Senior Environmental Employment Program (66.508)
Program
66.508 Senior Environmental Employment Program
Federal Agency
OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION AND RESOURCES MANAGEMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Authorization
Environmental Programs Assistance Act of 1984; Public Law 98-313; 42 U.S.C. 4368a.
Program Number
66.508
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To use the talents of Americans 55 years of age or older to provide technical assistance to Federal, State, and local environmental agencies for projects of pollution prevention, abatement and control. Funding Priority: The Environmental Programs Assistance Act of 1984 (Pub. L. 98-313) authorized the Administrator of the EPA "to make grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements, with private, nonprofit organizations designated by the Secretary of Labor under Title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965." These cooperative agreements are to utilize the talents of older Americans in temporary full time or part time positions "providing technical assistance to Federal, State, and local environmental agencies for projects of pollution prevention, abatement, and control". "Technical ssistance" may include any activity performed for the EPA in support of its projects of pollution prevention, abatement, and control ranging from for example inspections of schools for asbestos, to support for a Headquarters staff office. This allows for the coverage of all types of SEE program positions from professional to clerical.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants (Cooperative Agreements).
Uses and Use Restrictions
The SEE Act states that only nonprofit organizations which are designated by the Secretary of labor under Title V of the Older Americans Act can participate.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Private, nonprofit organizations designated by the Secretary of Labor under Title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Federal, State, and local environmental agencies and individuals 55 years old or older.
Credentials/Documentation
The Environmental Programs Assistance Act of 1984 requires a certification by the Federal, State or local agency that is to receive the SEE workers that the grant/cooperative agreement will not displace any Federal or State workers, prevent the rehiring of any laid-off Federal/State workers or affect existing service contracts. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Discussion with the Headquarters is advisable. Applications that involve designating SEE enrollees to assist State/local environmental agencies are eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State For more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. This program is included under OMB Circulars No. A-110 and No. A-122.
Application Procedure
Requests for application forms and completed applications must be submitted to: Environmental Protection Agency, Grants Administration Division, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Mail Code 3903R, Washington, DC 20460. A copy of the completed application should also be sent to: Susan Street, Director; SEE Program, Human Resources Staff, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Mail Code 3650A, Washington, DC 20460. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 110. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102.
Award Procedure
Each application shall be subjected to administrative evaluation to determine adequacy of application in relation to assistance regulations, and to program objectives.
Deadlines
None.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
As described in 40 CFR Part 30-60, Subpart F.
Renewals
None. Standard application should be prepared and submitted which will be reviewed in the same manner as a new application and will compete for available funds.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
No matching funds required. Cost sharing has been waived.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Usually one to three years.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Recipients must furnish quarterly reports on expenditures by cooperative agreement.
Audits
Projects are subject to inspection and audit by representatives of the Comptroller General of the United States and EPA or any authorized representative. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular No. A-133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non- Profit Organizations," was published in the Federal Register on June 30, 1997. The Circular implements the Single Audit Act amendments of 1996. The Circular requires nonfederal entities that expend more than $300,000 in Federal award dollars, to have an audit conducted in accordance with the Circular's provisions. With the revised Circular, the previous OMB Circular No. A-128 for single audits of State and local governments was rescinded and the single audit requirements for these entities were incorporated among the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133.
Records
Financial records, including all documents to support entries on accounting records and to substantiate changes to each assistance agreement must be kept available to personnel authorized to examine EPA assistance accounts. All records must be maintained until expiration of three years from the date of submission of the final financial status report. If questions still remain, such as those raised as a result of audit, related records should be retained until the matter is completely resolved.
Program Accomplishments
In fiscal year 2003, approximately 300 cooperative agreements/amendments were awarded.
Financial Information
Account Identification
68-0108-0-1-304.
Obligations
FY 02 $53,300,000; FY 03 est $53,000,000; and FY 04 est $53,000,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$2,500 to $1,422,650; $170,300.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
40 CFR Part 30, General Regulation for Assistance Programs; Office of Administration and Resources Management for the Management of the Senior Environmental Employment Program.
Related Programs
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Susan Street, Director, SEE Program, (3650A) Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC 20460. Telephone: (202) 564-0410.
Headquarters Office
Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Administration And Resources Management, Human Resource Staff, (3650A), Washington, DC 20460.
Web Site Address
http://epa.gov/epahrist/see/brochure
Examples of Funded Projects
Provide senior citizens to do national non-agricultural pesticide surveys; monitor for Asbestos Compliance in Schools; provide support to the Agency to review and monitor in the Import Car Program; use senior citizens to monitor for the anti-fuel switching program; provide senior citizens to EPA to do research and general administrative and clerical tasks.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Proposals must demonstrate that the Organizations have the capability of operating nationwide; can manage the program within the prescribed administrative funding limits; provide a quality fringe benefit package to enrollees under the proposal (including health insurance); and the qualifications of the applicant the staff.
