The Department of Defense's Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation has announced a funding opportunity under the Community Noise Mitigation Program, providing $75 million for eligible state and local governments as well as Indian Tribes to reduce military aviation noise impacts. The program will support the installation of sound insulation and air conditioning in facilities affected by military aircraft noise, particularly those within specific proximity to military installations or experiencing elevated noise levels. Eligible projects include hospitals, daycare centers, schools, and residences, emphasizing the importance of compliance with noise level criteria established in relevant federal regulations. Proposers must submit applications through Grants.gov by July 9, 2025, with a minimum local cost-share of 10%. Selection criteria focus on project prioritization based on noise levels, readiness for implementation, and the effectiveness of proposed mitigation strategies. The ultimate goal is to enhance community resilience against noise pollution while fostering collaboration between military operations and local communities. This initiative reflects a commitment to ameliorating the challenges posed by military aircraft noise, encouraging sustainable development, and enhancing the quality of life in affected areas.
The Community Noise Mitigation Program Notice of Funding Opportunity outlines the grant application process for communities seeking funds to address noise issues near military installations. The program has a total of $51,724,201 for projects near active military sites and $10,191,247 for reserve installations. Key changes include the ability to submit multiple proposals, a 10% local match requirement, and eligibility of building code corrections necessary for noise mitigation projects. Proposals should not exceed 21 pages and must demonstrate readiness to commence within 12 months. Eligible projects must focus on sound insulation for facilities built prior to December 27, 2020 and follow strict environmental compliance guidelines. The program emphasizes acoustical testing, project prioritization, and proper documentation while clarifying eligibility criteria for various types of facilities. Local government entities can submit proposals, but individual homeowners cannot apply for funding. The program is competitive, with funds distributed based on scoring criteria that prioritize community noise reduction strategies. Overall, this funding opportunity aims to enhance community well-being by mitigating noise pollution linked to military aviation activities.
The CNMP Grants.gov Proposal Instructions provide guidance for registering and applying for the Community Noise Mitigation Program (CNMP) offered by the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC). Applicants must create accounts on SAM.gov and Grants.gov, with SAM.gov registration taking 4-8 weeks and requiring annual renewals. Notably, entities now use a Unique Entity ID rather than the DUNS number, streamlining the application process.
Application steps include searching for the NOFO (with Opportunity Number OLDCC-24-F-0001), creating workspaces, adding team members, completing necessary forms like the SF 424, and submitting the application by the deadline of October 22, 2024. The SF 424 must contain specific applicant details and project information, including funding requests and affected regions.
Submitting through Grants.gov involves confirming all forms are properly completed and approved. Timely submission is crucial, as late applications will not be considered. This document serves as a comprehensive guide to navigate the federal grant application process, ensuring compliance with requirements and deadlines.