JPG - Technical Assistance

The Technical Assistance for Public Participation is a Department of Defense (DoD) program that provides technical support to community members of Restoration Advisory Boards and Technical Review Committees.

DoD established the Technical Assistance for Public Participation (TAPP) program to assist RAB community members and Technical Review Committees (TRCs) in participating more fully in the cleanup process affecting DoD installations and formerly used defense sites (FUDS). TAPP allows community members to obtain objective, independent scientific and engineering support concerning the restoration process through the issuance of government purchase orders to small businesses.

RABs and TRCs are forums for representatives of the installation, regulatory agencies, and community to discuss and exchange information.

Who qualifies for technical assistance?

Community members of RABs and TRCs are eligible to apply for technical assistance under the TAPP program. A minimum of three community members must sit on the RAB or TRC to qualify. A majority of members in good standing must agree on the type of assistance that would most enhance their ability to participate effectively in the restoration program.

What kinds of projects qualify for technical assistance?

TAPP procurements are intended to increase the ability of RAB or TRC community members to participate more effectively in the restoration program by enhancing their understanding of technical details. Typical projects might encompass:

Review of restoration documents.
Review of proposed remedial technologies.
Interpreting health and environmental effects.
Participating in relative risk evaluations.
Certain types of technical training.

Are there projects that are not eligible for funding?

Certain projects do not qualify for funding under the TAPP program. Examples include:

The generation of new primary data.
Litigation or underwriting legal actions.
Reopening final DoD decisions.
Political activity or lobbying.
Epidemiological or health studies.
Community outreach efforts.

How much funding is available for TAPP?

Communities may obtain up to $25,000 per year or 1 percent of the total cost of complete environmental restoration at the installation, whichever is less. There is a limit of $100,000 per installation.

Who is assisting the RAB at JPG?

Indiana University School of Public Affairs

What support has the TAPP provided to the JPG RAB?

A Review of the Phase II Remedial Investigation (PDF, 220k) (south of the firing line) was completed (May 2000).

For more information on TAPP:

TAPP