![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Funding Opportunities
Site Navigation
- Science To Achieve Results (STAR) Research Grants
- EPA and Other NCER Environmental Research Competitions
- EPA Environmental Research Fellowships
 |
Research Project Search
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Research and Development
National Center for Environmental Research
Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Program
CLOSED - FOR REFERENCES PURPOSES ONLY
FUTURES: Detecting the Early Signals
Opening Date: June 15, 1998
Closing Date: September 10, 1998
This invitation provides relevant background information, summarizes EPA's interest in the topic area, and describes the application and review process.
Background
The question often arises whether serious environmental problems
could be detected so that preventive or remedial actions could be
started sooner than they have been heretofore. Early awareness of
an environmental problem would result in the ability to cope with
a less serious problem, one easier and cheaper to handle. The possibility
and value of early detection of environmental problems were the
subject of the Environmental Protection Agency Science Advisory
Board's 1995 report, Beyond the Horizon: Using Foresight to Protect
the Environmental Future. The report discusses why thinking
about the future is important, possible systems of inquiry, and
recommends that "...EPA should move towards using futures research
and analysis in its programs and activities, particularly strategic
planning and budgeting...." Specifically:
* "As much attention should be given to avoiding future problems
as to controlling current ones," and
* "EPA should establish a strong environmental futures capability
that serves as an early warning system for emerging environmental
problems."
In its planning process the Office of Research and Development has
committed itself to "establish capability and mechanisms within
EPA to anticipate and identify environmental or other changes that
may portend future risk, integrate futures planning into ongoing
programs, and promote coordinated preparation for and response to
change."
Scope of Research
In this announcement ORD invites research grant applications
to identify possible future environmental problems and to develop
approaches for their solution. In order to perform its mission better,
EPA wishes to engage the scientific community in finding ways to
identify possible emerging environmental problems that the environmental
research community needs to start working on before headlines have
emerged. This solicitation aims to look ahead in two areas: in the
natural sciences and in socio-economics.
Specifically, EPA requests applications in:
A. Natural Sciences
Applicants should:
1. suggest an area where scientific data are minimal, scattered,
or conflicting that could portend a future environmental problem;
2. justify and defend that choice as appropriate, including consideration
of potential environmental risk;
3. explain why the proposed investigator is the right person to
provide the assessment.
The anticipated outputs of this grant are
two:
1. The final project report should take the form of a report
or review paper suitable for peer-reviewed journal publication examining
the available data on the potential problem with the author's opinion
as to what they mean in terms of environmental risk.
2. A recommended research and/or other program approach necessary
to define suitably the size and extent of the possible risk.
Key features in proposal evaluation will be: (1) the seriousness
of the identified potential problem, and (2) the value of the possible
proposed synthesis even if the seriousness of the suspected problem
turns out to be minimal.
Examples of problems which might have profited from such early examination
in the past include (this is not a list of preferred or present
topics):
* acid rain
* stratospheric ozone depletion
* DDT and bird thin egg shells
* PCBs, effects and environmental persistence
B. Socio-Economics
The applicant should examine possible changes in the
way we (the USA, the industrialized nations, the world, etc.), in
the next five to twenty years, will think, do things, live, consume,
invent, reproduce, etc., and what effects these changes will have
on environmental problems, on our mind set, on how we handle them,
on the tools we will have available to handle them, on the costs
and benefits of handling them, etc. Socioeconomic analyses can cover
a variety of subjects, e.g., demographic changes, economic changes,
environmental value changes, land use changes, etc. (Again, these
are only examples, not a list of preferred topics.)
In particular, the applicant should:
1. choose a specific socio-economic concern;
2. justify that choice, describe the proposed analysis and analytical
methods and provide an assessment of its impact on the environment;
and
3. explain why the proposed investigator is the right person to
provide the assessment.
The anticipated outputs from this grant are:
1. A final project report that takes the form of a report
or review paper suitable for peer-reviewed journal publication exploring
the proposed socio economic area of concern and drawing plausible
conclusions as to environmental effects and risks;
2. a description of the analytical methods used and their applicability
to other possible future environmental risks resulting from socio-economic
changes;
3. Recommendations on what the follow-up to the paper should be,
giving some attention to the implementability of the recommendations.
Areas for possible follow-up should be broadly construed (e.g.,
research, monitoring, policy changes, public awareness, education,
etc.)
It is anticipated that projects funded under both parts of this
solicitation will involve literature investigation and analysis,
discussions with colleagues, and perhaps computer modeling. Applicants
will be expected to budget for and participate in a workshop on
environmental futures with EPA and other scientists, other agency
officials, and other grantees in Washington, DC, to report on their
research activities and to discuss issues of mutual interest.
Funding
Approximately $1.0 million is expected to be available in Fiscal
Year 1999 for award in this solicitation. The projected award may
be up to $150,000 for one year.
Eligibility
Academic and not-for-profit institutions located in the
U.S., and state or local governments, are eligible under all existing
authorizations. Profit-making firms and other federal agencies are
not eligible to receive grants from EPA under this program. Federal
agencies, national laboratories funded by federal agencies (FFRDCs),
and federal employees are not eligible to submit applications to this
program and may not serve in a principal leadership role on a grant.
Potential applicants who are uncertain of their eligibility should
contact Dr. Robert E. Menzer in NCER, phone (202) 564-6849, EMail:
menzer.robert@epamail.epa.gov
Standard Instructions for Submitting an Application
This section contains a set of special instructions related to how
applicants should apply for an NCER grant.
Sorting Code
In order to facilitate proper assignment and review
of applications, each applicant is asked to identify the topic area
in which their application is to be considered. It is the responsibility
of the applicant to correctly identify the proper sorting code. Failure
to do so will result in an inappropriate peer review assignment. At
various places within the application, applicants will be asked to
identify this topic area by using the appropriate Sorting Code. The
Sorting Codes corresponding to research on Futures: Detecting the
Early Signals are
99-NCERQA-A1
for Natural Sciences applications
99-NCERQA-A2
for Socio-economics applications
The Sorting Code must be placed at the top of the abstract (as
shown in the abstract format), in Box 10 of Standard Form 424 (as
described in the section on SF424), and should also be included
in the address on the package that is sent to EPA (see the section
on how to apply).
The Application
The initial application is made through the submission
of the materials described below. It is essential that the application
contain all the information requested and be submitted in the formats
described. If it is not, the application may be rejected on administrative
grounds. If an application is considered for award, (i.e., after external
peer review and internal review) additional forms and other information
will be requested by the Project Officer. The application should not
be bound or stapled in any way. The Application contains the following:
A. Standard Form 424: The applicant must complete Standard
Form 424 (see attached form and instructions). This form will act
as a cover sheet for the application and should be its first page.
Instructions for completion of the SF424 are included with the form.
The form must contain the original signature of an authorized representative
of the applying institution. Please note that both the Principal Investigator
and an administrative contact should be identified in Section 5 of
the SF424.
B. Key Contacts: The applicant must complete the Key Contacts
Form (attached) as the second page of the submitted application.
C. Abstract: The abstract is a very important document. Prior
to attending the peer review panel meetings, some of the panelists
may read only the abstract. Therefore, it is critical that the abstract
accurately describe the research being proposed and convey all the
essential elements of the research. Also, for awarded grants, the
abstracts will form the basis for an Annual Report of awards made
under this program. The abstract should include the following information,
as indicated in the example format provided:
1. Sorting Code: Use the correct code that corresponds to this topic
area: 99-NCERQA-A1 or 99-NCERQA-A2.
2. Title: Use the exact title as it appears in the rest of the application.
3. Investigators: List the names and affiliations of each investigator
who will significantly contribute to the project. Start with the Principal
Investigator.
4. Project Summary: This should summarize: (a) the objectives of the
study, (b) the approach to be used (which should give an accurate
description of the project as described in the proposal), (c) the
expected results of the project and how it addresses the solicitation,
and (d) the use of the research that will result from successful completion
of the work proposed.
5. Supplemental Keywords: A list of suggested keywords is provided
for your use. Do not duplicate terms already used in the text of the
abstract.
D. Project Description: This description must not exceed fifteen
(15) consecutively numbered (center bottom), 8.5x11-inch pages of
single-spaced standard 12-point type with 1-inch margins. The description
must provide the following information:
1. Objectives: List the objectives of the project and briefly state
why the intended research is important. This section can also include
any background or introductory information that would help explain
the objectives of the study (one to two pages recommended).
2. Approach: Outline the methods, approaches, and techniques that
you intend to employ in meeting the objectives stated above (five
to 10 pages recommended).
3. Expected Results or Benefits: Describe the results you expect to
achieve during the project, the benefits of success as they relate
to future research that might be conducted, and the potential recipients
of these benefits. This section must discuss the utility of the research
project proposed for addressing future environmental problems (one
to two pages recommended).
4. General Project Information: Discuss other information relevant
to the potential success of the project. This should include facilities,
personnel, project schedules, proposed management, interactions with
other institutions, etc. (one to two pages recommended).
5. Important Attachments: Appendices and/or other information may
be included but must remain within the 15-page limit. References cited
are in addition to the 15 pages.
E. Resumés: The resumés of the principal investigator
and important co workers should be presented. Resumés must
not exceed three consecutively numbered (bottom center), 8.5x11-inch
pages of single-spaced standard 12-point type with 1-inch margins
for each individual.
F. Current and Pending Support: The applicant must identify
any current and pending financial resources that are intended to support
research that would consume the time of the principal investigator.
This should be done by completing the appropriate form (see attachment).
Failure to provide this information may delay consideration of your
proposal.
G. Budget: The applicant must present a detailed, itemized
budget for the entire project. This budget must be in the format provided
in the example (see attachment) and not exceed two consecutively numbered
(bottom center), 8.5x11-inch pages with 1-inch margins. Please note
that institutional cost sharing is not required and, therefore, does
not have to be included in the budget table. If desired, a brief statement
concerning cost sharing can be added to the budget justification.
H. Budget Justification: This section should describe the basis
for calculating the personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment,
supplies, contractual support, and other costs identified in the itemized
budget and explain the basis for their calculation (special attention
should be given to explaining the travel, equipment, and other categories).
This should also include an explanation of how the indirect costs
were calculated. This justification should not exceed two consecutively
numbered (bottom center), 8.5x11-inch pages of single-spaced standard
12-point type with 1-inch margins.
I. Postcard: The Applicant must include with the application
a self addressed, stamped 3x5-inch post card. This will be used to
acknowledge receipt of the application and to transmit other important
information to the applicant.
How to Apply
The original and ten (10) copies of the fully developed
application and five (5) additional copies of the abstract (15 in
all), must be received by NCER no later than 4:00 P.M. EST on the
closing date assigned to this topic area: September 10, 1998.
The application and abstract must be prepared in accordance with these
instructions. Informal, incomplete, or unsigned proposals will not
be considered. The application should not be bound or stapled in any
way. The original and copies of the application should be secured
with paper or binder clips. Completed applications should be sent
via regular mail to:
U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency
Peer Review Division (8703R)
Sorting Code: 99-NCERQA-A1 or
99-NCERQA-A2
401 M Street, SW
Washington DC 20460
For express mail or courier-delivered applications,
the following address must be used:
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Peer Review Division (8703R)
Sorting Code: 99-NCERQA-A1 or 99-NCERQA-A2
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Room B-10105
Washington, DC 20004
Phone: (202) 564-6939 (for express mail applications)
The sorting code must be identified in the address (as shown above).
Guidelines, Limitations, and Additional Requirements
If you wish to submit more than one application, you must ensure
that the study proposed is significantly different from that in
any other that has been submitted to this solicitation or from any
other grant you are currently receiving from EPA or any other federal
government agency.
Projects which contain subcontracts constituting more than 40% of
the total direct cost of the grant for each year in which the subcontract
is awarded will be subject to special review and may require additional
justification.
Review and Selection
All grant applications are initially reviewed by EPA to
determine their legal and administrative acceptability. Acceptable
applications are then reviewed by an appropriate technical peer review
group. This review is designed to evaluate each proposal according
to its scientific merit. In general, each review group is composed
of non-EPA scientists, engineers, social scientists, and/or economists
who are experts in their respective disciplines and are proficient
in the technical areas they are reviewing. The reviewers use the following
criteria to help them in their reviews:
1. The originality and creativity of the proposed study, and of the
research methods proposed. Is the research approach practical and
technically defensible, and can the project be performed within the
proposed time period? Is the proposal well-prepared with supportive
information that is self-explanatory and understandable?
2. The qualifications of the principal investigator(s) and other key
personnel, including research training, demonstrated knowledge of
pertinent literature, experience, and publication records. Will all
key personnel contribute a significant time commitment to the project?
3. The availability and/or adequacy of the facilities and equipment
proposed for the project. Are there any deficiencies that may interfere
with the successful completion of the study?
4. The responsiveness of the proposal to the solicitation.
5. Although budget information is not used by the reviewers as the
basis for their evaluation of scientific merit, the reviewers are
asked to provide their view on the appropriateness and/or adequacy
of the proposed budget and its implications for the potential success
of the proposed research. Input on requested equipment is of particular
interest.
Applications that receive scores of excellent or very good from the
peer reviewers are subjected to a programmatic review within EPA,
the object being to assure a balanced research portfolio for the Agency.
Funding decisions are the sole responsibility of EPA. Grants are selected
on the basis of technical merit, relevancy to the research priorities
outlined, program balance, and budget. A summary statement of the
scientific review by the peer panel will be provided to each applicant.
Applications selected for funding will require additional certifications,
possibly a revised budget, and responses to any comments or suggestions
offered by the peer reviewers. Project officers will contact principal
investigators to obtain these materials.
Proprietary Information
By submitting an application in response to this solicitation,
the applicant grants EPA permission to share the application with
technical reviewers both within and outside of the Agency. Applications
containing proprietary or other types of confidential information
will be returned to the applicant without review.
Funding Mechanism
The funding mechanism for all awards issued under this
solicitation will consist of grants from EPA and depends on the availability
of funds. In accordance with Public Law 95-224, the primary purpose
of a grant is to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation
authorized by Federal statute rather than acquisition for the direct
benefit of the Agency. In issuing a grant agreement, EPA anticipates
that there will be no substantial EPA involvement in the design, implementation,
or conduct of the project funded by the grant. However, EPA will monitor
progress, based in part on reports provided by awardees.
Contacts
Additional general information on the grants program, forms
used for applications, etc., may be obtained by exploring our Web
page at www.epa.gov/ncerqa. EPA does not intend to make mass-mailings
of this announcement. Information not available on the Internet may
be obtained by contacting:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Center for Environmental Research
Mail Code (8703R)
401 M Street, SW
Washington DC 20460
Phone: 1-800-490-9194
In addition, contact persons have been identified below for this
topic area. They will respond to inquires regarding the solicitation
and can respond to any technical questions related to your application.
* Roger Cortesi 202-564-6852
cortesi.roger@epamail.epa.gov
* Robert Menzer 202-564-6849
menzer.robert@epamail.epa.gov
End of file. To complete an application for this grant you need the forms specific to this request. This form set is available in Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF) and can be downloaded, read on screen, and printed only if you have Adobe Acrobat Reader 2.1 or higher. The same forms can also be obtained via our Hotline automated FAX server (1-800-490-9194).
I need Adobe Acrobat Reader first...please take me to the Adobe download site.
I have the Reader already and I have printed the HTML version of the announcement above.....please let me download the PDF version of the STAR Research Grant Forms.
I have the Reader already.....but I would like the PDF of this Announcement and the Grant Application Forms