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
Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes
CLOSED: FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY
This is the initial announcement of this funding opportunity.
EPA plans to host three webinars to discuss this RFA and respond to questions. See Section IV for further information about the webinars.
Funding Opportunity Number:
EPA-G2013-STAR-X1: Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes – Climate Change Impacts
EPA-G2013-STAR-X2: Early Career Projects: Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes – Climate Change Impacts
EPA-G2013-STAR-Y1: Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes – Indoor Air Impacts
EPA-G2013-STAR-Y2: Early Career Projects: Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes – Indoor Air Impacts
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 66.509
Solicitation Opening Date: February 25, 2013
Solicitation Closing Date: June 25, 2013, 11:59:59 pm Eastern Time
Eligibility Contact: Ron Josephson (josephson.ron@epa.gov); phone: 703-308-0442
Electronic Submissions: Todd Peterson (peterson.todd@epa.gov); phone: 703-308-7224
Technical Contact: Cynthia McOliver (mcoliver.cynthia@epa.gov); phone: 703-347-0311
Access Standard STAR Forms (Forms and Standard Instructions Download Page)
View research awarded under previous solicitations (Funding Opportunities: Archive Page)
SUMMARY OF PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Synopsis of Program:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is seeking applications proposing research on science for sustainable and healthy tribes. This solicitation is focused on research to develop sustainable solutions to environmental problems that affect tribes. The objectives of the awards to be made under this solicitation are to improve understanding of: 1) the health impacts of climate change on tribal populations; and 2) the health impacts of indoor air pollution exposures that derive from or are directly affecting traditional tribal life-ways and cultural practices. In both cases, projects should focus on impacts to vulnerable sub-populations of the Tribal communities. Proposals should also consider sustainable, culturally appropriate and acceptable pollution prevention, and adaptation/mitigation strategies.
Eligible applicants, including Minority Academic Institutions (MAIs) as defined in Section I.A of this solicitation, are strongly encouraged to apply for funding under this competition.
This solicitation provides the opportunity for the submission of applications for projects that may involve human subjects research. Human subjects research supported by the EPA is governed by EPA Regulation 40 CFR Part 26 (Protection of Human Subjects). This includes the Common Rule at subpart A and prohibitions and additional protections for pregnant women and fetuses, nursing women, and children at subparts B, C, and D. Research meeting the regulatory definition of intentional exposure research found in subpart B is prohibited by that subpart in pregnant women, nursing women, and children. Research meeting the regulatory definition of observational research found in subparts C and D is subject to the additional protections found in those subparts for pregnant women and fetuses (subpart C) and children (subpart D). All applications must include a Human Subjects Research Statement (HSRS, as described in Section IV.B.5.c), and if the project involves human subjects research, it will be subject to an additional level of review prior to funding decisions being made as described in Sections V.C and V.D of this solicitation.
Guidance and training for investigators conducting EPA-funded research involving human subjects may be obtained here:
Ethics, Regulations, and Policies (https://www.epa.gov/osainter/phre/policy.htm)
Human Subjects Research at the Environmental Protection Agency: Ethical Standards and Regulatory Requirements (https://www.epa.gov/osainter/phre/phre_course/index.htm)
In addition to regular awards, this solicitation includes the opportunity for early career projects. The purpose of the early career award is to fund research projects smaller in scope and budget by early career PIs. Please see Section III of this Request for Applications (RFA) for details on the early career eligibility criteria.
Award Information:
Anticipated Type of Award: Grant and Cooperative Agreement
Estimated Number of Awards: Approximately 5 regular awards and 2 early career awards. EPA anticipates making at least one award to a Minority Academic Institution, as defined in Section I.A, which passes the peer review process described in Section V and successfully completes the award process (this includes programmatic, human subjects research statement (if applicable), and grants administrative reviews).
Anticipated Funding Amount: Approximately $6 million total for all awards
Potential Funding per Award: For a regular award, up to a total of $920,000, including direct and indirect costs, with a maximum duration of 3 years. Early career awards are limited up to a total of $700,000, including direct and indirect costs, with a maximum duration of 3 years. Cost-sharing is not required. Proposals with budgets exceeding the total award limits will not be considered.
Eligibility Information:
Public nonprofit institutions/organizations (includes public institutions of higher education and hospitals) and private nonprofit institutions/organizations (includes private institutions of higher education and hospitals) located in the U.S., state and local governments, Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments, and U.S. territories or possessions are eligible to apply. Special eligibility criteria apply to the early career project portion of this RFA. See full announcement for more details.
Application Materials:
To apply under this solicitation, use the application package available at Grants.gov (for further submission information see Section IV.E. “Submission Instructions and other Submission Requirements”). The necessary forms for submitting a STAR application will be found on the National Center for Environmental Research (NCER) web site, Forms and Standard Instructions Download Page (https://www.epa.gov/research-grants/funding-opportunities-how-apply-and-required-forms). If your organization is not currently registered with Grants.gov, you need to allow approximately one week to complete the registration process. This registration, and electronic submission of your application, must be performed by an authorized representative of your organization.
If you do not have the technical capability to utilize the Grants.gov application submission process for this solicitation, send a webmail message at least 15 calendar days before the submission deadline to assure timely receipt of alternate submission instructions. In your message provide the funding opportunity number and title of the program, specify that you are requesting alternate submission instructions, and provide a telephone number, fax number, and an email address, if available. Alternate instructions will be emailed whenever possible. Any applications submitted through alternate submission methods must comply with all the provisions of this Request for Applications (RFA), including Section IV, and be received by the solicitation closing date identified above.
Agency Contacts:
Eligibility Contact: Ron Josephson (josephson.ron@epa.gov); phone: 703-308-0442
Electronic Submissions: Todd Peterson (peterson.todd@epa.gov); phone: 703-308-7224
Technical Contact: Cynthia McOliver (mcoliver.cynthia@epa.gov); phone: 703-347-0311
I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION
A. Introduction
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), National Center for Environmental Research (NCER), invites research grant applications on science for sustainable and healthy tribes. EPA’s fundamental objective in carrying out its responsibilities in Indian country is to protect human health and the environment. As depicted in its EPA’s FY 2014-2018 Strategic Plan, EPA's research programs focus on finding sustainable solutions to environmental problems as an over-arching goal. EPA is especially interested in fostering sustainability and health in communities which are at particularly high risk for adverse health impacts from environmental exposures and conditions.
On May 4, 2011, Administrator Lisa Jackson announced the release of the EPA Policy on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes. The Policy reflects the principles of the 1984 EPA Policy for the Administration of Environmental Programs on Indian Reservations 1 which assures that tribal concerns and interests are considered whenever EPA’s actions and/or decisions may affect tribes. This solicitation is focused on tribal populations and affirms the Agency's commitment to the government-to-government relationship between the federal government and tribes. This unique historical relationship, based on the Constitution, treaties, statutes, case law, and executive orders, includes recognition of the right of tribes as sovereign governments to self-determination, and an acknowledgement of the federal government’s trust responsibility to tribes. In EPA’s Policy on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes, all federally recognized tribes, including Alaskan Native tribal governments, are described as tribes. The policy outlines broad environmental concerns affecting tribes; however, applicants are encouraged to provide information specific to the cultures, traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) 2, history and lands for the specific tribal government associated with their research.
EPA’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan is being developed and implemented to integrate climate adaptation into the agency’s programs, policies, rules and operations. This effort will support the strategic goal of ensuring that the EPA can continue to fulfill its core mission as the climate changes. A major focus of EPA’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan will be on building the adaptive capacity of tribal communities to enhance their ability to identify appropriate adaptation strategies.
Tribes are disproportionately impacted by a number of environmental and health challenges that work against the safe practice of their traditional life-ways and achieving their sustainability goals. Some of the environmental and health challenges facing tribal communities are related to the history of how reservations were created and their relationships with U.S. and state governments (e.g., water division, lands not suitable for agriculture, dumping of food commodities on reservations and the creation of substandard housing that exposes occupants to increased issues with indoor air quality). Although tribes may protect their own land, pollution from adjoining non-tribal lands may impact the quality of tribal water and food. Given the migratory lives of many fish and wildlife species, they may carry transboundary contaminants. Similarly, pollution may result from historical practices on or near tribal lands, as well as current practices, such as nonpoint source pollution from tribes’ own use of pesticides for agricultural purposes. Consumption of local fish and game is still central to the traditional way of life for many tribal people. 3 Given challenges associated with the history, life-ways and cultural practices of tribes, they may be uniquely vulnerable to and disproportionately impacted by environmental pollutants.
Indoor air quality is particularly important for children, older adults and people with preexisting conditions who may be more vulnerable to the adverse impacts of indoor air pollution, not only in their homes, but also in their schools and other buildings used for community activities. As in all communities, housing issues impact human health and well being: over-crowding, poor ventilation, unsafe cooking and heating practices, tobacco consumption, quality of ambient air and other factors contribute to poor indoor air quality. Many tribes, especially those located in rural and remote locations, need sustainable methods and solutions to environmental challenges associated with their traditional way of life, including occupations, customs, and cultural practices. Tribes may also experience disproportionate exposures to other environmental stressors. For example, many tribal communities face challenges with handling solid waste in a safe and non-polluting manner. Furthermore, climate change may impact the availability and nutritional value of traditional food sources and natural resources or materials, such as spring water or culturally significant plants.
The EPA currently supports a number of tribal-related research grants resulting from previous solicitations. Information regarding current tribal research can be found on NCER’s website at Tribal Environmental Health Research Program.
EPA recognizes that scientific, technical, engineering and mathematical (STEM) competence is essential to the Nation’s future well being in terms of national security and competitive economic advantage. For instance, the health and vitality of the economy is predicated, in part, on the availability of an adequate supply of scientists, technicians, engineers and mathematicians, to develop innovative technologies and solutions. In other words, this country must engage all available minds to address the challenges it faces. Minorities, persons with disabilities, and women historically have been under-represented in the STEM fields. For this reason, EPA strongly encourages all eligible applicants, including women, minorities, and persons with disabilities to apply. At the same time, the EPA seeks to expand environmental conversations by including members of communities which have not previously participated in such dialogues; therefore EPA strongly encourages such eligible applicants, including applicants from Minority Academic Institutions, to apply. Eligible applicants as defined in Section III, including Federally Recognized Indian tribal governments, Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), tribal consortia, and Minority Academic Institutions (MAIs) are strongly encouraged to apply. A tribal consortium is defined as a partnership between two or more tribes or TCUs.
For purposes of this solicitation, the following are considered MAIs:
- Historically Black Colleges and Universities, as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1061). A list of these schools can be found at White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities;
- Tribal Colleges and Universities, as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1059(c)). A list of these schools can be found at American Indian Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities ;
- Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1101a(a)(5). There is no list of HSIs. HSIs are institutions of higher education that, at the time of application submittal, have an enrollment of undergraduate full-time equivalent students that is at least 25% Hispanic students at the end of the award year immediately preceding the date of application for this grant; and
- Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1059g(a)(2)). There is no list of AANAPISIs. AANAPISIs are institutions of higher education that, at the time of application submittal, have an enrollment of undergraduate students that is not less than 10 % students who are Asian American or Native American Pacific Islander.
This solicitation provides the opportunity for the submission of applications for projects that may involve human subjects research. Human subjects research supported by the EPA is governed by EPA Regulation 40 CFR Part 26 (Protection of Human Subjects). This includes the Common Rule at subpart A and prohibitions and additional protections for pregnant women and fetuses, nursing women, and children at subparts B, C, and D. Research meeting the regulatory definition of intentional exposure research found in subpart B is prohibited by that subpart in pregnant women, nursing women, and children. Research meeting the regulatory definition of observational research found in subparts C and D is subject to the additional protections found in those subparts for pregnant women and fetuses (subpart C) and children (subpart D). All applications must include a Human Subjects Research Statement (HSRS, as described in Section IV.B.5.c), and if the project involves human subjects research, it will be subject to an additional level of review prior to funding decisions being made as described in Sections V.C and V.D of this solicitation.
Guidance and training for investigators conducting EPA-funded research involving human subjects may be obtained here:
Ethics, Regulations, and Policies (https://www.epa.gov/osainter/phre/policy.htm)
Human Subjects Research at the Environmental Protection Agency: Ethical Standards and Regulatory Requirements (https://www.epa.gov/osainter/phre/phre_course/index.htm)
In addition to regular awards, this solicitation includes the opportunity for early career projects. The purpose of the early career award is to fund research projects smaller in scope and budget by early career PIs. Please see Section III of this RFA for details on the early career eligibility criteria.
B. Background
The National EPA-Tribal Science Council (TSC) is a standing work group with members from EPA regional offices, EPA program offices, and federally recognized tribes. The TSC provides a forum for tribes and EPA to identify priority environmental science issues and collaboratively design effective solutions. In addition, it provides opportunities for tribes to exercise sovereign rights concerning their environment and community well-being. In early 2011, the TSC, building upon its 2006 priorities, initiated a tribally driven process to identify priority science issues of national significance in Indian country. An initial set of environmental concerns included: 1) climate change impacts on tribal health and well being, safety and local food sources (with emphasis on adaptation/mitigation strategies); 2) off-reservation sources adversely affecting ambient air quality conditions in tribal communities and comprehensive monitoring for environmental triggers of respiratory distress; and 3) impacts of indoor air quality associated with building ventilation (i.e., to assess and mitigate for mold, radon, asbestos), and other sources of pollution (such as wood stoves, tobacco consumption, quality of outdoor ambient air and open dump burning near neighborhoods/homes, or near play areas). In June 2011, the TSC highlighted climate change and the integration of TEK in environmental science, policy, and decision-making as two primary research concerns for agency action2.
Building on the priority-setting efforts of the TSC, this solicitation invites applications for research on climate change and indoor air quality that integrates TEK for informed science, policy, and decision-making. Specifically, research is sought to 1) assess the health impacts of climate change on tribal populations, and 2) identify the health impacts of indoor air pollution exposures that derive from or are directly impacting unique tribal life-ways and cultural practices. Attention should be given to life stage-specific factors since vulnerable sub-populations of Tribal communities may be at disproportionate risk due to their unique developmental status and physiological condition. Projects should propose culturally appropriate and acceptable pollution prevention and adaptation/mitigation strategies, with metrics for determining sustainability of the solutions, to address environmental issues related to the health impacts of climate change or indoor air quality. Mitigation means taking action to avoid further climate change than will already occur due to historic and current air pollution emissions, and to reduce the extent of global climate change.4 Adaptation is the “adjustment in natural or human systems to a new or changing environment that exploits beneficial opportunities or moderates negative effects.” 5 Proposals should also explore ways to build the adaptive capacity - ability of a system to adapt in the environment where the system exists is changing- of tribes to enhance their ability to reduce the impacts of climate change. These would include a broad set of strategies (beyond just climate strategies) that will address the health impacts of climate change and indoor air quality problems.
According to the Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force (2011)6, adaptation is necessary to “reduce the long-term costs of responding to the extreme weather and climate impacts (e.g. flooding, drought, and wildfire) that put people, property, local economies, and ecosystems at risk. Adaptation measures should focus on helping the most vulnerable people and places reduce their exposure and sensitivity to climate change and improve their capacity to predict, prepare for, and avoid these adverse impacts”. Adaptation and mitigation are complementary strategies that should both be investigated in proposals, to the extent possible.
Failure to mitigate will make it more difficult to adapt because the adverse impacts of climate change will become increasingly large and difficult to manage even with considerable input of resources. 4 Projects should identify appropriate and acceptable adaptation/mitigation strategies needed to affect both climate change and the environment, and positively affect human health.
These efforts should be community-based and participatory in structure such that tribal partners are actively engaged in research design, planning, implementation and dissemination of results. Emphasis should be placed on finding culturally appropriate and relevant solutions and evaluating interventions once tribal problems and risks are clearly identified and measured. Therefore, a tribal Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) plan should be developed for each proposed project (see Section I.D for additional information).
Climate Change Impacts
All tribes will likely be impacted by climate change, and for some tribes the impacts of climate change may be dire.7 Climate change is already causing glacial melting, sea level rise, increased intensity of storms with associated flooding, extreme heat events, and severe droughts. It is also affecting water availability and quality. Other impacts include changes in the range and distribution of plants and animals, tree blooming and fruit-setting times, the length of growing seasons, freezing and thawing of rivers and lakes, changes in animal migration patterns, the extent of the permafrost and the availability of natural resources. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) lists eleven broad human health categories likely to be affected by climate change. They are asthma, respiratory allergies, and airway diseases; cancer; cardiovascular disease and stroke; foodborne diseases and nutrition; heat-related morbidity and mortality; human developmental effects; mental health and stress-related disorders; neurological diseases and disorders; vectorborne and zoonotic diseases; waterborne diseases; and weather-related morbidity and mortality.8
The impacts of climate change vary greatly from region to region due to varied geography; economic conditions, community resources; adaptive capacity ecosystem characteristics and vulnerabilities; demographic factors and other attributes.7 Additionally, with hundreds of tribal communities across the U.S., tribes may experience different impacts related to climate change based in part upon their locations, and in part upon tribal cultural practices and protocols. The quality of indoor environments may also be impacted by climate change. For example, changes in precipitation and storms may increase risks of flooding and damage to buildings with resultant indoor dampness and contamination by mold. Weather changes can also increase risks of uncontrolled wild fires and management of controlled fires9, with associated air pollution impacts to both outdoor and indoor environments.
Some sub-populations of Tribal communities may be particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change. Compared to young and middle-aged adults, children and older adults are considered to be more susceptible to the adverse effects of environmental change in general.4 For example, in comparison with younger adults; older adults are more likely to experience dehydration, hyperthermia, and respiratory problems such as asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), in response to climate change. They may also be more prone to unintentional injuries associated with the increased storms, flooding, and wildfires predicted to be associated with climate change, and more vulnerable to indirect effects on well-being such as social stress related to loss of community or culture. Similarly, exposure to extreme heat and associated decrements to the outdoor air quality (both particulates and ozone) weigh heavily on children. Children are more prone than adults to respiratory illnesses (especially asthma) aggravated by these factors. In addition, their capacity to thermoregulate their bodies is not yet mature. Temperature extremes are particularly challenging to children who play outdoors during very hot conditions. Heat related maladies - heat syncope, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke - may occur more readily in children due to their inability to articulate or clearly communicate their need for fluid intake and given that they may succumb to heat more quickly than adults.
Tribal communities currently include higher proportions of children and people older than 65 than non-tribal populations. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, persons aged 65 and older comprised 7.4% of the American Indian and Alaskan Native population (AI/AN) in 2010, a figure projected to increase to 16.8% of the total population of tribal peoples in the U.S. by 2050 (see Figure 1). In 2010, the population of children under 5 was 8.9% of the total tribal population while young people age 0-19 were one-third of the total.10
Risks associated with climate change may interact with and be modified by co-occurring non-climate factors which are also commonly encountered in tribal communities such as poverty, social isolation, residing in remote locations, substandard housing conditions, communication barriers, limited mobility, frail health and chronic illnesses, inability to effectively regulate body temperature and inadequate access to health care and social service resources. Such factors may combine to exacerbate the potential impacts of climate change on tribal communities.
EPA is interested in advancing understanding of the impacts of climate change based on life stage susceptibility, particularly for vulnerable sub-populations of Tribal communities, as well as research that helps tribal communities build adaptive capacity to engage in the research and scientific process, develop climate change adaptation/mitigation strategies, and metrics for determining sustainability of the solutions.
Figure 1: Population Projections for Native Peoples in the U.S.
Indoor Air Impacts
People in the U.S. spend an estimated 90% of their time in indoor environments, where pollutant levels can be 2-5 times, and as much as 100 times, higher than outdoors.11 The quality of indoor environments is a key determinant for quality of life, health and safety, and performance and productivity.12 The relationship tribal populations have with the indoor and outdoor environments is often different from that of other communities. Tribal life-ways, cultures, and ceremonial and spiritual practices are intertwined with the environment. These interactions can result in indoor environmental exposure scenarios that are unique to individual tribes.13 Existing indoor air quality issues, for example in poorly ventilated buildings due to efforts to improve energy efficiency or environmental hazards associated with deteriorated housing, may be exacerbated by indoor air exposures.14 Many tribal communities rely on wood or coal combustion stoves for heating their homes. These devices are likely to be older, non-EPA certified stoves and fireplace inserts which emit more air pollution while using more fuel. Thus, they contribute to increased resource utilization, and poor air quality, both indoors and out.15
Age and health status of American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) individuals may increase the risk of adverse effects of poor indoor air quality, including factors exacerbated by climate change impacts. Growing children are particularly vulnerable; their physical characteristics, childhood activities and natural curiosity put them at greater risk from environmental hazards. Similarly, older people may be particularly vulnerable because the ability to eliminate chemicals from the body decreases with age. The prevalence of, and associated morbidity from, smoking, unhealthy weight, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory conditions, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is higher among AI/AN populations.16 One estimate shows that 13% of AI/AN children have asthma compared with 9.6% of children in the general U.S. population, 17 and there appears to be significant regional or geographic variation in the prevalence of asthma among AI/AN children.18 Figures 2 and 3 illustrate results from another study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention which shows that for both the AI/AN and the general US populations, age-specific rates were highest in infancy and early childhood (ages 1-4) and lower in later childhood and early adulthood, but increased again in older adulthood (ages 65+).19
Figure 2: Age-specific asthma hospitalization rates for AI/AN populations by gender, 2000-2002.
Figure 3. Age-specific asthma hospitalization rates for the general US population by gender, 2000-2002.
Indoor environmental assessments and proven risk reduction strategies have been demonstrated for the general population and in particular for children with asthma. However, gaps remain in the understanding of particular exposures and pollution prevention, adaptation and mitigation strategies for tribal populations where unique and significant exposure and health outcome disparities are prevalent, as described above. EPA is interested in advancing understanding of the health impacts of indoor air pollutants including but not limited to risks from pollutants derived from or directly affecting tribal conditions, life-ways and cultural practices, particularly for vulnerable sub-populations of Tribal communities.
The specific Strategic Goal and Objective from the EPA’s Strategic Plan that relate to this solicitation are:
Goal 3: Cleaning Up Communities and Advancing Sustainable Development, Objective 3.1: Promote Sustainable and Livable Communities.
More information can be found in EPA’s FY 2014-2018 Strategic Plan
C. Authority and Regulations
The authority for this RFA and resulting awards is contained in the Clean Air Act, Section 103, 42 U.S.C. 7403; Safe Drinking Water Act, Section 1442, 42 U.S.C. 300j-1; Clean Water Act, Section 104, 33 U.S.C. 1254; Solid Waste Disposal Act, Section 8001, 42 U.S.C. 6981.
For research with an international aspect, the above statutes are supplemented, as appropriate, by the National Environmental Policy Act, Section 102(2)(F).
Note that a project’s focus is to consist of activities within the statutory terms of EPA’s financial assistance authorities; specifically, the statute(s) listed above. Generally, a project must address the causes, effects, extent, prevention, reduction, and elimination of air pollution, water pollution, solid/hazardous waste pollution, toxic substances control, or pesticide control depending on which statute(s) is listed above. These activities should relate to the gathering or transferring of information or advancing the state of knowledge. Proposals should emphasize this “learning” concept, as opposed to “fixing” an environmental problem via a well-established method. Proposals relating to other topics which are sometimes included within the term “environment” such as recreation, conservation, restoration, protection of wildlife habitats, etc., must describe the relationship of these topics to the statutorily required purpose of pollution prevention and/or control.
Applicable regulations include: 40 CFR Part 30 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations), 40 CFR Part 31 (Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments) and 40 CFR Part 40 (Research and Demonstration Grants). Applicable OMB Circulars include: OMB Circular A-21 (Cost Principles for Educational Institutions) relocated to 2 CFR Part 220, OMB Circular A-87 (Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments) relocated to 2 CFR Part 225, and OMB Circular A-122 (Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations) relocated to 2 CFR Part 230.
D. Specific Research Areas of Interest/Expected Outputs and Outcomes
Note to applicant: The term “output” means an environmental activity or effort, and associated work products, related to a specific environmental goal(s), (e.g., testing a new methodology), that will be produced or developed over a period of time under the agreement. The term “outcome” means the result, effect, or consequence that will occur from the above activit(ies) that is related to an environmental or health-related objective.
The Agency is soliciting innovative research that will result in an improved understanding of the adverse health impacts of climate change and poor indoor air quality from unique tribal conditions, life-ways and cultural practices.
There are two distinct areas of research covered by this solicitation. Applicants should address one of the two research areas below:
- Climate Change Impacts: Assess the health impacts of climate change on tribal populations [in particular, vulnerable sub-populations of Tribal communities] and design effective, culturally appropriate and acceptable pollution prevention, adaptation and mitigation strategies, and metrics for determining sustainability of the solutions.
EPA is interested in research that addresses the following research questions:
- What are the direct and/or indirect health impacts of climate change on vulnerable sub-populations of Tribal communities?
- What climate environmental impacts (e.g., sea level rise; degradation of estuaries; more intense storms with associated flooding; extreme heat events and severe or persistent droughts; possible changes in the frequency and intensity of wildfires; and changes to water availability and quality), and other non-climate factors (e.g., biological, physical and social attributes) that may exacerbate or ameliorate the impacts of climate change are of most concern for the health and well being of vulnerable sub-populations of Tribal communities?
- What are the tribal life-ways or cultural practices that are affected by climate change?
- How do the effects of climate change on tribal life-ways or cultural practices vary across a variety of tribal geographic locations?
- How do age-specific behavior and activity patterns of vulnerable sub-populations of Tribal communities influence interactions with climate change?
- What mechanisms exist to effectively build the adaptive capacity of tribal communities?
- Based on understanding of exposure sources, pathways, environmental conditions and cultural factors, what prevention, adaptation or mitigation strategies and practices can be applied to sustainably adapt to climate change and thereby reduce or eliminate climate change impacts among tribal communities, specifically vulnerable sub-populations of Tribal communities?
- Are there adaptation/mitigation strategies that can lessen the impacts of climate change on health risks for tribes, and still honor cultural practices or activities?
- What culturally appropriate and acceptable pollution prevention and adaptation/mitigation strategies can be identified that, if utilized by tribes, would decrease the adverse effects of climate change for vulnerable sub-populations of Tribal communities?
- What are appropriate and acceptable metrics for determining sustainability of the solutions?
- Indoor Air Impacts: Assess the health impacts of indoor air pollutants in tribal communities [in particular, vulnerable sub-populations of Tribal communities], including but not limited to risks from pollutants derived from or directly affecting the unique tribal conditions, life-ways, and cultural practices, in order to develop and test effective, culturally appropriate and acceptable pollution prevention, adaptation and mitigation strategies, with metrics for determining sustainability of the solutions.
EPA is interested in research that addresses the following research questions:
- Are there unique health impacts of indoor air pollutants on tribal members resulting from tribal life-ways, cultural practices, housing conditions and disproportionate socioeconomic factors?
- What are the potential sources and pathways of concern for indoor air pollutants affecting tribal populations?
- Do indoor air pollutants that may result from tribal life-ways and cultural practices disproportionately impact vulnerable sub-populations of Tribal communities?
- What methods or models can be developed to effectively assess the impacts of indoor air pollutants on vulnerable sub-populations of Tribal communities that specifically arise due to tribal life-ways and cultural practices?
- Based on understanding of exposure sources, pathways, environmental conditions and cultural factors, what pollution prevention, adaptation/mitigation strategies and practices can be applied to sustainably prevent, reduce or eliminate indoor air exposures for tribes?
- What policies and practices would be most effective and culturally relevant for creating healthy and sustainable indoor environmental quality for tribes?
- What are appropriate and acceptable metrics for determining sustainability of the solutions?
Tribal Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)
The potential for CBPR to enhance environmental protection has long been recognized by EPA. CBPR is defined as a collaborative process of research involving researchers and, in this case, tribal community-based organizations. The process of scientific inquiry is such that community members, persons affected by the health condition, disability or issue under study, or other key stakeholders in the community's health, have the opportunity to participate in every phase of the work. Tribal community-based organizations refer to organizations that may be involved in the research process as members or representatives of the community. Although not an exhaustive list, organizations as varied as tribal governments, TCUs, state or local governments (e.g., tribes or Tribal Nations), independent living centers, health delivery organizations (e.g., hospitals), health professional associations, tribal consortia (i.e., partnerships between two or more tribes or TCUs), non-governmental organizations, and federally qualified health centers are all possible tribal community partners.
CBPR promotes a holistic approach to protecting the environment that involves diverse stakeholders who develop a plan aimed at meeting environmental, economic and social goals in a sustainable manner for a defined geographic area. It is critical to obtaining community knowledge, and enables the identification of variables that might otherwise have been missed.20 CBPR in health offers a collaborative research method that involves the commitment to balance the power dynamic by equally engaging all partners throughout the research process. The goal is to acknowledge and integrate each user or groups of interest as partners. 21 For additional information on CBPR, see Israel et al. (2005)22 or Minkler, et al. (2003).23 The NIEHS has also been a long-standing leader in fostering partnerships between community groups and researchers to address local, real-world environmental health concerns. They have implemented a program entitled Partnerships for Environmental Public Health (PEHP) that provides a model for thoroughly integrating community needs and expertise into environmental health research, and to give communities the tools they need to promote health and reduce the risk of disease across the populations at highest risk.24
A tribal CBPR plan (see Section IV.B.5.d) should be provided detailing community involvement. Involvement could include resources for partnership development (e.g., to hire tribal community liaisons or to provide participant support costs for tribal community involvement). American Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages have been accumulating and valuing TEK for thousands of years. TEK can help confirm, support, or further define scientific research for the benefit of the environment and human health. Through the use of a tribal CBPR plan, the combination of TEK with mainstream scientific research will enable a comprehensive response to environmental impacts on traditional lifeways. The plan should describe methods that will protect and determine use of sensitive or protected TEK, and allow tribal determination of information that can be shared, where appropriate.
Outputs of this research could include:
- Research reports that (1) characterize how climate change environmental impacts particularly affect the health and well being of vulnerable sub-populations of Tribal communities, and (2) demonstrate effective strategies, incorporating TEK, where appropriate and acceptable, with metrics for determining the sustainability of the solutions to adapt to climate change and thereby prevent, reduce or eliminate the impacts of these exposures;
- Research reports that (1) characterize the health impacts of indoor air pollutants including but not limited to pollutants derived from or directly affecting the unique tribal conditions, life-ways and cultural practices, particularly as these impacts pertain to vulnerable sub-populations of Tribal communities, and (2) demonstrate effective strategies, incorporating TEK, where appropriate and acceptable, with metrics for determining the sustainability of the solutions to reduce or eliminate the impacts of these exposures;
- Models or methods, incorporating TEK, where appropriate and acceptable, that would elucidate the relationship between climate change factors and environmental impacts and the activity patterns of vulnerable sub-populations of Tribal communities;
- Models or methods, incorporating TEK, where appropriate and acceptable, that would elucidate and inform sustainable solutions regarding the relationship between indoor air pollution including but not limited to risks from pollutants derived from or directly affecting the unique tribal conditions, life-ways and cultural practices, especially pollutants that impact vulnerable sub-populations of Tribal communities;
- Associations between climate change environmental impacts and development or exacerbation of adverse health or well being, diseases or overall decrements to the health or well-being of vulnerable sub-populations of Tribal communities;
- Associations between indoor air pollution, influencing factors and development or exacerbation of adverse health or well being, diseases or developmental problems resulting from, but not limited to, risks from pollutants derived from or directly affecting unique tribal conditions, life-ways and cultural practices, especially those affecting vulnerable sub-populations of Tribal communities;
- Information to guide the development of non-federal environmental standards, management practices or strategies, incorporating TEK, where appropriate and acceptable, to reduce, eliminate or adapt to climate change environmental impacts and enhance the health and well being of tribal communities, particularly the health and well being of vulnerable sub-populations of Tribal communities, with metrics for determining the sustainability of the solutions;
- Information to guide the development of non-federal environmental standards, management practices and strategies, incorporating TEK, where appropriate and acceptable, to sustainably prevent, reduce or eliminate indoor air pollution impacts on tribes that are due to unique life-ways or cultural practices, particularly the health and well being of vulnerable sub-populations of Tribal communities, with metrics for determining the sustainability of the solutions;
- Information to guide the development of strategies for building community adaptive capacity, given unique life-ways and resources (including effective education/communication as a first step); and
- Information to guide the development of mechanisms, policies and practices that would be most effective and culturally relevant for creating healthy and sustainable climate change adaptation for tribes.
Outcomes of this research could include:
- Increased adaptive capacity within tribal communities;
- Decreased likelihood that tribal communities (especially vulnerable sub-populations of Tribal communities) would be exposed to the harmful effects of global climate change or indoor air pollution including contributions from unique tribal life-ways or cultural practices;
- Greater understanding by the tribes of the risks associated with climate change and opportunities for mitigating that risk or embracing adaptation strategies to cope with climate change impacts;
- Increased awareness of the potential health effects of degraded indoor air quality associated with unique tribal practices and ecological knowledge of approaches for mitigating that risk by reducing exposures particularly for susceptible populations, such as vulnerable sub-populations of Tribal communities; and
- Reduction or mitigation of the effects of climate change and poor indoor air quality on tribal health through improved education, communication and active involvement of tribes and tribal community-based organizations in the implementation of sustainable risk management and adaptation strategies.
To the extent practicable, research proposals must embody sustainability. The concept of sustainability is based on language in the U.S. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). This definition is reiterated in Executive Order 13514, Federal Leadership in Environment, Energy, and Economic Performance, stating that the goal of sustainability is to, “create and maintain conditions, under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations.” Research proposals must include a discussion on how the proposed research will seek sustainable solutions that protect the environment and strengthen our communities (see Section IV.B.5.a). ORD will draw from all of the above-mentioned sustainability definitions in the review/evaluation process of recommending research proposals (see Section V.A).
- U.S. EPA. Policy for the Administration of Environmental Programs on Indian Reservations. 1984. Available at: EPA POLICY FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS OM INDIAN RESERVATIONS
- National EPA-Tribal Council. Tribal Science Priority: Integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in Environmental Science, Policy and Decision Making. 2011. Available at Integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in Environmental Science, Policy and Decision-Making
- U.S. EPA. Tribes at Risk: The Wisconsin Tribes Comparative Risk Project. EPA/230/R/92/017. Washington, DC: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1992. Available at Tribes at Risk: The Wisconsin Tribes Comparative Risk Project.
- UNICEF. Climate Change and Children: A Human Security Challenge. Florence, Italy: UNICEF, 2008. Available at: Climate Change and Children: A Human Security Challenge (PDF) (68 pp,543 K)
- National Research Council. 2011. America’s Climate Choices. The National Academies Press. Washington, DC. Available at America's Climate Choices
- Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force. Federal Actions for a Climate Resilient Nation: Progress Report of the Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force. Washington, DC: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2011. Available at Federal Actions for a Climate Resilient Nation (PDF) (32 pp, 4.9 MB)
- National Tribal Air Association Tribal Air Quality: Status Report. 2009. Available at National Tribal Air Association Tribal Air Quality (PDF) (27 pp, 371 K).
- Portier CJ, Thigpen Tart K, Carter SR, Dilworth CH, Grambsch AE, Gohlke J, Hess J, Howard SN, Luber G, Lutz JT, Maslak T, Prudent N, Radtke M, Rosenthal JP, Rowles T, Sandifer PA, Scheraga J, Schramm PJ, Strickman D, Trtanj JM, Whung P-Y. 2010. A Human Health Perspective On Climate Change: A Report Outlining the Research Needs on the Human Health Effects of Climate Change. Research Triangle Park, NC: Environmental Health Perspectives/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. doi:10.1289/ehp.1002272 Available at: www.niehs.nih.gov/climatereportAvailable at: A Human Health Perspective On Climate Change (PDF) (80 pp, 4.8 MB).
- U.S. EPA. Federal Air Rules for Reservations. Available at: Federal Air Rules for Reservations
- U.S. Census Bureau. U.S. Population Projections Released 2008 (Based on Census 2000). Projections of the American Indian and Alaska Native Alone Population by Age and Sex for the United States: 2010 to 2050. Washington, DC: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008. Available at: 2008 National Population Projections: Summary Tables
- American Lung Association. State of Lung Disease in Diverse Communities 2010. Washington, DC: U.S. Lung Association, 2010. Available at: State of Lung Disease in Diverse Communities (PDF) (12 pp, 116 K)
- Schenck, P., Ahmed, A. K., Bracker, A., and DeBernado, R. Climate Change, Indoor Air Quality and Health. University of Connecticut, 2010. Available at: Climate Change, Indoor Air Quality and Health.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual (2005 update). Available at: Public Health Assessment Guidance Manual (2005 Update).
- U.S. EPA. An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality. Available at: An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).
- Bunnell, J.E. & Garcia, LV. Results of a Survey of Residential Home Heating Fuel and Stove Type and Use in the Shiprock Area of the Navajo Nation Open-File Report2008-1249. Washington, DC: U.S. Geological Survey, 2008. Available at: Results of a Survey of Residential Home Heating Fuel and Stove Type and Use in the Shiprock Area of the Navajo Nation Open-File Report (PDF) (6 pp, 71 K).
- Barnes, P.M., Adams, P.F., and Powell-Griner, E. Health Characteristics of the American Indian or Alaska Native adult population. United States, 2004-2008 National Health Statistics Reports, No 20. (PDF) (23 pp, 304 K) Hyattsville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2010.
- Brim, S.N., Rudd, R.A., Funk, R. H., and Callahan, D. B. Asthma Prevalence Among U.S. Children in Underrepresented Minority Populations: American Indian/Alaskan Native, Chinese, Filipino, and Asian Indian. Pediatrics 122(1):e217-e222 (2008). Available at: Asthma Prevalence Among US Children in Underrepresented Minority Populations: American Indian/Alaska Native, Chinese, Filipino, and Asian Indian .
- Mark, D.., Low Prevalence of Asthma Among American Indian Youth in Southeastern Montana. The IHS Primary Care Provider 32(12): 366-373 (2007). Available at: Community-Associated MRSA: Disparities and Implicationsfor AI/AN Communities (PDF) (17 pp, 310 K).
- Singleton, R.J., Holman, R.C., Cobb, N., Curns, A.T., Asthma Hospitalizations Among American Indian and Alaska Native People and for the General US Population. Chest: Journal of the American College of Chest Physicians 130 (5):1554-1562 (2005). Available at: Asthma Hospitalizations Among American Indian and Alaska Native People and for the General US Population.
- Minkler, M. & Wallerstein, N.( Eds). Community-Based Participatory Research for Health: From Process to Outcomes, 2nd Ed. New York: Jossey-Bass Publishers, 2008.
- U.S. EPA. (2004). Ensuring Risk Reduction in Communities with Multiple Stressors: Environmental Justice and Cumulative Risks/Impacts. National Environmental Justice Advisory Council. Washington, DC: US Environmental Protection Agency. Available at: Ensuring Risk Reduction in Communities with Multiple Stressors: Environmental Justice and Cumulative Risks/Impacts
- Israel, B.A., Eng, E., Schulz, A.J., Parker, E.A. (Eds.) Methods in Community-Based Participatory Research for Health. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2005.
- Minkler, et al. 2003. Community-Based Participatory Research: Implications for Public Health Funding. AJPH 93(8): 1210–1213.
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences-National Institutes of Health. Partnerships for Environmental Public Health (PEHP). Available at: Partnerships for Environmental Public Health (PEPH), and Brochures & Fact Sheets.
F. Special Requirements
Agency policy and ethical considerations prevent EPA technical staff and managers from providing applicants with information that may create an unfair competitive advantage. Consequently, EPA employees will not review, comment, advise, and/or provide technical assistance to applicants preparing applications in response to EPA RFAs. EPA employees cannot endorse any particular application.
Multiple Investigator applications may be submitted as: (1) a single Lead Principal Investigator (PI) application with Co-PI(s) or (2) a Multiple PI application (with a single Contact PI). If you choose to submit a Multiple PI application, you must follow the specific instructions provided in Sections IV. and V. of this RFA. For further infor
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.