Technical Assistance Services for Communities Program (TASC)

Federal Agency

Sub-Department

Office of Land and Emergency Management (OLEM)

Purpose

To provide independent assistance through an EPA contract to help communities better understand the science, regulations and policies of environmental issues and EPA actions. Under the TASC contract, a contractor provides scientists, engineers and other professionals to review and explain information to communities.

Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements

Types of technical assistance include a needs assessment, community education, independent technical advisors, and site decision planning.

Decarbonization Considerations

The TASC program benefits communities by explaining technical findings and answering community questions, helping them understand complex environmental issues, and supporting their active roles in protecting healthy communities and advancing environmental protection.

Equity Considerations

This program is specifically designed to ensure more equitable participation in Superfund planning, helping community groups interpret and explain site reports and conditions, as well as proposed cleanup plans and decisions. TASC can provide opportunities for environmental education, bring diverse groups together and help them get more involved, and offer training and support environmental employment opportunities through the Superfund Job Training Initiative.

Helpful Tips

N/A

Other Notes

EPA may provide TASC services to a community group that is a Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) or Technial Assistance Plan (TAP) recipient. However, TASC services only provide assistance that is not available or allowable under the TAG or TAP. Additionally, EPA will likely prioritize TASC resources for communities not eligible for a TAG or without potential access to a TAP.