Region 8
FY 2010 Wetland Program Development Grant
EPA Region 8 is soliciting proposals for the FY10 Wetland Program Development Grant (WPDG) competition. The WPDG was initiated in FY09 to provide applicants an opportunity to carry out projects to develop and refine comprehensive wetland programs. The authority for this grant program is Section 104(b)(3) of the Clean Water Act (CWA), which restricts the use of these grant funds to improving wetland programs by conducting or promoting the coordination and acceleration of research, investigations, experiments, training, demonstrations, surveys, and studies relating to the causes, effects, extent, prevention, reduction, and elimination of water pollution.
The Region 8 Wetland Program Development Grant RFP is open to States, Tribes, local governments, interstate agencies, and tribal consortia. This RFP encourages full and open competition by these applicants and does not give unfair bias to certain eligible applicants over another.
Proposals for the 2010 WPDG are due on July 9, 2010. Hard copy proposals must be received by the Agency Contact (see Section IV APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION of the RFP) by 5:00 P.M. MDT July 9 2010. Proposals submitted electronically through Grants.gov must be received by 9:59 P.M. MDT July 9, 2010. We encourage applicants to pay very close attention to the eligibility criteria in order for their proposals to be considered.
Important Wetland Program Development Grant information for the fiscal year 2011 grant and beyond
Questions about the RFP
Question Darlene Pater, Finance/Grants Administrator at the Montana Natural Heritage Program:
I would just like a clarification the on match provided by the partner organization – Section III.B says, "A partner organization’s indirect cost/fringe cannot be used as cost share/match.
Is the fringe referred to here the fringe calculated on salary?
EPA Response:
Based on how I'm reading and interpretation the paragraph, I would say yes, this does refer to fringe calculated on salary. Let me know if you have additional questions or need clarification.
Question from Lynda Saul of Montana Department of Environmental Quality:
Our question relates to Section II.C. of the RFP and rules published in 40 CFR Parts 30 and 31. Specifically, MT DEQ and the Montana Wetlands Legacy Partnership have canvassed a number of nonprofit conservation entities in Montana regarding their interest in assisting DEQ in developing its WPDG proposal and to implement the project when funded. Three of these nonprofits have agreed to provide match for the WPDG proposal and collectively represent the experience and expertise DEQ lacks to develop the ILF program and to implement it. Our intent is that they will assist MT DEQ in development of the ILF instrument, identify and set up the ILF Review Team, and incorporate the 501c3 subsidiary or affiliate that will implement the program at the close of the grant performance period. DEQ hopes that the canvassing and planning done to date with these nonprofits does in fact constitute the requisite open process for selecting sole-source, nonprofit contractors as subgrantees. Do you concur that this approach is acceptable in terms of working with these selected nonprofits as the source of the necessary expertise should we be selected for a grant award?
EPA Response:
For procurement we make no distinction in our regulations between for profit and non profit entities, they would compete just the same. In addition, MT DEQ or Lynda's program need to follow whatever procurement guidelines apply to them. The rules are usually at least as stringent as federal requirements.
Question from Clint Folden, Confederated Salish, Pend d'Oreille and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead nation:
I am concerned that I am reading this grant proposal incorrectly, as I read it, the grant can be written for between $25,000 and $250,000 per year, for 1 to 6 years, is this correct?
EPA Response:
That is correct, our anticipated funding levels for the FY10 WPDG is as stated. Projects should be completed in a maximum of 6 years.