Deadline: 30 June 2020
The Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs’ (OES) Office of Environmental Quality and Transboundary Issues at the U.S. Department of State (DOS), announces the Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) for activities under the “Air Quality in South Asia” project.
The “Air Quality in South Asia” project intends to identify and build capacity of targeted sectors that contribute to air pollution in South Asian countries to reduce the burden of air pollution and to promote a broad array of U.S. technologies, policies, and research that will ultimately enable us to breathe cleaner air. Potential targets for technical assistance and capacity building could include: increased energy efficiency and clean energy adoption; increased efficiency of brick kilns, which are critical for infrastructure development in South Asia; agriculture technology, regulations and practices that can reduce polluting emissions; transportation-related policies and regulations; and other sectors. Focal points within sectors would include both government and private-sector, encouraging them to adopt regulations and practices that will reduce polluting emissions.
Program Goals: The goal of the “Air Quality in South Asia” project is to increase the monitoring and regulatory capacity to address air pollution and develop National Action Plans (NAPs) in South Asia. The project will provide technical support and capacity building to all four countries eligible for funding to increase air quality monitoring capacity, develop regulatory structures, and increase public awareness of air pollution causes and consequences.
Activities
The project could include the following activities:
- Host regional workshops and trainings to foster collaboration in air quality monitoring and management: Projects could provide access to air quality experts to key decision-makers within local and national government, environmental NGO communities, universities, companies, or sectors contributing to or impacted by air pollution. Educational materials could be disseminated through formal expert workshops or by presenting expert research and policy papers to key stakeholders. Workshops and trainings could focus on key sectors such as agriculture, transportation, construction, and energy, as a way to engage with eligible countries. Building foundational knowledge is fundamental in order to complement existing efforts to enhance air quality management across the region.
- Develop National Action Plans and regulatory structures based on local and regional data through technical expertise: Projects could help to develop or contribute to National Action Plans and design a monitoring and evaluation plan to be used by key local or national level stakeholders engaged in air quality monitoring and management.
- Showcase U.S. expertise: Projects could raise awareness about U.S. clean technology solutions, policies, research, or other U.S. examples that could be applied in this context.
Note: Organizations must be able to account for technical assistance and/or capacity building efforts for all four countries by the end of the project.
Funding Information
- Approximate Total Funding: $1,975,308
- The period of performance will be: 36 months
- Anticipated Award Date: September 2020
- Anticipated Project Completion Date: September 2023
Expected Results
- Improved spatial resolution of air pollution.
- Increased intergovernmental and/or regional collaboration and synergies to streamline efforts to tackle air pollution issues.
- Improved institutional capacity in managing air quality monitoring systems and understanding data to inform air quality management policies.
- Development, adoption, and/or implementation of focused air quality management policies as a result of this project.
- Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone precursor (NOx, VOCs, and CO) emissions reduced or avoided, if applicable.
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligibility is limited to U.S. non-profit/nongovernmental organizations subject to section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code, foreign non-profit organizations, U.S. and foreign educational institutions, and public international organizations.
- Countries eligible for funding under this award include: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, and applicants must include all four countries in their proposals. To the extent possible, applicants are encouraged to note how Bhutan and Maldives could also be included in their proposed projects.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=326623