EPA 2013 School IPM Request for Proposals: The School Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Grants will support projects that promote the adoption of verifiable IPM practices in the nation's K-12 public and tribal schools. EPA strongly encourages projects that use consortia, partnerships, and other collaborative means in conducting the project.

Funding: maximum funding level of $250,000 per project

Eligibility: 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 Native American Tribes. Local governments, private universities, private nonprofit entities, private businesses, and individuals are not eligible. For-profit organizations are not eligible.

The Agency is accepting proposals through July 29, 2013.

The EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs is soliciting proposals for new School IPM assistance agreements for projects that further the implementation of verifiable IPM in and around the nation’s public and tribal schools. The total amount available will be $700,000, and the Agency anticipates funding approximately three projects, primarily as cooperative agreements, with a maximum funding level of $250,000 per project.

Assistance under this competition is available to 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 Indian tribal governments. Applications must be submitted on or before July 29, 2013.

The cooperative agreements will provide financial assistance to eligible applicants for projects that (1) implement verifiable IPM programs to identify and reduce the risks associated with pests and pesticide use in and around kindergarten to 12th grade public and tribal schools and (2) measure and document the impacts of verifiable public and/or tribal school IPM programs on the environment and human health. The project period of performance is limited to 2 years.

Integrated Pest Management is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of easy-to-implement, common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment. IPM takes advantage of all appropriate pest management options including, but not limited to, the judicious use of pesticides.

For more information regarding the School IPM Grants and the Request for Proposals, visit: http://www.epa.gov/pestwise/ipminschools/grants/.