Presenters Julia Kelly of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Phil Coleman of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and David McAndrew of FEMP will discuss how Federal agencies can partner with local utilities to fund energy improvement projects. The seminar will provide an overview of:

• The purpose and benefits of Utility Energy Service Contracts
• Authorizing legislation and primary contracting methods
• Steps for successful project implementation
• Available resources for assistance
• Rules and best practices for Energy Project Incentive Funds

FEMP encourages participants to e-mail or call-in their questions before and during the program to receive tailored advice from the experts during the live “Q&A” segment. Questions mailed before the program can be sent to FTS@energyworkshops.org.

The 90-minute training is free of charge, but you must register in advance with FEMP to obtain an Internet URL for the presentation. The broadcast, titled “Utility Energy Service Contracts and Energy Project Incentive Funds,” will take place Thursday, April 7, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Eastern.

Register to attend the online seminar.

FEMP First Thursday Seminars are no-cost training opportunities to help Federal energy, environmental, and fleet professionals plan and execute projects to help meet Federal goals and requirements. For more information, visit the FEMP First Thursday Seminars website.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on March 14 that USDA is seeking applications to increase the production and use of renewable energy sources. Funding is available from three USDA Rural Development renewable energy programs authorized by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the Farm Bill).

EPA Region 5 is soliciting proposals that will advance the sustainable management of materials in Region 5 [Region 5 comprises Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin]. Sustainable materials management (SMM) is an approach to serving human needs by using/reusing resources most productively and sustainably throughout their life cycles, generally minimizing the amount of materials involved and all the associated environmental impacts. Specific Region 5 priorities are listed in the full text under Section I., Funding Opportunity Description. This funding supports EPA’s strategic goal of land preservation and restoration. Applicants are encouraged to partner and collaborate with other organizations involved in similar efforts.

DOE requests proposals for Energy Efficiency Development and Deployment in Indian Country. Areas of interest include: 1) feasibility studies to assess and determine the technical and economic feasibility of energy efficiency improvements to existing tribally owned buildings, and 2) installation of energy efficiency improvements at existing tribally owned buildings. Up to $4 million expected to be available, up to 20 awards anticipated. For more info, contact Kasey Koch at kasey.koch@go.doe.gov or go to: https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/?doc=DE-FOA-0000423&agency=DOE.

EPA FY11 Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grant Guidelines – $4 million
Application Due: March 18, 2011
Eligible Entities: State and local governments, tribes, nonprofit organizations, other

This notice announces the availability of funds and solicits proposals from eligible entities, including nonprofit organizations, to deliver environmental workforce development and job training programs focused on hazardous and solid waste management, assessment, and cleanup-associated activities. While Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grants focus on hazardous and solid waste remediation and health and safety, applicants may design their own curricula by choosing what types of supplemental environmental training they want to provide. For more information, visit http://www.epa.gov/brownfields or access the RFP at http://www.epa.gov/oswer/docs/grants/epa-oswer-oblr-11-01.pdf.

DOL Green Jobs Innovation Fund – $40 million
Application Due: March 29, 2011
Eligible Entities: Eligible applicants must apply under one of three categories: 1) national labor-management organizations with local affiliates; 2) national nonprofit organizations with local affiliates; or 3) statewide nonprofit organizations or state Workforce Investment Act administering agencies with local affiliates

The Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) announces the availability of approximately $40 million in grant funds for the Green Jobs Innovation Fund to increase the number of individuals completing training programs who receive industry-recognized credentials and to increase the number of individuals completing training programs for employment in green jobs. ETA proposes to fund approximately five to eight grants to national and statewide organizations with local affiliates with existing career training programs to provide technical and basic skills training that lead to green job opportunities in at least six communities per grant. With these grants, the Department is emphasizing critical steps along green career pathways by: 1) forging linkages between Registered Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, and/or 2) integrating the delivery of technical and basic skills training through community-based partnerships. For more information, visit the full funding announcement at http://www.doleta.gov/grants/pdf/SGA-DFA-PY-10-07.pdf.

EPA FY 2011 Pollution Prevention Grant Program – $4.1 million
Application Due: March 29, 2011
Eligible Entities: States, state agencies, federally recognized tribes and intertribal consortia, others

EPA’s Pollution Prevention (P2) grant program supports state and tribal technical assistance programs to help businesses identify better environmental strategies and solutions for reducing or eliminating waste at the source. EPA Regions will award P2 grants and/or cooperative agreements to support state and tribal technical assistance programs that address the reduction or elimination of pollution by businesses across all environmental media: air, water, and land. Under this year’s competition, proposals must describe activities that address one or more of the national focus areas: greenhouse gas reduction, toxic and hazardous materials reduction, resource conservation, business efficiency, and P2 integration. To complement the five national focus areas identified above, each EPA Region has developed a set of priorities that highlight specific environmental issues, projects, and/or programs that are of significant interest to the Region. Applicants must address at least one or more of the priorities from the EPA Region in which the project will take place. For more information, contact Michelle Amhaz at (202)-564-8857 or visit http://www.epa.gov/ogd/competition/open_awards.htm

EPA Build More Sustainable Communities – $2.5 million
Application Due: March 31, 2011
Eligible Entities: States, territories, Indian tribes, public and private universities and colleges, other

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requests proposals for Technical Assistance to Build More Sustainable Communities. Through this RFP, EPA seeks to increase local governments and tribal communities to increase their capacity to successfully implement smart growth and sustainable communities development approaches that protect the environment, improve public health, facilitate job creation and economic opportunity, and improve overall quality of life. $2.5 million expected to be available, up to 3 awards anticipated. Responses due 3/31/11. For more info, contact Kevin Nelson at nelson.kevin@epa.gov or go to: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/grants/epa_op_osc_11_01.htm.

DOE Renewable Energy Development and Deployment in Indian Country – $4 million
Application Due: March 31, 2011
Eligible Entities: Indian tribes, tribal energy resource development organizations, or tribal consortia

DOE requests proposals for Renewable Energy Development and Deployment in Indian Country. Areas of interest include: 1) feasibility studies to determine the technical and economic viability of a future renewable project, 2) development (pre-construction) activities leading to the deployment of renewable energy projects, and 3) deployment (construction) of renewable energy projects for power production. Up to $4 million expected to be available, up to 20 awards anticipated. For more info, contact Kathryn Buckley at kathryn.buckley@go.doe.gov or go to: https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/?doc=DE-FOA-0000424&agency=DOE.

EPA Environmental Justice – $1.2 million
Application Due: March 31, 2011
Eligible Entities: Incorporated  nonprofit community based organizations, federally recognized tribal governments, tribal organizations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requests proposals for the Environmental Justice Small Grants Program. This program supports projects that address local environmental and public health issues within an affected community; it is designed to help communities understand and address their exposure to multiple environmental harms and risks. $1.2 million expected to be available, up to 44 awards anticipated. Responses due 3/31/11. For more info, including Regional contacts, go to: http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/grants/ej-smgrants.html. Refer to Sol# EPA-OECA-OEJ-11-01. (Grants.gov 1/28/11)

EPA Extreme Event Impacts on Air Quality and Water Quality with a Changing Global Climate – $6 million
Application Due: April 18, 2011
Eligible Applications: Public nonprofit institutions/organizations, private nonprofit institutions/organizations, state and local governments, federally recognized Indian tribal Governments, and U.S. territories or possessions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requests proposals for Impacts on Air Quality and Water Quality with a Changing Global Climate. Through this RFP, EPA seeks projects focused on the development of assessments, tools and techniques, and demonstration of innovative technologies for providing information and capacity to adequately prepare for climate-induced changes in extreme events in the context of air and water quality management. $6 million expected to be available, up to 6 awards anticipated. Responses due 4/18/11. For more info, contact Bryan Bloomer at bloomer.bryan@epa.gov or go to: http://www.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2011/2011_star_extremeevent.html.

EPA Environmental Education Regional Grants- $1.9 million
Application Due: May 2, 2011
Eligible Applications: Local education agency, college or university, state education or environmental agency, nonprofit organization, or a noncommercial educational broadcasting entity

EPA is seeking grant proposals from eligible applicants to support environmental education projects that promote environmental stewardship and help develop knowledgeable and responsible students, teachers, and citizens. This grant program provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate, and/or disseminate environmental education practices, methods, or techniques as described in this notice. Under this solicitation EPA expects to award environmental education grants from the 10 EPA Regional offices. EPA expects approximately $1,943,000 to be available for grants in amounts of a minimum of $15,000 and a maximum of $100,000. Each of EPA’s 10 Regions anticipates funding a minimum of 2 grants resulting in a minimum number of grants issued to be approximately 20 grants nationwide. For more information, contact Karen Scott at EEgrants@epa.gov or read the full solicitation at http://www.epa.gov/education/pdf/solNotice2011.htm.

DOC Economic Development Administration Public Works, Economic Adjustment, and Global Climate Change Mitigation Programs Opportunity – Likely ~$25 million
Application Due: Depends on funding cycle; next funding cycle is due June 10, 2011
Eligible Entities: State and local governments, federally recognized tribes,  nonprofits, private institutes of higher education

DOC’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) helps distressed communities establish a foundation for durable regional economies throughout the United States. EDA generally allocates funds for the Global Climate Change Mitigation Incentive Fund (GCCMIF) to support projects that foster economic competitiveness while enhancing environmental quality. EDA anticipates that these funds will be used to advance the green economy by supporting projects that create jobs through and increase private capital investment in initiatives to limit the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels, enhance energy efficiency, curb greenhouse gas emissions, and protect natural systems.

While the amount of funding available through this opportunity is dependent on FY2011 appropriations and is not yet known, EDA allocated $25,000,000 for the GCCMIF in 2010. The average size of a GCCMIF investment was approximately $840,000. For more info, including regional contacts, go to: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=58457.

DOE Weatherization Formula Grants – Likely to be approximately $210 million
Application Due: Varies by program year
Eligible Applications: Agencies that administer the WAP program

DOE requests proposals for the Weatherization Assistance Program Formula Grant. The purpose of WAP is to increase the energy efficiency of dwellings owned or occupied by low-income persons, reduce residential expenditures, and improve health and safety. Lead applicants must be agencies that administer the WAP program. Proposals due date varies by prime applicant’s program year. Grantees will be notified as soon as an update on FY 2011 funding becomes available. For planning purposes, until a final budget is passed and signed by the President, grantees should proceed with their respective plans using the same funding level as the DOE 2010 appropriated funds. For more info, contact Meghaan Hampton at Meghaan.Hampton@netl.doe.gov or go to: https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/?doc=DE-FOA-0000446&agency=DOE.

The funding will support awards for six teams around the country with the most innovative ideas to drive technology commercialization and entrepreneurship in support of a green innovation economy, increased U.S. competitiveness and new jobs. The Department of Energy will invest up to $2 million to support the $12 million multi-agency i6 Green Challenge, which will establish or expand Proof of Concept Centers across the U.S. In order to be eligible for DOE funding, applicants will be required to demonstrate innovation in the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency, or green building technology.

“Investments in small business innovation through the i6 Green Challenge will play an important role in strengthening U.S. competitiveness and supporting economic development and job growth around the country. These centers will help companies test their innovations, a critical step in commercializing next generation clean energy technologies,” said U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu.

“Initiatives like the i6 Green Challenge support the President’s vision for out-innovating the rest of the world by moving great ideas from the lab to the marketplace to spur the development of 21st century jobs and industries,” U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. “We know that in the last 30 years, nearly all net new jobs were created by startups, and they will continue to play a critical role in our nation’s economic prosperity.”

First announced at the White House launch of Startup America in January, i6 Green follows last year’s inaugural i6 Challenge to accelerate high-growth entrepreneurship in the United States.

“The $12 million i6 Green Challenge is an important component of President Obama’s Startup America initiative to promote American innovation and win the future,” said U.S. Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra. “The multi-agency competition builds on the success of last year’s initiative by encouraging Proof of Concept Centers and promoting green growth to increase our nation’s competitiveness and accelerate the economic recovery.”

This year’s competition focuses on promoting Proof of Concept Centers, which support all aspects of the entrepreneurship process, from assisting with technology feasibility and business plan development, to providing access to early-stage capital and mentors to offer critical guidance to innovators. Centers allow emerging technologies to mature and demonstrate their market potential, making them more attractive to investors and helping entrepreneurs turn their idea or technology into a business.

“The i6 Green Challenge will help catalyze American ingenuity by leveraging the proven benefits that these centers offer to promote green growth, advance cluster development and strengthen the economic ecosystems of America’s regions,” U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez said.

The Federal Funding Opportunity notice and application information on i6 Green is available at www.eda.gov/i6. The deadline to submit an application is May 26, 2011. Funding is contingent upon Congressional approval of the administration’s 2011 budget.

The National Tribal Water Council was established in 2006 through a cooperative agreement with EPA, and over the last four years has operated to increase tribal awareness and expertise on a wide variety of issues related to the quality of tribal water resources, watersheds, drinking water, and the health of tribal communities.  The NTWC, comprised of tribal government co-regulators with water program expertise, provides a unique platform to facilitate and enhance tribal participation, input, training and information exchange among tribes, and between tribes and EPA, on water resources and quality.

Solicitation

For Detailed Information, please refer to the Request for Applications:
Request for Applications to Support the National Tribal Water Council (EPA-OW-IO-11-01) PDF (29 pp., 283 K, about PDF)

Access this funding opportunity through Grants.gov: Click on “Find Grant Opportunities” on the left hand side of the page and then click “Search Opportunities/Browse by Agency” and select “Environmental Protection Agency”.

For more information, visit http://water.epa.gov/grants_funding/tribal/.

AGENCY NAME: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Office of the Administrator, Office of Policy; Office of Sustainable Communities.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TITLE: Technical Assistance to Build More Sustainable Communities, Request for Proposals (RFP)

ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE: Request for Proposals

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: EPA-OP-OSC-11-01

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE (CFDA) NUMBER: 66.611

DATES: The closing date for receipt of hard copy (paper) proposal packages is March 31, 2011.  All hard copies of proposal packages must be received by Kevin Nelson by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time in order to be considered for funding. Electronic submissions must be submitted through www.grants.gov on or before March 31, 2011, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Proposals received after the closing date and time will not be considered for funding. Award announcements are expected to be made by July 31, 2011.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Office of Sustainable Communities (OSC) in U.S. EPA’s Office of Policy is seeking proposals to create and deliver technical assistance programs to local and tribal governments facing common land use and development challenges.  This Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks to fund up to three applicants that will provide technical assistance to multiple communities on the use of standardized, “ready to go” tools that lead to changes in local policies and development regulations.  As a result of this RFP, the grantee(s) will select and work with communities to increase their capacity to successfully implement smart growth and sustainable communities development approaches that protect the environment, improve public health, facilitate job creation and economic opportunity, and improve overall quality of life.

This RFP supports the priorities of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and EPA.  The Partnership aims to advance development patterns and infrastructure investment programs that achieve improved economic prosperity and healthy, environmentally sustainable, opportunity-rich communities.

The maximum amount of funding for all awards under this RFP will be approximately $2.5 million, for up to three five-year assistance agreements, depending on funding availability and other applicable considerations.  EPA expects to have approximately $500,000 for the first year of awards.  The awards will be negotiated for a project period of up to 5 years and will be set up for incremental funding, with funding for future years dependent on funding availability, agency priorities, recipient performance, and other applicable considerations.  Awards will be made through cooperative agreements.  EPA reserves the right to reject all applications and make no awards under this RFP.

Eligible applicants include:

• States, territories, Indian Tribes, interstate organizations, intrastate organizations, and possessions of the U.S., including the District of Columbia; and
• Public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, and other public or private nonprofit institutions.

Consortiums of two or more eligible entities may also apply.  However, one entity must be responsible for the cooperative agreement.  Consortiums must identify which eligible organization will be the recipient of the cooperative agreement and which eligible organizations will be subawardees.

For-profit organizations are not eligible to apply.  Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new awards.

The closing date for receipt of hard copy (paper) proposal packages is March 31, 2011. All hard copies of proposal packages must be received by Kevin Nelson by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time in order to be considered for funding. Electronic submissions must be submitted through www.grants.gov on or before March 31, 2011, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Proposals received after the closing date and time will not be considered for funding. Award announcements are expected to be made by July 31, 2011.

The Sustainable Endowments Institute has released a report about colleges’ green revolving funds, in which colleges invest a chunk of money in energy efficiency or other projects with clear and strong returns on investment. The topic has been of increasing interest to the institute’s founder, Mark Orlowski, who has been appearing at conferences around the country, encouraging colleges to devote some of their funds to these green projects.

Each technical assistance project will include:

• Public engagement — for example, a one-day workshop that is open to the public.
• Direct consultation with relevant decision-makers.
• A memo outlining specific steps the community could take if it wants to implement the ideas generated during the site visit.

Among the tools that will be used are zoning code reviews, walkability assessments, parking policy analysis, climate action planning, commuter benefits, complete streets, and fiscal and economic tools.

EPA will work with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to select 20 participating communities through a competitive process.

Sustainable Communities Building Blocks is being coordinated through the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, a joint effort between the EPA, HUD, and DOT to coordinate federal actions on housing, transportation, and environmental protection. This interagency collaboration achieves efficient federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services that meet multiple economic, environmental, and community objectives.

The application period opens on February 3 and ends on February 23, 2011.

• More information and submission instructions for the Sustainable Communities Building Blocks Program: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm
• More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/partnership/index.html