Fiscal Year 2015 Pollution Prevention Information Network (PPIN) Grant Program | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - FY 2015 Pollution Prevention Information Network (PPIN) Grant Program

1) What is the FY 2015 PPIN Grant Program?

The Fiscal Year 2015 Pollution Prevention Information Network (PPIN) Grant Program is an EPA discretionary funding opportunity intended to strengthen national pollution prevention (P2) information services. It focuses on developing and delivering P2 information products, tools, and support that help businesses prevent pollution at the source (source reduction), rather than managing pollution after it is created.

2) What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?

The program is designed to fund cost-effective proposals that meet national P2 information needs and produce measurable outcomes and clear, demonstrable impacts. A central theme is creating information resources that directly support state P2 technical assistance programs as they encourage businesses to adopt source reduction techniques.

3) Which agency is offering this opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

4) What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is EPA HQ OPPT 2015 001.

5) What Assistance Listing (CFDA) is associated with this program?

The program is listed under CFDA (now Assistance Listing) 66.708, Pollution Prevention Grants Program.

6) What type of award will EPA make (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

EPA may administer awards as either a cooperative agreement or a grant. Because cooperative agreements typically involve more federal involvement and coordination than standard grants, applicants should be prepared for that level of engagement if selected.

7) How much funding is available in total, and how many awards does EPA expect to make?

EPA anticipates making about eight awards, with an estimated total program funding level of $800,000.

8) What is the expected funding range for an individual award?

Individual awards are expected to range from $60,000 (floor) to $170,000 (ceiling).

9) Is cost sharing or matching required?

Yes. Cost sharing or matching is required. Applicants must plan to contribute non-federal resources to the overall project budget and be able to document the match according to the announcement requirements.

10) What kinds of projects is EPA looking for?

EPA is looking for targeted, coordinated P2 information activities that align with national priorities and support real-world adoption of pollution prevention practices by businesses, especially through state program outreach and technical assistance. The opportunity emphasizes practical information products, tools, and support services rather than general educational materials alone.

11) What are the National P2 Emphasis Areas (NEAs), and do proposals need to address them?

The solicitation steers PPIN work toward three National P2 Emphasis Areas (NEAs). Proposals must include work in one or more of these NEAs. (The specific NEAs are referenced as part of the solicitation but are not listed in the summary provided here.)

12) Do proposals also need to address regional priorities?

Yes. Proposals must address at least one regional priority. This reflects EPA's intent to align national-level information development with regionally relevant needs and on-the-ground technical assistance.

13) Does EPA expect applicants to collaborate with other organizations or grantees?

Yes. The scope of work emphasizes collaboration and networked delivery. Successful applicants are expected to operate as part of a national P2 information network and collaborate with other grantees to avoid duplication, share resources, and amplify results.

14) What does "strengthening national P2 information services" mean in practical terms?

In practical terms, it means developing and sharing information products, tools, and support that meet national pollution prevention information needs, help businesses implement source reduction, and complement state P2 technical assistance programs.

15) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described broadly in the public listing as "Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification)." The formal and definitive eligibility requirements are contained in Section III of the full announcement. Applicants should rely on the official solicitation text for the final list of eligible organization types and any restrictions or conditions.

16) Where are the official application instructions and required forms located?

The official submission instructions, required forms, due dates, and methods are contained in Section IV of the announcement. Applicants should follow Section IV closely to ensure the application is complete and compliant.

17) What are the key dates for this funding cycle?

Key dates include a posted and created date of March 23, 2015, an application closing date of May 22, 2015, and an archive date of June 21, 2015.

18) What should applicants do if they cannot access the full announcement?

Applicants who had trouble accessing the full announcement were directed to contact Beth Anderson at (202) 564-8833.

19) What does EPA mean by "measurable outcomes" and "demonstrable impacts"?

The solicitation emphasizes producing results that can be measured and clearly shown in the targeted emphasis areas. While the summary does not specify exact metrics, it signals that EPA wants outcomes that can be documented and tied to the information work performed, particularly in ways that support business adoption of source reduction practices through state technical assistance.

20) Is this opportunity focused on pollution control or pollution prevention?

It is focused on pollution prevention at the source. The program is intended to help businesses prevent pollution before it is created, rather than managing or treating pollution after the fact.