Fiscal Year 2025 National Environmental Information Exchange Network Grant Program Solicitation Notice

The Environmental Protection Agency administers the Environmental Information Exchange Network Grant Program to strengthen how environmental data are shared across the United States. The program began in 2002 as a collaboration between EPA, states, tribes, and territories to improve environmental management and decision-making by facilitating secure, standards-based data exchanges. Through this initiative, participating organizations can exchange information regardless of individual technology systems, reducing duplication and improving access to high-quality, timely data used in environmental policy and regulation. The Fiscal Year Exchange Network Grant Program supports projects that enhance data sharing and interoperability among environmental partners. Its objectives include developing shared and reusable digital services, improving timeliness and accuracy of environmental data, and promoting efficiency in collection and analysis. Projects may also advance data publishing, discovery tools, and analytics that increase the usefulness of information for environmental managers. Applicants are encouraged to participate in the monthly Exchange Network Forum to learn best practices and coordinate with peers on implementing EN services. Funding under this program is provided through cooperative agreements and grants. The EPA anticipates awarding approximately 35 projects, with a total estimated program funding of $9.5 million and individual awards up to $600,000. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement. Awards support activities that reduce administrative burden, promote innovation in environmental information systems, and enhance the public’s access to environmental data. Funding may be used for network services, software development, and related technical capacity building, consistent with EPA’s data standards and program objectives. Eligible applicants include state agencies, territories, federally recognized tribes, and other entities described in Section 2 of the Notice of Funding Opportunity. The program’s eligibility rules emphasize intergovernmental collaboration and the ability to operate or improve digital environmental information systems. Non-eligible entities may participate through partnerships with qualified lead applicants. All applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov unless a waiver is granted. For the 2025 cycle, applications were initially due March 24 but have been extended to October 22, 2025, pending final updates to project alignment and evaluation criteria. EPA expects to announce selections in Summer 2025 and issue awards by Fall 2025. Applicants who previously submitted proposals may revise and resubmit once the updated Solicitation Notice is released. Updated forms and resources will be available through the Exchange Network website and Grants.gov listings. Questions regarding technical or eligibility issues should be directed to ENGrantProgram@epa.gov. The EN Grant Program Manager, Erin McGown, oversees the solicitation process. Program updates, including any revisions to project goals and evaluation criteria, are posted to https://www.epa.gov/exchangenetwork/exchange-network-grant-program#solicitation. All deadlines are in Eastern Time, and applicants are strongly advised to plan for submission contingencies well before the closing date.

Review updates to Section 3B and evaluation criteria before resubmitting; monitor EN website for NOFO revision; submit early to avoid technical errors.