Author: Mendes, Randi

Job Training Grant Open!

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The FY25 Request for Brownfields Job Training Applications has been posted!!!
https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/fy-2025-brownfields-job-training-grants

  • EPA Posted the FY25 RFA on Friday with a due date of August 15th, 2024.
  • We have attached PDFs of the RFA and current Frequently Asked Questions.
  • FAQ’s may be updated as additional questions are answered.
  • The date for EPA’s webinar reviewing the RFA has not yet been announced.

Live Outreach Webinar
EPA will provide an outreach webinar to assist applicants with understanding the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the FY 2025 Brownfields Job Training Grants Guidelines.
Thursday, June 6th, 2024, at 1 PM Eastern

Please click the link to join the webinar at: https://usepa.zoomgov.com/j/1601371378
Or join by telephone: 1-646-828-7666
Webinar ID: 160 137 1378

JT 201 - Tips on Writing a Competitive EPA Job Training Application
June 12th

 Join us for a 90-minute webinar on tips and strategies useful in writing a competitive EPA job training application.

Event Description:
The objective of this webinar is to present tips and strategies that can assist in the development of a successful FY25 Brownfields Job Training Application.  Participants will also learn common mistakes that have made when submitting applications.  Tips will also be presented that can supercharge an application!

Key topics include:

  • Pre-Submission Tips for Consideration
  • Writing the Application – Do’s & Don’ts
  • Before Submitting the Application- Quality Check
  • Mistakes & Lessons Learned

Resources:

FY25 Job Training
RFA FY25 FAQ

Your TAB provider is available to review draft Brownfields Job Training Applications during the May 17 – August 15, 2024 time period:

- please request a review by email, at least one week before you send your draft application

- our goal is to provide review comments within several days of you emailing your draft to us (please send in MSWord format, please)

- we can guarantee a review of draft applications submitted to us by August 6th (nine days before EPA’s applications due date)

 

Points of contact for Draft JT Application Reviews:

·         Region 1 (CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT); University of Connecticut; Randi Mendes, randi.mendes@uconn.edu 

·         Region 2 (NJ, NY, PR, and VI); New Jersey Institute of Technology; Sean Vroom, svroom@njit.edu 

·         Region 3 (DE, DC, MD, PA, VA, and WV); West Virginia University; Carrie Stanton,  carrie.staton@mail.wvu.edu

·         Region 4 (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, and TN) International City/County Management Association; Chris Harrell, charrell@icma.org, & New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT); Sean Vroom, svroom@njit.edu 

·         Region 5 (IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, and WI); Kansas State University; Blase Leven, jt-tab@ksu.edu

·         Region 6 (AR, LA, NM, OK, and TX); Kansas State University; Blase Leven, jt-tab@ksu.edu

·         Region 7 (IA, KS, MO, and NE); Kansas State University; Blase Leven, jt-tab@ksu.edu

·         Region 8 (UT, MT, WY, CO, ND and SD); Kansas State University; Blase Leven, jt-tab@ksu.edu  

·         Region 9 (AZ, CA, HI, NV, AS, and GU); Center for Creative Land Recycling; Claire Weston, claire.weston@cclr.org

    Region 1 EPA Grant Recipients

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    Congratulations to the Region 1 entities that were selected to receive funding for brownfields site assessments and cleanups. EPA awarded 180 grants, totaling $230,969,170. Of these grants, 94 were assessment, 67 were cleanup, and 20 were multipurpose. Region 1 received 32 of the 180 grants for a total of $58,022,040. UConn TAB supported 24 of the 32 recipients through grant review. In total 30 communities reached out to us for grant support and of those 24 were awarded. Our grant review services start this summer and continue into the fall. If you are considering applying for an upcoming EPA or state grant, be sure to use our free services. Congratulations to all the recipients!

    r 17% of these grants!

    UConn TAB Summer 2024 Municipal Assistance Program

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    UConn TAB is currently accepting applications for the Summer 2024 Municipal Assistance Program (MAP). The MAP is open to all New England communities at no cost to the applicant. 

    Summer RFP

    • Interviews: Late April
    • Dates: May- August
    • Services Provided:  Technical Support on Brownfields Redevelopment including brownfields inventories, summaries of environmental records, site reuse assessments, record reviews, data gap analysis, grant support, and community engagement materials
    • Applications deadline: April 12th
    • Application Link: https://tab.program.uconn.edu/map-requests-for-proposals/

      The proposals will be supported through the University of Connecticut Summer Brownfield Internships.  If you have any questions before applying, please reach out to us at uconn-tab@uconn.edu

      UConn TAB 2023 Annual Impact

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      UConn TAB 2023 Annual Impact

      In 2023, UConn TAB made progress towards its mission of supporting New England communities in their efforts towards brownfield redevelopment. This past year, UConn TAB supported 166 communities across Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island through direct technical assistance and their Municipal Assistance Program(MAP). Services supported by both initiatives totaled 257 actions.

      MAP is a project-based program that runs 3 times a year. Accepted municipalities are partnered with students from the UConn brownfields course. The students are overseen by a UConn TAB team member and work on projects such as grant support, brownfield inventories, site reuse assessments, record reviews, and data gap analysis. During the 2023 year, 41 entities participated in MAP: 12 in the Fall and 29 in the Spring and Summer.

      One of the most popular and successful services provided by UConn TAB is the EPA brownfields grant review. During the FY24 request for proposals, UConn TAB reviewed 28 grant applications with 61% of these reviews supporting environmental justice communities. In the review process, participants receive templates, support in data collection, examples of past successful grants, proposal review, and submission assistance. While the FY24(2023) applicants are still waiting for news on their applications, the UConn TAB team had an 83% success rate during the FY23(2022) cycle.

      Feedback from the recipients of our grant review resources found our resources to be “extremely useful”, with the most helpful being proposal review and data collection. Recipients also revealed that they felt “extremely knowledgeable” and “very prepared” with the EPA grant writing and application process after receiving our assistance. Similar positive feedback was seen from MAP participants, “The MAP program is a valuable asset to both the students and the towns it serves. Tangible results for all involved!”

      All support provided by UConn TAB is completely free to communities, states, Tribal Nations, and other public entities. Send us an email to learn more!

      To learn more about our Municipal Assistance Program and how to apply visit our website. https://tab.program.uconn.edu/map-acc/

      uconn-tab@uconn.edu

       

       

      RFP – Brownfield Ambassador to the UConn TAB Program (RETRACTED)

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      Date: February 6, 2024

      To All Interested Parties,

      Subject: Retraction of the Request for Proposals (RFP) – [20240103_RFP_NorthernAmbassador VT NH & 20240103_RFP_NorthernAmbassador_Maine]

      We hereby inform all potential applicants and stakeholders that the Request for Proposals (RFP) titled “20240103_RFP_NorthernAmbassador VT NH & 20240103_RFP_NorthernAmbassador_Maine, initially issued on January 19, 2024, is officially retracted effective immediately.

      After careful consideration and review, we have determined that the current needs and objectives outlined in the RFP require reassessment to better align with our organizational goals and strategic direction. We understand that this retraction may cause inconvenience and we sincerely apologize for any disruptions this decision may cause to your planning and operations.

      Please be advised of the following:

      1. Cease of Proposal Submissions: All proposal submissions in response to the aforementioned RFP are no longer required. We request that interested parties cease any further proposal development or submission.
      2. Review and Reassessment: Our team will undertake a thorough review and reassessment of our requirements and objectives.
      3. Future Communications: We remain committed to transparency and clear communication. As such, we will provide updates regarding the possibility of a new RFP. Interested parties are encouraged to stay informed through our official communication channels.
      4. Contact for Queries: For any queries or further clarification, please feel free to contact uconn-tab@uconn.edu

      We thank you for your interest and understanding in this matter. We value your willingness to engage with us and look forward to potential future collaborations.

      Sincerely,
      UConn TAB

      About: The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is for the University of Connecticut Technical Assistance to Brownfields Program (UConn TAB – https://tab.program.uconn.edu/) to request submissions of Proposals from companies, organizations, and individuals to provide assistance and support to ensure that Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine communities and eligible entities are aware of the EPA brownfield grant opportunities and the services that UConn TAB can provide to help these entities take advantage of these brownfield grant opportunities. The selected “Brownfield Ambassador” (one for both VT and NH and one for ME) will contract directly with UConn TAB and help UConn TAB facilitate the delivery of brownfield assistance services equitably to communities in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

      Full RFP:
      20240103_RFP_NorthernAmbassador VT NH
      20240103_RFP_NorthernAmbassador_Maine

      Deadlines:
      Question & Answers (RFI) Due Date and Time 2/7/2024 4:00 PM
      Proposal Due Date and Time 2/16/2024 4:00 PM

      UConn TAB Spring 24 Webinar Series

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      Join UConn TAB for our Spring Webinar series. Links to register for the webinars as well as more information will be updated continuously.

      Register for the webinars:
      February 7th (12:00 PM – 12:30 PM)  – UConn TAB Webinar – SEEDS Framework (Strategies for Community Engagement)
      Register Here:       https://www.eventbrite.com/e/uconn-tab-webinar-seeds-framework-strategies-for-community-engagement-tickets-804044798637?aff=oddtdtcreator

      March 6th (12:00 PM – 12:30 PM)  – UConn TAB Webinar – Stakeholder Analysis (Strategies for Community Engagement)
      Register Here:      https://www.eventbrite.com/e/uconn-tab-webinar-stakeholder-analysis-tickets-804056985087?aff=oddtdtcreator

      March 20th (12:00 PM – 12:30 PM)  – UConn TAB Webinar – Procurement Services
      Register Here:       https://www.eventbrite.com/e/uconn-tab-webinar-procurement-services-tickets-804079111267?aff=oddtdtcreator

      April 3rd (12:00 PM – 12:30 PM)  – UConn TAB Webinar – SWOT Analysis (Strategies for Community Engagement)
      Register Here:       https://www.eventbrite.com/e/uconn-tab-webinar-swot-analysis-a-community-engagement-tool-tickets-804064778397?aff=oddtdtcreator

      May 15th (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)  – UConn TAB Webinar – Past EPA Brownfields Grantees Panel
      Register Here:      https://www.eventbrite.com/e/uconn-tab-webinar-past-grantees-panel-tickets-804081187477?aff=oddtdtcreator

      UConn TAB Spring 2024 Municipal Assistance Program

      Posted on by

      UConn TAB is currently accepting applications for the Spring 2024 Municipal Assistance Program (MAP). The MAP is open to all New England communities at no cost to the applicant. 

      Spring RFP

        The proposals will be supported through the University of Connecticut Spring 2024 UConn Brownfield Redevelopment course.  If you have any questions before applying, please reach out to us at uconn-tab@uconn.edu

        Brownfields Summit 2024

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        Call for Presentations & Sessions
        Deadline: Friday October 27, 2023

        Summit Organizers
        Northeast Waste Management Officials Association (NEWMOA)
        University of Connecticut Technical Assistance to Brownfield Communities (UConn TAB)
        Summit Partners
        Environmental Agency Brownfield Programs:

        ·         EPA Region 1

        ·         Connecticut DEEP

        ·         Maine DEP

        ·         Penobscot Indian Nation (Maine)

        ·         Massachusetts DEP

        ·         New Hampshire DES

        ·         Rhode Island DEM

        ·         Vermont DEC

        		 Economic Development Agencies:

        ·         CT Department of Economic & Community Development

        ·         ME Department of Economic & Community Development

        ·         MassDevelopment

        ·         NH Department of Business & Economic Affairs

        ·         RI Commerce Corporation

        ·         VT Agency of Commerce & Community Development

         

        Goals of the Regional Summit: Summit Participants:
        ·         Share information about the financial incentives, liability protections, technical and other assistance available for brownfields development from federal and state governments

        ·         Promote best practice and lessons learned across New England

        ·         Provide an opportunity to increase networking and information-sharing among key stakeholders

        		 ·         State, tribal, and federal government brownfields and waste site cleanup programs

        ·         Local, regional, and state economic development agencies

        ·         Real estate developers, financial institutions, and legal firms

        ·         Planning and economic development consulting firms

        ·         Local governments

        ·         Interested citizens & groups

        ·         Job training grantees

        ·         Environmental professionals

        The two-day Summit will include plenary and break-out sessions and an exhibit area. There will be ample time during the breaks for networking and viewing the exhibits.

        Summit organizers are soliciting proposals for complete 75-minute sessions or individual 20-minute presentations. All proposals will be considered, but complete 75-minute sessions are preferred.

        Proposing a 75-minute Session
        There are two types of sessions we are soliciting proposals for:

        • A site-specific case-study of a project in one of the New England states that illustrates financing, coalition-building, unique site considerations, and lessons learned. We intend to have one case study session for each of the six states.
        • Sessions on the following topics (or on other relevant topics that you are free to suggest):
        • Leveraging External Funds
        • Gentrification & Displacement in Brownfield Redevelopment – Affordable Housing & Green Spaces
        • Liability Challenges & Solutions for Stakeholders/Municipalities
        • Climate Change & Brownfield Redevelopment – Stormwater Adaptation & Resilient Infrastructure
        • Engaging the Community – Developing a Community Engagement Plan/Creating a Brownfields Task Force
        • Environmental Justice
        • Engaging Property Owners/Developers – Marketing Brownfields Sites to Developers
        • Renewable Energy on Brownfields
        • Risk Management
        • Best Practices for Beneficial Reuse of Fill on Brownfields Sites
        • Land Banking Brownfields Sites
        • Urban Agriculture on Brownfields
        • Marketing Your Revolving Loan Fund
        • Emerging Contaminants at Brownfields

        Each session will be 75 minutes and should have 3 presenters and a moderator. Each presentation should be a maximum of 20 minutes in length, leaving 15 minutes for audience Q&A. Presentations can be shorter, allowing time for a panel format/discussion.

        Submit a proposal for a 75-minute session HERE (or copy this link into your browser if you encounter security issues: https://forms.gle/gNKHSU37UPqWPFxA8) or access the online form from the Summit webpage at: www.newmoa.org/event/brownfields-summit-2024. The submission deadline is Friday October 27, 2023. The Google form will require you to briefly describe the session content and key learning objectives, suggest a catchy title, and identify the presenters and moderator.

        Proposing an Individual 20-minute Presentation
        Suggested presentation topics are listed above, or you can propose a different topic. Submit a proposal for a 20 minute-presentation HERE (or copy this link into your browser if you encounter security issues: https://forms.gle/Bp7Rbr5TnfeDL85n7) or access the online form from the Summit webpage at: www.newmoa.org/event/brownfields-summit-2024. The submission deadline is Friday October 27, 2023. The Google form will require you to briefly describe the presentation content and key learning objectives and suggest a catchy title.

        Sponsoring the Summit
        Consider enhancing the visibility of your organization by Sponsoring the Summit! For information on becoming a Sponsor, visit www.newmoa.org/event/brownfields-summit-2024 or contact Jennifer Griffith at jgriffith@newmoa.org.