Opportunity Information: Apply for EPA OAR OTAQ 16 08
Apply for EPA OAR OTAQ 16 08
- The Environmental Protection Agency in the environment sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "National Internet-based On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) Information Exchange" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 66.034.
- This funding opportunity was created on Sep 08, 2016.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Oct 28, 2016 Please refer to the announcement, including Section IV, for additional information on submission methods and due dates.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $500,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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Opportunity Summary:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through a discretionary cooperative agreement, is offering funding for a single national project called the "National Internet-based On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) Information Exchange" (Funding Opportunity Number: EPA OAR OTAQ 16 08; CFDA: 66.034). The core purpose of this opportunity is to support the ongoing maintenance, updating, and improvement of an Internet-based information clearinghouse that helps different stakeholders share accurate, timely, and practical technical information about vehicle on-board diagnostics (OBD) testing. In practice, this is meant to function as a central hub where state vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs, the automotive industry, automotive technicians, and the general public can rely on consistent and up-to-date OBD-related guidance and resources.
The grant focuses on strengthening information exchange around OBD testing, which is a key component of modern emissions control and compliance efforts. Because many states use OBD data as part of I/M programs to identify malfunctioning emissions systems, the EPA is looking to fund a resource that reduces confusion, improves consistency, and supports accurate interpretation and use of OBD-related technical information. The clearinghouse is expected to be more than a static website; it should be actively maintained so that materials remain current as vehicle technology, diagnostic standards, and state implementation practices evolve. The end goal is better coordination and clearer communication among parties that design, regulate, test, repair, or rely on OBD systems.
A major emphasis in the description is service to automotive technicians. The clearinghouse is expected to provide technicians with practical, current information on OBD technology, including updates that affect real-world diagnostics and repair. It is also intended to point users toward OBD training opportunities, helping technicians and related professionals find education and skill-building resources that reflect the latest systems and procedures. In addition, the resource is expected to include information on OBD diagnostic tool vendors, which can help repair shops and technicians identify tools appropriate for current vehicles and testing requirements. The opportunity also calls for public outreach materials, signaling that the clearinghouse should translate complex technical subjects into accessible information that can help non-experts understand what OBD is, why it matters, and how it relates to emissions inspection programs and vehicle maintenance.
In terms of funding and scale, the EPA anticipates making one award with an award ceiling of $500,000. The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, which generally means the EPA expects to have substantial involvement in the project beyond simply issuing funds, such as collaborating on project direction, deliverables, or oversight. The opportunity is categorized under the environmental funding activity area, aligning with the EPA mission of reducing pollution and supporting effective emissions control strategies.
Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others," with the specific eligible entity types clarified in the official announcement (notably in the section referenced for eligibility details). Interested applicants are directed to the full announcement for exact submission requirements, allowed methods of application, and due date details. The opportunity was created on September 8, 2016, and originally closed on October 28, 2016, though any future or related solicitations would require checking the current EPA posting and instructions.
Overall, this grant opportunity is centered on sustaining and improving a national online OBD information exchange that supports consistent technical understanding of OBD testing and emissions-related diagnostics. It is designed to benefit state I/M programs and industry stakeholders by improving coordination and information quality, while also delivering practical value to technicians through training links, tool vendor information, and usable outreach and education materials for the broader public.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the name of this EPA grant opportunity?
The opportunity funds a single national project called the "National Internet-based On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) Information Exchange."
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this grant?
The Funding Opportunity Number is EPA OAR OTAQ 16 08.
What is the CFDA number associated with this funding?
The CFDA number listed is 66.034.
What type of funding instrument is being offered?
The EPA is offering funding through a discretionary cooperative agreement.
What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?
The description indicates that EPA expects substantial involvement in the project beyond providing funding, such as collaborating on project direction, deliverables, and/or oversight.
How many awards does EPA expect to make under this opportunity?
EPA anticipates making one award.
What is the maximum funding amount available?
The award ceiling is $500,000.
What is the main purpose of the project being funded?
The core purpose is to support the ongoing maintenance, updating, and improvement of an Internet-based information clearinghouse that enables stakeholders to share accurate, timely, and practical technical information about vehicle on-board diagnostics (OBD) testing.
What is the clearinghouse expected to do?
It is intended to function as a central hub where state vehicle inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs, the automotive industry, automotive technicians, and the general public can access consistent and up-to-date OBD-related guidance and resources.
Is the clearinghouse intended to be a static website?
No. The opportunity emphasizes that it should be actively maintained so materials remain current as vehicle technology, diagnostic standards, and state implementation practices evolve.
Why is OBD information exchange important to emissions programs?
The grant description explains that many states use OBD data in I/M programs to identify malfunctioning emissions systems, so a reliable, up-to-date clearinghouse can reduce confusion, improve consistency, and support accurate interpretation and use of OBD-related technical information.
Who is the clearinghouse meant to serve?
The intended users include state I/M programs, the automotive industry, automotive technicians, and the general public.
What emphasis does the opportunity place on automotive technicians?
A major emphasis is service to technicians. The clearinghouse is expected to provide practical, current information on OBD technology, including updates that affect real-world diagnostics and repair.
Is the clearinghouse expected to include training information for technicians?
Yes. The opportunity states that the resource is intended to point users toward OBD training opportunities to help technicians and related professionals find current education and skill-building resources.
Is information about OBD diagnostic tool vendors part of the expected content?
Yes. The description calls for including information on OBD diagnostic tool vendors to help repair shops and technicians identify tools appropriate for current vehicles and testing requirements.
Does the project include outreach to the general public?
Yes. The opportunity calls for public outreach materials and indicates the clearinghouse should translate complex technical topics into accessible information explaining what OBD is, why it matters, and how it relates to emissions inspection programs and vehicle maintenance.
What outcomes is EPA trying to achieve through this clearinghouse?
The end goal described is better coordination and clearer communication among parties that design, regulate, test, repair, or rely on OBD systems, supporting consistent technical understanding of OBD testing and emissions-related diagnostics.
What is the program area or funding activity category?
The opportunity is categorized under the environmental funding activity area, aligned with EPA's mission to reduce pollution and support emissions control strategies.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others," with specific eligible entity types clarified in the official announcement section referenced for eligibility details.
Where can applicants find the exact eligibility rules and submission requirements?
Interested applicants are directed to the full official announcement for exact submission requirements, allowed methods of application, and due date details.
When was this opportunity created and when did it originally close?
The opportunity was created on September 8, 2016, and originally closed on October 28, 2016.
If someone is looking for a similar opportunity now, what should they do?
The description notes that any future or related solicitations would require checking the current EPA posting and instructions.
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