Grantee Research Project Results
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Research and Development
National Center for Environmental Research
Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Program
CLOSED - FOR REFERENCES PURPOSES ONLY
Endocrine Disruptors
Opening Date: June 19, 1998
Closing Date: Sept 16, 1998
Introduction
This announcement is a collaborative effort between the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of the Interior, Department of Health and Human Services (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences), and Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), and is endorsed by the Department of Agriculture, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration, and the Office of Science and Technology Policy. The purpose of this announcement is to develop a government-wide coordinated effort to stimulate innovative, multi- disciplinary research to address high priority scientific uncertainties related to the potential adverse effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) in humans and wildlife.
Background
This research effort is an important mechanism for addressing priority national research needs identified by the Endocrine Disruptors Working Group (EDWG) of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, National Science and Technology Council. The Working Group recognized the need to promote collaboration between the Federal sector and academia and the private sector to ensure that scientific advances are timely and can be used to inform national policy on endocrine disruptors.
A number of overarching research needs were identified by the EDWG in the areas of human health, ecological effects, and exposure assessment as essential to the larger goal of determining the extent and magnitude of impact for endocrine disruptors on wildlife and human populations and to provide a firm scientific basis for a determination of the likely risk that EDCs pose to human health and the environment. Specifically, this research effort is designed to advance the following priority research needs:
* Establish relationships between exposure to EDCs and adverse outcomes for human diseases and impaired reproduction and development in vulnerable populations. Exposure during early critical life stages (fetal, neonatal, and childhood) are of special concern. Quantitation of EDC body burdens in vulnerable groups is needed, especially for non-persistent, non-chlorinated EDCs and chemical mixtures.
* Characterize interspecies variability among taxa and sensitive wildlife populations under field conditions. Increase emphasis on non-mammalian wildlife (e.g., amphibians, reptiles, birds, and invertebrates) that may be sensitive to endocrine disruption.
* Identify adverse outcomes (e.g., tumors and reduced fecundity) to wildlife, to single individuals and to populations, as a result of EDC exposures.
Multiple Agency InterestsTo address the increased need for research on endocrine disruptors, the following Federal organizations have combined their unique interests and missions into this coordinated research program. The following outlines specific agency interest in endocrine disruptors research:
Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA seeks to minimize the presence of substances that could affect human health and safety, such as endocrine disruptors, in the environment and in the food supply.
Department of Commerce. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Endocrine disruptor research cuts across NOAA's strategic objectives of building sustainable fisheries, recovering protected species and promoting healthy coastal ecosystems. Understanding the impact of endocrine disruptors on the developmental and reproductive biology of marine and anadromous fish, marine mammals, sea turtles, and marine invertebrates is especially relevant.
Department of Defense (DoD), Tri-Service Toxicology Consortium [comprised of the Naval Medical Research Institute, Detachment (Toxicology); U.S. Army Medical Research Detachment; and the U.S. Air Force Toxicology Division] fosters preventive strategies for intervening with health risks from chemicals of military interest, including potential toxic insults to the endocrine, reproductive, neurological, and immune systems.
Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE funds research on endocrine disrupting chemicals as part of its effort to understand and reduce the environmental and public health threats from its facilities.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The objectives of the endocrine disruptor research program are to determine whether there are health effects occurring in human and wildlife populations and to improve understanding of endocrine disruptors in the environment. Chemicals that are known or suspected of being endocrine disruptors fall within the authorities and responsibilities of the EPA as mandated in 12 major environmental statutes to protect human health and the environment.
Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The human health consequences of endocrine disruptors are of concern as they relate to identification of human health hazards, surveillance of human diseases or exposures, determination of preventable risk factors for disease, and development and evaluation of prevention programs.
Food and Drug Administration. Endocrine disruptors are of concern to FDA in its responsibilities for ensuring that foods are safe, wholesome, and honestly labeled, that medicines are safe and effective, and for regulating medical devices, cosmetics, veterinary drugs, and animal feed. Premarket review of substances, final product approval, and post-market surveillance establishes an additional need for information on endocrine disruptors.
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIH). NIEHS supports research directed at characterizing human health impacts from exposure to environmental agents. Mechanistic research on chemicals which mimic or block the actions of natural hormones such as estrogens or androgens and epidemiologic studies of the health effects of EDCs in women, men, and children are high priorities. This research will provide a clearer picture of the exposure required for adverse health effects.
Department of the Interior (DOI). The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seek information on the ecological effects of endocrine disruptors in wild animals, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals as a basis for decisions on the management and conservation of these biological resources.
Program DescriptionResearch proposals are sought in the following areas:
1. Population-level effects of EDCs in wildlife
The goal of this component of the RFA is to solicit integrated, multi-disciplinary research on the ecological effects of EDCs. We are interested in studies that assess the impacts of EDCs at multiple levels of biological organization. Many studies have shown changes in endocrine homeostasis in terms of biochemical/histological measurements at the sub-organismal level, but the significance of these observations in terms of adverse effects on reproduction and development at the population-level is uncertain. Proposed studies may focus on understanding effects observed in the field or on controlled studies in the laboratory or field; we encourage evaluation of empirical and/or theoretical linkages between endpoints at multiple levels of biological organization. Of continuing interest are those classes/groups of wild animals that are potentially at risk due to unique life history traits as they relate to reproductive strategies. There is no preference as to specific chemical stressors to study other than that they exert effects through mechanisms associated with endocrine function.
* Potential research could include either assessment of specific populations at sites known to be contaminated with suspected EDCs or evaluation of populations known to be adversely affected (e.g., animals in decline or those with a high percentage of individuals exhibiting abnormal pathologies) for reasons that may relate to EDCs. One approach might be to assess biological responses at the cellular and subcellular level that are suggestive of exposure to EDCs and relate these responses to adverse changes at the individual and population levels. This type of analysis would require a careful assessment of temporal considerations associated with exposure and effects. Relationship of responses across levels of biological organization could be evaluated using either empirical or conceptual models or a combination of the two.
* Research is needed which addresses prediction of the potential endocrine disrupting effects associated with the production and use of new chemicals on individuals and populations in terms of likely expression of toxicity. One approach might be to link controlled field or mesocosm studies to theoretical modeling that involves identification of the mechanism of action.
* Proposals are requested that focus upon relating endpoints suggestive of effects on endocrine function to adverse outcomes in individuals and populations. Most mechanistic endpoints indicative of alterations in specific endocrine systems cannot be easily linked to adverse biological effects. For example, there have been reports of the induction of vitellogenin in fish exposed to certain types of effluents, but the practical consequences of this estrogen-mediated response in terms of population viability are unclear (note, this is used solely as an example, not necessarily to solicit proposals on this specific topic to the exclusion of others). Because of the critical roles that successful reproduction and early development have on population dynamics, these endpoints are of particular interest. Animal models for this research are not constrained to any particular class/species but, to the extent practically possible, should focus on species/classes that are ecologically important but that have not traditionally been the focus of research in this area. Of particular interest are species which might be at significant risk due either to unique aspects of life history and/or potential EDC exposure. This might include oviparous animals, long-lived animals with limited reproductive capacity, invertebrates, or amphibians.
2. Effects of exposure to EDCs during development on human health
The goal of this component of the RFA is to encourage integrated, multi-disciplinary epidemiologic, toxicologic, and basic science research on the effects of EDCs on human health. Research is sought to determine the health consequences from exposures during in utero, neonatal, and/or childhood development to agents that interfere with function of the endocrine system. Health endpoints of interest may be manifest before birth, during the neonatal period, during childhood, puberty, and in adulthood. New methods to characterize human exposure during these critical windows of development are encouraged.
Health consequences should be considered in humans and animal models in males and females. Conditions of interest in males include birth defects, including hypospadias and other urogenital abnormalities; alterations in the normal growth and development of male sex organs, including prostate and testes; puberty; changes in male hormone patterns; and sperm count and quality. In females, health endpoints include birth defects; onset of menarche and other aspects of pubertal development; menstrual disturbances and alterations in hormone patterns; and female infertility, including endometriosis. Studies of potential EDC impact on physical and mental growth and development are appropriate in both genders.
* Proposals are requested that focus on the development of animal models of endocrine disruptor-induced human diseases, with special attention on determining modes and mechanisms of action for use in low dose extrapolation of effects on reproductive development. Studies that integrate physiologically-based pharmacokinetic models of chemical metabolism and distribution with biologically-based quantitative dose-response modeling components are of special interest. Laboratory studies can include whole animal effects and tissue and cell culture studies of cellular and molecular effects of exposure.
* Epidemiologic studies of the health consequences of EDCs are encouraged. Improved methods of exposure assessment for individual chemicals or environmentally relevant mixtures is a critical element of all epidemiologic studies in this field. Case control, cohort, and other novel study designs are encouraged. The development of new analytical techniques and biomarkers to measure EDCs currently in commercial use but that may not be as persistent in the environment as the organochlorines is needed. Examples of classes of EDCs not well studied to date include fungicides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals such as bisphenol A, alkyl phenols, and phthalates.
* Exposure assessment studies to describe the levels of EDC chemicals currently or recently in use and in the environment are encouraged. These studies should seek to relate past and current environmental levels of exposure with human body burden and health outcomes. The development of methods from which to extrapolate between environmental levels and human exposures is encouraged.
In all cases, we welcome and encourage the submission of proposals from groups of investigators and institutions that can bring sufficient multi-disciplinary expertise to address the outlined areas.
Background information regarding the state-of-the-science can be obtained by consulting Kavlock et al, 19961, Ankley, et al, 19972, Crisp et al 19983 and the EPA Research Strategy on Endocrine Disruptors. The latter document is available on the Internet (https://www.epa.gov/ORD/resplans/resplans.html). These documents are meant to provide background information, not specific research priorities for this RFA.
Funds AvailableApproximately $8-10M will be available to support this program from the participating Agencies and Departments during the first year. The upper limit for awards is $500,000 per year, total costs. Awards up to three years may be requested and are subject to the availability of funds.
Healthy People 2000The cooperating agencies are committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2000," a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This RFA on endocrine disruption is related to the priority area of environmental health. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2000" (full report: stock number 017-001-00474-0 or summary report: stock number 017-001-00473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone: 202-512-1800).
Eligibility RequirementsAcademic and not-for-profit organizations located in the U.S., and state or local governments, are eligible under all existing authorizations. Profit-making firms are not eligible to receive grants under this program. Federal Laboratories, national laboratories funded by federal agencies (FFRDCs), and federal employees are not eligible to apply to this program. Federal employees are encouraged to cooperate or collaborate with academic and not-for-profit organizations within the limits imposed by applicable legislation and regulations. Potential applicants who are uncertain of their eligibility should contact Dr. Robert E. Menzer (listed under "Contacts").
Standard Instructions for Submitting an Application This section contains a set of special instructions related to how applicants should apply for a research grant under this solicitation. Proposed projects must be for research designed to advance the state of knowledge in the research areas described in this solicitation.
Sorting CodesIn order to facilitate proper assignment and review of applications, each applicant is asked to identify the topic area in which the application is to be considered. At various places within the application, applicants will be asked to identify this topic area by using the Sorting Code. The Sorting Code for this solicitation is
99-NCERQA-D1 for Population-level effects of EDCs in wildlife
99-NCERQA-D2 for Effects of exposure to EDCs during development on human health
The Sorting Code must be placed at the top of the abstract (as shown in the abstract format), in Box 10 of Standard Form 424 (as described in the section on SF424), and should also be included in the address on the package that is sent to EPA (see the section on how to apply).
The ApplicationThe initial application is made through the submission of the materials described below. It is essential that the application contain all the information requested and be submitted in the formats described. If it is not, the application may be rejected on administrative grounds. If an application is considered for award, (i.e., after external peer review and internal review) additional forms and other information will be requested by the Project Officer of the funding agency. The application should not be bound or stapled in any way. The Application contains the following:
A. Standard Form 424: The applicant must complete Standard Form 424 (see attached form and instructions). This form will act as a cover sheet for the application and should be its first page. Instructions for completion of the SF424 are included with the form. The form must contain the original signature of an authorized representative of the applying institution. Please note that both the Principal Investigator and an administrative contact should be identified in Section 5 of the SF424.
B. Key Contacts: The applicant must complete the Key Contacts Form (attached) as the second page of the submitted application.
C. Abstract: The abstract is a very important document. Prior to attending the peer review panel meetings, some of the panelists may read only the abstract. Therefore, it is critical that the abstract accurately describe the research being proposed and convey all the essential elements of the research. Also, in the event of an award, the abstracts will form the basis for an Annual Report of awards made under this program. The abstract should include the following information, as indicated in the example format provided:
1. Sorting Code: Use the code 99-NCERQA-D1 or 99-NCERQA-D2.
2. Title: Use the exact title as it appears in the rest of the application.
3. Investigators: List the names and affiliations of each investigator who will significantly contribute to the project. Start with the Principal Investigator.
4. Project Summary: This should summarize: (a) the objectives of the study (including any hypotheses that will be tested), (b) the experimental approach to be used (which should give an accurate description of the project as described in the proposal), (c) the expected results of the project and how it addresses the research needs identified in the solicitation, and (d) the estimated improvement in risk assessment or risk management that will result from successful completion of the work proposed.
5. Supplemental Keywords: A list of suggested keywords is provided for your use. Do not duplicate terms already used in the text of the abstract.
D. Project Description: This description must not exceed fifteen (15) consecutively numbered (center bottom), 8.5x11-inch pages of single-spaced standard 12-point type with 1-inch margins. The description must provide the following information:
1. Objectives: List the objectives of the proposed research and the hypotheses being tested during the project and briefly state why the intended research is important. This section can also include any background or introductory information that would help explain the objectives of the study (one to two pages recommended).
2. Approach: Outline the methods, approaches, and techniques that you intend to employ in meeting the objective stated above (five to 10 pages recommended).
3. Expected Results or Benefits: Describe the results you expect to achieve during the project, the benefits of success as they relate to the topic under which the proposal was submitted, and the potential recipients of these benefits. This section should also discuss the utility of the research project proposed for addressing the environmental problems described in the solicitation (one to two pages recommended).
4. General Project Information: Discuss other information relevant to the potential success of the project. This should include facilities, personnel, project schedules, proposed management, interactions with other institutions, etc. (one to two pages recommended).
5. Important Attachments: Appendices and/or other information may be included but must remain within the 15-page limit. References cited are in addition to the 15 pages.
E. Resumes: The resumes of all principal investigators and important co-workers should be presented. Resumes must not exceed two consecutively numbered (bottom center), 8.5x11-inch pages of single-spaced standard 12-point type with 1-inch margins for each individual.
F. Current and Pending Support: The applicant must identify any current and pending financial resources that are intended to support research related to that included in the proposal or which would consume the time of principal investigators. This should be done by completing the appropriate form (see attachment) for each investigator and other senior personnel involved in the proposal. Failure to provide this information may delay consideration of your proposal.
G. Budget: The applicant must present a detailed, itemized budget for the entire project. This budget must be in the format provided in the example (see attachment) and not exceed two consecutively numbered (bottom center), 8.5x11-inch pages with 1-inch margins. Please note that institutional cost sharing is not required and, therefore, does not have to be included in the budget table. If desired, a brief statement concerning cost sharing can be added to the budget justification.
H. Budget Justification: This section should describe the basis for calculating the personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and other costs identified in the itemized budget and explain the basis for their calculation (special attention should be given to explaining the travel, equipment, and other categories). This should also include an explanation of how the indirect costs were calculated. This justification should not exceed two consecutively numbered (bottom center), 8.5x11-inch pages of single-spaced standard 12-point type with 1-inch margins.
I. Quality Assurance Narrative Statement: For any project involving data collection or processing, conducting surveys, environmental measurements, and/or modeling, provide a statement on how quality processes or products will be assured. This statement should not exceed two consecutively numbered, 8.5x11-inch pages of single-spaced standard 12-point type with 1-inch margins. This is in addition to the 15 pages permitted for the Project Description. The Quality Assurance Narrative Statement should, for each item listed below, either present the required information or provide a justification as to why the item does not apply to the proposed research. For awards that involve environmentally related measurements or data generation, a quality system that complies with the requirements of ANSI/ASQC E4, "Specifications and Guidelines for Quality Systems for Environmental Data Collection and Environmental Technology Programs," must be in place.
1. The activities to be performed or hypothesis to be tested (reference may be made to the specific page and paragraph number in the application where this information may be found); criteria for determining the acceptability of data quality in terms of precision, accuracy, representativeness, completeness, comparability.
2. The study design including sample type and location requirements and any statistical analyses that were used to estimate the types and numbers of samples required for physical samples or similar information for studies using survey and interview techniques.
3. The procedures for the handling and custody of samples, including sample identification, preservation, transportation, and storage.
4. The methods that will be used to analyze samples or data collected, including a description of the sampling and/or analytical instruments required.
5. The procedures that will be used in the calibration and performance evaluation of the sampling and analytical methods used during the project.
6. The procedures for data reduction and reporting, including a description of statistical analyses to be used and of any computer models to be designed or utilized with associated verification and validation techniques.
7. The intended use of the data as they relate to the study objectives or hypotheses.
8. The quantitative and or qualitative procedures that will be used to evaluate the success of the project.
9. Any plans for peer or other reviews of the study design or analytical methods prior to data collection.
ANSI/ASQC E4, "Specifications and Guidelines for Quality Systems for Environmental Data Collection and Environmental Technology Programs" is available for purchase from the American Society for Quality Control, phone 1-800-248-1946, item T55. Only in exceptional circumstances should it be necessary to consult this document.
J. Postcard: The Applicant must include with the application a self-addressed, stamped 3x5-inch post card. This will be used to acknowledge receipt of the application and to transmit other important information to the applicant.
How to Apply
The application and peer review processes will be managed by EPA for the cooperating agencies. The original and ten (10) copies of the fully developed application and five (5) additional copies of the abstract (15 in all), must be received by EPA no later than 4:00 P.M. EDT on the closing date, September 16, 1998.
The application and abstract must be prepared in accordance with these instructions. Informal, incomplete, or unsigned proposals will not be considered. The application should not be bound or stapled in any way. The original and copies of the application should be secured with paper or binder clips. Completed applications should be sent via regular mail to:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Peer Review Division (8703R)
Sorting Code: 99-NCERQA-D1 or 99-NCERQA-D2
401 M Street, SW
Washington DC 20460
For express mail or courier-delivered applications, the following address must be used:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Peer Review Division (8703R)
Sorting Code: 99-NCERQA-D1 or 99-NCERQA-D2
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Room B-10105
Washington, DC 20004
Phone: (202) 564-6939 (for express mail applications)
Guidelines, Limitations, and Additional Requirements
If you wish to submit more than one application, you must ensure that the research proposed is significantly different from that in any other that you have submitted to this solicitation or from any other grant you are currently receiving from any federal government agency.
Projects that contain subcontracts constituting more than 40% of the total direct cost of the grant for each year in which the subcontract is awarded will be subject to special review and may require additional justification.
The NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public Law 103-43) requires that women and members of minority groups and their subpopulations must be included in all NIH-supported biomedical and behavioral research projects involving human subjects, unless a clear and compelling rationale and justification is provided that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the health of the subjects or the purpose of the research. This policy supersedes and strengthens the previous policies (Concerning the Inclusion of Women in Study Populations, and Concerning the Inclusion of Minorities in Study Populations), which have been in effect since 1990. The policy contains some provisions that are substantially different from the 1990 policies. Grantees, regardless of funding source, will be expected to adhere to this policy.
All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the "NIH Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research," which were published in the Federal Register of March 28, 1994 (FR 59, 14508-14513) and reprinted in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Volume 23, Number 11, March 18, 1994. Investigators also may obtain copies of the policy from the NIH program staff listed under CONTACTS. Program staff may also provide further discussion concerning the policy. Compliance with the above policies will be evaluated during the review process.
This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.113, 93.114, and 93.115. NIEHS awards are made under authorization of the Public Health Service Act, Title IV, Part a (Public Law 78-410, as amended by Public Law 99-158, 43 USC 241 and 285) and administered under PHS Grants Policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR 74. EPA awards are made under authority of 40 CFR 30 and 40. This program is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of executive order 12372 or Health Systems Agency Review.
The sponsoring agencies strongly encourage all grant and contract recipients to provide a smoke free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care, or early childhood development services are provided to children.
Researchers will be expected to budget for and participate in an annual All-Investigators Meeting with federal agency scientists and other grantees to report on research activities and to discuss issues of mutual interest.
Review and SelectionAll grant applications are initially reviewed to determine their legal and administrative acceptability. Acceptable applications are then reviewed by an appropriate technical peer review group. This review is designed to evaluate each proposal according to its scientific merit. In general, the review group will be composed of scientists and engineers who are experts in their respective disciplines and are proficient in the technical areas they are reviewing. The reviewers use the following criteria to help them in their reviews:
1. The originality and creativity of the proposed research, the appropriateness and adequacy of the research methods proposed, and the appropriateness and adequacy of the Quality Assurance Narrative Statement. Is the research approach practical and technically defensible, and can the project be performed within the proposed time period? Will the research contribute to scientific knowledge in the topic area of the solicitation? Is the proposal well-prepared with supportive information that is self-explanatory and understandable?
2. The qualifications of the principal investigator and other key personnel, including research training, demonstrated knowledge of pertinent literature, experience, and publication records. Will all key personnel contribute a significant time commitment to the project?
3. The scientific environment, including the availability and/or adequacy of the facilities and equipment proposed for the project. Do the proposed experiments take advantage of unique features of the scientific environment or employ useful collaborative arrangements? Is there evidence of institutional support?
4. The responsiveness of the proposal to the research needs identified for the topic area. Does the proposal adequately address the objectives specified for this topic area?
5. Although budget information is not used by the reviewers as the basis for their evaluation of scientific merit, the reviewers are asked to provide their view on the appropriateness and/or adequacy of the proposed budget and its implications for the potential success of the proposed research. Input on requested equipment is of particular interest.
6. For projects involving human subjects, the adequacy of plans to include both genders and minorities and their subgroups as appropriate for the scientific goals of the research. Plans for recruitment and retention of subjects will also be evaluated.
Applications that are of sufficient scientific quality based on the peer review are subjected to a programmatic review within each participating federal agency, the object being to assure a balanced research portfolio under this program. Scientists from the participating agencies review these applications in relation to program priorities and their complementarity to the ongoing research within each federal agency. Applications that are within the program areas of NIEHS will be reviewed by the National Advisory Environmental Health Sciences Council in accordance with PHS policy. Funding recommendations are developed by each participating federal agency.
Funding decisions are coordinated through the EDWG, with the final funding decision being the sole responsibility of the funding agency. Grants are selected on the basis of technical merit, relevancy to the research priorities outlined, program balance, and budget. A summary statement of the scientific review by the peer panel will be provided to each applicant.
Applications selected for funding will require additional certifications, possibly a revised budget, and responses to any comments or suggestions offered by the peer reviewers. Project officers from each of the funding agencies will contact principal investigators to obtain these materials.
Proprietary Information
By submitting an application in response to this solicitation, the applicant grants EPA and other participating agencies permission to share the application with technical reviewers both within and outside of their respective organizations. Applications containing proprietary or other types of confidential information will be returned to the applicant without review.
Funding MechanismThe funding mechanism for all awards issued under this solicitation will consist of grants from the federal agencies involved in this announcement and depends on the availability of funds. In accordance with Public Law 95-224, the primary purpose of a grant is to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by Federal statute rather than acquisition for the direct benefit of the government. Policies that govern grant award programs of each agency will prevail for respective sources of support. Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed project will be solely that of the applicant.
Contacts
Additional general information on the grants program, forms used for applications, etc., may be obtained by exploring the Web at
<https://www.epa.gov/ncerqa>. The participating agencies do not intend to make mass-mailings of this announcement. Information may also be obtained by contacting:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Center for Environmental Research
(8703R)
401 M Street, SW
Washington DC 20460
Phone: 1-800-490-9194
In addition, a contact person has been identified from each participating Agency or Department for additional information on this topic. These individuals will usually be either the Program Manager or the Project Officers for the grants funded under this announcement. They will respond to inquires regarding the solicitation and can respond to any technical questions related to your application
Endocrine Disruptors
EPA Contacts
* David Reese 202-564-6919
reese.david@epamail.epa.gov
* Robert Menzer 202-564-6849
menzer.robert@epamail.epa.gov
NIEHS Contacts
* Gwen Collman 919-541-4980
collman@niehs.nih.gov
* Jerry Heindel 919-541-0781
heindel_j@niehs.nih.gov
* David Mineo (for fiscal matters)
919-541-1373
mineo@niehs.nih.gov
DOI Contact
* Michael Mac 703-648-4073
michael_mac@usgs.gov
NOAA Contact
* Teri Rowles 301-713-2322
teri.rowles@noaa.gov
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The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.