Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Program (SDWA 1459E)
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
To inform the public about the role of water and wastewater systems in their communities, increase awareness of career opportunities in the water utility sector, and provide exposure to water utility careers through various work-based opportunities. Funding priorities include, but are not limited to: (1) increasing awareness of career opportunities, and providing exposure to water utilities to address the workforce needs of water utilities; and (2) providing hands-on contextualized learning opportunities to assist the development and utilization of innovative activities relating to workforce development and career opportunities in the water utility sector.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Nonprofit Organization
Eligible applicants are nonprofit professional or service organizations, nonprofit labor organizations, nonprofit community colleges, institutions of higher education, other nonprofit training and educational institutions, or public works departments and agencies. 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-profit organizations and individuals are not eligible to apply. The EPA may ask applicants to demonstrate that they are eligible for funding. 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.
Beneficiaries
- Teen (13–19)
- Unrestricted by Individual Type
- Other
Anyone/general public
How to Apply
Award Procedure
For competitive awards, EPA will review and evaluate applications 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.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 120 to 180 days
Program details & compliance
Description
Water and wastewater utilities provide a unique opportunity for access to stable, high-quality careers. As utilities make critical investments in infrastructure, water and wastewater utilities can invest in the development of local workers and local small businesses to strengthen communities and ensure a strong pipeline of skilled and diverse workers for today and tomorrow. To further the goal of ensuring a strong pipeline of skilled and diverse workers in the water and wastewater utilities sector, section 1459E of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), authorizes EPA to develop a grant program that will accelerate career pipelines and provide access to workforce opportunities. Program funds support the development and utilization of innovative activities relating to workforce development and career opportunities in the water utility sector. Funding also supports expanding public awareness about water utilities and connecting individuals to careers in the water utility sector.
Mission Categories
Primary: Water Pollution Control
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Grants and cooperative agreements are available to support recipients' allowable direct costs in approved scopes of work plus allowable indirect costs, in accordance with established EPA policies and regulations. The funds will support increased awareness of career opportunities and exposure to water utility careers through various work-based learning opportunities, connect individuals to career pathways related to water utilities, and provide direct connection to industry employers. Assistance agreement awards under this program may involve or relate to geospatial information. Further information regarding geospatial information may be obtained by viewing the following website: Geospatial Resources at EPA.
Required Documentation
Documentation of nonprofit status may be required. Applicants may be requested to demonstrate they have appropriate background, academic training, experience in the field, and necessary equipment to carry out projects. EPA may ask applicants or principal investigators to provide curriculum vitae and relevant publications.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements