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Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC) Program (EPA Region 5) - FAQs

1. What is this funding opportunity called?

The opportunity is titled the Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC) Program and is offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 5. The Funding Opportunity Number is EPA R5 LCD 2009.

2. What is the main goal of the RCC Program funding?

The program is designed to support projects that advance EPA's land preservation and restoration goals by reducing waste and conserving resources through stronger recycling and materials management efforts. In practical terms, the focus is on moving more materials out of landfills and into productive reuse or recycling streams, with an emphasis on measurable improvements and on-the-ground implementation.

3. What types of project outcomes does EPA emphasize?

The solicitation emphasizes measurable improvements and implementation-focused work, meaning projects should demonstrate real, on-the-ground progress in increasing recycling or improving materials management rather than only planning or conceptual activities.

4. What are the national RCC priority material categories for this solicitation?

The national RCC priorities for this solicitation focus on increasing recycling in three major material categories: municipal solid waste, construction and demolition (C&D) debris, and industrial materials.

5. What geographic area does this opportunity cover?

This opportunity is associated with EPA Region 5, which covers six states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

6. Are there Region 5-specific priorities in addition to the national priorities?

Yes. While the notice highlights national priorities, it also states that Region 5 has additional, more specific priorities under each material category. These region-specific priorities are described in the full announcement text.

7. Do applicants need to align proposals with both national and regional priorities?

Yes. Applicants are expected to align proposals with both the national RCC priorities and the Region 5-specific priorities laid out in the solicitation.

8. What funding mechanisms are available under this announcement?

The funding mechanism is either a cooperative agreement or a grant.

9. What is the difference between a cooperative agreement and a grant for this opportunity?

The notice indicates that EPA may have an active role in certain funded projects, particularly under cooperative agreements, which can include substantial involvement in project coordination or technical direction.

10. What is the program category and CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is categorized under environmental activities and is tied to CFDA number 66.808, Solid Waste Management Assistance Grants.

11. How many awards does EPA expect to make?

EPA anticipated making about five awards under this announcement.

12. What is the total estimated funding amount?

The estimated total funding amount is $120,000.

13. What does the funding level suggest about project scope?

Because the total estimated funding is $120,000 across about five anticipated awards, the notice suggests relatively modest individual award sizes and an emphasis on targeted, cost-effective projects.

14. Is collaboration or partnership encouraged?

Yes. The solicitation explicitly encourages partnership and collaboration and notes that projects can be strengthened when applicants coordinate with other organizations working on similar recycling, materials recovery, or resource conservation efforts.

15. What kinds of organizations might be partners on a project?

The notice mentions collaboration among groups such as local governments, state agencies, universities, tribal governments, and other eligible entities.

16. Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is open to a range of public and academic institutions and governments, including city or township governments, county governments, state governments, federally recognized tribal governments, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, and private institutions of higher education.

17. The announcement mentions "Others" as eligible. What does that mean?

The notice indicates that "Others" may be eligible, with clarification provided in the solicitation. Applicants are directed to Section III of the full announcement for detailed eligibility rules and any restrictions.

18. Where can applicants find the detailed eligibility rules and restrictions?

The notice directs applicants to Section III of the full announcement for detailed eligibility requirements and any restrictions.

19. When was the opportunity posted?

The posted date was February 24, 2009.

20. What was the application deadline?

The application deadline (original and current closing date) was April 13, 2009.

21. When was the opportunity archived?

The opportunity was archived on May 13, 2009.

22. Where can applicants find official submission instructions and required forms?

The notice emphasizes that applicants should consult the full announcement, particularly Section IV, for official submission methods, required forms, and any additional deadline details.

23. What should someone do if they cannot access the full announcement electronically?

EPA provided a point of contact for applicants who cannot access the full announcement electronically: Susan Mooney at (312) 886-3585.

24. What kinds of projects are most clearly aligned with the program focus, based on the notice?

Based on the notice, projects that increase recycling and strengthen materials management for municipal solid waste, construction and demolition debris, and industrial materials in EPA Region 5, and that can show measurable, on-the-ground improvements in diverting materials from landfills to reuse or recycling streams, are aligned with the stated program focus.