Jump to main content.

[logo] 2006/2007 Frequently Asked Questions

Please note that the EPA Headquarters contact for the Targeted Watersheds Grant Program has been changed to Erin Collard., (202) 566-2655 or by email at: collard.erin@epa.gov. Also, please notify Erin if you have difficulties submitting your proposal via the grants.gov web site.

Implementation

Introduction to the Targeted Watersheds Grant Program

What is the Targeted Watersheds Grant Program?

The Targeted Watersheds Grant Program encourages watershed organizations and practitioners to examine local water-related problems in the context of the later watershed in which they exist, to develop solutions to those problems by creatively applying the full array of available tools, including federal, State, and local programs, and to restore and preserve water resources through strategic planning and coordinated project management that draw in public and private sector partners. Both the watershed approach and the Targeted Watersheds Grant Program focus on multi-faceted plans for protecting and restoring water resources that are developed using partnership efforts of diverse stakeholders. Hence, the goal of the Targeted Watersheds Grant Program is to advance successful partnerships and coalitions that have completed the necessary watershed assessments and have a technically sound watershed plan ready to implement.

Is the Targeted Watersheds Grant Program the same thing as the Watershed Initiative?

Yes, after the successful launching of the program, EPA changed the name. The Targeted Watersheds Grant Program is now in its fourth year of awarding grants. In its first three years the Agency has funded a total of 46 watersheds. These leading watershed organizations are spearheading an array of promising projects to improve watershed health.

What do you expect to accomplish?

The Targeted Watersheds Grant program is linked to EPA's Strategic Plan (Goal 2 - Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.2—Protect Water Quality, Sub-objective 2.2.1—Protect and Improve Water Quality on a Watershed Basis and Goal 4—Health Communities and Ecosystems, Objective 4.3—Ecosystems, Sub-objective 4.3.1—Protect and Restore Ecosystems). It is predicated on the concept that watersheds are improved most effectively and efficiently by managing water resource use and water quality on a watershed basis. The Targeted Watersheds Grant Program supports EPA's strategic goals to improve and restore impaired water quality on a watershed basis and facilitate ecosystem-scale protection.

Can you give an example of how the Targeted Watersheds Grant Program incorporates the watershed approach?

The Targeted Watersheds Grant Program empowers watershed organizations and practitioners to collaborate and implement environmental change. The program encourages watershed practitioners to examine local water related problems in the context of the larger watershed in which they exist, to develop solutions to those problems by creatively applying the full array of available tools, including general, state and local programs, to restore and preserve water resources through strategic planning and coordinated project management that draw in public and private sector partners. Overcoming many water quality problems requires the involvement of local citizens who have a vested interest in the creeks, rivers, lakes, estuaries, wetlands and groundwater flowing through their neighborhoods and towns. The Targeted Watersheds Grant Program is intended to encourage the kind of proactive and incentive based protection and restoration measures that will yield cleaner water and protect ecosystems.

What are the goals of the Program for 2006/2007?

The Targeted Watersheds Grant program is linked to EPA's Strategic Plan (2003-2008 EPA's Strategic Plan). The Targeted Watersheds Grant program supports EPA's strategic goals to improve and restore impaired water quality on a watershed basis and facilitate ecosystem-scale protection and restoration under EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2—Clean and Safe Water, Objective 2.2 (Protect Water Quality), Sub-objective 2.2.1 (Protect and Improve Water Quality on a Watershed Basis) and Goal 4—Healthy Communities and Ecosystems, Objective 4.3 (Ecosystems), Sub-objective 4.3.1 (Protect and Restore Ecosystems.
In accordance with the goals and objectives in the Strategic Plan, the Targeted Watersheds Grant Program aims to advance projects beyond the planning state to the point of producing tangible environmental results. Therefore, a high priority is to support projects that are likely to achieve quantifiable outcomes within the project period. Applicants for the FY 2006-2007 funds must include specific statements describing the environmental results of the proposed project in terms of well-defined "outputs" and to the maximum extent practicable, well-defined "outcomes".

Top of page

The 2006/2007 Request for Proposals

What do you mean by 2006/2007? Isn't the Targeted Watershed Grant Program an annual program?

In an effort to improve efficiencies, EPA is combining its FY 2006 and anticipated FY 2007 appropriated funds into one solicitation.

Is there a delay in the Targeted Watershed Grants funding decisions for proposals submitted in the fall of 2006?

As stated in the requests for proposals, grants awarded pursuant to the 2006/2007 solicitations for TWG capacity building and implementation projects are to be funded using a combination of funding from 2006 and 2007 appropriations (i.e., budgets). While this combining of two years' worth of funding makes the process more efficient, it does require that the 2007 funding be available so that we know the total amount that can be awarded. EPA's general appropriation was approved on February 15, 2007; the Agency is in the process of determining precise funding levels for individual programs (including TWG). Once the TWG funding level is known, EPA will initiate the final decision-making process.

What are "Outputs and Outcomes"? Is this something new?

Outputs and outcomes are explained in detail in Section I.C. of the RFP. The terms outputs and outcomes are derived from the Agency's increased focus on environmental results (EPA Policy Order 5700.7 Environmental Results). Therefore, a high priority is to support projects that are likely to achieve quantifiable outcomes within the project period. Applicants for the FY 2006/2007 funds must include specific statements describing the environmental results of the proposed project in terms of well-defined "outputs" and to the maximum extent practicable, well-defined "outcomes".
All proposed projects must be linked to environmental results and demonstrate how they will contribute to the ultimate goals of clean and safe water and healthy communities and ecosystems. The term "outcome" means an environmental result, effect or consequence that will occur from carrying out an environmental program or activity that is related to an environmental or programmatic goal or objective. Outcomes may be short-term (i.e., changes in learning, knowledge, attitude, skill), intermediate (i.e., changes in behavior, practice, or decisions), or long-term (i.e., changes in condition of natural resources).
In addition to environmental outcomes, other relevant outcomes can be behavioral, health-related, or programmatic in nature and need to be identified. An example is increasing the watershed approach information available to local and state decision-makers who write and implement laws, ordinances, and permits. In this context, certain efforts designed to increase the watershed approach knowledge of decision-makers can be viewed as environmental outcomes (results) if the grantee can show or measure the improvement in the knowledge of decision-makers who are in the position to create institutional changes that are necessary to restore or protect the environment. In such instances, "outcomes" are not measured typically by environmental or water quality indicators, but rather by institutional indicators related to the adoption and application of laws and regulations, and the active management of programs necessary to provide environmental protection.
Please refer to the Section I,C. in the RFP for a more complete discussion and examples of outputs and outcomes as they relate to this program

Top of page

The 2006/2007 Request for Proposals

This year, I understand that some of the money is again going to the Chesapeake Bay. Is that the case?

While last year Chesapeake Bay watershed projects were excluded from the national competition, this year projects that are in the Chesapeake Bay watershed are eligible to compete.

What kinds of changes did EPA make this year? Do I still need to be nominated by my state's Governor or a Tribal Leader?

Key program changes are discussed in Section I.D of the RFP. One of the changes discussed in the RFP involves nominations by State Governors or Tribal Leaders. EPA is eliminating the limit on the number of proposals a Governor or Tribal Leader can nominate. In previous years, Governors and Tribal Leaders were only allowed to submit two nominations for proposals that resided entirely within their state/jurisdiction. This year however, Governors or Tribal Leaders may forward more than two proposals for consideration.

What else is different this year?

Please refer to Section I.D. of the RFP for a complete discussion on key program changes from FY 2005.

Top of page

Eligibility

How can I tell if I am eligible to apply for a grant?

Please refer to Section III of the RFP. States, local governments, public and private nonprofit institutions/organizations, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, U.S. territories or possessions, and interstate agencies are eligible to apply. For -profit commercial entities and all Federal agencies are ineligible. Nonprofit organization described in Section 501 (c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying activities as defined in Section 3o the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 are not eligible to apply.

What type of project is EPA looking for?

EPA is soliciting proposals for projects that will result in the protection, preservation, and restoration of a watershed that incorporates a watershed-based approach. Finding solutions to water quality problems requires sustainable approaches that can be aligned with core water programs. EPA is looking for innovative ways to address water quality problems that will result in tangible, measurable environmental results in a relatively short time frame. A more complete discussion can be found in Section I.C. of the RFP.

What types of projects are eligible for funding and what types are not?

EPA will consider any activity, and apart from those listed below, that will result in the protection, preservation, and restoration of a watershed that incorporates a watershed-based approach, and meets the prescribed criteria, e.g., is well developed and will produce measurable environmental outcomes. Activities proposed for funding are not necessarily expected to address the entire watershed, but are expected to have been developed based on a comprehensive assessment and plan for the watershed. As such, all activities must directly support the described watershed plan, and Targeted Watersheds Grant funds should be used in accordance with the plan. Examples of selected proposals and funded activities from previous years are:
http://www.epa.gov/twg/2003/2003proposals.html,
http://www.epa.gov/twg/2004/2004proposals.html, and
http://www.epa.gov/twg/2005/2005proposals.html.
EPA has chosen to declare certain activities ineligible for funding. These include any activities required or regulated to directly support activities required under the Clean Water Act. This entails funds for the development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), and Office of Water regulatory programs including Phase II Stormwater projects. Proposals implementing the non-regulatory component of TMDLs, e.g. the elements of a watershed plan that address non-point pollution, however, are eligible. The construction of buildings or other major structures, or the purchase of major equipment or machinery, also will not be funded under this program. Proposals containing a regrant program (also called pass-through or mini-grants) are eligible, but the portion that is to be regranted to third parties within the watershed via a smaller-scaled competition must account for no more than 20 percent of the requested funding amount.

Can organizations submit multiple or repeat proposals?

An organization may submit more than one proposal if the proposals are for different projects. No organization will be awarded more than one grant for the same project during the same fiscal year. Applicants who received one of these grants in the past may submit a new proposal for a different project. All proposals will be considered new and will be evaluated based upon the specific criteria set forth in the solicitation. Due to limited resources EPA does not sustain projects beyond the initial grant period. This grant program is geared toward providing seed money to initiate new projects or to advance existing projects that are "new" in some way. If you received a grant from this program in the past, it is essential that you explain how your current proposal is new.

Top of page

Getting Nominated

Who can submit a nomination?

Watershed nominations must be submitted by either a Governor or a Tribal Leader.

How can I get my Governor (or Tribal Leader) to nominate my watershed?

EPA encourages watershed groups that meet the specified criteria to notify their State Governor or Water Quality Office as soon as possible to learn how their state will be selecting watersheds to nominate. EPA is leaving it to the individual states and tribes to determine the best process for selecting watersheds to nominate.

Is there a limit on how many watersheds a Governor or Tribal Leader can nominate?

Not anymore. One of the key program changes is that EPA is eliminating the limit on the number of proposals a Governor or Tribal Leader can nominate. In previous years, Governors and Tribal Leaders were only allowed to submit two nominations for proposals that resided entirely within their state/jurisdiction. This year however, Governors or Tribal Leaders may forward more than two proposals for consideration.

Does a submission require the state's Dept. of Natural Resources (or other relevant state department) endorsement along with the Governor's nomination?

While a state partnership is not required, the absence of any active participation at the state level would be noted in the scoring process (see Section V—A Criteria 4, Broad Support in the RFP). A broad range of partnerships at all public and private levels is encouraged.

Does the nomination have to be prepared by the state, or can a local government or non-governmental organization (NGO) write the nomination?

Watershed nominations must be submitted by either a Governor or a Tribal Leader. EPA does not have restrictions on how the nomination is prepared. Applicants are encouraged to contact their appropriate state or tribal agency to find out how potential projects may be submitted for nomination. A Governor or Tribal Leader nomination letter must be provided as part of each proposal package submitted to EPA.

In the case of multiple nominations from a state, can the Governor indicate to EPA his/her preference among the nominations?

While a Governor may prefer one nomination over another, this information would not enter into EPA's evaluation and ranking of the nomination. EPA will not give points to a nomination because a Governor rated it higher than the others. At both the regional and national review level, nominations will be evaluated solely on their adherence to the criteria provided in Section V of the RFP.

What if my project encompasses several jurisdictions?

Because this program focuses on promoting broad partnerships, cooperative efforts that cross jurisdictional boundaries are encouraged. Governors or Tribal Leaders may nominate any number of proposals, either those that are entirely within their state or tribal boundaries or interjurisdicitonal watersheds (i.e., those that encompass several States or Tribes). Multiple nominations are not required, however, for interjurisdictional watersheds, any of the engaged Governors/Tribal Leaders may nominate the proposal. To be considered an interjurisdictional watershed (and be scored as such) the proposal must include a letter of support from all partnering States, tribes or local government entities in the proposal package (this can include a second nomination letter from an engaged Governor/Tribal Leader, letters from local government elected officials, or letters from the appropriate water agency in the adjacent State, Tribe, or local government entity. Please refer to section I—Funding Opportunity Description, subsection B—National Priorities of the RFP for further information.

Would my interstate nomination score higher if nominated by each Governor rather than by one Governor?

Interjurisdictional proposals are required to have a letter of nomination from an engaged Governor or Tribal Leader and letters of support from all partnering States, Tribes or local government entities included in the proposal package in order to be scored as an interjurisdicitonal proposal. Multiple nomination letters in and of themselves do not necessarily indicate active partnership thus applicants are responsible for indicating the level of engagement and active involvement of listed partners in their proposal. For further information please refer to section V—Application Review Information, subsection A—Evaluation Criteria, number 4.—Broad Support of the RFP.

Top of page

Match Requirement

Is there a match requirement?

Section III, B of the RFP states that a minimum non-federal match of 25% of the total cost of the project is required. The match may be in the form of cash or in-kind contributions. Monies from other federal sources, unless specified by law, may not count toward the match.

Regarding the 25% match requirement, is that 25% of the requested amount, or 25% of the requested amount + match?

In the solicitation announcement, EPA states that the match must cover 25% of the total cost of the project(s). This means that EPA will support up to 75% of the project. For example, if the total cost of the project is $1 million, the applicant must be able to provide $250,000 in matching funds or services. In this example, the federally funded portion of the project would be $750,000.

Can the state provide some of the in-kind match?

Yes, all or part of the match can come from the state. It can be in the form of cash or in-kind contributions.

What is considered to be an in-kind match?

In-kind contributions can be use of volunteers, and/or donated time, equipment, expertise, etc., consistent with the regulations governing matching fund requirements (40CFR 31.24 or 40CFR 30.23).

How do I "certify" my match?

The procedures relating to match certification are standard for all EPA grants. In general, the nominee should verify that a match is committed by appending letters from the party (on its own letterhead) that is supplying the match and the amount of the commitment.

Regarding in-kind contributions, can contributions from activities that are on-going or have been completed count toward the match requirement?

The value of the in-kind contributions must be an estimate of future contributions that will be utilized in implementing the project. Services that have already occurred can be helpful in determining what the estimate should be but cannot count toward the 25% match requirement.

The solicitation announcement states that federal funds cannot be used toward the match unless authorized by the statute governing their use. What does this mean?

This means that funds obtained via another federal grant for work within your watershed cannot be factored into the 25% match calculation. These funds can certainly be used to support or supplement the work being done, but cannot be considered "matching funds".
There are some federal statutes, however, that allow awarded funds to be used as matching dollars. (The Clean Water Act is not one of them.) For example, P.L. 638, administered through the Bureau of Indian Affairs specifically states that federal tribal money disbursed under the statute can be used for matching purposes. If a nominee wishes to use federal funds as part of the match requirement, it is incumbent upon them to provide the citation in the law that allows them to do so.

Top of page

Putting Together Your Proposal Package

What kind of materials do I need to submit?

To be considered for a Targeted Watersheds grant, EPA requires that each submission contain a set of common elements. Section III—Eligibility Information, Subsection C—Threshold Eligibility Criteria of the RFP states:
  1. An applicant must meet the eligibility requirements as described in Section III.A.
  2. Applicants must demonstrate how they will provide a match of 25 percent of the total project cost as described in Section III.B.
  3. The proposal must be nominated by a State Governor or Tribal Leader.
  4. The proposal must contain the six components as described in Section IV.C. They include:
    1. Nomination Letter
    2. Proposal Narrative
      1. Cover Page. The cover page should include the name of the watershed along with the 8-digit Hydrological Unit Code(s) (HUCS); the impaired waters, such as any degraded stream segments within the project area that are on the State's 303(d) list; tax status or other description of organization; and the internet web site (i.e., URL) of the organization, if available.
      2. Abstract (150-word)
      3. Proposal Narrative
    3. Maps - a map of the watershed and the proposed work areas must accompany the narrative text.
    4. Budget form SF 424A reflecting a detailed breakdown of cost by category for each project.
    5. For interjurisdictional consideration, a signed letter(s) from the Governor, Tribal Leader or local government elected official, or the appropriate water agency in the adjacent State, Tribe, or local government entity expressing its support and participation in the proposed project(s).
    6. Signed SF-424
  5. Submissions that are faxed or sent by standard U.S. Postal Service (USPS) parcel post will not be accepted, as described in Section IV.D.
  6. Proposals must be received by EPA or through Grants.gov on or before the solicitation closing date and time specified in Section IV. Proposals received after the closing date and time will be returned to the sender without further consideration. In addition, pages submitted in excess of the 12-page limitation described in Section IV.C. will not be reviewed.

My organization has done a lot of work so far. Can we include other materials, such as watershed assessments, tables or graphs, pictures of outreach campaigns, etc. as appendices?

Because of the volume of material the Agency receives and to maintain an equitable and level playing field for everyone, any appendices aside from the nomination letter and support letters will not be reviewed. Apart from the SF 424 and SF 424A, the Governor or Tribal Leader nomination letter(s), and the accompanying letters of support, the remaining parts of the proposal package must not exceed 12 pages in length. All materials including the project narrative, tables, timeline, charts, graphs, maps, and pictures must be included within the 12 pages.

In the past, EPA required that the complete packages be submitted electronically. This was very difficult to do and resulted in our computer crashing numerous times. Did EPA do anything to address this?

EPA had a similar experience with the bulk of the electronic submissions. Because the Agency required items to be scanned and sent as .pdf or acrobat files, we overloaded the system with these often large files. We did, however, discover that having the information electronically proved helpful for many reasons. As a result, we have eliminated the electronic mailbox and instead are requiring all hard copy submissions contain a CD in the package.

How quickly do I have to assemble my materials? What is the submission deadline?

Governors and Tribal Leaders must submit their nominations to EPA no later than November 15, 2006. [NOTE: The deadline for submitting proposals has been extended to November 15, 2006]. This means, however, that applicants must submit their materials to the appropriate state or tribal office earlier. Please contact your state's Governor or Water Quality Office to ascertain when and where you should send your nomination materials.

Are there any forms required?

The Agency is requiring that two forms be submitted as part of the proposal package. A signed SF 424 form is now required at this stage. In addition, all applicants must provide a detailed breakdown of cost by category for each project and submit the information on the Standard Budget Form, SF 424A. Both forms can be found online at http://www.epa.gov/ogd/AppKit/application.htm. Selected watershed organizations will have 60 days to submit a final workplan and all other required forms.

What is "www.grants.gov"?

Applicants who wish to submit their materials electronically through the federal government´s Grants.gov web site may do so. Grants.gov allows an applicant to download a proposal or application package template and complete the package offline based on agency instructions. After an applicant completes the required proposal or application package, he or she can submit the package electronically to Grants.gov, which transmits the package to the funding agency. Nomination letter(s), letters of support, pictures, and maps will need to be scanned so that they can be submitted electronically as part of the proposal package. Pictures and/or computer generated maps must also be in an electronic format and submitted along with the proposal package.
If you wish to apply electronically via Grants.gov, the electronic submission of your proposal package must be made by an official representative of your institution who is registered with Grants.gov and authorized to sign applications for Federal assistance. For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov and click on "Get Registered" on the left side of the page. Note that the registration process may take a week or longer to complete. If your organization is not currently registered with Grants.gov, please encourage your office to designate an AOR and ask that individual to begin the registration process as soon as possible.
Application/proposal materials submitted through Grants.gov will be time/date stamped electronically. Complete instructions on applying through Grants.gov are provided in Attachment A of the RFP. Please note that if you experience submission problems, applicants may contact Grants.gov for assistance by phone at 1-800-518-4726 or email at http://www.grants.gov/help/help.jsp, and at the same time, should notify Erin Collard at 202- 566-2655 or by email at: collard.erin@epa.gov . If you have any technical difficulties at any time during this process, please refer to http://www.grants.gov/help/help.jsp.

What happens after the deadline? When will the final decision be made?

All proposals received by EPA or submitted electronically through Grants.gov by the solicitation deadline will be sent to the appropriate EPA regional office(s) based on project location. All proposals will be evaluated against the threshold criteria listed in Section III of this announcement. Proposals that do not pass the threshold review will not be considered for funding and the applicant will be so notified.
All eligible proposals within each region will be reviewed and scored by a panel of EPA regional watershed experts using the evaluation criteria outlined in Section V.A. Based on the review, each regional panel will develop a list of the most highly rated proposals to submit to their Regional Administrator. Based on the panel's scores, each Regional Administrator can recommend up to four proposals to the national panel.
The national panel, which will consist of representatives from agency programs and regional offices, will evaluate the (up to) 40 semi-finalists based on: (1) geographic diversity, (2) amount of funds leveraged, and (3) project diversity. Based on the review of the semi-finalists against these factors, the panel will develop a list of proposals to recommend for funding to submit to the Selection Official (typically the Assistant Administrator for Water) for approval. In making the final award decisions, the Selection Official will consider the national panel's recommendation and may also take into account national program priorities.
All applicants, including those who are not selected for funding, will be notified by mail. Successful applicants will be invited to submit a complete application package prior to award (see 40 CFR 30.12 and 31.10) that will be due approximately 60 days after being notified. Required forms and instructions for preparing and submitting the completed application will be provided at that time.
EPA expects to announce it selections early in calendar year 2007. The exact amount of funds to be awarded, specific activities, duration of the projects, and role of the EPA Project Officer will be determined in the pre-award negotiations between the selected applicant and EPA.

Who do I contact if I am having trouble submitting my proposal through www.grants.gov?

For all issues and concerns regarding submissions through www.grants.gov, please contact theGrants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726. The Contact Center hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7 am to 9 pm Eastern Standard Time. You may also send email to www.grants.gov.

Top of page

Water | Wetlands, Oceans & Watersheds

Local Navigation

Jump to main content.