HomeMy WebLinkAbout20233724.tiff RESOLUTION
RE: APPROVE APPLICATION FOR COLORADO ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE GRANT
PROGRAM FOR COMMUNITY-ORIENTED SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR PRO-TEM TO SIGN
WHEREAS,the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County,Colorado,pursuant to
Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of
administering the affairs of Weld County,Colorado,and
WHEREAS, the Board has been presented with an Application for the Colorado
Environmental Justice Grant Program for Community-Oriented Solutions to Improve
Environmental Health from the County of Weld,State of Colorado,by and through the Board of
County Commissioners of Weld County,on behalf of the Department of Public Health and
Environment,to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment,with further terms
and conditions being as stated in said application,and
WHEREAS,after review,the Board deems it advisable to approve said application,a copy
of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of
Weld County, Colorado, that the Application for the Colorado Environmental Justice Grant
Program for Community-Oriented Solutions to Improve Environmental Health from the County of
Weld,State of Colorado,by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County,on
behalf of the Department of Public Health and Environment,to the Colorado Department of Public
Health and Environment,be,and hereby is,approved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that the Chair Pro-Tem be,and hereby is,
authorized to sign said application.
The above and foregoing Resolution was,on motion duly made and seconded,adopted
by the following vote on the 18th day of December,A.D.,2023.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WELD COUNTY,COLORADO
ATTEST: (d J EXCUSED
Mi eeman,Cha'
Weld County Clerk to the Board
(AYE)
BY. u '1'erry
. c,Pro-Tem
Deputy Clerk to the Board ° ' (AYE)
.James
AP ED 0 M: 1.61 1/4,41,t (AYE)
.Ross
--�:County A orney .�� , (NAY)
I l7,5 ...—Lori Saine '"il
Date of signature:
cc:1-1L,a CT(cP/cp) 2023-3724
02/13/21 HL0056
BOCC STAFF USE
Date Set: Time:
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION REQUEST
WORK SESSION TITLE:Colorado Environmental Justice Grant Program Application
DEPARTMENT:Public Health&Environment DATE: 12/4/2023
PERSON REQUESTING:Jason Chessher EXTENSION:2293
Has your Commissioner Coordinator or BOCC Chair approved the work session?
_X_Yes,Commissioner Coordinator
Yes,BOCC Chair
Recommended length of time needed for discussion:
X 15 minutes 30 minutes other(list):
In addition to yourself and the board,please list who should attend:
Dan Joseph,Dr.Annareli Morales,Jennifer Finch,Elizabeth Relford,Bruce Barker,
Cheryl Pattelli,and Jennifer Oftelie
Brief description of the issue: Informational only_X Action needed
Weld County has an opportunity to apply to the Colorado Environmental Justice Grant
Program.The grant funds projects up to$250,000,with no local match required.The
focus of our grant application will be to educate WC residents on how to participate in
public engagement opportunities for CDPHE rulemaking hearings or permitting
proceedings.This year's grant focus perfectly coincides with both the BOCC's
communication/messaging initiatives with the 76 group and our Communications
Department,and the Weld County EJ Plan development.The grant cycle is for one-year
effective July 1,2024,around the same time that our draft EJ plan is anticipated.
Through this grant application staff are proactively seeking funding to implement the
expected recommendations and findings from the EJ Plan,including teaching all WC
residents foundational knowledge of local,County,and State governments so they can
get better access the services they need.This grant will facilitate and strengthen internal
collaboration between Public Health and Environment,Communications,and Public
Works.Staff from these departments have been active in the refinement of this grant
idea.We expect to use grant funds to pay for time from our existing staff.Funds may
also be used to hire a subcontractor for specific skills that may not be available in house,
such as filming and video editing.This application is due December 19,2023.
Options for the board:
1. Approve staff to apply for the Colorado EJ Grant Program.
2. Do not approve request and staff will not apply for Colorado EJ Grant Program.
Recommendation to the board:It is recommended that the Board approve the request
of the Department of Public Health and Environment to apply to the Colorado
Environmental Justice Grant Program for the 2024 grant cycle.
2023-3724
IZ/(3 \LOUo
BOCC STAFF USE
Date Set: Time:
**Please be sure to have all materials to Karla Ford by a minimum of one day prior to the
scheduled work session for inclusion into electronic work session packets to be viewed on the
Board's laptops.**
ar : > COLORADO
0 --�er- Department of Public
CDPHE Health & Environment
REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS COVER SHEET & SIGNATURE PAGE
Submission Date : 12 / 19 / 2023 RFA Number : #42184
Submit Applications via email Colorado Department of Public CDPHE Contact : Gabriella Boehm
to : Health Et Environment
Environmental Justice Program
cdphe_ej@state . co . us
RFA Submission Deadline : December 19 , 2023
11 : 59 p . m . ( Mountain Time )
Environmental Justice Grant Program
Per the attached specifications , terms and conditions
Federal Employer Identification
Number (* FEIN ) : 84-6000813
Data Universal Numbering
System ( DUNS ) : 075757955
Authorized Signature : DEC 1 8 2023
riginal sig Lure (in ink) acknowledges acceptance of all terms and conditions of the
sol ici tatio .
Typed/Printed Name : Perry L . Buck
Title : Chair Pro-Tem
Company Name : Weld County Board of Commissioners
Address : 1 150 O Street P. O . Box 758
City : Greeley State : CO Zip : 80631
Phone Number : 970-336-7233 Fax Number : 970-336-7204
Contact for Clarifications : Dr. Annareli Morales
Title : Air Quality Policy Analyst
Phone Number : 970-400-2222 Fax Number : 970-304-6411
Email Address : amorales@weld .gov
IMPORTANT: The following information must be on the outside of the Application Packaging or referenced in the subject line if the application
may be submitted electronically:
RFA #42184
Applicants are urged to read the solicitation document thoroughly before submitting an application . THIS PAGE MUST BE COMPLETED, SIGNED
AND RETURNED .
1 i Page
2023m372 'i
��,�M„ r, Request for Applications ( RFA )
• ��;�1 Colorado Department of Public
CDPHE Health £t Environment
RFA Title : Colorado Environmental Justice Grant
Program : Community - Oriented Solutions to
Improve Environmental Health RFA #42184
CDPHE Environmental Justice Grant Webpage
Inquiries : cdphe ej@state . co . us
• RFA Release Date : September 19 , 2023
• Application Due Date : December 19 , 2023
• Award Notification Date ( estimate ) : March 11 , 2024
• Project Start Date ( estimate ) : July 1 , 2024
Live informational webinars *
Dates : October 5 , 2023 5 : 00 - 7: 00 pm Et October 23 , 2023 11 : 00
am - 1 : 00 pm - registration link
Technical Assistance Office Hours : November 8 , 2023
10 : 00 - 12 : 00 pm - registration link
*Webinar recordings and materials will be available for viewing on the Environmental Justice
Grant webpage
ACMi
cores
Table of Contents
Click on the headings below to be directed to that section of the RFA
I . PROJECT BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
II . BUDGET, FUNDING AND TERMS
III . ELIGIBILITY AND PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
IV. APPLICATION CRITERIA , REVIEW, AND SELECTION
V. NOTIFICATION Et POST-AWARD REQUIREMENT
VI . APPLICATION DEADLINE , SCHEDULE , AND COMMUNICATION
VII . RESOURCE AND GUIDANCE FOR COMPLETING THE RFA
VIII . DOCUMENTS TO COMPLETE Et SUBMIT
IX . DOCUMENTS FOR REFERENCE Et REVIEW
Page 2 of 15
I . PROJECT BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
The purpose of the Environmental Justice ( EJ ) Grant Program is to fund projects that avoid ,
minimize , measure , or mitigate impacts to public health and the environment in disproportionately
impacted ( DI ) communities , or that promote equitable participation in rulemaking and permitting
proceedings that may affect DI communities . Eligible applicants include non - profit organizations ,
local governments , federally- recognized Tribal Governments , universities and other educational
institutions , for- profit corporations , and grassroots organizations . This Request for Applications ( RFA )
for the EJ Grant Program seeks to fund up to 8 projects ranging from $ 50 , 000 - 250 , 000 . There will be
a total of $ 100 , 000 of non - competitive funds set aside for the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute
Indian Tribes .
Environmental Justice recognizes that " all people have the right to breathe clean air, drink clean
water, participate freely in decisions that affect their environments , live free of dangerous levels of
toxic pollution , experience equal protection provided by environmental policies , and share the
benefits of a prosperous and vibrant pollution - free economy. " ' Environmental justice is not a
zero - sum game . "The better we take care of all communities , the more we all grow, and by focusing
on communities that are hurting the most , all communities will find opportunities to heal and
thrive . " 2 In order to remedy environmental harms , we must focus on , listen to , and learn from the
voices of DI communities .
Colorado communities of color and low - income communities have historically carried and continue to
bear a disproportionate burden of environmental health risks . The EJ Grant Program can support
communities by funding projects that avoid ( prevent ) , minimize ( reduce , lessen , remediate ) ,
measure ( monitor ) , and mitigate ( offset , compensate for ) environmental health risks . The EJ Grant
Program funds projects that advance a healthy and sustainable Colorado where everyone has
equitable protection from environmental health risks .
Colorado EnviroScreen , an interactive environmental justice mapping tool , shows which communities
meet the definition of DI community and are therefore eligible for an EJ Grant ( see Section III :
Eligibility for more information and Attachment H for instructions ) . Colorado EnviroScreen also
identifies communities that face a greater burden of environmental health risks .
Governer Polls signed the Environmental Justice Act ( House Bill 21 - 1266 ) into law on July 2 , 2021 .
The Environmental Justice Act prioritizes reducing environmental health disparities in DI
communities and declares environmental justice a state policy. The law creates the Environmental
Justice Advisory Board ( EJAB or " Advisory Board " ) . The 12 - member Advisory Board oversees the EJ
Grant Program within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment ( CDPHE ) . 3 The EJ
Grant Program is funded by the Community Impact Cash Fund ( CICF ) . The CICF is funded by penalties
collected from entities that violate air pollution control laws , rules , and permits . The 11 volunteer
voting members of the EJAB serve as the EJ Grant Review Committee , with advice from the 12th ,
non -voting Executive Director 's designee . The Environmental Justice Program ( EJP ) at CDPHE
administers the EJ Grant Program and serves as staff for the EJAB .
' Colorado Environmental Justice Act (House Bill 21 - 1266 ) , § 2 ( 1 ) ( a) ( I ) .
2 Id. S 2 (2i ( b ) (VII ) .
Colorado Revised Statutes ( C . R. S . ) § 25- 1 - 134(4) (b ) .
Page 3 of 15
II . BUDGET, FUNDING AND TERMS
Budget Period
The EJAB anticipates providing approximately $ 1 , 000 , 000 in total funding available for this grant
program . The funding period for projects is July 1 , 2024 - June 30 , 2025 ( 1 year ) . Competitive awards
will be available in tiers :
• Tier 1 - $ 50 , 000 - 149 , 999
• Tier 2 - $ 150 , 000 - 250 , 000
Funds will be distributed based on the project 's statement of work ( SOW ) contracts . Final budgets
and statements of work will be determined during the contracting phase . Based on available funds
and staff capacity, CDPHE may fund up to 8 organizations , in addition to Tribal Government projects ,
for a maximum of $ 1 , 000 , 000 during this grant cycle . The Advisory Board anticipates funding more
projects in Tier 1 than Tier 2 ( depending on the number or nature of applications received ) . Any
funds that are not distributed will stay in the CICF to distribute as grants in future years .
Non -Competitive Tribal Government Set Aside
New this year is a non - competitive Tribal Government set aside of $ 100 , 000 for the Ute Mountain Ute
and Southern Ute Indian Tribes ( $ 50 , 000 for each Tribe ) . So long as the application is for the same
project , if either Tribe chooses to seek more than $ 50 , 000 in funding , the Tribe can use its
non - competitive grant application to request additional funding through the competitive grant
funding stream . If a Tribe seeks funding for a different project than the one it seeks non - competitive
funding for, it must submit a separate application through the competitive grant process .
Collaboration
Organizations and Tribal Governments are welcome to , but not required to , collaborate with other
organizations in applying for an EJ Grant . If an organization or Tribal Government decides to
collaborate , they must identify themselves as the lead organization and identify all partner
organizations within the application narrative document . The lead organization or Tribal Government
will apply for funding for the partnership through this RFA and will be responsible for ensuring that
partner organizations successfully complete their work . More information on collaboration can be
found in Attachment I : Collaboration .
Funding Period
The EJAB anticipates awarding grants for 1 fiscal year starting on 7 / 1 / 2024 and ending on 6 / 30 / 2025 .
Contracts will be developed and negotiated for selected projects between March and June 2024 .
Extensions to complete projects will be granted on a case by case basis . Organizations must provide
at least 90 days notice if an extension is needed .
Budget Requirements
• Up to twenty - five percent ( 25 % ) of the total award may be given as an initial payment to
assist selected applicants with launching approved activities . CDPHE pre - approval of advanced
payments is required as not alt applicants nor all budget expenses are eligible for advanced
payments . CDPHE is finalizing the eligibility and process for advanced payments ; therefore ,
applicants are required to prioritize their budget expenses on Attachment Al : Application
Narrative - Questions ( under question 4 : Project Logistics ) for an advanced payment , if
selected as a grantee and approved by CDPHE . Please note that advanced payment requires
significantly more reporting on the grantee 's end . Details on this can be found in the Budget
document on lines 70- 75 . More information will be provided as it becomes available to those
selected for funding . If advanced payments are not approved , then all funding will be
Page 4 of 15
distributed as a cost - reimbursement only ( see next bullet below ) . Only nonprofit
organizations are eligible for advanced payment .
• Remaining funds will be given on a cost - reimbursement basis only. This means that the
selected awarded applicants must be financially able to pay for expenses and then request
reimbursement from CDPHE . Project expenses will be reimbursed monthly for approved
expenses incurred during the prior month . Allowable expenses will be reimbursed monthly
upon receipt and approval of a submitted invoice . Invoice submissions are required within
forty - five (45 ) days after month - end . Source documentation demonstrating actual expenses
incurred will be subject to review. All expenditures must be reasonable , necessary, and
approved by CDPHE for the completion of approved grant activities , and must comply with the
state of Colorado fiscal rules . Please note that CDPHE will not reimburse any costs incurred by
selected applicants prior to the issuance of a legally executed contract .
Your application should include a budget ( Attachment B ) . The budget should detail :
• How much money you are seeking through the grant for one full year.
• How you intend to use the funds from the grant . Break the categories down into as much
detail as possible and include details on collaboration among organizations , if applicable . The
more detailed your budget , the more likely the EJAB is to fund your project because they will
have a better understanding of how you intend to use the EJ Grant funds .
• What percentage of the funds will be used to pay person -iel ( staff ) working on the grant .
• What percentage , if any, of the grant funds will be used to cover indirect costs . Please also
explain the accounting practices your organization uses for indirect costs ( see below ) .
Indirect ( F &A) Cost Rate :
Definition : Indirect costs are costs that have been incurred for common or joint objectives and
cannot be readily identified with a particular final cost objective or grant account . Indirect costs
may be called Facilities and Administration costs ( FEtA ) at some organizations . Indirect costs are
different from administrative costs in most cases . For example , a program employee can be
considered administrative and not be included in an organization 's indirect costs . Costs classified as
indirect can differ depending upon your organizational structure and accounting practices but some
common examples include depreciation on buildings and equipment , operating and maintenance
costs of facilities , and general administrative expenses such as the salaries and expenses of executive
officers and accounting or legal staff .
If an applicant 's organization maintains an indirect or FEtA rate and the applicant chooses to include
this cost on the application budget , it is expected that the amount budgeted will reflect your
organization ' s approved rate . Be prepared to submit one of the rollowing if awarded :
A . Federally Negotiated Indirect Rate Agreement - An entity that receives funding directly from
the federal government is eligible to recover indirect costs by using a federally negotiated
indirect cost rate from their Federal cognizant agency.
B . DPHE Negotiated Indirect Rate Agreement - An entity that does not have a current
negotiated indirect cost rate with a federal agency AND does not receive federal funds
directly from a federal agency can negotiate an indirect cost rate with the internal audit unit
at CDPHE .
Alternatives to a negotiated indirect cost rate :
A . De minimis indirect cost rate - The de minimis rate of 10 percent of modified total direct
costs ( MTDC ) is available to all non - Federal entities ( 2 C . F. R . § 200 . 414 ( f ) ) .
Page 5 of 15
B . Direct Charge All Expenses - Organizations may elect to direct charge all allowable expenses
on their billings for each contract , grant or award . Billed costs will be subject to field review
by CDPHE .
Keep in mind when you are completing your budget :
• Attachment E : Allowable Use of Funds Et Restrictions provides a detailed description of
allowable and unallowable costs .
• Travel expenses are reimbursable . For travel expenses , please break down how much you
anticipate spending on per diems , mileage reimbursements at the current federal rate , and
lodging .
• Fundraising is an allowable direct cost with the following limitations .
o Applicants must ensure that this an appropriate use of state government funds .
o Fundraising must be for the purpose of increasing funds or capacity for the specific
project that is funded by the Environmental Justice Grant . Fundraising must also be
closely related to the overall intent o' a project to avoid , minimize , measure , or
mitigate adverse environmental public health impacts in a DI community, or to provide
for the equitable participation of DI community members in a rulemaking proceeding .
o For example , a community air monitoring project might budget 50% of its funding for
buying air monitors , 45 % for community outreach and education about the air
monitors , and 5 % of its budget to pay a contract grant writer to secure funding for long
term maintenance for the air monitors . This would be a reasonable example of direct
costs for fundraising being appropriate . However, if the same project allocated 50% of
its budget to buying air monitors and 50% to conduct fundraising , including fundraising
for projects unrelated to the air monitoring project , that would not be a reasonable
use of direct costs .
• Certain expenses are not allowed :
o Food and beverage expenses for staff meetings or individual project staff .
o Costs of alcoholic beverages .
o Lobbying as defined in Colorado Revised Statutes ( C . R . S . ) S 24- 6 - 301 ( 3 . 5 ) ( a ) .
o Costs of contributions and donations , including cash , property, and services from the
lead organization to other entities .
o Costs of entertainment , including amusement , diversion , social activities , and
associated costs .
o Capital projects , maintenance , or certain types of equipment as direct costs .
Equipment is defined as a purchase greater than or equal to $ 5 , 000 for an article of
nonexpendable , tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year.
However, physical equipment used to deliver services as part of projects to avoid ,
minimize , mitigate , and measure environmental harms ( i . e . , air quality monitors ,
trees for planting in individual gardens , etc . ) is an allowable cost .
Financial Risk Determination
Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire - IMPORTANT: A financial risk rating will be assigned for all
applicants . Local public health agencies are not required to complete Attachment C : Financial Risk
Assessment Questionnaire because they already have a risk rating assigned by the CDPHE Financial
Risk Management System ( FRMS ) . Colorado State Institutions of Higher Education are not required to
complete the Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire . Tribal Governments must have a current
Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire on file at the time they apply for any CDPHE grant . Tribal
Governments are not required to re - submit the Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire if one is
already on file . Tribal Governments may check with : he Centralized Tribal Contract Monitoring team
to verify whether they have a current Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire on file at the time
they submit their application . This form must be completed and submitted by all other applicants ,
Page 6 of 15
including nonprofits , for - profit businesses , and governmental agencies . Applicants must retain a copy
of their completed Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire for any additional funding applications
within a 12 month period , the same budget period . Any changes will require a new form to be
submitted . The application may not be reviewed if the completed form is not included . The Financial
Risk Assessment rating does NOT determine whether or not CDPHE will fund an applicant , rather, it
determines an applicant 's financial and management strength , and the level of technical assistance
and contract monitoring necessary to help the applicant succeed with the project if awarded . In
order to incorporate all relevant information , programs must include the financial risk rating in their
initial discussions about which applications should be provided to the review committees AND during
the review committee evaluations for funding decisions . The final application score may be impacted
by risk determinations made by CDPHE based on information contained in the form . Scores will be
communicated to the grant review committee and may be considered in the overall score .
Technically, the score could be impacted when the review committee members see the financial risk
assessment score . The form and guidance are part of this announcement . For more information ,
please see Attachment F : Financial Risk Assessment FAQs .
Instructions : If your organization is a nonprofit , for - profit business or governmental agency, you are
required to complete the financial risk assessment questionnaire ( Attachment C ) or via Good..le
Forms . Local public health agencies are not required to complete the form , because they already
have a risk rating assigned via the CDPHE Financial Risk Management Survey ( FRMS ) . Any questions
regarding the Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire must be submitted through the inquiry
process .
RFA business documents detail the rules and expectations for the RFA process and outline the terms
and conditions that typically appear in State of Colorado contracts .
Organizations who receive advanced payment will automatically be considered high risk for purposes
of the financial risk assessment questionnaire .
III . ELIGIBILITY Et REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANTS
Only organizations located in Colorado may apply for EJ Grants . Eligible organizations include :
non - profit organizations , local governments , federally - recognized Tribal Governments , universities or
other educational institutions , for- profit corporations , or grassroots organizations . Eligible
organizations may not discriminate on the basis of race , ethnicity, religion , sex , sexual orientation ,
gender identity / expression , age , or national origin in their staffing policies , use of volunteers , or
provision of services .
EJ Grants can fund projects that :
• Avoid , minimize , measure , or mitigate impacts to public health and the environment including
but not limited to : air quality, water quantity and quality, waste , land use and built
environment , climate , noise , chemicals , pesticides , natural assets , soil quality, historical
industrial contamination , and cumulative impacts across media ( for more information , see
Attachment D : Definitions a Terms ) . 4
The terms avoid , minimize , measure , and mitigate are part of the mitigation hierarchy This hierarchy is a widely used tool for limiting
negative impacts on human health and the environment . Avoidance includes measures to avoid or prevent impacts from occurring , like
building a new highway on a route that does not go through a densely populated area . Minimization consists of measures taken to reduce
the duration , intensity, or extent of impacts that cannot be completely avoided , like replacing soil that has elevated levels of lead to
prevent future lead exposure. Measuring includes collecting data to assess how environmental exposures affect human health , like air
quality monitoring . Lastly, mitigation refers to reducing the severity, seriousness , or harm of an environmental impact , like planting trees
to offset air pollution exposure.
Page 7 of 15
• Promote equitable participation in a rulemaking or permitting proceeding . For example , a
project could fund trainings on how to participate in agency rulemakings , or allow a
grassroots nonprofit to hire experts ( e . g . , lawyers , scientists , medical and public health
professionals ) to provide testimony or representation in a permitting proceeding .
How to Determine Whether Your Project is in a Disproportionately Impacted Community
Eligible projects must be within DI Communities . This includes census block groups that meet one or
more of the following criteria as displayed in the May 2023 DI Community layer within Colorado
EnviroScreen :
• More than 40% of the population identify as people of color ( POC ) ;
• More than 40% of households are low - income ( at or below 200% of the federal poverty line ) ;
• More than 50% of households are housing cost - burdened ( spends more than 30% of monthly
income on housing costs ) ;
• More than 20% of the population is linguistically isolated ( live in households where all adults
speak a language other than English , and speak English less than very well ) ;
• Historically marginalized communities : Communities with a history of environmental racism
created through redlining or anti - Black , anti - Hispanic , anti - immigrant , or anti - Indigenous
laws , policies , or practices that continue to experience present - day environmental health
disparities ;
To qualify under this prong , grant applicants must provide evidence that their
community was subject to historical discriminatory laws , policies , and practices , as
well as evidence of continuing , present - day environmental health disparities .
• Cumulatively impacted communities : Communities where multiple factors , including
socioeconomic stressors , vulnerable populations , disproportionate environmental burdens ,
vulnerability to environmental degradation or climate change , and lack of public participation
may act cumulatively to affect health and the environment and may contribute to persistent
environmental health disparities ;
o Cumulatively impacted communities can be presumptively identified in one of two
ways :
■ They are in a census block group with a Colorado EnviroScreen score above the
80th percentile ; or,
■ They are in a census tract that the federal Council on Environmental Quality 's
Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool identifies as disadvantaged .
• Tribal lands : The Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Reservations ; and
• Mobile Home Communities : Areas that meet the Department of Local Affairs ' definition of a
Mobile Home Park .
You can use Colorado EnviroScreen to determine whether your project is located in a DI
community. Attachment H explains how to find this information within Colorado EnviroScreen . You
can also view a Colorado EnviroScreen demo in English and Spanish . If you have questions about how
to use Colorado EnviroScreen , please email cdphe ej ® state . co . us .
For a non - exhaustive list of project ideas please view the list of projects funded during Year 1 of this
RFA , the EPA's EJ Grants page , and CDPHE 's Suncor settlement supplemental environmental projects
page . These pages provide examples of EJ grant projects that have been funded in the past .
Applicants should develop their project based on the needs within their community.
Applications should be concise , straightforward , objective , and inclusive .
Page 8 of 15
The Advisory Board has a strong preference for funding projects that are initiated by community
members . The Advisory Board prefers projects that meet the specific needs of community members ,
and that prioritize authentic community engagement at every stage . In section 2 ( d ) of Attachment
(Al ) please describe how your project was initiated based on community needs and will
incorporate authentic community engagement at every stage of the project .
Applicants will have 90 days ( until 11 : 59 p . m . on December 19 , 2023 ) to submit an application to
CDPHE by emailing it to cdphe_ej@state . co . us .
Required Narrative Components : EJP staff will screen applications to make sure all required
items have been submitted . If something is missing , the applicant will be notified during business
hours, and have 24 hours to attach the missing item . This is not a chance to edit or change
previously recorded responses . If an application does not meet all required project components ,
the application may be eliminated from further consideration . Application narratives are not to
exceed 5 pages , with the exception of the supplemental questions and administrative items .
Attachment Al contains the narrative questions . Attachment A2 is the response template where
you should answer the narrative questions .
Scores will be based on the applicant 's ability to successfully present the following narrative
elements :
1 . Background on the Organization
a . How does your organization 's mission / vision align with the purpose of the Environmental
Justice Grant Program ?
2 . Project Description Et Purpose
a . What is the need or problem you are seeking to address ( within the broader goal of
advancing environmental justice and prioritizing the reduction of environmental health
inequities in disproportionately impacted communities ) ?
b . Describe the target population and geographic area .
c . How does the area that your project will serve meet the definition of disproportionately
impacted community?
i . Note : You can use Colorado EnviroScreen to determine if your project is
located in a disproportionately impacted community ( see Attachment H for
instructions ) . Please be sure to use the proper " home " address of the lead
organization . Differentiate between mailing and other addresses if needed .
d . Community Engagement - Describe how you will authentically engage the community ( see
Attachment D for definitions ) at each stage of the project . Consider addressing how you
will engage the community :
i . In the development of this project ( including whether your project addresses
issues identified through previous community engagement processes ) ;
ii . Throughout the project ; and
iii . After the project is completed ( how your project will be accountable to the
community ) .
3 . Project Design ( Use SMARTIE goats if possible )
a . What is your overall project goal?
b . What are your project objectives?
c . What are your primary activities? What are your subactivities? Please respond concisely
using bullet points .
d . What are your deliverables? Please list as bullet points
Please see the example on how to write objectives , activities , and deliverables here
(Attachment J)
4 . Project Logistics
Page 9 of 15
a . What resources will you need?
b . What is your proposed budget? You may include additional details to support Attachment
B here .
c . Project timeline - what do you hope to accomplish by Quarter 1 ( July- September 2024 ) ,
Quarter 2 ( October - December 2024 ) , Quarter 3 ( January-March 2025 ) , and Quarter 4
(April - June 2025 ) ? Please list project deliverables in corresponding quarters .
5 . What do you expect are potential challenges , barriers , and / or unintended consequences in
implementing your project? How do you expect to deal with or manage these?
6 . Project Evaluation
a . How will you know when you are successful or making progress on your project?
b . How do you plan to evaluate your project? ( measurable results , and short and long term
outcomes )
c . How will you share your results with the community and other interested parties?
7 . Organizational Details
a . How do your organization 's skills , qualifications , and experience set you up for success?
For more details on the types of information to include in this section , see Attachment
A1 .
8 . Supplemental Questions [Responses to the following questions are optional, are not
associated with a point value and do not count toward the 5 page narrative limit] :
a . Please explain how your organization will collaborate with other organizations on the EJ
Grant . Provide specific detail on how each organization will utilize grant funds and how
the organizations will work together and maintain accountability for the project goals
and objectives . Include any other important information for this project and
collaboration here . More information on collaboration can be found in Attachment I . As a
reminder, collaboration is optional , not required, for applicants.
b . The Advisory Board is interested in understanding the sustainability of this project . Are
you currently receiving funding from other sources to support this project / work? If yes ,
where are you receiving funding from and for how long?
c . The Advisory Board values diversity, equity and inclusion . How does your organization 's
staff , board , and volunteers reflect the population this project will serve? You may list
examples as bullet points .
9 . Administrative Items [these items do not count toward the 5 page narrative limit]
a . Have you completed and signed the RFA Cover Sheet and Signature Page , the Financial
Risk Assessment Questionnaire , and the budget document ( Attachment B )?
b . Applicants must disclose any conflict of interest , such as a personal or financial
relationship with any member of the Advisory Board . Instructions for determining
potential conflicts of interest are in Attachment Al . A list of Advisory Board members is
available here .
c . What types of technical assistance or support will you need from CDPHE?
IV. APPLICATION CRITERIA , REVIEW Et SELECTION
The technical aspects of applications will be assessed based on the soundness of the applicant's
approach and the applicant's understanding of the requirement . Past experience / qualifications will
be assessed by considering the extent to which the qualifications , experience , and past performance
are likely to foster successful , on - time performance . Technical and past experience assessments may
include a judgment concerning the potential risk of unsuccessful or untimely performance , and the
anticipated amount of State resources necessary to insure timely, successful performance . The State
may use all information available regarding past performance as defined in C . R . S . 5 24 - 106 - 107 et
seq.
Page 10 of 15
The program has carefully designed a scoring and selection process to ensure fair selection of the
best qualified applicants . The selection process is described below. The criteria for scoring are in
direct correlation to the required application components .
Application Evaluation
The EJAB will review applications by approximately March 7 , 2024 using the criteria and scoring
system outlined below. Applicants with the highest scores will be considered finalists . The Board will
apply the conflict of interest matrix to ensure fair and equitable evaluation of applications . The EJAB
may nct consider your application if you do not follow every requirement .
The number of finalists will vary depending on the amount of funding available and the number of
applications received .
The EJAB reserves the right to ask each finalist clarifying questions or for additional documentation .
The EJAB may adjust an application 's initial score based on the answers received . This may influence
the final decision to award or reject an application . Some finalists may not be asked questions . If a
finalist fails to respond to the EJAB 's questions by the deadline , the application may be disqualified .
To ensure a transparent process , all questions and answers will be documented via email and will
become part of the finalist 's application . The EJAB also reserves the right to request a call or
meeting with an applicant to discuss their answers . Minutes from the call or meeting will be recorded
and become part of the finalist 's application . EJP staff will call a finalist within two business days to
ensure questions were received if the finalist does not respond or confirm receipt . The EJAB may
choose up to 8 applications to fund in addition to non - competitive Tribal Government set - aside
applications .
Applications that fail to follow all requirements may not be considered .
Financial Risk Assessment Rating in Evaluation
The financial risk rating determined from the submitted Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire ( or
FRMS rating for Local Public Health Agencies only ) will be communicated to reviewers during the
application review process . Applications that fail to follow all requirements may not be considered .
The fol .owing table shows how reviewers will score applications :
Environmental Justice Grant Application Components
Point breakdown in Attachment G
Criteria for Application Maximum Points Suggested Maximum Page Length
(See Attachment A . for formatting
requirements)
Background of Organization 10 '/ page
Project Description and Purpose 25 1 page
Project Design 20 1 page
Project Logistics 15 ' page
Potential challenges or 10 1 page
barriers / unintended consequences
Page 11 of 15
Project Evaluation 15 1 page
Organizational Details 5 ' page
Supplemental Questions Not applicable Not applicable
Administrative Items Not applicable Not applicable
Possible Final Application Score 100 5 page maximum
V. NOTIFICATION Et POST-AWARD REQUIREMENT
EJP staff will notify applicants by email about the E., AB 's funding decision by approximately
March 11 , 2024 . Successful applicants will receive grant funding in the form of a state of
Colorado SOW contract . If your project is selected for funding , you may be required to
attend CDPHE trainings .
Awarded applicants must participate in CDPHE evaluation efforts including , but not
limited to :
• Check- ins and progress reports :
a A 30 minute check- in phone call 60 days into the contract to discuss how the initial
setup of your project is going ( estimate : week of August 26 , 2024 ) ;
o A written progress report on how you are addressing your statement of work ( SOW )
deliverables at 6 months ( estimate : January 15th , 2025 ) ; and
o A 30 min check- in phone call at 9 months to discuss wrapping up the grant project
( estimate : week of March 10th , 2025 ) .
o A final progress report due no later than July 15 , 2025 .
o Failure to participate or submit progress reports according to this time frame will
result in a delay or denial of reimbursement requests for those periods.
• Applicants who score medium or high on the Financial Risk Assessment will have additional
monitoring requirements .
• Monthly invoices on actual expenses incurred in the previous month . You must submit
invoices within 45 days of the end of the month . CDPHE will not reimburse any costs
incurred before the SOW is finalized . CDPHE may review the sources you provide as
documentation for the actual expenses you ircur.
VI . APPLICATION DEADLINE , SCHEDULE , AND COMMUNICATION
General Information
This Request for Applications ( RFA ) is issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment ( CDPHE ) , also referred to as the "State . ' The CDPHE contact listed in these instructions
is the sole point of contact concerning this RFA . All communication and correspondence about the
grant application must be addressed to the following contact :
Page 12 of 15
Gabriella Boehm
Environmental Justice Grants Specialist
cdphe ej@state . co . us
During the solicitation process for this RFA , all official communication with applicants will be via
n otices on the CDPHE EJ Grants webpage listed in the schedule of activities . Notices may include any
modifications to administrative or performance requirements , answers to inquiries received ,
clarifications to requirements , and the announcement of the apparent winning applicant ( s ) .
Applicants are responsible for monitoring for publication of modifications to this solicitation . It is
incumbent upon applicants to carefully and regularly monitor for any such notices . Applicants are
n ot to contact any other state office or individual regarding this RFA or this project . Applicants are
n ot to rely on any other statements that alter any specification or other term or condition of the
solicitation .
Applications must be received on or before the due date and time as indicated in the Schedule of
Activities . Late applications may not be accepted . It is the responsibility of the applicant to
ensure that their application is received by the CDPHE at the location listed in these instructions
on or before the due date and time .
One completed copy of the Request for App .: cation Cover Sheet Et S ' gnature Page MUST be signed
digitally or in ink , preferably blue ink but black ink is also permissible , by a person who is legally
authorized to bind the applicant to the application . Submissions that are determined to be at a
variance with this requirement may be deemed non - responsive and may not be accepted .
All materials submitted shall become the property of the CDPHE , and will not be returned unless the
RFA solicitation is canceled prior to the submittal due date , in which case applications will be
returned unopened or opened only for identification purposes .
The deadline to submit the application ( including any attachments ) , the RFA cover sheet and
signature page , and completed Financial Risk Questionnaire is December 19 , 2023 . Faxed or mailed
applications will not be accepted . Please email all RFA documents to cdphe ej@state . co . us . The
subject line of the email should state : EJ Grant Application RFA #42184 ( insert organization name ) .
Applicants will receive an email confirming the delivery. If an applicant does not receive a
confirmation email within two business days , the applicant should send a follow- up email to
cdphe ej@state . co . usorcall303 - 656 - 6372 .
RFA SCHEDULE Et ACTIVITIES
Schedule of Activities Timeline Date Time
Official launch of RFA, application window opens ( see EJ Grants September 19 , 2023 N / A
webpagel
Informatioral webinar for interested applicants English in En lish with October 5 , 2023 5 : 00 p . m . - 7 : 00
Spanish interpretation ( optional attendance ) registration link p . m .
Informatioral webinar for interested applicants in English with October 23 , 2023 11 : 00 a . m . - 1 : 00
Spanish interpretation ( optional attendance ) registration link p . m .
Open virtual office hours ( Q&A) for technical assistance with grant November 8 , 2023 10 : 00 a . m . - 12 : 00
application ( optional attendance ) registration link p . m .
Page 13 of 15
Deadline for applicants to submit questions and request assistance .
No questions will be accepted after this date/time . Email December 11 , 2023 11 : 59 p . m .
cd he_ej ®state. co. us
Deadline for CDPHE to answer questions and to make any changes to December 14 , 2023 11 : 59 p . m .
the RFA published on the RFA webpage .
Application submission deadline (email : cdphe_ej@state . co. us) December 19 2023 11 : 59 p . m .
Initial screening by staff December 19 , 2023 - N / A
January 10 , 2024
EJAB evaluation period , including question Et answer and interviews January 11 - March 7 , N / A
with top applicants, if needed 2024
Notification of award (estimate ) March 11 , 2024 N / A
Contracts finalized (estimate) June 2024 N /A
Contract effective date / work begins (estimate ) July 1 , 2024 N / A
VII . RESOURCES a GUIDANCE FOR COMPLETING THE RFA
Informational Webinars ( Optional )
CDPHE strongly encourages interested organizations to attend optional , informational webinars to
learn more about the RFA . The webinars will be held on 10 / 5 and 10 / 23 at different times of day to
accommodate applicants with different schedules . The webinars will be in English with simultaneous
Spanish interpretation . The webinars will be recorded in English and Spanish . Links to the recordings
will be posted on the EJ Grants webpage . Questions and answers will be provided in a Google doc
linked on the webpage . Please use the registration link to sign up .
October 5 , 2023 5 : 00 - 7 : 00 pm
October 23 , 2023 11 : 00 am - 1 : 00 pm
Technical Assistance with Grant Applications (Optional )
CDPHE : CDPHE provides technical assistance (TA) and support for all applicants . Links to join the
office hour session will be posted on the EJ Grants webpage . Please use the registration link to sign
up .
• November 8 , 2023 10 : 00 am - 12 : 00 pm
The office hours will be recorded in English and Spanish . Links to the recordings will be posted on the
EJ Grants webpage , along with any documents or materials referenced during the office hours .
Questions asked and answered during the office hours will be added to the questions and answers
document .
U . S Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA) : The EPA's Environmental Justice Thriving Communities
Technical Assistance Center ( EJ TCTAC ) can provide technical assistance to help organizations
navigate grant application systems , write strong grant proposals , and effectively manage grant
funding . The TCTAC currently serving EPA Region 8 is the International City / County Management
Association . More information is available here .
Page 14 of 15
Questions Et Inquiries
Applicants may make written inquiries via email to clarify RFA requirements . All questions and
responses to inquiries will be posted on the EJ Grants webpage . You can ask questions about
how to use Colorado EnviroScreen . No inquiries will be accepted after December 11 , 2023 .
Send all inquiries to : cdphe ej ® state . co . us Clearly identify your inquiries with :
1 . RFA Number #42184
2 . The document , page or section number, and paragraph number ( if applicable ) the inquiry
applies to
Application Budget Template
Applicants can download the Budget Template to complete the budget . Please provide an estimated
budget for one year of funding . Project budget can include personnel salary and benefits , hourly
employees or contractors , supplies and operating expenses , travel costs , and other expenses . The
Allowable Use of Funds Et Restrictions document provides more information .
Technical assistance and support to complete the budget is available until December 11 , 2023 .
VIII . DOCUMENTS TO COMPLETE Et SUBMIT
Request for Applications ( RFA ) Cover Sheet Et Signature Page
Attachment (Al ) : Application Narrative - Questions
Attachment (A2) : Application Narrative - Responses
Attachment ( B ) : Budget Template
Attachment (C ) : Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire (can also be completed through Google Forms)
IX . DOCUMENTS FOR REFERENCE Et REVIEW
Attachment ( D) : Definition of Terms
Attachment ( E ) : Allowable Use of Funds Et Restrictions
Attachment (F ) : Financial Risk Assessment Questionnaire FAQ
Attachment (G ) : Application Scoring Criteria
Attachment ( H ) : EnviroScreen Step- by-step Instructions
Attachment ( I ) : Collaboration
Attachment (J ) : Example Question 3 Project Design
Page 15 of 15
CDPHE Environments ( Justice Grant Program RFA #42784
tat
ATTACHMENT A2 : APPLICATION NARRATIVE - RESPONSES
Responses to the application narrative questions (Attachment Al ) must be written here in this
Application Narrative - Responses Template (Attachment A2 ) . Responses to the narrative
questions - aside from those marked " optional " - are required and wilt be used by the Review
Committee as criteria for scoring and selection . Application narratives should not exceed 5
pages , with the exception of the supplemental questions and administrative items . Please
use Trebuchet MS size 11 font , single spaced , 1 inch margins when answering questions (this
document is already formatted to these specifications ) . Applicants who do not use this
formatting will lose 5 points toward their overall scores . If you do not initially use Attachment
A2 , you wilt have 24 hours to transfer your responses into this template and resubmit to
cdphe_ei@state . co . us
BEGIN RESPONSES ON PAGE 1
1 . Our mission at the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE )
is to serve Weld County by cultivating partnerships to promote public health and
environmental quality through the delivery of relevant , innovative , and cost - effective
services . Our vision is that everyone in Weld County has the opportunity to live their
healthiest lives . Both our mission and vision are perfectly aligned with the goats of
environmental justice ( EJ ) and the purpose of the EJ Grant Program .
2 . Project Description Et Purpose
a ) WCDPHE seeks to address the need for equitable participation of our residents with
Local , County , and State government proceedings . The most recent Weld County
Community Health Assessment ( CHA ) found that our residents ' leading environmental
concern is outdoor air quality , with 62 . 2% of Weld County adults stating they are
moderately or very concerned . A significantly higher percentage of residents from low -
income households ( 71 % ) and Hispanic / Latino ( 68% ) residents were moderately or very
concerned about outdoor air quality . Though air quality is a major concern , we have
noticed very limited participation by our residents during public listening sessions and
public comment opportunities during events hosted by Colorado Department of Public
Health and Environment ( CDPHE ) , Colorado Energy Office ( CEO ) , Energy and Carbon
Management Commission ( ECMC ) , and during Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC )
rulemaking hearings . Since February 2023 , there have been only two Weld County
residents who spoke during a CDPHE public comment opportunity . The March 7 , 2023
" Greeley Small Community Conversation - GEMM2 " event hosted by CDPHE had to be
cancelled due to only 2 - 3 people registering ; one of them being Dr . Morales , a WCDPHE
employee . It is evident that we have a problem , which extends throughout Local , County ,
and State levels of government . This project seeks to solve the problem by educating our
residents within urban and rural disproportionately impacted communities ( DICs ) on where
to get information to stay up - to - date on public events and how to effectively participate
in public comment . We want to set up our residents for success and to have the ability to
engage in rules and government proceedings that may affect their families and livelihood .
Weld County uniquely has 31 municipalities and 15 unincorporated communities across
urban and rural areas . The need to build relationships between County and Local
government is crucial , especially to improve communication and planning for effective
emergency response . Additionally , Weld County is in the process of developing an EJ
Policy that will guide the creation of an EJ Plan for the county . The focus of this year ' s EJ
Grant Program aligns with the County ' s EJ initiatives and allows us to proactively seek
funding to implement the expected recommendations and findings from the EJ plan ,
including teaching our residents foundational knowledge of Local , County , and State
governments , so they can better access the services they need .
b ) The target population for this project is adult ( over 18 years old ) residents of Weld
County . The geographic area includes over 4 , 000 square miles of urban and rural areas ,
with most of the population of Weld County residing within the southern half of the
county . Geographically , concern about air quality from our CHA was highest in
Windsor / Severance , Greeley / Evans , and Carbon Valley ( Dacono , Frederick, Fort Lupton ) .
c ) Colorado EnviroScreen ( ES ) shows that our project will serve DICs , as several census
block groups in southern Weld County are defined as DIC , based on the following criteria :
Low Income , People of Color, Federal CEJST, ES score , mobile home communities , and
Pg . 1
having more than one category in the DIC definition . The map below shows the spatial
distribution of the DICs in Weld County . Based on the ES DIC map and results from our
CHA, we plan to prioritize community meetings in Dacono , Fort Lupton , Hudson ,
Keenesburg , Platteville , Gilcrest , Greeley, Evans , and Severance .
Disproportionately Impacted Community (May 2023)
_ Low Income
•
► People of Color
rsv
_ � � _ , " Housing Burden
•L SFVNrance r.-s30 Linguistically Isolated
Federal CEJST (Justice40)
'irirrar Tribal Lands
G'a EnviroScreen Score
-&, More than one category
<< ut DI Community: Mobile Home Communities
Mobile Home Community
f
�_ . . Est. Values
41 pp Fr.:tT.J!iN Most Burdened
r H.1
d ) This project addresses issues identified through previous community engagement
processes with CDPHE / AQCC . This project is motivated by the findings of our CHA showing
over two - thirds of our community is moderately or very concerned about outdoor air
quality . Throughout the project , we will be collaborating with local government and
engaging with communities in person , virtually , and online through social media . After
each community meeting , we will have a debrief to assess what went well and what could
be improved for the next meeting . All the educational materials created through this
project will be hosted on a dedicated web page on Weld County ' s website , readily
accessible to all collaborators and participants . We will also present our final report and
lessons learned at a public Board of County Commissioner ( BOCC ) meeting .
3 . Project Design
a ) Our overall project goal is to advance equitable access to services in
disproportionately impacted urban and rural communities in Weld County .
b ) Our project objectives are to 1 ) educate urban and rural DIC residents on how to
participate in government proceedings , 2 ) advance equitable access to government
services , and 3 ) proactively build partnerships with urban and rural DICs and local
governments .
c ) Primary activities
• Primary activity # 1 : Proactively build partnerships with CDPHE and local
governments at the start of the project .
o Sub - activity # 1 : Host kick- off meeting between Weld County and the local
governments to present our project objectives , and answer questions .
o Sub - activity #2 : Create list of materials already available and needed to be
developed .
o Sub - activity #3 : Research locations where meetings will be held .
Pg . 2
o Sub - activity #4 : Schedule a meeting with the CDPHE Air Pollution Control
Division ' s Education Et Community Opportunities Unit ( or other relevant
team at CDPHE ) to get feedback / advice on how to prepare for the
community meetings and share any relevant educational materials .
o Sub - activity #5 : Schedule at least one in - person and one virtual meeting at
each of the nine ( 9 ) priority communities listed in Project Design .
o Sub - activity #6 : Draft survey to assess pre - and post - meeting knowledge ,
and to get additional information on how best to reach this audience in the
future .
o Sub - activity #7 : Prepare quarterly report for CDPHE and share with BOCC ;
publish on Weld County website .
• Primary activity #2 : Create plain language educational materials explaining State
agencies ( CDPHE , AQCC , CEO , ECMC ) and Local , County , and State government
processes .
o Sub - activity # 1 : Create list of resources and information that can be
accessed through the Weld County website ; update website where
necessary .
o Sub - activity #2 : Translate all educational materials to English and Spanish .
o Sub - activity #3 : Finalize survey .
o Sub - activity #4 : Print all materials and surveys .
o Sub - activity #5 : Prepare presentations and practice .
o Sub - activity #6 : Advertise community meetings ( social media , flyers ,
Weld / Local government websi tes / calendar of events , and in - person during
community events ) .
o Sub - activity #7 : Prepare quarterly report for CDPHE and share with BOCC ;
publish on Weld County website .
• Primary activity #3 : Host in - person and virtual community meetings in partnership
with CDPHE and local governments across Weld County .
o Sub - activity # 1 : Set up rooms , test audio / visual equipment , get snacks , put
signs up .
o Sub - activity #2 : Summarize project goals with residents .
o Sub - activity #3 : Share progress of EJ Plan and Policy with local governments
and Weld County residents .
o Sub - activity #4 : Record takeaways from each meeting and debrief with
team to assess any improvements for the next event .
o Sub - activity #5 : Prepare quarterly report for CDPHE and share with BOCC :
publish on Weld County website .
• Primary activity #4 : Wrap - up and evaluation of the project .
o Sub - activity # 1 : Share final EJ Plan and Policy with local governments and
Weld County residents through preferred method identified during Spring
2023 EJ Plan community meetings .
o Sub - activity #2 : Have wrap - up meeting with local governments to evaluate
the project and determine next steps .
o Sub - activity #3 : Analyze survey results .
o Sub - activity #4 : Prepare report for CDPHE and BOCC ; publish on Weld
County Website .
d ) Deliverables
• quarterly project reports for BOCC
Pg . 3
• community meeting calendar
• plain language materials in English and Spanish for community meetings
• plain language handbook describing the Weld County government , departments ,
and services the County offers
• create survey to assess community meetings and gather information
• flyers advertising the community and virtual meetings
• notes from meetings and debriefs
• create a services map and neighborhood services guide with local governments to
have important phone numbers to call ( similar to this one from Topeka , KS )
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• final report of project findings and next steps to the BOCC and CDPHE (will post
online and share with collaborators as well )
4 . Project Logistics
a ) The resources we will need are staff time ( experts in communication , health
education , government proceedings , Spanish translation ) , a printing shop , computers
to develop the educational materials and set up virtual meetings , graphic designer for
any infographics / digital content , possibly a videographer and video editor , a vehicle to
travel to / from events , funds to offer food at community meetings , and
guidance / advice from CDPHE .
b ) The proposed budget is $ 122 , 481 . 91 ( see Attachment B for details ) . This budget is
within the Tier 1 award .
c ) Project Timeline
• Quarter 1 ( July - Sept 2024 ) - Kick- off meeting notes , list of content to develop ,
scheduled community meeting calendar ( date / location ) , draft survey , draft
advertisement materials , project report .
• Quarter 2 ( Oct - Dec 2024 ) - Plain language materials ( handbook , service map ) , final
survey , final advertisement materials , meeting presentation , list of resources for
website , printed materials , project report .
• Quarter 3 (Jan - Mar 2025 ) - Complete all community meetings , meeting notes ,
project report .
• Quarter 4 (April - June 2025 ) - Survey assessment , lessons learned , final report .
5 . Pctential challenges we expect are hesitancy and / or mistrust of interacting with
government officials by DICs . WCDPHE has community health workers ( promotoras ) who
Pg . 4
can attend meetings to help bridge gaps , anc we can ensure meetings are held in a public
and welcoming space . It may be a challenge to have in - person / virtual translators and / or
document translators for languages other than English / Spanish . For such cases , we will
work with the Immigrant and Refugee Center of Northern Colorado , reach out to local
University professors , and / or ask CDPHE for assistance .
6 . Project Evaluation
a ) We will know we are making progress by meeting our deliverable deadlines . More
specifically , we need to schedule events , have plain language materials produced ,
complete all scheduled events , and assess the survey information . Long - term ,
increased civic participation from Weld County residents will show overall project
success . As will strengthened partnerships and relationships .
b ) We will measure attendance at all events and gather qualitative and quantitative
information through pre - event and post - event surveys . We will note participation at
CEO / CDPHE / AQCC / Weld County events where we had previously seen a lack of
participation . We will have our local government collaborators do the same and have a
meeting 6 months after the project ends to assess any changes in resident
participation .
c ) Through our EJ Plan development in Spring 2024 , we will be able to determine what
methods of communication the communities prefer . We also will share our results with
the public through news releases , social media , local print media ( maybe radio ) ,
county website , emails sent to meeting participants , and during BOCC public
meetings . We will post quarterly reports on county website to ensure transparency and
will have a dedicated email address for the project for any questions .
7 . WCDPHE has extensive experience performing public outreach with a variety of
communities within Weld County through public health programs targeting populations
experiencing health disparities , Hispanics and Latinos , rural Weld County residents , and
low - income families , communities which are the focus of this project . In February 2022 ,
WCDPHE established a Promotora ( bilingual lay Community Health Worker ) Program . Five
bilingual community members who were not professional health educators were hired and
received specialized training to provide basic health education in the community . Alt five
WCDPHE Promotoras are residents and leaders in their communities who work with
community - based health promotion projects . Our Promotoras serve as trusted liaisons
between community members , health professionals , and social service organizations . The
Promotoras are seen as advocates , educators , outreach workers , and interpreters . By
using the Promotora outreach model over the past two years , WCDPHE has improved
representation of Hispanic and Latino residents in ongoing health assessment activities ,
increased their participation in WCDPHE ' s Community Health Improvement Plan ( CHIP ) ,
further expanded vaccination efforts , and general health education and other health
department services promotion ( e . g . recruitment for breast and cervical cancer screening ,
participation in the healthy cooking program , and encouragement in the adoption of
healthy behaviors , such as walking , quitting tobacco use , and increasing healthy
eating ) . In addition , the principal investigator for this proposed project has over a decade
of experience organizing and developing education and outreach activities for all ages , in
English and Spanish , and has experience in bilingual science communication research ( see
Dr . Morales ' CV for details ) .
Pg . 5
8 . Supplemental Questions
a ) We plan to collaborate with local governments in development of some educational
materials , so grant funds could be used to print materials for collaborators , if needed .
This project is unique for Weld County in that we have internal collaboration across
multiple departments (WCDPHE , Public Works , and Communications ) . Staff from these
departments have been active in the refinement of this project and we expect this
grant to strengthen our internal partnerships and collaborations , in addition to
strengthening our external partnerships with local government .
b ) Weld County is undergoing development of our EJ Plan in 2024 , which wilt help provide
guidance and direction on future funding support for a myriad of objectives .
c ) The project lead is a Spanish - speaking , Mexican American woman from a low - income ,
immigrant family . Multiple staff in WCDPHE are bilingual in Spanish . Most of our health
educators are young women from different backgrounds (Asian , Hispanic , White ) . We
will also bring this point to the attention of local government to ensure Diversity ,
Equity , and Inclusion ( DEI ) among their staff during the planned community meetings .
9 . Administrative Items
a ) Yes , we have completed the cover sheet and signature page , and the budget
document . We are a local public health agency and , per the RFA , we do not need to
fill out the risk assessment questionnaire .
b ) We have no conflicts of interest to disclose .
c ) We would like CDPHE to help leverage any connections / relationships with vendors or
experts on video development (if needed ) , share any pre - existing educational material
to avoid duplicative work, and provide guidance and / or training on inclusive meeting
practices for both in - person and virtual meetings . CDPHE could help co - host the first
couple of meetings with us to ensure accessibility moving forward .
Pg . 6
Exhibit C Budget
CW
l COLORADO
Department of Public
CDPHE Health & Environment
EJ GRANT PROGRAM - 12 MONTH BUDGET WITH JUSTIFICATION FORM
*Please do not adjust the formulas within this spreadsheet*
Dr. Annareli Morales, Air Quality
Weld County Department of Public Health and Program Contact Name, Title,
Organization Name Policy Analyst, 970-400-2222,
Environment Phone and Email
amorales@weld. gov
Dan Joseph, Environmental
Fiscal Contact Name, Title, Phone Health Director, 970-400-2206,
Budget Period July 1 , 2024 to June 30, 2025
and Email
djoseph@weld.gov
Civic Education for Urban and Rural
Project Name
Communities in Weld County
-
Expenditure Categories
Personnel Costs (Personal Services)
Salaried Employees
Corresponding Amount ($ ) of Total Requested as
Goal , Objective, Percent of Total Amount Advanced Payment (if any) (Only
Employee Name/Position Gross or Annual
Description of Work and Primary Fringe Time on Requested from nonprofit organizations are eligible
Title Salary
Activity in Project CDPHE for Advanced Payment of up to 25% of
Project Design the total award.
Dr. Morales will provide project management
and coordination, support educational material
Dr. Annareli Morales/Air development, oversight on Spanish translation, All $91 , 749.83 $39,856. 13 25% 532 ,901 .49
Quality Policy Analyst lead the community meetings, evaluate
surveys and project progress, write quarterly
and final reports.
Mr. Joseph will support the team, provide
Dan
project and budget oversight, provide any
Joseph/ Environmental All $126, 978. 35 $51 , 159.40 2% $3 , 562 . 76
policy direction/guidance, and answer grant
Health Director
questions.
Personnel Costs (Personal Services)
Hourly Employees
Amount ($) of Total Requested as
Corresponding
Total # of Total Amount Advanced Payment (if any) (Only
Employee Name/Position Goal , Objective,
Description of Work Hourly Wage Hourly Fringe Hours on Requested from nonprofit organizations are eligible
Title and Activity in
Project CDPHE for Advanced Payment of up to 25% of
Project Design
the total award.
This position will support development of
surveys, educational materials, community
Health Educator -TBD meeting presentation, Spanish translation, All 533.65 $ 14.62 520.0 $25, 100.40
survey evaluation , and help prepare the final
report.
This position will support development of Overall Goal,
educational materials, any digital content,
Communication infographics, support with graphic design , Objectives 1 and $30.47 $ 13. 24 520.0 $22 , 729. 20
Specialist- TBD 2 , Primary
advertisement, and any communication
Activity 2
activities.
Total Personnel Costs (Personal Services) (including fringe benefits) $ 84,293. 85
Supplies, Equipment, a Operating Expenses
Amount ($) of Total Requested as
Corresponding
Total Amount Advanced Payment (if any) (Only
Goal, Objective
Item Description of ItemRate Quantity Requested from nonprofit organizations are eligible
and Activity in
CDPHE for Advanced Payment of up to 25 ; of
Project Design
the total award. )
Overall Goal,
Each in-person community event (2 events at 9 locations = 18
Food and drinks Objective 3, $ 100. 00 18 $1 ,800. 00
total events) will offer food and drinks for participants.
Primary Activity 3
Copy paper, tape, staples, pens, binder clips, paper clips,
Office Supplies folders, notepads, paper for surveys, and crayons for the All $200.00 1 5200. 00
project.
Page 1 of January 2018
Exhibit C Budget
Overall Goal,
Mailing of postcards tc residents advertising the community Objective 2 and
Postage $0. 51 500 $255.00
meetings and/or other advertising. 3, Primary
I Activity 2
Translation of text into other langugage(s). Estimated $0. 15 per
Translation services All $0. 15 3 ,000 $450.00
word. Translation for up to 3000 words.
Overall Goal,
Public Education Visual Educational displays for in-person community meetings. Objectives 1 and $25 .00 4 $100.00
Aids 2, Primary
Activity 2 and 3
Overall Goat,
Printing of take-home materials for participants at the in-person Objectives 1 and
Brochures/ Handouts $0. 30 500 $ 150.00
community meetings. 2 , Primary
Activity 2 and 3
Printing of postcards for advertising through mail and/or flyers Overall Goal,
to advertise the community events at often-visited spaces Objective 2 and
Flyers/ Postcards 3. 30 1 ,000. 00 $ 3, 300.00
(libraries, Laundromats , grocery stores, restaurants, government 3, Primary $
buildings, etc ). Activity 2
Total Supplies Et Operating Expenses $ 6, 255.00
Page 2 of January 2018
Exhibit C Budget
Travel
Amount ($) of Total Requested as
Corresponding
Total Amount Advanced Payment (if any) (Only
Goal Objective
Item Description of Item Rate Quantity Requested from nonprofit organizations are eligible
and Activity in
CDPHE for Advanced Payment of up to 25% of
Project Design
the total award.
Driving to/ from WCDPHE and the nine (9) identified priority Overall goal,
Mileage communities for two (2 ) meetings and assuming we have three Objectives 1 and
g � $0. 64 2500 $ 1 , 587. 50
(3) staff driving to the meetings. 3, Primary
Activity #3
Total Travel $ 1 , 587. 50
Contractual
Amount ($) of Total Requested as
Corresponding
Total Amount Advanced Payment (if any) (Only
Goal, Objective
Subcontractor Name Description of ItemRate Quantity Requested from nonprofit organizations are eligible
and Activity in
CDPHE for Advanced Payment of up to 25% of
Project Design
the total award.
We would hire a subcontractor for filming and/or video editing Overall Goal,
To be determined of at least four (4) educational videos for Youtube and for Objectives 1 and
$ 10,000. 00 1 $10,000. 00
2 , Primary
graphic design. Activity 2 and 3
Total Contractual $ 10,000.00
SUB-TOTAL OF DIRECT COSTS $ 102, 136. 35
Indirect
Total Amount
Item Description of Item Requested from
CDPHE
Federally- Negotiated
CDPHE- Negotiated 19. 92%-2023 CDPHE negotiated indirect rate $20, 345 . 56
De minimis indirect cost
Total Indirect $ 20, 345. 56
TOTAL $ 122,481 . 91
Page 3 of January 2018
Timeline for Proposed EJ Grant
i .
Dec Jan March June July Sept Dec Junes
2023 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 ' 2025
Es > r [ >
Creating Relationship Community Wrap up/
Application Award educational building, meetings Evaluation
due Dec 19r" notification materials, scheduling
resource list events
EJ EJ
Grant Grant
starts ends
Draft EJ Final EJ Recommended
Plan Plan Code Change
Report
• What : Grant application to fund a project to 1 ) educate residents on how to
participate in government proceedings , 2 ) improve access to government
services , and 3 ) proactively build partnerships
• Why now : If we don ' t apply for this grant cycle , the grant focus may change
and not align with Weld County goals/ initiatives .
• Who : Project led in collaboration by WCDPHE and Communications , target
audience is adult residents of Weld County
• When : July 1 , 2024 — June 30 , 2025
• Where : Weld County
• How:
• Creating educational materials explaining CDPHE and government
processes in plain language in both English and Spanish (documents,
infographics, videos)
• Creating list of resources and information that can be accessed
through Weld County website, updated website where necessary
• Proactively building partnerships with CDPHE and local governments
• Hosting in-person and virtual public meetings across Weld County
• Sharing findings from the EJ Plan to Weld residents and local.
governments
REQUEST FOR APPLICATION (RFA) FOR COLORADO ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
GRANT PROGRAM FOR COMMUNITY-ORIENTED SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
APPROVED AS TO SUBSTANCE:
Dep rtment Head,or Elected Official
APPROVED AS TO FUNDING:
Pali
Chief Financial fficer,or Controller
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
County Attorney
2023-372y
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