Document ID: EPA-HQ-OMS-2020-0018-0002
Agency: epa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, Participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in United States Environmental Protection Agency Programs, State and Local Assistance, Research and Demonstration Grants, National Environmental Education Act Grants
Posted Date: 2022-05-19T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 97 (Thursday, May 19, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30393-30402]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-09725]

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 Rules and Regulations
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
 having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
 to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
 under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
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  Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 97 / Thursday, May 19, 2022 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 30393]]

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

2 CFR Part 1500

40 CFR Parts 33, 35, 45, 46 and 47

[EPA-HQ OMS-2020-0018; 7573-01-OMS]

Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit 
Requirements for Federal Awards, Participation by Disadvantaged 
Business Enterprises in United States Environmental Protection Agency 
Programs, State and Local Assistance, Research and Demonstration 
Grants, National Environmental Education Act Grants

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This regulatory action finalizes an interim final rule and 
revises certain provisions of other Environmental Protection Agency 
(EPA) financial assistance regulations to make non-substantive 
technical corrections to the text of the rules. Revisions to these 
rules are exempt from the notice and comment requirements of the 
Administrative Procedure Act (APA) because it is a matter relating to 
agency management concerning grants.

DATES: This final rule is effective May 19, 2022.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne Hersh, Office of Grants and 
Debarment, Office of Mission Support, U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency; email address: [email protected]; telephone number: (202) 
564-3361.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This Final Rule adopts as final with change 
the 2 CFR part 1500 revisions that were promulgated in a September 30, 
2020 Federal Register document as an Interim Final Rule with request 
for comment. No comments were submitted. The Interim Final Rule was 
effective as of November 12, 2020, to coincide with the effective date 
of the Office of Management and Budget's revisions to 2 CFR part 200. 
This Final Rule will also make technical corrections (described below) 
to the text in 2 CFR part 1500 and provisions of other EPA financial 
assistance rules in 40 CFR part 33, 40 CFR part 35, 40 CFR part 40 and 
40 CFR part 47.

The Final Rule

    1. Amends 2 CFR 1500.3, Applicability, to add a citation to 2 CFR 
part 25, Universal Identifier and System for Award Management.
    2. Amends 2 CFR 1500.7, Retention requirements for records, to 
update the citation to record retention requirements in 2 CFR part 200 
by changing the citation from 2 CFR 200.333 to 2 CFR 200.334 to 
coincide with OMB's renumbering of certain sections in 2 CFR part 200.
    3. Amends 2 CFR 1500.11 Use of the same architect or engineer 
during construction, to update citations to procurement requirements in 
2 CFR part 200 and clarify certain terms. The current citations to 2 
CFR 200.320(f) and 2 CFR 200.326 have been changed to 2 CFR 
200.320(c)(4) and 2 CFR 200.327 respectively based on OMB renumbering 
certain sections in 2 CFR part 200. Additionally, the term ``subaward'' 
in 2 CFR 1500.11 has been changed to ``contract'' throughout this 
provision for consistency with the terminology in 2 CFR part 200 and 2 
CFR 1500.10.
    4. Amends 2 CFR 1500.12 to update the web addresses to Quality 
Assurance documents.
    5. Amends 2 CFR 1500.14, Definitions, to delete the definition of 
``Review Official'' at 2 CFR 1500.14(f). The definition is no longer 
necessary because the Interim Final Rule eliminated the role of the 
Review Official in the disputes process.
    6. Amends 2 CFR 1500.17 Determination of Dispute, to clarify in 2 
CFR 1500.17(e) the time for requesting reconsideration of a Dispute 
Decision Official (DDO) decision is 15 calendar days from the issuance 
of a DDO decision.
    7. Amends 40 CFR 33.103, Definitions, to update the citation to the 
definition of Equipment by changing the citation from 2 CFR 200.33 to 2 
CFR 200.1 to coincide with OMB's renumbering of certain sections in 2 
CFR part 200.
    8. Amends 40 CFR 33.105, What are the compliance and enforcement 
provisions of this subpart, to update the citation to the remedies for 
non-compliance provisions in 2 CFR part 200 by changing the citation 
from 2 CFR 200.338 to 2 CFR 200.339 to coincide with OMB's renumbering 
of certain sections in 2 CFR part 200.
    9. Amends 40 CFR 35.113, Reimbursement for pre-award costs, to 
clarify that the only requirements for the allowability of pre-award 
costs is that the costs be incurred during the EPA approved budget 
period for the assistance agreement award, that the costs be otherwise 
allowable if incurred after award, and that the applicant identify pre-
award costs in the application for EPA funding. This clarification will 
make the regulation consistent with EPA's intent as described in the 
Preamble to the final rule for 40 CFR part 35, subpart A (66 FR 1726, 
1728 (January 9, 2001)).
    10. Amends 40 CFR 35.114, Amendments and other changes, to clarify 
that all adjustments to amounts of environmental program grants require 
prior EPA approval through grant amendments. Adjustments requiring 
prior EPA approval include increases or decreases in the amount of 
Federal funding as well as increases or decreases in the amount of 
recipients' cost shares.
    11. Amends 40 CFR 35.115, Evaluation of performance, to update the 
citations to the provisions for performance reporting in 2 CFR part 200 
by changing the citation from 2 CFR 200.328 to 2 CFR 200.329 and to 
update the citation to the remedies for non-compliance provisions in 2 
CFR part 200 by changing the citation from 2 CFR 200.338 to 2 CFR 
200.339-200.243 to coincide with OMB's renumbering of certain sections 
in 2 CFR part 200.
    12. Amends 40 CFR 35.133(b), Changes in eligible programs, by 
adding a reference to an EPA website that provides current list of 
environmental programs eligible for inclusion in Performance 
Partnership Grants.
    13. Revises 40 CFR 35.503, Deviation from this subpart, to update 
the citation to EPA's provisions for regulatory exceptions from 2 CFR 
1500.3 to 2 CFR 1500.4 to coincide with EPAs' renumbering of certain 
sections in 2 CFR part 1500. Additionally, the heading of the section 
and the text has

[[Page 30394]]

been revised to use the term ``Exception'' rather than ``Deviation'' to 
be consistent with the terminology in 2 CFR 1500.4.
    14. Amends 40 CFR 35.513(a), Reimbursement for pre-award costs, to 
clarify that the only requirements for the allowability of pre-award 
costs is that the costs be incurred during the EPA approved budget 
period for the assistance agreement award, that the costs be otherwise 
allowable if incurred after award, and that the applicant identify pre-
award costs in the application for EPA funding. This clarification will 
make the regulation consistent with EPA's intent as described in the 
Preamble to the final rule for 40 CFR part 35, subpart B (66 FR 3782, 
3783 (January 16, 2001)).
    15. Amends 40 CFR 35.514, Amendments and other changes, to clarify 
that all adjustments to amounts of environmental program grants require 
prior EPA approval through grant amendments. Adjustments requiring 
prior EPA approval include increases or decreases in the amount of 
Federal funding as well as increases or decreases in the amount of 
recipients' cost shares.
    16. Revises 40 CFR 35.532(b), Requirements summary, to correct a 
typographical error in the numbering of the subsections.
    17. Amends 40 CFR 35.515, Evaluation of performance, to update the 
citations to the provisions for performance reporting in 2 CFR part 200 
by changing the citation from 2 CFR 200.328 to 2 CFR 200.329 and to 
update the citation to the remedies for non-compliance provisions in 2 
CFR part 200 by changing the citation from 2 CFR 200.338 to 2 CFR 
200.339-200.243 to coincide with OMB's renumbering of certain sections 
in 2 CFR part 200.
    18. Amends 40 CFR 35.533(a), Programs eligible for inclusion, to 
change the citation to the list of eligible programs from 40 CFR 
35.101(a)(2) through (10) to 40 CFR 35.501(a)(2) through (10) to 
correct a typographical error. Additionally, the Final Rule amends 40 
CFR 35.333(b), by adding a reference to an EPA website that provides 
current list of environmental programs eligible for inclusion in 
Performance Partnership Grants.
    19. Amends 40 CFR 35.588, Award limitations, by changing the 
citation to the quality assurance provisions in 2 CFR part 1500 from 2 
CFR 1500.11 to 2 CFR 1500.12 to coincide with EPA's renumbering of 
certain sections of 2 CFR part 1500.
    20. Amends 40 CFR 35.2036, Design/build projects, to update the 
citations to procurement provisions in 2 CFR part 200 by changing the 
citations from 2 CFR 200.325 to 2 CFR 200.326 and 2 CFR 200.326 to 2 
CFR 200.327 to coincide with OMB's renumbering of certain sections in 2 
CFR part 200. Additionally, citations to the procurement provisions in 
2 CFR part 1500 are being changed from 2 CFR 1500.9 and 2 CFR 1500.10 
to 2 CFR 1500.10 and 2 CFR 1500.11 to coincide with EPA's renumbering 
of the sections in 2 CFR part 1500. EPA is also correcting a 
typographical error in 40 CFR 35.2036(d)(2).
    21. Revises 40 CFR 35.2105, Debarment and suspension, to change the 
citation to the suspension and debarment provisions of 2 CFR part 200 
from 2 CFR 200.113 to 2 CFR 200.214 to correct a typographical error.
    22. Amends 40 CFR 35.2300, Grant payments, to update the citation 
to the payment provisions of the Federal grant regulations from 40 CFR 
part 30 to 2 CFR 200.305. The regulations at 40 CFR part 30 were 
rescinded.
    23. Amends Appendix A to subpart I of 40 CFR part 35 to update the 
citations to the procurement provisions in 2 CFR part 200 and 2 CFR 
part 1500 by changing the citations from 2 CFR 200.326 to 2 CFR 
200.327; from 2 CFR 1500.9 to 2 CFR 1500.10; from 2 CFR 1500.10 to 2 
CFR 1500.11 to coincide with OMB's renumbering of certain sections in 2 
CFR part 200 and EPA's renumbering of the sections in 2 CFR part 1500.
    24. Amends 40 CFR 35.3025, Overview of state performance under 
delegation, to update the citations to the remedies for noncompliance 
in 2 CFR part 200 by changing the citations from 2 CFR 200.338 through 
2 CFR 200.342 to 2 CFR 200.339 through 2 CFR 200.343 to coincide with 
OMB's renumbering of certain sections in 2 CFR part 200. EPA is also 
correcting typographical errors in 40 CFR 35.3025.
    25. Amends 40 CFR 35.3585, Compliance assurance procedures, to 
update the citations to the remedies for non-compliance provisions in 2 
CFR part 200 by changing the citation from 2 CFR 200.338 through 2 CFR 
200.342 to 2 CFR 200.339 through 2 CFR 200.343 to coincide with OMB's 
renumbering of certain sections in 2 CFR part 200.
    26. Amends 40 CFR 35.4012, If there appears to be a difference 
between the requirements of 2 CFR parts 200 and 1500 and this subpart, 
which regulations should my group follow?, to update the citations to 
one of the procurement provisions of 2 CFR part 200 by changing the 
citation from 2 CFR 200.224(b)(2) to 2 CFR 200.225(b)(2) to coincide 
with OMB's renumbering of certain sections in 2 CFR part 200. 
Additionally, EPA has made technical corrections to 40 CFR 35.4012 to 
clarify that 2 CFR 200.320, Methods of procurement to be followed, 2 
CFR 200.324, Cost or price analysis, and 2 CFR 200.325(b)(2), Federal 
awarding agency or pass-through entity review, do not apply to 
procurements by Technical Assistance Grant recipients on the basis of 
the program specific procurement requirements in 40 CFR 35.4205 
35.4210.
    27. Revises 40 CFR 35.4120, What does my group do next? and 40 CFR 
35.4125, What else does my group need to do?, to make technical 
corrections for consistency with EPA's policy on intergovernmental 
review published at 85 FR 7510 (November 24, 2020). This revision 
codifies a class exception to 40 CFR 35.4120 authorized on August 27, 
2021.
    28. Amends 40 CFR 35.4235, Are there specific provisions my group's 
contract(s) must contain?, to update the citation to the access to 
records provision in 2 CFR part 200 by changing the citation from 2 CFR 
200.336 to 2 CFR 200.337 to coincide with OMB's renumbering of certain 
sections in 2 CFR part 200.
    29. Amends 40 CFR 35.4250, Under what circumstances would EPA 
terminate my group's TAG?, to update the citation to the termination 
provisions of 2 CFR part 200 by changing the citation from 2 CFR 
200.339 to 2 CFR 200.340 to coincide with OMB's renumbering of certain 
sections in 2 CFR part 200.
    30. Revises 40 CFR 35.4245, How does my group resolve a 
disagreement with EPA regarding our TAG?, to update the description of 
EPA's grant dispute regulations at 2 CFR 1500.17. The regulation 
currently refers to an outdated version of 2 CFR 1500.17 describing 
reviews of Dispute Decision Official decisions by EPA Regional 
Administrators which are no longer available under 2 CFR part 1500 due 
to streamlining of the dispute procedures in the Interim Final Rule. 
This revision codifies a class exception to 40 CFR 35.4245 authorized 
on August 27, 2021.
    31. Amends 40 CFR 35.4260, What other steps might EPA take if my 
group fails to comply with the terms and conditions of our award?, to 
update the citation to the remedies for noncompliance in 2 CFR part 200 
by changing the citation from 2 CFR 200.338 to 2 CFR 200.339 to 
coincide with OMB's renumbering of certain sections in 2 CFR part 200.
    32. Revises 40 CFR 35.6025, Deviation from this subpart, to update 
the citation to EPA's regulatory exception provisions in 2 CFR part 
1500 by

[[Page 30395]]

making technical corrections to the terminology and changing the 
citation from 2 CFR 1500.3 to 2 CFR 1500.4 for consistency with the 
terminology and numbering of the sections in 2 CFR part 1500.
    33. Amends 40 CFR 35.6055, State-lead pre-remedial Cooperative 
Agreements, to update the citation to the quality assurance provisions 
of 2 CFR part 1500 by changing the citation from 2 CFR 1500.11 to 2 CFR 
1500.12 to coincide with EPA's renumbering of the sections in 2 CFR 
part 1500.
    34. Amends 40 CFR 35.6105, State-lead remedial Cooperative 
Agreements, to update the citation to the quality assurance provisions 
of 2 CFR part 1500 by changing the citation from 2 CFR 1500.11 to 2 CFR 
1500.12 to coincide with EPA's renumbering of the sections in 2 CFR 
part 1500.
    35. Amends 40 CFR 35.6550, Procurement system standards, to update 
the citations to procurement provisions in 2 CFR part 200 by changing 
the citation from 2 CFR 200.327 to 2 CFR 200.328 to coincide with OMB's 
renumbering of certain sections in 2 CFR part 200 and to correct the 
cross references to 40 CFR 35.6565.
    36. Amends 40 CFR 35.6565, Procurement methods, to update the 
citations to the procurement provisions in 2 CFR part 1500 by changing 
the citation from 2 CFR 1500.9 to 2 CFR 1500.10 to coincide with EPA's 
renumbering of the sections in 2 CFR part 1500.
    37. Amends 40 CFR 35.6590, Bonding and insurance to update a 
citation to CFR part 200 by changing the citation from 2 CFR 200.325 to 
2 CFR 200.326 to coincide with OMB's renumbering of certain sections in 
2 CFR part 200.
    38. Amends 40 CFR 35.6650, Progress reports, to update the 
citations to the reporting provisions in 2 CFR part 200 by changing the 
citations from 2 CFR 200.327 and 2 CFR 200.328 to 2 CFR 200.328 and 2 
CFR 200.329 to coincide with OMB's renumbering of certain sections in 2 
CFR part 200.
    39. Amends 40 CFR 35.6670, Financial reports, to update the 
citation to the reporting provisions in 2 CFR part 200 by changing the 
citation from 2 CFR 200.327 to 2 CFR 200.328 to coincide with OMB's 
renumbering of certain sections in 2 CFR part 200.
    40. Amends 40 CFR 35.6705, Records retention, to update the 
citations to the record retention provisions in 2 CFR part 1500 by 
changing the citation from 2 CFR 1500.6 to 2 CFR 1500.7 to coincide 
with EPA's renumbering of the sections in 2 CFR part 1500.
    41. Amends 40 CFR 35.6710, Records access, to update the citation 
to the record access provisions in 2 CFR part 200 by changing the 
citation from 2 CFR 200.336 to 2 CFR 200.337 to coincide with OMB's 
renumbering of certain sections in 2 CFR part 200.
    42. Revises 40 CFR 35.6755, Monitoring program performance, by 
changing the citation from 2 CFR 200.328 to 2 CFR 200.329 to coincide 
with OMB's renumbering of certain sections in 2 CFR part 200.
    43. Revises 40 CFR 35.6760 Enforcement and termination, by changing 
the title and text to refer to ``Remedies for noncompliance and 
termination'' and the citations from 2 CFR 200.338 and 2 CFR 200.339 to 
2 CFR 200.339 and 2 CFR 200.340 to coincide with the terminology and 
numbering of certain sections in 2 CFR part 200.
    44. Amends 40 CFR 35.6780 Closeout, by changing the citations from 
2 CFR 200.343 and 2 CFR 200.344 to 2 CFR 200.344 and 2 CFR 200.345 to 
coincide with OMB's renumbering of certain sections in 2 CFR part 200.
    45. Revises 40 CFR 35.6785 Collection of amounts due, by changing 
the citation from 2 CFR 200.345 to 2 CFR 200.346 to coincide with OMB's 
renumbering of certain sections in 2 CFR part 200.
    46. Revises 40 CFR 35.6790 High risk recipients, by changing the 
citations from 2 CFR 200.207 and 2 CFR 200.338 to 2 CFR 200.208 and 2 
CFR 200.339 to coincide with OMB's renumbering of certain sections in 2 
CFR part 200. The title of the section has also been revised as 
``Specific Conditions'' for consistency with the terminology in 2 CFR 
part 200.
    47. Amends 40 CFR 35.6815 Administrative requirements, by changing 
the citation from 2 CFR 200.345 to 2 CFR 200.346 to coincide with OMB's 
renumbering of certain sections in 2 CFR part 200.
    48. Amends 40 CFR 35.9015 Summary of annual process, to correct a 
typographical error in 40 CFR 35.9015(d) by changing ``score of work'' 
to ``scope of work''.
    49. Amends 40 CFR 40.135-1 Preapplication coordination, to 
reference with the requirement in 2 CFR 200.204(a) to post notices of 
competitive funding opportunities on the OMB-designated governmentwide 
website for funding and applying for Federal financial assistance as 
well as EPA policy and remove the reference to soliciting competitive 
applications on Commerce Business Daily.
    50. Amends 40 CFR 40.135-2 Application requirements, by changing 
the citation from 2 CFR 200.206 to 2 CFR 200.207 to coincide with OMB's 
renumbering of certain sections in 2 CFR part 200.
    51. Amends 40 CFR 40.155 Availability of information, by changing 
the citations from 2 CFR 200.211 to 2 CFR 200.212 and from 2 CFR 1500.3 
to 2 CFR 1500.4 to coincide with OMB's renumbering of certain sections 
in 2 CFR part 200 and EPA's renumbering of certain sections of 2 CFR 
part 1500.
    52. Revises 40 CFR 40.160-2 Financial status report, by changing 
the citation from 2 CFR 200.327 to 2 CFR 200.328 to coincide with OMB's 
renumbering of certain sections in 2 CFR part 200 and to add a citation 
to 2 CFR 200.344 which extends the date for submitting final financial 
status reports from 90 days to 120 days. The text of the regulation 
will be revised accordingly.
    53. Amends 40 CFR 40.160-3 Reporting of inventions, to correspond 
to the requirement in 2 CFR 200.344 for submitting all required reports 
within 120 days of the end date for the period of performance.
    54. Revises 40 CFR 40.160-4 Equipment report, to reference the 
definition of Equipment at 2 CFR 200.1 and the date for submission of 
final reports at 2 CFR 200.344.
    55. Revises 40 CFR 40.160-5 Final report, to correspond to the 
requirement in 2 CFR 200.344 for submitting all required reports within 
120 days of the end date for the period of performance.
    56. Amends 40 CFR 45.130, Evaluation of applications, to by 
changing the citation from 2 CFR 200.204 to 2 CFR 200.205 to coincide 
with OMB's renumbering of certain sections in 2 CFR part 200.
    57. Revises 40 CFR 45.140, Budget and project period, to provide 
that the budget and project period for EPA financial assistance awards 
for training will be specified in the terms of the awards as provided 
by 2 CFR 200.211. This revision codifies a class exception to the 3-
year training period limitation in 40 CFR 45.140 authorized on March 
29, 2018.
    58. Revises 40 CFR 45.150, Reports, to change the citations to 2 
CFR 200.327 and 2 CFR 200.328 to 2 CFR 200.328 and 2 CFR 200.329 to 
coincide with OMB's renumbering of certain sections of 2 CFR part 200 
and revises the date for submission of the final report to 120 days 
from the end of the project period to correspond to 2 CFR 200.344.
    59. Revises the Authority of 40 CFR part 46 and 40 CFR 46.105to 
update the citation to section 104(k)(7) of the Comprehensive 
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 
9604(k)(7)) based on a recodification of the statute by the Brownfields 
Utilization, Investment,

[[Page 30396]]

and Local Development Act (BUILD Act).
    60. Amends 40 CFR 47.130 Performance of grant, to update the 
citations to procurement provisions in 2 CFR part 200 by changing the 
citation from 2 CFR 200.326 to 2 CFR 200.327 to coincide with OMB's 
renumbering of certain sections in 2 CFR part 200.

I. General Information

A. Affected Entities

    Entities affected by this action are those that apply for and/or 
receive Federal financial assistance (grants, cooperative agreements or 
fellowships) from EPA including but not limited to: State and local 
governments, Indian Tribes, Intertribal Consortia, Institutions of 
Higher Education, Hospitals, and other Non-profit Organizations, and 
Individuals.

II. Background

    On September 30, 2020 (85 FR 61571-61575) EPA promulgated an 
Interim Final Rule revising 2 CFR part 1500, Uniform Administrative 
Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal 
Awards. These regulations supplement OMB's 2 CFR part 200 regulations 
covering the same subjects. The Interim Final Rule was effective on 
November 12, 2020 to coincide with the effective date of OMB's 
revisions to 2 CFR part 200. EPA offered the public an opportunity to 
comment on the revisions to 2 CFR part 1500. The preamble to the 
Interim Rule states that ``[T]he rule will become final without further 
revision if no changes are warranted based on comments EPA receives.'' 
No comments were submitted. Consequently, EPA is issuing this Final 
Rule making technical corrections to 2 CFR part 1500. Additionally, EPA 
is making technical corrections to other provisions of EPA's financial 
assistance regulations at 40 CFR part 33, 40 CFR part 35, 40 CFR part 
45, and 40 CFR part 47 without making substantive revisions to these 
regulations.

III. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review

    This action is not a ``significant regulatory action'' and was 
therefore not submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
for review.

B. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This action does not impose any new information collection burden. 
However, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has previously 
approved the information collection requirements contained in the 
existing regulations 2 CFR parts 200 and 1500 under the provisions of 
the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. and has assigned 
OMB control number 2030-0020. The OMB control numbers for EPA's 
regulations in 40 CFR are listed in 40 CFR part 9.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This final rule is not subject to the Regulatory Flexibility Act 
(RFA), which generally requires an agency to prepare a regulatory 
flexibility analysis for any rule that will have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities. The RFA applies only 
to rules subject to notice and comment rulemaking requirements under 
the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) or any other statute. This rule 
is not subject to notice and comment requirements under the APA or any 
other statute because this rule pertains to grants, which the APA 
expressly exempts from notice and comment rulemaking requirements. 5 
U.S.C. 553(a)(2).

D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    This action contains no Federal mandates under the provisions of 
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), 2 U.S.C. 
1531-1538 for State, local, or tribal governments or the private 
sector. The action imposes no enforceable duty on any State, local or 
tribal governments or the private sector. Therefore, this action is not 
subject to the requirements of sections 202 or 205 of the UMRA.
    This action is also not subject to the requirements of section 203 
of UMRA because it contains no regulatory requirements that might 
significantly or uniquely affect small governments. This action affects 
all applicants and recipients of EPA financial Federal assistance and 
therefore no one entity type will be impacted disproportionally or 
significantly.

E. Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)

    This action does not have federalism implications. It will not have 
substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between 
the National Government and the States, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government, as 
specified in Executive Order 13132. This action affects all applicants 
and recipients of EPA financial Federal assistance and therefore no one 
entity type will be impacted disproportionally. Thus, Executive Order 
13132 does not apply to this action.

F. Executive Order 13175

    This action does not have tribal implications, as specified in 
Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000). This action 
affects all applicants and recipients of EPA financial Federal 
assistance and therefore no one entity type will be impacted 
disproportionally. Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this 
action. Consistent with the EPA Policy on Consultation and Coordination 
with Indian Tribes, the EPA consulted with tribal officials on these 
changes.

G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental 
Health Risks and Safety Risks

    This action is not subject to E.O. 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 
1997) because it is not economically significant as defined in E.O. 
12866.

H. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use

    This action is not subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, 
May 22, 2001), because it is not a significant regulatory action under 
Executive Order 12866.

I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act

    This action does not involve technical standards.

J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental 
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations

    The EPA believes that it is not practicable to determine whether 
this action has disproportionately high and adverse effects on minority 
populations, low-income populations, and/or indigenous peoples, as 
specified in Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).

K. Congressional Review Act

    The Congressional Review Act (CRA), 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added 
by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, 
generally provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency 
promulgating the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy 
of the rule, to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller 
General of the United States. Section 808 allows the issuing agency to 
make a rule effective sooner than otherwise provided by the CRA if the 
agency makes a good cause finding that notice and public procedure is 
impracticable, unnecessary or contrary to the public interest. This 
determination must be

[[Page 30397]]

supported by a brief statement. 5 U.S.C. 808(2). EPA will submit a 
report containing this rule and other required information to the U.S. 
Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Comptroller General 
of the United States prior to publication of the rule in the Federal 
Register. This action is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 
804(2).

List of Subjects

 2 CFR Part 1500

    Accounting, Grant programs, Grants administration, Grant programs--
environmental protection, Loan programs, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Water pollution control, Water supply.

40 CFR Parts 33, 35, 45, 46, and 47

    Accounting, Grant programs, Grants administration, Grant programs--
environmental protection, Loan programs, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Water pollution control, Water supply, Grant programs--
Indians.

Kimberly Patrick,
Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator Office of Mission Support.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Environmental 
Protection Agency amends 2 CFR part 1500 and 40 CFR parts 33, 35, 45, 
46 and 47 as follows:

TITLE 2--GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS

CHAPTER XV--ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

PART 1500--UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS, COST PRINCIPLES, 
AND AUDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR FEDERAL AWARDS

0
1. The authority citation for part 1500 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq., 15 U.S.C. 2601 et 
seq., 20 U.S.C. 4011 et seq., 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq., and 1401 et 
seq., 42 U.S.C. 241, 242b, 243, 246, 300f et seq., 1857 et seq., 
6901 et seq., 7401 et seq., and 9601 et seq.; 2 CFR part 200.

0
2. Revise Sec.  1500.3 (b) to read as follows:

Sec.  1500.3  Applicability.

* * * * *
    (b) Requirements for subrecipient monitoring and management at 2 
CFR 200.331 through 200.333 do not apply to loan, loan guarantees, 
interest subsidies and principal forgiveness, purchases of insurance or 
local government debt or similar transactions with borrowers by 
recipients of Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) capitalization 
grants and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) capitalization 
grants. Requirements in 2 CFR part 25, Universal Identifier and System 
for Award Management, 2 CFR part 170, Reporting subaward and executive 
compensation and internal controls described at 2 CFR 200.303 continue 
to apply to CWSRF and DWSRF grant recipients and borrowers.

0
3. Revise Sec.  1500.7(b) to read as follows:

Sec.  1500.7  Retention requirements for records.

* * * * *
    (b) When there is a difference between the retention requirements 
for records of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost 
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR 200.334) 
and the applicable statute, the non-federal entity will follow to the 
retention requirements for records in the statute.

0
4. Amend Sec.  1500.11 by revising paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3)(i) and 
(iv), and (b) to read as follows:

Sec.  1500.11  Use of the same architect or engineer during 
construction.

    (a) * * *
    (2) The award official approves noncompetitive procurement under 2 
CFR 200.320(c)(4) for reasons other than simply using the same 
individual or firm that provided facilities planning or design services 
for the project; or
    (3) * * *
    (i) The initial request for proposals clearly stated the 
possibility that the firm or individual selected could be awarded a 
contract for services during construction; and
* * * * *
    (iv) None of the recipient's officers, employees or agents 
solicited or accepted gratuities, favors or anything of monetary value 
from contractors or other parties to contracts.
    (b) However, if the recipient uses the procedures in paragraph (a) 
of this section to retain an architect or engineer, any Step 3 
contracts between the architect or engineer and the grantee must meet 
all other procurement provisions in 2 CFR 200.317 through 200.327.

0
5. Revise Sec.  1500.12(e) to read as follows:

Sec.  1500.12  Quality Assurance.

* * * * *
    (e) EPA Quality Policy is available at: https://www.epa.gov/quality.
* * * * *

Sec.  1500.14  [Amended]

0
6. Amend Sec.  1500.14 by removing paragraph (f).

0
7. Revise Sec.  1500.17(e) to read as follows:

Sec.  1500.17  Determination of Dispute.

* * * * *
    (e) The DDO may consider untimely filed reconsideration petitions 
only if necessary, to correct a DDO Decision that is manifestly unfair 
and inequitable in light of relevant and material evidence that the 
Affected Entity could not have discovered during the 15-calendar day 
period for petitioning for reconsideration. This evidence must be 
submitted within six months of the date of the DDO Decision. The DDO 
will advise the Affected Entity within 30 days of receipt of an 
untimely filed reconsideration petition whether the DDO will accept the 
petition. Denial of an untimely filed reconsideration petition 
constitutes final agency action.

TITLE 40--PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

CHAPTER I--ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

PART 33--PARTICIPATION BY DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES IN 
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY PROGRAMS

0
8. The authority citation for 40 CFR part 33 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 637 note; 42 U.S.C. 4370d, 7601 note, 
9605(f); E.O. 11625, 36 FR 19967, 3 CFR, 1971 Comp., p. 213; E.O. 
12138, 49 FR 29637, 3 CFR, 1979 Comp., p. 393; E.O. 12432, 48 FR 
32551, 3 CFR, 1983 Comp., p. 198, 2 CFR part 200.

0
9. Amend Sec.  33.103 by revising the definition of ``Equipment'' to 
read as follows:

Sec.  33.103  What do the terms in this part mean?

* * * * *
    Equipment means items procured under a financial assistance 
agreement as defined by 2 CFR 200.1.
* * * * *

0
10. Amend Sec.  33.105 by revising the introductory text to read as 
follows:

Sec.  33.105  What are the compliance and enforcement provisions of 
this part?

    If a recipient fails to comply with any of the requirements of this 
part, EPA may take remedial action under 2 CFR 200.339, Remedies for 
noncompliance, or 40 CFR part 35, as appropriate, or any other action 
authorized by law, including, but not limited to, enforcement under 18 
U.S.C. 1001 and/

[[Page 30398]]

or the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act of 1986 (31 U.S.C. 3801 et 
seq.). Examples of the remedial actions under 2 CFR 200.339 or 40 CFR 
part 35 include, but are not limited to:
* * * * *

PART 35--STATE AND LOCAL ASSISTANCE

0
11. The authority citation for 40 CFR part 35 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.; 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.; 42 
U.S.C. 300f et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.; 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.; 
15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 13101 et seq.; Pub. L. 104-134, 
110 Stat. 1321, 1321-299 (1996); Pub. L. 105-65, 111 Stat. 1344, 
1373 (1997), 2 CFR part 200.

Subpart A--Environmental Program Grants

0
12. Revise Sec.  35.113(a) to read as follows:

Sec.  35.113  Reimbursement for pre-award costs.

    (a) Notwithstanding the requirements of 2 CFR parts 200 and 1500, 
EPA may reimburse recipients for pre-award costs incurred from the 
beginning of the budget period established in the grant agreement if 
such costs would have been allowable if incurred after the award. Pre-
award costs must be identified in the grant application EPA approves.
* * * * *

0
13. Revise Sec.  35.114(b) to read as follows:

Sec.  35.114  Amendments and other changes.

* * * * *
    (b) Changes requiring approval. Recipients must request, in 
writing, grant amendments for changes requiring adjustments in 
environmental program grant amounts and extensions of the funding 
period. Recipients may begin implementing a change before the amendment 
has been approved by EPA but do so at their own risk. If EPA approves 
the change, EPA will issue a grant amendment. EPA will notify the 
recipient in writing if the change is disapproved.
* * * * *

0
14. Amend Sec.  35.115 by revising paragraphs (a) and (c) to read as 
follows:

Sec.  35.115  Evaluation of performance.

    (a) Joint evaluation process. The applicant and the Regional 
Administrator will develop a process for jointly evaluating and 
reporting progress and accomplishments under the work plan. A 
description of the evaluation process and a reporting schedule must be 
included in the work plan (see Sec.  35.107(b)(2)(iv)). The schedule 
must require the recipient to report at least annually and must satisfy 
the requirements for progress reporting under 2 CFR 200.329.
* * * * *
    (c) Resolution of issues. If the joint evaluation reveals that the 
recipient has not made sufficient progress under the work plan, the 
Regional Administrator and the recipient will negotiate a resolution 
that addresses the issues. If the issues cannot be resolved through 
negotiation, the Regional Administrator may take appropriate measures 
under 2 CFR 200.339 through 200.343. The recipient may request review 
of the Regional Administrator's decision under the dispute processes in 
2 CFR part 1500, subpart E.
* * * * *

0
15. Revise Sec.  35.133(b) to read as follows:

Sec.  35.133   Programs eligible for inclusion.

* * * * *
    (b) Changes in eligible programs. The Administrator may, in 
guidance or regulation, describe subsequent additions, deletions, or 
changes to the list of environmental programs eligible for inclusion in 
Performance Partnership Grants. A current list of environmental 
programs eligible for inclusion in Performance Partnership Grants is 
available at www.epa.gov/nepps.

Subpart B--Environmental Program Grants for Tribes

0
16. Revise Sec.  35.503 to read as follows:

Sec.  35.503   Exceptions from this subpart.

    EPA will consider and may approve requests for official exceptions 
from non-statutory provisions of this regulation in accordance with 2 
CFR 1500.4.

0
17. Revise Sec.  35.513(a) to read as follows:

Sec.  35.513   Reimbursement for pre-award costs.

    (a) Notwithstanding the requirements of 2 CFR parts 200 and 1500, 
EPA may reimburse recipients for pre-award costs incurred from the 
beginning of the budget period established in the grant agreement if 
such costs would have been allowable if incurred after the award. Pre-
award costs must be identified in the grant application EPA approves.
* * * * *

0
18. Revise Sec.  35.514(b) to read as follows:

Sec.  35.514   Amendments and other changes.

* * * * *
    (b) Changes requiring approval. Recipients must request, in 
writing, grant amendments for changes requiring adjustments in 
environmental program grant amounts and extensions of the funding 
period. Recipients may begin implementing a change before the amendment 
has been approved by EPA but do so at their own risk. If EPA approves 
the change, EPA will issue a grant amendment. EPA will notify the 
recipient in writing if the change is disapproved.
* * * * *

0
19. Amend Sec.  35.515 by revising paragraphs (a) and (c) to read as 
follows:

Sec.  35.515   Evaluation of performance.

    (a) Joint evaluation process. The applicant and the Regional 
Administrator will develop a process for jointly evaluating and 
reporting progress and accomplishments under the work plan (see Sec.  
35.507(b)(2)(iv)). A description of the evaluation process and 
reporting schedule must be included in the work plan. The schedule must 
require the recipient to report at least annually and must satisfy the 
requirements for progress reporting under 2 CFR 200.329.
* * * * *
    (c) Resolution of issues. If the joint evaluation reveals that the 
recipient has not made sufficient progress under the work plan, the 
Regional Administrator and the recipient will negotiate a resolution 
that addresses the issues. If the issues cannot be resolved through 
negotiation, the Regional Administrator may take appropriate measures 
under 2 CFR 200.339-200.243. The recipient may request review of the 
Regional Administrator's decision under the dispute processes in 2 CFR 
part 1500, subpart E.
* * * * *

0
20. Revise Sec.  35.532(b) to read as follows:

Sec.  35.532   Requirements summary.

* * * * *
    (b) In order to include funds from an environmental program grant 
listed in Sec.  35.501(a) of this subpart in a Performance Partnership 
Grant, applicants must:
    (1) Meet the requirements for award of each environmental program 
from which funds are included in the Performance Partnership Grant, 
except the requirements at Sec. Sec.  35.548(c), 35.638(b) and (c), 
35.691, and 35.708(c), (d), (e), and (g). These requirements can be 
found in this regulation beginning at Sec.  35.540. If the applicant is 
an Intertribal

[[Page 30399]]

Consortium, each Tribe that is a member of the Consortium must meet the 
requirements.
    (2) Apply for the environmental program grant.
    (3) Obtain the Regional Administrator's approval of the application 
for that grant.
* * * * *

0
21. Revise Sec.  35.533(a) to read as follows:

Sec.  35.533   Programs eligible for inclusion.

    (a) Eligible programs. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this 
section, the environmental programs eligible for inclusion in a 
Performance Partnership Grant are listed in Sec.  35.501(a)(2) through 
(10) of this subpart. Funds awarded to tribes under Tribal Response 
Program Grants (Sec.  35.501(a)(10)) to capitalize a revolving loan 
fund for Brownfield remediation or purchase insurance or develop a risk 
sharing pool, an indemnity pool, or insurance mechanism to provide 
financing for response actions may not be included in Performance 
Partnership Grants. A current list of environmental programs eligible 
for inclusion in Performance Partnership Grants is available at 
www.epa.gov/nepps.
* * * * *

0
22. Revise Sec.  35.588(a)(1) to read as follows:

Sec.  35.588   Award limitations.

    (a) * * *
    (1) All monitoring and analysis activities performed by the Tribe 
or Intertribal Consortium meets the applicable quality assurance and 
quality control requirements in 2 CFR 1500.12.
* * * * *

Subpart I--Grants for Construction of Treatment Works

0
23. Amend Sec.  35.2036 by revising paragraphs (a)(4), (b), and (d)(2) 
to read as follows:

Sec.  35.2036   Design/build project grants.

    (a) * * *
* * * * *
    (4) The grantee obtains bonds from the contractor in an amount the 
Regional Administrator determines adequate to protect the Federal 
interest in the treatment works (see 2 CFR 200.326);
* * * * *
    (b) Procurement. (1) Grantee procurement for developing or 
supplementing the facilities plan to prepare the pre-bid package, as 
well as for designing and building the project and performing 
construction management and contract administration, will be in 
accordance with the procurement standards at 2 CFR 200.317 through 
200.327 and 2 CFR 1500.10 through 1500.11.
    (2) The grantee will use the sealed bid (formal advertising) method 
of procurement to select the design/build contractor.
    (3) The grantee may use the same architect or engineer that 
prepared the facilities plan to provide any or all of the pre-bid, 
construction management, and contract and/or project administration 
services provided the initial procurement met EPA requirements (see 2 
CFR 1500.11).
* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (2) An estimated cost of supplementing the facilities plan and 
other costs necessary to prepare the pre-bid package (see appendix 
A.I.1(a) of this subpart); and
* * * * *

0
24. Revise Sec.  35.2105 to read as follows:

Sec.  35.2105   Debarment and suspension.

    The applicant shall indicate whether it used the services of any 
individual, organization, or unit of government for facilities planning 
or design work whose name appears on the master list of debarments, 
suspensions, and voluntary exclusions. See 2 CFR 200.214 and 2 CFR part 
1532. If the applicant indicates it has used the services of a debarred 
individual or firm, EPA will closely examine the facilities plan, 
design drawings and specifications to determine whether to award a 
grant. EPA will also determine whether the applicant should be found 
non-responsible under 2 CFR parts 200 and 1500 or be the subject of 
possible debarment or suspension under 2 CFR part 1532.

0
25. Revise Sec.  35.2300(e)(1) to read as follows:

Sec.  35.2300   Grant payments.

* * * * *
    (e) Payment under grants to States for advances of allowance--(1) 
Advance payment to State. Notwithstanding the provisions of the 
introductory paragraph of this section, the Regional Administrator, 
under a State grant for advances of allowance (see Sec.  35.2025), may 
make payments on an advance or letter-of-credit payment method in 
accordance with the requirements under 2 CFR 200.305. The State and the 
Regional Administrator shall agree to the payment terms.
* * * * *

0
26. Amend Appendix A to subpart I of part 35 by:
0
a. Under the heading ``A. Costs Related to Subagreements'' revising 
paragraph 1.b.; and
0
b. Under the heading ``E. Equipment, Materials and Supplies'' revising 
paragraph 2.a.
    The revisions read as follows:

Appendix A to Subpart I of Part 35--Determination of Allowable Costs

* * * * *

A. Costs Related to Subagreements

    1. * * *
    b. The costs of complying with the procurement standards in 2 
CFR 200.317 through 200.327 and 2 CFR 1500.10 and 1500.11.
* * * * *

E. Equipment, Materials and Supplies

* * * * *
    2. * * *
    a. The costs of equipment or material procured in violation of 
the procurement standards in 2 CFR 200.317 through 2 CFR 200.327 and 
2 CFR 1500.10 and 1500.11.
* * * * *

Subpart J--Construction Grants Program Delegation to States

0
27. Revise Sec.  35.3025(c) to read as follows:

Sec.  35.3025   Overview of State performance under delegation.

* * * * *
    (c) Monitoring and evaluating program performance. Monitoring and 
evaluation of program performance (including State reporting) is based 
on the plan for overview agreed to in advance and should be appropriate 
to the delegation situation existing between the Region and State. It 
should take into account past performance of the State and the extent 
of State experience in administering the delegated functions. An on-
site evaluation will occur at least annually and will cover, at a 
minimum, negotiated annual outputs, performance expected in the 
delegation agreement and, where applicable, evaluation of performance 
under the assistance agreement as provided in 40 CFR 35.150. The 
evaluation will cover performance of both the Region and the State. 
Upon completion of the evaluation, the delegation agreement may be 
revised, if necessary, to reflect changes resulting from the 
evaluation. The Regional Administrator may terminate or annul any 
section 205(g) financial assistance for cause in accordance with 2 CFR 
200.339 through 2 CFR 200.343, Remedies for Noncompliance.

[[Page 30400]]

Subpart L--Drinking Water State Revolving Funds

0
28. Revise Sec.  35.3585(a) to read as follows:

Sec.  35.3585   Compliance assurance procedures.

    (a) Causes. The RA may take action under this section and the 
remedies of noncompliance of 2 CFR 200.339 through 200.343, if a 
determination is made that a State has not complied with its 
capitalization grant agreement, other requirements under section 1452 
of the Act, this subpart, 2 CFR parts 200 and 1500, or has not managed 
the DWSRF program in a financially sound manner (e.g., allows 
consistent and substantial failures of loan repayments).
* * * * *

Subpart M--Grants for Technical Assistance

0
29. Amend Sec.  35.4012 by revising paragraphs (b) and (c) and adding 
paragraphs (d) and (e) to read as follows:

Sec.  35.4012   If there appears to be a difference between the 
requirements of 2 CFR Parts 200 and 1500 and this subpart, which 
regulations should my group follow?

* * * * *
    (b) 2 CFR 200.320, Methods of procurement to be followed.
    (c) 2 CFR 200.325(b)(2), Federal awarding agency or pass-through 
entity review.
    (d) 2 CFR 200.324, Cost or price analysis.
    (e) 2 CFR part 1500 Subpart E--Disputes.

0
30. Revise Sec.  35.4120 to read as follows:

Sec.  35.4120   What does my group do next?

    (a) After you submit an LOI, you must determine whether your 
application is subject to Federal intergovernmental review requirements 
under 40 CFR part 29 or intergovernmental review procedures established 
in state or local law.
    (b) To determine whether your TAG application is subject to Federal 
intergovernmental review, you must consult EPA's list of financial 
assistance programs subject to intergovernmental review under 40 CFR 
part 29 posted at https://www.epa.gov/grants/epa-financial-assistance-programs-subject-executive-order-12372-and-section-204-demonstration 
(EPA IR List). The EPA IR List identifies the Assistance Listing 
Numbers for EPA financial assistance programs that have Federal 
intergovernmental review requirements. The Assistance Listing Number 
for the TAG program is 66.806.

0
31. Revise Sec.  35.4125 to read as follows:

Sec.  35.4125   What else does my group need to do?

    Once you've determined whether Federal intergovernmental review 
requirements apply, you must prepare a TAG application on EPA SF-424, 
Application for Federal Assistance, or those forms and instructions 
provided by EPA that include:
    (a) A ``budget'';
    (b) A scope of work;
    (c) Assurances, certifications and other pre-award paperwork as 2 
CFR part 200 requires. Your EPA regional office will provide you with 
the required forms.

0
32. Revise Sec.  35.4235(g)(3) to read as follows:

Sec.  35.4235   Are there specific provisions my group's contract(s) 
must contain?

* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (3) Access to records (2 CFR 200.337); and
* * * * *

0
33. Revise Sec.  35.4245 to read as follows:

Sec.  35.4245   How does my group resolve a disagreement with EPA 
regarding our TAG?

    The regulations at 2 CFR part 1500 Subpart E will govern disputes 
except that, before you may obtain judicial review of the dispute, you 
must have sought reconsideration of the Dispute Decision Official's 
Appeal decision under 2 CFR 1500.17.

0
34. Revise Sec.  35.4250(b) to read as follows:

Sec.  35.4250   Under what circumstances would EPA terminate my group's 
TAG?

* * * * *
    (b) EPA may also terminate your grant with your group's consent in 
which case you and EPA must agree upon the termination conditions, 
including the effective date as 2 CFR 200.340 describes.

0
35. Revise Sec.  35.4260 introductory text to read as follows:

Sec.  35.4260   What other steps might EPA take if my group fails to 
comply with the terms and conditions of our award?

    EPA may take one or more of the following actions, under 2 CFR 
200.339, depending on the circumstances:
* * * * *

Subpart O--Cooperative Agreements and Superfund State Contracts for 
Superfund Response Actions

0
36. Revise Sec.  35.6025 to read as follows:

Sec.  35.6025  Exceptions from this subpart.

    On a case-by-case basis, EPA will consider requests for official 
exceptions from the non-statutory provisions of this subpart. Refer to 
the requirements regarding exceptions described in 2 CFR 1500.4.

0
37. Revise Sec.  35.6055(b)(2)(i) to read as follows:

Sec.  35.6055  State-lead pre-remedial Cooperative Agreements.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) Quality assurance. (i) The recipient must comply with the 
quality assurance requirements described in 2 CFR 1500.12.
* * * * *

0
38. Revise Sec.  35.6105(a)(2)(vi)(A) to read as follows:

Sec.  35.6105   State-lead remedial Cooperative Agreements.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (vi) Quality assurance--(A) General. If the project involves 
environmentally related measurements or data generation, the recipient 
must comply with the requirements regarding quality assurance described 
in 2 CFR 1500.12.
* * * * *

0
39. Revise Sec.  35.6550(a)(1) to read as follows:

Sec.  35.6550   Procurement system standards.

    (a) * * * (1) In addition to the procurement standards described in 
2 CFR 200.317 through 200.327 and 2 CFR part 1500, the State shall 
comply with the requirements in the following: Paragraphs (a)(5), 
(a)(9), and (b) of this section, Sec.  35.6555(c), in Sec.  35.6565 the 
first sentence of the introductory text, the first sentence of 
paragraph (b), paragraph (d), and Sec. Sec.  35.6570, 35.6575, and 
35.6600. Political subdivisions and Tribes must follow all of the 
requirements included or referenced in this section through Sec.  
35.6610.
* * * * *

0
40. Revise Sec.  35.6565 introductory text to read as follows:

Sec.  35.6565   Procurement methods.

    The recipient must comply with the requirements for payment to 
consultants described in 2 CFR 1500.10. In addition, the recipient must 
comply with the following requirements:
* * * * *

0
41. Revise Sec.  35.6590(a) to read as follows:

Sec.  35.6590   Bonding and insurance.

    (a) General. The recipient must meet the requirements regarding 
bonding

[[Page 30401]]

described in 2 CFR 200.326. The recipient must clearly and accurately 
state in the contract documents the bonds and insurance requirements, 
including the amounts of security coverage that a bidder or offeror 
must provide.
* * * * *

0
42. Revise Sec.  35.6650(a) to read as follows:

Sec.  35.6650   Progress reports.

    (a) Reporting frequency. The recipient must submit progress reports 
as specified in the Cooperative Agreement. Progress reports will be 
required no more frequently than quarterly, and will be required at 
least annually. Notwithstanding the requirements of 2 CFR 200.328 and 
200.329, the reports shall be due within 60 days after the reporting 
period.
* * * * *

0
43. Amend Sec.  35.6670 by revising paragraphs (a) and (b)(2)(i) to 
read as follows:

Sec.  35.6670   Financial reports.

    (a) General. The recipient must comply with the requirements 
regarding financial reporting described in 2 CFR 200.328.
    (b) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) If a Financial Status Report is required annually, the report 
is due 90 days after the end of the Federal fiscal year or as specified 
in the Cooperative Agreement. If quarterly or semiannual Financial 
Status Reports are required, reports are due in accordance with 2 CFR 
200.328;
* * * * *

0
44. Revise Sec.  35.6705(d) to read as follows:

Sec.  35.6705   Records retention.

* * * * *
    (d) Starting date of retention period. The recipient must comply 
with the requirements regarding the starting dates for records 
retention described in 2 CFR 1500.7.
* * * * *

0
45. Amend Sec.  35.6710 by revising paragraphs (a) and (c) to read as 
follows:

Sec.  35.6710   Records access.

    (a) Recipient requirements. The recipient must comply with the 
requirements regarding records access described in 2 CFR 200.337.
* * * * *
    (c) Contractor requirements. The recipient must require its 
contractor to comply with the requirements regarding records access 
described in 2 CFR 200.337.

0
46. Revise Sec.  35.6755 to read as follows:

Sec.  35.6755   Monitoring program performance.

    The recipient must comply with the requirements regarding program 
performance monitoring described in 2 CFR 200.329.

0
47. Revise Sec.  35.6760 to read as follows:

Sec.  35.6760   Remedies for noncompliance and termination.

    The recipient must comply with all terms and conditions in the 
Cooperative Agreement and is subject to the remedies for noncompliance 
with the terms of an award and termination described in 2 CFR 200.339 
and 200.340.

0
48. Revise Sec.  35.6780(b) to read as follows:

Sec.  35.6780   Closeout.

* * * * *
    (b) The recipient must comply with the closeout requirements 
described in 2 CFR 200.344 and 200.345.
* * * * *

0
49. Revise Sec.  35.6785 to read as follows:

Sec.  35.6785   Collection of amounts due.

    The recipient must comply with the requirements described in 2 CFR 
200.346 regarding collection of amounts due.

0
50. Revise Sec.  35.6790 to read as follows:

Sec.  35.6790   Specific conditions.

    If EPA determines that a recipient is not responsible, EPA may 
impose specific conditions on the award as described in 2 CFR 200.208 
or restrictions on the award as described in 2 CFR 200.339.

0
51. Revise Sec.  35.6815(a)(2) to read as follows:

Sec.  35.6815   Administrative requirements.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (2) Collection of amounts due. The State and/or political 
subdivision must comply with the requirements described in 2 CFR 
200.346 regarding collection of amounts due.
* * * * *

Subpart P--Financial Assistance for the National Estuary Program

0
52. Revise Sec.  35.9015(d) to read as follows:

Sec.  35.9015   Summary of annual process.

* * * * *
    (d) The Regional Administrator may use funds not awarded to an 
applicant to supplement awards to other recipients who submit a scope 
of work approved by the management conference for NEP funds.
* * * * *

PART 40--RESEARCH AND DEMONSTRATION GRANTS

0
53. The authority citation for part 40 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.; 15 U.S.C. 2609 et seq.; 33 
U.S.C. 1254 et seq. and 1443; 42 U.S.C. 241 et seq., 300f et seq., 
1857 et seq., 1891 et seq., and 6901 et seq., 2 CFR part 200.

0
54. Revise Sec.  40.135-1(b) to read as follows:

Sec.  40.135-1   Preapplication coordination.

* * * * *
    (b) Applications for grants for demonstration projects funded by 
the Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery will be solicited in 
accordance with 2 CFR 200.204 and selections will be made on a 
competitive basis to the extent required by EPA policy.

0
55. Revise Sec.  40.135-2 introductory text to read as follows:

Sec.  40.135-2   Application requirements.

    All applications for research and demonstration grants shall be 
submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency, in accordance with 2 
CFR 200.207.
* * * * *

0
56. Amend Sec.  40.155 by revising paragraphs (b) and (c) to read as 
follows:

Sec.  40.155   Availability of information.

* * * * *
    (b) An assertion of entitlement to confidential treatment of part 
or all of the information in an application may be made using the 
procedure described in 2 CFR 200.212. See also Sec. Sec.  2.203 and 
2.204 of this chapter.
    (c) All information and data contained in the grant application 
will be subject to external review unless deviation is approved for 
good cause pursuant to 2 CFR 1500.4.

0
57. Revise Sec.  40.160-2 to read as follows:

Sec.  40.160-2   Financial status report.

    A financial status report must be prepared and submitted within 120 
days after completion of the budget and project periods in accordance 
with 2 CFR 200.328 and 2 CFR 200.344.

0
58. Revise Sec.  40.160-3(b) to read as follows:

[[Page 30402]]

Sec.  40.160-3   Reporting of inventions.

* * * * *
    (b) A final invention report is required within 120 days after 
completion of the project period as provided in 2 CFR 200.344.
* * * * *

0
59. Revise Sec.  40.160-4 to read as follows:

Sec.  40.160-4   Equipment report.

    As provided in 2 CFR 200.344 within 120 days of the completion or 
termination of a project, the grantee will submit a listing of all 
items of Equipment as defined at 2 CFR 200.1.

0
60. Revise Sec.  40.160-5 to read as follows:

Sec.  40.160-5   Final report.

    The grantee shall submit a draft of the final report for review no 
later than 90 days prior to the end of the approved project period. The 
report shall document project activities over the entire period of 
grant support and shall describe the grantee's achievements with 
respect to stated project purposes and objectives. The report shall set 
forth in complete detail all technical aspects of the projects, both 
negative and positive, grantee's findings, conclusions, and results, 
including, as applicable, an evaluation of the technical effectiveness 
and economic feasibility of the methods or techniques investigated or 
demonstrated. The final report shall include EPA comment when required 
by the grants officer. Within 120 days of the end of the project 
period, one reproducible copy suitable for printing and such other 
copies as may be stipulated in the grant agreement shall be transmitted 
to the grants officer as required by 2 CFR 200.344.

PART 45--TRAINING ASSISTANCE

0
61. The authority citation for part 45 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Sec. 103 of the Clean Air Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 
7403), secs. 104(g), 109, and 111 of the Clean Water Act, as amended 
(33 U.S.C. 1254(g), 1259, and 1261), secs. 7007 and 8001 of the 
Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 6977 and 6981); sec. 
1442 of the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 300j-1). 
2 CFR part 200.

0
62. Amend Sec.  45.130 by revising paragraph (a) introductory text, to 
read as follows:

Sec.  45.130   Evaluation of applications.

    (a) Consistent with 2 CFR 200.205, the appropriate EPA program 
office staff will review training applications in accordance with the 
following criteria:
* * * * *

0
63. Revise Sec.  45.140 to read as follows:

Sec.  45.140   Budget and project period.

    The budget and project periods for training awards will be 
specified in the terms of the awards as provided by 2 CFR 200.211.

0
64. Revise Sec.  45.150 to read as follows:

Sec.  45.150   Reports.

    (a) Recipients must submit the reports required in 2 CFR 200.328 
and 200.329.
    (b) A draft of the final project report is required 90 days before 
the end of the project period. The recipient shall prepare the final 
projects report in accordance with the project officer's instructions 
and submit the final project report within 120 days after the end of 
the project period as provided in 2 CFR 200.344.

PART 46--FELLOWSHIPS

0
65. The authority citation for part 46 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: Section 103(b)(5) of the Clean Air Act, as amended 
(42 U.S.C. 7403(b)(5)); sections 104(b)(5) and (g)(3)(B) of the 
Clean Water Act, as amended (33 U.S.C. 1254(b)(5) and (g)(3)(B)); 
section 1442 of the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 
300j-1); section 8001 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended 
(42 U.S.C. 6981); section 10 of the Toxic Substances Control Act, as 
amended (15 U.S.C. 2609); section 20 of the Federal Insecticide, 
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 136r); sections 
104(k)(7) and 311 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, 
Compensation, and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9604(k)(7) and 42 U.S.C. 
9660). 2 CFR part 200 and 2 CFR part 1500.

0
66. Revise Sec.  46.105(g) to read as follows:

Sec.  46.105   Authority.

* * * * *
    (g) Sections 104(k)(7) and 311 of the Comprehensive Environmental 
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9604(k)(7) and 42 
U.S.C. 9660).

PART 47--NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ACT GRANTS

0
67. The authority citation for part 47 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 20 U.S.C. 5505. 2 CFR part 200.

0
68. Revise Sec.  47.130(c) to read as follows:

Sec.  47.130   Performance of grant.

* * * * *
    (c) Procurement procedures for all recipients are described in 2 
CFR part 200 subpart D--Post Federal Award Requirements (2 CFR 200.317 
through 200.327). These procedures include provisions for small 
purchase procedures.

[FR Doc. 2022-09725 Filed 5-18-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P