Apply for a Network Grant

Exchange Network Partners can apply for funding from the EPA Office of Environmental Information (OEI) to support the development and implementation of Exchange Network Nodes, data exchanges, analytical tools, and other related projects. Partners have used grants to:

  • Build backend systems
  • Construct and install Nodes,
  • Build and join data exchanges,
  • Conduct innovative projects that benefit all Partners
  • Standardize, exchange, and integrate geospatial information.

This guide provides general instructions and best practices for applying for an Exchange Network Grant. For more information, visit EPA’s Exchange Network Grants and Funding.

How To Get Started
1. Decide if an Exchange Network Grant is Right for You Organization After developing a project idea and identifying Partners as appropriate, find out if the Exchange Network Grant Program is the appropriate funding source. The current Exchange Network Grant Solicitation Notice is available on EPA’s Exchange Network Grants page. The Notice will outline the priorities and objectives of the current grant cycle and delineate the types of grants available, Partner eligibility, and expectations for grant outcomes or products.
2. Prepare to Apply for an Exchange Network Grant Preparedness and timeliness are important factors in the quality of a grant application. Pay attention to key dates and deadlines in the application process. Clarifying and refining the scope of your project as early is highly recommended. Early and frequent communication among project Partners will result in a stronger application package and, if a grant is awarded, help initiate the project promptly. The normal lifespan of a grant is two years after the grant becomes active.  Note:  Applicants may not discuss the substance of their grant proposal with EPA employees.
3. Apply for an Exchange Network Grant The Grant Solicitation Notice provides detailed instructions for preparing an application. Successful applicants will be required to prepare additional Grants Application Materials. The Notice contain evaluation criteria for grant applications. Be sure the application is consistent with these criteria. The development of a complete and understandable work plan is crucial to the success of the application.
4. Implement Your Exchange Network Grant Once you learn that a grant has been awarded and EPA releases the funds, you can proceed to implement your project. As part of the project implementation phase, you may choose to employ a contractor. The NPRG has created an RFP Resource that may be used to inform the substance and structure of related Requests for Proposal (RFPs). Partners without experience developing RFPs for IT projects are encouraged to take advantage of this resource.
5. Share Your Work With Others A core principle of the Exchange Network is that collaboration and information sharing is the foundation of better environmental decision making. To help the Exchange Network community build a better Network, please be sure to share the details, status, and objectives of your project with others through the Exchange Network website.

Contacts
Kurt Rakouskas
Exchange Network Coordinator
P: 301.531.5186
E: kurt [at] exchangenetwork.net		 Existing Network Partners

Salena Reynolds
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
P: 202.566.0466
E: reynolds.salena [at] epa.gov

 Members of the Network Partnership and Resources Group