EPAOCOMP0009

Informal process for adjudication of certain pre-award disputes relating to EPA competitive assistance agreements (e.g., grants, cooperative agreements). Applicable adjudication procedures set forth in a non-regulatory order, EPA Order 5700.5A1 (Rev. 2/6/14). According to EPA Order 5700.5A1, open competition is the agency's preferred method of competition for all assistance agreements, though is only required when the estimated total funding to be awarded exceeds $100,000 and there are otherwise no applicable exemptions or exceptions. (EPA Order 5700.5A1 at 4(h)). Agency guidance provides that competition-related disputes should be resolved at the "lowest possible level."