1. Exchange Network Grant Information: 2004-2005 Stephen Goranson Office of Information Services USEPA Region 5

2. 2 Briefing Outline Introduction to the Exchange Network Status of the Network Grant Program Status of Region 5 State Network Activities Examples of Current Challenge Grants Purpose of the Challenge Grants Format for Challenge Grant Proposal Possible Timeline for 2005 Grant Process Questions and Discussion

3. 3 Web Sites of Interest Exchange Network: http://www.exchangenetwork.net/ EPA Exchange Network Grant Program: http://www.epa.gov/neengprg/

4. 4 Purpose & Goals of the Network Network Goals: –Enhance electronic reporting capabilities –Reduce information collection and reporting burdens –Integrate data from different sources –Provide timely access to environmental data –Improve data quality Network Purpose: An Internet and standards based method for exchanging environmental information between partners

5. 5 Major Business Drivers for Creating the Network Decreasing program budgets available for IT investments Need to improve data timeliness, quality and security Homeland Security Need for integrated information to manage environmental programs Need to respond to the President’s management agenda, e-Gov initiative, OMB and EA mandates. Reduce Burden Need for information not currently reported to EPA

6. 6 Benefits of Creating the Network Internet, standards based exchange – –Implements e-Gov exchanges –Increases data quality and timeliness –Reduces issues arising from changes made to EPA and/or partner databases saving time and money Helps move EPA towards it’s EA and comply with OMB requirements – –by identifying common data elements as a result of mapping information flows, data elements suitable for integration are identified

7. 7 Design of the Network

8. .. Network Administration Technical Infrastructure Data Exchange Templates Trading Partner Agreement Member Infrastructure Data Standards Registration, process support, communication Uses standard Internet tools Common way to define shared terms Common way to package shared data Capacity to participate How information flows between partners Network Components

9. 9 Organizational Relationships Key Reports to Coordinates with Participates in States (through ECOS) State/EPA Information Management Workgroup (IMWG) EPA Future Network Partners Network Steering Board (NSB) Node Group Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) Environmental Data Standards Council (EDSC) Other Action Teams Standards Development Teams Technical Resources Group (TRG)

10. 10 EPA’s Central Data Exchange (CDX)

11. 11 EPA’s node on the Network Authenticates partners Accepts and requests data from information partner nodes Could be the data repository for EPA Potential access to integrated data CDX

12. 12 General Steps to Implementing Network Flows IPT createdGroup consisting of EPA and information partner representatives to work on flows. Flow elements definedIPT identifies what data will be transmitted for a particular flow (e.g., RCRA-Info) Data Standards CreatedDescription of the format/structure of a particular data element (e.g., facility name) DETs and Schemas created Template for exchanging the information with XML tags TPA template createdGeneral scope and conditions for Network transfer of data. Schema mapped to partner database Each partner maps their database to the approved schema. Schema mapped to EPA database Mapping between EPA’s database and the approved schema (potentially to a CDX repository at some point in the future). Partner node functionalAn information partner’s exchange portal operational (web presence) EPA node functionalCDX operational and ready to exchange information *Flow successfulRCRA-Info information flowing between EPA and a partner) *EPA will also be counting flat file transfers as successful flows. Step Result

13. 13 IPT Created to work on flow Flow elements defined Standards created DET / Schema created TPA template created Schema mapped to partner database(s) Schema mapped to EPA databases (or potentially to a repository) Partner node functional CDX functional Flow successful General Overview of the Network Development Process CDX Partner Node DET / Schema EPA’s Information Systems Partner’s Information Systems Internet Information Partner DET / Schema DET / Schema

14. 14 “In Production” via CDXWhat is Flowing?Who is Flowing?When Did Flow Begin? Air Quality System (AQS, File Transfer)Web forms, Flat filesStates, Tribes, LocalsJune 2003 eBeachesWeb forms, flat files, XML files StatesAugust 2003 Node May 2004 E-Discharge Monitoring Report E-DMRXML FilesStatesJanuary 2004 Facility Registry System (FRS)XML filesStatesSeptember 2003 Institutional Controls (ICTS)Web formsRegionsApril 2004 National Emission InventoryWeb forms, flat files, XML files State and Local organizations April 2002 Node May 2004 Permit Compliance System-Interim Data Exchange Format (PCS IDEF, Pass-Through) XML filesStatesApril 2002 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Information System (RCRAInfo, File Transfer) Web forms, flat filesStatesAugust 2003 RMP Emergency Contact UpdateWeb formsIndustryMay 2004 Safe Drinking Water Access and Review System/Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Regulation (SDWARS/UCMR) Web forms, flat files, XML files Labs, Public Water System, and States October 2001 Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Flat filesStatesFebruary 2004 Stormwater Electronic Notice of Intent (eNOI)/Electronic Notices of Termination (eNOT) Web formsIndustrySeptember 2003 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI)Flat filesIndustryApril 2001 Toxic Substances Control Act Health and Safety Data Web forms, flat filesIndustryOctober 2002 Data Flows in CDX

15. 15 Data Flows “in Development” via CDX Requirement s Began “Production ” Date What will Flow? Who will Exchange? AQS XML for Node Exchanges November 2003 June 2004 (web-based) XML filesStates, Tribes, Locals Institutional Controls (ICTS) XML for Node Exchanges October 2003July 2004XML filesRegions, States, Industry Lead NotificationsJuly 2002August 2004Web formIndustry PCS IDEF Middleware (Interim Data Exchange Format) September 2002 July 2004XML filesStates Radionuclide NESHAPS (National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Pollutant) November 2002 June 2004Web forms and documents Industry RCRAInfo XML for Node Exchanges October 2003October 2004 XML filesStates, Regions RCRA Part A Permit Applications October 2003TBDWeb formsIndustry RCRA Site IDOctober 2002TBDWeb formsIndustry SDWIS XML SchemaJanuary 2004September 2004 XML filesStates Data Flows in CDX

16. 16 Upcoming Data Flows Lead Notifications –Notification of Regulated Lead Abatement Activities –Certification of Abatement Firms Confidential Business Information Reporting Projects –Certification and Fuel Economy Inventory System –Reformulated Gas Reporting AQS Web Services (Portal) –Developing real time standardized reports –Providing additional front-end quality assurance AirNow E-Alerts (Portal) –Mass notifications to the public on local air quality –Providing local governments with ability to deliver E-Alerts Water Contaminants Information Tool Grants.gov Additional program node exchanges: –RCRA, ICTS, AQS, TRI

17. 17 Exchange Network Grant Program Administration Priorities & Funding Supporting the Administration’s Priorities: –Technology: utilizing advanced technologies to accomplish our shared environmental and human health missions more effectively –Collaboration: implementing collaborative, innovative uses of the Exchange Network –Results: enhancing programmatic effectiveness and environmental decision-making by making it easier to exchange, analyze, integrate, and utilize environmental data State and Tribal Assistance Grant (STAG) Funding: –FY 2002: $25M –FY 2003: $19.9M –FY 2004: $20M –FY 2005 President’s Budget Request: $25M

18. 18 Exchange Network Grant Program FY 2004 Grant Program Priorities Enhance basic IM/IT capabilities Develop Exchange Network nodes Develop Exchange Network data flows –Air Quality System (AQS) –Facility Registry System (FRS) –National Emissions Inventory (NEI) –Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Information System (RCRAInfo) –Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) –Toxics Release Inventory System (TRIS) Implement collaborative, innovative projects that demonstrate the value of the Exchange Network

19. 19 Exchange Network Grant Program FY 2004 Grant Categories Readiness Grants –Purpose: to develop basic IM/IT capabilities to participate in the Exchange Network –Funding: up to $75K for tribes; up to $150K for states/territories Implementation Grants –Purpose: to develop Exchange Network connections, nodes, and data flows –Funding: up to $150K for tribes; up to $300K for states/territories Challenge Grants –Purpose: to pursue collaborative, innovative projects that demonstrate the value of the Exchange Network Funding: up to $300K for tribes; up to $750K for states/territories

20. 20 Exchange Network Grant Program Eligible Pre-Proposals Submitted to EPA Tribes –23 eligible pre-proposals submitted by 21 tribes –20 pre-proposals from 19 tribes received a favorable review Territories –4 eligible pre-proposals submitted by 3 territories (Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico) –3 pre-proposals from 3 territories received a favorable review States –56 eligible pre-proposals submitted by 34 states –45 pre-proposals from 33 states received a favorable review

21. 21 Exchange Network Grant Program Tribes –Readiness: 9 for a total of $655,000 –Implementation: 8 for a total of $1,093,099 –Challenge: 3 for a total of $866,771 –Total: 20 for a total of $2,614,870 Territories –Readiness: 2 for a total of $300,000 –Implementation: 1 for $300,000 –Challenge: 0 –Total: 3 for a total of $600,000 Pre-Proposals That Received a Favorable EPA Review

22. 22 Exchange Network Grant Program States –Readiness: 4 for a total of $540,900 –Implementation: 30 for a total of $8,539,356 –Challenge: 11 for a total of $7,106,271 –Total: 45 for a total of $16,186,527 Network Support Services –Anticipate 1 award for $1,000,000 Total –69 for a total of $20,401,397 Pre-Proposals That Received a Favorable EPA Review

23. 23 Exchange Network Grant Program Overview of Favorably Reviewed Pre-Proposal Activities Exchange Network node development or implementation: –7 tribal, 1 territorial, 18 state Exchange Network data flow development: –AQS: 22 (5 tribal, 1 territorial, 16 state) –FRS: 21 (1 tribal, 3 territorial, 17 state) –NEI: 17 (2 tribal, 1 territorial, 14 state) –RCRAInfo: 12 (state) –SDWIS: 18 (3 tribal, 1 territorial, 14 state) –TRIS: 2 (state) Geospatial activities: 8 tribal, 2 territorial, 6 state Health-related activities: 2 tribal, 3 state

24. 24 Exchange Network Grant Program FY 2004 Grant Process & Schedule Feb. 3, 2004: Pre-proposal deadline March - April 2004: EPA review of pre-proposals April - May 2004: Notification of applicants and invitation to final candidates to submit the final application package June 15, 2004: Final application deadline June – August 2004: EPA processing of applications and issuance of grant awards, in the order received, to the extent practical October 2004: Publication of Federal Register notice for the FY 2005 grant program

25. 25 Exchange Network Grant Program FY 2005 Grant Program – Eligibility Eligible Applicants –States and the District of Columbia and their agencies/departments –U.S. territories and their agencies/departments –Federally Recognized Indian Tribes and their agencies/departments –Tribal consortia Ineligible Applicants –State, territorial, and tribal universities –City, town, county, or regional government agencies/departments –Nonprofit organizations

26. 26 Exchange Network Grant Program FY 2005 Grant Program – Application Process Partnerships: –EPA will encourage eligible applicants to work with other organizations that can contribute to the development and use of the Exchange Network. Application Deadlines: –Readiness & Implementation: full applications will be due within the initial 75-day application period. –Challenge: initial proposals will be due within the first 75-day application period; full applications for favorably reviewed initial proposals will be due within a subsequent 45-day application period.

27. 27 Exchange Network Grant Program FY 2005 Grant Program – Ideas to Consider Ideas considered for the FY 2005 guidance: Allow more non-regulatory data flows (e.g., lead in paint, pollution prevention, environmental justice, mining wastes) Provide funding for data standards development, as part of XML schema development Require Challenge Grant lead states to participate in a Network Steering Board-sponsored workgroup or Integrated Project Team

28. 28 Possible Timeline for 2005 Grant Process October 2004: Publication of Federal Register notice for the FY 2005 grant program January 15, 2005: Pre-proposal deadline February - March 2005 EPA review of pre-proposals March - April 2005: Notification of applicants and invitation to final candidates to submit the final application package May 31, 2005: Final application deadline June – July 2005: EPA processing of applications and issuance of grant awards, in the order received, to the extent practical

29. 29 Exchange Network Grant Program FY 2005 Grant Program – Next Steps Consult with EPA programs/regions about potential Exchange Network data flow activities Invite input from states, territories, tribes Publish solicitation notice in the Federal Register – Oct. 2004 Initial application deadline – 75 days after the FR notice is published

30. 30 Exchange Network Grant Program Region 5 Points of Contact: Noel Kohl Network Grants Project Officer Office of Information Services Resources Management Branch U.S. EPA Region 5 (312) 886-6224 kohl.noel@epa.gov Stephen Goranson Office of Information Services Resources Management Branch U.S. EPA Region 5 (312) 886-3445 goranson.stephen@epa.gov National Points of Contact: Rebecca Moser Exchange Network Grant Program Manager Office of Information Collection Office of Environmental Information U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (202) 566-1679 moser.rebecca@epa.gov Terry Forrest Project Officer Office of Information Collection Office of Environmental Information U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (202) 566-0196 forrest.terry@epa.gov

31. MORE ON CHALLENGE GRANTS

32. 32 Purpose of Challenge Grants “To propose innovative projects that involve collaboration (e.g., State-EPA, intrastate, or interstate) to develop the Exchange Network and demonstrate its value in sharing environmental, natural resources, or human health data and/or related administrative data”

33. 33 Grant, Cooperative Agreement, In-Kind Assistance Accepted applicants may request assistance in the form of a grant or cooperative agreement. Grant for proposed activities not principally for the direct benefit or use of the Federal Government and no substantial involvement is anticipated between EPA and the recipient during the program period. Cooperative agreement for proposed activities are not principally for the direct benefit or use of the Federal Government and substantial involvement is anticipated between EPA and the recipient during the program period. All or part of a grant or cooperative agreement may be provided in the form of in-kind assistance (in lieu of funding) if it would be more efficient in terms of cost or time for EPA to purchase services or equipment on a recipient's behalf (e.g., through an EPA-approved contractor).

34. 34 Format for Challenge Grant Proposal Project Information –State/Tribe/Territory Agency or Department –Title of Project –Focus Area (i.e., Readiness, Implementation, or Challenge) –Total Funds Requested from EPA –Total Project Cost (including State/Tribal cash contributions, if applicable) –Contact Person (name, title, address, phone, fax, and e-mail) Overview –Purpose, Goals, Objectives –Nature and Expected Outcomes of the Project –If applicable, how project will build on previous work supported by the Exchange Network Grant Program

35. 35 Format for Challenge Grant Proposal Summary Work Plan –W hat project will achieve & who will benefit from the project –Each aspect of project in enough detail to allow reviewers to understand and evaluate it –Proposed Activities (and how they relate to criteria!) –Project Milestones (estimated dates of completion) –Performance Measures (describe how success will be measured) –Sharing Results (commitment to share with other Network participants) Subject to potential public release under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Applicant must claim CBI information when the pre-proposal or application is submitted to EPA [40 CFR 2.203(a)]

36. 36 Criterion #1(a) Maximum of 90 points for one or more of the following activities (1(a) – (f)): (1)(a) Implement one or more of the following data flows using the Exchange Network (45 points each): -Air Quality System (AQS) -Facility Registry System (FRS) -National Emissions Inventory (NEI) -Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Information System (RCRAInfo) -Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) -Toxics Release Inventory System (TRIS)

37. 37 Criterion #1(b) (b) Implement any other type of data flow (regulatory or voluntary, State-to-EPA, facility-to-State, State-to-State, etc.) using the Exchange Network (30 points each).

38. 38 Criterion #1(c) c)Conduct multi-party planning activities to develop new data flows, explaining how the new data would be used and shared via the Network (up to 90 points each)

39. 39 Criterion #1(d) (d) Use Network to integrate and use information for environmental decision- making and public access, including geospatial data (such as locational data) (up to 90 points)

40. 40 Criterion #1(e) (e)Use Network to share data that have not previously been available for environmental and human health protection purposes (e.g., environmentally related health data, regional environmental data, data needed to fill current data gaps, etc.) (up to 90 points)

41. 41 Criterion #1(f) (f)Enhance the utilization of the Exchange Network by developing tools/ applications that use data made available through Web services (e.g., watershed analysis tools using EPA and other partner/stakeholder data published through Web services). (up to 90 points)

42. 42 Criterion (2) (2) Identify Expected Benefits of the Project (10 points): More frequent and/or efficient exchanges Better data quality through the use of data standards and validation and error-detection mechanisms Greater ability to share and integrate data through the use of data standards, XML schema, and Exchange Network Web services; Ability to exchange a variety of data with a number of partners Ability to provide access to new kinds of data using the Exchange Network; and/or Ability to use common Exchange Network infrastructure capabilities (e.g. XML schema, common security controls, etc.).

43. 43 Supplementary Information on Challenge Grants… 1.Projects must be collaborative efforts. 2.Pre-proposal must identify a single lead agency or department that will be responsible for administering the assistance agreement, if awarded. 3.In addition to implementing 1 or more data flows, applicants must make a commitment to share information about their projects with other partners via the Exchange Network Web site at http://www.exchangenetwork.net http://www.exchangenetwork.net 4.If an applicant has received funding through a previous Exchange Network assistance agreement, the applicant must identify activities that build on, but do not duplicate, previously funded activities.

44. 44 Supplementary Information on Challenge Grants… 5.EPA may elect to fund complementary pre-proposals from different partners that address related work areas (e.g., XML schema development) 6.EPA will seek to leverage and coordinate all of the complementary pre-proposals before reaching final funding decisions. 7.EPA will examine past performance of those who have received previous Exchange Network assistance agreements (e.g., timely and complete semi-annual reports, achievement of performance goals/milestones, etc.). 8.If two proposals have been scored equally, the one with the best previous track record may be ranked higher. If an applicant has not received a prior Exchange Network assistance agreement, that applicant will not be penalized.