RFP 1, 2, and 3 Electronic Submissions. The following information applies only to RFP 1, 2, and 3. Grants Servicing Intermediary applicants will not use the electronic submission process, but should request an application package as described in RFP 4.

Getting Started. Please register now at <http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/fund/2003guid/register2003fund.html>, so that we can update you on our funding process, including any changes to deadlines. There are 4 steps you must take to submit a Proposal:

Proposal Format. PSS2003 generates the correct format. For your convenience, the following page provides "line-by line" instructions for the required Proposal components, allowing you to compose your work off line, then copy and paste it into the program. PSS2003 limits your Proposal to about five pages.

"Line-by-Line" Instructions for PSS2003 Data Entry
(Tabs refer to data entry in the Proposal Submission System)

Applicant. Enter Applicant (Organization) Name, Contact Person's Title (choose one from the drop-down list), Contact Person's Name, Address, City, State (choose one from the drop-down list), Phone, Fax, and E-mail. For Phone and Fax numbers, enter the 10-digit number without any punctuation, spaces, etc.

Type of Organization. Choose one from a drop-down list including: State; Interstate Agency or Commission; Sub-state or special purpose district; County; Municipality; Federal Agency; College or University; Tribal Organization; Federally funded research and development center; or Other.

Project Title. 60 character limit.

Abstract. One paragraph synopsis which can stand alone as a project description. (2,000 character limit)

Duration. Specify project duration from 0.5 years up to 2 years (select from the spin-box list).

Category. Choose only 1 from a drop-down list. Make sure you are eligible for that category. Do not submit the same project to multiple categories.

Rank Within Category. Optional. Can be used if multiple Proposals are being submitted within the same project category from the same organization. To only be filled in after rank is assigned by the organization's coordinator.

Applicable State. Select Great Lakes State(s) which would be most impacted by this project. (Click on appropriate boxes).

Applicable Lake Basin. Identify Lake Basin(s) which would be most impacted by this project. (Click on appropriate boxes.)

Applicable Geographic Initiative. If applicable, identify geographic initiative which would be most impacted by this project. (Click on box for Greater Chicago, Northeast Ohio, NW Indiana, Southeast Michigan, or Lake St. Clair.)

Applicable Areas of Concern. Identify the Areas of Concern affected by the Project: Choose the primary affected Area of Concern from the drop-down list. List any others in the field entitled "Other Affected AOCs." (1,000 character limit)

Problem Statement. Describe the issue that will be addressed and its relevance to the Great Lakes, particularly to needs and priorities (especially in LaMPs and RAPs) for Lakes, AOCs, and other geographic initiatives. (4,500 character limit)

Proposed Work/Outcome. Outline what will be done and how. Describe anticipated environmental results, referencing affected pollutants, industry sectors, economic impacts, habitats, and/or species. (11,000 character limit)

Additional Information. Estimate chemicals "collected or prevented" for Contaminated Sediments and for Pollution Prevention and Reduction projects. State the number of acres of aquatic, wetland, riverine, and terrestrial Great Lakes habitat to be positively impacted for Habitat projects. Note - Select the "category" (Tab 2) first. (1,000 character limit)

Milestones. Specify milestones and/or final products and projected due dates (Month/Year, in MM/YYYY format). You may describe up to 8 milestones/final products, including Project Start and End. Please be aware that if you submit an Application Package in May, your project could begin in June; however, most usually begin in September or October.

Environmental Justice. Check box and include a description if part of the project addresses "Environmental Justice." (2,000 character limit)

Education/Outreach Component. Check box, if the project includes an education/outreach component. If applicable, describe the target audience and how that group would be impacted by the project in the field entitled "Education/Outreach Description". (2000 character limit)

Budget. Fill in the applicable budget items in the table to show how USEPA funds and Applicant matching funds will be used for personnel/salaries, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contract costs, and other costs. You may include a separate line for indirect costs if your organization has in place (or will negotiate) an "indirect cost rate" from a cognizant Federal agency. Budget should represent the total which would be requested from USEPA for the project's duration (up to two years). Funding will be awarded as a "lump sum" and is not assured for subsequent years. Do not include commas when entering the budget amounts. Totals will be calculated automatically or by pressing "calculate."

Other Funding. If others are expected to contribute funds to your Project, list the Name of the Providers, Amounts Provided, and Commitments made by each. (2,000 character limit)

Collaboration/Community-based Support. Describe plans and status of collaboration amongst the public, private, and independent sectors. Evidence of support will be requested later.