The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the management of the 507 Program's collaboration and communication activities, under the funding opportunity number EPA-OA-OSDBU-25-01. This opportunity is targeted at enhancing the services provided to small businesses for environmental compliance assistance, particularly in air quality and pollution control. The EPA's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) is seeking applications to support the National 507 Program, which consists of state Small Business Environmental Assistance Programs (SBEAPs) throughout the country. The primary objectives are to manage communication, facilitate collaboration, and maintain resources that assist small businesses in navigating regulatory compliance.

Eligible applicants are limited to specific entities under Section 507 of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA), including state and local governments or institutions of higher education that operate Small Business Environmental Assistance Programs (SBEAPs). These programs assist small businesses in understanding and complying with environmental regulations, which is crucial for improving environmental outcomes and reducing localized pollution. Eligibility is also limited to activities occurring within the U.S., and applicants must ensure that their proposals address at least one of the program’s priorities.

The program goals under this NOFO include three key components: communication and information sharing support services, maintaining the NationalSBEAP.org website, and organizing the annual training conference for the 507 Program. Specifically, applicants must propose a strategy for maintaining effective communication between SBEAP members, updating and managing contact lists, and facilitating technical discussions through newsletters or similar tools. Applicants are also expected to manage the NationalSBEAP.org website to ensure it continues to provide essential compliance assistance resources and information. Finally, applicants must provide support for planning and hosting the 507 Program Annual Training Conference, which aims to facilitate knowledge-sharing among stakeholders.

The funding available under this opportunity is $550,000, which will be awarded as a cooperative agreement for a period of up to five years. Only one award is anticipated, and while no cost-sharing is required, applicants may propose additional funding sources to enhance their competitiveness. The cooperative agreement format implies substantial involvement from EPA in the funded project, which may include collaboration during project implementation, monitoring performance, and review of key personnel qualifications and reports.

Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by December 2, 2024, following an earlier Letter of Intent deadline on November 1, 2024. Submissions must include detailed project narratives, a budget justification, and specific plans to achieve the program’s goals. The project narrative should not exceed 17 pages, and supporting materials such as resumes and letters of support can be attached separately. The proposal must explicitly describe the expected outputs and outcomes, such as increased compliance rates of small businesses and improved understanding of environmental requirements.

Applications will be evaluated based on several criteria, including project approach, environmental results, programmatic capability, budget justification, and leveraging of additional resources. Specific emphasis will be placed on how well the proposed project aligns with EPA’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, particularly in ensuring clean air for all communities and improving compliance with environmental laws. The review process will assign a numerical score, with 100 points as the maximum. Other factors, such as geographic diversity of funds, may influence the final funding decision.

Successful applicants will be notified by May 2025, with final award notifications anticipated by June 2025. Recipients will be expected to comply with all EPA administrative requirements, including performance reporting, financial accountability, and participation in the Federal Financial Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) reporting for subawards above $30,000. The EPA will also provide substantial oversight throughout the project’s implementation, reflecting the cooperative nature of the agreement.