Compliance Assistance Support for Services to the Regulated Community and Other Assistance Providers

Since 1996, in partnership with industry associations, universities and other government agencies, EPA has supported the development and maintenance of the Compliance Assistance Centers and Center resources. Each Center is targeted to a specific industry, group of industries, local government, or Federal facilities, and explains in plain language the environmental regulations that apply to that sector and offers technical assistance on compliance. In Fiscal Year 2026 funding will continue to support the web-based Compliance Assistance Centers. Through Internet Websites, e-mail discussion groups and more, the Centers will help businesses, local governments, and federal facilities understand federal environmental requirements and save money through pollution prevention techniques.

Applicants must be nonprofit organizations as that term is defined in 2 CFR Part 200. 1. Institutions of higher education as defined at 2 CFR 200.1 are also eligible. EPA will also accept applications from state, tribal and local governments. For-profit firms, including for-profit colleges, universities, trade schools, and hospitals are ineligible. Additionally, nonprofit organizations described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying activities as defined in Section 3 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 are not eligible to apply. 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 Policy for Competition of Assistance Agreements.

The primary beneficiaries are small businesses, local governments and colleges/universities that are being serviced by the grantees. Other beneficiaries include state and local governments, the general public, and the regulated business community.

For competitive awards, EPA will review and evaluate applications submissions in accordance with the terms, conditions, and criteria stated in the NOFO. Competitions will be conducted in accordance with EPA policies/regulations for competing assistance agreements. For non-competitive awards made under this assistance listing, EPA will conduct an administrative evaluation to determine the adequacy of the application in relation to grant regulations and to technical and program evaluation to determine the merit and relevance of the project. The Agency will then advise the applicant if funding is being considered. A final work plan will then be negotiated with the applicant.

Approximately 60 days from the date of submission of the application.