Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP) Regional Grants; Notice of Funds Availability, 37827-37831 [05-12923]

Agencies

• ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 125 (Thursday, June 30, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37827-37831]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-12923]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[OPP-2005-0137; FRL-7715-3]


Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP) Regional 
Grants; Notice of Funds Availability

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice

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SUMMARY: EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), in coordination with 
the EPA Regional Offices, is soliciting applications for projects that 
further the goals of the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program 
(PESP). Eligible applicants include the 50 States, District of 
Columbia, U.S. Virgin Islands, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, any 
territory or possession of the United States, any agency or 
instrumentality of a State including State universities, and all 
federally recognized Tribes. Under this program, assistance agreements 
will provide financial support to eligible applicants to carry out 
projects that reduce the risks associated with pesticide use in 
agricultural and non-agricultural settings. The total amount of funding 
available for award in FY 2005 is expected to be approximately 
$470,000, with a maximum funding level of $47,000 per project.

DATES: Submit your proposals in accordance with the detailed 
instructions in Unit IV.3. no later than August 15, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Applications must be submitted to your EPA Regional PESP 
Coordinator listed in Unit VII.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Your EPA Regional PESP Coordinator 
listed in Unit VII.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Overview

    The following listing provides certain key information concerning 
the proposal opportunity.
     Federal agency name: Environmental Protection Agency.
     Funding opportunity title: Pesticide Environmental 
Stewardship Program (PESP) Regional Grants; Notice of Funds 
Availability.
     Funding opportunity number: OPP-006.
     Announcement type: The initial announcement of a funding 
opportunity.
     Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number: This 
program is included in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under 
number 66.714 at https://www.cfda.gov.
     Dates: Applications must be postmarked by the U.S. Postal 
Service, hand delivered, or include official delivery service 
documentation indicating EPA Regional Office acceptance from a delivery 
service no later than August 15, 2005.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Authority

    EPA expects to enter into assistance agreements under the authority 
of section 20 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide 
Act(FIFRA), 7 U.S.C. 136r, which authorizes the Agency to issue grants 
or cooperative agreements for research, public education, training, 
monitoring, demonstrations, and studies. Regulations governing these 
assistance agreements are found at 40 CFR part 30 for institutions of 
higher education, colleges and universities, and nonprofit 
organizations, and 40 CFR part 31 for States and local governments. In 
addition, the provisions in 40 CFR part 32, governing government wide 
debarment and suspension; and the provisions in 40 CFR part 34, 
regarding restrictions on lobbying apply. All costs incurred under this 
program must be allowable under the applicable OMB Cost Circulars: A-87 
(States and local governments), A-122 (nonprofit organizations), or A-
21 (universities). Copies of these circulars can be found athttps://
www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/. In accordance with EPA policy and 
the OMB circulars, as appropriate, any recipient of funding must agree 
not to use assistance funds for lobbying, fund-raising, or political 
activities (e.g., lobbying members of Congress or lobbying for other 
Federal grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts). See 40 CFR part 
34.

B. Program Description

    1. Purpose and scope. Assistance agreements awarded under this 
program are intended to provide financial assistance to eligible States 
and Tribal governments for projects that address pesticide risk 
reduction, integrated pest management (IPM), IPM in schools, children's 
health issues related to pesticides, and those research methods for 
documenting IPM adoption or the reduction of risks associated with 
changes in pesticide use. Other projects will be considered as they 
complement these goals through public education, training, monitoring, 
demonstrations, and other activities. Emphasis will be placed on those 
projects with defined outcomes that can quantitatively document project 
impacts. Although the proposal may request funding for activities that 
will further long-term objectives, this program provides onetime 
funding, and the maximum period of performance for funded activities is 
expected to be not more than 24 months.
    2. Activities to be funded. EPA specifically seeks to build IPM 
capacities or to evaluate the feasibility of new IPM approaches at the 
local level

[[Page 37828]]

(i.e., innovative approaches and methodologies that use application or 
other strategies to reduce the risks associated with pesticide use). 
Projects might focus on, for example:
    i. Developing and utilizing measures to determine and document 
progress in pesticide risk reduction.
    ii. Investigating methods for establishing IPM as an environmental 
management priority, establishing prevention goals, developing 
strategies to meet those goals, and integrating the ethic within both 
governmental and non-governmental institutions of the State or region.
    iii. Initiating projects that test and support: Innovative 
techniques for reducing pesticide risk or using pesticides in a way to 
reduce risk, and innovative application techniques to reduce worker and 
environmental exposure.
    iv. Conducting projects focusing on IPM for specific pests.
    3. Goals and objectives. Through the assistance agreements awarded 
under this program, EPA intends that recipients address specific 
pesticide risk reduction concerns.
    4. EPA strategic plan linkage and anticipated outcomes/outputs.
    i. Linkage to EPA Strategic Plan/GPRA Architecture. These 
assistance agreements will support progress towards EPA Strategic Plan 
Goal 4, Healthy Communities and Ecosystems, Objective 4.1: Chemical, 
Organism, and Pesticide Risks: Prevent and Reduce Pesticide, Chemical, 
and Genetically Engineered Biological Organism Risks to Humans, 
Communities, and Ecosystems. These projects will support EPA's efforts 
in pesticide risk reduction by fostering IPM adoption, developing IPM 
program components, testing and supporting innovative techniques for 
reducing pesticide risk, and disseminating information on proven 
reduced risk pest management approaches.
    ii. Outcomes. Through these agreements EPA hopes to work with 
States and Tribes so they can reduce risks from exposure to pesticides 
through implementation of proven reduced risk approaches to pest 
management.
    iii. Outputs. The anticipated output of these PESP projects may 
include educational and outreach materials, increased IPM adoption, 
conferences, training, and other programs, policies, and activities 
that will result in the reduction of pesticide risks.
    5. History. The goal of the PESP is to reduce the risks associated 
with pesticide use in agricultural and non-agricultural settings in the 
United States. Each year since 1996, EPA's Office of Pesticide 
Programs, in coordination with the EPA Regions, has published similar 
solicitations, awarding approximately $470,000 annually to eligible 
State and Tribal entities for projects supporting pesticide risk 
reduction. This Federal Register notice provides qualification and 
application requirements to parties who may be interested in submitting 
proposals for fiscal year 2005 monies. A list of projects funded since 
fiscal year 1998 and their proposals may be obtained athttps://
www.epa.gov/oppbppd1/PESP/regional_grants.htm or from your Regional 
PESP Coordinator.

II. Award Information

    The funding for each selected award project will be in the form of 
an assistance agreement awarded under FIFRA section 20. The total 
funding available for award in FY 2005 is expected to be approximately 
$470,000, with a maximum funding level of $47,000 per project. Indirect 
cost rates will not increase the $47,000 maximum funding amount.
    Should additional funding become available for award, the Agency 
may award additional grants based on this solicitation and in 
accordance with the final selection process, without further notice of 
competition during the first 4 months following the competition award. 
The Agency also reserves the right to decrease available funding for 
this program, or to make no awards based on this solicitation.

III. Eligibility Information

    1. Threshold eligibility factors. To be eligible for consideration, 
applicants must meet all of the following criteria. Proposals that do 
not meet these threshold criteria will be rejected without further 
evaluation.
    i. Eligible applicants include the 50 States, District of Columbia, 
U.S. Virgin Islands, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, any territory or 
possession of the United States, any agency or instrumentality of a 
State including State universities, and all federally recognized 
Tribes.
    ii. All proposed project activities must be eligible under the 
authorizing statute, FIFRA section 20 (7 U.S.C. 136r).
    iii. The proposal must meet all format and content requirements 
contained in Unit IV.
    iv. The proposal must comply with the directions for submittal 
contained in Unit IV.
    2. Cost sharing or matching. There are no cost share requirements 
for this project.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    1. Address to request a proposal package. Contact your EPA Regional 
PESP Coordinator listed in Unit VII. A generic proposal format is also 
available from EPA athttps://www.epa.gov/oppbppd1/PESP/regional_
grants.htm.
    2. Content and form of proposal submission. Proposals must be 
typewritten, double-spaced, using 8.5 x 11 inch paper with minimum 1 
inch horizontal and vertical margins. Pages must be numbered in order 
starting with the cover page and continuing through the appendices. One 
original and one electronic copy (disk or CD ROM) are 
required.Applications must contain a narrative proposal, and one 
completed and signed Federal grant application package. The narrative 
proposal must explicitly describe the applicant's proposed project and 
specifically address each of the evaluation criteria disclosed in Unit 
V.1. of this notice.
    A complete application must contain the following, in the 
sequential order shown:
     Completed Standard Form SF-424, Application for Federal 
Assistance with organization fax number and e-mail address. The 
application forms are available on line athttps://www.epa.gov/ogd/
grants/how_to_apply.htm.
     Proposal narrative. The narrative must conform to the 
following format and contain the following information:
    Proposal narrative. Includes Parts I-IV as identified below. The 
narrative must conform to the following format:
    Part I--Summary Information (page 1).
    i. EPA docket ID number OPP 2005-0137.
    ii. Applicant information. Include applicant (organization) name, 
address, contact person, phone number, fax and e-mail address.
    iii. Title of project.
    iv. Purpose statement. One sentence description of what will be 
accomplished as a result of the project.
    v. Project duration.
    vi. Funding requested. A budget table that lists first year 
funding, second year funding, and total funding being requested and any 
matching funds that will be provided.
    Part II--Executive Summary (page 2). Summary of key objectives and 
final products (expected outputs and outcomes) including the measurable 
environmental results you expect including potential human health and 
ecological benefits.
    Part III--Narrative (page 3 up to page 11). Includes sectionsi-viii 
as identified below and may not exceed eight pages.

[[Page 37829]]

    i. Objectives. Identify the key factors or achievements necessary 
to the success of the project.
    ii. Rationale. For each objective listed above, discuss the 
potential outcome in terms of environmental, human health, pesticide 
risk and/or use reduction or pollution prevention.
    iii. Approach and methods. Describe in detail how the project will 
be carried out. Describe how the system or approach will support the 
project goals.
    iv. Background information. This should contain information on 
current state of knowledge of the proposed project. This may be in the 
form of a literature review or a summary of collective activities. If 
your organization has received previous funding on this effort, please 
provide the agency/organization name and project number.
    v. Resources. What human resources, funding, potential 
collaborators and/or existing networks do you offer to increase 
possibility of project success? Please state the role these people and/
or organizations will play in the project.
    vi. Measures and outcomes. What will be different as a result of 
this project? How will you evaluate the success of the project in terms 
of measurable environmental results? Quantifiable risk reduction 
measures should be described.
    vii. Outreach. Describe how you will promote the project so that 
information is clearly presented and useful to the intended audience. A 
strong proposal will use a variety of methods for education and 
information dissemination.
    viii. Sustainability. Describe how the efforts may continue after 
the EPA funding ends and how information learned in the project may be 
useful to other locales, commodities, or a broader audience.
    Part IV--Appendices. The following appendices must be included in 
the proposal. Additional appendices are not permitted.
    i. Appendix A--Literature Cited. List cited key literature 
references alphabetically by author.
    ii. Appendix B--Timetable. A timetable that includes what will be 
accomplished under each of the objectives during the project and when 
completion of each objective is anticipated.
    iii. Appendix C--Major Participants. List all affiliates or other 
organizations, educators, trainers, and others having a major role in 
the proposal. Provide name, organizational affiliation, or occupation 
and a description of the role each will play in the project. A brief 
resume (not to exceed two pages) should be submitted for each major 
project manager, educator, support staff, or other major participant.
    iv. Appendix D--Project Budget. Use Form 424A and provide narrative 
on how resources will be spent. The budget should outline costs for 
personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contractual, 
indirect cost rate, and any other costs associated with the proposed 
project.
    3. Application submission. Applications must be submitted by mail 
or courier.
    i. Submission method. Submit one complete copy of your proposal 
along with an electronic version on disk or CD ROM to your EPA Regional 
PESP Coordinator listed in Unit VII. Your name, e-mail address, and 
telephone number must appear on the outside of any disk or CD ROM you 
submit. The electronic submission must be consolidated into a single 
file and in Microsoft Word for Windows, WordPerfect for Windows, or 
Adobe PDF format.
    ii. Submission dates and times. EPA will consider all proposals 
that are postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service or include official 
delivery service documentation indicating EPA Regional Office 
acceptance from a delivery service no later than August 15, 2005. If 
proposals are not submitted or postmarked by August 15, 2005, they will 
be rejected and will not be considered for funding.
    4. Intergovernmental Review. All applicants should be aware that 
formal requests for assistance (i.e., SF 424 and associated 
documentation) may be subject to intergovernmental review under 
Executive Order 12372 ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.'' 
Applicants should contact their states' single point of contact (SOC) 
for further information. There is a list of these contacts at the 
following web site:http:/whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
    5. Funding restrictions. EPA grant funds may only be used for the 
purposes set forth in the assistance agreement, and must be consistent 
with the statutory authority for the award. Assistance agreement funds 
may not be used for matching funds for other Federal grants, lobbying, 
or intervention in Federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings. In 
addition, Federal funds may not be used to sue the Federal government 
or any other governmental entity. All costs identified in the budget 
must conform to applicable Federal Cost Principles contained in OMB 
Circular A-87; A-122; and A-21, as appropriate. Indirect cost rates 
will not increase the maximum funding amount.
    6. Other submission requirements. Awards involving the collection 
of environmental data will be subject to the requirements of a Quality 
Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) and will require coordination with the 
EPA Regional PESP Coordinator listed in Unit VII. A QAPP is not 
required at the time of submittal but will be required if selected for 
funding.
    7. Confidential business information. In accordance with 40 CFR 
2.203, applicants may claim all or a portion of their application/
proposal as confidential business information. EPA will evaluate 
confidential claims in accordance with 40 CFR part 2. Applicants must 
clearly mark applications/proposals or portions of applications/
proposals they claim as confidential. If no claim of confidentiality is 
made, EPA is not required to make the inquiry to the applicant 
otherwise required by 40 CFR 2.204(2) prior to disclosure.

V. Application Review Information

    1. Criteria. Applicants will be screened to ensure that they meet 
all eligibility criteria and will be disqualified if they do not meet 
all eligibility criteria. EPA Regional PESP Coordinators are 
responsible for the receipt and will coordinate the screening and 
selection of proposals. The corresponding points next to each criterion 
are the weights that will be used to evaluate the applications. Please 
note that certain sections are given greater weight than others. Each 
application will be ranked based on the following evaluation criteria 
(Total: 100 points):
    i. Clearly stated objectives. Are the project objectives clearly 
stated and consistent with the pesticide risk reduction goals of PESP? 
Do the objectives implement reduced risk pest control techniques, 
develop strategies that will lead to implementation of such projects, 
or document the trends toward the adoption of IPM or the reduction of 
risk associated with pesticide use? (Weight: 10 points)
    ii. Critical pesticide risk reduction need. Does the project 
identify a regionally/nationally critical pesticide risk reduction 
issue? Does the project clearly explain the importance of the project 
and define the environmental problem? (Weight: 15 points)
    iii. Project design/past performance. Does the project specify 
realistic goals and objectives that deal with the identified problem? 
Does the project demonstrate potential for long-term benefits? Can the 
project be accomplished within the designated 24-month time frame? Does 
the project

[[Page 37830]]

apply holistic problem-solving, particularly biological systems, and 
address multiple components of the system? Does the project build upon 
or consider lessons learned from existing efforts, or leverage other 
significant activities? Does the workplan commit to providing regular 
project reports including progress on measurement? (Weight: 20 points)
    iv. Qualifications. Does the applicant demonstrate sufficient 
experience in the field of the proposed activity? Does the applicant 
have the properly trained staff, facilities, or infrastructure in place 
to conduct the project? (Weight: 5 points)
    v. Performance measures. Is the project designed in such a way that 
it is maximized to measure and document the results quantitatively and 
qualitatively? Does the applicant identify the method that will be used 
to measure and document the project's results quantitatively and 
qualitatively? Will the project assess or suggest a new means of 
measuring progress in reducing pesticide risks and result in 
information that will be valuable to other efforts? Is the project 
likely to achieve predicted environmental results, expected outcomes, 
project goals, and produce quantifiable environmental change identified 
in Unit I of the announcement. Is a description of expected outcomes 
included? (Weight: 25 points)
    vi. Outreach and transferability. Does the project include 
participation of partner organizations? Does the project include the 
involvement of local stakeholders, grower-to-grower education, or 
grower-to-scientist interaction to achieve technology transfer? Is the 
project likely to be replicated in other areas by other organizations 
or is the product likely to have broad utility to a widespread 
audience? (Weight: 25 points)
    2. Review and selection process. Applications will be reviewed and 
evaluated for validity and completeness by the EPA Regional PESP 
Coordinators. If the Region determines that an application is 
incomplete, the proposal will not be considered further. Each Regional 
PESP Coordinator will convene a panel consisting of Regional staff to 
evaluate all complete proposal packages. The highest rated/ranked 
proposal in each Region will be funded.
    3. Anticipated announcement and award dates. Final selections will 
be made approximately 28 days after the closing date for receipt of 
proposals. The Agency reserves the right to reject all proposals and 
make no awards.

VI. Award Administration Information

    1. Award notices. The EPA Regional PESP Coordinator will e-mail an 
acknowledgment to applicants upon receipt of the application. Once all 
of the applications have been reviewed, evaluated, and ranked, 
applicants will be notified of the outcome of the competition. A 
listing of the successful proposals will be posted on the PESP 
website(https://www.epa.gov/oppbppd1/PESP/regional_grants.htm) at the 
conclusion of the competition.
    2. Administrative and national policy requirements. An applicant 
whose proposal is selected for Federal funding must complete additional 
forms prior to award (see 40 CFR 30.12 and 31.10), and will be required 
to certify that they have not been debarred or suspended from 
participation in Federal assistance awards in accordance with 40 CFR 
part 32.
    Selected applicants must formally apply for funds through the 
appropriate EPA Regional Office. In addition, selected applicants must 
negotiate a final work plan, including reporting requirements, with the 
designated EPA Regional project officer. For more general information 
on post award requirements and the evaluation of grantee performance, 
see 40 CFR part 31.
    3. Reporting. The successful recipient will be required to submit 
quarterly and/or annual reports (as determined by the EPA Regional PESP 
Coordinator), and to submit annual financial reports. The specific 
information contained within the report will include at a minimum, a 
comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives established for 
the period. The EPA Regional PESP Coordinator may request additional 
information relative to the scope of work in the assistance agreement 
and which may be useful for Agency reporting under the Government 
Performance and Results Act.
    4. Disputes. Assistance agreement competition-related disputes will 
be resolved in accordance with the dispute resolution procedures 
published in the Federal Register of January 26, 2005 (70 FR 3629) 
(FRL-7863-3), which can be found athttps://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/
2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/05-1371.htm. Copies of 
these procedures may also be requested by contacting the appropriate 
EPA Regional PESP Coordinator listed under Unit VII.

VII. Agency Contact

    The applicant may contact the appropriate EPA Regional PESP 
Coordinator to obtain clarification and guidance. EPA Regional PESP 
Coordinators are:
    Region I (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode 
Island, Vermont), Andrea Szylvian, 1 Congress St., Suite 1100, (CPT), 
Boston, MA 02114-2023; telephone: (617) 918-1198; e-
mail:szylvian.andrea@epa.gov.
    Region II (New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands), Tara 
Masters, Raritan Depot, 2890 Woodbridge Ave., (MS-500), Edison, NJ 
08837-3679; telephone: (732) 906-6183; e-mail:masters.tara@epa.gov.
    Region III (Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West 
Virginia, District of Columbia), Fatima El-Abdaoui, 1650 Arch St., 
(3WC32), Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029; telephone: (215) 814-2129;e-mail: 
el-abdaoui.fatima@epa.gov.
    Region IV (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North 
Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee), Amber Davis, 61 Forsyth St., SW., 
Atlanta, GA 30303-8960; telephone:(404) 562-9014; e-mail: 
davis.amber@epa.gov.
    Region V (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin), 
Heather Anhalt, 77 W Jackson Blvd., (DT-8J), Chicago, IL 60604-
3507;telephone: (312) 886-3572; e-mail:anhalt.heather@epa.gov.
    Region VI (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas), Jerry 
Collins, 1445 Ross Ave., Suite 1200, (6PD-P), Dallas, TX 75202-2733; 
telephone: (214) 665-7562; e-mail: collins.jerry@epa.gov.
    Region VII (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska), Brad Horchem, 901 N 
5th St., (WWPDPEST), Kansas City, KS 66101; telephone: (913) 551-7137; 
e-mail: horchem.brad@epa.gov.
    Region VIII (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, 
Wyoming), Peg Perreault, 999 18th St., Suite 300, (8P-P3T), Denver, CO 
80202-2466; telephone: (303) 312-6286; e-mail:perreault.peg@epa.gov.
    Region IX (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, American Samoa, 
Guam), Karen Heisler, 75 Hawthorne St., (CMD-1), San Francisco, CA 
94105; telephone: (415) 947-4240; e-mail: heisler.karen@epa.gov.
    Region X (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington), Sandra Halstead, 
(WSU-IAREC), 24106 N. Bunn Road, Prosser, WA 99350; telephone: (509) 
786-9225; e-mail: halstead.sandra@epa.gov.

VIII. Other Information

A. Does this Action Apply to Me?

    This action is directed to the public in general but will be of 
particular interest to eligible applicants who include the 50 States, 
District of

[[Page 37831]]

Columbia, U.S. Virgin Islands, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, any 
territory or possession of the United States, any agency or 
instrumentality of a State including State universities, and all 
federally recognized Tribes.
    If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this 
action to a particular entity, consult your EPA Regional PESP 
Coordinator listed under Unit VII.

B. How Can I Get Additional Information, Including Copies of this 
Document and Other Related Documents?

    1. Docket. EPA has established an official public docket for this 
action under docket identification (ID) number OPP-2005-0137. The 
official public docket is the collection of materials that is available 
for public viewing at the Public Information and Records Integrity 
Branch (PIRIB), Room 119, Crystal Mall 2, 1800 S. Bell St., 
Arlington, VA. This docket facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The docket telephone 
number is (703) 305-5805.
    2. Electronic access. You may obtain electronic copies of this 
document through the EPA Internet under the ``Federal Register'' 
listings at https://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/. An electronic version of the 
public docket is available through EPA's electronic public docket and 
comment system, EPA Dockets. You may use EPA Dockets athttp:/
www.epa.gov/edocket/ to access the index listing of the contents of the 
official public docket, and to access those documents in the public 
docket that are available electronically. Although not all docket 
materials may be available electronically, you may still access any of 
the publicly available docket materials through the docket facility 
identified in Unit I.B.1., above. Once in the system, select 
``search,'' then key in the appropriate docket ID number.

IX. Submission to Congress and the Comptroller General

    Grant solicitations containing binding legal requirements are 
considered rules for the purpose of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) 
(5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.). The CRA generally provides that before a rule 
may take effect, the agency promulgating the rule must submit a rule 
report, which includes a copy of the rule, to each House of the 
Congress and to the Comptroller General of the United States. EPA will 
submit a report containing this grant solicitation and other required 
information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and 
the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication in 
the Federal Register. This grant solicitation does not qualify as a 
``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).

List of Subjects

    Environmental protection, Pesticides, Risk reduction, PESP.


    Dated: June 24, 2005.
Margaret Schneider,
Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and 
Toxic Substances.
[FR Doc. 05-12923 Filed 6-29-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S