Science To Achieve Results (STAR) Research Program

Program objective

The Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Program's goal is to stimulate and support scientific and engineering research that advances EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment. It is a competitive, peer-reviewed, extramural research program that provides access to the nation's best scientists and engineers in academic and other nonprofit research institutions. STAR funds research on the environmental and public health effects of air quality, environmental changes, water quality and quantity, hazardous waste, toxic substances, and pesticides. Please check the EPA website: https://www.epa.gov/research-grants for an updated listing of all solicitations.

As published in the SAM.gov Assistance Listing.

No open or forecasted opportunities are currently posted under this listing. Programs often post notices on an annual cycle — see recently closed opportunities below for timing.

Eligible applicants (program level)

• ✓Indian/Native American/Alaska Native Tribal Government (Other than Federally Recognized)
• ✓U.S. Territory (or Possession) Government (including freely-associated states)
• ✓Federally Recognized Indian/Native American/Alaska Native Tribal Government
• ✓Nonprofit Organization
• ✓U.S. State Government (including the District of Columbia)
• ✓Other Local Government Consortium, Regional Organization (Intrastate), or Other Local Government Combination
• ✓County Government (inclusive of boroughs in Alaska, parishes and other governmental entities with geographic regional control and authority)
• ✓Municipality or Township government (inclusive of cities, towns, boroughs (except in Alaska), and villages)

For certain competitive funding opportunities under this assistance listing, the Agency may limit eligibility to compete to a number or subset of eligible applicants consistent with the Agency’s Assistance Agreement Competition Policy. Only these types of organizations may apply. Organization types are consistent with definitions at 2 CFR 200.1: Public and private nonprofit institutions/organizations located in the U.S. and its territories or possessions. Public and private institutions of higher education (IHEs) located in the U.S. and its territories or possessions. State and local governments. Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments. U.S. territories and possessions. Note that 2 CFR § 200.1 specifically excludes Institutions of Higher Education from the definition of non-profit organization because they are separately defined in the regulation. While not considered to be a nonprofit organization(s) as defined by 2 CFR § 200.1, public or nonprofit Institutions of Higher Education are, nevertheless, eligible to submit applications under this program. Hospitals operated by state, tribal, or local governments or that meet the definition of nonprofit at 2 CFR § 200.1 are also eligible to apply as nonprofits or as instrumentalities of the unit of government depending on the applicable law. Profit-making firms and individuals are not eligible to apply. For-profit colleges, universities, trade schools, and hospitals are ineligible. Nonprofit organizations that are not exempt from taxation under section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code must submit other forms of documentation of nonprofit status; such as certificates of incorporation as nonprofit under state or tribal law. Nonprofit organizations exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that lobby are not eligible for EPA funding as provided in the Lobbying Disclosure Act, 2 U.S.C. 1611. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities are not eligible to apply. National laboratories funded by Federal Agencies (Federally-Funded Research and Development Centers, “FFRDCs”) may not apply. FFRDC employees may cooperate or collaborate with eligible applicants within the limits imposed by applicable legislation and regulations. They may participate in planning, conducting, and analyzing the research directed by the applicant, but may not direct projects on behalf of the applicant organization. An award recipient may provide funds through its assistance agreement from the EPA to an FFRDC for research personnel, supplies, equipment, and other expenses directly related to the research. Federal Agencies may not apply. Federal employees are not eligible to serve in a principal leadership role on an assistance agreement. Federal employees may not receive salaries or augment their Agency’s appropriations through awards made under this program unless authorized by law to receive such funding. Certain competitions may allow for early career awards. The following requirements in addition to the requirements listed above apply to early career awards. The early career awards will support research performed by Principal Investigators (PIs) with outstanding promise. PIs from eligible applicant institutions applying for the early career portion of the funding opportunity must meet the following additional eligibility requirements: 1. By the closing date of the funding opportunity, hold a doctoral degree (for example, a Ph.D. or equivalent) in a field related to the research being solicited; 2. Have received the doctoral degree no earlier than 10 years before the month of the closing date of the funding opportunity; and 3. Be untenured by the closing date of the funding opportunity. In order to be deemed eligible, the application must include an early career verification. See funding opportunities at: https://www.epa.gov/research-grants for additional information pertaining to eligibility requirements.

Intended beneficiaries: Tribal, Local, Nonprofit Organization, Education Professional, Graduate and Professional Higher Education, Territorial, State, Health Professional, University Higher Education and Scientist/Researcher.

Program-level eligibility from SAM.gov. Each funding notice sets its own requirements.

Frequently asked questions