International Compliance and Enforcement Projects
national interests through international environmental collaboration on environmental compliance and enforcement.
This mission is supported by these strategic
International capacity building plays a key role in protecting human health, communities and the environment by providing technical cooperation to help countries improve environmental compliance and enforcement in order to reduce air pollution, better manage air quality and global climates, manage drinking and surface water quality, and restore the land and mitigate sources of land pollution.
OECA will work to transfer appropriate compliance and enforcement tools and techniques to key countries and regions as we collaborate with partners to improve compliance with domestic environmental laws in those countries.
In addition, we will continue efforts to strengthen domestic, regional, and global networks on criminal and civil/administrative enforcement, build capacity in developing countries to monitor and enforce compliance with environmental laws, and raise awareness of the role of enforcement in ensuring sustainable development.
OECA plays a key role in ensuring trade-related activities support environmental protection, particularly related to effective enforcement of environmental laws.
Initiatives relating to environmental trade and investment are carried out bilaterally, multilaterally or in connection with multilateral institutions such as the International Network for Environmental Compliance and Enforcement (INECE) and associated regional networks, INTERPOL"s Environmental Crime Program, the World Trade Organization (WTO), World Bank, European Union (EU), and others.
Also, OECA will support protection of human health and the ecosystem of North America through the United States participation in the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation and through leadership in the Enforcement Working Group of the Commission on Environmental Cooperation (CEC), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and other international entities.
OECA will provide targeted capacity building support under the environmental cooperation agreements developed parallel to U.S.
free trade agreements.
Funding Priority - Fiscal Year 2011: EPA expects to continue funding for ongoing activities that advance environmental compliance worldwide.
Possible funding priorities include efforts to build capacity for compliance and enforcement in Africa, South America, and other parts of the world, support for international conferences on compliance and enforcement, and specific projects such as preventing the transboundary shipments of hazardous wastes and e-wastes, and addressing compliance and enforcement issues in global climate change schemes, and international studies of best practices to exchange information among enforcement practitioners and policy makers.
- Capacity Building Grants and Cooperative Agreements for Compliance Assurance and Enforcement Activities in Indian Country and Other Tribal Areas
- International Financial Assistance Projects Sponsored by the Office of International Affairs
Examples of Funded Projects
Fiscal Year 2009: OECA issued one grant to support a comparative study on environmental compliance assurance systems worldwide.
Fiscal Year 2010: OECA awarded three grants: The first will support an international conference on environmental compliance and enforcement.
The second project is to support an international collaborative network focused on environmental compliance and enforcement.
The final project funded in FY 2010 is to support an international organization"s environmental crime program.
Fiscal Year 2011: No Current Data Available
The mission of the Environmental Protection Agency is to protect human health and the environment. Since 1970, EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people.
Program Accomplishments
Fiscal Year 2009: Fiscal Year 2009: OECA issued one grant to support a comparative study on environmental compliance assurance systems worldwide. This study was published in FY 2010, and was presented and discussed at several international meetings. Fiscal Year 2010: Fiscal Year 2010: OECA awarded three grants: The first will support an international conference on environmental compliance and enforcement which will be held in June 2011. The second project is to support an international collaborative network focused on environmental compliance and enforcement. Historic outcomes from previous projects in this category include development of guidance on environmental compliance and enforcement indicators and indicators training throughout Central America, multiple deliveries of the Principles of Enforcement course in the Middle East, and maintenance and development of a website. The final project funded in FY 2010 is to support an international organization"s environmental crime program. Fiscal Year 2011: No Current Data Available
Uses and Use Restrictions
Discretionary funds are available for the awards under this program.
Grants and cooperative agreements are available to support recipients" allowable direct cost expenditures associated with the approved project plus allocable portions of allowable indirect costs of the institution, in accordance with established EPA policy, 40 CFR parts 30 and 31.
Funding awarded for international research under these projects does not include research within the purview of EPA"s Office of Research and Development.
Assistance agreement awards under this program may involve or relate to geospatial information.
Further information regarding geospatial information may be obtained by viewing the following website: http://geodata.epa.gov.
The recipient cannot use these funds for the following activities under this program: litigation against the Federal government or any other government entity; construction; lobbying; matching funds for other Federal grants; travel for Federal employees; and human health studies (taking blood or other information from humans).
Grant recipients and sub-recipients are encouraged to adopt and enforce policies that ban text messaging while driving company-owned or -rented vehicles or government-owned vehicles, or while driving privately-owned vehicles when on official government business or when performing any work for or on behalf of the government.
Grant recipients and sub-recipients are encouraged to conduct initiatives of the type described in section 3(a) of the Federal Leadership on Reducing Text Messaging While Driving Executive Order that was signed on October 1, 2009.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Assistance under this program is generally available to States and local governments, territories and possessions, foreign governments, international organizations, Indian Tribes, and possessions of the U.S., including the District of Columbia, public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, other public or private nonprofit institutions, which submit applications proposing projects with significant technical merit and relevance to EPA"s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance"s mission.
For certain competitive funding opportunities under this CFDA description, the Agency may limit eligibility to compete to a number or subset of eligible applicants consistent with the Agency"s Assistance Agreement Competition Policy.
Beneficiary Eligibility
States and local governments, territories and possessions, foreign governments, international organizations, Indian Tribes, and possessions of the U.S., including the District of Columbia, public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, other public or private nonprofit institutions.
Credentials/Documentation
Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) may require applicants to submit documentation of non-profit status. OECA may request applicants to demonstrate they have appropriate background, academic training, experience in the field, and necessary equipment to carry out projects. OECA may also ask applicants or principal investigators to provide curriculum vitae and relevant publications. OMB Circular No. A-87 applies to this program.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Regarding pre-application/pre-proposal assistance with respect to competitive funding opportunities under this program description, EPA will generally specify the nature of the pre-application/pre-proposal assistance, if any, that will be available to applicants in the competitive announcement.
For additional information, contact the individual(s) listed as "Information Contacts" or see Appendix IV of the Catalog.
Environmental impact information is not required for this program.
This program is eligible for coverage under E.O.
12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.
Environmental impact information is not required for this program.
This program is eligible for coverage under E.O.
12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.
Application Procedures
OMB Circular No. A-102 applies to this program. OMB Circular No. A-110 applies to this program. The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 and A-110 must be used for this program. EPA requires final applications to be made on Standard Form 424.
Applicants may be able to use http://www.grants.gov to electronically apply for certain grant opportunities under this CFDA. Under EPA Order No. 5700.5A1, Policy for Competition in Assistance Agreements (9/12/02), Assistance awards to Foreign Governments and to United Nations agencies and similar International Organizations, such as the Organization of American States and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), may be exempted from competition at the discretion of OECA. For competitive awards, Requests for Initial Proposals or Requests for Applications will specify application procedures.
Award Procedures
For competitive awards, EPA will review and evaluate applications, proposals, and/or submissions in accordance with the terms, conditions, and criteria stated in the competitive announcement. Competitions will be conducted in accordance with EPA policies/regulations for competing assistance agreements. For non-competitive awards, OECA will conduct an administrative evaluation to determine the adequacy of the application in relation to grant regulations and a technical and program evaluation to determine the merit and relevance of the project. The Agency will then advise the applicant if funding is being considered. A final work plan will then be negotiated with the applicant.
Deadlines
Contact the headquarters or regional office, as appropriate, for application deadlines.
Authorization
Clean Water Act, Section 104, Public Law 95-217, 33 U.S.C 1251; Safe Drinking Water Act, Section 1442(a)&(c), Public Law 93-523; Clean Air Act, Section 103, Public Law 95-95, 42 U.S.C 7401; Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, Section 20, Public Law 92-516, 7 U.S.C 136; Solid Waste Disposal Act, Section 8001; National Environmental Policy Act, Section 102(2)(F); Toxic Substances Control Act, Section 10, Public Law 94-469, 15 U.S.C 2601; Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, Section 203.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Approximately 180 days.
Appeals
Assistance agreement competition-related disputes will be resolved in accordance with the dispute resolution procedures published in 70 FR (Federal Register) 3629, 3630 (January 26, 2005). Copies of these procedures may also be requested by contacting the individual(s) listed as "Information Contacts." Disputes relating to matters other than the competitive selection of recipients will be resolved under 40 CFR 30.63 or 40 CFR 31.70, as applicable.
Renewals
None. A standard grant application should be prepared and submitted as a new grant, which will be reviewed in the same manner as the original application and will compete for available funds. Generally, EPA incrementally funds grants and cooperative agreements. Approval of subsequent funding increments is dependent on satisfactory project progress, continued relevance of the project to OECA"s priorities, and availability of funds.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Statutory formulas are not applicable to this program.
Matching requirements are not applicable to this program.
This program does not have MOE requirements.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
EPA normally funds grants and cooperative agreements on a 12-month basis. However, EPA can negotiate the project period with each applicant based on project requirements. EPA limits project periods to 5 years. See the following for information on how assistance is awarded/released: Payments will be on an advance letter of credit or reimbursement basis; recipient must request the initial advance payment on SF 270, Request for Advance or Reimbursement.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
No program reports are required.
No cash reports are required.
Reporting requirements are identified at 40 CFR Parts 30 and 31.
EPA may include additional information regarding the content and frequency of reporting requirements in the terms and conditions of the agreements.
Progress reports are required under this program.
Expenditure Reports are required under this program.
Performance Monitoring is required under this program.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133. Grants and cooperative agreements are subject to inspections and audits by the Comptroller General of the United States, the EPA Office of Inspector General, other EPA staff, or any authorized representative of the Federal government. Reviews by the EPA Project Officer and the Grants Specialist may occur each year. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," non-federal entities that expend $500,000 or more in a year in Federal awards shall have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Non-federal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in OMB Circular No. A-133.
Records
The record retention requirements of 40 CFR Part 30 (non-profits and universities) or 40 CFR Part 31 (governmental units) are applicable depending upon the identity of the recipient. Financial records, including all documents to support entries on accounting records and to substantiate changes to each grant must be kept available to personnel authorized to examine EPA grant accounts. All records must be maintained until expiration of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report. If questions still remain, such as those raised as a result of audit, related records must be retained until the matter is completely resolved.
Financial Information
Account Identification
68-0108-0-1-304.
Obigations
(Project Grants) FY 09 $500,000; FY 10 est $1,000,000; FY 11 est $300,000
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Range: $30,000 - $2,000,000; Average: FY 2009 $250,000, FY 2010 est. $300,000 and FY 2011 est. $200,000. Annual amounts fluctuate greatly because OECA usually issues a single large grants for multiple years with interim awards for other projects at much lower levels.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
These grants and cooperative agreements are subject to EPA"s General Grant Regulations (40 CFR Part 30 and 40 CFR Part 31). Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments and Indian Tribes, OMB Circular No. A-21 for educational institutions, and OMB Circular No. A-122 for nonprofit institutions.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
David Swack USEPA Headquarters
Ariel Rios Building
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N. W.
Mail Code: 2201A, Washington, District of Columbia 20460 Email: swack.david@epa.gov Phone: 202-564-9963
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
The evaluation and selection criteria for competitive awards under this CFDA description will be described in the competitive announcement.
Social Entrepreneurship
Spotlight
The Social Innovators of 2014
For 2014, the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship has recognized 37 individuals for their outstanding work in the field of social enterprise.
