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Grant No. 00D41115AMY H CPA CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT &COMPTROLLER MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA DATE: December 7, 2015 TO: Rhonda Haag Sustainability Program Manager t,h �ht, FROM: Cheryl Robertson Executive Aide to the Clerk of Court &Comptroller � J,Q.. 0 he1_ At the October 21, 2015 Board of County Commissioner's meeting the Board granted approval and authorized execu of Item _D68 __ Appro t o enter into a Grant Agreement for a $39,512.00 grant awarded by theL Enviromrental_Protecti`on:Agency - ( PEA in support if Florida Keys Water'_ Watch, an environmental education program f r canals, of_which $25,867.00 was offered as in -kind personnel services from the OF IFAS Extension Service of which $13,645.00 is awarded in cash to the County. EPA Grant Award #OOD41115. Enclosed is original. cc: County Attorney Finance File ) 500 Whitehead Street Suite 101, PO Box 1980, Key West, FL 33040 Phone: 305- 295 -3130 Fax: 305- 295 -3663 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 Phone: 305 - 289 -5027 Fax: 305 - 289 -6025 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070 Phone: 852 -7145 Fax: 305 - 852 -7146 X7 - nnD41115 - n Pnna 1 GRANT NUMBER (FAIN): OOD41115 V.S. ENVIRONMENTAL MODIFICATION NUMBER: 0 DATE OF AWARD PROGRAM CODE: X7 09/28/2015 TYPE OF ACTION MAILING DATE � PROTECTION AGENCY New 10/05/2015 o Grant Agreement PAYMENT METHOD: ACH# 4, ASAP 40959 RECIPIENT TYPE: Send Payment Request to: County Las Vegas Finance Center RECIPIENT: PAYEE: Monroe County Monroe County 5100 College Road 5100 College Road Key West, FL 33040 Key West, FL 33040 EIN: 59- 6000749 PROJECT MANAGER EPA PROJECT OFFICER EPA GRANT SPECIALIST Rhonda Haag Jennifer Shadle Sharonita Johnson 5100 College Road 61 Forsyth Street Grants and Audit Management Section Key West, FL 33040 Atlanta, GA 30303 -8960 E -Mall: johnson.sharonita @ epa.gov E -Mail: haag- rhonda @monroecounty - fl.gov E -Mail: shadle.jennifer @epa.gov Phone: 404 -562 -8311 Phone: 305- 453 -8774 Phone: 404 -562 -9436 PROJECT TITLE AND DESCRIPTION Monroe County - Florida Keys Water Watch Program This action approves a new award in the amount of $13,645 to Monroe County to focus on raising awareness of the importance of the Florida Keys water quality; collect baseline date to track water quality trends over time; adopt best management practices to reduce nonpoint source pollution; create community partnerships between citizens and local agencies; and train educators, students, and citizens about water quality and provide the tools to measure water quality in resident canals. BUDGET PERIOD PROJECT PERIOD TOTAL BUDGET PERIOD COST TOTAL PROJECT PERIOD COST 08/01/2015 - 07/31/2016 08/01/2015 - 07/31/2016 $39,512.00 I $39,512.00 NOTICE OF AWARD Based on your Application dated 06/02/2015 including all modifications and amendments, the United States acting by and through the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hereby awards $13,645. EPA agrees to cost -share 34.53 of all approved budget period costs incurred, up to and not exceeding total federal funding of $13,645. Recipient's signature is not required on this agreement. The recipient demonstrates its commitment to carry out this award by either: 1) drawing down funds within 21 days after the EPA award or amendment mailing date; or 2) not filing a notice of disagreement with the award terms and conditions within 21 days after the EPA award or amendment mailing date. If the recipient disagrees with the terms and conditions specified in this award, the authorized representative of the recipient must furnish a notice of disagreement to the EPA Award Official within 21 days after the EPA award or amendment mailing date. In case of disagreement, and until the disagreement is resolved, the recipient should not draw down on the funds provided by this award/amendment, and any costs incurred by the recipient are at its own risk. This agreement is subject to applicable EPA regulatory and statutory provisions, all terms and conditions of this agreement and any attachments. ISSUING OFFICE (GRANTS MANAGEMENT OFFICE) AWARD APPROVAL OFFICE ORGANIZATION / ADDRESS ORGANIZATION / ADDRESS U.S. EPA, Region 4 61 Forsyth Street Water Protection Division Atlanta, GA 30303 -8960 61 Forsyth Street Atlanta, GA 30303 -8960 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BY THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Digital signature applied by EPA Award Official Keva R. Lloyd - Grants Managment Officer DATE 09/28/2015 EPA Funding Information X7 - OOD41115 - 0 Page FUNDS FORMER AWARD THIS ACTION AMENDED TOTAL EPA Amount This Action $ $ 13,645 $ 13,645 EPA In -Kind Amount $ $ $ 0 Unexpended Prior Year Balance $ $ $ 0 Other Federal Funds $ $ $ 0 Recipient Contribution $ $ 25,867 $ 25,867 State Contribution $ $ 0 $ 0 Local Contribution $ $ 0 $ 0 Other Contribution $ $ T - 0 Allowable Project Cost $ 0 $ 39,512 $ 39,512 Assistance Program (CFDA) Statutory Authority Regulatory Authority 66.436 Clean Water Act: Sec. 104(b)(3) 2 CFR 200 2 CFR 1500 and 40 CFR 33 Fiscal Site Name Req No FY Approp. Code Budget Organization PRC Object Class Site /Project Cost Organization Obligation / Deobligation - 1504TC5028 1516 8 04TOORR 202BK2 41M 13,6 13,6 Rnrinat Riimmary Pana X7 - OOD41115 - 0 Page 3 Table A - Object Class Category (Non - construction) Total Approved Allowable Budget Period Cost 1. Personnel $20,240 2. Fringe Benefits $5,627 3. Travel $2,464 4. Equipment $0 5. Supplies $10,591 6. Contractual $0 7. Construction $0 8. Other $590 9. Total Direct Charges $39,512 10. Indirect Costs: % Base $0 11. Total (Share: Recipient 65.47 % Federal 34.53 %.) $39,512 12. Total Approved Assistance Amount $13,645 13. Program Income $0 14. Total EPA Amount Awarded This Action $13,645 15. Total EPA Amount Awarded To Date $13,645 Administrative Conditions GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS X7 - OOD41115 - 0 Page 4 The recipient agrees to comply with the current EPA general terms and conditions available at: http://www.epa.gov/ogd/tc/.general-tc-applicable--aa recipients dec 26 2014 pd£ These terms and conditions are in addition to the assurances and certifications made as part of the-award and the terms, conditions or restrictions cited throughout the award. The EPA repository for the general terms and conditions by year can be found at: htip: / /www.gpa.gov/ogd/tc.htm The applicable terms and conditions below are in addition to the general terms and conditions noted above: UTILIZATION OF SMALL, MINORITY AND WOMEN'S BUSINESS ENTERPRISES (MBE/WBE) GENERAL COMPLIANCE, 40 CFR, Part 33 The recipient agrees to comply with the requirements of EPA's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program for procurement activities under assistance agreements, contained in 40 CFR, Part 33. REPORTING PROVISION MBE/WBE reporting is required annually for assistance agreements where there are funds budgeted for procuring construction, equipment, services and supplies, including funds budgeted for direct procurement by the recipient or procurement under subawards or loans in the "Other" category, that exceed the threshold amount of $150,000, including amendments and/or modifications. Based on EPA's review of the planned budget, this award does not meet the condition above and is not subject to the reporting requirements of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program. However, if during the performance of the award the total of all funds expended for direct procurement by the recipient and procurement under subwards or loans in the "Other" category exceeds $150,000, annual reports will be required in accordance with the reporting paragraph below and you are required to notify your grant specialist for additional instructions. The recipient also agrees to request prior approval from EPA for procurements that may activate DBE Program reporting requirements. This provision represents an approved deviation from the MBE/WBE reporting requirements as described in 40 CFR, Part 33, Section 33.502; however, the other requirements outlined in 40 CFR Part 33 remain in effect, including the Good Faith Efforts requirements as described in 40 CFR Part 33 Subpart C and Fair Share Objectives negotiation as described in 40 CFR Part 33 Subpart D and explained below. MBE/WBE REPORTING, 40 CFR, Part 33, Subpart E When required, MBE/WBE reports must be submitted annually. The recipient agrees to complete and submit a "MBE/WBE Utilization Under Federal Grants, Cooperative Agreements and Interagency Agreements" report (EPA Form 5700 -52A) on an annual basis. All procurement actions are reportable, not just that portion which exceeds $150,000. When completing the annual report, recipients are instructed to check the box titled "annual" in section 1B of the form. For the final report, recipients are instructed to check the box indicated for the "last report" of the project in section 1B of the form. Annual reports are due by October 30` of each year. Final reports are due by October 30" or 90 days after the end of the project period, whichever comes first. The reporting requirement is based on total procurements. Recipients with expended and/or budgeted funds for procurement are required to report annually whether the planned procurements take place during the reporting period or not. If no budgeted procurements take place during the reporting period, the recipient should check the box in section 5B when completing the form. MBE/WBE reports should be sent to: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Grants Management Office SNAFC, 61 Forsyth Street, SW Atlanta, GA 30303 cc: johnson.sharonita @epa.gov The current EPA Form 5700 -52A can be found at the EPA Office of Small Business Program's Home Page at httl2://www.el2a.2ov/osbl2/dbe reporting_htm FAIR SHARE OBJECTIVES, 40 CFR, Part 33, Subpart D This assistance agreement is a Technical Assistance Grant (TAG); or the award amount is $250,000 or less; or the total dollar amount of all of the recipient's financial assistance agreements from EPA in the current Federal fiscal year is $250,000 or less. Therefore, the recipient of this assistance agreement is exempt from the fair share objective requirements of 40 CFR, Part 33, Subpart D, and is not required to negotiate fair share objectives /goals for the utilization of MBE/WBEs in its procurements. SIX GOOD FAITH EFFORTS, 40 CFR, Part 33, Subpart C Pursuant to 40 CFR, Section 33.301, the recipient agrees to make the following good faith efforts whenever procuring construction, equipment, services and supplies under an EPA financial assistance agreement, and to require that sub - recipients, loan recipients, and prime contractors also comply. Records documenting compliance with the six good faith efforts shall be retained: (a) Ensure DBEs are made aware of contracting opportunities to the fullest extent practicable through outreach and recruitment activities. For Indian Tribal, State and Local and Government recipients, this will include placing DBEs on solicitation lists and soliciting them whenever they are potential sources. (b) Make information on forthcoming opportunities available to DBEs and arrange time frames for contracts and establish delivery schedules, where the requirements permit, in a way that encourages and facilitates participation by DBEs in the competitive process. This includes, whenever possible, posting solicitations for bids or proposals for a minimum of 30 calendar days before the bid or proposal closing date. (c) Consider in the contracting process whether firms competing for large contracts could subcontract with DBEs. For Indian Tribal, State and local Government recipients, this will include dividing total requirements when economically feasible into smaller tasks or quantities to permit maximum participation by DBEs in the competitive process. (d) Encourage contracting with a consortium of DBEs when a contract is too large for one of these firms to handle individually. (e) Use the services and assistance of the SBA and the Minority Business Development Agency of the Department of Commerce. (f) If the prime contractor awards subcontracts, require the prime contractor to take the steps in paragraphs (a) through (e) of this section. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION PROVISIONS, 40 CFR, Section 33.302 The recipient agrees to comply with the contract administration provisions of 40 CFR, Section 33.302. BIDDERS LIST, 40 CFR, Section 33.501(b) and (c) Recipients of a Continuing Environmental Program Grant or other annual reporting grant, agree to create and maintain a bidders list. Recipients of an EPA financial assistance agreement to capitalize a revolving loan fund also agree to require entities receiving identified loans to create and maintain a bidders list if the recipient of the loan is subject to, or chooses to follow, competitive bidding requirements. Please see 40 CFR, Section 33.501 (b) and (c) for specific requirements and exemptions. Programmatic Conditions 1. Reporting Requirements: To meet reporting requirements under 2 CFR 200.328(a)(2)(i) "Grantees shall submit semi- annual performance reports, due May 30th and September 30th, unless the awarding agency requires quarterly or annual reports ". However, performance reports will not be required more frequently than quarterly. The final performance or technical report will be due 90 days after the expiration or termination of grant support to the EPA Project Officer and Technical Officer. Annual progress report content shall include: 1. work status; 2. any difficulties encountered; 3. preliminary data results; 4. a discussion of expenditures during the reporting period; 5. a comparison of the percentage of the project completed to the project schedule; 6. an explanation of any significant discrepancies and 7. a statement of activity anticipated during the subsequent reporting period. 2._ EPA's Substantial Involvement — In accordance with the EPA Order 5700. 1, Section 7(b)(1), the agreement is being awarded as a grant agreement because EPA's has no direct benefit or involvement in the project. 3._ Ouality Assurance _The QAPP should be consistent with the specifications of the EPA Quality System Document EPA Requirements for Quality insurance Project Plan EPA QA/R -5. This document can be found at http://www.epa.gov/quality/gs-docs/r5-final.pd . The grantee will submit within 90 days of this award to the EPA Project Officer either a new QAPP or a certification letter that the existing EPA approved QAPP has not changed and is still valid per the EPA approved date. If a new QAPP, it must be either conditionally approved or approved in order for the grantee to collect data under this grant for this project. 4. Geospatial Data - In accordance with Circular A -16 and CIO Policy Transmittal 05 -002, all geospatial data created must be consistent with Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) endorsed standards. Information on these standards may be found at www.fgdc.gov 5. Cybersecurity Grant Condition for Other Recipients Including Intertribal Consortia (a) The recipient agrees that when collecting and managing environmental data under this assistance agreement, it will protect the data by following all applicable State or Tribal law cybersecurity requirements. (b) (1) EPA must ensure that any connections between the recipient's network or information system and EPA networks used by the recipient to transfer data under this agreement, are secure. For purposes of this Section, a connection is defined as a dedicated persistent interface between an Agency IT system and an external IT system for the purpose of transferring information. Transitory, user - controlled connections such as website browsing are excluded from this definition. If the recipient's connections as defined above do not go through the Environmental Information Exchange Network or EPA's Central Data Exchange, the recipient agrees to contact the EPA Project Officer (PO) no later than 90 days after the date of this award and work with the designated Regional/Headquarters Information Security Officer to ensure that the connections meet EPA security requirements, including entering into Interconnection Service Agreements as appropriate. This condition does not apply to manual entry of data by the recipient into systems operated and used by EPA's regulatory programs for the submission of reporting and/or compliance data. (2) The recipient agrees that any subawards it makes under this agreement will require the subrecipient to comply with the requirements in (b)(1) if the subrecipient's network or information system is connected to EPA networks to transfer data to the Agency using systems other than the Environmental Information Exchange Network or EPA's Central Data Exchange. The recipient will be in compliance with this condition: by including this requirement in subaward agreements; and during subrecipient monitoring deemed necessary by the recipient under 2 CFR 200.331(d), by inquiring whether the subrecipient has contacted the EPA Project Officer. Nothing in this condition requires the recipient to contact the EPA Project Officer on behalf of a subrecipient or to be involved in the negotiation of an Interconnection Service Agreement between the subrecipient and EPA. 6. Leveraging: The recipient agrees to provide the proposed leveraged funding, including any voluntary cost -share contribution or overmatch, that is described in its proposal dated 6/02/15. If the proposed leveraging does not materialize during the period of award performance, and the recipient does not provide a satisfactory explanation, the Agency may consider this factor in evaluating future proposals from the recipient. In addition, if the proposed leveraging does not materialize during the period of award performance then EPA may reconsider the legitimacy of the award; if EPA determines that the recipient knowingly or recklessly provided inaccurate information regarding the leveraged funding the recipient described in its proposal dated 6/02/15. EPA may take action as authorized by 40 CFR Parts 30 or 31 and/or 2 CFR Part 180 as applicable. 7. Voluntary Cost -Share or Overmatch This award and the resulting federal funding of 34.53% is based on estimated costs requested in the recipient's application dated 6/02/15. Included in these costs is a voluntary cost -share contribution of $25,867 by the recipient in the form of a voluntary cost -share or overmatch (providing more than any minimum required cost -share ) that the recipient included in its proposal dated 6/02/15. The recipient must provide this voluntary cost -share contribution during performance of this award unless the EPA agrees otherwise in a modification to this agreement. While actual total costs may differ from the estimates in the recipient's application, EPA's participation shall not exceed the total amount of federal funds awarded. If the recipient fails to provide the voluntary cost -share contribution during the period of award performance, and does not provide a satisfactory explanation, the Agency may consider this factor in evaluating future proposals from the recipient. In addition, if the voluntary cost -share contribution does not materialize during the period of award performance then EPA may reconsider the legitimacy of the award; if EPA determines that the recipient knowingly or recklessly provided inaccurate information regarding the voluntary cost -share or overmatch the recipient described in its proposal dated 6/02/15 EPA may take action as authorized by 40 CFR Parts 30 or 31 and/or 2 CFR Part 180 as applicable. 8. Other Programmatic Conditions: Grantee is required to submit copies of all sub - agreements and contracts entered into via this agreement to the EPA Officer within thirty (30) days of the agreement, if applicable. Grantee will draw down funds at least quarterly, or monthly bases if progress is being made on the project. Grantee will provide the electronic presentation(s) and material(s) of their final findings used at the debriefin-e for EPA use Presentation should be outlined as those for scientific conferences. Key Personnel - The key personnel specified in this grant agreement are considered to be essential to work performance. At least 30 days prior to diverting any of the specified individuals to other programs and/or non Wetland related projects (or as soon as possible, if an individual must be replaced, for example, as a result of leaving the employment of the Grantee), the Grantee shall notify EPA Project Officer and submit a new Key Personnel Form. Technical Project Officer is Steve Blackburn at 404 -562 -9397 or blackburn.steven @epa.gov. , _ GRAIUTS.GOV' Grant Application Package Opportunity Title: Offering Agency: CFDA Number: CFDA Description: Opportunity Number: Competition ID: Opportunity Open Date: Opportunity Close Date: Agency Contact: 2015 SOUTH FL INITIATIVE Environmental Protection Agency 66.436 Surveys, Studies, Investigations, Demonstrations, and T EPA- R4- 15- SFL -01 04/24/2015 06/04/2015 Ms. Jennifer Shadle shadle.jennifer @epa.gov or Mr. Steven Blackburn (404) 562 -9397 This opportunity is only open to organizations, applicants who are submitting grant applications on behalf of a company, state, local or tribal government, academia, or other type of organization. Application Filing Name: Florida Keys water watch Program I se ' lect Forms to Complete i Mandatory Application for Federal Assistance (SF -424) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EPA Form 4700 -4 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Project Narrative Attachment Form --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grants.gov Lobbying Form --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EPA KEY CONTACTS FORM --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Budget Information for Non - Construction Programs (SF -424AJ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Assurances for Non - Construction Programs (SF -424B) Optional ❑ Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF -LLL) ❑ Other Attachments Form Instructions Show Instructions >> This electronic grants.application is intended to be used to apply for the specific Federal funding opportunity referenced here. If the Federal funding opportunity listed is not the opportunity for which you want to apply, close this application package by clicking on the "Cancel" button at the top.of this screen. You will then need to locate the correct Federal funding opportunity, download its application and then apply. OMB Number: 4040 -0004 Expiration Date: 8/31/2016 Application for Federal Assistance SF -424 * 1. Type of Submission: ❑ Preapplication D X Application ❑ Changed /Corrected Application * 2. Type of Application: ' If Revision, select appropriate letter(s): 7 New ❑ Continuation ' Other (Specify): ❑ Revision * 3. Date Received: 4. Applicant Identifier: 1 06/02/2015 5a. Federal Entity Identifier: 5b. Federal Award Identifier: State Use Only: 6. Date Received by State: E== 7. State Application Identifier: 8. APPLICANT INFORMATION: *a. Legal Name: Monroe County Board of County Commissioners * b. Employer/Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN/TIN): ' c. Organizational DUNS: 0738767570000 596000749 d. Address: 'Street1: 1100 Simonton St. Ste. 2 -105 Street2: * City: Key West County /Parish: ' State: FL: Florida Province: 'Country: USA: UNITED STATES * Zip / Postal Code: 33040 -3110 e. Organizational Unit: Department Name: Division Name: County Administrator County Administrator f. Name and contact information of person to be contacted on matters involving this application: Prefix: Ms . * First Name: Middle Name: Rhonda * Last Name: Haag Suffix: Title: Sustainability Director Organizational Affiliation: Monroe County Board of County Commissioners * Telephone Number: 305- 453 -8774 Fax Number: 305- 395 -9228 *Email: haag-rhonda @monroecounty- fl.gov Application for Federal Assistance SF -424 * 9. Type of Applicant 1: Select Applicant Type: I B: County Government Type of Applicant 2: Select Applicant Type: Type of Applicant 3: Select Applicant Type: * Other (specify): * 10. Name of Federal Agency: Environmental Protection Agency 11. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 66.436 CFDA Title: Surveys, Studies, Investigations, Demonstrations, and Training Grants and Cooperative Agreements - Section 104(b)(3) of * 12. Funding Opportunity Number: EPA- R4- 15- SFL -01 * Title: 2015 SOUTH FL INITIATIVE 13. Competition Identification Number: Title: 14. Areas Affected by Project (Cities, Counties, States, etc.): Add Attachment j Delete Attachment View Attachment * 15. Descriptive Title of Applicant's Project: Florida Keys Water Watch Program provides training and leadership for a volunteer water quality monitoring program for canal and near shore waters in and surrounding the FKNMS, Attach supporting documents as specified in agency instructions. Add Attachments Delete Attachments View Attachments; Application for Federal Assistance SF -424 16. Congressional Districts Of: * a. Applicant 18 * b. Program /Project 18 Attach an additional list of Program/Project Congressional Districts if needed. Add A ttachm ent Delete Attachment View Attachment 17. Proposed Project: * a. Start Date: 08/01/2015 * b. End Date: 07/31/2016 18. Estimated Funding ($): • a. Federal 13, 645.34 • b. Applicant 25, 867.26 • c. State 0.00 "d. Local 0.00 * e. Other 0.00 * f. Program Income 0.00 *g. TOTAL 39,512.60 * 19. Is Application Subject to Review By State Under Executive Order 12372 Process? a. This application was made available to the State under the Executive Order 12372 Process for review on �. b. Program is subject to E.O. 12372 but has not been selected by the State for review. FX c. Program is not covered by E.O. 12372. * 20. Is the Applicant Delinquent On Any Federal Debt? (If "Yes," provide explanation in attachment.) Yes QX No If "Yes ", provide explanation and attach Jm Add Attachment Delete Attachment View Attachment M 21. *By signing this application, I certify (1) to the statements contained in the list of certifications ** and (2) that the statements herein are true, complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I also provide the required assurances ** and agree to comply with any resulting terms if I accept an award. I am aware that any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or claims may subject me to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties. (U.S. Code, Title 218, Section 1001) ❑X ** I AGREE ** The list of certifications and assurances, or an internet site where you may obtain this list, is contained in the announcement or agency specific instructions. Authorized Representative: Prefix: Ms . * First Name: Rhonda Middle Name: * Last Name: Haag Suffix: *Title: Sustainability Director • Telephone Number: 305- 453 -8747 Fax Number: *Email: haag- rhonda @monroecounty - fl.gov r - signature of Authorized Representative: Rhonda Haag * Date Signed: osioz2ois OMB Number: 2030 -0020 Expiration Date: 06/30/2017 Preaward Compliance Review Report for All Applicants and Recipients Requesting EPA Financial Assistance Note: Read Instructions before completing form. I. A. Applicant/Recipient (Name, Address, City, State, Zip Code) Name: Monroe County Board of County Commissioners Address: 1100 Simonton St. 2 -205 City: Key West State: FL: Florida Zip Code: 33040 B. DUNS No. 0738767570000 11. Is the applicant currently receiving EPA Assistance? ❑X Yes [—] No III. List all civil rights lawsuits and administrative complaints pending against the applicant/recipient that allege discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Do not include employment complaints not covered by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7.) None IV: List all civil rights lawsuits and administrative complaints decided against the applicant/recipient within the last year that allege discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability and enclose a copy of all decisions. Please describe all corrective actions taken. (Do not include employment complaints not covered by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7.) None V. List all civil rights compliance reviews of the applicant/recipient conducted by any agency within the last two years and enclose a copy of the review and any decisions, orders, or agreements based on the review. Please describe any corrective action taken. (40 C.F.R. § 7.80(c)(3)) None VI. Is the applicant requesting EPA assistance for new construction? If no, proceed to VII; if yes, answer (a) and /or (b) below. ❑ Yes X❑ No a. If the grant is for new construction, will all new facilities or alterations to existing facilities be designed and constructed to be readily accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities? If yes, proceed to VII; if no, proceed to VI(b). ❑ Yes ❑ No b. If the grant is for new construction and the new facilities or alterations to existing facilities will not be readily accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities, explain how a regulatory exception (40 C.F.R. 7.70) applies. VII. Does the applicant/recipient provide initial and continuing notice that it does not discriminate on the basis Q Yes ❑ No of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in its program or activities? (40 C.F.R 5.140 and 7.95) a. Do the methods of notice accommodate those with impaired vision or hearing? Q Yes 0 No b. Is the notice posted in a prominent place in the applicant's offices or facilities or, for education programs ❑X Yes ❑ No and activities, in appropriate periodicals and other written communications? c. Does the notice identify a designated civil rights coordinator? ❑X Yes F No VIII. Does the applicant/recipient maintain demographic data on the race, color, national origin, sex, age, or Q Yes ❑ No handicap of the population it serves? (40 C.F.R. 7.85(a)) IX. Does the applicant/recipient have a policy /procedure for providing access to services for persons with ❑X Yes No limited English proficiency? (40 C.F.R. Part 7, E.O.13166) X. If the applicant is an education program or activity, or has 15 or more employees, has it designated an employee to coordinate its compliance with 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7? Provide the name, title, position, mailing address, e-mail address, fax number, and telephone number of the designated coordinator. N/A If the applicant is an education program or activity, or has 15 or more employees, has it adopted grievance procedures that assure the prompt and fair resolution of complaints that allege a violation of 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7? Provide a legal citation or Internet Address for, or a copy of, the procedures. N/A For the Applicant/Recipient I certify that the statements I have made on this form and all attachments thereto are true, accurate and complete. I acknowledge that any knowingly false or misleading statement may be punishable by fine or imprisonment or both under applicable law. I assure that I will fully comply with all applicable civil rights statutes and EPA regulations. A. Signature of Authorized Official B. Title of Authorized Official C. Date Sustainability Director Rhonda Haag 06/02/2015 For the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency I have reviewed the information provided by the applicant/recipient and hereby certify that the applicant/recipient has submitted all preaward compliance information required by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7; that based on the information submitted, this application satisfies the preaward provisions of 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7; and that the applicant has given assurance that it will fully comply with all applicable civil rights statures and EPA regulations. A. *Signature of Authorized EPA Official B. Title of Authorized Official C. Date * See Instructions Instructions for EPA FORM 4700 -4 (Rev. 04/2009) General Recipients of Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency must comply with the following statutes and regulations. Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 provides that no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. The Act goes on to explain that the statute shall not be construed to authorize action with respect to any employment practice of any employer, employment agency, or labor organization (except where the primary objective of the Federal financial assistance is to provide employment). Section 13 of the 1972 Amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act provides that no person in the United States shall on the ground of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended. Employment discrimination on the basis of sex is prohibited in all such programs or activities. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 provides that no otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States shall solely by reason of disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Employment discrimination on the basis of disability is prohibited in all such programs or activities. The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 provides that no person on the basis of age shall be excluded from participation under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Employment discrimination is not covered. Age discrimination in employment is prohibited by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act administered by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 provides that no person in the United States on the basis of sex shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Employment discrimination on the basis of sex is prohibited in all such education programs or activities. Note: an education program or activity is not limited to only those conducted by a formal institution. 40 C.F.R. Part 5 implements Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. 40 C.F.R. Part 7 implements Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 13 of the 1972 Amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Executive Order 13166 (E.O. 13166) entitled; "Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency" requires Federal agencies work to ensure that recipients of Federal financial assistance provide meaningful access to their LEP applicants and beneficiaries. Items "Applicant" means any entity that files an application or unsolicited proposal or otherwise requests EPA assistance. 40 C.F.R. §§ 5.105, 7.25. "Recipient" means any entity, other than applicant, which will actually receive EPA assistance. 40 C.F.R. §§ 5.105, 7.25. "Civil rights lawsuits and administrative complaints" means any lawsuit or administrative complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability pending or decided against the applicant and /or entity which actually benefits from the grant, but excluding employment complaints not covered by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7. For example, if a city is the named applicant but the grant will actually benefit the Department of Sewage, civil rights lawsuits involving both the city and the Department of Sewage should be listed. "Civil rights compliance review" means any review assessing the applicant's and /or recipient's compliance with laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Submit this form with the original and required copies of applications, requests for extensions, requests for increase of funds, etc. Updates of information are all that are required after the initial application submission. If any item is not relevant to the project for which assistance is requested, write "NA" for "Not Applicable." In the event applicant is uncertain about how to answer any questions, EPA program officials should be contacted for clarification. * Note: Signature appears in the Approval Section of the EPA Comprehensive Administrative Review For Grants /Cooperative Agreements & Continuation/ Supplemental Awards form. Approval indicates, in the reviewer's opinion, questions I — VI of Form 4700 -4 comply with the preaward administrative requirements for EPA assistance. Project Narrative File(s) * Mandatory Project Narrative File Filename: IFlorida Keys Water Watch work plan.pdf To add more Project Narrative File attachments, please use the attachment buttons below. d'6 ti6'n Project Na Delete Optional Project Narrativ6File jView bpe,6 - n"al:Proje6t. Narrative File CERTIFICATION REGARDING LOBBYING Certification for Contracts, Grants, Loans, and Cooperative Agreements The undersigned certifies, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that: (1) No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the undersigned, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of an agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement. (2) If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form -LLL, "Disclosure of Lobbying Activities," in accordance with its instructions. (3) The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients shall certify and disclose accordingly. This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31, U.S. Code. Any person who fails to file the required certification shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure. Statement for Loan Guarantees and Loan Insurance The undersigned states, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form -LLL, "Disclosure of Lobbying Activities," in accordance with its instructions. Submission of this statement is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31, U.S. Code. Any person who fails to file the required statement shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure. * APPLICANT'S ORGANIZATION Monroe County Board of County Commissioners * PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE Prefix: Ms • * First Name: I Rhonda Middle Name: • Last Name: I Haag Suffix: • Title: Sustainability Director * SIGNATURE: Rhonda Haag * DATE: 06/02/2015 OMB Number: 2030 -0020 Expiration Date: 06/30/2017 EPA KEY CONTACTS FORM Authorized Representative: Original awards and amendments will be sent to this individual for review and acceptance, unless otherwise indicated. Name: Prefix: Ms , First Name: Rhonda Middle Name: Last Name: Haag Suffix: Title: Sustainability Director Complete Address: Street1: 1102050 o/s hwy Street2: City: Key Largo State: FL: Florida Zip / Postal Code: 33037 Country: USA: UNITED STATES Phone Number: 305 - 453 -8774 1 Fax Number: E -mail Address: Ihaag- rhonda @monroecounty - fl.gov Payee: Individual authorized to accept payments. Name: Prefix: M First Name: willam Middle Name: Last Name: Clark Suffix: Title; Accounting Supervisor Complete Address: Street1: 500 Whitehead Street Street2: City: Key West State: FL: Florida Zip I Postal Code: 33040 Country: USA: UNITED STATES Phone Number: 305 -292 -3454 Fax Number: E -mail Address: Fwchase@inonroe-clerk.com Administrative Contact: Individual from Sponsored Programs Office to contact concerning administrative matters (i.e., indirect cost rate computation, rebudgeting requests etc). Name: Prefix: I I First Name: Middle Name: Last Name: Suffix: Title: Complete Address: Street1: Street2: City: State: Zip / Postal Code: Country: Phone Number: I Fax Number: E -mail Address: EPA Form 5700-54 (Rev 4-02) EPA KEY CONTACTS FORM Project Manager: Individual responsible for the technical completion of the proposed work. Name: Prefix: First Name: Middle Name: Last Name: Suffix: Title: Complete Address: Street1: Street2: City: State: Zip I Postal Code: Country: Phone Number: I Fax Number: E -mail Address: EPA Form 5700 -54 (Rev 4 -02) BUDGET INFORMATION - Non - Construction Programs OMB Number: 4040 -0006 Expiration Date: 06/30/2014 SECTION A - BUDGET SUMMARY Grant Program Function or Activity (a) Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number (b) Estimated Unobligated Funds New or Revised Budget Federal (c) Non - Federal (d) Federal (e) Non - Federal (f) Total (g) ,�. Florinda Keys Water Watch $ $ V $ 13,645.34 $ 25,876.26 $ 39,521.60 2. 3. 4. 6. Totals $ $ $ 13,645.34 $ 25,876.26 $ 39,521.60 Standard Form 424A (Rev. 7- 97) Prescribed by OMB (Circular A -102) Page 1 SECTION B - BUDGET CATEGORIES 6. Object Class Categories GRANT PROGRAM FUNCTION OR ACTIVITY Total (5) (1) (2) (3) (4) Flarinda Keys Water Watch a. Personnel $ $ $ $ 20,240.40 $ 20,240.40 b. Fringe Benefits -9, 626.86 1 5, 6.18611 1 c. Travel z, 464.00 2,464.00 d. Equipment e. Supplies 10,-991.34 10,=91.34 f. Contractual g. Construction h. Other s9o.00 -990.00 i. Total Direct Charges (sum of 6a -6h) $ 39,512.60 39,-912.60 j. Indirect Charges $ k. TOTALS (sum of 6i and 6j) $ $ $ F $1 39,-912.60 $ 39,s1z.6o 7. Program Income $ $ 11 s I Authorized for Local Reproduction Standard Form 424A (Rev. 7- 97) Prescribed by OMB (Circular A -102) Page 1A SECTION C - NON - FEDERAL RESOURCES (a) Grant Program (b) Applicant (c) State (d) Other Sources (e)TOTALS 8. Florida Keys Water Watch $ $ $ 25,867.26 $ 25,867.26 9. 10. 11. 12. TOTAL (sum of lines 8 -11) $ 25, 867.26 $ $ $ 25, 867.26 SECTION D - FORECASTED CASH NEEDS 13. Federal Total for 1st Year $ 13,645.34 1st Quarter $ 6,822.67 2nd Quarter $ 6,822.67 3rd Quarter $ $ 4th Quarter 14. Non - Federal $ 25,867.26 6 466.81 6,466.82 6,466.81 1 6,466.82 15. TOTAL (sum of lines 13 and 14) $ 39,512.60 I s 13,289.48 $ 13,289.49 6,466.81 $ 6,466.82 SECTION E - BUDGET ESTIMATES OF FEDERAL FUNDS NEEDED FOR BALANCE OF THE PROJECT (a) Grant Program FUTURE FUNDING PERIODS YEARS (b)First (c) Second (d) Third (e) Fourth 16. $ $ $ $ 17. 18. 19. 20. TOTAL (sum of lines 16 -19) $ I =1 $1 11 $ SECTION F - OTHER BUDGET INFORMATION 21. Direct Charges: 22. Indirect Charges: F 23. Remarks: Authorized for Local Reproduction Standard Form 424A (Rev. 7- 97) Prescribed by OMB (Circular A -102) Page 2 OMB Number: 4040 -0007 Expiration Date: 06/30/2014 ASSURANCES - NON - CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 15 minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0348- 0040), Washington, DC 20503. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET. SEND IT TO THE ADDRESS PROVIDED BY THE SPONSORING AGENCY. NOTE: Certain of these assurances may not be applicable to your project or program. If you have questions, please contact the awarding agency. Further, certain Federal awarding agencies may require applicants to certify to additional assurances. If such is the case, you will be notified. As the duly authorized representative of the applicant, I certify that the applicant: 1. Has the legal authority to apply for Federal assistance and the institutional, managerial and financial capability (including funds sufficient to pay the non - Federal share of project cost) to ensure proper planning, management and completion of the project described in this application. Will give the awarding agency, the Comptroller General of the United States and, if appropriate, the State, through any authorized representative, access to and the right to examine all records, books, papers, or documents related to the award; and will establish a proper accounting system in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards or agency directives. 3. Will establish safeguards to prohibit employees from using their positions for a purpose that constitutes or presents the appearance of personal or organizational conflict of interest, or personal gain. 4. Will initiate and complete the work within the applicable time frame after receipt of approval of the awarding agency. Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. §794), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicaps; (d) the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended (42 U. S.C. § §6101- 6107), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age; (e) the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972 (P.L. 92 -255), as amended, relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of drug abuse; (f) the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 (P.L. 91 -616), as amended, relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of alcohol abuse or alcoholism; (g) § §523 and 527 of the Public Health Service Act of 1912 (42 U.S.C. § §290 dd -3 and 290 ee- 3), as amended, relating to confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patient records; (h) Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. § §3601 et seq.), as amended, relating to nondiscrimination in the sale, rental or financing of housing; (i) any other nondiscrimination provisions in the specific statute(s) under which application for Federal assistance is being made; and, 0) the requirements of any other nondiscrimination statute(s) which may apply to the application. 5. Will comply with the Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. § §4728 -4763) relating to prescribed standards for merit systems for programs funded under one of the 19 statutes or regulations specified in Appendix A of OPM's Standards for a Merit System of Personnel Administration (5 C.F.R. 900, Subpart Fy. 6. Will comply with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. These include but are not limited to: (a) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P.L. 88 -352) which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin; (b) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended (20 U.S.C. § §1681 - 1683, and 1685 - 1686), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex; (c) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Will comply, or has already complied, with the requirements of Titles II and III of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (P.L. 91 -646) which provide for fair and equitable treatment of persons displaced or whose property is acquired as a result of Federal or federally- assisted programs. These requirements apply to all interests in real property acquired for project purposes regardless of Federal participation in purchases. 8. Will comply, as applicable, with provisions of the Hatch Act (5 U.S.C. § §1501 -1508 and 7324 -7328) which limit the political activities of employees whose principal employment activities are funded in whole or in part with Federal funds. Previous Edition Usable Standard Form 424B (Rev. 7 -97) Authorized for Local Reproduction Prescribed by OMB Circular A -102 9. Will comply, as applicable, with the provisions of the Davis- 13. Will assist the awarding agency in assuring compliance Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. § §276a to 276a -7), the Copeland Act with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation (40 U.S.C. §276c and 18 U.S.C. §874), and the Contract Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. §470), EO 11593 Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. § §327- (identification and protection of historic properties), and 333), regarding labor standards for federally- assisted the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of construction subagreements. 1974 (16 U.S.C. § §469a -1 et seq.). 10. Will comply, if applicable, with flood insurance purchase requirements of Section 102(a) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (P.L. 93 -234) which requires recipients in a special flood hazard area to participate in the program and to purchase flood insurance if the total cost of insurable construction and acquisition is $10,000 or more. 11. Will comply with environmental standards which may be prescribed pursuant to the following: (a) institution of environmental quality control measures under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (P.L. 91 -190) and Executive Order (EO) 11514; (b) notification of violating facilities pursuant to EO 11738; (c) protection of wetlands pursuant to EO 11990; (d) evaluation of flood hazards in floodplains in accordance with EO 11988; (e) assurance of project consistency with the approved State management program developed under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. § §1451 et seq.); (f) conformity of Federal actions to State (Clean Air) Implementation Plans under Section 176(c) of the Clean Air Act of 1955, as amended (42 U.S.C. § §7401 et seq.); (g) protection of underground sources of drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, as amended (P.L. 93 -523); and, (h) protection of endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (P.L. 93- 205). 12. Will comply with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 (16 U.S.C. § §1271 et seq.) related to protecting components or potential components of the national wild and scenic rivers system. 14. Will comply with P.L. 93 -348 regarding the protection of human subjects involved in research, development, and related activities supported by this award of assistance. 15. Will comply with the Laboratory Animal Welfare Act of 1966 (P.L. 89 -544, as amended, 7 U.S.C. § §2131 et seq.) pertaining to the care, handling, and treatment of warm blooded animals held for research, teaching, or other activities supported by this award of assistance. 16. Will comply with the Lead -Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. § §4801 et seq.) which prohibits the use of lead -based paint in construction or rehabilitation of residence structures. 17. Will cause to be performed the required financial and compliance audits in accordance with the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 and OMB Circular No. A -133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non - Profit Organizations." 18. Will comply with all applicable requirements of all other Federal laws, executive orders, regulations, and policies governing this program. 19. Will comply with the requirements of Section 106(g) of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, as amended (22 U.S.C. 7104) which prohibits grant award recipients or a sub - recipient from (1) Engaging in severe forms of trafficking in persons during the period of time that the award is in effect (2) Procuring a commercial sex act during the period of time that the award is in effect or (3) Using forced labor in the performance of the award or subawards under the award. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED CERTIFYING OFFICIAL TITLE Rhonda Haag I Sustainability Director APPLICANT ORGANIZATION DATE SUBMITTED I Monroe County Board of County Commissioners 06/02/2015 Standard Form 424B (Rev. 7 -97) Back A proposal submitted for projects in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary or Southeast Florida: Project Title: Florida Keys Water Watch Principal Investigator(s): Rhonda Haag Date Submitted: 6 -2 -15 Proposed Start Date: _Aug 2015 We, the undersigned, certify that, in the event this proposal is accepted whole or in part, our signatures on this proposal constitute intended acceptance of and compliance with applicable policy, rules, and regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. ENDORSEMENTS: Submitted by: Principal Investigator Digitally signed by Rhonda Haag DN: cn= Rhonda Haag, o, ou, R { 1!1 n a N a a n e mail= haao-rhonda(amonroecounty Signature Date: 015. Date: 2075.06.0211:27:56 - 04'00' Rhonda Haag Typed Name Sustainability Program Manager Title 102050 Overseas Highway Suite 246 Key Largo, Florida 33037 Address 305 -453 -8774 Phone Fax haag- rhonda(a,monroecounty -fl.gov E -mail For Administrative Detail, Please Contact: Name: Approved by: Institutional Representative Digitally signed by Rhonda Haag Rhonda DN:cn= Rhonda Haag, o,ou, { _ mail =h a .hnnriaa mnnmec n. N m- S�� fl.gov,c =US Date: 2015.06.0211:28:18 - 04'00' _Rhonda Haag Typed Name _ Sustainability Program Manager Title 102050 Overseas Highway Suite 246 _ Key Largo, Florida 33037 Address 305- 453 -8774 Phone Fax haag- rhonda @monroecounty -fl.gov E -mail Address: Phone Fax E -mail Florida Key Water Watch Project Summary The Florida Keys Water Watch is a volunteer water quality monitoring program designed to promote awareness of the importance of water quality, reduce nonpoint source pollution, and teach teachers, students and citizens to collect water quality data to assess canal and coastal habitat health and use best management practices to reduce nonpoint source pollution. The goals of Florida Keys Water Watch are to: • A: Raise awareness of the importance of water quality in the Florida Keys • D: Collect baseline data to track coastal health over time and identify problems • A: Adopt best management practices to prevent non -point source pollution • P: Create community partnerships between citizens and local agencies • T: Provide tools and training for educators, students and citizens to evaluate local waterways and become environmental stewards Florida Keys Water Watch (FKWW) emphasizes the connection between human engineering, land uses, and impacts on water quality and aquatic health while providing training and water quality monitoring equipment. The A.D.A.P.T. goals are implemented through 4 -hour workshops throughout Monroe County to train volunteers to perform monthly chemical testing from their adopted sites for dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, and temperature, and advanced groups may test for turbidity, nitrate- nitrogen, and orthophosphate. During the FKWW workshops, all volunteers must demonstrate ability to use the chemical kits and equipment and obtain results within GA -AAS guidelines and pass a written test with ?80% to become A/QC certified; they are then able to submit data at georgiaadoptastream.org, in partnership with GA- AAS. ptt ,Et +t pr c q � e � � YjafrJ R yr �TES OF P Ms. Alicia Betancourt OF /IFAS /Extension Service, Monroe County 1100 Simonton Street, #2 -260 Key West, FL 33040 Dear Ms. Betancourt, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary 33 East Quay Road Key West, FL 33040 Phone: (305) 809 -4700 Fax: (305) 293 -5011 June 1, 2015 This letter is to affirm NOAA's Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary's commitment to efforts to expand Monroe County's Extension Service's Florida Keys Water Watch (FKWW) program. The sanctuary is fully supportive of this community -based volunteer program because it teaches citizens, teachers and students how to collect water quality data and encourages the implementation of Best Management Practices to reduce non -point source pollution from residential areas. These activities support the sanctuary's goals of resource protection and stewardship. The sanctuary encompasses nearly 2900 square nautical miles surrounding the Florida Keys and includes the waters of more than 500 residential canals in Monroe County. Many canals have poor water quality conditions that prevent them from supporting a diverse community of marine life. Since its designation in 1990, the sanctuary has worked closely with the Water Quality Protection Program (WQPP) partner agencies to implement a range of actions designed to maintain and restore water quality in the Florida Keys. The sanctuary is strongly supportive of FKWW's outreach efforts to educate citizens regarding ways to assess and improve water quality in canals and nearshore waters. Outreach is a key element in restoring and maintaining good water quality and is in keeping with the goals of the WQPP for the sanctuary. The sanctuary pledges to collaborate with Monroe County Extension Service in its efforts to provide water quality education and tools to secondary schools in Monroe County and continued support for existing sampling locations. The data collected by citizen scientists, students and teachers is expected to contribute information that helps track conditions over time as canal restoration proceeds throughout Monroe County. We are excited to be part of this worthwhile education and monitoring program and look forward to working to make this program a success. Sincerely, I Tag iarent Deputy Superintendent ` >= AGENCY: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY TITLE: 2015 SOUTH FL INITIATIVE ACTION: REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER (FON): EPA- R4- 15- SFL -01 CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE (CFDA) NO: 66.436 DATES: The closing date and time for submission of proposals through www.grants.gov is June 4, 2015, 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time (ET). No hard conies will be accented for this REP Proposals received after June 4, 2015, 6:00 p.m. ET will not be considered for funding. SUMMARY: This request for proposal announces the availability of funds and solicits proposals under a competitive announcement to fund projects for the South FL Water Geographic Initiative, Water Quality Protection Program for the FL Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the Southeast FL Coral Reef Initiative/Land Based Sources of Pollution. This announcement is an open competition for applicants to apply for funding on projects meeting the goals and objectives under this program. FUNDING /AWARDS: EPA Region 4 anticipates receiving approximately $250,000 in FY15 to fund three to five proposals with funding ranging from $25,000 - $200,000 each to address the five R4 Priority Areas, Special Studies /Research, and Public Education/Outreach activities described in Section I of this announcement. The total amount of funding and awards that will be made under this announcement depends on funding availability, the quality of proposals received, and other applicable considerations. Unless pre -award costs are specifically approved by EPA, recipients should not incur project costs, including nonfederal match, until they receive an award offer from EPA. CONTENTS BY SECTION I. Funding Opportunity Description II. Award Information III. Eligibility Information IV. Proposal /Application and Submission Information V. Proposal Evaluation and Review Information VI. Award Administration Information VII. Agency Contacts Section I. Funding Opportunity Description A. Background The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary ( FKNMS) was created with the signing of Public Law 101 -605, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act of 1990. Included in the Sanctuary are 2,900 square nautical miles of nearshore waters extending from Biscayne Bay to the Dry Tortugas. Recognizing the critical role of water quality in maintaining Sanctuary resources, Congress directed the Environmental . Protection Agency and the State of Florida, in cooperation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to develop a Water Quality Protection Program (WQPP) for the Sanctuary — the first of its kind in the nation. The Act directs the WQPP to develop corrective actions and compliance schedules to address point and nonpoint sources of pollution to maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the Sanctuary. This includes restoration and maintenance of a balance, indigenous population of corals, shellfish, fish and wildlife, and recreational activities in and on the water. In addition to corrective actions, the 1990 Act requires public participation developing and implementing the program. In 1998, The U.S. Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF) was established by Executive Order #13089 to lead U.S. efforts to restore and protect coral reef ecosystems. In October 2002, the USCRTF implemented a National Action Plan to conserve coral reefs. The Local Action Strategy for coral reef conservation and management in southeast Florida was finalized in 2004 and includes the following focus areas: land -based sources of pollution; fishing, diving and other uses; maritime industry and coastal construction impacts; and awareness and appreciation. This funding opportunity is for Special Studies/Research and Public Education/Outreach for the South Florida Geographic Initiative including the Water Quality Protection Program for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative. Examples of eligible Special Studies /Research program activities include: identifying and understanding cause /effect relationships of pollutants, transport pathways and biological communities of the Sanctuary; developing effective remediation techniques for aquatic resources; addressing specific management questions and concerns; development of predictive models and monitoring tools; and overall improvement of our understanding of South Florida ecosystems. Examples of eligible Public Education and Outreach projects include: increasing public awareness regarding residential canal remediation; impacts of non -point source pollution; increasing awareness of South Florida aquatic resources; distribution of Best Management Practices literature; and solicitation of public participation to assist with implementation of FKNMS Water Quality and Protection Program corrective actions. The FKNMS Water Quality Protection Program has identified five individual topics below as priority areas for FYI funding. Applicants must address one or more of these areas to be considered eligible. 2 B. Scope of Work There are five Region 4 Priority Areas — Proposals must address one or more of the following priority areas as determined by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Water Quality Protection Program established in P.L. 101 -605. The Water Quality Protection Program Strategy and Activity measures come from the September 2013 FL Keys National Marine Sanctuary Water Quality Protection Program Report to Congress. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Water Quality Protection Program "September 2013 Report to Congress," Appendix I: http : / /ocean.floridamarine.org /fl=s wgpp /pa es /wgpp.html FKNMS Comprehensive Science Plan at: http://floridakeys.noaa.gov/research monitoring /flcnms scienceplan.pdf Restoration Techniques — Activity W.23 Implement a large -scale sponge restoration project employing donor sites and utilizing species identified as suitable for transplanting to demonstrate and evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness and costs of re- establishing sponge communities after die -offs from injurious events such as harmful algal blooms Special Study: Endocrine Disruptors Impacts on Aquatic Ecosystems in the Florida Keys — Activity W.23 Prepare a scientific report that reviews and evaluates the scientific literature identifying endocrine disruptors, that can adversely affect corals, fish, sponges, urchins, mollusks and other aquatic organisms within the Florida Keys; identifies both local and far -field sources of endocrine disruptors and reviews all available scientific data showing the presence and concentration of endocrine disruptors in surface waters and in land -based discharges within the Florida Keys, including treated wastewater effluent, stormwater runoff, mosquito control and far -field sources; provides information on the existing legal authorities and regulations that can be used to address the identified endocrine disruptor concerns; provides potential management strategies and techniques appropriate for the Florida Keys to minimize negative impacts to the environment associated with use of endocrine disruptors, including measures to discourage the disposal of endocrine disruptors, such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, or household hazardous wastes into wastewater disposal systems or stormwater drainage systems; and identifies areas of future research. Improve Water Quality in Residential Canals — Activity W. 10 The Monroe County Canal Master Plan (COMP) identified those canals impaired due to low oxygen, high organic matter and poor water clarity. Identify and implement pilot projects that demonstrate innovative approaches to restoring water quality in the canal systems of the Florida Keys. Any innovative technologies or management practices identified in this study must, at a minimum, comply with all applicable regulations and water quality standards in effect in the Florida Keys. Public Education and Outreach — Activity W.14 Increase awareness and involvement of the general public and government officials to implement Water Quality Protection Program corrective actions, restoration activities, education, program activities and projects designed to protect, maintain and restore the water quality and natural resources of the Florida Keys Ecosystem. Special Study: Stormwater Pollutants — Activity W -22 Investigate stormwater impacts from roads and paved surfaces to near -shore waters and /or residential canal systems that contribute to impaired water quality and ecological impacts. Identify best management practices and cost - effective technologies available to improve stormwater management and treatment in the unique environment of the Florida Keys. The study shall include cost estimates for the construction and operation of the recommended best management practices and technologies. In addition, all the recommended best management practices and technologies must comply, at a minimum, with all applicable regulations and water quality standards in effect in the Florida Keys. C. EPA Strategic Plan Linkage & Anticipated Outcomes, Outputs & Performance Measures Pursuant to Section 6a of EPA Order 5700.7, `Environmental Results under EPA Assistance Agreements ", EPA must link proposed assistance agreements to the Agency's Strategic Plan. EPA also requires that grant applicants and recipients adequately describe environmental.outputs and outcomes to be achieved under assistance agreements (see EPA Order 5700.7, Environmental Results under Assistance Agreements. 1. Linkage to EPA Strategic Plan: All proposals must support EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 "Protecting America's Waters, Objective 2.2 "Protect and Restore Watersheds and Aquatic Ecosystems ". The special studies included in this announcement of the federal funding opportunity support EPA's 2014 -2018 Strategic Plan, Goal: "Protecting America's Waters" found at http:/ /www2.epa.gov/planandbudget/fy- 2014 - 2018 - strategic -plan and the FYI National Water Program Guidance Strategies to Protect and Restore the Health of Communities and Large Aquatic - South Florida Ecosystem found at http://water.eva.gov/resource performance /planning /FY- 2015- National - Water- Pro gram- Guidance. cfhi 2. Outputs: The term "output" means an environmental activity, effort, and /or associated work product related to an environmental goal and objective that will be produced over a period of time or by a specific date. Outputs may be quantitative or qualitative but must be measurable during an assistance agreement funding period. 4 Examples of outputs for projects include: - Evaluation of the effectiveness of efforts to reduce or eliminate sources of pollution and to evaluate progress toward achieving and maintaining water quality and protecting and restoring coral reef habitat and other living resources. Characterization of sources and causes of water quality impairment within a watershed that will allow the development of management /action/restoration plan(s). - Preparation and timely delivery of quarterly and draft /final project reports that document results of the special study project. Progress reports and a final report will also be a required output, as specified in Section VI(C) of this announcement, "Reporting Requirement ". Outcomes: The term "outcome" means the 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 qualitative and environmental, behavioral, health - related, or programmatic in nature, but may be quantitative. They may not necessarily be achievable within an assistance agreement funding period. Projects to be funded with this announcement are expected to produce outcomes related to the outputs identified in the proposal. Examples of expected outcomes that may occur because of the technical /scientific information generated by the special studies projects associated with this announcement include: - Increase knowledge of managers and elected officials concerning negative impacts of pollutants on water quality and living biological resources, which should lead to the development and implementation of action plans that will reduce pollutant loading and result in the conservation of natural resources. - Maintenance and /or improvement of water quality. - Maintenance of health of seagrass beds. - Restoration and/or maintenance of coral reef habitat. - Reduce pollutant loading to inland, nearshore and coastal waters. 4. Performance Measures: The applicant should also develop performance measures expected to be achieved through the proposed activities and they should be described in the proposal. These performance measures will help gather insights and will be the mechanism to track progress concerning successful process and output and outcome strategies and will provide the basis for developing lessons to inform future recipients. D. Supplementary Information The statutory authority for this action is the Clean Water Act (Section 104(b)(3), which authorizes the award of assistance agreements for Water Quality and Watershed Management: Studies, Surveys, and Investigations; Grants and Cooperative Agreements. This announcement supports the Water Quality Protection Program for the Florida National Marine Sanctuary and the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative. Examples of eligible Studies/Research include: identifying and understanding the cause and effects relationships of pollutants, transport pathways, and biological communities of the Sanctuary; developing effective remediation techniques for aquatic resources; addressing specific management questions and concerns; development of predictive models and monitoring tools; and overall improvement of our understanding of South FL ecosystems. Examples of eligible Public Education and Outreach include: increases public awareness regarding residential canal remediation; impacts of non -point source pollution; increasing awareness of South FL aquatic resources; citizen monitoring; distribution of Best Management Practices literature; solicitation of public participation to assist with implementation of FKNMS Water Quality and Protection Program corrective actions. Section II. Award Information A. Funding Amount: The total estimated funding expected to be available for awards under this competitive announcement is approximately $250,000. The total maximum grant funding is $200,000 per award. B. Reject of Proposals: EPA reserves the right to reject all proposals and make no awards under this announcement or make fewer than expected. C. Partial Funding: In appropriate circumstances, EPA reserves the right to partially fund proposals /applications by funding discrete portions or phase of proposed projects. If EPA decides to partially fund a proposal/application, it will do so in a manner that does not prejudice any applicants or affect the basis upon which the proposal /application, or portion thereof, was evaluated and selected for award, and therefore, maintains the integrity of the competition and selection process. The Project Officer and Technical Officer will contact the effected recipients to discuss the partial funding and whether the partial award is acceptable. If the recipient agrees to the partial funding, then the recipient will be requested to submit a revised scope of work and revised budget sheets. D. Number of Awards: EPA anticipates awarding 3 -5 assistance agreements under this announcement ranging in value from approximately $25,000 to $200,000, subject to the availability of funds, quality of evaluated proposals, and other applicable considerations. In addition, EPA reserves the right to make additional awards under this announcement, consistent with Agency policy, if additional funding becomes available after the original selections. Any additional selections for awards will be made no later than six months from the date of the original selections. E. Project Period: The estimated project period for awards resulting from this selection may begin in August 2015. Proposed project/budget periods can range from one to three years for this funding announcement. F. Funding Type: The funding for selected projects will be in the form of grants or cooperative agreements. The appropriate funding type and programmatic grant terms and conditions will be added to the grant award document. For most projects associated with the WQPP for the FKNMS, a cooperative agreement is the preferred funding mechanism. The principal purpose of the federal and non - federal relationship established by a cooperative agreement is the transfer of money to the recipient to accomplish a "public purpose" of support or stimulation; in addition, there will be substantial involvement between EPA R4, the FKNMS Water "Quality Protection Program and the recipient during performance of the activity with coordination and collaboration to achieve the goals under this program. The successful applicant will be expected to participate and present project updates at the FKNMS Water Quality Protection Program meetings annually. If necessary, include and identify travel funds in the budget to attend these meetings. Section III. Eligibility Information A. Eligibility Entities: In accordance with CFDA 66.436, proposals will be accepted from States, local governments, territories, Indian Tribes, and possessions of the U.S. (including the District of Columbia); public and private universities and colleges; hospitals; laboratories; public or private nonprofit institutions; intertribal consortia; and individuals. Non - profit organization, as defined by 2 CFR 200, means any corporation, trust, association, cooperative or other organization that: (1) is operated primarily for scientific, educational, service, charitable or similar purposes in the public interest; (2) is not organized primarily for profit; (3) uses its net proceeds to maintain, improve and /or expand its operations. Note that 2 CFR 200 specifically excludes the following types of organizations from the definition of "non- profit organization" because they are separately defined in the Circular: (i) colleges and universities; (ii) hospitals; (iii) state, local and federally- recognized Indian tribal governments; and (iv) those non - profit organization that are excluded from coverage of this Circular in accordance with paragraph 5 of the 7 Circular. While not considered to be a "non- profit organization(s)" as defined by 2 CFR Part 200, colleges and universities, hospitals, state, local and federally- recognized Indian tribal governments are, nevertheless, eligible to submit proposals under 2 CFR Part 200 and this RFP. For - profit organizations are not an eligible entity for this funding opportunity. Additionally, non - profit organizations described in Section 501(s)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying activities as defined in Section 3 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 are not eligible to apply B. Cost Sharing or Matching: No matching funds are required under this competition. Although cost sharing /matching is not required as a condition of eligibility under this competition, under Section V of this announcement EPA will evaluate proposals based on a leveraging criterion. Leveraging is generally when an applicant proposes to provide its own additional funds /resources or those from third party sources to support or complement the project they are awarded under the competition which are above and beyond the EPA grant funds awarded. Any leveraged funds /resources, and their source, must be identified in the proposal (See Section IV of the announcement). Leveraged funds and resources may take various forms as noted below. Voluntary cost share is a form of leveraging. Voluntary cost sharing is when an applicant voluntarily proposes to legally commit to provide costs or contributions to support the project when a cost share is not required. Applicants who propose to use a voluntary cost share must include the costs or contributions for the voluntary cost share in the project budget on the SF -424. If an applicant proposes a voluntary cost share, the following apply: - A voluntary cost share is subject to the match provisions in the grant regulations 2 CFR Part 200 has applicable. - A voluntary costs share may only be met with eligible and allowable costs. - The recipient may not use other sources of federal funds to meet a voluntary cost share unless the statue authorizing the other federal funding provides that the federal funds may be used to meet a cost share requirement on a federal grant. - The recipient is legally obligated to meet any proposed voluntary cost share that is included in the approved project budget. If the proposed voluntary cost share does not materialized during grant performance, the EPA may reconsider the legitimacy of the award and /or take other appropriate action as authorized by 2 CFR Part 200 as applicable. 3. Other leveraged funding /resources that are not identified as a voluntary cost share. This form of leveraging may be met by funding from another federal grant, from an applicant's own resources, or resources from other third party sources. This form of leveraging should not be included in the budget and the costs need not be eligible and allowable project costs under the EPA assistance agreement. While this form of leveraging should not be included in the budget, the grant workplan should include a statement indicating that the applicant is expected to produce the proposed leveraging consistent with the terms of the announcement and the applicant's proposal. If applicants propose to provide this form of leveraging, EPA expects them to make the effort to secure the leveraged resources described in their proposals. If the proposed leveraging does not materialize during grant performance, then EPA may reconsider the legitimacy of the award and/or take other appropriate action as authorized by 2 CFR 200. C. Threshold Criteria These are requirements that if not met by the time of proposal submission will result in elimination of the proposal from consideration for funding. Only proposals from eligible entities (see above) that meet all of these criteria will be evaluated against the ranking factors in Section V of this announcement. Applicants deemed ineligible for funding consideration as a result of the threshold eligibility review will be notified within 15 calendar days of the ineligibility determination. 1. Proposals from eligible applicants must meet these requirements or else they will be rejected. Applicants deemed ineligible for funding consideration as a result of the threshold eligibility review will be notified within 15 calendar days of the ineligibility determination. 2. Proposals must address one or more of the Priority Areas listed in Section I. 3. Proposals must substantially comply with the proposal/applicant and submission information instructions and requirements set forth in Sections IV of this announcement or else they will be rejected. However, where a page limit is expressed in Section IV with respect to the proposal, pages in excess of the page limitation will not be reviewed. 4. Proposals must be submitted through www.grants.gov as stated in Section IV of this announcement (except in the limited circumstances where another mode of submission is specifically allowed for as explained in Section IV) on or before the proposal /application submission deadline published in Section IV of this announcement. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their proposal /application is timely submitted. Proposals received after the submission deadline will be considered late and not considered for this RFP unless the applicant can clearly demonstrate that it was late due to EPA mishandling or because of technical problems associated with Grants.gov or relevant SAM. gov system issues. An applicant's failure to timely submit their proposal through Grants.gov because they did not timely or properly register in SAM.gov or Grants.gov will not be considered an acceptable reason to consider a late submission. Applicants should confirm receipt of their proposal with Ms. Jennifer Shadle as soon as possible after the submission deadline — failure to do so may result in your proposal not being reviewed. 6. Applicants may submit multiple proposals under this announcement but each one must be for a different project. If an applicant submits than one proposal for the same project EPA will review the first one received and any additional proposals for the same project will be deemed ineligible. Section IV. Proposal /Application and Submission Information Proposal Information A. Proposal In order to simplify the review process, obtain the maximum degree of comparison, and provide a fair and equitable evaluation of proposals, reviewers will rely on the content of the full proposal for evaluation purposes. Therefore, it is important that all full proposals are complete and adhere to the standard format as described in detail in this Section. For completeness of the grant application, please refer to the Proposal Submission Checklist (Appendix A). The original application must be submitted through Grants.gov. Each proposal must consist of the following components: 1. Proposal Cover Page (see Appendix B for a sample) 2. A one page project proposal summary. 3. Application for Federal Assistance — Standard Form 424 (SF -424) Complete the form. There are no attachments. Please be sure to include the organization fax number and e -mail address in Block 5 of the Standard Form SF -424. Please note that the organizational Dun and Bradstreet (D &B) Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number must be included on the SF -424. Organizations may obtain a DUNS number at no cost by calling the toll -free DUNS number request line at 1- 866 - 705 -5711. 4. Budget Information for Non - Construction Programs — Standard Form 424A (SF- 424A) Complete the form. There are no attachments. The total amount of federal funding requested for the project period should be shown on line 5(e) and on line 6(k) of SF- 424A. If indirect costs are included, the amount of indirect costs should be entered on line 60). The indirect cost rate (i.e., a percentage), the base (e.g., personnel costs and fringe benefits), and the amount should also be indicated on line 22. In Section B: Budget Categories column (1) should be filled out for federal funds, column (2) should be filled out for non - federal cost - share /match, and column (5) should be filled out for total project cost (combined federal funds and non - federal cost share /match). 10 B. Proposal Workplan (16 page maximum double spaced) The workplan should be readable in PDF or MS Word and consolidated into a single file. Please remember that there is a page limit for the workplan. All required documents, including the budget sheet should be attached at the beginning of the proposal. The proposal workplan, must be no more than sixteen (16) double - spaced 8.5 x 11 inch pages (a page is one side of paper) (except for documents specifically excluded from the page limit as noted below). Pages should be consecutively numbered for ease of reading. It is recommended that applicants use a standard 12 -point type with 1 -inch margins and that applicants format their workplan as described below for ease of reading. Applicants are advised that readability is of paramount importance and should take precedence in selection of an appropriate font for use in the proposal workplan. Additional pages beyond the 16 page limit will not be reviewed. If a single- spaced proposal workplan is submitted, it will only be reviewed up to the equivalent of the 16 page double- spaced page limit for proposal workplans [eight (8) single- spaced pages is the equivalent of the 16 -page double- spaced proposal workplan page limit; any single- spaced pages in excess of 8 will not be reviewed]. The budget information, as described below, must be included within the 16 -page limit not in the supporting materials or appendix. Any supporting materials (such as support letters from partners and annotated resumes) that the applicant chooses to provide are not included in the 16 -page limit for the proposal workplan and should be submitted as attachments. Full proposals that do not substantially comply with the criteria above may be returned unreviewed. The Workplan must include the information below in paragraphs 1 -12. 1. Introduction a. Situation, Need, and Previous Efforts - Discuss notable gaps in knowledge or capabilities, why the proposed project should be performed, review significant work by yourself or by others in the proposed area of interest (include reference citations). b. Objective(s) - State what is to be studied, measured, observed, or developed, and the anticipated results. State hypotheses that the proposed special study is designed to test. c. ,Applications, Benefits, and Importance - Describe how the anticipated results relate to the goals /objectives of the FKNMS Water Quality Protection Program or the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative, the expected benefits, and their utility. 11 2. Methods and Approach a. Description of Major Tasks - Divide the proposed effort into a meaningful set of tasks that must be performed to accomplish the objective(s) and describe each task. State the tasks in the same order as the hypotheses they are designed to test. Experimental design must be described with statistical tests, if applicable, for hypotheses proposed. b. Environmental Impact - State and explain any possible impact that your project will have on the environment, including the type and duration of such changes. List in as much detail as possible the number of samples and species needed for your study. Document the need for sampling and objectively discuss potential impacts. c. Future Efforts - If there are future efforts that should be performed in order for your project to be meaningful, or of major significance, please describe briefly the type, extent, and timing of those efforts. Is this a multi -year project? If possible, the individual parts (i.e., each year's effort) should stand alone. 3. Project Management a. Administration - Describe the administrative responsibilities and authority of the Principal Investigator. b. Roles /Assignments and Participation Time - Describe the team composition (including names and affiliations of key individuals) and the assignments of team members to major tasks. Provide specific estimates of the time (in hours, days, etc., not percent) that each member will work on the project. 4. Support Requirements and Conditions a. Cooperation From Other Organizations - If a clearance or permit(s) from any government agency is required for execution of the project please provide the name of the agency, the method of obtaining the clearance or permit, and the time required or state "none ". b. Date or Facility Access - If access is required to data or facilities held by another organization, please identify the data or facility, the nature and type of access required, the methods of obtaining such access, and the effect of being denied access or state "none 5. Results /Outputs and Deliverables Two types of reports are required from principal investigators. 12 a. Bi- Annual Reports - The principal investigator shall provide bi- annual progress reports to the Project Officer on March 30 and November 30" of each year. These reports will consist of updates on progress toward work objectives, justification, approach, results to date, any problems encountered, actions taken to resolve problems, discussion of remaining tasks, and expenditures to date. b. Final Report - Principal investigators shall prepare a draft final report summarizing the objectives, methods, approach, results, and significance of the study. The draft final report will be reviewed by the Project'Officer and returned with comments. The principal investigator will address the comments and submit the final report with revisions. The final report will be due within six months of the completion of the project. c. Deliverable Items and Schedule - Describe what items of data are to be delivered. State the format in which data will be presented. Provide a schedule for all deliverables. Under a cooperative agreement with EPA and the FKNMS, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) have developed a data management plan and data management system for the monitoring and research programs in the FKNMS. Each grant recipient for special studies will work with FWRI to define data entry formats and data QA/QC protocols, and resolve data management conventions and issues. All original and ancillary data produced under the Special Studies Program will be generated, processed, stored, and archived in a manner that provides detailed documentation of the procedures used at all stages of data collection, reduction, processing, analysis, and storage. 6. Environmental Results — Outputs, Outcomes, and Results a. Outputs (project products) - List the outputs expected to be produced through the completion of the proposed project; Outcomes (project objectives) - List the outcomes of the project to be accomplished as a result of the project outputs; Link to EPA Strategic Plan - Describe how project products (outputs) and objectives (outcomes) support EPA's 2014 -2018 Strategic Plan, Goal: "Protecting America's Waters" found at htti3://www2.ei)a.gov/planandbudizet/fv-2014-2018- strategic-plan and National Water Program Guidance Strategies to Protect and Restore the Health of Communities and Large Aquatic - South Florida Ecosystem found at http:// water. epa. gov /resourceperformance /planning /FY- 2015- National- Water -Pro gram- Guidance. cfm b. Tracking Outputs and Outcomes - Describe your approach for measuring and tracking your progress toward achieving the expected project output(s) and project outcome(s). Environmental Results - Applicants will be evaluated based on their plan and approach for measuring their progress towards achieving the expected project outcomes and outputs including those identified in Section I. B. 2. within this announcement. 13 7. Literature Cited References used in the proposal narrative. 8. Budget Summary Provide a detailed budget narrative describing funding for personnel, fringe benefits, travel expenses, equipment, supplies, contractual if applicable and other expenses. General Information — Region 4 anticipates funding 3 -5 Special Studies proposals in the $25,000 - $200,000 range until the $250,000 in anticipated funding is awarded for fiscal year 2015. Region Special Studies Program is viewed as long -term and additional dollars may be available to support additional special projects in future fiscal years. Applicants with accepted proposals will be eligible to receive funds from EPA via federal assistance agreements. Specific budget information must be submitted in tabular form and summarized on Standard Form 424A. Applicants can download individual grant application forms, including Standard Forms (SF) 424 and SF 424A, from EPA's Office of Grants and Debarment website at: http: / /www.epa .gold /AppKit /application.htm If you cannot access the electronic forms, contact the person listed in Section VII of this announcement and a paper application kit will be mailed upon request. 9. Biographies and Qualifications Provide a brief biography for each team member that highlights education, experience, and publications related to the proposed project. Curriculum vitae must not exceed three pages each. 10. Programmatic Capability and Past Performance Submit a list of federally funded assistance agreements (assistance agreements include Federal grants and cooperative agreements but not Federal contracts) similar in size, scope and relevance to the proposed project that your organization performed within the last five years (no more than 5 agreements, and preferably EPA agreements) and describe (i) whether, and how, you were able to successfully complete and manage those agreements and (ii) your history of meeting the reporting requirements under those agreements including whether you adequately and timely reported on your progress towards achieving the expected outputs and outcomes of those agreements (and if not, explain why not) and whether you submitted acceptable final technical reports under the agreements. In evaluating applicants under these factors in Section V, EPA will consider the information provided by the applicant and may also consider relevant information from other sources, including information from EPA files and from current /prior grantors (e.g., to verify and /or supplement the information provided by the applicant). If you do not have any relevant or available past performance or past reporting information, please 14 indicate this in the proposal and you will receive a neutral score for these factors (a neutral score is half of the total points available in a subset of possible points). If you do not provide any response for these items, you may receive a score of 0 for these factors. In addition, provide information on your organizational experience and plan for timely successfully achieving the objectives of the proposed project, and your staff expertise /qualifications, staff knowledge, and resources or the ability to obtain them, to successfully achieve the goals of the proposed project. 11. Leveraging Applicants should demonstrate (i) how they will coordinate the use of EPA funding with other Federal and/or non - Federal sources of funds to leverage additional resources to carry out the proposed project(s) and/or (ii) that EPA funding will complement activities relevant to the proposed project(s) carried out by the applicant with other sources of funds or resources. Leveraged funding or other resources need not be for eligible and allowable project costs under the EPA assistance agreement unless the Applicant proposes to provide a voluntary cost share or match. If EPA accepts an offer for a voluntary cost share /match/participation, applicants must meet their matching /sharing /participation commitment as a condition of receiving EPA funding. Applicants may use their own funds or other resources for voluntary match/cost share /participation if the standards at 2 CFR 200.306, as applicable, are met. Only eligible and allowable costs may be used for voluntary matches /cost shares /participation. Other Federal grants may not be used as voluntary matches or cost shares without specific statutory authority (e.g. HUD's Community Development Block Grants). Any form of proposed leveraging that is evaluated under a section V ranking criteria must be included in the proposal and the proposal must describe how the applicant will obtain the leveraged resources and what role EPA funding will play in the overall project. 12. Appendices (3 pages maximum not included on the workplan 16 page limit) are recommended Short appendices, not to exceed three total pages, may be used to provide technical backup material to the text, details of computation, and other pertinent information. Techniques or methodologies, if critical to the successful completion of the research, should be discussed in detail within the proposal text (twelve -page limit). Do not attach copies of any journal articles or other proposals to your submittal. NOTE: Proposals that do not follow the required format may be returned not reviewed. C. Requirements to Submit Through Grants.gov and Limited Exception Procedures Applicants, except as noted below, must apply electronically through Grants.gov under this funding opportunity based on the grants.gov instructions in this announcement and Appendix A. If an applicant does not have the technical capability to apply electronically 15 through grants.gov because of limited or no internet access which prevents them from being able to upload the required proposal materials to Grants.gov, the applicant must contact OGDWaivers(a�,epa.gov or the address listed below in writing (e.g. by hard copy, email) at least 15 calendar days prior to the submission deadline under this announcement to request approval to submit their proposal materials through an alternate method. Mailing Address: OGD Waivers c/o Barbara Perkins USEPA Headquarters William Jefferson Clinton Building 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Mail Code: 3903R Washington, D.C. 20460 Courier Address: OGD Waivers c/o Barbara Perkins Ronald. Reagan Building 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Room #51267 Washington, D.C. 20460 In the request, the applicant must include the following information: - Funding Opportunity Number (FON) - Organization Name and DUNS - Organization's Contact Information (email address and phone number) - Explanation of how they lack the technical capability to apply electronically through Grants.gov because of 1) limited interest access or 2) no internet access which prevents them from being able to upload the required application materials through www.Grants.gov EPA will only consider alternate submission exception requests based on the two reasons stated above and will timely respond to the request — all other requests will be denied. If an alternative submission method is approved, the applicant will receive documentation of this approval and further instructions on how to apply under this announcement. Applicants will be required to submit the documentation of approval with any initial application submitted under the alternative method. In addition, any submittal through an alternative method must comply with all applicable requirements and deadlines in the announcement including the submission deadline and requirements regarding proposal contact and page limits (although the documentation of approval of an alternative submission method will not count against any page limits). If an exception is granted, it is valid for submissions to EPA for the remainder of the entire calendar year in which the exception was approved and can be used to justify alternative submission methods for proposal submissions made through December 31 of 16 the calendar year in which the exception was approved (e.g. if the exception was approved on March 1, 2015, it is valid for any competitive or non - competitive proposal submission to EPA through December 31, 2015). Applicants need only request an exception once in a calendar year and all exceptions will expire on December 31 of that calendar year. Applicants must request a new exception from required electronic submission through Grants.gov from submissions for any succeeding calendar year. For example, if there is a competitive opportunity listed on December 1, 2015 with a submission deadline of January 15, 2016, the applicant would need a new exception to submit through alternative methods beginning January 1, 2016. Please note that the process described in this section is only for requesting alternative submission methods. All other inquires about this announcement must be directed to the Agency Contact listed in Section VII of this announcement. Queries or requests submitted to the email address identified above for any reason other than to request an alternative submission method will not be acknowledged or answered. D. Submission Instructions Appendix D provides additional detailed information on Grants.gov Submission Instructions — please review it before submitting your proposal. The electronic submission of your application must be made by an official representative of your institution who is registered with Grants.gov and is authorized to sign applications for Federal assistance. For more information on the registration requirements that must be completed in order to submit an application through grants.gov, go to http: / /www. rg ants.gov and click on "Applicants" on the top of the page and then go to the "Get Registered" link on the page. If your organization is not currently registered with Grants.gov, please encourage your office to designate an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) and ask that individual to begin the registration process as soon as possible. Please note that the registration process also requires that your organization have a DUNS number and a current registration with the System for Award Management (SAM) and the process of obtaining both could take a month or more. Applicants must ensure that all registration requirements are met in order to apply for this opportunity through grants.gov and should ensure that all such requirements have been met well in advance of the submission deadline. Registration on grants.gov, SAM.gov, and DUNS number assignment is FREE. To begin the application process under this grant announcement, go to http: / /www. rg_ ants.gov and click on "Applicants" on the top of the page and then "Apply for Grants" from the dropdown menu and then follow the instructions accordingly. Please note: To apply through grants.gov, you must use Adobe Reader software and download the compatible Adobe Reader version. For more information about Adobe Reader, to verify compatibility, or to download the free software, please visit http: / /www. rg ants.gov/ web /grants /support/technical- support/software /adobe - reader- compatibility.html 17 You may also be able to access the application package for this announcement by searching for the opportunity on htti)://www.fzrants.gov . Go to http://www.grants.gov and then click on "Search Grants" at the top of the page and enter the Funding Opportunity Number, EPA- R4- 15- SFL -01, or the CFDA number that applies to the announcement (CFDA 66.436), in the appropriate field and click the Search button. Alternatively, you may be able to access the application package by clicking on the Application Package button at the top right of the synopsis page for the announcement on http://www.grants.gov To find the synopsis page, go to http: / /www.grants.gov and click "Browse Agencies" in the middle of the page and then go to "Environmental Protection Agency" to find the EPA funding opportunities. E. Mandatory Documents: Please include the following as part of your proposal/application when submitting through Grants.gov Mandatory Documents: 1. Application for Federal Assistance (SF -424) 2. Budget Information for Non - Construction Programs (SF -424A) 3. Assurances for Non - Construction Programs (SF -424B) 4. Grants.gov Lobbying Form 5. EPA Key Contacts Form 5700 -54 6. EPA Form 4700 -4 — Preaward Compliance Review Report 7. Proposal Cover Page (Sample in Appendix B) 8. One page project proposal summary 9. Narrative Proposal as described in Section IV B. 1 -12 of the announcement Optional Documents: 1. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF -LLL), if applicable 2. Other Attachments, if applicable F. Proposal Submission Deadline: Your organization's AOR must submit your complete application package electronically to EPA through Grants.gov ( http://www.grants,gov ) no later than 6:00pm ES on June 4, 2015. Please allow for enough time to successfully submit your application process and allow for unexpected errors that may require you to resubmit. Please submit all of the application materials described below using the www.grants.gov application package that you downloaded using the instructions above. For additional instructions on completing and submitting the electronic application package, click on the "Show Instructions" tab that is accessible within the application package itself. 18 Section V. Proposal Evaluation and Review Information A. Merit Evaluation All eligible proposals will be evaluated by reviewers using the following criteria to receive a score up to a total of 115 points: B. Proposals will be evaluated by reviewers using the following criteria: 1. Timely Expenditure of Grant Funds - Expenditure of Awarded Grant Funds - Under this criterion, applicants will be evaluated based on their approach, procedures, and controls for ensuring that awarded grant funds will be expended in a timely and efficient manner. (5 points) 2. Rationale - how well the proposed project addresses one or more of the Priority Areas listed in Section I (20 points). 3. Scientific Merit - How well the project advances the state of science and knowledge within the South Florida marine ecosystems to assist the management decision making process. Components of the scientific merit review includes: background of the project, statement of the purpose, significance of the study, research question and design, methodology, project assumptions /limitations and anticipated findings (20 points). 4. Feasibility - ability of the project to be successfully completed within the time frames discussed in this announcement and other relevant constraints (15 points). 5. Environmental Results: Outputs, Outcomes and Tracking — proposals will be evaluated based on how well the proposal demonstrates the following: (5 points each, total of 15 points). a. Outputs (products) expected to be achieved by this project. b. Outcomes (objectives) expected to be achieved by this project. c. That their proposed project's objectives /outcomes are related to both the EPA's 2014 -2018 Strategic Plan, Goal: "Protecting America's Waters" found at http: / /www2.epa.gov/planandbudget/fy -2014- 2018 - strategic -plan and the FYI National Water Program Guidance Strategies to "Protect and Restore the Health of Communities and Large Aquatic - South Florida Ecosystem " found at htti)://water.ei)a.gov/resource i)erformance /planning/FY- 2015- National - Water- Program- Guidance.cfm 6. Relevance to Resource Management - degree to which the proposals' approach to addressing one of the Priority Areas produces results /outputs that can be applied to identifying and solving problems within the South Florida ecosystem (10 points) 7. Programmatic Capability and Environmental Results Past Performance Criteria (15 Points (3.75 per subcriteria)) Under this criterion, applicants will be evaluated based on their ability to successfully complete and manage the proposed project taking into account the applicant's: a. past performance in successfully completing and managing the assistance agreements identified in response to Section IV of the announcement, 19 b. history of meeting the reporting requirements under the assistance agreements identified in response to Section IV of the announcement including whether the applicant submitted acceptable final technical reports under those agreements and the extent to which the applicant adequately and timely reported on their progress towards achieving the expected outputs and outcomes under those agreements and if such progress was not being made whether the applicant adequately reported why not, c. organizational experience and plan for timely and successfully achieving the objectives of the proposed project, and d. staff expertise /qualifications, staff knowledge, and resources or the ability to obtain them, to successfully achieve the goals of the proposed project. Note: In evaluating applicants under items a. and b. of this criterion, the Agency will consider the information provided by the applicant and may also consider relevant information from other sources including agency files and prior /current grantors (e.g., to verify and/or supplement the information supplied by the applicant). If you do not have any relevant or available past performance or past reporting information, please indicate this in the proposal and you will receive a neutral score for these subfactors (items i and ii above -a neutral score is half of the total points available in a subset of possible points). If you do not provide any response for these items, you may receive a score of 0 for these factors. 8. Budget - whether the proposed budget is reasonable and adequate to carry out proposed project (5 points). This section of the workplan is a detailed description of the budget found in the SF -424A, and must include a detailed discussion of how EPA funds will be used. Applicants must itemize costs related to personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contractual costs, other direct costs, indirect costs, and total costs. Appendix C provides information on the individual cost categories. 9. Expenditure of Awarded Grant Funds — applications will be evaluated based on approach, procedures, and controls for ensuring the awarded grant funds will be expended in a timely and efficient manner (5 points) 10. Leveraging — under this criteria, applicants will be evaluated based on the extent they demonstrate (i) how they will coordinate the use of EPA funding with other federal and/or non - federal sources of funds to leverage additional resources to carry out the proposed project(s) and/or (ii) that EPA funding will compliment activities relevant to the proposed project(s) carried out by the applicant with other sources of funds or resources. Applicants may use their own funds or other resources for a voluntary match or cost share if the standards at 2 CFR 200.306, as applicable, are met. Only eligible and allowable costs may be used for matches or cost shares. Other Federal grants may not be used as matches or cost shares without specific statutory authority (e.g. HUD's Community Development Block Grants). Any form of proposed leveraging that is evaluated under a Section V ranking criteria must be included in the proposal and the proposal must describe how the applicant will obtain the leveraged resources and what role EPA funding will play in the overall project. If the Florida Legislature appropriates funds, FDEP may provide a grant under its own authority to 20 a recipient for the funding for the water quality monitoring project that would be counted as leveraging (5 points). B. Review and Selection Process Proposals will first be evaluated against the threshold factors listed in Section III by the panel chair. Only those proposals which meet all of the threshold factors will be considered eligible and evaluated using the evaluation criteria listed above. The eligible proposals will be given to a panel of EPA staff where each proposal will be reviewed and given a numerical score and will be rank- ordered according to final numerical score obtained by consensus of individual reviewers. Funding recommendations will be provided to the Approving Official based on this ranking. Final funding decisions will be made by the Approving Official based on the rankings and recommendations of the EPA evaluation team. In making the final funding decisions, the Approving Official may also consider programmatic priorities. It is intended that federal assistance agreements will be awarded during the fourth quarter of FY 2015 with project and budget periods to begin on the first day of FY 2016 (October 1, 2015) or as soon as possible thereafter. Section VI. Award Administration Information A. Award Notice If a proposal is selected for funding, EPA anticipates notification to successful applicants will be made via electronic mail or letter no later than July 13, 2015. The notification will be sent to the original signer of the proposal or the project contact listed in the proposal. This notification, which informs the applicant that its proposal has been selected and is being recommended for award, is not an authorization to begin work. The official notification of an award will be made by Region 4 Grants Management Office through an official Award Document. Applicants are cautioned that only a grants officer is authorized to bind the Government to the expenditure of funds; selection does not guarantee an award will be made. For example, statutory authorization, funding or other issues discovered during the award process may affect the ability of EPA to make an award to an applicant. The award document, signed by an EPA grants officer, is the authorized document and will be provided through electronic format to the principal contact. The successful applicant may need to prepare and submit additional documents and forms (e.g. workplan), which must be approved by EPA, before the grant can officially be awarded. The time between notification of selection and award of a grant can take up to 90 days or longer. EPA anticipates notification to unsuccessful applicant(s) will be made via letter and sent to the original signer of the grant application. 21 B. Disputes Assistance agreement competition - related disputes will be resolved in accordance with the dispute resolution procedures published in 70 FR 3629, 3630 (January 26, 2005) which can be found at http://www.epa.j4ov/ogd/com Copies of these procedures may also be requested by contacting Steve Blackburn at b lackburn. steven(a), ep a. gov C. Administrative and National Policy Requirement A listing and description of general EPA regulations applicable to the award of assistance agreements may be viewed at http- / /www.ej)a.gov /ogd/AppKit /applicable epa regulations and description.htm Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs, may be applicable to awards resulting from this announcement. Applicants selected for funding may be required to provide a copy of their application to their Point of Contact (POC) for review, pursuant to Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs. This review is not required with the Initial Application and not all applicants require such a review. A listing of POCs may be viewed at: www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. D. Additional Provisions For Applicants Incorporated Into The Solicitation: Additional provisions that apply to this solicitation and /or awards made under this solicitation, including but not limited to those related to DUNS, SAM, copyrights, disputes, and administrative capability, can be found at http: / /www.epa.gov /og_d/ competition /solicitation_ provisions.htm These, and the other provisions that can be found at the website link, are important, and applicants must review them when preparing proposals for this solicitation. If you are unable to access these provisions electronically at the website above, please communicate with the EPA contact listed in this solicitation to obtain the provisions E. Reporting Requirements Bi- annual reporting will be required for special studies. The federal assistance agreement recipient shall provide quarterly reports to the EPA project officer. The reports shall consist of updates on progress toward work objectives, justification, approach, results to date, any problems encountered, actions taken to resolve problems, discussion of remaining tasks, and expenditures to date. Bi- annual reports will be due January 30t and June 30 of each year during the project period. Recipients of federal assistance agreements will be required to submit a draft final report that summarizes the objectives, methods, approach, results, and significance of each project or study. The draft final report will be reviewed by the EPA project officer and returned with comments. The recipient of the federal assistance agreement will address 22 the comments and submit a final report to the EPA project officer with revisions. The final report will be due within 90 days of the project period end date. F. Quality Assurance /Quality Control Recipients of federal assistance agreements will be required to develop and submit a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) to the EPA project officer. Approval of the QAPP is required before work can begin or any data can be collected. Through the plan, the recipient explicitly commits to incorporating procedures that will reduce and maintain random and systematic errors within specified tolerable limits. In addition, the recipient of a federal assistance agreement will document quality control procedures and evaluate the quality of the data being produced. Plans should include or refer to a description of safety, training and equipment maintenance. Data quality objectives will be developed to ensure the utility of data for the applications. The QAPP will be prepared according to the format prescribed in "EPA requirements for Quality Assurance Project Plans for Environmental Data Operations, EPA OA/R -5 ". The recipient should develop the QAPP in close coordination with the EPA Region 4 QA/QC Officer and the EPA project officer. If requested, EPA will provide a QAPP on file with Region 4 to assist recipients with preparation of their QAPPs. G. Data Management Under cooperative agreements with EPA Region 4 and NOAA/FKNMS the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) manage a data management plan and data management system for the monitoring and special studies programs associated with the FKNMS. Each recipient of a federal assistance agreement for monitoring and special studies projects will work with the designated data management entity to define data entry conventions and issues. All original and ancillary data produced under the monitoring and special studies programs will be generated, processed, stored and archived in a manner that provides detailed documentation of the procedures used during all stages of data collection, reduction, processing, analysis, and storage. H. Publications Recipients of federal assistance agreements for special studies are expected to submit manuscripts on the funded projects to appropriate scientific journals within one year of the completion of the final report. Recipients of federal assistance agreements for monitoring projects are expected to submit manuscripts to appropriate scientific journals at an appropriate time during and/or after the completion of the project. The appropriate time for submission of manuscripts will be negotiated with the EPA project officer. Authors are expected to cite support from the specific sponsor of their project or study in all publications resulting wholly or partially from sponsored activities. For example, an appropriate acknowledgment would be as follows: "This project/study was funded by a federal assistance agreement from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to assistance Number EPA- R4- 15- SFL -01. 23 Reprints of any abstract, article or other publication that result from this sponsored project /study should be sent to the EPA project officer. I. Public Relations Official press releases on the special studies projects may be prepared by EPA Region 4 and/or FKNMS staff to be used by all recipients of federal assistance agreements for distribution to the news media. Principal investigators are not prohibited from discussing their projects with news media; however, principal investigators should notify their EPA project officer of any contacts with the news media regarding special studies projects funded via federal assistance agreements. Section VII. Agency Contact If you have any questions concerning this announcement of opportunity for federal funding and proposals, please contact Ms. Jennifer Shadle, email at shadle.jennifer(aDepa.gov or Mr. Steven Blackburn at (404) 562 -9397, email at blackburn.steven(a),epa. ov. 24 APPENDIX A PROPOSAL SUBMISSION CHECKLIST Respondent: 1. Proposal Checklist 2. Proposal Cover Page along with one page summary 3. Application for Federal Assistance — Standard Form 424 (SF -424) 4. Budget Information for Non - Construction Programs — Standard Form 424A (Sf -424A) 5. Proposal Workplan (16 page double spaced maximum) 6. Literature Cited 7. Budget Summary 8. Biographies and Qualifications 9. Programmatic Capability and Past Performance 10. Leveraging 11. Appendices 25 APPENDIX B PROPOSAL COVER PAGE SAMPLE A proposal submitted for projects in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary or Southeast Florida: Project Title: Principal Investigator(s): Date Submitted: Proposed Start Date: We, the undersigned, certify that, in the event this proposal is accepted whole or in part, our signatures on this proposal constitute intended acceptance of and compliance with applicable policy, rules, and regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. ENDORSEMENTS: Submitted by: Principal Investigator Signature Typed Name Title Address Phone Fax E -mail Approved by: Institutional Representative Signature Typed Name Title Address Phone Fax E -mail 26 For Administrative Detail, Please Contact: Name: Address: Phone Fax E -mail 27 APPENDIX C BUDGET DETAIL INFORMATION Budget Detail This section of the workplan is a detailed description of the budget found in the SF -424A, and must include a detailed discussion of how EPA funds will be used. Applicants must itemize costs related to personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contractual costs, other direct costs, indirect costs, and total costs. If the project budget includes any cost- share, mandatory or voluntary, the Budget Detail portion of the narrative proposal must include a detailed description of how the applicant will obtain the cost -share and how the cost -share funding will be used. If EPA accepts an offer for a voluntary cost - share, applicants must meet their sharing commitment as a legal condition of receiving EPA funding. If the proposed cost -share is to be provided by a third -party, a letter of commitment is required. Any form of cost -share included in the Budget Detail must also be included on the SF- 424 and SF -424A forms. Please see Section III. B. of this RFP for more detailed information on cost - share. Applicant should use the following instructions and budget object class descriptions to complete the Budget Detail Section of the workplan. Personnel — This category includes only direct costs for salaries. Give annual salary, percentage of time assigned to the project, and the total costs for the budget period. This category includes only direct costs for the salaries of those individuals who will perform work directly for the project (generally, paid employees of the applicant organization). If the applicant organization is including staff time (in -kind services) as a cost share, this should be included as Personnel costs. Personnel costs do not include: (1) costs for services of consultants, contractors, consortia members, or other partner organizations, which are included in the "Contractual" category; (2) costs for employees of subrecipients under subawards, which are included in the "Other" category; or (3) effect that is not directly in support of the proposed project, which may be covered by the organization's negotiated indirect cost rate. The budget detail must identify the personnel category type by Full Time Equivalent (FTE), including percentage of FTE for part- time employees, number of personnel proposed for each category, and the estimated funding amounts. Fringe Benefits — Identify the percentage used, the basis for its computation, and the types of benefits included. Fringe benefits are allowances and services provided by employees to their employers as compensation in addition to regular salaries and wages. Fringe benefits include, but are not limited to the cost of leave, employee insurance, pensions and unemployment benefit plans. Travel — Specify the mileage, per diem, estimated number of trips in -State and out -of- State, number of travelers, and other costs for each type of travel. Travel may be integral to the purpose of the proposed project (e.g. inspections) or related to the proposed project activities 28 (e.g. attendance at meetings). Travel costs do not include: (1) costs for travel of consultants, contractors, consortia members, or other partner organizations, which are included in the "Contractual" category; (2) travel costs for employees of subrecipients under subawards, which are included in the "Other" category. Equipment — Identify each item to be purchased which has an estimated acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit and a useful life of more than one year. Equipment also includes accessories necessary to make the equipment operational. Equipment does not include: (1) equipment planned to be leased/rented including lease /purchase agreement; or (2) equipment service or maintenance contracts. These types of proposed costs should be included in the "Other" category. Items with a unit cost of less than $5,000 should be categorized as supplies, pursuant to 2 CFR 200. The budget detail must include an itemized listing of all equipment proposed under the project. Supplies — tangible personal property other than "equipment ". The budget detail should identify categories of supplies to be procured (e.g. laboratory supplies or office supplies). Non - tangible goods and services associated with supplies, such as printing service, photocopy services, and rental costs should be included in the "Other" category. Contractual — Identify each proposed contract and specify its purpose and estimated costs. Contractual/consultant services are those services to be carried out by an individual or organization, other than the applicant, in the form of a procurement relationship. Leased or rented goods (equipment or supplies) should be included in the "Other" category. The applicant should list the proposed contract activities along with a brief description of the scope of work or services to be provided, proposed duration, and proposed procurement method (competitive or non - competitive), if known. Other — This category should include only those types of direct costs that do not fit in any of the other budget categories. List each item in sufficient detail for EPA to determine the reasonableness and allowability of its cost. Examples of costs that may be in this category are: insurance, rental /lease of equipment or supplies, equipment service or maintenance contracts, printing or photocopying, rebates, and subaward costs. Subawards (e.g. subgrants) area a distinct type of cost under this category. The term "subaward" means an award of financial assistance (money or property) by any legal agreement made by the recipient to an eligible subrecipient. This term does not include procurement purchases, technical assistance in the form of services instead of money, or other assistance in the form or revenue sharing, loans, loan guarantees, interest subsidies, insurance, or direct appropriations. Subcontracts are not subawards and belong in the contractual category. Applicants must provide the aggregate amount they propose to issue as subaward work and a description of the types of activities to be supported. Indirect Charges — If indirect charges are budgeted, indicate the approved rate and base. Indirect costs are those incurred by the grantee for a common or joint purpose that benefit more than one cost objective or project, and are not readily assignable to specific cost objectives or projects as a direct cost. In order for indirect costs to be allowable, the applicant must have a federal or state negotiated indirect cost rate (e.g. fixed, predetermined, final or provisional), or 29 must have submitted a proposal to the cognizant Federal or State agency. Examples of Indirect Cost Rate calculations are shown below: • Personnel (Indirect Rate x Personnel = Indirect Costs) • Personnel and Fringe Benefits (Indirect Rate x Personnel & Fringe = Indirect Costs) • Total Direct Costs (Indirect Rate x Total Direct Costs = Indirect Costs • Direct Costs minus distorting or other factors such as contracts and equipment (Indirect Rate x (total direct — distorting factors) = Indirect Costs Note: When formulating budgets for proposals, applicants must not include management fees or similar charges in excess of the direct costs and indirect costs at the rate approved by the applicant's cognizant Federal audit agency, or at the rate provided for by the terms of this agreement negotiated with EPA. The term "management fees or similar charges" refers to expenses added to the direct costs in order to accumulate and reserve funds for ongoing business expenses, unforeseen liabilities, or for other similar costs that are not allowable under EPA assistance agreements. Management fees or similar charges cannot be used to improve or expand the project funded under this agreement, except to the extent authorized as a direct cost or carrying out the workplan. 30 APPENDIX D GRANTS.gov SUBMISSTION INSTRUCTIONS The electronic submission of your application must be made by an official representative of your institution who is registered with Grants.gov and is authorized to sign applications for Federal assistance. For more information on the registration requirements that must be completed in order to submit an application through grants.gov, go to http: / /www. rg a�gov and click on "Applicants" on the top of the page and then go to the "Get Registered" link on the page. If your organization is not currently registered with Grants.gov, please encourage your office to designate an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) and ask that individual to begin the registration process as soon as possible. Please note that the registration process also requires that your organization have a DUNS number and a current registration with the System for Award Management (SAM) and the process of obtaining both could take a month or more. Applicants must ensure that all registration requirements are met in order to apply for this opportunity through grants.gov and should ensure that all such requirements have been met well in advance of the submission deadline. Registration on grants.gov, SAM.gov, and DUNS number assignment is FREE. To begin the application process under this grant announcement, go to http: / /www. rg ants.goy and click on "Applicants" on the top of the page and then "Apply for Grants" from the dropdown menu and then follow the instructions accordingly. Please note: To apply through grants.gov, you must use Adobe Reader software and download the compatible Adobe Reader version. For more information about Adobe Reader, to verify compatibility, or to download the free software, please visit http: / /www. rants.gov /web /grants /support/technical- soport/software /adobe- reader- compatibility.html You may also be able to access the application package for this announcement by searching for the opportunity on http://www.grants.gov . Go to httl)://www.grants.gov and then click on "Search Grants" at the top of the page and enter the Funding Opportunity Number, EPA- R4 -15- SFL-01, or the CFDA number that applies to the announcement (CFDA 66.43 6), in the appropriate field and click the Search button. Alternatively, you may be able to access the application package by clicking on the Application Package button at the top right of the synopsis page for the announcement on http://www.grants.gov a�gov To find the synopsis page, go to http://www. rag nts .gov and click "Browse Agencies" in the middle of the page and then go to "Environmental Protection Agency" to find the EPA funding opportunities. Application Submission Deadline: Your organization's AOR must submit your complete application package electronically to EPA through Grants.gov ( http: / /www. rg ants.gov no later than June 4, 2015, 6pm ET. Please allow for enough time to successfully submit your application process and allow for unexpected errors that may require you to resubmit. Please submit all of the application materials described below using the grants.gov application package that you downloaded using the instructions above. For additional instructions on completing and submitting the electronic application package, click on the "Show Instructions" tab that is accessible within the application package itself. 31 Application Materials: The following forms and documents are required under this announcement Mandatory Documents: 1. Application for Federal Assistance (SF -424) 2. Budget Information for Non - Construction Programs (SF -424A) 3. Assurances for Non - Construction Programs (SF -424B) 4. Grants.gov Lobbying Form 5. EPA Key Contacts Form 5700 -54 6. EPA Form 4700 -4 — Preaward Compliance Review Report 7. Proposal Cover Page (Sample in Appendix B) 8. One page project proposal summary 9. Narrative Proposal as described in Section IV... of the announcement Optional Documents: 1. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF -LLL), if applicable 2. Other Attachments, if applicable Applications submitted through grants.gov will be time and date stamped electronically. If you have not received a confirmation of receipt from EPA (not from grants.gov) within 30 days of the application deadline, please contact Ms. Jennifer Shadle, at shadle.jennifer @epa.gov. Failure to do so may result in your application not being reviewed. c. Technical Issues With Submission 1. Once the application package has been completed, the "Submit" button should be enabled. If the "Submit" button is not active, please call Grants.gov for assistance at 1- 800 -518 -4726. Applicants who are outside the U.S. at the time of submittal and are not able to access the toll -free number may reach a Grants.gov representative by calling 606- 545 -5035. Applicants should save the completed application package with two different file names before providing it to the AOR to avoid having to re- create the package should submission problems be experienced or a revised application needs to be submitted. 2. Submitting the application. The application package must be transferred to Grants.gov by an AOR. The AOR should close all other software before attempting to submit the application package. Click the "submit" button of the application package. Your Internet browser will launch and a sign -in page will appear. Note: Minor problems are not uncommon with transfers to Grants.gov. It is essential to allow sufficient time to ensure that your application is submitted to Grants.gov BEFORE the due date identified in Section IV of the solicitation. The Grants.gov support desk operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except Federal Holidays. A successful transfer will end with an on- screen acknowledgement. For documentation purposes, print or screen capture this acknowledgement. If a submission problem occurs, 32 reboot the computer — turning the power off may be necessary — and re- attempt the submission. Note: Grants.gov issues a "case number" upon a request for assistance. 3. Transmission Difficulties. If transmission difficulties that result in a late transmission, no transmission, or rejection of the transmitted application are experienced, and following the above instructions do not resolve the problem so that the application is submitted to www.Grants.Gov by the deadline date and time, follow the guidance below. The Agency will make a decision concerning acceptance of each late submission on a case -by -case basis. All emails, as described below, are to be sent to Ms. Jennifer Shadle at shadle.ienniferAepa.gov with the FON in the subject line. If you are unable to email, contact Mr. Steve Blackburn at 404 -562 -9397. Be aware that EPA will only consider accepting applications that were unable to transmit due to www.Grants.gov or relevant www.Sam.gov system issues or for unforeseen exigent circumstances, such as extreme weather interfering with internet access. Failure of an applicant to submit timely because they did not properly or timely register in SAM.gov or Grants.gov is not an acceptable reason to justify acceptance of a late submittal. a. If you are experiencing problems resulting in an inability to upload the application to Grants.gov, it is essential to call www.Grants.gov for assistance at 1- 800 -518 -4726 before the application deadline. Applicants who are outside the U.S. at the time of submittal and are not able to access the toll -free number may reach a Grants.gov representative by calling 606 -545 -5035. Be sure to obtain a case number from Grants.gov. If the problems stem from unforeseen exigent circumstances unrelated to Grants.gov, such as extreme weather interfering with internet access, contact Mr. Steve Blackburn at 404 -562 -9397. b. Unsuccessful transfer of the application package: If a successful transfer of the application cannot be accomplished even with assistance from Grants.gov due to electronic submission system issues or unforeseen exigent circumstances, send an email message to Ms. Jennifer Shadle prior to the application deadline. The email message must document the problem and include the Grants.gov case number as well as the entire application in PDF format as an attachment. c. Grants.gov rejection of the application package: If a notification is received from Grants.gov stating that the application has been rejected for reasons other than late submittal promptly send an email to Ms. Jennifer Shadle with the FON in the subject line within one business day of the closing date of this solicitation. The email should include any materials provided by Grants.gov and attach the entire application in PDF format. 33 1. INTRODUCTION Florida Keys Water Watch Program a. Situation, Need and Previous Efforts. The Florida Keys are located between the Gulf of Mex ico and the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by the third largest coral reef system In the world. The waters surrounding the Florida Keys are designated Areas of Critical State Concern and are the primary economic driver for Monroe County, generating >33,000jobs and $2.3 billion in annual added revenue. These ecosystems support com mercial fishing, recreational fishing, tourism, recreation and habitat for marine life and wildlife. In the past century, there have been extensive topographic changes to M onroe County when fill materials dredged from inshore waters were used to create upland and >500 manmade canals, thus altering the natural hydrology. Twenty percent of the canals are considered in poor condition with dissolved ox ygen levels regularly below 4 mgr these canals discharge directly into the waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, where the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has adopted a zero policy. Given the compromised state of the water quality in the canals, it is important to provide public education and outreach to inform the community and provide resources for citizens to be proactive to mitigate water quality problems and adopt best management practices (BMPs) to reduce nonpoint source pollution. In response, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences atthe Monroe County Extension Service propose to ex pand Florida Keys W ater Watch, a community - based volunteerwater quality monitoring program to promote awareness of the importance of water quality and the connections between land - use and aquatic health. The goals of Florida Keys Water Watch are to, (IJ bD (C a ■ A: R aise awareness of the Importance of water quality in the Florida Keys E D: Collect baseline data to track water quality trends overtime ■ A: Adopt best management practices to reduce nonpoint source pollution 0 P: Create community partnerships between citizens and local agencies ■ T: Train educators, students and citizens and provide the tools to measure water quality in residential canals Florida Keys Water Watch was established in October 2014, with funding from the EPA South Florida Initiative, and emphasizes the connections between statewide land uses and impacts on water quality and aquatic health while providing training and water quality monitoring equipmentto citizens, teachers, and students in Monroe County, FL. Florida Keys Water Watch is modeled upon the eorgia Adopt -A' Cream program, which celebrated its 2 01 anniversary in 2013 the true value of volunteer - based water quality monitoring programs is the long - term monitoring by citizens, community groups, teachers and students to collect baseline water quality data overtime. b. Objectives: O bjective 1: Expand Florida Keys Water Watch water quality monitoring program to at least three high schools and/or m iddle schools and 5 additional citizen sites. O bjective 2: Increase public awareness regarding residential canal remediation by incorporating Monroe County Canal Management Master Plan recommendations and BMPs into the Florida Keys Water Watch workshops, curriculum, presentations and use these modalities in addition to multimedia outlets to inform residents where to find Monroe County resources as they relate to N N bA fC Q. the Monroe County Canal Management Master Plan canal restoration demonstration projects, the Monroe County Office of Sustainability web - based canal restoration permitting guide, and G oogle Earth KMZ files for residential canal rankings and sediment profiles. c. Applications, Benefits, and Im portance. This proposal addresses EPA Priority Area W.14 Pu b I i c Education and Outreach, to "increase awareness and involvement of the general public and government officials to implement Water Quality Protection Program (WQPP) corrective actions, restoration activities, education, program activities and projects designed to protection, maintain and restore the water quality and natural resources of the Florida Keys Ecosystem." 2. METHODS AND APPROACH a. Description of Major Tasks cn b_jective 1 . F lorida Keys Water Watch will recruit and train teachers, students 5 grade through post - secondary, and citizens from diverse groups to become citizen scientists and collect chemical data (dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, salinity and turbidity) to assess coastal habitat health. These methods currently meet EPA standards for quality assurance quality control (QA/QC) through a partnership with Georgia - Adopt A while the Florida Keys Water Watch Quality Assurance Project Plan (LAPP) is finalized and submitted to the EPA for the state of Florida. The A. D.A. P.T. goals will be implemented by hosting 4 - hour workshops throughout Monroe County to train volunteers to perform monthly chemical testing from their adopted site for dissolved ox ygen, pH, salinity, temperature, and turbidity. To become QA/QC certified, all volunteers must demonstrate ability to use the chemical kits and equipment and pass a written test with >80 %. These data will be entered into a regional water quality database co a� a maintained by the Georgia Department cf Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division (GA -DNR EPD) to record baseline values and assess coastal water trends over time. C ommunity volunteers will be recruited from at least three local schools, community colleges, homeowner associations, state parks, civic organizations, boy/girl scout groups, and the general public. Trained volunteers will use a "Who to Call" list to notify the proper authorities if they identify a problem. Annual recertification is required to continue with the program and the trainer will conduct a site visit and replace ex pired reagents. O bjective 2 . The WQPP Canal Restoration Advisory Subcommittee has identified public participation as the key to the successful achievement of goals and objectives for water quality improvement in the canals. The Monroe County Canal Management Master Plan presented many BMPs that can be easily implemented both by homeowners and business owners to protect water quality. BMPs vary from careful selection of fertilizers and landscape plants to proper disposal of fish waste. Public outreach is required to educate the public of the suitable BMPs for their canals and the need for their implementation. The Monroe County Extension will increase public awareness regarding residential canal remediation by adding information to the Florida Keys Water Watch curriculum and manual and will hostworkshops, presentations and multimedia outlets to inform residents where to find Monroe bounty resources aboutthe Monroe C ounty Canal Management Master Plan canal restoration demonstration projects, the web - based permitting guide, and residential canal rankings located on the Google Earth platform. The Monroe County Office of Sustainability created a great analogy that really resonates with residents, treat your canal like your swim m ing pool —you wouldn't blow leaves into your swimming pool, fertilizer, oil, cooking grease or fish carcasses into your swimming pool, keep N bA fC Q. them out of canals. Florida Keys Water Watch advances traditional water quality education by providing both the methods to measure water quality and practical BMPs, at the site of water use. b. Environmental Impact: Anticipated outcomes of the project will include Improved water quality monitoring through trained volunteers, improved water quality through behavior modification by incorporating BMPs to reduce nonpoint source pollution and water conservation. Involvement of responsible citizenry with extension scientists can lead to the enhanced sustainability of natural resources for .future generations to enjoy, The Florida Keys are one of Florida's most valuable natural resources, and engaging the community in canal monitoring and educating them on the Importance of these ecosystems is essential for protecting this valuable resource Into the future. c. Future Efforts. The value of volunteer water quality monitoring programs like Florida Keys Water Watch is the long - term monitoring by citizens, community groups, teachers and students to collect baseline water quality data overtime. Communities throughoutthe state of Florida have canal and nearshore water quality issues sim filar to those in the Florida Keys, Florida Keys Water Watch could become a model for future programs throughout Florida with similar water quality Issues. 3. PROJECT MANAGEMENT a. Administration. Monroe County Office of Sustainability program manager, Rhonda Haag will be the Principle Investigator responsible for grant administration including budget management, compliance, and submitting bi annual and final reports. Monroe County Extension LO N lon CO Cl. Director, Alicia Betancourt, and Monroe County Ex tension Agent, Shelly Krueger, will be Co Principle Investigators. The project team will meet regularly to manage and coordinate grant activities. b. Roles /Assignments and Participation Time. 0 Principle Investigator. Rhonda Haag, Monroe County Office of Sustainability program manager, will manage the grant and com m it x x hours. 0 Co Investigator. Alicia Betancourt, Monroe County Extension Director, will x x x and com m it x x hours. 0 Co Investigator. Shelly Krueger, Florida Sea Grant agent at the Monroe County Extension Service, will coordinate Florida Keys Water Watch, and com m it 630 hours. 4. SUPPORT REQUIREMENTSAND CONDITIONS a. Cooperation from Other Organizations. NIA b. Date of Facility Access. N/A 5. RESULTS /OUTPUTS AND DELIVERABLES a. Bi Reports, As specified in the program announcement, we will provide bi reports to the project officer by March 30 [h and November 30 [h each year. b. Final Report. As specified in the program announcement, we will provide a draft final report to the project officer and a revised final report within six months of the project com pletion. c. Deliverable Items and Schedule. Volunteer chemical monitoring data is entered into the Geor Departmentof Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division Geor Adopt -A- Stream water quality database and will be supplied if requested. Vd N bA (SS G1. 6. ENVIRONMENTAL RESULTS - OUTCOMES AND OUTPUTS a. Outputs project products), The proposed 1 - year study will result in teaching the Florida K eys Water Watch program to at least three high schools, middle schools, and/or boy/girl scout groups, ex panding the program to at least 5 additional citizen sites, continuing to provide program support, recertification, and chemical kittesting supplies for ex isting volunteers, continuing the partnership with Georgia Adopt - A - Stream for trainer recertification and use of the G A - DNR Water Quality Database for volunteer water quality data entry. Providing public education and outreach at least 10 workshops, public presentations, WQPP reporting updates, outreach events, professional conferences, and multimedia (e.g., social media, newspapers, newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, radio spots) In support of Florida Keys Water Watch and the Monroe County Canal Management Master Plan. b. Outcomes (objectives) The proposed project includes the expansion of the environmental education program, Florida K eys Water Watch, a community volunteerwater quality monitoring program, partnering with citizens, teachers and students in Monroe County and including educational programming to educate the public on how to implement the BMPs recommended in the Monroe County Canal Management Master Plan for improving canal water quality. The objectives of this project are to, 1 ) educate and train citizens, teachers, and students to monitor water quality, 2) educate citizens on BMP related to water quality, 3) educate citizens about canal restoration techniques, 4) reduce barriers to permitting and other processes in restoration of specific canals and 5) restore the water quality in canals. Anticipated outcomes of the project include. 1) improved water quality monitoring through trained volunteers, 2) improved water quality through behavior modification, N bA C� a 3) improved canal water quality through citizen applied restoration techniques, and 4) adoption of BM by water users and restoration of water quality in canals. The scope of this project and the anticipated results are specifically identified by the FKNMS WQPP as a high priority. c. Link to EPA Strategic Plan. This proposal supports EPA strategic plan goal 2: "Protecting America's Waters, Objective 2.2 "Protect and Restore Watersheds and Aquatic Ecosystems," and addresses EPA Region 4 Priority Area W.14 Public Education and Outreach, to "increase awareness and involvement of the general public and government officials to Implement WQPP corrective actions, restoration activities, education, program activities and projects designed to protection, maintain and restore the water quality and natural resources of the Florida Keys Ecosystem." d. Tracking Outputs and Outcomes. The Principle Investigators and Co - Principle Investigators will coordinate Florida Keys Water Watch programming and provide program support for all volunteers, including an annual site visit, recertification, and regular monitoring of chemical data entry for quality control. Volunteers will be asked to fill out an annual evaluation form to track behavior and attitude changes and document adoption of BMPs (e.g., rain barrels, proper fish carcass disposal). Evaluation forms will also be provided at public presentations and workshops. 7. LITERATURE CITED- none 8. BUDGET SUMMARY Monroe County Extension requests a total of $13,645.34 for this 1 - year proposed project. Funds are requested for the purchase of 26 chemical kits (15 for high school and middle school classrooms, 5 citizen groups and 5 trainer workshop kits), travel support (trainer recertification, 00 N bD CZ CL. workshops presentations, and professional conference), and brochure printing. Staff salary matching is detailed in the leveraging section and an itemized budget description is provided in Appendix 1. 9, BIOGRAPHIES AND QUALIFICATIONS — provided in Appendix 2, 10. PROGRAMMATIC CAPABILITYAND PAST PERFORMANCE M onroe County successfully administered a $2.6 million grant awarded through the Florida Energy and Climate Commission. The Grant was a partnership with the City of Key West, City of Marathon and Islamorada, Village of Islands. During the period FY 2011 to the presenttime, the County has also successfully administered several hundred thousand in FDEP and EPA canal related grants. Through careful adherence to accepted fiscal and project management principles and practices, those projects have been managed successfully. HHER&VA :7_telwo The Monroe County Extension pledges a total of 25 ,867.26 in in - kind match in the form of staff salary. Alicia Betancourt will provide 120 hours of salary. Shelly Krueger will provide 630 hours of salary. in a w�11�� APPENDIX 1 —BUDGET E quipmentFor Water Quality Testing .� N bD fC Q, Water Quality Chem ical Test Kits, 26 x $268.49 $6,980.70 Water Quality Chemical Test Kits, Rea Refills, 56 x $60.44 $3,384.64 Misc.(electrode saver, bottles, beakers) $226.00 Su b -rota 1 $10,591.34 Tr a ve l Travel to FKWW presentations, WQPP meetings, outreach events, and workshops, 600 miles x .53= $318.00 $318.00 Travel to Geor Adopt -A- Stream Advisor Board meetin for trainer recertification $1,062.00 Presentation of FKWW at professional conference $1,084.00 Su b -rota 1 $2,464.00 Supplie s Printin Florida Ke Water Watch Brochures and Posters, 0.59 x 1,000 $590.00 Su b -rota I $590.00 TOTAL Federal funding $13,645.34 Total Non - Federal (match) funding $25,867.26 Total Grantfunds 39,521.60 APPENDIX 2 - BIOGRAPHIES AND QUALIFICATIONS Roman Gastesi, Monroe County Administrator Mr. Gastesi currently holds the position of Monroe County Administrator. (Manager). He has a demonstrated commitment to public service, a background in science and business, and more than 25 years of public and private sector experience, serving "in the trenches" in multiple levels of government, from the local to the state and federal levels. It is this special blend of administrative, legislative, governmental, environmental and media relations expertise that makes Mr. Gastesi such a valuable assetto Monroe County. O Rhonda L. Haag, Monroe County Sustainability Manager cC p. P rincipal Investigator Canal Management Master Plan Outreach S ustainability Manager Monroe County. Responsibilities include sustainability issue development, grants manager and Canal Program projects manager. Functions include applying for and managing grants, contracts and budgets, ensuring compliance with grant regulations, coordinating documentation and grant compliance for municipalities, contractors, and service providers. Monitor project effectiveness, track program progress and ensure milestones are met on schedule, and ensure the timely and accurate completion of required grant programmatic and financial reporting. E nvironmental Manager, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). S erves as an environmental manager, the District ombudsman, public records coordinator, liaison with the press office and point of contact for elected officials, the media, attorneys, and the public. B usiness Affairs VP, Quantum Leadership Group. Provided community outreach for $1.5 billion of Everglades Restoration projects. �p� Public Relations Outreach Manager, South Florida Water Management District, West Palm Beach, Florida. Managed outreach activities for all District programs, including the implementation of the $8 Alicia Bradigan Betancourt, University of� Monroe County Lx tension Director Principal Investigator l C lorida /\eys Water Watch U niversit y of Florida Monroe Count Extension Director, Monroe Count Board of C ounty C ommissioners, Florida. Management of UF- M onroe County Extension department, financial and management oversight of state and federal grant contracts, ensuring contractual compliance, identifying and responding to competitive funding opportunities, providing staff support to various committees, councils, and advisory boards, providing support to the County's sustainability efforts, providing supportto strategic planning effort, and coordinating educational programs and activities of UF Monroe County Ex tension Agents. U niversity of Florida Monroe County Extension Faculty, Monroe County Board of County C om m issioners, Florida. Tenured faculty at the University of Florida responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of award winning educational programs. Responsibilities include, facilitated community change through group leadership and participation, development of the state - wide Sustainable Floridians program and evaluation of educational programs. EXTENSION TEACHING EXPERIENCE T eaching experience includes 1, workshops in addition to consultations, individual and small group instruction. S helly Krueger University of Florida, Florida Sea Grant agent for Monroe County Extension Service U niversity of Florida Monroe County Extension Faculty, Monroe County Board of County b4 CC C om m issioners, Florida. Tenure accruing faculty at the University of Florida responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation ofscience educational programming. P rogram areas are 1) Improving environmental literacy and stewardship and 2) Promoting habitat restoration and ecosystem monitoring to enhance a sustainable and resilient coast. Responsibilities include educational programming for citizens, fishing organizations, scientists, county and state, and federal regulatory agencies forthe purpose of improving the co managementof marine resources by the various stakeholders. E xperience C oastal Georgia Adopt - A - Wetland Coordinator (2010 -2013) - Managed Coastal Georgia Adopt - A - Wetland (AAW), a community ambient water quality program for University of Georgia in partnership with Georgia Departmentof Naturals Resources (GA - DNR) C oastal Resources Division and Georgia Adopts - A - Stream. Taught 28 AAW monitoring workshops and trained 183 volunteers to test pl I I, dissolved oxygen, salinity, temperature, turbidity and E. co /r and record on GA -DNR EPD Water Quality Database. Public outreach and education at more than 18 public events,. Developed EPA Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for AAW biological monitoring program. Research Tech I I I - at University of Georgia Marine Extension, Shellfish Research Lab. Created GIS file geodatabase on behalf of Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA - DNR) as a management tool to identify tidal wetlands for restoration and mitigation and taught GA DNRstaff how to use the database. Assist MAREX staff create living shorelines for restoration demonstration projects and restore oyster reefs, assess nekton use on oyster reefs and mudflats, measure oyster abundance and growth on ex perimental designs for commercial aquaculture applications. a N b0 c6 Q. FLORIDA KEYS WATER WATCH BUDGET JUST IFICATION WORKSHEET Y ou must provide a detailed costjustification for the estimated budget amounts reflected in Section B of your SF - 424A application form. This detailed information will enable the EPA project officer to perform the required analysis to determine ifthe costs are reasonable and necessary. You may use the following format or a format of your choice to provide this information. NOTE. Please indicate any pre award costs with a star Nd ..PERSONNEL POSITION NUMBER SALARY WORK YEARS AMOUNT Count Extension Director 120 hours 34.90 - TRAVEL TOTAL: $2,464.00 4188.00 Florida Sea Grant A 630 hours 25.48 16052.40 O ffice of S—tainability Program Manager 1 $0.00 a. PERSONNELTOTAL 20240.40 b. FRINGE BENEFITS BASE RATE 27.8% b. FRINGE BENEFITS TOTAL 5626.86 ..TRAVEL I f the grant is not for a continuing environmental program or if travel is not well documented in the work plan, provide a breakdown of the number of trips, destinations, number of travelers, etc, to docu m ent estimated travel costs. T ravel to FKWW presentations, WQPP meetings, outreach events, and workshops, 600 miles x .53= $318.00 T ravel to Geor Adopt -A- Stream Advisor Board meetin for trainer recertification =$ 1,062.00 P resentation of FKWW at professional conference = $1,084.00 ITEM NUMBER - TRAVEL TOTAL: $2,464.00 TOTAL OBJECT CLASS CATEGORIES WORKSHEET d. EQUIPMENT T angible, non pendable, personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit. Please listequipment items (i.e., vehicles, boats, etc.) and provide adequate detail to enable the EPA project officer to make an eligibility determination and to verify cost. For "equipment" with a cost of less than $5,000 per unit, list under supplies. ITEM NUMBER COST PER TOTAL UNIT d . EQUIPMENT TOTAL: 1 $0.00 e. SUPPLIES List by groups (as appropriate), such as office supplies, lab supplies, field supplies. If the cost for a particular group is over $50,000, please provide a list ofthe more costly items or subsets. Water Qualit Chem icaI Test Kits, 26 x $268.49 $6,980.70 Water Quality Chemical Test Kits, Rea Refills, 56x $60.44 $3,384.64 Misc.(electrode saver, bottles, beakers) $226.00 e. SUPPLIES TOTAL $10,591.34 OBJECT CLASS CATEGORIES WORKSHEET f. CONTRACTUAL List each planned contract and the type of services /project activity to be procured. Agreements /contracts with other governmental agencies (state, local or Federal) should be listed under category h. OTHER. F f - CO NTRA C T U AL T $ 0.00 g . CONSTRUCTION (N /A) h. OTHER List other items that would not be appropriately included elsewhere, such as costs for maintenance, operations, repairs, motor pools, rental, training, publication, and printing, and Intergovernmental Agreements Printing, Florida Keys Water Watch Brochures and Posters, 0.59 x 1,000 $590.00 h. OTHER TOTAL $590.00 i, TOTAL D I RECT COSTS: (Sum ofcategoriesAthrough H) 39,521.60 j. INDIRECTCOSTS: (RATE: %) k. TOTAL PROPOSED COSTS: (Sum of categories I through J) 39,521.60 FEDERAL FUNDS REQUESTED: 34.5% RECIPIENT SHARE OF TOTAL PROPOSED COSTS: 65.5% $13,645.34 25,867.26