Enhanced Aquifer Use and Recharge Program

The purpose of this program is to carry out groundwater research on enhanced aquifer use and recharge in support of sole source aquifers. This program will support groundwater research on enhanced aquifer use and recharge by States, units of local government, or Indian Tribes and research centers.

For certain competitive funding opportunities under this assistance listing, the Agency may limit eligibility to compete to a number or subset of eligible applicants consistent with the Agency’s Assistance Agreement Competition Policy. Only these types of organizations may apply. Organization types are consistent with definitions at 2 CFR 200.1: • States. • Unit of local government (consistent with the definition of "local government" in 2 CFR 200.1). • Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments. The State, unit of local government, or Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Government who receives the award is required to make one or more subawards to, and establish a formal research relationship with, a research center. Research centers can be comprised of a single eligible subrecipient or a consortium of eligible subrecipients. Research centers are limited to public and private nonprofit institutions/organizations located in the U.S. and its territories or possessions, public and private institutions of higher education (IHEs) located in the U.S. and its territories or possessions; state and local governments located in the U.S. and its territories or possessions; and Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments. Profit-making firms and individuals are not eligible to apply. For-profit colleges, universities, trade schools, and hospitals are ineligible. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities are not eligible to apply. National laboratories funded by Federal Agencies (Federally-Funded Research and Development Centers, “FFRDCs”) may not apply. FFRDC employees may cooperate or collaborate with eligible applicants within the limits imposed by applicable legislation and regulations. They may participate in planning, conducting, and analyzing the research directed by the applicant, but may not direct projects on behalf of the applicant organization. An award recipient may provide funds through its assistance agreement from the EPA to an FFRDC for research personnel, supplies, equipment, and other expenses directly related to the research. Federal Agencies may not apply. Federal employees are not eligible to serve in a principal leadership role on an assistance agreement. Federal employees may not receive salaries or augment their Agency’s appropriations through awards made under this program unless authorized by law to receive such funding.

Public nonprofit institutions/organizations and private nonprofit institutions/organizations located in the U.S.; state and local governments; Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments; Anyone/General Public, Health Professional, Education Professional, Student/Trainee, Graduate Student, Scientists/Researchers.

For competitive awards, EPA will review and evaluate applications in accordance with the terms, conditions, and criteria stated in the competitive announcement. Competitions will be conducted in accordance with EPA policies/regulations for competing assistance agreements. Customarily, applicants are notified about award decisions within six months of the solicitation deadline. After being recommended for award, applicants will be required to submit additional certifications and may be requested to provide responses to comments or suggestions offered by the peer reviewers, a revised budget, and/or make appropriate revisions. EPA Project Officers will contact Principal Investigators to obtain these materials. The official notification of an award will be made by the Agency's Grants and Interagency Agreements Management Division. Before or after award, certain applicants will be expected to provide additional quality assurance documentation.

Approximately 150-180 days from the close of the solicitation.