Grantee Research Project Results
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Center for Environmental Research
Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Program
CLOSED - FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY
Nanotechnology Research Grants Investigating Environmental and Human Health Effects of Manufactured Nanomaterials: a Joint Research Solicitation-EPA, NSF, NIOSH, NIEHS
This is the initial announcement of this funding opportunity.
Funding Opportunity Numbers:
- EPA-G2006-STAR-F1 – Toxicology
- EPA-G2006-STAR-F2 – Fate/Transport
- EPA-G2006-STAR-F3 – Exposure/Bioavailability
- EPA-G2006-STAR-F4 – Life Cycle Assessment
- EPA-G2006-STAR-F5 – Exploratory Toxicology
- EPA-G2006-STAR-F6 – Exploratory Fate/Transport
- EPA-G2006-STAR-F7 – Exploratory Exposure/Bioavailability
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: EPA: 66.509; NIOSH: 93.262; NIEHS: 93.114; NSF: 47.041
Solicitation Opening Date: December 20, 2005
Solicitation Closing Date: February 22, 2006, 4:00 pm Eastern Time
Eligibility Contact: Tom Barnwell: 202-343-9862; email: barnwell.thomas@epa.gov
Electronic Submissions: Bronda Harrison, PhD; 202-343-9777; email: harrison.bronda@epa.gov
Technical Contacts:
- Cynthia J. Ekstein, PhD; National Science Foundation; Telephone: 703-292-7941; Email: cekstein@nsf.gov
- Adele M. Childress, PhD, M.S.P.H.; Office of Extramural Programs; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Telephone: 404-498-2509; Email: ahc0@cdc.gov
- Sally S. Tinkle, PhD, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences; Telephone: 919-541-5327; Email: tinkle@niehs.nih.gov
- Nora Savage, PhD; Environmental Protection Agency; Telephone: 202-343-9858; Email: savage.nora@epa.gov
Access Standard STAR Forms and Instructions
Research awarded under previous solicitations
SUMMARY OF PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Synopsis of Program
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD) as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program; the National Science Foundation (NSF), Engineering Directorate; the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) ; and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), are seeking applications proposing research about the potential implications of nanotechnology and manufactured nanomaterials on human health and the environment. Research areas can include the toxicology, fate, transport and transformation, bioavailability, exposures of human and other species in natural ecosystems to nanomaterials, and industrial ecology related to nanomaterials.
This is the initial announcement of this funding opportunity. Although not anticipated, should modifications of this announcement be necessary, they will be posted appropriately.
Award Information:
Anticipated Type of Award: Grant
Estimated Number of Awards: Approximately 25 awards
Anticipated Funding Amount: Approximately $8 million total costs for all awards under this announcement depending on availability of funds in fiscal year 2006. EPA intends to commit up to $5,000,000 and NIOSH, NSF, and NIEHS intend to commit up to $1,000,000 each depending on availability of funds in fiscal year 2006.
Potential Funding per Grant: For a grant proposing research on: toxicological and biological effects of manufactured nanomaterials; environmental and biological fate, transport, and transformation of manufactured nanomaterials; or exposure/bioavailability of humans and other species to manufactured nanomaterials, an applicant may request a project period of up to three years and a budget for total costs (direct and indirect) not to exceed $400,000. For an exploratory research grant under the above referenced topic areas or for life cycle assessment, an applicant may request a project period for up to two years and a budget for total costs (direct and indirect) not to exceed $200,000. Although the financial plans of EPA, NIOSH, NSF and NIEHS currently provide support for this funding opportunity, awards pursuant to this request for applications (RFA) are contingent upon the availability of funds and the receipt of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. Proposals with budgets exceeding the total award limits will not be considered.
Eligibility Information:
EPA will fund institutions of higher education and not-for-profit institutions located in the U.S., and tribal, state and local governments. Universities and educational institutions must be subject to OMB Circular A-21. Profit-making firms are not eligible to receive grants from the EPA under this funding opportunity.
NSF, NIOSH, and NIEHS will fund the following: for-profit or nonprofit organizations; public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, and laboratories; units of state and local governments; eligible agencies of the Federal government; domestic institutions/organizations only; faith-based community-based organizations; federally recognized Indian Tribes, Tribal Governments, Colleges, and/or Organizations. See full announcement for more details.
Note: An organization described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engages in lobbying activities is not eligible to receive Federal funds constituting an award, grant or loan.
Application Materials:
You may submit either a paper application or an electronic application (but not both) for this announcement. The necessary forms for submitting a STAR application will be found on the National Center for Environmental Research (NCER) web site, https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/funding-opportunities-how-apply-and-required-forms. To apply electronically, you must use the application package available at https://apply.grants.gov/forms_apps_idx.html (see "Submission Instructions for Electronic Applications" in Section IV). If your organization is not currently registered with grants.gov, you need to allow approximately one week to complete the registration process to apply electronically. This registration, and the electronic submission of your application, must be performed by an appropriate representative of your organization.
Contact Persons:
Eligibility Contact: Tom Barnwell; phone: 202-343-9862; email: barnwell.thomas@epa.gov
Electronic Submissions Contact: Bronda Harrison; phone: 202-343-9777; email: harrison.bronda@epa.gov
Technical Contacts:
Nora Savage, PhD; Environmental Protection Agency; Telephone: 202-343-9858; Email: savage.nora@epa.gov
Cynthia J. Ekstein, PhD; National Science Foundation; Telephone: 703-292-7941; Email: cekstein@nsf.gov
Adele M. Childress, PhD, M.S.P.H.; Office of Extramural Programs; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Telephone: 404-498-2509; Email: ahc0@cdc.gov
Sally S. Tinkle, PhD, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences; Telephone: 919-541-5327; Email: tinkle@niehs.nih.gov
I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION
Introduction
The purpose of this collaborative research program is to strengthen the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA), the National Science Foundation’s (NSF), Engineering Directorate, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s, (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences’ (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) support of research on the potential implications of nanotechnology and manufactured nanomaterials on human health, workplace safety, and the environment. The RFA sponsors are particularly interested in supporting research related to manufactured nanomaterials in the any of following areas: (1) toxicological and biological effects of manufactured nanomaterials; (2) environmental and biological fate, transport, and transformation of manufactured nanomaterials; (3) human exposure/bioavailability; and (4) life cycle assessment.
EPA supports research to meet its mission of protecting human health and the environment. Research solicited under this funding announcement will be used by the engineering and scientific community in risk assessment, specifically in hazard identification and exposure assessment. EPA is interested in funding research on the possible risks and exposure routes of newly produced chemicals and materials at the nanoscale. Information regarding current research can be found on ORD's National Center for Environmental Research (NCER) web site at
NSF supports research to help meet its mission, i.e., “to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defense.” Information resulting from this solicitation will be used to assist and enable the engineering and scientific communities to advance the frontiers of research, innovation, and education. The research should focus on emerging and potentially transformative ideas, and application of new expertise or new approaches to “established” topics.
NIOSH supports research to meet its mission, i.e ., “ to provide leadership in preventing work-related illnesses and injuries.” Information resulting from this solicitation will be used to identify and investigate the relationships between hazardous working conditions and associated occupational diseases and injuries; to develop more sensitive means of evaluating hazards at work sites, as well as methods for measuring early markers of adverse health effects and injuries; to develop new protective equipment, engineering control technology, and work practices to reduce the risks of occupational hazards; and to evaluate the technical feasibility or application of a new or improved occupational safety and health procedure, method, technique, or system.
NIEHS supports research to meet its mission to reduce the burden of human illness and dysfunction from environmental causes by defining how environmental exposures affect an individual's health status. Information resulting from this solicitation will be used to determine the characteristics of nanomaterial biocompatibility and toxicity and will contribute to exposure assessment and risk evaluation. NIEHS is interested in funding research that explores dose metrics and routes of nanomaterial exposure, and the molecular, cellular, and organ system response to exposure.
Background
Nanotechnology has been defined by the interagency Subcommittee on Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Technology (NSET) of the Federal Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) as follows: “Research and technology development at the atomic, molecular or macromolecular levels, in the length scale of approximately 1 - 100 nanometer range, that provide a fundamental understanding of phenomena and materials at the nanoscale and to create and use structures, devices and systems that have novel properties and functions because of their small and/or intermediate size. The novel and differentiating properties and functions are developed at a critical length scale of matter typically under 100 nm. Nanotechnology research and development includes manipulation and control of the nanoscale structures and their integration into larger material components, systems and architectures.” (See http://www.nano.gov for more information)
Many companies are currently involved in the manufacture of nanoscale materials which are used in a wide range of products, such as sunscreens, composites, medical devices, and chemical catalysts. According to data collected by the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), the quantity of nanoscale materials manufactured by various industries is expected to grow significantly in the next five years. Business Communications Company has projected a $10 billion global demand for nanoscale materials, tools, and devices in 2010. This large increase in demand and production could lead to unintended exposures of nanoscale materials to humans and other organisms.
There is insufficient information about the human health and environmental implications of manufactured nanomaterials, e.g., nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanowires, fullerene derivatives, and other nanoscale materials. Figure 1 provides an overview of nanostructures, their size, and material into which they may be formed. Environmental and other safety concerns about nanotechnology have been raised (Masciangoli and Zhang, 2003; Colvin, 2004). This solicitation requests research proposals which address potential health and environmental concerns of nanomaterials using the best science available to support EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment, NSF’s mission to promote the progress of science and national welfare, NIOSH’s mission to help assure safe working conditions, and NIEHS’s mission to understand the human health consequence of environmental exposures.
Figure 1: Characterization parameters of nanoparticulate materials (Adapted from Wolfgang Luther, ed., “Industrial Applications of Nanomaterials: Chances and Risks – Technological Analysis,” Futures Technologies Division of VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH, Dusseldorf, Germany, 2004, 43.)
In the case of nanomaterials, size matters; the small size might facilitate or exacerbate any harmful effects caused by the component material. Potentially harmful effects might arise as a result of the properties of the nanomaterials themselves or the products made from them, as well as through the manufacturing process involved. The increased surface area, unique crystalline structure, small size, and enhanced reactivity of some nanomaterials dictate transport properties within the environment and may lead to harmful interactions with cellular material.
Little is known about the fate, transport, and transformation of nanosized materials after they enter the environment. As the production of manufactured nanomaterials increases and as products containing manufactured nanomaterials are produced, used, recycled, or disposed of, these materials could have harmful effects on the ecosystem. It is unknown to what extent nanomaterials bioaccumulate or pose further risks to human health and the environment through biomagnification along the food chain.
Some research has been done on inhalation and dermal exposure to nanoparticles (Oberdorster, 2005). This research may inform the manufactured nanomaterials area. However, much of the current research addresses exposures to ultrafine particles (defined at those particles with sizes ranging from 1-100nm). This research on “incidental” nanoparticles may not be applicable to manufactured nanoparticles because the ultrafine/incidental materials studied possess neither consistency in size and shape nor purity in chemical and structural composition. Studies of ingestion routes of exposure to nanomaterials have been neglected for both incidental and manufactured nanomaterials.
The primary EPA Strategic Goal, Objective and Sub-objective that relates to this solicitation is: Goal 4: Healthy Communities and Ecosystems, Objective 4.5: Enhance Science and Research, Sub-objective 4.5.2 Conduct Relevant Research. This solicitation also supports Goal 5: Compliance and Environmental Stewardship, Objective: 5.4 Enhance Science and Research, Sub-objective 5.4.2 Conducting Research. The Cross-Goal Strategies in Partnerships and in Science also relate to this solicitation. EPA’s Strategic Plan can be found on the following web page: >https://www.epa.gov/ocfo/plan/2003sp.pdf.
Authorities and Regulations
EPA’s authority for this RFA and resulting awards is contained in the Safe Drinking Water Act, Section 1442, 42 U.S.C. 300j-1; the Clean Water Act, Section 104, 33 U.S.C.; the Toxic Substances Control Act, Section 10, 15 U.S.C. 2609; the Clean Air Act, Section 103, 42 U.S.C. 7403; and the Solid Waste Disposal Act, Section 8001, 42 U.S.C. 6901.
NIOSH awards are made under the authorization of Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284), the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, Section 20(a)[29 USC 669(a)], and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92. All NIOSH awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
NIEHS awards are made under the authorization of Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92. All NIEHS awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Specific Research Areas of Interest/Expected Outputs and Outcomes
The RFA sponsors are particularly interested in supporting research related to manufactured nanomaterials in the any of following areas: (1) toxicological and biological effects of manufactured nanomaterials; (2) environmental and biological fate, transport, and transformation of manufactured nanomaterials; (3) exposure/bioavailability of humans and other species to manufactured nanomaterials; and (4) life cycle assessment. The RFA sponsors are also soliciting exploratory research related to topic areas 1-3 listed above.
Manufactured nanomaterials or nanocomposites may be toxic to humans and other species in natural ecosystems because of their composition, unique size, or structural properties. Relevant research questions might include, but are not limited to: What is the toxicity or potential toxicity of manufactured nanomaterials? Can similar nanomaterials be grouped with respect to their bioactivity? What are the health effects associated with nanomaterial-mixed exposures or multiple exposure routes? What are the dose-response characteristics of nanomaterials? What are appropriate testing procedures, models, and biomarkers to evaluate the potential toxicological effects of nanomaterials in humans and/or other species in natural ecosystems? What extrapolation models are needed to evaluate or predict toxicity? What is the mode of action and mechanism of toxicity? What effects may occur in exposed human and wildlife populations? Are some subpopulations more sensitive to nanomaterials? Do nanoparticles impact ecological (animal/plant) receptors? Relevant results of this research would include increased scientific knowledge of the mechanisms by which these materials impart toxicity, enhanced knowledge of the important dose/response characteristics, and data on likely human health effects. Outputs/outcomes would include improved protection of public health through an enhanced understanding of the toxicology of engineered nanomaterials, an improved understanding of how to lessen or modify the toxicity of these materials, and an increased scientific knowledge on the potential adverse health effects of these materials.
Information about fate, transport, and transformation is necessary to estimate exposure to manufactured nanomaterials. Relevant research questions might include, but are not limited to: By what means do (can) manufactured nanomaterials enter the environment? What forms of nanomaterials are bioavailable? What are the modes of dispersion/aggregation for nanomaterials in the environment? Do manufactured nanoparticles undergo transformation in the environment? Are more toxic metabolites formed in biological systems? Do manufactured nanoparticles bioaccumulate through the food chain? How are nanomaterials translocated from one organ to another? How do nanomaterials transfer from one media to another? Relevant results of this research would include providing scientific knowledge on the partitioning of nanomaterials in various media and increased data on movement and transformation capacities. Outputs/outcomes would include providing researchers with critical information concerning the fate of manufactured nanomaterials, progress review workshops geared towards increasing the collaboration and coordination of environmental research on manufactured nanomaterials, and improved environmental protection through the knowledge gained concerning the fate, transport, and transformation of engineered nanomaterials as they enter and move through various ecosystems.
There may be risks to human health associated with manufactured nanomaterials. However, if there is no exposure, there are no health risks. With respect to exposure, relevant research questions might include, but are not limited to: How and to what degree are humans exposed to nanomaterials in the environment and workplace? What effects may occur in exposed human populations and occupations? Are some subpopulations more vulnerable to nanomaterial exposure? What are the exposure pathways for humans? What are the effects of nanomaterials and mixtures on current engineering controls and personnel protective equipment? What releases might occur from the manufacturing processes of nanomaterials? How can exposures be quantified? At what stages in the product lifecycle might exposure occur? Relevant results of this research would include gaining insight into the type, extent and timing of exposure. In addition, the scientific community will gain increased knowledge into the exposure patterns of nanomaterials. Outputs/outcomes would include improved protection of the environment and human health through the understanding of exposure to manufactured nanomaterials, an increase in scientific data on exposure of living systems and the environment to engineered nanomaterials, an increase in information concerning where and when potential outcomes may occur for specific manufactured nanomaterials, and progress review workshops and other workshops geared towards increasing the collaboration and coordination of environmental research on manufactured nanomaterials.
LCA is a technique to assess the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process, or service, by compiling an inventory of relevant energy and material inputs and environmental releases through a full life cycle from extraction through production, product and end of life; evaluating the potential environmental impacts associated with identified inputs and releases; and interpreting the results to help make a more informed decision. Relevant research questions might include, but are not limited to: Can the tools of LCA be developed and used proactively to determine environmental impacts of nanomaterials and products? How can substance flow analysis inform environmental impacts? Can life cycle tools help in decision making to minimize the environmental impact of nanomaterials and products? How will changes from current processes to nanotechnology processes affect material flows of hazardous substances? What are the lifecycle impacts from the manufacturing processes for nanomaterials? Relevant results of this research would include a better understanding of the life cycle of manufactured nanomaterials, from starting material to the end of life of the product. Outputs/outcomes include an improved database for the various life cycle stages of manufactured nanomaterials, the collection of critical data required for accurate and complete life cycle assessments to be performed, progress review workshops geared towards increasing the collaboration and coordination of environmental research on manufactured nanomaterials, providing the scientific community and policy makers with a tool that will enable prediction of the most likely impact of these materials, and an improved understanding of where the impact of a particular manufactured nanomaterial is most likely to occur would be greatly improved.
Manufactured nanomaterials or nanocomposites may be toxic to humans and other species in natural ecosystems because of their composition, unique size, or structural properties. Research that is exploratory in nature which investigates potential toxicity issues, mechanisms and strategies are requested. Outputs/outcomes would include improved protection of public health through an enhanced understanding of the toxicology of engineered nanomaterials, an improved understanding of how to lessen or modify the toxicity of these materials, and an increased scientific knowledge on the potential adverse health effects of these materials. Proposals in this category are for a maximum 2-year project period and budgeted at $200,000 or less.
Information about fate, transport, and transformation is necessary to estimate exposure to manufactured nanomaterials. Research that is exploratory in nature which investigates how these materials might behave in environmental or biological settings including methods of entry, ultimate fate and movement or translocation issues are requested. Outputs/outcomes would include providing researchers with critical information concerning the fate of manufactured nanomaterials, progress review workshops geared towards increasing the collaboration and coordination of environmental research on manufactured nanomaterials, and improved environmental protection through the knowledge gained concerning the fate, transport, and transformation of engineered nanomaterials as they enter and move through various ecosystems.
Proposals in this category are for a maximum 2-year project period and budgeted at $200,000 or less.
There may be risks to human health associated with manufactured nanomaterials. However, if there is no exposure, there are no health risks. Research that is exploratory in nature which investigates potential exposure of living organisms or the environment and the accessibility of these systems to manufactured nanomaterials are requested. Outputs/outcomes would include improved protection of the environment and human health through the understanding of exposure to manufactured nanomaterials, an increase in scientific data on exposure of living systems and the environment to engineered nanomaterials, an increase in information concerning where and when potential outcomes may occur for specific manufactured nanomaterials, and progress review workshops and other workshops geared towards increasing the collaboration and coordination of environmental research on manufactured nanomaterials. Proposals in this category are for a maximum 2-year project period and budgeted at $200,000 or less.
- Toxicological and biological effects of manufactured nanomaterials
- Environmental and biological fate, transport, and transformation of manufactured nanomaterials
- Exposure/Bioavailability of humans and other species to manufactured nanomaterials
- Life cycle assessment (LCA)
- Exploratory - Toxicological and biological effects of manufactured nanomaterials
- Exploratory - Environmental and biological fate, transport, and transformation of manufactured nanomaterials
- Exploratory - Exposure/Bioavailability of humans and other species to manufactured nanomaterials
Colvin, V. 2003. The potential environmental impact of engineered nanomaterials Nature Biotechnology 21, 1166 – 1170.
Jortner, J and CNR Rao. 2002. ‘Nanostructured Advanced Materials. Perspectives and Directions’ Pure Appl. Chem. 74(9), 1491-1506.
Masciangioli, TM and W-X Zhang. 2003. ‘Environmental Technologies at The Nanoscale: Potential & Pitfalls.’ Environ. Sci. Tech. 37 (5):102A – 108A.
Oberdörster G, Oberdörster E, Oberdörster J. 2005. ‘NANOTOXICOLOGY: An Emerging Discipline Evolving from Studies of Ultrafine Particles.’ Environ. Health Perspect. doi:10.1289/ehp.7339. [Online 22 March 2005]
The Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering, Nanoscience and nanotechnologies: Opportunities and uncertainties, London, July 2004, pp. 26-7, available online at www.nanotec.org.uk/finalReport.htm.
Special Requirements
Because the manufacturing of nanomaterials is not currently widespread and nomenclature is not standard, researchers must indicate in their proposals which nanomaterials they will use and where they will obtain them, including any needed collaboration with a materials manufacturing corporation or research lab that is synthesizing a commercially viable material. Thus, in the proposal, information on the source, potential use, composition, and present or future availability of the material being studied must be included, as well as a biohazards handling plan. Researchers are encouraged to explore the appropriateness and availability of special nanotechnology user facilities at the Department of Energy (http://www.nano.gov/html/centers/DOEcenters.html), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (http://www.nano.gov/html/centers/NISTcenters.html), and the NSF, under the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network program (http://www.nnin.org/).
EPA policy prevents EPA scientists and engineers from providing individual applicants with information that would provide them with an unfair competitive advantage. Consequently, EPA scientists and engineers will not review, comment, advise, or provide technical assistance to applicants preparing applications in response to EPA RFAs, or discuss in any manner how the Agency will apply the published evaluation criteria for this competition.
It is anticipated that a total of approximately $8 million will be awarded under this announcement, depending on the availability of funds. The EPA, NIOSH, NSF, and NIEHS anticipate funding approximately 25 total grants under this RFA.
Table of Funding Categories
| Topic Area | Funding Opportunity Number | *Max Annual Costs | Max # Years | *Max Total Costs |
| Toxicology | EPA-G2006-STAR-F1 | $133,000 | 3 | $400,000 |
| Fate/Transport | EPA-G2006-STAR-F2 | $133,000 | 3 | $400,000 |
| Exposure/Bioavailability | EPA-G2006-STAR-F3 | $133,000 | 3 | $400,000 |
| Life Cycle Assessment | EPA-G2006-STAR-F4 | $100,000 | 2 | $200,000 |
| Exploratory Toxicology | EPA-G2006-STAR-F5 | $100,000 | 2 | $200,000 |
| Exploratory Fate/Transport | EPA-G2006-STAR-F6 | $100,000 | 2 | $200,000 |
| Exploratory Exposure/Bioavailability | EPA-G2006-STAR-F7 | $100,000 | 2 | $200,000 |
*Includes direct and indirect costs.
Requests in excess of the amounts above will not be considered. The total project period for an application submitted in response to this RFA may not exceed the maximum years shown above.
Awards are contingent upon availability of funds and receipt of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. The EPA reserves the right to reject all applications and make no awards under this RFA. The EPA reserves the right to make additional awards under this RFA if additional funding becomes available. Any additional selections for awards will be made no later than 4 months after the original selection decisions.
EPA intends to fund grants rather than cooperative agreements under this announcement. Agency scientists and engineers will not be substantially involved in grants receiving EPA funding. However, EPA encourages interaction between its own laboratory scientists and grant Principal Investigators after the award of an EPA grant for the sole purpose of exchanging information in research areas of common interest that may add value to their respective research activities. This interaction must be incidental to achieving the goals of the research under a grant. Interaction that is "incidental" does not involve resource commitments.
Eligible Applicants
EPA will fund institutions of higher education and not-for-profit institutions located in the U.S., and tribal, state and local governments. Universities and educational institutions must be subject to OMB Circular A-21. Profit-making firms are not eligible to receive grants from the EPA under this program.
NSF,NIOSH, and NIEHSwill fund the following: for-profit or nonprofit organizations; public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, and laboratories; units of state and local governments; eligible agencies of the Federal government; domestic institutions/organizations only; faith-based community-based organizations; federally recognized Indian Tribes, Tribal Governments, Colleges, and/or Organizations.
Note: An organization described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engages in lobbying activities is not eligible to receive Federal funds constituting an award, grant or loan.
National laboratories funded by Federal Agencies Federally-Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) are not eligible for EPA funding. FFRDC employees may cooperate or collaborate with eligible applicants within the limits imposed by applicable legislation and regulations. They may participate in planning, conducting, and analyzing the research directed by the applicant, but may not direct projects on behalf of the applicant organization. The institution, organization, or governance receiving the award may provide funds through its grant from the EPA to an FFRDC for research personnel, supplies, equipment, and other expenses directly related to the research. However, salaries for permanent FFRDC employees may not be provided through this mechanism.
Federal Agencies are not eligible for EPA funding. Federal employees are not eligible to serve in a principal leadership role on a grant, and may not receive salaries or augment their Agency's appropriations in other ways through grants made by EPA. The applicant institution may enter into an agreement with a Federal Agency to purchase or utilize unique supplies or services unavailable in the private sector. Examples are purchase of satellite data, census data tapes, chemical reference standards, analyses, or use of instrumentation or other facilities not available elsewhere. A written justification for federal involvement must be included in the application. In addition, an appropriate form of assurance that documents the commitment, such as a letter of intent from the Federal Agency involved, should be included.
Potential applicants who are uncertain of their eligibility should contact Tom Barnwell in NCER, phone (202) 343-9862, email: barnwell.thomas@epa.gov
Cost-Sharing
Institutional cost-sharing is not required.
Other
Applications that do not substantially comply with the application submission instructions and requirements set forth in Section IV of this announcement will be rejected. In addition, where a page limit is expressed in Section IV with respect to parts of the application, pages in excess of the page limitation will not be reviewed. Applications must be received by the EPA on or before the solicitation closing date published in Section IV of this announcement. Applications received after the published closing date will be returned to the sender without further consideration. Also, applications exceeding the funding limits described herein will be returned without review. In addition, applications that fail to demonstrate a public purpose of support or stimulation will not be funded.
IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
You may submit either a paper application or an electronic application (but not both) for this announcement. Instructions for both forms of submission follow.
Internet Address to Request Application Package
For paper applications, forms and instructions can be found on the NCER web site: https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/funding-opportunities-how-apply-and-required-forms.
For electronic applications, use the application package available at https://apply.grants.gov/forms_apps_idx.html (see “Submission Instructions for Electronic Applications”).
For both paper and electronic applications, an email will be sent by NCER to the Principal Investigator and the Administrative Contact (see below) to acknowledge receipt of the application and transmit other important information. The email will be sent from receipt.application@epa.gov; email to this address will not be accepted. If you do not receive an email acknowledgment within 30 days of the submission closing date, immediately contact the Technical Contact listed under "Agency Contacts" in this solicitation. Failure to do so may result in your application not being reviewed. See “Submission Instructions for Electronic Applications” for additional information regarding acknowledgment of receipt of electronically submitted applications. Please note: Due to often lengthy delays in delivery, it is especially important that you monitor NCER’s confirmation of receipt of your application when using regular mail.
Content and Form of Application Submission
The application is made by submitting the materials described below. It is essential that the application contain all information requested and be submitted in the formats described.
The applicant must complete form SF424. This form will be the first page of the application. Instructions for completion of the SF424 are included with the form. The form must contain the original (or electronic) signature of an authorized representative of the applying institution. Please note that both the Principal Investigator and an administrative contact must be identified in Item 5 of the SF424.
Applicants are required to provide a “Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System” (DUNS) number in Item 5 when applying for federal grants or cooperative agreements. Organizations may receive a DUNS number by calling 1-866-705-5711 or by visiting the web site at http://www.dnb.com.
Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” applies to most EPA programs and assistance agreements, unless the program or assistance agreement supports tribal, training/fellowships (other than Wastewater and Small Water Systems Operator training programs), and research and development (with some exceptions). Item 16 of the SF424 refers to this requirement. Selection of research proposals is limited to those administered by EPA’s Office of Research and Development which: (a) require an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS); or (b) do not require an EIS but will be newly initiated at a particular site and require unusual measures to limit the possibility of adverse exposure or hazard to the general public; or (c) have a unique geographic focus and are directly relevant to the governmental responsibilities of a State or local government within that geographic area. Otherwise, national research programs are exempt from review. Applicants should consult http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html to determine whether their state participates in this process and how to comply.
The applicant must complete the “Key Contacts” form as the second page of the application; the Key Contacts continuation page is also available https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/funding-opportunities-how-apply-and-required-forms. The Key Contacts form should also be completed for major sub-agreements (i.e., contacts at the institutions for primary co-investigators). Please make certain that all contact information is accurate.
Provide a list of the major subdivisions of the application indicating the page number on which each section begins. (A Table of Contents is not required for electronic submissions.)
The abstract is a very important document in the review process. Therefore, it is critical that the abstract accurately describes the research being proposed and conveys all the essential elements of the research. Also, the abstracts of applications that receive funding will be posted on the NCER web site.
The abstract should include the information indicated in the example format and described below (1-8). Examples of abstracts for current grants may be found on the NCER web site.
Research Plan (15 pages)
Applications should focus on a limited number of research objectives that adequately and clearly demonstrate that they meet the RFA requirements. Explicitly state the main hypotheses that you will investigate, the data you will create or use, the analytical tools you will use to investigate these hypotheses or analyze these data, and the results you expect to achieve. Research methods must be clearly stated so that reviewers can evaluate the appropriateness of your approach and the tools you intend to use. A statement such as: “we will evaluate the data using the usual statistical methods” is not specific enough for peer reviewers.
This description must not exceed fifteen (15) consecutively numbered (bottom center), 8.5x11-inch pages of single-spaced, standard 12-point type with 1-inch margins. While these guidelines establish the minimum type size requirements, applicants are advised that readability is of paramount importance and should take precedence in selection of an appropriate font for use in the proposal.
Because the manufacturing of nanomaterials is not currently widespread and nomenclature is not standard, researchers must indicate in their proposals which nanomaterials they will use and where they will obtain them, including any needed collaboration with a materials manufacturing corporation or research lab that is synthesizing a commercially viable material. Thus, in the proposal, information on the source, potential use, composition, and present or future availability of the material being studied must be included, as well as a biohazards handling plan. Researchers are encouraged to explore the appropriateness and availability of special nanotechnology user facilities at the Department of Energy (http://www.nano.gov/html/centers/DOEcenters.html), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (http://www.nano.gov/html/centers/NISTcenters.html ), and the NSF, under the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network program (http://www.nnin.org/).
The description must provide the following information:
Quality Assurance Statement (2 pages in addition to the 15-page research plan)
For any project involving data collection or processing, conducting surveys, environmental measurements, modeling, or the development of environmental technology (whether hardware-based or via new techniques), provide a Statement on processes that will be used to assure that results of the research satisfy the intended project objectives. The EPA is particularly interested in the quality controls for data generation and acquisition, and how data validation and usability will be verified. The statement must describe a system that complies with ANSI/ASQC E4, Specifications and Guidelines for Quality Systems for Environmental Data Collection and Environmental Technology Programs, and must not exceed two consecutively numbered, 8.5x11-inch pages of single-spaced, standard 12-point type with 1-inch margins.
For each item below either present the required information, reference the specific location of the information in the Research Plan, or provide a justification of why the item does not apply to the proposed research.
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, phone 1-800-248-1946, item T55. Only in exceptional circumstances should it be necessary to consult this document. An EPA guidance document, Guidance on Satisfying EPA Quality System Requirements for STAR Grants (EPA QA/G-1STAR) is available for potential applicants and addresses in detail how to comply with ANSI/ASQC E4 for STAR grants. This may be found on the Internet at https://www.epa.gov/ncer under “Guidance and FAQs.”
Page allowances for the following sections are in addition to those allowed for the Research Plan and Quality Assurance Statement.
Budget
Prepare a budget table using the guidance and format found at https://www.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/forms/, and select “All required forms”. If a sub-agreement, such as a subcontract, is greater than $25K and is included in the application, provide a separate budget for the sub-agreement. Include the total amount for the sub-agreement under “Contracts” in the master budget. Any project containing sub-agreements that constitute more than 40% of the total direct cost of the grant will be subject to special review. Additional justification for use of such subcontracts must be provided, discussing the need for this agreement to accomplish the objectives of the research project.
Please note that institutional cost-sharing is not required. However, if cost-sharing is proposed, a brief statement concerning cost-sharing should be added to the budget justification, and estimated dollar amounts must be included in the appropriate categories in the budget table.
Budget Justification (2 pages in addition to the Section E. page limitations)
Describe the basis for calculating the personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and other costs identified in the itemized budget. The budget justification should not exceed two consecutively numbered (bottom center), 8.5x11-inch pages of single-spaced, standard 12-point type with 1-inch margins.
Budget information should be supported at the level of detail described below:
Resumes: Provide resumes for each investigator and important co-worker. The resume for each individual must not exceed two consecutively numbered (bottom center), 8.5x11-inch pages of single-spaced, standard 12-point type with 1-inch margins.
Current and Pending Support: Identify any current and pending financial resources that are intended to support research related to the proposal or that would consume the Principal Investigator’s time. Provide information on current and pending support in the format provided at https://www.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/forms for each investigator and important co-worker.
Confidentiality
By submitting an application in response to this solicitation, the applicant grants the EPA permission to make limited disclosures of the application to technical reviewers both within and outside the Agency for the express purpose of assisting the Agency with evaluating the application. Information from a pending or unsuccessful application will be kept confidential to the fullest extent allowed under law; information from a successful application may be publicly disclosed to the extent permitted by law.
In accordance with 40 CFR 2.203, applicants may claim all or a portion of the application/proposal as confidential business information (for example, hypotheses or methodologies contained in the research narrative that the applicant wishes to protect from possible public disclosure). EPA will evaluate confidentiality claims in accordance with 40 CFR Part 2. Applicants must clearly mark applications/proposals or portions of applications/proposals they claim as confidential. If no claim of confidentiality is made, the EPA is not required to make an inquiry to the applicant otherwise required by 40 CFR 2.204(c)(2) prior to disclosure.
Funding Opportunity Number
At various places in the application, applicants are asked to identify the funding opportunity number. The number must be placed at the top of the abstract (location is shown in the abstract format, https://www.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/forms) and in Box 10 of Standard Form 424 for all applications. For paper submissions, the number must also be placed in the address on the package that is sent to the EPA (see below). Each application must be submitted using a single funding opportunity number. The funding opportunity numbers for applications submitted in response to this solicitation are:
- Standard Form 424
- Key Contacts
- Table of Contents
- Abstract (1 page)
- Research Category and Funding Opportunity Number: The appropriate research areas and associated numbers for this RFA are:
- Nanotechnology Research Grants Investigating Environmental And Human Health Effects of Manufactured Nanomaterials: A Joint Research Solicitation - EPA, NSF, NIOSH, NIEHS, Funding Opportunity Number:
- EPA-G2006-STAR-F1 – Toxicology
- EPA-G2006-STAR-F2 – Fate/Transport
- EPA-G2006-STAR-F3 – Exposure/Bioavailability
- EPA-G2006-STAR-F4 – Life Cycle Assessment
- EPA-G2006-STAR-F5 – Exploratory Toxicology
- EPA-G2006-STAR-F6 – Exploratory Fate/Transport
- EPA-G2006-STAR-F7 – Exploratory Exposure/Bioavailability
- Nanotechnology Research Grants Investigating Environmental And Human Health Effects of Manufactured Nanomaterials: A Joint Research Solicitation - EPA, NSF, NIOSH, NIEHS, Funding Opportunity Number:
- Title: Use the exact title of your project as it appears in the application. The title must be brief yet represent the major thrust of the project. Because the title will be used by those not familiar with the project, strike a balance between highly technical words and phrases and more commonly understood terminology. Do not use general phrases such as “research on”.
- Investigators: List the Principal Investigator, then the names and affiliations of each co-investigator who will significantly contribute to the project. Provide a web site URL or an email contact address for additional information.
- Institution: In the same order as the list of investigators, list the name, city and state of each participating university or other applicant institution. The institution applying for assistance must be clearly identified.
- Project Period: Show the proposed project beginning and ending dates.
- Project Cost: Show the total dollars requested from the EPA (include direct and indirect costs for all grant years).
- Project Summary: Provide three subsections addressing: (a) the objectives of the study (including any hypotheses that will be tested), (b) the experimental approach to be used (a description of the project proposed), and (c) the expected results of the project and how it addresses the research needs identified in the solicitation, including the estimated improvement in risk assessment or risk management that will result from successful completion of the proposed work.
- Supplemental Keywords: Without duplicating terms already used in the text of the abstract, list keywords to assist database searchers in finding your research. A list of suggested keywords can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/funding-opportunities-how-apply-and-required-forms.
- Research Category and Funding Opportunity Number: The appropriate research areas and associated numbers for this RFA are:
- Research Plan and Quality Assurance Statement
- 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 should also include any background or introductory information that would help explain the objectives of the study. If this application is to continue research supported by an existing or former grant awarded under the STAR program, indicate the number of the grant and provide a brief report of progress and results achieved under that grant (one to two pages recommended).
- Approach/Activities: Outline the research design, methods, and techniques that you intend to use in meeting the objectives stated above (five to ten pages recommended).
- Expected Results, Benefits, Outputs, and Outcomes: Describe the results you expect to achieve during the project (outputs) and the benefits of the results (outcomes). This section should also discuss how the research results will lead to solutions to environmental problems and improve the public’s ability to protect the environment and human health. A clear, concise description will help NCER understand the merits of the research (one to two pages recommended).
- General Project Information: Discuss other information relevant to the potential success of the project. This should include facilities, personnel expertise/experience, project schedules, proposed management, interactions with other institutions, etc. Applications for multi-investigator projects must identify project management and the functions of each investigator in each team and describe plans to communicate and share data (one to two pages recommended).
- Important Attachments: References cited are in addition to the 15-page Research Plan limit. Appendices may be included but must remain within the 15-page limit.
- Identify the individual who will be responsible for the quality assurance and quality control aspects of the research. [Quality assurance (QA) is an integrated system of management activities involving planning, implementation, documentation, assessment, and improvement to ensure that a process or item is of the type and quality needed for the project. Quality control (QC) is the system of technical activities that measures the attributes and performance of a process or item against defined standards to verify that they meet the stated requirements.]
- Discuss the activities to be performed or the hypothesis to be tested and criteria for determining acceptable data quality. Such criteria may be expressed in terms of precision, accuracy, representativeness, completeness, and comparability or in terms of data quality objectives or acceptance and evaluation criteria. These criteria also must be applied to determine the acceptability of existing, or “secondary”, data to be used in the project, and their use discussed. (In this context, secondary data may be defined as data previously collected for other purposes or from other sources.)
- Describe the study design. Include sample type(s) and location requirements, all statistical analyses that were or will be used to estimate the types and numbers of physical samples required, or equivalent information for studies using survey and interview techniques, or describe how new technology will be benchmarked to improve existing processes, such as those used by industry.
- Explain how the effectiveness of any new technology or process will be measured. Describe the procedures that will be used in the calibration and performance evaluation of all analytical instrumentation and all methods of analysis to be used during the project.
- Describe the procedures for the handling and custody of samples, including sample collection, identification, preservation, transportation, and storage, or how the accuracy of test measurements will be verified.
- Discuss the pro
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.