The Fiscal Year 2024 National Environmental Information Exchange Network Grant Program by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeks applications to enhance the sharing of environmental data through innovative services and improve IT capabilities for decision-making. The submission deadline for applications has been extended to May 23, 2024. The program encourages projects funding under three priority areas: increased access to data and innovative processes, elimination of paper submissions via e-reporting, and enhancement of information management capacities among partners. Eligible applicants include states, U.S. territories, tribes, and inter-tribal consortia, with funding amounts ranging from $300,000 to $500,000 depending on the project type. A total of $10.5 million is anticipated for 25-35 assistance agreements. Each project must align with EPA's strategic goals, track progress, and demonstrate feasibility. The application review will consider project outputs, alignment with funding areas, budget clarity, and past performance. Successful applicants will be notified by August 2024, with awards expected by September 30, 2024, subject to compliance with EPA's administrative terms and reporting requirements.

The "Optional Exchange Network Budget Calculating Tool v.6" is designed to assist applicants in drafting project budgets for federal grants. It includes structured categories for personnel costs, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contractual services, other costs, and indirect costs, emphasizing compliance with funding thresholds and guidelines. Users can input information in highlighted fields and are advised against deleting rows to prevent formula errors. Notable instructions include specific price thresholds for equipment and supplies, as well as the maximum allowable rates for contracted services. The tool also specifies that the indirect cost rate must remain valid until September 30, 2024, and encourages users to reach out to the Exchange Network Grants Team for assistance. This document serves as a resource for ensuring the accurate calculation and categorization of budget items, reinforcing the importance of meticulous financial planning in grant applications.

The FY24 Optional Budget Narrative Attachment Form serves as a supplemental guide for applicants submitting proposals to the Exchange Network Grant Program. While optional, the budget narrative is a required element for all proposals to facilitate award processing by the EPA Grants Office. The template includes detailed instructions on crafting a comprehensive budget covering personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contractual costs, other costs, and indirect costs. Each category has specific guidelines on how to document expenses, including the necessary calculations and justifications for each type of cost. The document emphasizes the importance of itemization for supplies and clear justification for using non-competitive procurement methods. Applicants must ensure that all content is accurately completed, error-free, and compliant with existing regulations before submission. This emphasis on detailed budget planning underlines the necessity for accurate financial projections to secure funding, aligning with the broader context of federal and state funding applications.

The document provides an optional cover letter template for applicants submitting proposals for the FY 2024 Exchange Network Grant Program managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It emphasizes that a cover letter is mandatory, with a maximum length of two pages, and should contain specific information such as project title, funding requests, partners, and indirect costs. Additionally, it instructs applicants to edit placeholder text and remove unnecessary footnotes and page deletions before submission. The cover letter should also include a brief project description and essential contact information. Specific notes about indirect costs, procurement methods, and project opportunities guide applicants in aligning their submissions with program requirements. The template serves to streamline the application process while adhering to federal guidelines for RFPs and grants.

The document serves as an optional template for the FY 2024 Exchange Network Grant Program's project narrative submissions. It outlines the required structure and content for grant applications while emphasizing that the project narrative, limited to ten single-spaced pages, is a mandatory attachment. Applicants are instructed to customize sections highlighted in blue, detailing their organization, project goals, and budget. The template includes tables to summarize project goals, outputs, outcomes, key personnel, and technical solutions, ensuring alignment with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Strategic Plan. It emphasizes the necessity of documenting commitments to reusing tools, data sharing, budget appropriateness, and addressing both administrative needs and environmental impacts. Furthermore, the document highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of project costs, past performances, and collaboration with formal partners or mentors if applicable. Overall, the template aims to facilitate the submission process for applicants seeking funding from the federal program aimed at enhancing environmental data exchange and management.