[Federal Register: February 10, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 27)]
[Notices]
[Page 7078-7080]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr10fe05-35]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Request for Proposals for Woody Biomass Utilization Grant--
Hazardous Fuel Reduction on National Forest System Lands
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Request for proposals.
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SUMMARY: As part of implementing the Administration's Healthy Forest
Restoration Initiative, the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products
Laboratory, requests proposals for forest products projects that
increase the use of woody biomass from national forest lands. The woody
biomass utilization grant program is intended to help improve
utilization of, and create markets for, small-diameter material and
low-valued trees removed from hazardous fuel reduction activities.
These funds are targeted to help communities, entrepreneurs, and others
turn residues from hazardous fuel reduction projects into marketable
forest products and/or energy products.
DATES: Pre-application Deadline: Close of business March 15, 2005.
Full application Deadline: Close of business May 16, 2005.
ADDRESSES: All pre- and full application packages must be sent to the
following address: ATTN: Shawn Lacina, Grants and Agreements
Specialist, Forest Products Laboratory, 507 Highland Ave., Madison, WI
53705-2398. More detailed information regarding what to include in the
pre- and full application and definitions of terms are available
electronically at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under biomass grants).
Paper copies of the information also are available by contacting the
USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general questions, please contact
Shawn Lacina, Grants and Agreements Specialist, via electronic mail at
slacina@fs.fed.us, or via telephone at 608-231-9282. For technical
questions, please contact Susan LeVan-Green, Program Manager, via
electronic mail at slevan@fs.fed.us, or via telephone at 608-231-9504.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As authorized by Public Law 108-148, the
[[Page 7079]]
Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003, the agency is looking for
creative solutions to address the nationwide challenge in dealing with
low-valued material removed from hazardous fuel reduction efforts. 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 management costs by increasing value of
biomass and other forest products generated by hazardous fuel
treatments.
Create incentives and/or reduce business risk for
increased use of biomass from National Forest lands (must include
National Forest System lands; however, may also include other lands
such as, Bureau of Land Management, Tribal, State, local, and private).
Institute projects that target and help remove economic
and market barriers to using small-diameter trees and woody biomass.
Require a Forest Service letter of support for the
hazardous fuels projects on National Forest System lands.
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, i.e., public utilities
districts, fire districts, conservation districts, or ports.
b. Cost Sharing (Matching Requirement). Applicants must demonstrate
a 20% match 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://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=https://eupdate.dnb.com/ requestoptions/government/ccrreg/.
3. Award Information. Up to $4.4 million is available for granting
under this program. Individual grants or awards will not be less than
$50,000 or more than $250,000. Successful applicants will be announced
by June 1, 2005. The maximum length of the award is 3 years from the
date of award. Written, quarterly financial and semi-annual performance
reports will be required.
4. Application Review Process. A two-step technical evaluation
process will be used for applications submitted under this
solicitation. The first step requires the applicant to submit a
preliminary application (pre-application). Pre-applications will be
evaluated on the criteria discussed in section 5.
A review panel, consisting of technical experts from Federal
agencies, will judge the pre-applications. Panel members will
independently review the pre-applications according to the criteria and
weighting factors. A total of 100 points is possible. As a result of
this preliminary review, successful applications will be invited to
submit a full-application package or be removed from further
consideration for funding under this solicitation. In either case, a
letter of notification will be provided to each applicant.
The second step requires the applicant to submit a full-application
package, which will be evaluated based on the same criteria as the
preliminary application; namely, the criteria and point system listed
on the Forest Products Laboratory's Web site at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu
(under biomass grants).
The full-application package will be evaluated using a two-tiered
review system. The first tier involves technical reviews; the second
tier involves financial review. Recommendations from the two-tier
review will be discussed, ranked, and recommendations made to the
Executive Steering Committee, consisting of Federal officials, for
final selection.
5. Evaluation Criteria and Point System
a. Impact on National Forest System hazardous fuel reduction
projects--Weight 40%.
Condition Class, with higher condition classes receiving
more points than the lower condition classes.
Direct, tangible benefits with and without the grant
(increased acres treated for hazardous fuel treatments, increased value
of raw material removed from hazardous fuel treatments, cost per acre).
Indirect, intangible benefit (such as air quality
benefits, water quality benefits, socio-economic, wildlife habitat, and
watershed improvements).
b. Technical Approach Work Plan--Weight 25%.
Technical feasibility of the proposed work.
Adequacy and completeness of the proposed tasks.
Likelihood of meeting project objectives.
Reasonableness of time schedule.
Identified deliverables/tasks.
Timeliness--timeframe of the project.
Evaluation and monitoring.
c. Financial feasibility--Weight 25%.
Realistic budget and timeframe.
Thorough financial documentation.
Level of match
d. Qualifications and experience of applicant--Weight 10%.
Experience, capabilities (technical and managerial).
Demonstrated capacity.
If there are no technical or financial problems for the project,
full points will be given. If there are minor deficiencies, which could
limit success, midway points will be given. If there are major
deficiencies, which could render project unsuccessful, minimum points
will be given.
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 three (3) single-
sided paper copies of the pre-application plus one (1) electronic copy
on a CD or 3.5-inch diskette in Microsoft Word for PCs or pdf format.
Paper copies of the pre-application must be on 8.5- by 11-inch plain
white paper with a minimum font size of 11 letters per inch. Top,
bottom, and side margins must be no less than three-quarters (\3/4\) 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. No other bindings will be accepted.
b. Pre-Application Content. Assemble information in the following
order: Cover page, project summary, project narrative, statement of
need, project coordinator(s) and partner(s), goals and objectives,
technical approach work plan, impact on National Forest System lands on
hazardous fuels treatments, evaluation and monitoring, budget
justification, budget requirements, and appendices. The project
narrative should provide a clear description of the work to be
undertaken and how it will be accomplished. It should address the
technical merit review criteria listed in section 5.
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 under hazardous
fuel treatments (as defined under the Healthy Forest Restoration Act,
Pub. L.
[[Page 7080]]
108-148). Specifically, applicants should address how and by how much
the project would decrease Forest Service hazardous fuel removal costs
and/or increase the price one might offer for the biomass.
Specifically, proposals should address the following:
Condition class description.
What is currently being done with hazardous fuel removals.
What would be done with removals if grant is awarded.
Anticipated outcomes and measures of success.
Documentation of tangible benefits of project as a result
of the award. Documentation on intangible benefits. Examples of the
information requested are listed on the Forest Products Laboratory's
Web site at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under biomass grants).
Long-Term Benefits of Project: Applicant should address
the length of time that benefits and impacts are anticipated, whether
or not the project will have long-term consequences (equipment
improvements for long-term capacity to handle woody biomass), or just a
one-time benefit, such as a subsidy, where benefits end when subsidy
ends.
Expansion capability: Does the project have the potential
to expand the application to more forest treatment areas or to use more
of the wood from treatments for higher valued uses?
A full description of each content item can be obtained on the
Forest Product Laboratory's Web site at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu
(under biomass grants), 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 received at
Forest Products Laboratory no later than 5 p.m. Central Standard time
on March 15, 2005; no exceptions will be allowed. All applicants must
use certified or express mail service that allows tracking and
documentation (e.g., Federal Express, U.S. Postal Service, United
Parcel Service, or other) to submit their applications. Hand-delivered,
e-mail, or fax applications will not be accepted. 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. Only full applications that have been requested by
USDA Forest Service will be considered for funding under this
solicitation.
a. Full Application Submission. Specific content and submission
requirements for the full application are as follows: Each submittal
must be composed of three (3) single-sided paper copies of the full
application plus one (1) electronic copy on a CD or 3.5-inch diskette
in Microsoft Word for PCs or pdf format. Paper copies of the full
application must be on 8.5- by 11-inch plain white paper with a minimum
font size of 11 letters per inch. Top, bottom, and side margins must be
no less than three-quarters (\3/4\) 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. Other
bindings will not be accepted.
Page limitations refer to all files and associated documents,
including attachments, graphics, footnotes, endnotes, bibliography, and
any other pertinent documents, when printed in their entirety (single
sided), unless otherwise indicated in this solicitation.
The project narrative should provide a clear description of the
work to be undertaken and how it will be accomplished. It should
address the technical merit review criteria listed in section 5.
b. Full Application Content. Assemble information in the following
order: cover page, project summary, project narrative, statement of
need, project coordinator(s) and partner(s), goals and objectives,
technical approach work plan, impact on National Forest System lands on
hazardous fuels treatments, environmental documentation, project work
plan and timeline, social impacts, evaluation and monitoring, equipment
description, budget justification, budget requirements, financial
feasibility, and appendices.
Detailed financial information is requested to assess the potential
and the capability of the applicant. This information will remain
confidential. Business consultants and small business development
centers can help applicants compile this information. Small business
development centers are one source of assistance; their Web site is
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.sba.gov/sbdc. For-profit applicants are required to submit a
business plan consisting of the following elements: Management Plan,
Marketing Plan, Proforma Statement, Project Break-Even Analysis, and a
Sources and Uses Table. Non-profit applicants are required to submit a
strategic plan consisting of the following elements: Scope of Work,
Capability Statement, Implementation plan, Project Break-Even Analysis,
and a Sources and Uses Table. Local, State, and tribal governments and
special purpose districts are required to submit the following: scope
of work, project work plan, and cost/benefit analysis (examples can be
found at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.fpl.fs.fed/tmu (under biomass grants).
c. Full Application Delivery. Full applications must be received at
the Forest Products Laboratory no later than 5 p.m., Central Standard
time on May 16, 2005; no exceptions will be allowed. All applicants
must use certified or express mail service that allows tracking and
documentation (e.g., Federal Express, U.S. Postal Service, United
Parcel Service, or other) to submit their applications. Hand-delivered,
e-mail, or fax applications will not be accepted. Please send full
applications to the address provided 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: This letter must
describe the status of NEPA, acres, timeframes, available volumes, and
opportunities for applicant to access these volumes.
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 should be limited
to one (1) page in length.
c. Key Personnel Qualifications: Qualifications of the project
manager should be included in an appendix. Qualifications are limited
to two (2) pages in length and should contain the following: resume,
biographical sketch, references, and demonstrated ability to manage the
grant.
Dated: February 3, 2005.
Bov B. Eav,
Associate Deputy Chief for Reserach & Development.
[FR Doc. 05-2562 Filed 2-9-05; 8:45 am]
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