Monitoring, Data Management, and Special Studies South Florida Geographic Initiative, Water Quality Protection Program for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative/Land Based Sources of Pollution | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the name and number of this EPA funding opportunity?

This opportunity is an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funding opportunity with Funding Opportunity Number EPA-R4-WMD-08-01.

What is the main purpose of this grant opportunity?

The central aim is to support monitoring, data management, and special studies that generate the information and analyses needed to protect and improve water quality in and around the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and nearby coral reef systems. A key emphasis is identifying what pollution problems exist, where they are coming from, and what actions should be prioritized to address them.

Which programs or initiatives does this opportunity connect to?

The work supported by this opportunity is tied to several connected South Florida water quality efforts: the South Florida Geographic Initiative, the Water Quality Protection Program (WQPP) for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative focused on land-based sources of pollution.

What kinds of activities or project types does EPA expect to fund?

The opportunity supports activities in three broad areas: monitoring, data management, and special studies. Based on the description, this can include projects that measure environmental conditions over time, evaluate trends, investigate specific pollution pathways or stressors, and translate results into defensible recommendations that can guide management, priority-setting, and compliance planning.

What is the Water Quality Protection Program (WQPP) trying to accomplish in practical terms?

The WQPP purpose statement is focused on recommending priority corrective actions and compliance schedules for both point sources and nonpoint sources of pollution, with the overall goal of restoring and maintaining the Sanctuary's chemical, physical, and biological integrity.

What does EPA mean by point sources in this announcement?

Point sources are described as identifiable discharge points, such as wastewater outfalls or other specific, traceable sources of discharge.

What does EPA mean by nonpoint sources in this announcement?

Nonpoint sources are described as diffuse sources such as stormwater runoff, septic leachate, and broader watershed inputs that are not tied to a single discharge point.

What environmental resources and human uses are being protected through this work?

The work is intended to support conditions needed for a balanced, indigenous community of corals, shellfish, fish, and wildlife, and to protect human uses that depend on clean water, including recreation in and on the water.

What is the funding mechanism (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

The opportunity was offered as a discretionary award using either grants or cooperative agreements. The listing notes that cooperative agreements may involve substantial federal involvement during implementation, especially where coordination, shared technical direction, or integration with broader regional monitoring frameworks is needed.

What is the program category and CFDA number?

The funding activity category is Environment. The listing is under CFDA 66.436, titled "Surveys, Studies, Investigations, Demonstrations, and Training Grants and Cooperative Agreements."

What is the statutory authority for this opportunity?

The opportunity is authorized under Section 104(b)(3), as stated in the description.

How much total funding did EPA estimate for this announcement?

EPA estimated total funding for the announcement at $1,470,000.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is indicated in the provided information.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as broad and includes: individuals; federally recognized tribal governments; state governments; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education). The listing also includes "Others," with a note to consult the announcement text for clarification and to review Section III for any additional eligibility specifics.

Are there any additional eligibility rules beyond the list shown?

Yes. The announcement advises applicants to review Section III for additional eligibility specifics. These kinds of sections commonly cover details such as geographic restrictions, partnership expectations, or limits affecting certain applicant types, but the exact requirements are not provided in the summary.

When was the opportunity posted, and what were the key dates?

The notice was posted and created on March 26, 2008. The application closing date was April 30, 2008. The archive date was May 30, 2008.

Where do applicants find the official submission instructions and exact deadline details?

The announcement directs applicants to the full solicitation, especially Section IV, for the official submission methods and detailed due-date instructions. This is where requirements such as electronic submission procedures, required forms, and the exact time-of-day deadline are typically specified.

What should an applicant do if they cannot access the full announcement or has trouble obtaining it?

The listing provides contacts for help accessing the full announcement or resolving access issues: Fred McManus at (404) 562-9385 and Dr. Bill Kruczynski at (305) 743-0537 or (850) 934-9298.

Who are the listed points of contact for questions about this opportunity?

The listed contacts are Fred McManus (404) 562-9385 and Dr. Bill Kruczynski at (305) 743-0537 or (850) 934-9298.

What geographic area and ecosystems are the focus of the funded work?

The focus is South Florida water quality efforts, specifically work tied to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and nearby coral reef systems, including a Southeast Florida coral reef initiative focused on land-based sources of pollution.

How does the monitoring and special studies emphasis relate to management decisions?

As described, monitoring and special studies are intended to produce data and analyses that help determine what problems exist, where they originate, and which corrective actions should be prioritized. The WQPP purpose statement also highlights developing recommendations for corrective actions and compliance schedules for point and nonpoint sources.