participants. List all farmers/ranchers, farm/
ranch organizations, researchers, educators, conservationists and 
others having a major role in the proposal. Provide name, 
organizational affiliation or occupation (such as farmer) and a 
description of the role each will play in the project. A brief resume 
(not to exceed two pages) should be submitted for each major researcher 
or other educator.

[[Page 42727]]

    Appendix D--Project budget. Provide a budget matrix that outlines 
costs for personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, 
contractual, indirect cost rate, and any other costs associated with 
the proposed project. Identify how the requested funds are to be used 
and also identify how other funding will be used in this project.
    Confidential business information. Applicants must clearly mark 
information considered confidential business information. EPA will make 
a final confidentiality determination for information the applicant 
claims as confidential business information, in accordance with Agency 
regulations at 40 CFR part 2, subpart B.

H. Application Procedures

    Submission instructions. The applicant may contact the appropriate 
EPA Regional PESP Coordinator, as listed below, to obtain clarification 
and guidance. One original signed package must be sent by mail. An 
electronic copy of the proposal (on a CD or 3.5'' diskette) is also 
required and must accompany the mailed package. The proposal must be 
received by your EPA Region no later than 5 p.m. August 30, 2004. 
Incomplete or late proposals will be disqualified for funding 
consideration. Contact the appropriate EPA Regional PESP Coordinator if 
you need assistance or have questions regarding the creation or 
submission of a project proposal. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, it 
is imperative that you identify docket ID number OPP-2004-0171 in the 
subject line on the first page of your proposal. EPA Regional PESP 
Coordinators are as follows:
    Region I: (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode 
Island, Vermont), Andrea Szylvian, 1 Congress St., Suite 1100, (CPT), 
Boston, MA 02114-2023; telephone: (617) 918-1198; fax: (617) 918-2064; 
e-mail: [email protected].
    Region II: (New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands), 
Tara Masters, Raritan Depot, 2890 Woodbridge Ave., (MS-500), Edison, NJ 
08837-3679; telephone: (732) 906-6183; e-mail:[email protected].
    Region III: (Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West 
Virginia, District of Columbia), Fatima El-Abdaoui, 1650 Arch St., 
(3WC32), Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029; telephone: (215) 814-2129; fax: 
(215) 814-3114; e-mail:[email protected].
    Region IV: (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North 
Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee), Troy Pierce, 61 Forsyth St., SW., 
Atlanta, GA 30303-8960; telephone: (404) 562-9016; e-
mail:[email protected].
    Region V: (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, 
Wisconsin), Heather McDonald, 77 W. Jackson Blvd., (DT-8J), Chicago, IL 
60604-3507; telephone: (312) 886-3572; e-mail:[email protected].
    Region VI: (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas), 
Jerry Collins, 1445 Ross Ave., Suite 1200, (6PD-P), Dallas, TX 75202-
2733; telephone: (214) 665-7562; fax: (214) 665-7263; e-
mail:[email protected].
    Region VII: (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska), Brad Horchem, 901 
N. 5th St., (WWPDPEST), Kansas City, KS 66101; telephone: (913) 551-
7137; fax: (913) 551-9137; e-mail: [email protected].
    Region VIII: (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, 
Wyoming), Peg Perreault, 999 18th St., Suite 300, (8P-P3T), Denver, CO 
80202-2466; telephone: (303) 312-6286; fax: (303) 312-6064; e-mail: 
[email protected].
    Region IX: (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, American Samoa, 
Guam), Paul Feder, 75 Hawthorne St., (CMD-1), San Francisco, CA 94105; 
telephone: (415) 947-4160; fax: (415) 947-3583; e-
mail:[email protected].
    Region X: (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington), Sandy Halstead, 
24106 North Bunn Road, Prosser, WA 99350; telephone: (509) 786-9225; e-
mail:[email protected].

V. Post Selection Activity

    Selected applicants must formally apply for funds through the 
appropriate EPA Regional Office. In addition, selected applicants must 
negotiate a final work plan, including reporting requirements, with the 
designated EPA Regional Project Officer. For more general information 
on post award requirements and the evaluation of grantee performance, 
see 40 CFR part 31.

VI. Intergovernmental Review

    Applicants must comply with the Intergovernmental Review Process 
and/or the consultation provisions of section 204, of the Demonstration 
Cities and Metropolitan Development Act, if applicable, which are 
contained in 40 CFR part 29. All State applicants should consult with 
their EPA Regional Office or official designated as the single point of 
contact in his or her State for more information on the process the 
State requires when applying for assistance, if the State has selected 
the program for review. If you do not know who your Single Point of 
Contact is, please call the EPA Headquarters Grant Policy Information 
and Training Branch at (202) 564-5325 or refer to the State Single 
Point of Contact web site athttp://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. Federally recognized Tribal governments are not required to 
comply with this procedure.

VII. Submission to Congress and the Comptroller General

    Grant solicitations such as this are considered rules for the 
purpose for the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The CRA, 4 U.S.C. 801 
et seq., as added by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness 
Act of 1996 (SBREFA), generally provides that before a rule may take 
effect, the agency promulgating the rule must submit a rule report, 
which includes a copy of the rule, to each House of the Congress and to 
the Comptroller General of the United States. EPA will submit a report 
containing this rule and other required information to the U.S. Senate, 
the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the 
United States prior to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. 
This rule is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).

List of Subjects

    Environmental protection, Pesticides, Risk reduction.


    Dated: July 2, 2004.
Susan B. Hazen,
Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and 
Toxic Substances.

[FR Doc. 04-16212 Filed 7-15-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S