[GreenYes] Solicitation for the Development of a Lamp Recycling Outreach Program: Due 6/1

[Flora.David@epamail.epa.gov]

Apologies for cross-postings

FY 2002 Cooperative Agreement Solicitation for the Development of a Lamp
                       Recycling Outreach Program


                        Guidance for Applicants
Instructions for submitting cooperative agreement proposals to develop a
                    lamp recycling outreach program


                         Deadline: June 1, 2002

Guidance for the Cooperative Agreement Solicitation for the Development
of A Lamp Recycling Outreach Program



             Office of Solid Waste Universal Waste Program
    <http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/id/univwast.htm/grant.pdf>
                  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
               Office of Solid Waste & Emergency Response

FY 2002 Cooperative Agreement Solicitation for the Development of a Lamp
                       Recycling Outreach Program

           Guidance for Applicants:  Deadline = June 1, 2002
                     U.S. EPA Office of Solid Waste


INTRODUCTION

      Congress recently appropriated funds to the Environmental
      Protection Agency (EPA) for the development and implementation of
      a lamp (light bulb) recycling outreach program to increase
      awareness of proper disposal methods among commercial and
      industrial users of mercury-containing lamps, in compliance with
      the Universal Waste Rule.

      Mercury is a naturally occurring element commonly used by lamp
      manufacturers to increase the energy efficiency of the lamps they
      produce.  Examples of these mercury-containing lamps include
      familiar varieties such as the fluorescent lamps commonly found in
      office buildings, high intensity discharge (HID) lamps, and
      mercury vapor lamps.  While mercury is an essential component
      allowing lamps to operate more efficiently, it is also hazardous
      to humans and the environment, thus EPA categorizes
      mercury-containing lamps as hazardous waste under the Resource
      Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

      On July 6, 1999, (see 64 FR 36466) mercury-containing lamps were
      added to EPA's Universal Waste program. This program, created in
      1995, (see 60 FR 25492, May 11, 1995) eases the regulatory burden
      on facilities that manage certain widely generated hazardous
      wastes, known as universal waste.  The program was designed to
      promote the collection and recycling of these wastes.  It is
      important that mercury-containing wastes are properly managed
      since incorrect disposal of these wastes can seriously threaten
      the health of citizens, the environment, and wildlife.  Repeated
      exposure to large amounts of mercury can cause kidney, and nerve
      damage in adults and  children, and neurological damage in
      developing fetuses.  Unfortunately, many members of the industrial
      and commercial community do not realize that the lamps in their
      buildings pose such a threat, and they are unaware of acceptable
      methods for disposing of their lamps.  As a result, illegal
      dumping of this hazardous waste is common.  To address this issue,
      EPA's Cooperative Agreement for the Development of a Lamp
      Recycling Outreach Program will award funds to organizations
      creating and implementing outreach programs that educate the
      commercial community about the nature of mercury-containing lamps
      and their proper disposal.

      This guidance outlines the purpose and procedures for application
      and award of Fiscal Year 2002 Cooperative Agreement for the
      Development of a Lamp Recycling Outreach Program.  The average
      award available under this cooperative agreement program is
      approximately $500,000.  Evaluation criteria for awarding
      cooperative agreements under this program are documented below.
      Electronic copies of this guidance are available from the EPA
      Office of Solid Waste (send e-mail to <tschursin.anna@epa.gov> or
      phone 703-308-8805).

      Proposals are due to Anna Tschursin on or before June 1, 2002
      (contact information attached).


WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF
A LAMP RECYCLING OUTREACH PROGRAM?

      The purpose of the Cooperative Agreement for the Development of a
      Lamp Recycling Outreach Program is to provide financial assistance
      to eligible recipients for the development and implementation of a
      mercury-containing lamp recycling outreach program.  The program
      will promote lamp recycling by commercial and industrial users of
      mercury-containing lamps, and increase awareness of proper
      disposal methods in compliance with Federal and State Universal
      Waste Rules.   EPA is seeking proposals that will be effective in
      increasing the amount of lamps recycled in the short-term, as well
      as have lasting impact over the long-term.


WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE AN AWARD OF THE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF A LAMP RECYCLING OUTREACH PROGRAM?

The following entities are eligible for a cooperative agreement if they
are a nonprofit organization that is within the 50 states, District of
Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam,
American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

      -Public authorities (Federal, State, interstate and local)

      -Public agencies and institutions

      -Private organizations and agencies

      -Institutions and individuals


HOW MUCH FUNDING IS AVAILABLE?

      The average award available under this cooperative agreement
      program is approximately $500,000.  Three cooperative agreements
      will be awarded.


WILL EPA COMPLETELY FUND THE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS OR IS THERE A
MATCHING REQUIREMENT?

      There is no matching requirement for this cooperative agreement
      program.


HOW MUCH TIME DO RECIPIENTS HAVE TO COMPLETE THEIR PROJECT?

      All funds received through this cooperative agreement must be
      spent within seven years of the award date.  Outreach activities
      may extend beyond the seven-year period, however, all funds
      received through the agency must be used within the initial
      seven-year period.


WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS WILL EPA FUND UNDER THIS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT
PROGRAM?  AND WHAT ARE ACCEPTABLE PROGRAM ACTIVITIES?

      This cooperative agreement will support projects designed to
      develop and implement mercury-containing lamp recycling outreach.
      These programs must increase awareness of proper disposal methods
      with the end goal of encouraging recycling and increasing the
      recycling rate. Each of the following activities are considered
      acceptable elements for a program.  The following activities are
      suggestive and do not limit the range of activities considered
      eligible under this cooperative agreement program.


1.    Education
               Develop educational materials in accordance with the
               collection and treatment of hazardous waste lamps under
               the Universal Waste Rule

               Design a comprehensive plan to run a highly visible
               educational outreach campaign targeting the industrial
               and commercial users of mercury-containing lamps

2.    Advertising Campaign
               Develop an advertising campaign encouraging the recycling
               of mercury-containing lamps.


WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS WILL NOT BE FUNDED UNDER THIS COOPERATIVE
AGREEMENT PROGRAM?


      EPA will not fund activities designed to target house hold users
      of mercury-containing lamps without including industrial and
      commercial users in their plans as well.


PROJECT EVALUATION CRITERIA

   1.  Project Description (15 points)
            Provides a complete and clear statement of project goals,
            activities, budget, and detailed work plan.  Budgets should
            include: how funds will be used, estimated cost of each
            task, equipment supplies, travel, etc.   Work plans should
            include: the projected time-frame for the outreach program
            from initiation through completion, as well as a  timeline
            of significant milestones and work products to be developed.

   2.  Sustainable, Comprehensive Integrated Outreach Program (30
   points)
            Demonstrates how program will promote lamp recycling by
            commercial and industrial users of mercury-containing lamps,
            in compliance with Federal and State Universal Waste Rule
            provisions.  Justifies the work products to be developed.
            Describes how each product or activity meets the program
            goals.  Describes how your program will deliver long-term
            national benefit, including how you anticipate assisting the
            attainment of a national lamp recycling goal of 40% by 2005
            and 80% by 2009.

      3.  Qualifications and Experience  (20 points)
            Explains qualifications you have which can be applied to
            developing this outreach program.  Details your interest in
            recycling.  Demonstrates the availability of properly
            trained staff, facilities, or infrastructure to conduct the
            program.  Demonstrates an understanding of the key audiences
            that need to be reached.  Demonstrates an ability to develop
            accurate and compelling information for a wide audience.
            Demonstrates a history of successfully working with the
            private sector, state, and local government and recycling
            groups (business and environmental groups).  Justifies that
            you have the capability to develop an outreach program that
            can continue to encourage long-term improved recycling rates
            even after your direct involvement is complete.

      4.  Project Partners/Institutionalization  (15 points)
            Demonstrates an awareness of existing programs.  Describes
            efforts to leverage resources from other project partners,
            including other cooperative agreement awardees, surrounding
            communities, nonprofits, businesses, state and federal
            agencies.  Describes the possible role of EPA within the
            program.  Describes how you will collaborate with other
            stakeholders.

      (10 bonus points)
            Identifies partnering organization(s) and documents the
            relationship with the applicant.  This can be done, for
            example, through a letter of support, a joint statement, or
            principles of agreement signed by other parties

      5.  Measurability of Project Results  (10 points)
            Demonstrates the ability to quantitatively measure and
            document the effectiveness of your program.  Explains
            approach to tracking and reporting results.  At the end of
            the cooperative agreement period, should be able to provide
            a description of project outcomes -- i.e., What, if any was
            the impact on the recycling rate of your target audience?

      6.  Transferability (10 points)
            Explains how the information and lessons learned during the
            project will be transferred to others in order to continue
            to encourage long-term improved recycling rates even after
            your direct involvement is complete.


ARE THERE ANY OBLIGATORY CRITERIA THAT NEED TO BE MET?

      Applicants must show how their programs will be in compliance with
      Federal and State Universal Waste Rule provisions.


WHAT NEEDS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSAL?

      Submit Project Proposal
      An applicant must develop a brief project proposal of not more
      than 8 pages.  This proposal should be sent to Anna Tschursin by
      June 1, 2002.  These project proposals must contain the following
      information:


Guidance for the Cooperative Agreement Solicitation for the Development
of A Lamp Recycling Outreach Program


A.    Cover letter identifying project; name of organization; name,
address, phone numbers, email address, and signature of project director
B.    Detailed Work plan (special emphasis on "Evaluation Criteria"
described above including description and justification of the work
products to be developed; future collaboration with stakeholders, and
compliance with the Universal Waste Rule).
C.    Anticipated project outcomes (What will the project achieve?  How
will the project be evaluated?).
D.    Projected time-frame for outreach program from initiation through
completion (includes timeline of significant milestones)
E.    Detailed Budget Estimate (Explain clearly how funds will be used,
including estimated cost for each task, equipment, supplies, travel)
F.    Contact person for the project (including name, organization,
phone and email)


HOW IS THE PROPOSAL SUBMITTED?

   Submitting Cooperative Agreement Proposal:

   Mail an unbound, ready-to-copy original proposal plus two extra
      copies of the proposal; or preferably, an unbound ready to copy
      original and a diskette (formatted in WordPerfect of Microsoft
      Word).

      Cooperative agreement proposals must be submitted to OSW, care of
      Anna Tschursin. Submissions should be sent to one of the following
      addresses depending upon the mail delivery service used:
|---------------------------------------+---------------------------------------|
|                                       |                                       |
|           US Postal Service           |   All Commercial Overnight Delivery   |
|  (including Express and Priority Mail)|                Services               |
|            mailing address            |    (Federal Express, DHL, UPS, etc.)  |
|                                       |             street address            |
|---------------------------------------+---------------------------------------|
|                                       |                                       |
| Anna Tschursin                        | Anna Tschursin                        |
| U.S. Environmental Protection Agency  | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency  |
| Ariel Rios Bldg. (MC-5303W)           | Office of Solid Waste                 |
| 1200 Pennsylvania Ave, NW             | 2800 Crystal Drive, 7th floor         |
| Washington, DC 20460                  | Arlington, VA 22202                   |
|                                       |                                       |
|---------------------------------------+---------------------------------------|



      EPA will not accept proposals submitted after June 1, 2002.
      Proposals received after the June 1 deadline will be accepted if
      postmarked on or before May 30, 2002.


HOW WILL COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS BE REVIEWED AND AWARDED?

      Proposal Review & Selection
      Awardees will be selected through a competitive process whereby
      proposals will be reviewed and ranked by an EPA review committee
      based upon the evaluation criteria. Funding decisions will be
      made, and notice of awardees will be sent by June 12, 2002 to all
      applicants.

   Application for Federal Assistance
      Once awardees are notified of their selection, their Applications
      for Federal Assistance must be completed and turned in to Anna
      Tschursin by June 14, 2002 in order to receive funds.  It is
      recommended that applicants begin work on the Application for
      Federal Assistance even before they receive a notice of award.


CONTACTS

      For further information, please contact the EPA Office of Solid
      Waste Program Manager Anna Tschursin:

      703-308-8805  [phone]
      703-308-8638  [fax]
      Tschursin.Anna@epa.gov [e-mail]

   or visit the Office of Solid Waste Universal Waste Program website
   at:
      http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/id/univwast.htm/grant.pdf



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