**ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY**

**Federal Agency Name:** Environmental Protection Agency, Office of
Water

**Funding Opportunity Title:** Cooperative Agreement for the *Eighth
National Tribal Conference on Environmental Management*

**Announcement Type:** Request for Applications

**Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number:** 66.309

**Funding Opportunity Number:** EPA-OW-IO-06-02

**Dates:** Applications must be received by EPA or through Grants.gov by
4:00 P.M. EDT, August 15, 2006. Late applications will not be considered
for funding.

**I. Funding Opportunity Description**

***A. Background***

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting applications
from federally recognized Indian tribes or intertribal consortia to
co-sponsor the *Eighth National Tribal Conference on Environmental
Management* (NTCEM). The Agency anticipates awarding one cooperative
agreement for approximately \$250,000 with a two year project period.
The actual funding amount for the cooperative agreement is subject to
the availability of EPA funds and project scope. EPA, led by the Office
of Water, will be the federal co-sponsor.

Since 1992, EPA has co-sponsored seven NTCEMs, providing opportunities
for tribal leaders, tribal environmental program managers, tribal
organizations, federal agencies, and other interested parties to
exchange information about tribal environmental programs and to discuss
issues of vital interest to Indian country. Conference topics have
historically covered a wide range of environmental issues affecting
tribal interests. The goals for this conference are to facilitate the
development and effectiveness of tribal environmental programs,
strengthen networks and relationships across environmental efforts in
Indian country, identify and share lessons learned, and familiarize
tribes with the full range and extent of tribal and non-tribal
environmental protection activities.

Topics covered during past NTCEMs have helped to build tribal capacity
in many areas, including:

1.  program development and implementation in various environmental
    media;

2.  identifying and obtaining funding (e.g., grant proposal development
    and grant management);

3.  program enforcement and compliance assurance;

4.  protecting human health and subsistence resources;

5.  contracting, research, and business development;

6.  technology (including Geographic Information Systems) and natural
    resource management;

7.  air and water resource protection; and

8.  waste, toxics, and pesticides best management practices.

The NTCEM has traditionally been held every other year in late spring.
Because of the Agency's sponsorship of several major tribal events in
2004, the Seventh NTCEM was delayed for one year and held in the spring
of 2005. EPA expects the Eighth NTCEM will break precedent again by
being held in the autumn, rather than in the spring, of 2007. With this
change in timing, the Agency hopes to avoid conflict with other national
environmental conferences that may attract tribal audiences and that are
scheduled in the spring time frame. The change will also provide
additional preparation time for the tribal co-sponsor.

For the purposes of this announcement, the words "tribe" and its
derivatives refer to both federally recognized tribes and federally
recognized Alaska native villages. The term "Indian country" means: 1)
All land within the limits of any Indian reservation under the
jurisdiction of the United States Government, notwithstanding the
issuance of any patent, and including rights-of-way running throughout
the reservation; 2) All dependent Indian communities within the borders
of the United States, whether within the original or subsequently
acquired territory thereof, and whether within or without the limits of
the state; 3) All Indian allotments, the Indian titles to which have not
been extinguished, including rights-of-way running through the same.

To be eligible to receive a cooperative agreement under the authorities
listed in this announcement, an intertribal consortium must meet the
definition of eligibility in the Environmental Program Grants for Tribes
Final Rule, at 40 CFR 35.504 (66 FR 3782, January 16, 2001)(FRL-6929-5)
and be a non-profit organization within the meaning of OMB Circular
A-122.

***B.** **Statutory Authority***

The cooperative agreement resulting from this announcement will be
awarded under the following statutory authorities:

-   Clean Water Act, Section 104(b)(3)

-   Safe Drinking Water Act, Section 1442(b)(3)

-   Solid Waste Disposal Act, Section 8001(a)

-   Clean Air Act, Section 103(b)(3)

-   Toxic Substances Control Act, Section 10(a)

-   Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, Section 20(a)

***C. Project Description***

Under this announcement, EPA intends to award a cooperative agreement to
a tribal co-sponsor who will make substantive contributions to the
development of the technical and policy content of the conference
agenda, as well as to cultural and educational events associated with
the conference. The Agency will enter into a co-sponsorship agreement
with the successful applicant under standards contained in the October
1996 Guidance on Co-Sponsoring Conferences contained in EPA Ethics
Advisory 96-15. The recipient must cooperate with EPA to facilitate
compliance with this ethics guidance and all other ethics rules.

Prior NTCEMs have typically attracted approximately 650 attendees
representing over 200 Indian tribes and Alaska native villages,
intertribal consortia, federal, state, and local governments, and
private and non-profit organizations. Past agendas generally have
included more than 40 topics addressing a wide variety of environmental
issues, as well as educational events and activities that acquainted
attendees with the host tribe's homeland and cultural heritage. It is
expected that the Eighth NTCEM will have a similarly wide ranging agenda
and attendance.

EPA plans to award one cooperative agreement to a tribal co-sponsor for
costs related to conference planning and hosting, including salaries for
the tribal conference planning staff, travel reimbursement
(scholarships) for approximately 80 to 100 tribal attendees, and other
expenses. The application must identify and clearly describe proposed,
available conference and lodging facilities for approximately 700
attendees. A description of amenities at the proposed facilities and in
the area surrounding them, with pictures and brochures if available,
should be included in application. The application must also describe
the proximity and accessibility of the proposed site to airport(s) and
identify available ground transportation. The tribe's conference
planning team will have primary responsibility for planning
communications and outreach to Indian country that will maximize
attendance and participation by tribal representatives.

The tribal co-sponsor will lead design of conference informational
materials, develop an overall theme, and provide culturally appropriate,
conference related graphics, including a conference logo. The tribal
co-sponsor will actively participate in development of the content of
materials such as flyers, brochures, and registration materials that
provide information and logistics to potential attendees. Tribal
planning staff will collect registration and vendor fees for additional
programmatic funding, arrange conference opening and closing ceremonies,
and identify and formally invite keynote and plenary speakers. The
tribal co-sponsor will also design, or review design of, promotional
materials to be provided to conference attendees.

The tribal co-sponsor is expected to communicate broadly with Indian
country, using a variety of methods to identify priority environmental
issues for tribes throughout the United States and assure that they are
appropriately included on the agenda. The tribal co-sponsor will
request, collect, and evaluate topic proposals from tribes and other
non-federal parties. A cross-Agency work group, led by the EPA Project
Officer, will collaborate with the tribal co-sponsor and others to
identify and suggest agenda sessions covering tribal environmental
issues that are national in scope. The tribal co-sponsor will approve
final agenda content. EPA will encourage participation in the conference
by other federal agencies. EPA support of the tribal co-sponsor's public
communication efforts may include posting conference information on EPA
websites and in EPA notices and newsletters, and making advertising
materials available for use by other federal and non-federal
communications media.

A major component of the NTCEM, and one that sets it apart from other
environmental conferences, is the highlighting of the culture and life
ways of the tribal co-sponsor. The tribal co-sponsor's conference
planning team will assume the lead in identifying and arranging
culturally relevant, educational, environmentally focused events and
field trips that provide information on environmental protection in
Indian country for attendees. For example, previous tribal co-sponsors
have arranged powwows, tours of tribal environmental projects and
programs, field trips to local environmental clean-up sites, canoeing
and boating on culturally significant waterways, and informative visits
to other environmentally and culturally important local areas.

EPA plans to have a contractor assist with the general logistical
activities necessary to the success of a major national conference. EPA
will provide the services of the contractor as part of its
co-sponsorship contribution to the conference. The contractor will be
available to provide expert support in areas such as:

-   identifying and tracking the implementation of conference planning
    milestones;

-   producing informational materials for participants and
    vendors/exhibitors;

-   assisting in broad information dissemination and follow-up;

-   designing and producing topic submission and registration materials
    (including development of a conference website);

-   agenda organization;

-   registration;

-   negotiating hotel, conference space, and transportation rates; and

-   other conference related services.

Specific activities to be undertaken by the EPA contractor under EPA
direction will be determined during the pre-award negotiation process
with the selected recipient. For example, the extent of the tribal
co-sponsor's involvement in negotiating costs for items such as facility
space and required equipment is expected to be determined during
pre-award discussions, and may affect the total amount of funding under
this cooperative agreement.

EPA's Project Officer will coordinate with EPA regional personnel, other
federal agencies (e.g., the Department of the Interior, the Department
of Health and Human Services, the Department of Defense, and the
Department of Housing and Urban Development) and key EPA supported
tribal organizations (e.g., the National Tribal Operations Committee,
the Tribal Pesticide Program Council, the Tribal Science Council) to
strengthen the multi-media character of the Eighth NTCEM. It is expected
that the tribal co-sponsor will reach out more broadly to tribal
organizations and intertribal consortia for the same purpose. These
interested external groups may be invited to be part of the conference
agenda or to participate independently around other ongoing conference
events. Once the tribal co-sponsor is selected and the cooperative
agreement is awarded, EPA plans to encourage interested organizations to
contact the co-sponsor directly to coordinate speakers and
presentations.

***D. EPA's Strategic Plan and Anticipated Environmental Results***

The NTCEM is an Agency-wide multi-media conference and the anticipated
activities to be funded under this announcement are consistent with the
following goals under EPA's 2003-2008 Strategic Plan (available at
<http://www.epa.gov/ocfo/plan/plan.htm>):

-   Goal 1: Clean Air and Global Climate Change

-   Goal 2: Clean and Safe Water

-   Goal 3: Land Preservation and Restoration

-   Goal 4: Healthy Communities and Ecosystems

-   Goal 5: Compliance and Environmental Stewardship

The anticipated activities under this announcement primarily support
Goal 5 *Compliance and Environmental Stewardship*, Objective 5.3 *Build
Tribal Capacity*. Applicants must include specific statements describing
the environmental results of the proposed project in terms of
well-defined outputs, and, to the maximum extent practicable,
well-defined outcomes.

Environmental outputs (or deliverables) refer to an environmental
activity, effort, and/or associated work product related to an
environmental goal or objective, that will be produced or provided over
a period of time or by a specified date. Outputs may be quantitative or
qualitative but must be measurable during an assistance agreement
funding period.

*Outputs*: Anticipated outputs (deliverables) from the cooperative
agreement to be awarded under this announcement include:

-   Establish a viable substructure for a large national conference
    where tribal environmental managers will be encouraged to learn from
    the experiences of their tribal peers and outside experts and
    identify new, sustainable approaches to maintaining and improving
    human health and the environment in Indian country.

-   Develop a general conference theme and appropriate conference
    related graphics.

-   Disseminate wide, ongoing outreach and information about the
    conference to potential tribal participants.

-   Identify tribal environmental program information and tribal vendors
    to be included in the conference.

-   Establish and collect conference registration and vendor fees.

-   Establish a travel reimbursement (scholarship) program to pay travel
    costs (up to \$1,000) for approximately 80 to 100 tribal attendees.

-   Collect and evaluate session topic proposals from tribes and tribal
    organizations. Propose possible environmental topics related to
    issues pertinent to tribal co-sponsor's homeland or to tribes
    generally.

-   Evaluate session topic proposals from EPA and other federal
    agencies.

-   Develop and finalize conference agenda content.

-   Identify, invite, and confirm keynote and plenary speakers.

-   Organize opening and closing ceremonies.

-   Plan and organize educational, relevant cultural events surrounding
    and during the conference*.*

Environmental outcomes are 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, and are
used as a way to gauge a project's performance. Outcomes may be
environmental, behavioral, health-related or programmatic in nature. In
this context, certain efforts designed to improve decision-making and
behavioral changes can be viewed as environmental outcomes (results) if
the grantee can show or measure the improvement in the knowledge of
decision-makers who are in the position to create environmental
institutional changes that are necessary to restore or protect the
environment.

Outcomes must be quantitative and may not necessarily be achieved within
an assistance agreement funding period. Outcomes may be short-term
(changes in learning, knowledge, attitude, skills), intermediate
(changes in behavior, practice, or decisions), or long-term (changes in
condition of the natural resource).

*Outcomes:* Anticipated outcomes from the cooperative agreement to be
awarded under this announcement include:

-   Increase in the technical expertise of a wide variety of
    professionals and stakeholders who are working to protect the
    environmental resources of Indian country. The conference will
    facilitate information exchange and promote professional networking.

-   Increased / enhanced tribal program manager knowledge on a wide
    variety of existing and emerging issues related to our environment,
    supporting the improved management of tribal natural resources.

-   Increased tribal capacity to build and sustain environmental
    protection programs and activities.

-   Increased understanding of, and sensitivity to, cross cultural
    differences for both non-tribal and tribal participants, leading to
    improved working relationships and better environmental protection
    in Indian country.

-   Improved public health protection in tribal communities.

**II. Award Information**

EPA expects to award one cooperative agreement under this announcement.
The total funding available for the project is expected to be
approximately \$250,000, depending on the availability of EPA funds and
project scope. Prior to award, the successful applicant must provide EPA
with a negotiated Statement of Work covering a two year project period.
For additional detail on the Statement of Work requirements see Section
IV.B.3.

EPA reserves the right to partially fund an application under this
announcement by funding discrete activities, portions, or phases of
proposed projects. If EPA decides to partially fund an application, it
will do so in a manner that does not prejudice any applicants or affect
the basis upon which the application, or portion thereof, was evaluated
and selected for award, and that maintains the integrity of the
competition and selection process.

EPA reserves the right to make no award under this announcement. In
addition, EPA reserves the right to make additional awards under this
announcement consistent with Agency policy, if additional funding
becomes available. Any additional selections for awards will be made no
later than six months after the original selection decisions.

Cooperative agreements permit substantial involvement between the EPA
Project Officer and the selected applicant in the performance of work
supported by grant funds. Although EPA will negotiate precise terms and
conditions relating to substantial involvement as part of the award
process, anticipated substantial federal involvement for this project
may include:

1.  Close monitoring of the applicant's performance to verify
    achievement of proposed results, including tracking timely and
    successful accomplishment of milestones and goals.

2\. Collaborating with the award recipient in conference planning
activities during performance of the scope of work. Collaboration may
include participation on phone calls and at meetings as invited, and
identifying and suggesting relevant topics and environmental protection
experts who might appropriately provide conference presentations. Final
agenda topics and presenters will be selected by the tribal co-sponsor.

4\. Reviewing qualifications of key personnel named in the proposal.
(EPA will not select employees or contractors employed by the award
recipient).

5\. Reviewing and commenting on reports prepared under the cooperative
agreement. (The final decision on the content of reports rests with the
recipient).

Specific activities to be undertaken by the EPA contractor under EPA
direction will be determined during negotiations with the recipient
during the award process.

**III. Eligibility Information**

***A. Eligible Applicants***

Federally recognized tribal governments and intertribal consortia are
eligible to submit applications under this announcement. To be eligible
to receive a cooperative agreement under this program, an intertribal
consortium must meet the definition of eligibility in the Environmental
Program Grants for Tribes Final Rule, at 40 CFR 35.504 (66 FR 3782,
January 16, 2001) (FRL-6929-5) and be a non-profit organization within
the meaning of OMB Circular A-122.

***B. Cost Sharing or Matching***

There are no cost sharing or matching requirements.

***C. Threshold Eligibility Criteria***

These are requirements which, if not met by the time of submission, will
result in elimination of the application from consideration for funding.
Only applications that meet all of these criteria will be evaluated
against the ranking factors in Section V of this announcement.
Applicants deemed ineligible for funding consideration as a result of
the threshold eligibility review will be notified within 15 calendar
days of the ineligibility determination.

1\. An applicant must meet the eligibility requirements in Section III.A
of this announcement.

2\. Applications must be received by EPA or through Grants.gov on or
before the solicitation closing date published in Section IV.C of this
announcement. Applications received after the published closing date
will be returned to the sender without further consideration.

3\. Hard copy application packages submitted by any type of U.S. Postal
Service delivery or by FAX will not be considered for award (see Section
IV.B.2. for instructions on submission of hard copy paper applications).
Application packages submitted via e-mail will not be considered for
award. All electronic submissions must use the Grants.gov process
described in Section IV.B.1.

4\. The content of application packages must substantially comply with
the application submission instructions and requirements set forth in
Section IV of this announcement or the application will be rejected. In
addition, where a page limit is expressed in Section IV with respect to
the application and/or parts of the application, pages in excess of the
page limitation will not be reviewed.

**IV. Application and Submission Information**

***A. Request for Application Packages***

Grant application forms, including Standard Forms SF-424 and SF-424A,
are available at http://www.epa.gov/ogd/grants/how_to_apply.htm and by
mail upon request by calling the Grants Administration Division at (202)
564-5320.

***B. Content and Form of Application Submission***

Applicants have the option to submit their applications in one of two
ways: 1) Electronically through the
[http://www.grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/) website or 2) hard copy
by express delivery service, hand delivery, or courier service to the
EPA contact identified in Section VII. All applications must be prepared
and include the information as described below, regardless of mode of
submission.

**1. [Electronic Submission through Grants.gov]{.underline}**

Applicants may submit application packages electronically using the
[http://ww.grants.gov](http://ww.grants.gov/) apply systems website. The
electronic submission of your application must be made by an official
representative of your institution who is registered with Grants.gov and
authorized to sign applications for Federal assistance. For more
information, go to [http://www.grants.gov]{.underline} and click on "Get
Started," and then "For AORs" (Authorized Organization Representative)
on the left side of the page. *Note that the registration process may
take a week or longer to complete.* If your organization is not
currently registered with grants.gov, you should designate an AOR and
begin the registration process as soon as possible.

[]{.mark}

At [http://www.grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/), you will find
step-by-step instructions that will help you to apply under this
announcement.

[]{.mark}

To begin the application process for this announcement, go to
[http://www.grants.gov]{.underline} and click on the "Apply for Grants"
tab at the top of the page. Then click on "Apply Step 1: Download a
Grant Application Package and Application Instructions" to download the
PureEdge viewer and obtain the application package
([https://apply.grants.gov/forms_apps_idx.html]{.underline}). Access the
application package either by using CFDA number 66.309 or by entering
the Funding Opportunity Number, **EPA-OW-IO-06-02**, in the space
provided. You may also be able to access the application package by
clicking on the button "How To Apply" at the top right of the synopsis
page for this announcement on
[[http://www.grants.gov]{.underline}](http://www.grants.gov/) (to find
the synopsis page go to
[[http://www.grants.gov]{.underline}](http://www.grants.golv/) and click
on the "Find Grant Opportunities" button on the top of the page and then
go to EPA opportunities). It is recommended that you "Register to
Receive Notification" of announcement updates.

Application materials submitted through Grants.gov will be time/date
stamped electronically and must be received by Grants.gov by the due
date and time identified in Section IV.C of this announcement.

***How to submit your application through Grants.gov*:**

Applicants **are required to submit the following documents** **a**
**through k** to apply electronically through Grants.gov. Documents **a
through h** should appear in the "Mandatory Documents" box on the
Grants.gov Application Package page. Documents **i through k** are
listed in the "Optional Documents" box, but *please note that these
so-called "optional" documents must also be submitted as part of the
application package if they are applicable to your organization.*

a\. [Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)]{.underline}. Complete
the form. There are no attachments. The organizational Dun and
Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number must be
included in the SF-424. Organizations may obtain a DUNS number at no
cost by calling the toll-free DUNS number request line at
1-866-705-5711.

b\. [Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs
(SF-424A)]{.underline}. Complete the form. There are no attachments. The
total amount of federal funding requested for the project period should
be shown on line 5(e) and on line 6(k) of the SF-424A. If indirect costs
are included, the amount of indirect costs should be entered on line
6(j). The indirect cost rate (a percentage), the base (e.g., personnel
costs and fringe benefits), and the amount should also be indicated on
line 22. If indirect costs are requested, a copy of the Negotiated
Indirect Cost Rate Agreement must be submitted as part of the
application package. (See instructions for document j, below.)

c\. [SF-424B, Assurances for Non-Construction Programs]{.underline}.
Complete the form. There are no attachments.

d\. [Grants.gov Lobbying Form - Certification Regarding
Lobbying]{.underline}. Complete the form. There are no attachments.

e\. [EPA Key Contacts Form 5700-54]{.underline}. Complete the form.
There are no attachments. If additional pages are needed, attach these
additional pages to the electronic application package by using the
"Other Attachments Form" in the "Optional Documents" box.

f\. [EPA Form 4700-4, Pre-award Compliance Review Report.]{.underline}
Complete the form. There are no attachments.

g\. [Statement of Work]{.underline}. **See Section IV.B.3** (Statement
of Work) for additional details on specific elements that must be
included. When developing the Statement of Work, applicants should refer
to Section I.C of the announcement which describes critical project
elements.

h\. [Budget Narrative Attachment - Detailed Itemized
Budget]{.underline}. Prepare the detailed itemized budget and attach it
by clicking on "Budget Narrative Attachment Form" and then "Add
Mandatory Budget Narrative". Provide a detailed itemized budget for the
following categories, specifying unit costs:

\- Personnel;

\- Fringe Benefits;

\- Contractual Costs;

\- Travel;

\- Equipment;

\- Supplies;

\- Other;

\- Total Direct Costs;

\- Total Indirect Costs (must include documentation of accepted indirect
rate); and

\- Total Cost.

The budget narrative for the travel cost category must include travel
reimbursement (scholarships) to pay the travel costs (up to \$1,000) for
approximately 80 to 100 tribal attendees.

i\. [Disclosure of Lobbying Activities - SF-LLL]{.underline}. Complete
the form if your organization is involved in lobbying activities.

j\. [Other Attachments Form - Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate
Agreement]{.underline}. Complete this form if indirect costs are
included in the proposed project budget. Use the "Other Attachments
Form" in the "Optional Documents" box to attach a copy of your
organization's Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, if applicable. You must
submit a copy of your organization's Indirect Cost Rate Agreement as
part of the application package if your proposed project budget includes
indirect costs.

k\. [Other Attachments Form - Biographical Sketches for the Project
Manager(s)]{.underline}. Use the "Other Attachments Form" in the
"Optional Documents" box to attach a copy of the biographical sketch of
each project manager for the proposed project. Provide the names, phone
numbers, business address, and e-mail address, for proposed principal
investigator(s) and key associates. Describe the qualifications,
experience, and availability of these personnel to perform the work.
Outline the education, work history, and knowledge/expertise of the
individual as they relate to managing the proposed project. A
biographical sketch must be submitted for each major project manager,
educator, support staff member or other major project participant. Full
resumes may be included as an appendix to the main application package.

For each document, click on the appropriate form and then click "Open
Form" below the box. The fields that must be completed will be
highlighted in yellow. Optional fields and completed fields will be
displayed in white. If you enter an invalid response or incomplete
information in a field, you will receive an error message. When you have
finished filling out each form, click "Save." When you return to the
electronic Grant Application Package page, click on the form you just
completed and then click on the box that says "Move Form to Submission
List" to move the document to the box that says "Mandatory Completed
Documents for Submission."

[]{.mark}

For the Statement of Work portion of the application package, you will
need to attach electronic files. Prepare your project Statement of Work
using the format outlined in Section IV.B.3 of the announcement and save
the document to your computer as an MS Word or Adobe .pdf file. When you
are ready to attach your Statement of Work to the application package,
click on "Project Narrative Attachment Form" and open the form. Click
"Add Mandatory Project Narrative File" and then attach your Statement of
Work (previously saved to your computer) using the browse window that
appears. You may then click "View Mandatory Project Narrative File" to
view it. Enter a brief descriptive title of your project (no more than
40 characters) in the space beside "Mandatory Project Narrative File
Filename". If there are other attachments that you intend to submit with
your Statement of Work, click "Add Optional Project Narrative File"
again and proceed as before. When you have finished attaching the
necessary documents, click "Close Form". When you return to the "Grant
Application Package" page, select the "Project Narrative Attachment
Form" and click "Move Form to Submission List". The form should now
appear in the box that says, "Mandatory Completed Documents for
Submission". Follow the same general procedures for attaching document
h - the Detailed Itemized Budget - using the "Budget Narrative
Attachment".

[]{.mark}

Documents **i, j, and k** are listed in the "Optional Documents" box,
but *please note that these so-called "optional" documents must also be
submitted as part of the application package if they are applicable to
your organization.* You are only required to submit document i (SF-LLL,
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities) if your organization is involved in
lobbying activities. You are required to submit document j (Negotiated
Indirect Cost Rate Agreement) if you have included any indirect costs in
your proposed budget. You *must* submit document k (Biographical
Sketches for Project Manager(s)) to meet the requirements of this
Request for Applications. To attach document j and document k, use the
"Other Attachments Form" in the "Optional Documents" box. After
attaching the documents, remember to highlight the "Other Attachments
Form" and click "Move Form to Submission List" in order to move the
documents to the box that says "Optional Completed Documents for
Submission".

[]{.mark}

Once you have finished filling out all of the forms/attachments, and
they appear in one of the "Completed Documents for Submission" boxes,
click the "Save" button that appears at the top of the Web page. It is
suggested that you save the document a second time, using a different
name, since this will make it easier to submit an amended package later
if necessary.

[]{.mark}

Please use the following format when saving your file: "Applicant Name
-- FY06 NTCEM -- 1^st^ Submission" or "Applicant Name -- FY06 NTCEM --
Back-up Submission". If it becomes necessary to submit an amended
package at a later date, then the name of the second submission should
be changed to "Applicant Name -- FY06 NTCEM -- 2^nd^ Submission". When
your application package has been completed and saved, send it to your
AOR for submission to U.S. EPA through Grants.gov. Please advise your
AOR to close all other software programs before attempting to submit the
application package through Grants.gov.

[]{.mark}

In the "Application Filing Name" box, your AOR should enter your
organization's name (abbreviated where possible), the fiscal year (e.g.,
FY06), and the grant category (e.g., NTCEM). The filing name should not
exceed 40 characters. From the "Grant Application Package" page, your
AOR may submit the application package by clicking the "Submit" button
that appears at the top of the page. The AOR will then be asked to
verify the agency and funding opportunity number for which the
application package is being submitted. If problems are encountered
during the submission process, the AOR should reboot his/her computer
before trying to resubmit the application package. It may be necessary
to turn off the computer (not just restart it) before attempting to
submit the package again. If the AOR continues to experience submission
problems, he/she may contact Grants.gov for assistance by phone at
800-518-4726 or email at *<support@grants.gov>,* or contact Karen Rudek
by phone at 202-564-0472 or email at <rudek.karen@epa.gov>. If you have
any other technical difficulties while applying electronically, please
refer to <http://www.grants.gov/CustomerSupport>.

**2. [Hard Copy Submission]{.underline}**

Four hard copies of the complete application package (including one with
original signature(s)) are required to be sent by express mail, courier
service, or hand delivered. **Applications submitted by U.S. Postal Mail
will not be considered**. Hard copy applications must be received by EPA
by the due date and time identified in Section IV.C of this
announcement. Complete application packages must contain the following,
in the sequential order shown below:

a\. [Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)]{.underline}. Complete
the form. There are no attachments. The organizational Dun and
Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number must be
included in the SF-424. Organizations may obtain a DUNS number at no
cost by calling the toll-free DUNS number request line at
1-866-705-5711.

b\. [Budget by Categories and Indirect Cost Rate (SF-424A)]{.underline}.
The total amount of federal funding requested for the two year project
period should be shown on line 5(e) and on line 6(k) of the SF-424A. If
indirect costs are included, the amount of indirect costs should be
entered on line 6(j). The indirect cost rate (a percentage), the base
(e.g., personnel costs and fringe benefits), and the amount should also
be indicated on line 22. If indirect costs are requested, a copy of the
Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement must be submitted as part of the
application package. (See instructions for document j, below).

c\. [Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B)]{.underline}.
Complete the form. There are no attachments.

d\. [Lobbying Form - Certification Regarding Lobbying]{.underline}.
Complete the form. There are no attachments.

e\. [EPA Key Contacts Form 5700-54]{.underline}. Complete the form.
Attach additional forms as needed.

f\. [EPA Form 4700--4, Pre-award Compliance review report]{.underline}.
Complete the form. There are no attachments.

g\. [Statement of Work]{.underline}. **See Section IV.B.3** (Statement
of Work) for details on specific elements that must be included. When
developing the Statement of Work, applicants should refer to Section I.C
of the announcement which describes critical project elements.

h\. [Budget Narrative Attachment Form - Detailed Itemized
Budget]{.underline}. Provide a detailed itemized budget for the
following categories, specifying unit costs:

\- Personnel;

\- Fringe Benefits;

\- Contractual Costs;

\- Travel;

\- Equipment:

\- Supplies;

\- Other;

\- Total Direct Costs;

\- Total Indirect Costs (must include documentation of accepted indirect
rate); and

\- Total Cost.

The budget narrative for the travel cost category must include travel
reimbursement (scholarships) to pay the travel costs (up to \$1,000) for
approximately 80 to 100 tribal attendees.

i\. [Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL)]{.underline}. Complete
this form if your organization is involved in lobbying activities.

j\. [Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if indirect costs are
included in your project budget)]{.underline}. Complete this form if
indirect costs are included in the proposed project budget. You must
submit a copy of your organization's Indirect Cost Rate Agreement as
part of the application package if your proposed project budget includes
indirect costs.

k\. [Biographical Sketches for Key Personnel: Programmatic Capability
and Past Performance]{.underline}. Submit a biographical sketch of each
project manager for the proposed project. Provide the names, phone
numbers, business address, and e-mail address, for proposed principal
investigator(s) and key associates. Describe the qualifications,
experience, and availability of these personnel to perform the work.
Annotated resumes (not to exceed one page each) outlining education,
work history, and knowledge/expertise of the individual as it relates to
managing the proposed project, must be submitted for each major project
manager, educator, support staff member or other major participant. Full
resumes may be included as an appendix to the main application package.

**3. [Statement of Work]{.underline}**. The page limit for the Statement
of Work is 15 pages. The Statement of Work narrative must be typewritten
and must include the information listed below. If a particular item it
not applicable, clearly state this. Pages should be numbered for ease of
reading. Hard copy submissions may be submitted double-sided.

a\) *Cover Page*. Include the project title and applicant information
(organization name, address, and contact person, phone number, fax, and
e-mail address). Provide total project cost and amount requested.

b)  *Table of Contents*.

c\) *Executive Summary*. The executive summary should be a stand alone
document. The executive summary should provide highlights of project
organization and administration and include a brief description of
proposed program implementation methodologies, with an overview of major
project goals and methods of measuring and assessing progress. The
executive summary should include the amount of funding requested from
EPA and the project period.

e)  *Objectives*. A numbered list (1, 2, etc.) of concisely written
    project objectives. In most cases, each objective should be stated
    in a single sentence.

```{=html}
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```
f)  *Work Plan*. The work plan must address the following elements:

1\. [Technical Approach]{.underline}. In developing the technical
approach, the applicant should consider the content of Section I.C,
which provides additional information of direct relevance to the
evaluation criteria. Information included in the work plan will help
identify the specific roles and activities to be led by the tribal
co-sponsor and those that may require contractor expertise.

The work plan must explain proposed steps/activities the applicant will
use to assure the success of the project, including such things as:

-   Availability and description of proposed conference facilities,
    including the size (space allotted per vendor/display) and location
    (relative to conference break-out sessions) of available vendor
    space. The proposal includes an estimate of the number of vendors
    that might reasonably be accommodated. Applicants are encouraged to
    provide pictures/brochures with their applications, if available.

-   Nearby, available lodging, and dining options.

-   Methodology for conference graphics design and theme development.

-   Planned mechanisms for communication and outreach to tribes,
    including specific information (number of participants, keynote
    speakers, etc,) that shows the applicant's prior experience with
    projects similar to this one. Applicants are encouraged to include
    examples of agendas, hand outs, and other supporting materials from
    past projects in an appendix to the application.

-   Availability of shuttles or other ground transportation.

-   Location of airport(s). Proximity of airport to proposed conference
    facilities (preferably within 90 minutes).

-   Proposed, culturally relevant, educational events and/or field trips
    for conference attendees.

-   Approach to establishing a travel reimbursement (scholarship)
    program to pay travel costs (up to \$1,000) for approximately 80 to
    100 tribal attendees.

> []{.mark}

2\. [Milestone Schedule]{.underline}. The milestone schedule must cover
a two year project period and must provide:

-   A breakout of the project into phases with associated tasks.

-   Time frames for completion of each task and phase.

-   A descriptive list of deliverables, including indication of ongoing
    and/or repeated tasks and deliverables.

3\. [Programmatic Capability Past Performance (Applicant's Technical
Experience and Qualifications)]{.underline}. The work plan must identify
federally funded assistance agreements similar in size, scope, and
relevance to the proposed project that your organization performed
within the last three years, and describe (i) whether, and how, you were
able to successfully complete and manage those agreements and (ii) your
history of meeting the reporting requirements under those agreements
including submitting acceptable final technical reports. If you do not
have any relevant or available past performance or reporting history
information, please indicate this in the work plan and you will receive
a neutral score for these factors under Section V.

In addition, provide information on your organizational experience and
plan for timely and successfully achieving the objectives of the
proposed project, and your staff expertise/qualifications, staff
knowledge, and resources or the ability to obtain them, to successfully
achieve the goals of the project goals.

4\. [Tracking Progress Toward Achieving Environmental
Results]{.underline}. Provide a clear description of the project's
anticipated environmental outputs and outcomes and describe how the
outcomes are linked to EPA's Strategic Plan. See Section I. D for the
discussion of anticipated outputs and outcomes from this announcement.
Describe the planned strategy for measuring and tracking progress toward
achieving the anticipated outputs and outcomes.

5\. [Environmental Results Past Performance]{.underline}. Describe how
you documented and/or reported on whether you were making progress
towards achieving the expected results (i.e., outputs and outcomes)
under federally funded assistance agreements performed within the last
three years. If you were not making progress, please indicate whether,
and how, you documented why not. If you do not have any relevant or
available environmental results past performance information, please
indicate this in the work plan and you will receive a neutral score for
this factor under Section V.

The Statement of Work narrative should also provide any additional
information, to the extent not already covered above, necessary to
evaluate the applicant under the criteria in Section V.

***C. Submission Dates and Times***

Applications packages must be received by received by the Agency contact
identified in Section VII or electronically through Grants.gov by 4:00
P.M. EDT, August 15, 2006. Late packages will not be considered for
funding.

***D. Intergovernmental Review***

Not applicable.

***E. Confidential Business Information***

In accordance with 40 CFR Part 2.203, applicants may claim all or a
portion of their application as confidential business information. EPA
will evaluate such claims in accordance with 40 CFR Part 2. Applicants
must clearly mark applications or portions of applications they claim as
confidential. If no claim of confidentiality is made, EPA is not
required to make the inquiry to the applicant which is otherwise
required by 40 CFR Part 2.204(2) prior to disclosure.

**V. Application Review Information**

***A. Selection Criteria***

EPA will review and evaluate applications to determine if they satisfy
the threshold criteria described in Section III.C of this announcement.
Applications that meet all of the threshold eligibility factors will be
evaluated based on the evaluation and weights identified below (100
total point scale).

+----------------------------------------------------------+-----------+
| **EVALUATION CRITERIA**                                  | *         |
|                                                          | *Weight** |
|                                                          |           |
|                                                          | **(based  |
|                                                          | on a 100  |
|                                                          | point     |
|                                                          | scale)**  |
+----------------------------------------------------------+-----------+
| **CRITERION 1: Technical Approach to Project**           | **20      |
|                                                          | points    |
| Applications will be evaluated based on each of these    | total**   |
| sub-criterion:                                           |           |
|                                                          |           |
| -   **4 points** -- The extent and quality to which the  |           |
|     applicant demonstrates the ability to plan and host  |           |
|     large meetings/conferences with information and      |           |
|     examples of previous successful experiences and      |           |
|     provides a preliminary conference plan outlining the |           |
|     applicant's approach to planning areas specified in  |           |
|     this announcement.                                   |           |
|                                                          |           |
| ```{=html}                                               |           |
| <!-- -->                                                 |           |
| ```                                                      |           |
| -   **5 points** -- The extent and quality to which the  |           |
|     application includes a communication plan and        |           |
|     outreach to Indian country; a clear plan to identify |           |
|     agenda topics that are of significant interest to    |           |
|     tribes; an approach to encouraging attendance by     |           |
|     tribal representatives from across the country, and; |           |
|     an approach to establishing travel reimbursement     |           |
|     (scholarships) program for tribal attendees.         |           |
|                                                          |           |
| -   **5 points** -- The extent and quality to which the  |           |
|     application discusses:                               |           |
|                                                          |           |
| > 1\) Conference planning staff (identification and      |           |
| > qualifications).                                       |           |
| >                                                        |           |
| > 2\) Planned involvement in design and development of   |           |
| > agenda, graphics, and theme.                           |           |
|                                                          |           |
| -   **6 points** -- The extent and quality to which the  |           |
|     application includes a clearly articulated milestone |           |
|     timeline with tasks and anticipated deliverables and |           |
|     reporting schedule.                                  |           |
+----------------------------------------------------------+-----------+
| **CRITERION 2: Conference Facilities and                 | **20      |
| Transportation**                                         | points    |
|                                                          | total**   |
| Under this criterion, applications will be evaluated     |           |
| based on the extent and quality to which the proposed    |           |
| project demonstrates that:                               |           |
|                                                          |           |
| -   **6 points** - Airline transportation to the         |           |
|     conference site is economically feasible for         |           |
|     conference participants. Ground transportation is    |           |
|     identified that will be available and adequate for   |           |
|     attendee use to and from the airport and around the  |           |
|     meeting sites (e.g., between the conference facility |           |
|     and off site locations such as hotels, special event |           |
|     locations, etc.).                                    |           |
|                                                          |           |
| -   **7 points --** Conference facility amenities,       |           |
|     dining and lodging options capable of accommodating  |           |
|     approximately 700 attendees, and attractions of the  |           |
|     surrounding area(s), are clearly described and       |           |
|     showcase the suitability of the proposed conference  |           |
|     site.                                                |           |
|                                                          |           |
| -   **7 points -** The proposed conference facility      |           |
|     includes plenary session space adequate to           |           |
|     accommodate 700 participants, breakout rooms for at  |           |
|     least four concurrent agenda tracks, and an area in  |           |
|     close proximity to the meeting area(s) capable of    |           |
|     accommodating at least 40 vendors.                   |           |
+----------------------------------------------------------+-----------+
| **CRITERION 3: Tribal Culture and Environmental          | **20      |
| Capabilities**                                           | points    |
|                                                          | total**   |
| Applications will be evaluated based on each of these    |           |
| sub-criteria:                                            |           |
|                                                          |           |
| -   **6 points** -- Extent and quality to which the      |           |
|     applicant demonstrates substantive environmental     |           |
|     capabilities such as establishing and implementing   |           |
|     tribal environmental programs and/or                 |           |
|     coordinating/leading tribal environmental projects,  |           |
|     and shows intent to highlight tribal environmental   |           |
|     values and cultural perspectives in the conference   |           |
|     theme, graphic materials design, and agenda.         |           |
|                                                          |           |
| -   **8 points --** Extent and quality to which the      |           |
|     application highlights local events, activities,     |           |
|     and/or projects that reflect tribal culture and      |           |
|     concerns. (Examples from previous conferences        |           |
|     include presentations and tours showcasing tribal    |           |
|     environmental programs, technical and ceremonial     |           |
|     demonstrations, tours of tribal communities, and     |           |
|     field trips to significant environmental sites).     |           |
|                                                          |           |
| -   **6 points** -- Extent and quality to which the      |           |
|     application shows a commitment to flexible,          |           |
|     protective conservation of natural resources in the  |           |
|     conduct of the conference and articulates a plan for |           |
|     communicating these practices to conference          |           |
|     participants. (Some examples of resource             |           |
|     conservation include use of environmentally friendly |           |
|     products or products with recycled content,          |           |
|     collecting recyclables, energy or water              |           |
|     conservation, providing opportunities for reuse,     |           |
|     conservation education).                             |           |
+----------------------------------------------------------+-----------+
| **CRITERION 4: Environmental Results**                   | **20      |
|                                                          | points    |
| Applications will be evaluated based on each of these    | total**   |
| sub-criteria:                                            |           |
|                                                          |           |
| -   **10 points --** Extent and quality to which the     |           |
|     application demonstrates potential environmental     |           |
|     results, anticipated outputs and outcomes, and how   |           |
|     the outcomes are linked to EPA's Strategic Plan.     |           |
|                                                          |           |
| -   **5 points** -- Extent and quality to which the      |           |
|     application demonstrates a sound plan for measuring  |           |
|     progress toward achieving the expected outputs and   |           |
|     outcomes, including the outputs and outcomes         |           |
|     identified in Section I of this announcement.        |           |
|                                                          |           |
| -   **5 points (past performance) -** The extent and     |           |
|     quality to which the applicant adequately documented |           |
|     and/or reported on its progress towards achieving    |           |
|     the expected results (e.g., outputs and outcomes)    |           |
|     under federal agency assistance agreements performed |           |
|     within the last three years, and if such progress    |           |
|     was not being made, whether the applicant adequately |           |
|     documented and/or reported why not.                  |           |
|                                                          |           |
| **Note:** In evaluating applicants under the past        |           |
| performance sub-criterion above, EPA will consider the   |           |
| information provided by the applicant, and may also      |           |
| consider relevant information from other sources         |           |
| including Agency files and prior/current grantors (e.g., |           |
| to verify and/or supplement the information provided by  |           |
| the applicant). Applicants with no relevant or available |           |
| past performance or reporting history will receive a     |           |
| neutral score for this factor (i.e., 2.5 points for this |           |
| factor).                                                 |           |
+----------------------------------------------------------+-----------+
| **CRITERION 5: Programmatic Capability / Past            | **20      |
| Performance (Applicant's Technical Experience and        | points    |
| Qualifications)**                                        | total**   |
|                                                          |           |
| Under this criterion, applicants will be evaluated based |           |
| on their ability to successfully complete and manage the |           |
| proposed project taking into account the following       |           |
| sub-criteria:                                            |           |
|                                                          |           |
| -   **5 points (past performance) --** Past performance  |           |
|     with regard to successfully completing federally     |           |
|     funded projects similar in size, scope, and          |           |
|     relevance to the proposed project within the last    |           |
|     three years.                                         |           |
|                                                          |           |
| -   **5 points (reporting history) --** History of       |           |
|     meeting reporting requirements on federally funded   |           |
|     assistance agreements within the last three years    |           |
|     and submitting acceptable final technical reports    |           |
|     under these agreements.                              |           |
|                                                          |           |
| -   **5 points -** Organizational experience and plan    |           |
|     for timely/successful achievement of project         |           |
|     objectives.                                          |           |
|                                                          |           |
| -   **5 points** -- Staff expertise/qualifications,      |           |
|     staff knowledge, and resources or the ability to     |           |
|     obtain them, to successfully achieve the goals of    |           |
|     the project.                                         |           |
|                                                          |           |
| **Note:** In evaluating applicants under the past        |           |
| performance and reporting history sub-criteria above,    |           |
| the Agency will consider the information supplied by the |           |
| applicant and may also consider relevant information     |           |
| from other sources including Agency files and            |           |
| prior/current grantors (e.g., to verify and/or           |           |
| supplement the information provided by the applicant.    |           |
| Applicants with no relevant or available past            |           |
| performance or reporting history will receive neutral    |           |
| scores for these factors (i.e., 2.5 points for past      |           |
| performance and 2.5 for reporting history).              |           |
+----------------------------------------------------------+-----------+

***B. Review and Selection Process***

All applications received by EPA in hard copy or electronically through
Grants.gov by the submission deadline will first be screened by EPA
staff against the threshold criteria in Section III of this
announcement. Applications that do not pass the threshold review will
not be evaluated further or considered for funding.

A panel of EPA Headquarters staff will review eligible applications
based on the evaluation criteria listed in Section V.A and will develop
a list of the most highly rated applications to submit to the Selection
Official. The panel or a subset of the panel may also conduct site
visits of the most highly ranked proposals to supplement or verify the
information provided in the applications. Final funding decisions will
then be made by the Selection Official, based on the evaluations
conducted by the review panel, programmatic priorities as described in\
EPA's strategic plan, and site visit results.

VI. **Award Administration Information**

***A. Award Notices***

All applicants, including those who are not selected for funding, will
be notified in writing. EPA reserves the right to negotiate and/or
adjust the final grant amount and Statement of Work prior to award, as
appropriate and consistent with Agency policy including the Assistance
Agreement Competition Policy, EPA Order 5700.A1. The Agency reserves the
right to reject all applications and make no award under this
announcement.

***B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements***

The general award and administration processes for assistance agreements
are governed by regulations at 40 CFR Part 30 ("Uniform Administrative
Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to Institutions of
Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-profit Organizations") and 40
CFR Part 31 ("Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and
Cooperative Agreements to States and Local Governments"). A description
of the Agency's substantial involvement in the cooperative agreement
will be included in the final agreement.

***C. DUNS Number***

Applicants are required to provide a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal
Numbering (DUNS) number when applying for federal grants or cooperative
agreements. Organizations can receive a DUNS number in one day, at no
cost, by calling the dedicated toll free DUNS number request line at
1-866-705-5711, or by visiting the web site at
[www.dnb.com.](http://www.dnb.com/)

***D. Reporting***

In negotiating this cooperative agreement, EPA will work closely with
the recipient to incorporate appropriate reporting requirements,
consistent with 40 CFR 30.51, 35.115, and 35.515. Performance reports
and financial reports must be submitted quarterly and are due 30 days
after the reporting period. The final report is due 90 days after the
assistance agreement has expired. Recipients will be required to report
direct and indirect environmental results from the work accomplished
through the cooperative agreement.

***E. Funding Restrictions***

In accordance with EPA guidance and the OMB Circulars, as appropriate,
the recipient must agree that it will not use assistance funds for
lobbying, fund-raising or political activities (e.g., lobbying members
of Congress, or lobbying for other federal grants, cooperative
agreements or contracts).

Construction and land acquisition are not allowable activities, foreign
travel is not permissible, and equipment purchases require written
permission from the EPA Project Officer if they were not included in the
approved application. EPA cooperative agreement funds may only be used
for the purposes set forth in the agreement and use must be consistent
with the statutory authority for the award.

***F. Dispute Process***

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) which can be found at:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/05-1371.htm.

***G. Administrative Capability Requirement***

Not applicable.

VII. **Agency Contact**

Note to applicants: EPA will respond to questions from individual
applicants regarding threshold eligibility criteria, administrative
issues related to the submission of the application, and requests for
clarification about the announcement. Questions must be submitted in
writing by e-mail and must be received by the Agency Contact identified
below before August 4, 2006, and written responses will be provided. In
accordance with EPA's Competition Policy (EPA Order 5700.5A1), EPA staff
will not meet with individual applicants or discuss draft applications,
provide informal comments on draft applications, or provide advice to
applicants on how to respond to ranking criteria. Applicants are
responsible for the contents of their applications.

**Agency Contact:**

Karen Rudek

Phone: (202) 564-0472

E-mail: <rudek.karen@epa.gov>

**Address for Hard Copy Submissions:**

U.S. EPA, Office of Water

Attention: Karen Rudek

EPA East Building

1201 Constitution Avenue, NW

Room 3226G

Washington, DC 20004

Phone: (202) 564-0472