Notice of Funding Availability
Grants for the LID Rebates & Environmental Education
DDOE is seeking eligible entities, as defined below, to support DDOE’s ongoing program of incentivizing low impact development (LID) implementation on private property in the District and to assist DDOE in providing a meaningful stream or Chesapeake Bay experience for every student enrolled in District public schools. The total amount available for this RFA is approximately $1,310,000.00. The amount is subject to continuing availability of funding and approval by the appropriate agencies.
Obtaining text of the RFA: The full text of this Request for Applications (RFA), and the three required attachments, are available as links at the bottom of this page. Additionally, a person may obtain a copy of this RFA by any of the following methods:
Email a request to [email protected] with “Request copy of RFA 2014-1413-WPD” in the subject line;
Pick up a copy in person from the DDOE reception desk, located at 1200 First Street NE, 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20002 (call Grace Manubay at (202) 535-1844 to make an appointment and mention this RFA by name); or
Write DDOE at 1200 First Street NE, 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20002, “Attn: Grace Manubay RE:2014-1413-WPD” on the outside of the letter.
The deadline for application submissions is October 3 2014, at 4:30 p.m. Five hard copies must be submitted to the above address and a complete electronic copy must be e-mailed to [email protected].
RFA Contact: For additional information regarding this RFA, please contact DDOE as instructed in the RFA document, at [email protected].
______________________________
Questions & Answers
Q: Are DC Public Charter Schools eligible for Grants for LID Rebates & Environmental Education?
A: Eligible applicants for this RFA are nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, and universities/educational institutions. The two projects are soliciting applications for a grantee to administer the LID Rebate and Overnight Meaningful Watershed Education Experiences (MWEE) programs. If a DC Public Charter School is interested in administering either of these projects, it is eligible to apply.
However, DC Public Charter Schools may be interested in participating in the programs that are being described in the RFA. District schools are not eligible for to apply for a LID Rebate (as a program participant). Any District school interested in installing LID on their school property is eligible to apply for the RiverSmart Schools program. If a DC Public School or DC Public Charter School is interested in the opportunity to send fifth grade students to the Overnight MWEE program, please contact [email protected] for more information.
-----
Q: What types of match sources are allowed for the MWEEs for 5th graders project? The RFA notes that funding for this program is from DC Stormwater Enterprise Fund and DC Anacostia River Cleanup and Protection Fund. Are these DC-based funds? The RFA notes non-federal sources ONLY for the Rebate program, but no specific information on match sources is provided for the MWEE program.
A: Yes, the DC Stormwater Enterprise and DC Anacostia River Cleanup and Protection Funds and District-based funds. The supply of applicant match for the MWEE’s for 5th graders project is not restricted by funding source. However, please note that these funds are being used by DDOE to match its federal grants.
-----
Q: Project period start date?
A: The RFA states that DDOE’s objective is to announce grant awards by at least six weeks after the application due date (page 18). The project will begin once the grant award is finalized.
-----
Q: Food. The RFA says food is an ineligible cost, but the program description says food is required as part of the 3-day, two-night program. Please clarify.
A: Food, as it directly relates to the overnight program, is an allowable cost, because program participants will be traveling to the overnight site.
-----
Q: Letters of Support (LOS) requirement. The RFA notes LOSs are needed from every participating school/teacher (combined letters okay). Is it possible to get one LOS from the DCPS Chancellor or other high-ranking official within the school district? Very difficult within a 3-week turnover to secure LOSs from schools in general.
A: A letter of support from the DCPS Chancellor or other high-ranking official, or letters from individual schools are equally acceptable.
-----
Q: Administrative overhead – can organizations use their federally negotiated rate or the flat 10% rate of full project that was approved by the federal government in January 2014?
A: According to the criteria for proposal evaluation, Applicants should present an adequate and reasonable justification for the funds requested that includes the cost per student (page 26). Project budgets can include administrative overhead calculated at a rate that is adequate and reasonable.
-----
Q: Should the cost of transportation for the 3 day 2 night experience be included in the project budget or would participating schools also contribute to transportation costs for this component of the program?
A: DDOE anticipates the ability to fund transportation costs outside of the project listed in this RFA, pending funding availability.
-----
Q: Are charter school students from the District of Columbia also going to be participating in this program?
A: Charter schools are public schools. Therefore, yes, students from the DC Public Charter Schools are part of the target audience.
-----
Q: The RFP asks for a certificate of good standing from the DC Dept. of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. Is this only for DC based organizations and for others it should be from the state within which you are registered and conduct business?
A: Organizations not based in the District must obtain a Certificate of Good Standing form their state. This has to be submitted to the DC Dept. of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) to obtain a license in DC. For more information, please contact DCRA at 202-442-4432 or visit their website.
-----
