[Federal Register: September 11, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 177)]
[Notices]
[Page 52810-52813]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr11se08-19]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Request for Proposals for Woody Biomass Utilization Grant--Forest
Restoration Activities on National Forest System Lands
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Request for proposals.
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SUMMARY: The USDA Forest Service, State and Private Forestry,
Technology Marketing Unit, located at the Forest Products Laboratory,
requests proposals for forest product projects that increase the use of
woody biomass from National Forest System lands. The woody biomass
utilization grant program is intended to help improve forest
restoration activities by using and creating markets for small-diameter
material and low-valued trees removed from forest restoration
activities, such as reducing hazardous fuels, handling insect and
diseased conditions, or treating forestlands impacted by catastrophic
weather events. These funds are targeted to help communities,
entrepreneurs, and others turn residues from forest restoration
activities into marketable forest products and/or energy products.
DATES: Pre-application Postmark Deadline: November 7, 2008. Full
application Postmark Deadline: February 13, 2009.
ADDRESSES: All pre- and full-application packages must be sent to the
following address: ATTN: Patricia Brumm, Grants and Agreements
Specialist, Forest Products Laboratory, One Gifford Pinchot Drive,
Madison, WI 53726-2398. Detailed information regarding what to include
in the pre- and full-application, definitions of terms, eligibility and
Federal restrictions are available at http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu
(under Woody Biomass Grants), and at http://www.grants.gov). Paper
copies of the information are also available by contacting the USDA
Forest Service, S&PF Technology Marketing Unit, One Gifford Pinchot
Dr., Madison, Wisconsin 53726-2398, 608-231-9504.
[[Page 52811]]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions regarding the grant
application or administrative regulations, contact Patricia Brumm,
Grants and Agreements Specialist, 608-231-9298, pbrumm@fs.fed.us; for
program and technical questions, contact Susan LeVan, Program Manager,
608-231-9504, slevan@fs.fed.us.
Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD)
may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339
between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through
Friday.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: To address the mutual goals of Public Law
109-58, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the anticipated Department
of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriation Act of
2009, the agency is requesting proposals to address the nationwide
challenge in dealing with low-valued material removed from hazardous
fuel reduction activities, restoration of insect and diseased
conditions or catastrophic weather events. The Woody Biomass
Utilization Grant Program has a pre-application submission process, and
upon notification, selected pre-applicants will be asked to submit a
full application. Goals of the grant program are the following:
Help reduce forest management costs by increasing value of
biomass and other forest products generated from forest restoration
activities.
Create incentives and/or reduce business risk for
increased use of biomass from national forestlands (must include
National Forest System lands, however, may also include other lands
such as, BLM, Tribal, State, local, and private).
Institute projects that target and help remove economic
and market barriers to using small-diameter trees and woody biomass.
Help generate renewable energy from woody biomass,
including the use of new technologies.
Build industry infrastructure around national forestlands
where no or limited industry infrastructure exists.
Expand working relationships between local forest products
businesses and Forest Service offices.
Woody Biomass Grants Program
1. Eligibility Information
a. Eligible Applicants. Eligible applicants are State, local, and
Tribal governments, school districts, communities, non-profit
organizations, businesses, companies, corporations, or special purpose
districts, e.g., public utilities districts, fire districts,
conservation districts, or ports. Only one application per business or
organization will be accepted. If applicants have received a Woody
Biomass Utilization Grant within the last 3 years, they are not
eligible. Construction projects involving a permanent building or
infrastructure item, such as roads, are not allowed with these Federal
funds; however construction funds can be part of the non-Federal cost
share. For Alaska, only applicants on the Seward Ranger District on the
Chugach National Forest are eligible to apply for this grant. Cordova
and Glacier Ranger Districts on the Chugach are not eligible. Ranger
Districts on the Tongass National Forest are not eligible.
b. Cost Sharing (Matching Requirement). Applicants must demonstrate
at least a 20% match of the total project cost. This match must be from
non-Federal sources, which can include cash or in-kind contributions.
2. DUNS Number
All applicants must include a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B), Data
Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number in their full application. For
the purpose of this requirement, the applicant is the entity that meets
the eligibility criteria and has the legal authority to apply for an
award. For assistance in obtaining a DUNS number at no cost, call the
DUNS number request line (1-866-705-5711) or register on-line at http:/
/fedgov.dnb.com/webform. By submission of an application, the applicant
acknowledges the requirement that prospective awardees shall be
registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database prior
to award, during performance, and through final payment of any grant
resulting from this solicitation. Further information can be found at
http://www.ccr.gov. For assistance, contact the CCR Assistance Center
(1-888-227-2423).
3. Award Information
At least $4 million are available for granting under this program.
Individual grants will not be less than $50,000 or more than $250,000.
Funds are presently not available for this grant program. The
Government's obligation under this program is contingent upon the
availability of 2009 appropriated funds from which payment for grant
purposes can be made. No legal liability on the part of the Government
for any payment may arise until funds are made available to the Grants
Officer for this program, and until the Cooperator receives notice of
such availability, to be confirmed in writing by the Grants Officer.
Successful applicants will be announced by early April 2009. The
maximum length of the award is 3 years from the date of award. Written
annual financial performance reports and semi-annual project
performance reports shall be required. Applicants should be aware that
the grant funds are regarded as taxable income and a form 1099 will be
sent by the Forest Service to the IRS. Awardees are expected to follow
all OSHA requirements regarding safe working practices and all
applicable State and Federal regulations pertinent to the proposed
project.
4. Application Review Process
A two-step technical evaluation process is used for applications
submitted under this solicitation. The first step requires the
applicant to submit a preliminary application (pre-application). Pre-
applications are evaluated on criteria discussed in section 5. All pre-
applications shall be screened to ensure compliance with the
administrative requirements as set forth in the RFP. Applications found
to be non-compliant shall be disqualified.
A review panel of technical experts from Federal agencies judges
the pre-applications. Panel members independently review the pre-
applications according to the evaluation criteria and point system. A
total of 100 points is possible. As a result of this preliminary
review, successful pre-applications are invited to submit a full
application package. Unsuccessful pre-applicants are removed from
further consideration for funding under this solicitation. In either
case, a letter of notification is provided to each applicant.
The second step requires the applicant to submit a full application
package, which is based on the same evaluation criteria as the
preliminary application. Each full application shall be screened to
ensure that it meets the administrative requirements as set forth in
the RFP. The full application package is evaluated for technical merit
and financial feasibility. The reviewers discuss, rank, and make
recommendations to Executive Steering Committee of Senior Federal
officials.
5. Evaluation Criteria and Point System
a. Impact on National Forest System Lands Forest Restoration
Activities: Total Points 40
Condition of the forestlands proposed for the project,
such as Fire Regime Condition Class (http://www.frcc.gov), insect and
disease risk conditions, or degraded forestlands due to catastrophic
weather events.
[[Page 52812]]
Direct, tangible benefits with and without the grant
(e.g., increased acres treated from forest restoration activities,
increased value of raw material removed from forest restoration
activities, and reduced Forest Service's cost per acre).
Indirect, intangible benefits (including air quality and
water quality improvements in socioeconomics of communities, in
wildlife habitats, and in watersheds).
Opportunities created for using woody biomass material
around National Forest System lands in locations where no or limited
industry capacity exists.
b. Technical Approach Work Plan: Total Points 25
Technical feasibility of the proposed work.
Adequacy and completeness of the proposed tasks.
Timeliness and reasonableness of time schedule.
Identified deliverables/tasks.
Evaluation and monitoring plan (accountability measures of
environmental, social, financial and forest restoration effects of
proposed project).
Potential for project to improve efficiencies or to
accelerate adoption of cleaner technologies (air, water, waste) for
biomass utilization.
c. Financial Feasibility: Total Points 25
Realistic budget and timeframe.
Thorough financial documentation (see description of
required documentation under financial feasibility, Section 7.c.).
Level of matching funds for the grant.
d. Qualifications and Experience of Applicant: Total Points 10
Experience, capabilities (technical and managerial).
Demonstrated capacity.
If there are no technical or financial problems for the project,
and there is significant impact on reducing the Forest Service's cost
per acre, full points are given. If there are minor deficiencies, which
could limit success, midway points are given. If there are major
deficiencies, which could render the project unsuccessful, minimum
points are given. Further scoring criteria can be found at http://
www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under Woody Biomass Grants) and at http://
www.grants.gov. Full application packages that do not submit ALL
required financial information will be disqualified.
6. Pre-Application Information
a. Pre-Application Submission. Pre-applications are required.
Specific content and submission requirements for the pre-application
are as follows: Each submittal must be composed of two paper copies
(single-sided) of the pre-application and one original copy. All
proposals for the pre-application must be on 8.5- by 11-inch plain
white paper only (no colored paper, over-sized paper, or special
covers) with a minimum font size of 11 letters per inch. Top, bottom,
and side margins must be no less than three-quarters of an inch. All
pages must be clearly numbered. The paper copies of the application
package should be stapled with a single staple at the upper left-hand
corner. Do not staple the original. Other bindings will not be
accepted.
b. Pre-Application Content. Project Summary, SF 424, and 424A shall
be submitted with the application for acceptance. Assemble information
in the following order: Project Summary, SF 424, SF 424A, project
narrative, budget justification narrative, budget, and appendices.
Forms for the Project Summary, SF424, and SF424A can be found at http:/
/www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under Woody Biomass Grants). The project
narrative consists of statement of need, project coordinator(s) and
partner(s), goals and objectives, technical approach work plan, impact
on National Forest System forest restoration treatments, and evaluation
and monitoring plan. The project narrative shall provide a clear
description of the work to be performed and its impact on National
Forest System lands. It shall address the technical approach work plan
under criteria b in section 5. The project narrative is limited to 5
pages, and excludes Project Summary Table, budget justification,
budget, or appendices.
c. The discussion of the impact on National Forest System lands is
a critical component because these proposals are aimed at helping the
Forest Service increase the number of acres treated and decrease the
cost per acre for those National Forest System lands that are at risk
due to hazardous fuel buildup, insects and diseases, or catastrophic
weather events. Applicants shall describe qualitatively and
quantitatively how the project would decrease Forest Service treatment
costs and/or increase the price one might offer for the woody biomass.
Specifically, proposals should address the following:
Condition of the forest or grassland, such as providing
the Fire Regime Condition Class (http://www.frcc.gov), the insect and
disease risk, or any catastrophic weather events and the consequences
of the National Forest System not being able to do treatments because
of the cost.
Forest Service's current practices of handling material
removed from forest restoration activities.
What would be done with this material if grant is awarded?
Anticipated outcomes and measures of success.
Documentation of costs and benefits of project as a result
of the award (see project feasibility discussion at http://
www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu under Woody Biomass Grants or at http://
www.grants.gov.
Documentation of intangible benefits. Examples of tangible
and intangible benefits are listed on the Technology Marketing Unit's
Web site at http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under Woody Biomass Grants)
or at http://www.grants.gov.
Long-Term Benefits of Project: Applicant should address
the length of time the benefits and impacts are anticipated (e.g.,
project will have long-term consequences, such as equipment
improvements, or a one-time benefit, such as a subsidy.)
Expansion capability: Does the project have the potential
to expand the application to additional forest treatment areas or to
create higher valued uses?
A full description of each content item can be obtained from the
Technology Marketing Unit's Web site at http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu
(under Woody Biomass Grants) or at http://www.grants.gov, or by calling
the telephone number in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section, or
by writing to the address in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.
c. Pre-Application Delivery. Pre-applications must be post marked
by November 7, 2008, and received no later than 5 p.m. Central Standard
Time on November 14, 2008, by Patricia Brumm at the Forest Products
Laboratory. Hand-delivered, or fax applications will not be accepted.
E-mail applications should be submitted through http://www.grants.gov.
No exceptions allowed. Please send pre-applications to the address
listed in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.
7. Full Application Information
USDA Forest Service will request full applications only from those
applicants selected in the pre-application process.
a. Full Application Submission. Specific content and submission
requirements for the full application are as follows: Each submittal
must be composed of two paper copies (single-sided) of the full
application and one original copy. All proposals for the full
[[Page 52813]]
application must be on 8.5- by 11-inch plain white paper only (no
colored paper, over-sized paper, or special covers) with a minimum font
size of 11 letters per inch. Top, bottom, and side margins must be no
less than three-quarters of an inch. All pages must be clearly
numbered. The paper copies of the application package should be stapled
with a single staple at the upper left-hand corner. Do not staple the
original. Other bindings will not be accepted.
b. Full Application Content. Project Summary Table, SF 424, and
424A shall be submitted with the application for acceptance. Assemble
information in the following order: Project Summary Table, SF 424,
SF424A, project narrative, budget justification narrative, budget,
financial feasibility, and appendices. Forms for the Project Summary,
SF424, and SF424A can be found at http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under
Woody Biomass Grants). The project narrative consists of statement of
need, project coordinator(s) and partner(s), goals and objectives,
technical approach work plan, impact on National Forest System forest
restoration activities, environmental documentation, project work plan
and timeline, social impacts, evaluation and monitoring plan, and
equipment description. The project narrative shall provide a clear
description of the work to be performed, how it will be accomplished,
and its impact on National Forest System lands. It shall address the
technical approach work plan under criteria b listed in section 5. The
project narrative is limited to a total of 10 pages and excludes
Project Summary Table, budget justification, budget, appendices and
financial documentation.
c. Detailed Financial Information. Detailed financial information
is requested to assess the potential and the capability of the
applicant. All financial information remains confidential and is not
accessible under the Freedom of Information Act. If the applicant has
questions about how confidential information is handled they should
contact Patricia Brumm at pbrumm@fs.fed.us. The financial information
should provide a general overview of historical and projected (pro
forma) financial performance. Standard accounting principles should be
used for developing the required financial information. Strong
applications have benefited from the use of a certified accountant to
develop this information. Applicants should refer to the Technology
Marketing Unit's Web site at http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under Woody
Biomass Grants) or at http://www.grants.gov for the financial
information requirements, as well as Web sites for standard financial
templates.
d. Full Application Delivery. Full applications must be postmarked
by February 13, 2009, and received no later than 5 p.m. Central
Standard Time on February 20, 2009, by Patricia Brumm at the Forest
Products Laboratory. Hand-delivered or fax applications will not be
accepted. E-mail applications should be submitted through http://
www.grants.gov. No exceptions allowed. Please send full applications to
the address listed in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.
8. Appendices
The following information must be included in the appendix of the
pre-application and the full application package:
a. Letter of Support and Biomass Availability from Local USDA
Forest Service District Ranger or Forest Supervisor Is Required: This
letter must describe the status of National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA), acres, timeframes, available volumes, and opportunities for
applicant to access these volumes. These letters shall be submitted
with both the pre-application and full application.
b. Letters of Support from Partners, Individuals, or Organizations:
Letters of support should be included in an appendix and are intended
to display the degree of collaboration occurring between the different
entities engaged in the project. These letters must include commitments
of cash or in-kind services from all partners and must support the
amounts listed in the budget. Each letter of support is limited to one
page in length.
c. Key Personnel Qualifications: Qualifications of the project
manager and key personnel should be included in an appendix.
Qualifications are limited to two pages in length and should contain
the following: resume, biographical sketch, references, and
demonstrated ability to manage the grant.
Dated: September 5, 2008.
James Hubbard,
Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry.
[FR Doc. E8-21112 Filed 9-10-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P