Grants and cooperative agreements; availability, etc.: related public education and outreach projects,

[Federal Register: December 23, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 246)]

[Notices]

[Page 71117-71122]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr23de98-69]

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-6208-2]

Mobile Source Outreach Assistance Competition Fiscal Year 1999: Solicitation Notice

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.

ACTION: Notice.

SUMMARY: Today's Notice announces the availability of funding and solicits proposals from state, local, multi-state and tribal air pollution control agencies for mobile sources-related public education and outreach projects. The funding will be allocated by EPA's Office of Mobile Sources through the competitive process described in this notice.

DATES: The deadline for submitting Final Proposals is Friday, February 19, 1999. To allow for efficient management of the competitive process, OMS is requesting agencies to submit an informal Intent to Apply by January 7, 1999. (Instructions for submitting final proposals and Intents to Apply are found in Section X. below.)

ADDRESSES: This proposal can also be found on the Office of Mobile Sources Web Page: ``www.epa.gov/oms/'' click on ``What's New.'' Addresses for submitting proposals can be found in Section X. below.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Bullard, Director of Outreach and Communication, USEPA Office of Mobile Sources, 401 M Street SW, Washington, 20460 (mail code 6401). Telephone (202) 260-2614; Fax (202) 260-6011. Or email ``bullard.susan@epa.gov''

Contents by Section

I. Overview and Deadlines II. Eligible Organizations III. Funding Issues IV. Program Emphasis V. Selection Criteria VI. Evaluation and Selection VII. Proposals VIII. Current OMS/Section 105 Funded Outreach Projects IX. Other Items of Interest X. How to Apply XI. Program Contact

Deadline for informal Intent to Apply-January 7, 1999.

Deadline for Final Proposal--Friday, February 19, 1999.

This proposal can also be found on the Office of Mobile Sources Web Page: ``www.epa.gov/oms/'' click on ``What's New?''

[[Page 71118]]

FY 99 MOBILE SOURCE OUTREACH ASSISTANCE AGREEMENTS

Request for Proposals

Section I. Overview and Deadlines

1. Overview: Over the past two years, OMS has entered into agreements and established partnerships with a number of organizations to (1) provide national support for community-based mobile source public education efforts and, (2) encourage responsible choices for organizational and individual actions through public education. Current outreach projects funded through OMS (listed in Section VIII(U) below) emphasize transportation choices; education of vehicle owners and drivers of the future; car care and the role of the automotive technician; and, related projects such as ozone mapping and small engines. EPA's Office of Mobile Sources has set aside funds from the State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) account to provide support to community-based mobile source-related projects. This notice solicits proposals for public education and outreach projects which directly support state and local air management organizations in their efforts to improve air quality from mobile sources. Proposals will be accepted from state, local, tribal and multi-state air management agencies which are identified as such under Section 302(b) of the Clean Air Act.

   Interested persons can also obtain copies of this solicitation at no charge by accessing ``What's New?'' on the OMS Website, ``http:// www.epa.gov/oms.''

2. What are the deadlines for this competition?

   In order to efficiently manage the selection process, the Office of Mobile Sources requests that an informal ``Intent to Apply'' be submitted by January 7, 1999 (Please provide email address if available). An ``Intent to Apply'' simply states in the form of e-mail, phone, or fax that your organization intends to submit a proposal to be received by the deadline. Including the name or subject of the project would also be helpful. Submitting an Intent to Apply does not commit an organization to submit a final proposal. Those not submitting an Intent to Apply may still apply by the deadline.

   The deadline for submitting completed final proposals (original and six copies) is February 19, 1999. The Office of Mobile Sources expects to complete the Evaluation/Selection process in early April, 1999.

   Section II. Eligible Organizations

3. Who is eligible to submit proposals? According to funding policies associated with the State and Tribal Assistance Grants regulations (STAG funds), proposals can be accepted only from air pollution control agencies as defined under Section 302(b) of the Clean Air Act, (for projects to be undertaken will have replicability to other communities nationally), as well as multi-state organizations supporting Section 302(b) agencies. OMS has no discretion over this requirement. Interested air management or related organizations which are not air pollution control agencies as defined under Section 302(b) of the Clean Air Act are encouraged to create partnerships with eligible organizations.

   In that situation, the eligible organization would be required to submit the final proposal and serve as the funding recipient if selected.

   Section III. Funding Issues

   D: What is the amount of available funding? Approximately $550K.

5. How will funds be allocated? The competition process will be managed by OMS and selected cooperative agreements will be awarded by EPA's Regional offices and funded through either Section 103 (for multi-state organizations as defined by law only) or Section 105 authority (state and local air pollution control agencies.) OMS has no discretion over this requirement.

6. How many agreements will be awarded? Approximately six agreements will be awarded, none to exceed $100,000. The total dollar amount of the final awards must be within available funding.

7. Are matching funds required? Possibly. Clean Air Act Section 105 mandates that eligible agencies provide matching funds of at least 40%. Therefore, if an air pollution control agency submits a proposal for which they do not already have sufficient matching funds, they must include a statement in their proposal indicating that the match could be met if their proposal is selected. Organizations unable to meet a required match must be considered ineligible. (This requirement does not apply to multi state organizations.) Organizations which are unclear as to their matching status are recommended to contact their EPA Regional Grant Coordinator.

8. Can funding be used to acquire services or fund partnerships?

   Yes--subgrants and other procurement services are allowed. Because the method used to fund subgrants is not a federal matter, procedures governing your organization's procurement practices must be followed. Please indicate any intent to enter into such agreements in the proposal.

   Section IV. Program Emphasis

   I. Program Emphasis --Voluntary Measures --Commuter Choice initiatives --Transportation choices --Car care (testing, repair, maintenance) --Environmental education for future drivers and consumers --Other mobile source issues (including but not limited to: on-board diagnostics, diesel, particulate matter, heavy duty engines; nonroad engines; ozone mapping/forecasting, and alternative fuels)

   Section V. Selection Criteria

10. Primary Criteria --Addresses environmental goals of improved air quality from mobile sources --Presents a strong public health message --Demonstrates national or regional applicability --Provides for at least minimal replication for use by other organizations in the budget --Demonstrates effectiveness of delivery mechanism to reach targeted audience --Exhibits clearly-stated and appropriate levels of funding Includes effective measurement/evaluation methods --Reflects the potential for sustainability K. Other Factors to be Considered --Innovation in public awareness --Effectiveness of collaborative activities and partnerships with other stakeholders needed to effectively develop or implement the project --Integration with existing programs --Willingness to coordinate with other OMS-funded outreach activities L. Presentation Criteria --Completeness --Action-oriented --Clearly-stated objectives --Reasonable time frames

    Section VI. Evaluation and Selection

13. The Evaluation Team is chosen to address a full range of mobile source and EPA program expertise. In addition, each EPA Regional office is given the opportunity to review those proposals generated by eligible organizations within that Region. The Evaluation Team will base its evaluation on the criteria referenced in this Request for

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    Proposal. Completed evaluations will be referred to a Selection Committee representing OMS senior managers and Regional representatives who are responsible for further consideration and final selection. To ensure equity and objectivity throughout the process, the OMS Program Contact (listed below) and staff who facilitate the process and participate in pre-application assistance, do not serve as members of either the Evaluation Team or the Selection Committee.

    Section VII. Proposals

14. What must be included in the proposal? Proposals should be approximately 5-7 pages in length (please do not include binders) and must include:

    (1) A brief statement that candidate organization is defined as an air pollution control agency under Section 302(b) of the Clean Air Act.

    (2) A statement that any required match could be met.

    (3) A concise statement of project background/objectives highlighting relationship to improving air quality from mobile sources.

    (4) A detailed project summary--description of specific actions to be undertaken, including estimated time line for each task.

    (5) Associated work products to be developed.

    (6) Explanation of project benefits.

    (7) Detailed explanation of how project outcomes will be designed for replication in other communities.

    (8) A detailed budget estimate (clearly explain how funds will be used, including estimated cost for each task).

    (9) Projected time frame for project from initiation through completion.

    (10) Project contact(s) (provide name, organization, phone, fax, and e-mail where available).

15. Will 2-year proposals be considered? Yes. If a proposal with a 2-year project period is submitted, OMS requires that the budget and cost estimate be designed to indicate what will be accomplished in each of the first and second years.

16. May an eligible organization submit more than one proposal? An organization may submit more than one proposal only if the proposals are for different projects.

17. May an eligible organization resubmit a proposal which was previously submitted to the Mobile Source Outreach Assistance Competition, but was not selected? Yes. The proposals received by OMS in both 1997 and 1998 were generally of very high quality. Clearly, all proposals of merit could not be selected due to finite resources available.

18. May an eligible organization submit a proposal for this fiscal year, even if it was awarded funding under this program in its first year? Yes. Applicants awarded funding in last year's competition may submit new proposals to fund a different project. This program is designed to provide seed money to initiate new projects or advance existing projects that are new in some way (e.g. new audiences, new locations, new approaches.)

19. Does this funding expire at the end of FY 99? No. The statute states that State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) for environmental programs remain available until expended (``no-year money'').

20. Ineligible proposals. Proposals will be determined to be ineligible if: (1) The candidate organization is not currently defined as an air pollution control agency under Section 302(b) of the Clean Air Act; (2) a required match cannot be met; (3) the proposal is incomplete; or (4) the proposal is postmarked after the deadline.

    Section VIII. Current OMS/Section 105 Funded Outreach Projects

21. The following offers a brief sketch of projects currently funded through the Office of Mobile Sources, either with Section 105 funding or OMS program funding.

    Transportation Choices

    ``Reusable City'' Illinois EPA and the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry Contact: Betsy Tracey, 217/782-0408

    The project is designed to:

    --enhance the air quality and mobile source component of ``Reusable City''--a permanent environmental science exhibit at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry.

    --Present basic science, describe health effects, explain citizen role in contributing to mobile source emissions, explain ``calls to action'' such as Ozone Action Days,'' foster critical problem-solving and decision-making skills.

    --Create ``real'' meteorological station measuring actual ambient conditions outside the Museum, an interactive learning device (computer with CD Rom) and supporting materials to illustrate the relationship between meteorology and ozone. The user can become an ozone forecaster.

    --Ribbon-cutting, June 24, 1998. ``Screen Seen'' Maine Department of Environmental Protection Ron Severance, 207/287-2437

    The project includes:

    --Full screen cinema commercials for captive audience of moviegoers.

    --20 minute rotation of 3 messages (visual images, trivia questions--OBD, PM, heavy duty, health message).

    --Posting of all slides on WWW; Maine will assist states in adapting. ``Chattanooga Lifestyle Campaign: Improving Chattanooga's Air Quality Through Voluntary Citizen Behavior Change of Transportation Choices'' Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Board Contact: Angela Turner, 423/867-4321

    Working with the Global Action Plan (GAP), the project goal will be to enhance the mobile source component of Chattanooga's Household EcoTeam Project. The project includes:

    --4-month tracking of specific actions to reduce auto emissions through transportation choices in 50 households.

    --Peer support and handbook to support family involvement.

    --Follow up research to determine sustainability of new transportation practices.

    --Two-part national technology transfer--invitational conference for local, state and federal air quality managers after demonstration period; broad-based outreach through presentations at meetings and conferences. ``It All Adds Up To Cleaner Air'': Transportation/Air Quality Public Information Initiative Contacts:

    Kathy Daniel (DOT/FHWA), 202/366-6276

    Patrice Thornton (EPA/OMS), 734/214-4329

    Abbe Marner (DOT/FTA), 202/366-0096

    This DOT/EPA collaborative effort is:

    --Community-based with support from federal agencies to increase public awareness of impact of travel behavior on air quality, and increase driving public's awareness of alternative modes of transportation and importance of travel choices on traffic congestion and air quality.

    --Built on results from 3 pilot community sites--Dover, DE; Milwaukee, WI; and San Francisco, CA.

    --Designed to include coalition-building, environmental education for youth, production of informational materials for public and media, and evaluation of changes in public awareness and actions.

    --Nationally available to as many as 12 Demonstration Communities in 1999.

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    --TV spots being aired began Clean Air Week, '98.

    --Initial meeting of national coalition stakeholders late summer '98. ``Let Kid Lead: Youth VMT Initiative'' [Creating Community-Based Solutions to Community-Defined Problems''] Academy for Educational Development (AED) Contacts: Bill Smith, 202/884-8750; Rick Bossi, 202/884-8898

    The purpose of this youth-based program, which has entered into partnership with Kansas City, Tampa and Boston as its pilot sites is to:

    --Create a replicable and sustainable program for involving youth and families in reducing growth in vehicle miles traveled (VMT).

    --Enable youth to communicate about travel choices, solve problems and make sound travel decisions to minimize VMT.

    --Share successful practices, lessons learned and tools developed in the pilot sites with other communities.

    --Serve as a blueprint for communities interested in including a youth component in efforts to reduce growth of VMT. ``Public Outreach on Congestion Relief Pricing and Cash-Out Parking'' NY Department of Environmental Conservation/Tri-State Transportation Campaign Dave Shaw (NYDEC), 518/457-7231 Janine Bauer (Tri-State), 212/777-8181

    The project will:.

    --Research, produce and disseminate educational materials about market based pricing mechanisms to reduce auto travel.

    --Build on work with cash-out parking demo projects and Pricing Project Implementation on I-287/Tappan Zee Corridor.

    --Send clear public health message. ``Air World''--Interactive Information Kiosk Ventura County Air Pollution Control Board Contact: Barbara Page, 805/645-1415

    This initiative will:

    --Develop a stand-alone bilingual interactive information kiosk for the public focusing on transportation-related air quality issues with content which reflects national, state and local issues.

    --Produce products including a prototype kiosk (providing other air quality management agencies with 60-70% of actual programming needed to produce a similar kiosk for their citizens--video, graphics, animation) and an instructional handbook.

    --Be delivered in early 1999.

    Educating Future Drivers and Consumers

    ``Smog City: Interactive Air Pollution Simulation for Use on Air Agency Internet Web Site'' Sacramento Air Quality Management District Kerry Shearer, 916/386-6180

    ``Smog City'' will be:

    --Designed for users to manipulate multiple on-screen controls with their mouse to control variables within Smog City, and the simulation will be able to respond to that input based information.

    --Colorful, challenging, completely interactive, instantly applicable in the classroom. ``Cleaner Cars Module: An Initiative to Encourage Responsible Car Maintenance and Driving Habits Among Future Drivers'' Environmental Health Center (National Safety Council). Contact: Nyki Brandon-Palermo, 202/974-2484

    Networking and coordinating with other similar projects across the country, this effort has:

    --Developed a driver education curriculum module for new drivers linking benefits of responsible maintenance to responsible driving for use in 1500+ public and private driver education programs nationwide.

    --Products including teacher plans, exercises, information wheel, interactive CD ROM, overheads.

    --Available now! Driver Education Pilot NESCAUM Contact: Ginger Lawrence, 617/367-8540

    This effort:

    --Piloted the driver education curriculum module developed by the Environmental Health Center (see above) in several cities in the northeast. ``I.D.L.E. in Dade'' Dade County Department of Environmental Resources Management

    Contact: Kristin Buch, 305/372-6895

    The program will:

    --Educate new drivers on the air quality impacts of driving, use of alternative fuels and transportation choices.

    --Encourage responsible maintenance and driving practices.

    --Teach critical-thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills through educational videos, informational handouts, creative hands-on demonstrations and design contests. ``Easy Breathers'' Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Sara Burr, 608/266-2621

    The project will be designed to:

    --As a national educational effort focusing on the science of mobiles sources.

    --Raise awareness and understanding high schools, technical and community colleges and business communities.

    --Be integrated/coordinated with Partners for Clean Air (involved in pilot activities for transportation/air quality initiative) and EHC driver education curriculum.

    --Represent a multimedia approach (interactive CD, poster, research materials, link to websites). Teacher Workshops--NESEA Tour de Sol Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) Contact: Nancy Hazard, 413/774-6051

    Designed as a teacher training course, this project:

    --Brought issues of transportation and the environment into middle school classrooms along the route of the 1998 Tour de Sol.

    --6 workshops delivered--May, 98.

    Dealing with In-Use Emissions

    ``Workshop Series on OBDII'' Utah Department of Air Quality/Division of Air Quality Bill Colbert (Utah DAQ), 801/536-4423 Joe Thomas (Weber State University), 801/536-4175

    The national OBDII Trainer the Trainer Workshop Series will be:

    --Designed to on 2 tracks to support state I/M regulators and technical and communication staff (Technical Track and Public Awareness Track). ``OBD Training Course for Technicians'' Service Technicians Society (STS) Contact: 412/772-7166

    STS is:

    --Developing a training course on-board diagnostic systems for technicians.

    --Course delivered, 1998. ``Motivating Timely Repair of Vehicles not subject to I/M through Remote Sensing, Public Outreach, and Repair Community Incentives'' Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Nina DeConcini (Oregon DEQ), 503/229-6788 Ken Mays (Central Oregon Community College), 541/383-7753

    This project will:

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    --Raise awareness of highly polluting vehicles and their impact on public health.

    --Motivate community actions to encourage repair of high emitting vehicles NOT subject to I/M.

    --Mobilize the repair industry to offer repair incentives for vehicles identified as high emitters.

    --Stimulate communities to use resources to promote and evaluate effectiveness of the program. ``Car Care for Clean Air'' Contacts: Mia Zmud, Weber State University, Bill Colbert, Utah DAQ 801/536-4423

    This pilot project is designed to:

    --Raise public awareness of ways in which automotive service affects air quality.

    --Create coalitions to identify ways to improve vehicle maintenance practices--elevating the number, skill sets, performance and image of vehicle maintenance technicians.

    --Encourage environmentally-sound transportation choices in anticipation of 2002 Olympics and beyond. ``The Air Repair Communications Project'' Missouri Department of Natural Resources Contact: Kerry Cordray, 573-751-4817

    A bi-state effort in partnership with the American Lung Association of Eastern Missouri, the ``Air Repair Communications Project'' will:

    --Focus on enhanced inspection and maintenance.

    --Create replicable materials including media kits, psas, exhibits, articles for newsletters, brochure to educate on enhanced I/M, theater screen slides, video to be distributed through Blockbuster;

    --Undertake activities including car care clinics, community presentations, training and materials development for transportation management associations, participation at commuter fairs, open houses for public information exchange; make I/M program information available through posting on the WWW and other outreach tools.

    --Market research underway--tools production temporarily on hold.

    Heavy Duty

    ``Heavy Duty Vehicle Emission Reduction Outreach Program'' San Joaquin Valley United Air Pollution Control District Dave Mitchell/Janis Parker, 209/497-1075

    This comprehensive marketing program will:

    --Target owners/operators of heavy duty on-road and non-road engines.

    --Demonstrate operating advantages.

    --Inform potential participants of all available local, state, and federal incentives for using clean technology.

    --Involve participation in annual Tulare Farm and Equipment Show (display/product show and breakout session).

    Small Engines

    ``Cash for Clippers'' Maryland Department of the Environment Contact: Jessica Ritter, 410/631-3229

    This program:

    --Educated consumers about pollution prevention, ground-level ozone, MDE's forecasting program, and the impact of lawn and garden equipment.

    --Offered rebates toward purchase of non-gasoline powered lawn mowers.

    --Developed economic incentives to prevent pollution, foster creativity and innovation within the private and public sectors.

    Projects in Support of NAAQS

    ``Air Pollution, Motor Vehicles and Public Health'' American Lung Association (ALA) Contact: Katherine Pruitt, 202/785-3355

    Mini-grants provided to 15 local lung associations (through ALA competitive process) for public education efforts which address a wide range of mobile source issues.

    Projects were designed to:

    --Send a strong public health message focused on children and asthma designed to raise public awareness of air quality and the impact of mobile sources.

    --Be implemented in ozone season `98. ``Integrate the Televised Ozone Map with Mobile Source Outreach Initiatives'' NESCAUM/MARAMA/OTC Collaboration Contact: Ginger Lawrence, NESCAUM, 617/367-8540

    This project:

    --Expanded the scope of the animated ozone map to 14 states+ represented by NESCAUM, MARAMA and OTC.

    --Encourages region-wide distribution and use of the map, conduct public outreach to inform and motivate voluntary mobile source ozone abatement actions, and development of outreach materials for meteorologists and the public.

    --Provides technical assistance to other regions of the country interested in the benefits of ozone mapping and forecasting, through creation of a web site and other outreach activities. Ozone and Particulate Matter Outreach STAPPA/ALAPCO Contact: Gail Graves, 202/624-7864

    STAPPA/ALAPCO is developing dynamic education and outreach materials to help state and local air agencies communicate the ozone and PM decisions and potential implications to elected officials, the media and the public. The project:

    --Produced and distributed an informational video on PM 2.5-- ``Small Town Saves World'' to every state and local air agency. The video is designed to educate important constituents including state and local elected officials, civic and business groups and high school and college students.

    --Will develop a modular PM implementation tool kit providing a variety of materials including communication tools to assist state and local agencies in explaining how the new PMfine standard will be implemented as well as potential implications

    Section IX. Other Items of Interest

    V. Is there other information I should have before applying? Yes.

    --Submission of an Intent to Apply or a final proposal does not guarantee funding.

    --Only those organizations selected will be required to submit a complete ``Application for Federal Assistance and Budget Information (SF 424 and SF 424A) to the appropriate EPA Regional Office.''

    Section X. How to Apply

23. How do I apply?

    Intents to Apply may take the form of email, letter or phone call to the Program Contact listed below. Please Submit Informal Intents To Apply by January 7, 1999.

    Completed proposals must be postmarked or received on or before Friday, February 19, 1999 (original + 6--no binders please) and should be sent via regular mail to: Susan Bullard, Director of Outreach and Communication, US EPA Office of Mobile Sources, Mail Code 6401, 401 M Street SW, Washington, DC 20460.

    [Note: Proposals may be faxed, but must be followed by a hard copy original and 6 copies.]

    Proposals to be sent through express mail must be sent by Friday, February 19, to the following address: Susan Bullard, Director of Outreach and Communication, US EPA Office of

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    Mobile Sources, Room W737, 401 M Street SW, Washington, DC. 20460, (202) 260-2614, (202) 260-7645 (backup number for expressed proposals only). Deadline for Completed Final Proposals, Friday, February 19, 1999.

    Section XI. OMS Program Contact

    Susan Bullard, Director of Outreach and Communication, EPA Office of Mobile Sources, 401 M Street SW (Mail Code 6401), Washington, DC 20460, (Phone) 202/260-2614 (Fax) 202/260-6011, ``bullard.susan@epa.gov''

    Dated: December 17, 1998. Margo T. Oge, Program Official.

    [FR Doc. 98-34047Filed12-22-98; 8:45 am]

    BILLING CODE 6560-50-U