November 2003

EPA Offers Funding for Creative Proposals for Waste Reduction, Recycling Approaches

EPA anticipates at least $500,000 will be available to fund creative proposals testing innovative approaches to waste minimization, energy recovery, recycling, land revitalization, and homeland security related to chemical emergency, preparedness, and response that may be replicated across various sectors, industries, communities, and regions. The EPA anticipates selecting between 12 - 20 proposals. Proposals can be submitted by EPA employees in OSWER headquarters or regional offices; public authorities (Federal, State, interstate, intrastate, and local); public agencies and institutions; nonprofit private organizations, agencies, and institutions; academia; and federally recognized Tribes. All funds allocated under this program can be placed into Interagency Agreements (IAGs), contracts, cooperative agreements, or grants, depending upon the principal purpose of the transaction.

The Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER) set aside a limited amount of funding for regional and HQ program offices to develop new and creative approaches addressing OSWER’s key priorities. Often times good ideas are developed or enhanced through collaboration and partnership with co-regulators and external stakeholders.

The Innovation Work Group plans to have two review rounds in Fiscal Year 2004 - one in the winter and one in the spring. Proposals for the fall are due December 5, 2003 and proposals for the spring are due April 16, 2004. EPA expects to distribute the funds equally in each round.

Contact the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER) at 800 EPA-WISE (372-9473) and ask about the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response Innovation Pilots.