EPA Releases School IPM Funding RFP

EPA School Integrated Pest Management Grants
EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) announces the availability of approximately $1 million for assistance agreements to further through research, development, monitoring, public education, training, demonstrations, or studies the adoption of verifiable integrated pest management (IPM) by the nation’s kindergarten to 12th grade public and tribal schools. IPM is a sustainable approach to managing pests that combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks. A school IPM program uses easily implemented strategies to reduce sources of food, water, and shelter for pests in school buildings and grounds. Verifiable school IPM is an ongoing activity that includes all of these documented elements: understanding pests; setting action thresholds for key pests, i.e., knowing when to take action against key pests; monitoring for pests, their locations and populations; removing conditions that allow pest infestation; and using one or more effective pest control methods including sanitation, structural maintenance, and nonchemical methods in place of or in combination with pesticides.

Proposed projects must further through research, development, monitoring, public education, training, demonstrations, or studies the adoption of verifiable IPM by kindergarten to 12th grade public and tribal schools that identify and reduce the risks associated with pesticide use. EPA strongly encourages projects that utilize consortia, partnerships, and other collaborative means in conducting the project. Proposed projects must conform to applicable state and/or tribal pesticide application requirements and IPM regulations. This program will not support projects the primary aim of which is to address the use of antimicrobial and cleaning agents in schools or pest management in school greenhouses or demonstration gardens.

The total estimated funding expected to be available for awards under this competitive opportunity is approximately $1 million. The Agency anticipates funding a number of projects ranging from approximately $50,000 up to no more than $250,000, subject to the availability of funds, the quality of proposals received, and other applicable considerations. The project period of performance is limited to two years. Selections and awards will be made by EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs with funding from EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.

To read the full RFP click here.