Learn the Issues
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What are Virtual Exchange Services (VES)?
Virtual Exchange Services are EPA cloud-based services that support all the functions of a Network Node. VES can host any number of state, Tribal, and territory partner data exchange activities and provide all the same services as a traditional Exchange Network node for the data flows listed in Table 1…
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What is the E-Enterprise Digital Strategy (EEDS), its three principles, and how is it scored?
The E-Enterprise Digital Strategy (EEDS) is a shared vision to unlock the power of digital information, better coordinate IT systems and services, and deliver more responsive environmental protection. The three principles of this strategy are, the 'Information Centric Approach', the 'Shared Platform Approach', and the 'Customer Centric Approach'. An applicant’s…
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Is a separate SF 424 form for the partnering organization needed in addition to the SF 424 for the lead applicant? Are any other forms needed?
Applicants applying as an EN partnership must include details in the project narrative; please review the guidance in Appendix E ‘Project Narrative Overview’ to see exactly where details on your partnering organization/partner contacts are required. Though additional forms are needed for partnership applications (see ‘ What sections of the SN…
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In a EN partnership agreement, can a partner procure their own contractor? If so, how should these cost be captured in the Budget Narrative and any other applicable attachments?
A partnering organization can procure their own contractor as long as the applicable procurement standards are followed. See Section 4B for more information on procuring contractors. Note that contractual costs solicited by a project partner should be included as part of the total ‘subaward’ cost under the budget category ‘Other’…
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If a sub-awardee (EN partner) has indirect costs as well, do they also need a Negotiated Indirect Cost Agreement in place?
Both organizations (lead applicant and the partner(s)) can charge indirect costs, but each organization must adhere to its own rate agreement (and allowable costs under the base). Additionally, these costs would be captured in separate cost categories: In the proposed project’s budget, the lead organization’s indirect costs would be captured…
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If our Indirect Cost Rate is applied by state fiscal year which runs from July to June, must submit the following year's rate?
Yes, we require that the indirect cost rate submitted with your application be valid until September 30th of the calendar year of the application cycle. So, if you rate expires in June, you will need to provide next year's rate. If you are a Tribal applicant, please see FAQ titled…
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What if my agency does not have an approved indirect cost rate agreement or our rate is expired?
If you have not submitted a proposal for an indirect cost rate (IDC) agreement you may choose one of the following options for including indirect costs in your proposed budget: (1) Select the EPA 15% Default Indirect Cost Rate for the life of the agreement, or (2) choose not to…
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How does the EN support Tribal environmental management?
The EN can help Tribal partners to: Increase capacity to collect, analyze, manage, and share data. Increase access to environmental and health related information to assist the Tribe with planning, decision-making, and addressing environmental issues more broadly. Improve ability to characterize environmental conditions on Tribal land and identify resources needed…
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How should we amend our budget if we anticipate the project will take less than the standard period of performance of 3 years?
Our program recommends, in cases where you predict the work will be completed faster than 3 years, estimating your total personnel cost over the project and then distributing that amount over 3 years (and then applying the fringe rate/costs). See the ‘ We are not sure if our project will…
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What's New in the FY25 Solicitation Notice?
Potential applicants are encouraged to review the new FY25 Solicitation Notice (SN) in full, as significant updates have been made throughout the document. Please see the EN website’s SN Section for an overview of changes in the FY25 SN.
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Can I set up a call with EN grant program staff to address questions while writing my EN grant application?
Applicants with questions about general information and/or eligibility can contact EN Grant Program Manager Erin McGown ( ENGrantProgram@epa.gov). As this is a competitive grant program, EPA staff are unable to meet with potential applicants during the open application period (the time between the publication of the SN and the application…
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How can I find IT Component Resources that are available for reuse in my EN grant project application?
Searchable IT Component and Project Registration Forms: This web area, created in FY23, provides a table of prior EN assistance agreements which met the EN term and condition to complete an ‘IT Component and Project Registration Form’ at the time of grant close-out (see Section 4D). These forms help to…
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Can EN grant funds be added to a PPG or CG?
Funds for a grant awarded under this opportunity may be included in a PPG or CG; see SN Section 2B(1) for more information.
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Is it possible to add our awarded EN grant funds to a current PPG that has a shorter period of performance than the EN’s three years?
Here is the EN Grant Program’s suggestion in this scenario: (1) Please be sure that your project narrative, workplan, and associated documents should reflect the three-year standard period of performance, as this is a requirement of our program. (2) Clearly state in both your cover letter and the project narrative…
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When and how is this grant advertised to interested parties?
The Solicitation Notice is posted annual to grants.gov and grant cycle updates are regularly posted to the Exchange Network website, so that is an excellent resource for updates on the EN grant program. Exchange Network Alerts are also sent out to registered participants about important EN news throughout the year…
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Where can I find information on past Exchange Network grant projects?
Please visit the Previous Exchange Network Grant Projects page for an overview of previously awarded Environmental Information Exchange Network (EN) grant projects, including recipient name, project description, award amount, and award date. Appendix D of the Solicitation Notice also provides an overview of resources which applicants may find useful for…
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How do I apply for an EN grant?
Those interested in applying for an EN grant should download the Solicitation Notice (SN) from the grants.gov listing (see the SN section of the EN website for link). The SN identifies EPA's grant funding areas and the types of assistance agreements that are available, provides application instructions, optional templates, and…
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For developing software, how detailed does each proposal need to be as far as scope? Can it generally explain what it's supposed to do?
It is important to provide as much detail as possible, so that reviewers and EPA can understand what is being proposed and assess the applicant’s ability to carry out the proposed work. Additional information, in terms of how project narrative details are scored, can be found in the Solicitation Notice’s…
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In the context of the EN’s Commitment to Reuse, does something like the use of the EPA WQX Web Services API for flowing data count?
Yes, the reuse of EPA services such as the EPA WQX Web Services API counts in the context of the EN’s commitment to reuse existing resources. Applicants are encouraged to review the Solicitation Notice’s Evaluation Criteria (see Solicitation Notice Section 6B) and the overview of the project narrative in Appendix…
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How have Tribes used EN Grants in the past?
Tribes use EN grants to develop the Information Technology (IT), Information Management (IM), and sharing capabilities needed by their Tribe to support and improve environmental decision-making. Find out more about the types of activities in which states, Tribes and territories are involved by reviewing Previous Exchange Network Grant Projects that…