Section 604(b) - Water Quality Management Program (FY 22-23)

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Opportunity Details

Evaluation & Scoring

Opportunity Information

CSFA Number

532-60-0376

CSFA Popular Name

Section 604b Grant Program

Title

Section 604(b) - Water Quality Management Program (FY 22-23)

Description

Illinois EPA’s Section 604(b) Water Quality Management program grant (a.k.a. Section 604(b) Grant Program) is designed to implement the Illinois Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) and Illinois’ Nonpoint Source Management Program (Illinois EPA, 2013). Grant funds are used to determine the nature, extent, and causes of point and nonpoint source (NPS) water pollution; develop water quality management plans; develop technical and administrative guidance tools for water pollution control; develop preliminary designs for best management practices (BMPs) to address water quality problems; implement administrative water pollution controls; and educate the public about the impact and importance of water pollution control. Examples of water quality management program projects and activities that have been funded through the Section 604(b) Grant Program are listed below. The list is not all-inclusive, and inclusion of a project or activity does not equate to an automatic eligibility for funding under the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). • Development of a watershed-based plan (WBP); • Update of an existing watershed plan or WBP; • Technical assistance for point or NPS water pollution control; • Environmental and social indicator monitoring to help document the need for water pollution control; and • Education and outreach to promote awareness and implementation of activities that may help to restore degraded waters or protect waters from degradation due to point or NPS pollution. Priority for funding will go to projects that build capacity and/or increase the assessments of waterbodies in support of the implementation of the WQMP and the Areawide Water Quality Management Plans. Eligible project types include 1) the development of planning, monitoring, and/or modeling tools, 2) outreach and education programs and materials to increase the capacity of key watershed stakeholders to develop and implement WBP, Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL), and/or build capacity to support adherence to Illinois EPA permit requirements, 3) WBP development, 4) water quality monitoring, and 5) technical assistance programs that support the WQMP. Examples of projects that Illinois EPA strongly supports include: • Expansion of Illinois EPA’s Assessment Unit Identification (AUID) system for lakes, rivers, and stream segments to better support both point and NPS pollution control efforts. • Update to the 2007 Guidance for Development of Watershed Action Plans in Illinois to include US EPA’s 2013 guidance on the 9 elements of a WBP. • Soil and Water Conservation District Construction Site Erosion Control Outreach Program This is a 100% funded program. Match funding is NOT required. Illinois EPA will rank the applications according to the criteria outlined in the Evaluation Section. Grants will be awarded to the applicants that propose the most cost-effective Projects with the largest potential for improving or protecting water quality. Applications that meet a minimum cut score (outlined in the Evaluation Section) will be eligible to receive additional points for Projects located within an area covered by an approved WBP, an existing TMDL area, and/or an Environmental Justice area.

Awarding Agency Name

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

Agency Contact Name

Christine Davis

Agency Contact Phone

217.782.3362

Agency Contact Email

epa.bowgrants@illinois.gov

Program

0376 Section 604b - Water Quality Management Planning

Fund Activity Categories

Environmental Quality

Category Explanation

Opportunity Manager

Christine Davis

Additional Users

Posted Date

Announcement Type

Initial Announcement

Funding Opportunity Number

24-0376-01

Assistance Listings Number

66.454

Public Link

https://il.amplifund.com/Public/Opportunities/Details/d08c9b29-bf05-4432-8dda-3e8f2b0d1787

Is Published

Yes

Funding Information

Opportunity Funding

$0.00

Funding Sources

Federal Or Federal Pass Through

Funding Source Description

This grant award is utilizing federal pass-through funds received from U.S. EPA and distributed by Illinois EPA under Section 604(b) of the Clean Water Act. Illinois EPA expects to award a total of approximately $750,000 of federal funds and anticipates distributing this amount across three (3) to five (5) awards. The actual amount depends upon the final U.S. EPA budget approved by Congress and the allocation awarded to Illinois by U.S. EPA. The Section 604(b) Grant Program does not have a set maximum or minimum total project cost or grant amount. However, in the past, projects have had a federal grant assistance amount that generally ranged from approximately $50,000 to $350,000. This is a reimbursement program. The Grantee must perform the work, pay project costs, and submit invoice(s) with supporting documentation before Illinois EPA will compensate the Grantee for any approved eligible costs. Illinois EPA shall only make reimbursements to the Grantee and shall reimburse the Grantee no more frequently than monthly. The Illinois EPA may elect to partially fund an application by funding discrete portions or phases of the Project scope of work. This could be due to ineligible (e.g., proposed monitoring without an approved QAPP) or low priority components identified in the application or inadequate funds available to complete the entire project. Intergovernmental Review This funding opportunity is subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.”

Award Information

Award Type

Competitive

Indirect Costs Allowed

Yes

Indirect Cost Description

In order to charge indirect costs to a grant, the applicant must have an annually negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA). There are three types of NICRAs: 1. Federally Negotiated Rate. Organizations that receive direct federal funding may have an indirect cost rate that was negotiated with the Federal Cognizant Agency. The State of Illinois will accept the federally negotiated rate. The applicant must provide a copy of the federal NICRA. 2. State Negotiated Rate. The applicant must negotiate an indirect cost rate with the State of Illinois if they do not have a Federally Negotiated Rate or elect NOT to use the De Minimis Rate. The indirect cost rate proposal must be submitted to the State of Illinois within 90 days of receipt of the Notice of State Award. 3. De Minimis Rate. An organization that has never received a Federally Negotiated Rate may elect a de minimis rate of 10% of the Project's modified total direct cost (MTDC). Once established, the de minimis rate may be used indefinitely. The State of Illinois must verify the calculation of the MTDC annually in order to accept the de minimis rate. An applicant has the discretion not to claim payment for indirect costs. Applicants that elect not to claim indirect costs cannot be reimbursed for indirect costs nor use it as match.

Restrictions on Indirect Costs

Submission Information

Submission Timeline Additional Information

The Illinois EPA shall not extend the application deadline date. Incomplete applications shall not be considered for funding and will preclude the Illinois EPA from making an award to the applicant.

Allow Multiple Applications

Yes

Technical Assistance Session

Eligibility Information

Eligibility Type

Public

Eligible Applicants

Others, Government Organizations, Education Organizations, Nonprofit Organizations

Applicant Eligibility Information

Beneficiary Eligibility Information

Credentials Documentation Eligibility Information

Additional Eligibility Information

Section 604(b) Grant Program funds are available to recognized Regional Public Comprehensive Planning Organizations and to any entity proposing a project with water quality benefits that fulfills part of the applicant's organizational charter. The organization must also have legal status to accept funds from the State of Illinois. This can include: watershed groups; land conservancies or trusts; public and private profit and nonprofit organizations and institutions; units of county, municipal, township, and state governments; universities and colleges; park districts and other local land managing agencies; soil and water conservation districts; conservation organizations; and others. Section 604(b) Grant Program applicants must have the financial ability to initiate the project, pay expenses, and then request reimbursement from the Illinois EPA, while continuing to finance their normal operating expenses. Applicants must have the authority and ability to implement the proposed project or propose to subcontract portions of the project to the appropriate entities for implementation.

Award Administration Information

State Award Notices

The Illinois EPA shall issue a Notice of State Award (NOSA) to the successful grant applicants. The NOSA shall specify the funding terms and specific conditions resulting from the Fiscal and Administrative and Programmatic Risk Assessments. The NOSA must be accepted by an authorized representative of the grant applicant before a grant agreement can be sent to the applicant. A NOSA is not an authorization to begin project activities or incur costs. No work should begin prior to the execution of a Grant Agreement between the IEPA and selected Grantee.

Administrative and National Policy Requirements

The terms and conditions of the award shall be specified in the NOSA and the grant agreement. No grantee shall receive a grant or any other State or federal assistance that would provide more than 100 percent of the eligible project costs. Each grantee must agree to comply with all applicable federal and State requirements. This includes Uniform Administrative Requirements, 2 C.F.R. § 200, Executive Order 12372 “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs”, and GATA. These can have a significant impact on the costs and complexity of a project. Section 604(b) Grant Program grantees will be expected to submit signed assurances that they will comply with all State and federal mandates, including: a) Business Enterprise Program for Minorities, Females, and Person with Disabilities Act; 30 ILCS 575/: For grant awards of $250,000 or more, the grantee will be required to comply with the Business Enterprise Program for Minorities, Females, and Persons with Disabilities Act, which establishes a goal for contracting with businesses that have been certified as owned and controlled by persons who are minority, female, or who have disabilities. The grantee must document a plan for compliance prior to the establishment of the grant agreement and ensure compliance through the life of the grant. Successful applicants will be required to execute a formal grant agreement and adhere to all requirements of the Section 604(b) Grant Program and other State and federal contractual requirements. In the grant agreement, the grantee shall be required to: • Certify that it does and shall comply with all provisions of the federal Internal Revenue Code (26 USC 1), the Illinois Income Tax Act; (35 ILCS 5/), and all rules promulgated thereunder, including withholding provisions and timely deposits of employee taxes and unemployment insurance taxes. • Certify that it does and shall comply with the reporting requirements of the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006; PL 109–282, September 26, 2006, 120 Stat 1186 with respect to federal Awards greater than or equal to $25,000. • Certify that it shall adhere to the applicable Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements, which are published in Title 2, Part 200 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and are incorporated herein by reference. See 44 Ill. Adm. Code 7000.30(b)(1)(A). • Certify that it and its sub-grantees shall: (i) be registered with the federal SAM and registered with the State equivalent of SAM; (ii) be in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State; and (iii) have a valid UEI number. It is the Grantee’s responsibility to remain current with these registrations and requirements. If the Grantee’s status with regard to any of these requirements change, or the certifications made in and information provided in the Uniform Grant Application changes, the Grantee’s must notify the Grantor in accordance with ARTICLE XVIII. • Submit personnel activity reports accounting on an after-the-fact basis for 100% of the Grantee's employees' actual time, separately indicating the time spent on the Section 604(b) Grant, other grants or projects, vacation or sick leave, and administrative time, if applicable.

Reporting

All projects require quarterly reporting including a Periodic Financial Report, a Periodic Performance Report, and a project details report. All projects require a final Project report. The report shall document the project tasks and summarize the findings, costs, and benefits of the Project. The Grantee shall submit to the Illinois EPA, by the date specified in the grant agreement, a report explaining the execution of the Project and evaluating the Project’s success.

State Awarding Agency Contacts

If you have any programmatic questions regarding the Section 604(b) Grant Program, this NOFO, or the Section 604(b) Grant Program Application, contact the Illinois EPA’s Watershed Management Section staff: Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Bureau of Water WMS, #15 P.O. Box 19276 Springfield, Illinois 62794-9276 Email: epa.bowgrants@illinois.gov Phone: (217) 782-3362 If you have any fiscal and administrative questions regarding the Uniform Grant Application, the Uniform Grant Budget Template, Indirect cost rates, Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ), or pre-qualifying through the GATA Grantee Portal, contact the Illinois EPA’s Fiscal staff at: Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Fiscal, #2 P.O. Box 19276 Springfield, Illinois 62794-9276 Email: epa.gata@illinois.gov Phone: (217) 785-1724

Other Information

Additional information about Illinois' Water Quality Management Program can be found on Illinois EPA’s website, including the Section 604(b) Biannual Report, which describes the projects that have been funded in the past under the Section 604(b) Grant Program. For additional information on watershed-based planning, please refer to Appendix C of the Nonpoint Source Program and Grants Guidelines for States and Territories (April 12, 2013) https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-09/documents/319-guidelines-fy14.pdf) and the Guidance for Developing Watershed Action Plans in Illinois (Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, 2007) (https://www.cmap.illinois.gov/documents/10180/12157/Developing+Watershed+Action+plans.pdf/3173d107-74a4-4d98-8c36-b327bb43018b). The Illinois EPA has the right to use (including, but not limited to, citing to, circulating, displaying, and reproducing) all products that result from the Grantee receiving financial assistance under the grant agreement whether the product is developed by the Grantee or a sub-recipient. Illinois EPA is not obligated to make any grant award as a result of this NOFO.

Criteria

All Section 604(b) Grant Program applications shall be reviewed for completeness, technical merit, cost effectiveness, and adherence to the Clean Water Act, U.S. EPA Section 604(b) program guidance, and the competitive grant evaluation criteria described in this NOFO. Applications found to be complete shall undergo a comprehensive, merit-based review performed in compliance with GATA Legislation 30 ILCS 708 and Uniform Administrative Requirements; 2 CFR § 200. The merit-based review is designed to evaluate applications against the following criteria:

Tier 1

General Quality of Application (1 – 10 points)

All questions have been adequately or appropriately answered
Level of completeness and attention to detail
- Application includes clear project description, tasks, and measurable outcomes
Project description is easy to understand

Quality of Proposal (1 – 20 points)

Project is consistent with the intent of the NOFO
Applicant is either a Regional Public Comprehensive Planning Organization (RPCPO) or has a State recognized Charter that specifically includes the type of work proposed in the Section 604(b) Grant Program application
The application identifies steps to implement the Project and provides clear Project goals and measurable objectives needed to achieve the expected outputs and outcomes
The level of Project development is strong
Timeline is appropriate for the tasks and milestones outlined
- Project can be completed in two (2) years or less
Budget line items are justified in the Project narrative

Anticipated Outputs and Outcomes (1 – 20 points)

The application identifies clear Project goals and measurable objectives
The application demonstrates a sound plan for measuring progress toward achieving the expected outputs and outcomes
Project helps improve capacity of local, State, and/or federal partners to control water pollution
For watershed-based plan (WBP) development projects,
- The application outlines a comprehensive strategy to meet USEPA's 9 WBP key elements
- The application demonstrates a thorough plan to inventory watershed resources
- The application includes an inclusive plan for the incorporation of public participation into the planning process

For non-watershed-based plan development projects
- The Project proposes to implement components of an Illinois EPA WBP or Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Implementation Plan
- Project addresses critical area(s) identified in an Illinois EPA-approved WBP or TMDL Implementation Plan
- Project utilizes outcome-based approaches to meet design, information and education, and/or technical assistance goals

Cost Effectiveness (1 – 10 points)

Budget is detailed and clearly presented
Project costs are limited to eligible components and activities
Project components and/or activities are cost-effective and/or comparable to other water quality management projects

Addresses Need and Environmental Significance (1 – 20 points)

Project will support activities to ensure protection or improvement of water quality in Illinois' surface water resources
Proposed approach/actions/activities are appropriate or technically/scientifically sound to control point and/or NPS pollution
The Project is a component of a larger water quality improvement project or program

Financial Integrity (1 – 10 points)

Applicant has the financial ability to complete the Project

Programmatic Capability, Technical Experience and Qualifications (1 – 10 points)

Applicant, or its consultant or partner, can successfully manage and complete the Project
Applicant, or its consultant or partner, has strong staff expertise/qualifications, staff knowledge, and resources or the ability to obtain them, to successfully achieve the intent of the NOFO

Minimum Cut Score. Application points for the Tier 1 criterion listed above will be summed to arrive at a preliminary composite average score. A minimum cut score of 70 will be used to determine if points for the additional Tier 2 criterion listed below will be applied. Applications that score ≤69 will not be given any additional Tier 2 points for the criterion listed below, regardless if they apply.

Tier 2

Relationship to an approved WBP. (Point Range 0, 5, or 10) Priority will be given to those projects that support implementation of an Illinois-EPA approved WBP. Implementation of a WBP could include design of BMPs that have been identified for specific critical areas; Water quality modeling; environmental and social indicator monitoring; and outreach activities that are specifically identified in the WBP. Applications that have no relationship and are not located within an approved WBP earn 0 points, while those with eligible projects partially located in an Illinois-approved WBP earn 5 points. Those Projects that have eligible projects which are entirely located within an approved WBP earn 10 points.

Relationship to an approved TMDL. (Point Range 0, 5, or 10) Priority will be given to those projects that support implementation of a U.S. EPA-approved TMDL. Implementation of a TMDL could include design of BMPs that have been identified for specific critical areas; Water quality modeling; environmental and social indicator monitoring; and outreach activities that are specifically identified in the TMDL. Projects that have no relationship to and are not located within an approved TMDL earn 0 points, while those with eligible projects in areas that are partially located within an approved TMDL will earn 5 points. Those with eligible projects that are entirely located within an approved TMDL earn 10 points.

Click here for additional information about Illinois EPA’s TMDL Program and consult with the Planning Unit at (217) 782-3362 before applying for the implementation of a TMDL Implementation Plan.

Relationship to Illinois EPA Environmental Justice Areas (Point Range 0, 5, or 10) Priority will be given to those projects that are located within an Illinois EPA Environmental Justice Area. "Environmental Justice" is based on the principle that all people should be protected from environmental pollution and have the right to a clean and healthy environment. Environmental justice is the protection of the health of the people of Illinois and its environment, equity in the administration of the State's environmental programs, and the provision of adequate opportunities for meaningful involvement of all people with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Projects that have no relationship to an Environmental Justice Area will earn 0 points, while those with project areas that are partially located in an Environmental Justice Area earn 5 points. Those projects that are entirely located within an Environmental Justice Area(s) earn 10 points.

Review and Selection Process

The complete applications shall be reviewed by an Evaluation Panel that is composed of Illinois EPA, Bureau of Water (BOW), Watershed Management Section (WMS) staff, and other BOW staff, as available.

Each application shall be reviewed in-depth by the entire Evaluation Panel.

Illinois EPA’s WMS shall solicit peer reviews on the applications from within the Illinois EPA regional offices in which the project is located.

The peer reviews shall not generate a numerical score but will provide information for the Evaluation Panel to consider while conducting the merit-based review.

The Evaluation Panel shall be convened to discuss the applications, peer review comments, and other relevant information. Using the merit-based review criteria, each member of the Evaluation Panel shall individually score each application on a scale of 100 points independently of the whole panel. Each Evaluation Panel member shall then give the application a numeric score. These individual scores shall be shared with the whole Evaluation Panel and recorded on a summary score sheet that shows the comparative scores. Any significant or substantial variance between member’s scores shall be reviewed and documented, including voluntary revision of individual scores.

Application points for the Tier 2 criterion will be added to the eligible applications (applications that received a Tier I score of 70 or above) to arrive at a composite score. The final scores shall be ranked accordingly. Section 604(b) Grant Program funds will be awarded per the NOFO, starting with the highest ranked project funded first, followed in order by rank and eligibility.

Additional review and selection processes are provided below.

If the amount of available grant funding is not sufficient to fund the application in its entirety, the Evaluation Panel shall review the application to determine if a discrete portion or phase of the project meeting the mission of this NOFO can be funded.
If the Evaluation Panel determines that an applicant incorrectly calculated or indicated the project cost and/or total funding request based on the applicable cost estimate or eligible costs, the application shall still be accepted and reviewed. If the application is recommended for funding, the Illinois EPA shall contact the applicant and request a decision from the applicant as to whether it will accept the award based on the Illinois EPA’s determination of the Project cost and/or total funding requested. If the applicant does not accept the Illinois EPA’s determination, the application shall not be funded.

Illinois EPA’s Watershed Management Section will present a summary of all the applications to the Chief of the Bureau of Water and to the Director of the Illinois EPA. This summary shall include confirmation that the NOFO was followed and the findings and recommendations of the Evaluation Panel, including application rank and funding recommendation.

Based on USEPA program guidelines, and the Evaluation Panel’s scoring, the Illinois’ Section 604(b) Grant Program Water Quality Management Work Plan (Work Plan) will be prepared and submitted to US EPA for approval. The Work Plan identifies the selected applications (projects) proposed for funding by Illinois EPA. If the amount of available grant funding is not anticipated to be sufficient to fund a higher-ranked application in its entirety and the applicant declines the offer of partial funding, the Illinois EPA will select for inclusion in the Work Plan the next highest-ranked application that Illinois EPA would anticipate to be able to fund based on the grant funding level anticipated from US EPA. The Work Plan includes a budget spreadsheet, a short narrative summary of each selected project, and a copy of the selected project applications.

Appeal Process

An appeal process is available to applicants and other interested parties; however, appeals are limited to the Illinois EPA evaluation process. Evaluation scores may not be protested. An appeal must be submitted in writing to the following address: Illinois EPA, Attn: Section 604(b) Grant Program, Bureau of Water, Mail Code #15, P.O. Box 19276, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9276 and must be received within 14 calendar days after the date that the Notice of State Award has been published by the Illinois EPA on Grants.Illinois.gov. The written appeal shall include at a minimum the following: the name and address of the appealing party, identification of the grant, and a statement of reasons for the appeal. Illinois EPA shall acknowledge receipt of an appeal within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date the appeal was received.

When an appeal is received, the execution of all remaining grant agreements that Illinois EPA intends to make under this NOFO shall be stayed until the appeal is resolved, unless the Illinois EPA determines the needs of the State require moving forward with execution of the remaining grant agreements. The State need determination and rational shall be documented in writing.

Illinois EPA shall respond to the appeal within 60 days or supply a written explanation to the appealing party as to why additional time is required. The appealing party must supply any additional information requested by Illinois EPA within the time period set in the request. The Director of the Illinois EPA may appoint one or more Appeal Review Officers (ARO) to consider the grant-related appeal and make a recommendation to the Director of the Illinois EPA or designee for resolution. The ARO shall make a recommendation to the Director of the Illinois EPA or designee as expeditiously as possible after receiving all relevant, requested information. In determining the appropriate recommendation, the ARO shall consider the integrity of the competitive grant process and the impact of the recommendation on the Illinois EPA. The Illinois EPA shall resolve the appeal by means of written determination, which shall include, but not be limited to: review of the appeal, appeal determination, and rationale for the determination.

Anticipated Announcement Dates

By January 12, 2024, Illinois EPA expects to send written notice to each applicant whose application was not selected for inclusion in the Section 604(b) Grant Program Work Plan.

Following a decision of intent to award, the Illinois EPA is required by GATA to conduct a fiscal and administrative risk assessment and programmatic risk assessment of the applicant. Additional information may be required at that time from the successful applicant. To remain eligible for the award, the applicant must provide the requested information within the time specified by the Illinois EPA. The Fiscal and Administrative Risk Assessment Questionnaire is available on the GATA Portal.

By February 15, 2024, the Illinois EPA expects to send a Notice of State Award (NOSA) to the successful grant applicant for signature. The NOSA will specify the funding terms and specific conditions resulting from the pre-award risk assessments. The NOSA must be accepted and returned by an authorized representative of the grantee organization. The NOSA is not an authorization to begin performance or incur costs.

By April 15, 2024, Illinois EPA expects to send a grant agreement to the grant recipient for signature.

By June 1, 2024, Illinois EPA expects to provide a fully executed grant agreement to the grant recipient. A fully executed grant agreement is authorization for the grant recipient to begin work on the project.

Action by Illinois EPA	Target Dates

Notify unsuccessful applicants that their application was not selected for inclusion in the Section 604(b) Grant Program Work Plan.	January 12, 2024
Send a Notice of State Award to the selected applicant for signature.	February 15, 2024
Send a Grant Agreement to the selected applicant for signature.	April 15, 2024
Provide a fully executed Grant Agreement to the grantee.	June 1, 2024