Source: https://www.cfda.gov/?s=program&mode=form&tab=step1&id=68f68b07ab32f5bead4403026c202f84
Timestamp: 2015-05-27 21:42:42
Document Index: 610776358

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 31', 'art 31', 'art 31', 'art 31', 'art 4', 'art 7', 'art 29', 'art 31', 'art 32', 'art 35']

State Indoor Radon GrantsSIRGNumber: 66.032Agency: Environmental Protection AgencyOffice: Office of Air and Radiation
Program Information Program Number/Title (010): 66.032 State Indoor Radon Grants
Popular Name (020): (SIRG)
Federal Agency (030): Office of Air and Radiation, Environmental Protection Agency
Authorization (040): Indoor Radon Abatement Act, Section 306, 15 U.S.C 2661.
Objectives (050): Title III of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the Indoor Radon Abatement Act (IRAA), Section 306, authorizes EPA to assist States and Federally Recognized Indian Tribes to develop and implement programs to assess and mitigate radon-related lung cancer risk. In FY 2014 EPA will encourage state and tribal grant recipients to work collaboratively with their (non-EPA) Federal Departments and Agencies participating in the Federal Radon Action Plan (FRAP) - http://www.epa.gov/radon/action_plan.html.
Projects should also focus on addressing environmental justice (EJ) concerns in communities. EJ is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. In FY 2014 the State Indoor Radon Grant (SIRG) program will continue to emphasize radon risk reduction through increased action by home buyers and sellers, homeowners, real estate professionals, radon services professionals, homebuilders, tribes, non-governmental organizations, Federal, state and local governments, and non-governmental organizations. Projects funded by SIRG should focus on achieving the following outcomes:
- Homes built to include radon-reducing features, especially in high-radon potential areas (Zone 1),
- Reducing radon in existing homes to below 4pCi/L through mitigation, and
- Building new schools to include radon-reducing features, and reducing radon in existing schools to below 4pCi/L. To achieve these outcomes and increase results, the SIRG program aims to: (1) improve the effectiveness of state-local/tribal radon programs; (2) focus on high radon potential areas, especially for new home building, building code adoption, and green and healthy homes programs; (3) encourage testing and mitigation within residential property transfers; and (4) encourage SIRG recipients to be strategic in their risk reduction efforts e.g., utilizing results date and information, by institutionalizing risk reduction practices and policies, and utilizing best practices. :.
Uses and Use Restrictions (070): The following activities are eligible for funding under SIRG: radon surveys, public information and educational materials, radon control programs, purchase of radon measurement equipment or devices, purchase and maintenance of analytic equipment, training, program overhead and administration, data storage and management, mitigation demonstrations, and toll-free hotlines. Funding for these eligible activities may be used to develop State radon response programs. States may, at the Governor's direction, provide assistance to local governments for public information and educational materials, radon control programs and training. RESTRICTIONS: The statute places the following restrictions on the use of Federal funds: 1) SIRG recipients must perform satisfactorily in the preceding budget period to be eligible to receive additional funding; 2) State expenditures for measurement equipment/devices and mitigation demonstrations cannot exceed 50 percent of the grant amount in a budget period; 3) State expenditures for general overhead and program administration cannot exceed 25 percent in a budget period; and 4) SIRG applicants may use grant funds for financial assistance to persons only to the extent that such assistance is related to approved demonstration projects or the purchase and analysis of radon measurement devices.
Eligibility Requirements (080) Applicant Eligibility (081): Eligible entities include States (including District of Columbia (DC)), Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Canal Zone, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Federally recognized Indian Tribes and Tribal consortia, or any other U.S. Territory or possession.
Beneficiary Eligibility (082): State agencies: local, municipal, district, or area wide governments and organizations; U.S. territories or possessions, Federally Recognized Indian Tribes, colleges, universities, multi-state agencies, nonprofit organizations, low-income individuals, homeowners, and the general public.
Credentials/Documentation (083): An applicant's application must: 1) describe the seriousness and extent of radon exposure; 2) identify the lead State agency with primary responsibility for the radon program that will receive the grant, with a description of the lead agency's role and responsibilities, and those of any other State agencies, and any municipal, district or area wide organizations involved in the radon program; 3) submit a work plan describing the activities and programs to be funded; 4) provide a budget specifying the Federal and applicant share of the funding for each work plan element. First time applicants must have a 3-year work plan outlining long range program goals and objectives, the tasks necessary to achieve them, the resource requirements including anticipated SIRG applicant funding levels and the desired Federal funding level. Costs are determined in accordance with OMB Circular A-87, "Cost Principles for State, Local and Tribal Governments.". OMB Circular No. A-87 applies to this program.
Application and Award Process (090) Preapplication Coordination (091): Application assistance is available through Regional radon coordinators and their Regional grants specialist counterparts. For additional information, contact the individual(s) listed as "Information Contacts" or see Appendix IV of the Catalog. Visit www.epa.gov/iaq/whereyoulive.html for state specific information on the state radon programs and how to contact them. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.
Application Procedures (092): OMB Circular No. A-102 applies to this program. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110. EPA requires final applications to be made on Standard Form 424. Requests for application kits must be submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency and the appropriate EPA Regional Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog, or through the Grants and Interagency Agreements Management Division, 3903F, Washington, DC 20460. Applicants may be able to use http://www.grants.gov to electronically apply for certain grant opportunities under this CFDA. Award Procedure (093): Each state or tribal SIRG application is subjected to an administrative and prior period performance evaluation to determine the recipients eligibility to receive continued funding. An applicant's proposed projects and work plan are evaluated for projected results and alignment with the Agency's radon program goals and priorities. SIRG award decisions are non-competitive and made at the EPA Regional level, based on a formula moderated by Regional management discretion utilizing prior performance and results. A state or tribe able to provide the required 40% in matching funds is eligible to apply to the Regional EPA office for a grant.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time (095): About 90 days.
Renewals (097): Renewals of awards will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Section 306 and the SIRG Guidance (SIRGG).
Matching Requirements: EPA may provide States a maximum of 60% of allowable costs of approved SIRG Program activities. TSCA Section 306 requires a progressive match for States and Tribes; 25% in the first year; 40% in the second year; and, 50% in the third and subsequent years of participation. However, in the FY 2006 appropriation, Congress permanently reduced the recipient match requirement from a maximum of 50% to 40% for participants with two or more years in the program.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance (102): Awards funded under TSCA Section 306 are normally for a period of 12-36 months; EPA strongly encourages 36-month (3-year) SIRG project periods. EPA negotiates project periods appropriate to a suite of projects or specific project. However, EPA project periods are limited to a maximum of five years. Grants and cooperative agreements may be fully funded or incrementally (partially) funded, conditional on the availability of funds. See the following for information on how assistance is awarded/released: Assistance agreements are fully funded by a lump sum.
Post Assistance Requirements (110) Reports (111): Required reports from grant recipients include: performance reports, no more often than quarterly; Financial Status Reports, (Standard Form 269); Federal Cash Transactions Reports (for grants paid by letter of credit); and if applicable, Request for Advance or Reimbursement (Standard Form 270). To monitor the performance of each grant recipient, the EPA Project Officer and other Agency personnel may conduct mid-year (or more frequent) site visits to inspect program activities first hand. Grantees are required to submit program reports in accordance with Agency policy and the Monitoring and Reporting Program Performance requirements stated in Federal Grant Regulations 40 CFR Part 31 and OMB Circular No.A-102. Grantees are required to submit financial reports in accordance with Agency policy and the Financial Reporting and Financial Management Systems requirements stated in Federal Grant Regulations 40 CFR Part 31 and OMB Circular No.A-102. Grantees are required to submit progress reports in accordance with Agency policy and the Monitoring and Reporting Program Performance requirements stated in Federal Grant Regulations 40 CFR Part 31 and OMB Circular No.A-102. No expenditure reports are required. Grantees are required to perform performance monitoring in accordance with Agency policy and requirements stated in Federal Grant Regulations 40 CFR Part 31 and OMB Circular No.A-102.
Audits (112): In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133. Grants and cooperative agreements are subject to inspections and audits by the Comptroller General of the United States, the EPA Office of Inspector General, other EPA staff, or any authorized representative of the Federal government. Reviews by the EPA Project Officer and the Grants Specialist may occur each year. Records (113): Recipients must keep financial records, including all documents supporting entries in accounting records and to substantiate changes in grants available to personnel authorized to examine EPA recipient grants and cooperative agreement records. Recipients must maintain all records until 3 years from the date of submission of the final expenditure reports. If questions, such as those raised as a result of an audit remain following the 3-year period, recipients must retain records until the matter is completely resolved.
Obligations (122): (Project Grants) FY 13 $7,626,000; FY 14 est $8,051,000; and FY 15 est $8,051,000
Range and Average of Financial Assistance (123): Range and Average of Financial Assistance In FY 2014 federal funding can range from $15,000 to a maximum of $805,100 (by law 10% of the annual appropriation amount) per State/Tribal applicant. The average SIRG award is $170,000. Minimum awards are $15,000.
Program Accomplishments (130): Fiscal Year 2013: The SIRG program awarded approximately 45 state and 8 tribal assistance agreements totaling $7,626,000; $7,346,000 to states, and $280,000 to tribes. In calendar year 2013, an estimated 112,165 existing homes were mitigated to reduce the radon level. In calendar year 2012, approximately 90,266 new single family homes were built with radon-reducing features; an estimated 97,760 multi-family housing units were built with radon-reducing features. Much of this progress resulted from the work of coalitions and partnerships comprised of local governments, national and local non-profit organizations, industry, radon advocates and other leaders. The SIRG program continues to stress the importance of achieving and measuring results in: the number of homes, schools, and other buildings mitigated for radon; in the number of new homes and schools built with radon-reducing features. Recipients are required to include the SIRG results measures template in their work plans, and projects with clear risk reduction benefits are to be preferred over projects projected to have lesser risk reducing results. Persons and organizations looking for ways to participate in the national radon risk-reduction effort should visit www.RadonLeaders.org.
Accomplishments information for FY 2014 on homes mitigated will become available in the second quarter of FY 2015. Accomplishments information for FY 2013 on new homes built with radon-resistant features will become available in the first quarter of FY 2015. Fiscal Year 2014: No content available. Fiscal Year 2015: No Current Data Available
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature (140): EPA regulations that govern State activities under the SIRG Program are contained in the following Parts of 40 CFR: (1) Part 4, "Implementation of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1980"; (2) Part 7, "Nondiscrimination in Programs Receiving Federal Assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency"; (3) Part 29, "Intergovernmental Review of Environmental Protection Agency Programs and Activities"; (4) Part 31, "Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments"; (5) Part 32, "Debarment and Suspension under EPA Assistance Programs"; and (6) Part 35; "State and Local Assistance". Applicable OMB Circulars include (1) Circular A- 87, "Cost Principles for State and Local Governments," and (2) Circular A-102, "Uniform Requirements for Assistance to State and Local Governments". Other materials applicable to SIRG include: (1) Administrative Guidance for the State Indoor Radon Grants Program under Section 306, Indoor Radon Abatement Act (January 2005); (2) Indoor Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurement Device Protocols (EPA 402-R-92-004); and (3) Protocols for Radon and Radon Decay Products Measurements in Homes (EPA 420-R-93-003). Visit http://www.epa.gov/radon/sirgprogram.html for more information. Information Contacts (150) Regional or Local Office (151) : See Regional Agency Offices. For questions of a programmatic/technical nature, contact the appropriate Regional Radon Office representative listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog. The individual Regional radon SIRG project officers can be found at http://www.epa.gov/radon/whereyoulive.html.
Headquarters Office (152): Philip Jalbert, Office of Radiation and Indoor Air, Environmental Protection Agency, 1310 L Street, NW., Mail Code 6609J, Washington, District of Columbia 20005 Email: jalbert.philip@epa.gov Phone: (202) 343-9431.
Website Address (153): http://www.epa.gov/radon/sirgprogram.html Related Programs (160): Not Applicable.
Examples of Funded Projects (170): Fiscal Year 2013: 1) SIRG funds helped support regional radon training sessions that included state, local, industry, non-profit, and other radon stakeholders. (2) SIRG funds supported toll free numbers and other tools and systems used by the states to provide information and assistance to citizens.
(3) SIRG funds were used to fund a range of education, outreach, and training activities to promote radon testing, mitigation, and new construction in homes, schools, and other buildings. (4) SIRG funds supported radon testing in schools. (5) SIRG funds supported radon activities on Tribal lands, including assessments of baseline levels of radon in homes and public buildings, and outreach and education to tribal members.
(6) SIRG funds were used to build and support cancer and radon plans and coalitions at the State and local level. (7) SIRG funds were used to promote radon testing and mitigation in association with weatherization and other low and moderate income home upgrade initiatives. Fiscal Year 2014: No content available. Fiscal Year 2015: No Current Data Available
Criteria for Selecting Proposals (180): The EPA will base its review of SIRG applications on whether they reflect the program's goals and promote integrity in States' use of grant funds. Pursuant to TSCA Section 306(e), if State applications exceed the funds appropriated for award in a fiscal year, EPA will prioritize State activities based on the following criteria: (1) the seriousness and extent of the radon contamination problem to be addressed; (2) the potential for the activity or project to bring about reduction in radon levels; (3) the potential for the development of innovative radon assessment techniques, mitigation measures as approved by the Administrator, or program management approaches which may be of use to other States; (4) the potential for the activity to implement EPA's model radon-resistant building standards; (5) the potential for the development of radon programs in high-risk areas; and (6) the potential for the activity to improve the effectiveness and viability of the State program. EPA may establish additional criteria related to demonstration activities or other aspects of the SIRG program. All other requirements of the SIRG program are applicable to the States and Tribes unless otherwise stated in TSCA 306.
Website: http://www.epa.gov/radon/sirgprogram.html Regional or Local Office: See Regional Agency Offices. For questions of a programmatic/technical nature, contact the appropriate Regional Radon Office representative listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog. The individual Regional radon SIRG project officers can be found at http://www.epa.gov/radon/whereyoulive.html.
Headquarters Office: Philip Jalbert, Office of Radiation and Indoor Air, Environmental Protection Agency, 1310 L Street, NW., Mail Code 6609J, Washington, District of Columbia 20005 Email: jalbert.philip@epa.gov Phone: (202) 343-9431.
Beneficiary Eligibilty: 14 - State, 15 - Local, 20 - Public nonprofit institution/organization, 22 - Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments, 23 - U.S. Territories, 31 - Individual/Family, 36 - Private nonprofit institution/organization, 39 - Anyone/general public, 53 - Homeowner, 88 - Low Income