Grantee Research Project Results

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Research and Development
National Center for Environmental Research
Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Program

CLOSED - FOR REFERENCES PURPOSES ONLY

Recipients List

Air Pollution Monitoring for Communities

This is the initial announcement of this funding opportunity.

 

You may need a PDF reader to view some of the files on this page. See EPA’s About PDF page to learn more.Presentations

• Air Pollution Monitoring for Communities (APM4C) Grants (PDF) Rich Callan (18pp, 3 MB, 07/12/2017)
• Putting Next Generation Sensors & Scientists in Practice to Reduce Wood Smoke in a Highly Impacted, Multi-cultural Rural Setting (PDF) Katherine Carr (25 pp, 3 MB, 07/14/2017)
• The Hawai'i Volcanic Smog Network: Tracking Air Quality and Community Engagement Near a Major Emissions Hotspot (PDF) Jesse H. Kroll (28 pp, 3 MB, 07/14/2017)

Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-G2014-STAR-K1

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 66.509

Solicitation Opening Date: June 9, 2014
Solicitation Closing Date: October, 7, 2014, 11:59:59 pm Eastern Time

Technical Contact: Sherri Hunt (hunt.sherri@epa.gov); phone: 703-347-8042
Eligibility Contact: Ron Josephson (josephson.ron@epa.gov); phone: 703-308-0442
Electronic Submissions: Todd Peterson (peterson.todd@epa.gov); phone: 703-308-7224

Table of Contents:
SUMMARY OF PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
	Synopsis of Program
	Award Information
	Eligibility Information
	Application Materials
	Agency Contacts
I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION
	A. Introduction
	B. Background
	C. Authority and Regulations
	D. Specific Areas of Interest/Expected Outputs and Outcomes
	E. References
	F. Special Requirements
II. AWARD INFORMATION
III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
	A. Eligible Applicants
	B. Cost Sharing
	C. Other
IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
	A. Internet Address to Request Application Package
	B. Content and Form of Application Submission
	C. Submission Dates and Times
	D. Funding Restrictions
	E. Submission Instructions and Other Submission Requirements
V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
	A. Peer Review
	B. Programmatic Review
	C. Human Subjects Research Statement (HSRS) Review
	D. Funding Decisions
VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
	A. Award Notices
	B. Disputes
	C. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
VII. AGENCY CONTACTS

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 empowering communities and individuals to take action to avoid air pollution exposure, using low-cost portable air pollution sensors. Specifically of interest is research on using low-cost portable sensors to understand and avoid air pollution exposure, on the ways communities and individuals interact with air pollution sensors and their data, on methods for understanding and managing the quality of data from air pollution sensors, and on how sensors and sensor networks compare to existing state-of-the-art air quality monitoring methods.

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:
Making Funding Awards and Other Agreements that Support Human Subjects Research (HSR)
Human Subjects Research at the Environmental Protection Agency: Ethical Standards and Regulatory Requirements

Award Information:
Anticipated Type of Award: Grant or cooperative agreement
Estimated Number of Awards: Approximately six awards
Anticipated Funding Amount: Approximately $4.5 million total for all awards
Potential Funding per Award: Up to a total of $750,000, including direct and indirect costs, with a maximum duration of three 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. 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. If your organization is not currently registered with Grants.gov, you need to allow approximately one month to complete the registration process. Please note that the registration process also requires that your organization have a DUNS number and a current registration with the System for Award Management (SAM) and the process of obtaining both could take a month or more.  Applicants must ensure that all registration requirements are met in order to apply for this opportunity through grants.gov and should ensure that all such requirements have been met well in advance of the submission deadline.  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:
Technical Contact: Sherri Hunt (hunt.sherri@epa.gov); phone: 703-347-8042
Eligibility Contact: Ron Josephson (josephson.ron@epa.gov); phone: 703-308-0442
Electronic Submissions: Todd Peterson (peterson.todd@epa.gov); phone: 703-308-7224

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Introduction
Recent advances in air pollution measurement technology have allowed the development of low-cost portable air pollution sensors. These sensors are often small enough to be carried or worn by individuals who are interested in learning more about the air pollution they are exposed to, and can be used by communities to better understand and reduce exposure to air pollution. This solicitation seeks research on empowering communities and individuals to take action to avoid air pollution exposure using low-cost portable air pollution sensors, on the ways communities and individuals interact with air pollution sensors and their data, on methods for understanding and managing the quality of data from air pollution sensors, and on how sensors and sensor networks compare to traditional air quality monitoring methods.

This solicitation addresses three of the EPA Administrator’s themes for Meeting the Challenge Ahead. It demonstrates 1) making a visible difference in communities across the country by taking into consideration the impacts of our decisions on environmental justice communities through increased analysis, better science, and enhanced community engagement to ensure the protection of basic fundamental rights, 2) delivering health benefits to the American public by enabling communities to take action to understand and reduce exposure to air pollution, and 3) taking action on toxics by better understanding the ways in which communities are affected by toxics in both outdoor and indoor air.

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:
Making Funding Awards and Other Agreements that Support Human Subjects Research (HSR)
Human Subjects Research at the Environmental Protection Agency: Ethical Standards and Regulatory Requirements

B. Background
Recent advances in air pollution measurement techniques have led to the creation of low-cost, portable air pollution sensors that measure many different outdoor or indoor pollutants (Snyder et al., 2013). The pollutants measured by these sensors can have a variety of impacts on human health. Therefore, the information from these sensors can be used by individuals and communities to better understand and avoid risks from air pollution (White et al., 2012). Yet there are important challenges and unknowns to be overcome regarding sensors to ensure their efficacy and utility; these challenges include understanding interest in their data and use by individuals and communities; data interpretation, handling, and sharing strategies; data quality; and the value of their information beyond that which comes from existing monitoring networks.

Portable sensors can provide a wealth of information on the spatial and temporal patterns of many air pollutants. Many new air sensors are able to directly output pollutant readings at a fast time resolution (seconds to minutes) and could support understanding local temporal and spatial trends of air quality.  Spatial information on air pollution may be obtained through using a portable air monitor while in motion (hand-carried, on a bicycle, etc.) or using several air sensors situated over an area of interest. Such sensors can cover areas that fixed-site pollution monitors cannot. Multiple sensors in a network can provide information on pollutant concentrations across a whole area. These types of pollution sensors can let individuals understand the levels of pollution to which they are exposed, and they can lead to information as to which sources and source classes dominate exposure or risk. Non-regulatory low-cost sensor technology can supplement the existing air monitoring network and potentially provide valuable information to communities, states, tribes, and local entities. Much of this vision for the role of sensors is summarized in the EPA Roadmap for Next Generation Air Monitoring.

The information that can be gained from the deployment and use of these sensors can empower individuals and communities to better understand their exposure environments and risks from air pollution (Vallano et al., 2012). However, because these technologies tend to be quite novel, concrete demonstrations of how sensors have been used to help communities take action to avoid exposure and risk are still rather few. Information on the added value to communities of sensors and sensor networks beyond existing monitoring, forecasting, and data outreach frameworks will help show the extent to which sensors can be used to enable communities and individuals take action in ways they currently cannot. Additionally, sensors may yield important information on pollutants such as air toxics for which there may not exist a robust monitoring network or forecasting framework. Exposures to air pollution can also occur both outdoors and indoors, from outdoor or indoor sources. The pollutants that contribute most to air pollution exposure may vary from one place to another: for example, some neighborhoods may have high concentrations of air toxics from a nearby point source or energy operations, some may be dominated by wood smoke, agricultural emissions, or traffic, and others may be dominated by regional-scale pollutants such as ozone. Many indoor pollutants originate from indoor sources, while others enter buildings from outdoors. Levels of some chemicals such as formaldehyde, which is ubiquitous indoors, are often higher indoors than outdoors. Sensors that provide information on the pollutants and sources that dominate a community’s exposure can help the community take action to reduce pollution exposure.

How communities and individuals interact with air pollution sensors and sensor networks comprise an important area of research. There are many aspects of these interactions that are in need of study. For example, research on methodologies for engaging individuals with air pollution sensors and their data, or on ways to train communities and individuals in sensor operation, could help inform future sensor use. Another aspect of this question concerns the design of sensors and their interface with users and communities, including how communities respond to different types of data output, data interpretation and sharing, etc. An important topic related to this is how individuals and communities react to various types of sensor data or data products: for example, are there certain data units or data products (such as websites) that are more effective for helping communities take action to reduce air pollution exposure? The output from the sensor to the user is an important component, as is whatever analysis is performed, or actions are taken, after measurements occur. Also related is the question of whether other data, such as meteorology, location, time of day, etc., are needed in order to interpret pollution sensor data. Sensor data can be shared with the community in many different ways. For example, websites can be a useful component of data sharing and distribution activities (such as how air quality information is currently posted on AirNow), as can community events, workshops, newsletters, social media, text messaging, or many other methods. It is also essential to understand attitudes toward sensor data and the extent to which communities and individuals who use sensors develop an accurate picture of the risks associated with their air pollution exposure.

The quality of data from low-cost portable air pollution sensors is another topic for which more research is needed. Existing monitoring networks generally employ very high quality measurement methods (such as Federal Reference Methods or Federal Equivalent Methods – FRM and FEM, respectively) for Clean Air Act-delineated criteria pollutants. However, these measurements are limited in their spatial coverage and their temporal resolution, and they are more expensive than portable sensors. Depending on what the data will be used for, quantifiable discrepancies from more expensive measurements (such as FRM or FEM) may be very reasonable.  For example, a community may want to have reliable information that a pollutant is indeed present and persistent at levels that could be of concern, but may not represent the actual accuracy or precision of a more expensive monitor.  Portable sensors may present a challenge for quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) because of their size and cost constraints and because of their operation in the field by the general public, rather than trained scientists or technicians. A related issue to this is how sensor data quality changes in time, after sustained use under potentially harsh “real-world” conditions. A better understanding of sensor QA/QC will allow communities and state/local/tribal governments to understand the reliability of sensor measurements.

The spatiotemporal coverage and variety of chemical species able to be measured by low-cost portable air pollution sensors can be compared to those of existing monitoring networks, as well. For example, portable monitors could show how a pollutant is distributed spatially around a central-site monitor, and they could show the ways in which various pollutants relate uniquely to fixed-site monitor measurements. Such comparisons could also elucidate these spatial relationships to improve exposure estimates in epidemiological studies. The potential distribution and broad spatial coverage of portable air pollution sensors constitute a major strength of these technologies in helping communities learn more about local air pollution.

Given the potential for portable air pollution sensors to enable communities to reduce exposure and risk, substantial engagement with community groups is especially encouraged in this solicitation. Particularly of interest is research that will advance the ability of communities and individuals to take action to avoid air pollution exposure. More information about community engagement is given below, under “Specific Areas of Interest/Expected Outputs and Outcomes,” in the instructions for the “Community engagement and communications plan,” and in the Peer Review criteria.

The specific Strategic Goal and Objective from the EPA’s Strategic Plan that relate to this solicitation are:

Goal 1: Addressing Climate Change and Improving Air Quality, Objective 1.2: Improve Air Quality

More information can be found in EPA’s FY 2011-2015 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.

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, effort, and/or associated work products related to an environmental goal or objective, that will be produced or provided over a period of time or by a specified date.  The term “outcome” means the result, effect or consequence that will occur from carrying out an environmental program or activity that is related to an environmental or programmatic goal or objective.

This RFA encourages collaboration among universities; non-profit organizations; state, tribal, and local agencies; and communities to propose and conduct air pollution monitoring studies relevant to community needs.  This RFA supports the research, development, deployment and/or demonstration of air pollution monitoring networks to engage and inform communities of their exposure to air pollution, providing them with scientific and technical tools traditionally used by universities and regulatory agencies.  This RFA focuses not on regulatory monitoring, but rather on the information low-cost air pollution sensors can provide for communities; additionally, funding research on unconventional oil and gas operations is not within the scope of the budget for this RFA. Specifically, this RFA explores how useful scientific data can be gathered and used by communities, whether low-cost portable air pollution sensors’ data are reliable if compared to sophisticated or state-of-the-art monitoring technology (such as those that employ federal reference methods), and whether communities become more engaged in and with their environmental surroundings through such technical efforts.

The scientific data gathered can have both near- and long-term outcomes.  For example, in the near term, the data could assist state, tribal, and local agency responses to community concerns about air quality and environmental justice issues.  In the long term, the methods and techniques developed to interpret and understand sensor data could be used to tackle the challenge faced by states of increased air quality measurement needs with reduced resources. The outputs associated with this work could take many forms, including publication of methodologies in journals, posting of data on websites, or others.

Applicants should address two or more of the following research topics:

• How can low-cost portable air pollution sensors be used by communities to understand and reduce the pollutant concentrations to which they are exposed, in outdoor and/or indoor environments? This could include “criteria” air pollutants (Six Common Air Pollutants) or air toxics (About Air Toxics).
• How do communities and individuals interact with low-cost portable air pollution sensors? What are effective distribution methodologies, training programs, design features, data products, etc., that maximize the value of sensors and their outputs for communities? What are effective methods for sharing and disseminating the information from low-cost portable air pollution sensors? How can such methods be evaluated for effectiveness in helping communities understand their exposure environment?
• What are effective methods for understanding, quantifying, or managing data quality from these sensors? How do measurement accuracy and measurement precision from these sensors compare to the accuracy and precision of existing traditional measurement methods? How well do sensors perform after sustained real-world use by communities?
• What additional information about the spatiotemporal patterns of air pollution can be gained by the use of sensors, beyond that which can be known from existing monitoring networks? How does the spatiotemporal coverage or chemical species coverage enabled by portable sensors compare to that of existing monitoring methods? Such a comparison could include spatial variability of portable monitor readings relative to fixed-site monitor concentrations, concentration ratios, daily and seasonal variations in concentrations and ratios, frequency and location of elevated values, or other aspects of local-central variation.

Substantial engagement with community groups is especially encouraged in this solicitation. Particularly of interest is research that will advance the ability of communities and individuals to take action to avoid air pollution exposure.  Collaborative interaction and involvement with the affected community members and stakeholders during the proposal development and through the life of the project are highly encouraged. Community-Engaged Research (CEnR) is a framework or orientation for conducting research that supports the premise that people ought to be involved in the decisions, as well as the cultivation of information those decisions are guided by, that affect their lives (Cornwall and Jewkes, 1995; Israel et al., 1998). CEnR also acknowledges that communities harbor a wealth of information about their own experiences and perspectives that may be used to positively inform and shape research endeavors. CEnR builds upon those strengths to help inform the research project and produce the results that may benefit both the academic or institutional researchers (henceforth referred to as just “researchers”) and community partners (e.g. community-based organizations) (Israel et al., 2005). CEnR may incorporate both qualitative and quantitative methodologies and can be applied to a range of topics including environmental science and engineering, public health, and social sciences. CEnR is not a uniform approach, but can occur along a continuum in a variety of forms, from outreach, through more shared leadership/participatory research approaches (e.g. community-based participatory research) to community-driven/community-led research.

Community is defined as a group of people who are linked by social ties, share common perspectives, and engage in joint action within similar geographical locations or settings. Community is not only defined by a common geography; communities may also develop around a particular interest, issue, identity, or subject matter.

Five core elements that define community are:

• Locus (a sense of place) such as a city, town, village, tribes, neighborhood, workplace, etc.,
• Sharing common interests and perspectives,
• Joint action that bring people together,
• Social ties such as family and friends, and
• Diversity of people and perspectives (MacQueen, et al., 2001).

Community-based organizations refer to organizations that may be involved in the research process as members or representatives of the community.  In the case of this RFA, organizations such as local environmental organizations, public health organizations, local public health departments, health professional associations, or non-governmental organizations are possible community partners.

A Community Engagement and Communications Plan (see Section IV.B.5.e) detailing the proposed methods for community engagement and communication should be provided. Active partnerships with community organizations are strongly encouraged. A wide range of communications options and methods for community involvement may be considered by the applicant. In the plan, the applicant should justify the methods of community engagement and communication with stakeholders. This plan should also make evident the project’s relevance for communities and its potential for empowering communities and individuals to take action to reduce pollution exposure.

Applicants should be aware of the sensitivities of conducting research in communities and in partnering with community groups and the importance of shared resources (e.g. allocation of portion of budget to community partners), responsibility, and ownership, including communication and translation of study results.  Communication and translation of study results are an important aspect of environmental research in communities, as they can help give significance and perspective to the results by showing what the measurements actually mean for communities and by reducing the risk of misinterpretation of the measurements. There is increased understanding and appreciation for community involvement in research, as it tends to provide impactful and long-term outcomes and outputs that are more responsive to community needs, more likely to identify risks that researchers had not appreciated, improve informed consent, increase study enrollment, enhance data validity and quality, build trust for research, and help translate research into public policy.  Community involvement allows researchers to understand the views of the community in which research studies are conducted and to respond to those perspectives so that the risks of a research project are minimized and appropriate in light of the anticipated benefits of the findings as required by federal regulations on conducting research involving human subjects.

To the extent practicable, research proposals must embody innovation and sustainability.  Innovation for the purposes of this RFA is defined as the process of making changes; a new method, custom or device.  Innovative research can take the form of wholly new applications or applications that build on existing knowledge and approaches for new uses.  Research proposals must include a discussion on how the proposed research is innovative (see Section IV.B.5.a).  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 innovation and sustainability definitions in the review/evaluation process of recommending research proposals (see Section V.A).

E. References
Cornwall, A., Jewkes, J. What is Participatory Action Research? Social Science & Medicine. 41:1667-76 (1995).

Israel, B., Schulz, A., Parker E., et al. Review of Community-Based Research: Assessing Partnership Approaches to Improve Public Health. Annual Review of Public Health, 19: 173-202 (1998).

Israel, B., Eng, E., Schulz, A., Parker, E. (eds.). Methods in Community-Based Participatory Research for Health. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass (2005).

MacQueen, K., McLellan, E., Metzger, D., Kegeles, S., Strauss, R., Scotti, R., Blanchard, L., Trotter, R. What is community? An evidence-based definition for participatory public health. American Journal of Public Health, 91: 1929-1938 (2001).

Snyder, E., Watkins, T., Thoma, E., Williams, R., Solomon, P., Hagler, G., Shelow, D., Hindin, D., Kilaru, V., Preuss, P. Changing the paradigm for air pollution monitoring. Environmental Science and Technology, 47: 11369-11377 (2013).

Vallano, D., Snyder, E., Kilaru, V., Thoma, E., Williams, R., Hagler, G., Watkins, T.  Air Pollution Sensors.  Highlights from an EPA workshop on the evolution and revolution in low cost participatory air monitoring. Environmental Manager. December 2012.  28-33 (2012).

White, R., Paprotny, I., Doering, F., Cascio, W., Solomon, P., Gundel, L.  Sensors and “Apps” for Community-Based Atmospheric Monitoring.  Environmental Manager. May 2012. 36-46 (2012).

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 information, please see the EPA Implementation Plan for Policy on Multiple Principal Investigators.

This solicitation provides the opportunity for the submission of applications for projects that may involve human subjects research.  There are many scientific and ethical considerations that must be addressed in such studies by the study sponsor and research team, including, but not limited to, those related to recruitment, retention, participant compensation, third-party issues, researcher-participant interactions, researcher-community interactions, communications, interventions, and education.  All such research must comply with the requirements of 40 CFR Part 26, and any human observational exposure studies must also adhere to the principles set forth in the Scientific and Ethical Approaches for Observational Exposure Studies (SEAOES) (EPA/600/R-08/062) (PDF) (133 pp, 1.21 MB) document.  SEAOES, which was published by researchers in EPA and which discusses the principles for the ethical conduct of human research studies, serves as a resource for applicants interested in applying under this solicitation.  References to “SEAOES Principles” in this solicitation refers, in general, to the issues of interest in conducting human subjects research studies that maintain the highest scientific and ethical standards and safety during the conduct of these studies.  All applications must include a Human Subjects Research Statement (HSRS; 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.

The application should include a plan (see “Data Plan” in section IV.B.5.d) to make available to the NCER project officer all data generated (first produced under the award) from observations, analyses, or model development used under an agreement awarded from this RFA.  The data must be available in a format and with documentation such that they may be used by others in the scientific community.

These awards may involve the collection of “Geospatial Information,” which includes information that identifies the geographic location and characteristics of natural or constructed features or boundaries on the Earth or applications, tools, and hardware associated with the generation, maintenance, or distribution of such information.  This information may be derived from, among other things, a Geographic Positioning System (GPS), remote sensing, mapping, charting, and surveying technologies, or statistical data. 

A Community Engagement and Communications Plan (see Section IV.B.5.e) detailing the proposed methods for community engagement and communication should be provided (see Section I.D above and IV.B.5.e below for additional information).

II. AWARD INFORMATION

It is anticipated that a total of approximately $4.5 million will be awarded under this announcement, depending on the availability of funds, quality of applications received, and other applicable considerations.  The EPA anticipates funding approximately six awards under this RFA.  Requests for amounts in excess of a total of $750,000, including direct and indirect costs, will not be considered.  The total project period requested in an application submitted for this RFA may not exceed three years. 

The EPA reserves the right to reject all applications and make no awards, or make fewer awards than anticipated, under this RFA.  The EPA reserves the right to make additional awards under this announcement, consistent with Agency policy, if additional funding becomes available after the original selections are made.  Any additional selections for awards will be made no later than six months after the original selection decisions.

In appropriate circumstances, EPA reserves the right to partially fund proposals/applications by funding discrete portions or phases of proposed projects. If EPA decides to partially fund a proposal/application, it will do so in a manner that does not prejudice any applicants or affect the basis upon which the proposal/application, or portion thereof, was evaluated and selected for award, and therefore maintains the integrity of the competition and selection process.

EPA may award both grants and cooperative agreements under this announcement.

Under a grant, EPA scientists and engineers are not permitted to be substantially involved in the execution of the research.  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.

Where appropriate, based on consideration of the nature of the proposed project relative to the EPA’s intramural research program and available resources, the EPA may award cooperative agreements under this announcement.  When addressing a research question/problem of common interest, collaborations between EPA scientists and the institution’s principal investigators are permitted under a cooperative agreement.  These collaborations may include data and information exchange, providing technical input to experimental design and theoretical development, coordinating extramural research with in-house activities, the refinement of valuation endpoints, and joint authorship of journal articles on these activities.  Proposals may not identify EPA cooperators or interactions; specific interactions between EPA’s investigators and those of the prospective recipient for cooperative agreements will be negotiated at the time of award.

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligible Applicants
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.  Profit-making firms are not eligible to receive assistance agreements from the EPA under this program.

Eligible nonprofit organizations include any organizations that meet the definition of nonprofit in OMB Circular A-122, located at 2 CFR Part 230.  However, nonprofit organizations described in Section 501(c) (4) of the Internal Revenue Code that lobby are not eligible to apply.

Foreign governments, international organizations, and non-governmental international organizations/institutions are not eligible to apply.

National laboratories funded by Federal Agencies (Federally-Funded Research and Development Centers, “FFRDCs”) may not apply.  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 assistance agreement 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 may not apply.  Federal employees are not eligible to serve in a principal leadership role on an assistance agreement, and may not receive salaries or augment their Agency’s appropriations in other ways through awards made under this program.

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 to the extent authorized by law.  Examples are purchase of satellite data, 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 Ron Josephson (josephson.ron@epa.gov) in NCER, phone: 703-308-0442.

B. Cost-Sharing
Institutional cost-sharing is not required.

C. Other
Applications must substantially comply with the application submission instructions and requirements set forth in Section IV of this announcement or they will be rejected.  In addition, where a page limitation is expressed in Section IV with respect to parts of the application, pages in excess of the page limit will not be reviewed.  Applications must be submitted through grants.gov or by other authorized alternate means (see Section IV.E. “Submission Instructions and Other Submission Requirements” for further information) on or before the solicitation closing date and time in Section IV of this announcement or they will be returned to the sender without further consideration.  Also, applications exceeding the funding limits or project period term described herein will be returned without review.  Further, applications that fail to demonstrate a public purpose of support or stimulation (e.g., by proposing research which primarily benefits a Federal program or provides a service for a Federal agency) will not be funded. 

Applications deemed ineligible for funding consideration will be notified within fifteen calendar days of the ineligibility determination.

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Additional provisions that apply to this solicitation and/or awards made under this solicitation, including but not limited to those related to confidential business information, contracts and subawards under grants, and proposal assistance and communications, can be found at Contracts and Subawards.

These, and the other provisions that can be found at the website link, are important, and applicants must review them when preparing applications for this solicitation.   If you are unable to access these provisions electronically at the website above, please communicate with the EPA contact listed in this solicitation to obtain the provisions.

Formal instructions for submission through Grants.gov follow in Section E.

A. Internet Address to Request Application Package
Use the application package available at Grants.gov (see Section E. “Submission Instructions and Other Submission Requirements”).  Note: With the exception of the current and pending support form (available at Forms and Standard Instructions Download Page), all necessary forms are included in the electronic application package.

An email will be sent by NCER to the Lead/Contact PI 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; emails to this address will not be accepted.  If you do not receive an email acknowledgment within 30 days of the submission closing date, immediately inform the Eligibility Contact shown in this solicitation.  Failure to do so may result in your application not being reviewed.  See Section E. “Submission Instructions and Other Submission Requirements” for additional information regarding the application receipt acknowledgment.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission
The application is made by submitting the materials described below.  Applications must contain all information requested and be submitted in the formats described.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Standard Form 424

   The applicant must complete Standard Form 424.  Instructions for completion of the SF424 are included with the form.  (However, note that EPA requires that the entire requested dollar amount appear on the SF424, not simply the proposed first year expenses.)  The form must contain the signature of an authorized representative of the applying organization. 

   Applicants are required to provide a “Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System” (DUNS) number 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 Dun & Bradstreet.

   Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” does not apply to the Office of Research and Development's research and training programs unless EPA has determined that the activities that will be carried out under the applicants' proposal (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.

   If EPA determines that Executive Order 12372 applies to an applicant's proposal, the applicant must follow the procedures in 40 CFR Part 29.  The applicant must notify their state's single point of contact (SPOC). To determine whether their state participates in this process, and how to comply, applicants should consult Intergovernmental Review (SPOC List).  If an applicant is in a State that does not have a SPOC, or the State has not selected research and development grants for intergovernmental review, the applicant must notify directly affected State, area wide, regional and local entities of its proposal.

   EPA will notify the successful applicant(s) if Executive Order 12372 applies to its proposal prior to award.

2. Key Contacts

   The applicant must complete the “Key Contacts” form found in the Grants.gov application package.  An “Additional Key Contacts” form is also available at Forms and Standard Instructions Download Page.  The Key Contacts form should also be completed for major sub-agreements (i.e., primary investigators).  Do not include information for consultants or other contractors.  Please make certain that all contact information is accurate.

   For Multiple PI applications:  The Additional Key Contacts form must be completed (see Section I.F. for further information).  Note: The Contact PI must be affiliated with the institution submitting the application.  EPA will direct all communications related to scientific, technical, and budgetary aspects of the project to the Contact PI; however, any information regarding an application will be shared with any PI upon request.  The Contact PI is to be listed on the Key Contact Form as the Project Manager/Principal Investigator (the term Project Manager is used on the Grants.gov form, the term Principal Investigator is used on the form located on NCER’s web site).  For additional PIs, complete the Major Co-Investigator fields and identify PI status next to the name (e.g., “Name: John Smith, Principal Investigator”). 

3. Table of Contents

   Provide a list of the major subdivisions of the application indicating the page number on which each section begins.

4. Abstract (1 page)

   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 described below (a-h).  Examples of abstracts for current grants may be found on the NCER web site.

   1. Funding Opportunity Title and Number for this proposal.
   2. Project 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, use more commonly understood terminology.  Do not use general phrases such as “research on.”
   3. Investigators: For applications with multiple investigators, state whether this is a single Lead PI (with co-PIs) or Multiple PI application (see Section I.F.).  For Lead PI applications, list the Lead PI, then the name(s) of each co-PI who will significantly contribute to the project.  For Multiple PI applications, list the Contact PI, then the name(s) of each additional PI.  Provide a web site URL or an email contact address for additional information.
   4. Institution(s): 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.
   5. Project Period and Location: Show the proposed project beginning and ending dates and the performance site(s)/geographical location(s) where the work will be conducted.
   6. Project Cost: Show the total funding requested from the EPA (include direct and indirect costs for all years).
   7. Project Summary: Provide three subsections addressing: (1) the objectives of the study (including any hypotheses that will be tested), (2) the experimental approach to be used (a description of the proposed project), and (3) the expected results (outputs/outcomes) 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.
   8. 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 may be found at: Forms and Standard Instructions Download Page.

5. Research Plan, Quality Assurance Statement, Human Subjects Research Statement, Data Plan, Community Engagement and Communications Plan, and References

    

    

    

    

    

   1. 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.

      The description must provide the following information:

      1. Objectives: List the objectives of the proposed research and the hypotheses being tested during the project, and briefly state why the intended research is important and how it fulfills the requirements of the solicitation. This section should also include any background or introductory information that would help explain the objectives of the study. If this application is to expand upon research supported by an existing or former assistance agreement awarded under the STAR program, indicate the number of the agreement and provide a brief report of progress and results achieved under it.
      2. Approach/Activities: Outline the research design, methods, and techniques that you intend to use in meeting the objectives stated above.
      3. Innovation: Describe how your project shifts current research or engineering paradigms by using innovative theoretical concepts, approaches or methodologies, instrumentation or interventions applicable to one or more fields of research.
      4. Sustainability: Describe how your project embodies the principles of sustainability and seeks sustainable solutions that protect the environment and strengthen our communities. The sustainability primer (PDF) (2 pp, 195 K) provides examples of research activities that promote and incorporate sustainability principles.
      5. Expected Results, Benefits, Outputs, and Outcomes: Describe the results you expect to achieve during the project (outputs) and the potential 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 and peer reviewers understand the merits of the research.
      6. Project Management: Discuss other information relevant to the potential success of the project. This should include facilities, personnel expertise/experience, project schedules with associated milestones and target dates, proposed management, interactions with other institutions, etc. Describe the approach, procedures, and controls for ensuring that awarded grant funds will be expended in a timely and efficient manner and detail how project objectives will be successfully achieved within the grant period. Describe how progress toward achieving the expected results (outputs and outcomes) of the research will be tracked and measured. 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.
      7. Appendices may be included but must remain within the 15-page limit.

   2. Quality Assurance Statement (3 pages)

      For projects involving environmental data collection or processing, conducting surveys, modeling, method development, or the development of environmental technology (whether hardware-based or via new techniques), provide a Quality Assurance Statement (QAS) regarding the plans for processes that will be used to ensure that the products of the research satisfy the intended project objectives. Follow the guidelines provided below to ensure that the QAS describes a system that complies with ANSI/ASQC E4, Specifications and Guidelines for Quality Systems for Environmental Data Collection and Environmental Technology Programs. Do not exceed three consecutively numbered, 8.5x11-inch