The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is offering funding through the Pesticide Regulatory Education Program (PREP) to provide educational training for senior state, tribal, and U.S. territorial staff involved in pesticide regulatory programs. This grant program, announced as EPA-OCSPP-OPS-2024-009, is part of EPA's Strategic Plan to ensure chemical and pesticide safety, with funding dedicated to support courses that improve pesticide program management. The application deadline is November 15, 2024, and the estimated project start date is October 2025. Applicants are encouraged to submit an informal notice of intent to apply approximately 3-4 weeks after the announcement.

This funding opportunity aims to support the development and implementation of four annual courses covering critical pesticide issues, including policy, regulatory updates, and technical information. These training sessions will facilitate knowledge sharing and improve regulatory capacities among state, tribal, and territorial personnel, ensuring alignment with Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) requirements. Attendees will benefit from both classroom and potential field experiences, receiving the latest insights on pesticide regulation, compliance, and public health impact. Course content may include additional topics like environmental protection, communication strategies, and emerging pesticide concerns.

Eligible entities include U.S. states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, Native American organizations, and affiliated public institutions and agencies. Cost-sharing is not required. EPA plans to award a single cooperative agreement under this program, with an estimated total funding of $3,000,000 over a five-year period. The initial allocation is up to $535,000 for FY 2026, with possible annual increments depending on performance and available funding. Successful applicants will demonstrate capability in organizing the courses, supporting EPA goals, and ensuring both in-person and alternative (web-based) training resources.

Applicants must submit detailed project narratives and budgets, including strategies for evaluating and improving training outcomes. Evaluation will prioritize proposals that clearly outline objectives and methods for delivering high-quality, practical training that meets program goals. EPA will score applications based on criteria such as project goals, approach, performance measures, budget appropriateness, and applicant capacity. A key requirement is for applicants to describe measurable environmental outcomes, particularly in terms of improved regulatory effectiveness and compliance in pesticide management.

The application package, available on Grants.gov, should include a federal application form, a budget outline, key contact information, and a detailed project narrative. Applicants must comply with submission requirements, including grants system registrations (SAM.gov and Grants.gov). Technical assistance is available through both platforms, and EPA will consider exceptions only for unavoidable circumstances that prevent timely electronic submission.

Awardees will be required to report progress quarterly and complete a final report summarizing project achievements, challenges, and feedback. These reports help EPA assess the program's impact on pesticide safety and regulatory efficiency. For further details, applicants can contact Cindy Wire at EPA’s Office of Program Support or review additional resources provided in the grant announcement.