This will be determined on a case by case basis. It depends on whether EPA has statutory authority to fund the new proposed activities and the scope of work for the grant. EPA does not have the authority to waive statutory requirements. If the new activities are not consistent with a grant work plan but are consistent with the statutory authority for the grant, the workplan could be amended to allow a recipient to fund the activities, particularly for noncompetitive awards. Performance Partnership Grants (PPG) may provide recipients with some flexibility to use funds for various eligible program activities that are within the scope of the grants included in the PPG. Recipients should contact their Grant Specialist and Project Officer and provide detailed information regarding the nature of the COVID-19 response activities or other work that the recipient wants to carry out. An authorized EPA official will then provide the recipient with a determination on whether the activities are within the current scope of work or whether EPA will allow the recipient to modify the work plan to include the activities.

Return to Frequent Questions about Grants and Coronavirus (COVID-19).