From: Subject: FR Doc E7-18380 Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2007 22:08:23 -0700 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Location: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/E7-18380.htm X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.00.2900.3138 FR Doc E7-18380 
[Federal Register: September 18, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 180)]
[Notices]              =20
[Page 53225-53227]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18se07-31]                        =20

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service

=20
Request for Proposals for Woody Biomass Utilization Grant--Forest=20
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,=20
Technology Marketing Unit, located at the Forest Products Laboratory,=20
requests proposals for forest product projects that increase the use of=20
woody biomass from National Forest System lands. The woody biomass=20
utilization grant program is intended to help improve forest=20
restoration activities by using and creating markets for small-diameter=20
material and low-valued trees removed from forest restoration=20
activities, such as reducing hazardous fuels, handling insect and=20
diseased conditions, or treating forestlands impacted by catastrophic=20
weather events. These funds are targeted to help communities,=20
entrepreneurs, and others turn residues from forest restoration=20
activities into marketable forest products and/or energy products.

DATES: Pre-application Deadline: Close of business November 2, 2007.
    Full application Deadline: Close of business February 1, 2008.

ADDRESSES: All pre- and full-application packages must be sent to the=20
following address: ATTN: Patricia Brumm, Grants and Agreements=20
Specialist, Forest Products Laboratory, One Gifford Pinchot Drive,=20
Madison, WI 53726-2398. Detailed information regarding what to include=20
in the pre- and full-application, definitions of terms, eligibility and=20
federal restrictions are available at http://=
frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=3DleavingFR.html&lo=
g=3Dlinklog&to=3Dhttp://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under Woody =
Biomass Grants), and at http://frwebga=
te.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=3DleavingFR.html&log=3Dlin=
klog&to=3Dhttp://www.grants.gov. Paper=20

copies of the information are also available by contacting the USDA=20
Forest Service, S&PF Technology Marketing Unit, One Gifford Pinchot=20
Drive, Madison, WI 53726-2398.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions regarding the grant=20
application or administrative regulations, contact Patricia Brumm,=20
Grants and Agreements Specialist, (608) 231-9298, pbrumm@fs.fed.us; for=20
program and technical questions, contact Susan LeVan, Program Manager,=20
(608) 231-9504, slevan@fs.fed.us.
    Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD)=20
may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339=20
between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through=20
Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: To meet the shared goals of Public Law 109-
58, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the anticipated Public Law=20
governing the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related=20
Agencies Appropriate Act of 2008, the agency is requesting proposals to=20
address the nationwide challenge in dealing with low-valued material=20
removed from hazardous fuel reduction activities, restoration of insect=20
and diseased conditions or catastrophic weather events. The Woody=20
Biomass Utilization Grant Program has a pre-application submission=20
process, and upon notification, selected pre-applicants will be asked=20
to submit a full application. Goals of the grant program are the=20
following:
     Help reduce forest management costs by increasing value of=20
biomass and other forest products generated from forest restoration=20
activities.
     Create incentives and/or reduce business risk for=20
increased use of biomass from national forestlands (must include=20
National Forest System lands, however, may also include other lands=20
such as, BLM, Tribal, State, local, and private).
     Institute projects that target and help remove economic=20
and market barriers to using small-diameter trees and woody biomass.
     Help generate renewable energy from woody.
     Build industry infrastructure around national forestlands=20
where no or limited industry infrastructure exists.
     Require a Forest Service letter of support for the woody=20
biomass grant project on National Forest System lands.

Woody Biomass Grants Program

1. Eligibility Information

    a. Eligible Applicants. Eligible applicants are State, local, and=20
Tribal governments, school districts, communities, non-profit=20
organizations, businesses, companies, corporations, or special purpose=20
districts, e.g., public utilities districts, fire districts,=20
conservation districts, or ports. Only one application per business or=20
organization will be accepted. If applicants have received a Woody=20
Biomass Utilization Grant within the last three years, they are not=20
eligible. Construction projects involving a permanent building or=20
infrastructure item, such as roads, are not allowed with federal funds;=20
however construction funds can be part of the non-federal cost share.=20
For Alaska, only applicants on the Seward Ranger District on the=20
Chugach National Forest are eligible to apply for this grant. Cordova=20
and Glacier Ranger Districts on the Chugach are not eligible. Ranger=20
Districts on the Tongass National Forest are not eligible.
    b. Cost Sharing (Matching Requirement). Applicants must demonstrate=20
at least a 20% match of the total project cost. This match must be from=20
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=20
Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number in their full application. For=20
the purpose of this requirement, the applicant is the entity that meets=20
the eligibility criteria and has the legal authority to apply for an=20
award. For assistance in obtaining a DUNS number at no cost, call the=20
DUNS number request line (1-866-705-5711) or register on-line at http:/=
/frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=3DleavingFR.html&l=
og=3Dlinklog&to=3Dhttp://fedgov.dnb.com/webform.
 By submission of an application, the applicant=20

acknowledges the requirement that prospective awardees shall be=20
registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database prior=20
to award, during performance, and through final payment of any grant=20
resulting from this solicitation. Further information can be found at=20
http://frwebgate.=
access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=3DleavingFR.html&log=3Dlinklo=
g&to=3Dhttp://www.ccr.gov. For assistance, contact the CCR =
Assistance Center=20

(1-888-227-2423).

3. Award Information

    At least $4 million are available for granting under this program.=20
Individual grants will not be less than $50,000 or more than $250,000.=20
Funds are presently not available for this grant program. The=20
Government's obligation

[[Page 53226]]

under this program is contingent upon the availability of 2008=20
appropriated funds from which payment for grant purposes can be made.=20
No legal liability on the part of the Government for any payment may=20
arise until funds are made available to the Grants Officer for this=20
program, and until the Cooperator receives notice of such availability,=20
to be confirmed in writing by the Grants Officer. Successful applicants=20
will be announced by March 14, 2008. The maximum length of the award is=20
3 years from the date of award. Written annual financial performance=20
reports and semi-annual project performance reports shall be required.=20
Applicants should be aware that the grant funds are regarded as taxable=20
income and a form 1099 will be send by the Forest Service to the IRS.=20
Awardees are expected to follow all OSHA requirements regarding safe=20
working practices.

4. Application Review Process

    A two-step technical evaluation process is used for applications=20
submitted under this solicitation. The first step requires the=20
applicant to submit a preliminary application (pre-application). Pre-
applications are evaluated on the evaluation criteria discussed in=20
Section 5.
    A review panel of technical experts from Federal agencies judges=20
the pre-applications. Panel members independently review the pre-
applications according to the evaluation criteria and point system. A=20
total of 100 points is possible. As a result of this preliminary=20
review, successful pre-applications are invited to submit a full-
application package. Unsuccessful pre-applicants are removed from=20
further consideration for funding under this solicitation. In either=20
case, a letter of notification is provided to each applicant.
    The second step requires the applicant to submit a full-application=20
package, which is evaluated based on the same evaluation criteria as=20
the preliminary application. The full-application package is evaluated=20
for technical and financial feasibility. The reviewers discuss, rank,=20
and make recommendations to Executive Steering Committee of Senior=20
Federal officials.

5. Evaluation Criteria and Point System

a. Impact on National Forest System Lands Forest Restoration=20
Activities: Total Points 40
     Condition of the forestlands proposed for the project,=20
such as Fire Regime Condition Class (http://frwebgate=
.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=3DleavingFR.html&log=3Dlinkl=
og&to=3Dhttp://www.frcc.gov), insect and=20

disease risk conditions, or degraded forestlands due to catastrophic=20
weather events.
     Direct, tangible benefits with and without the grant=20
(e.g., increased acres treated from forest restoration activities,=20
increased value of raw material removed from forest restoration=20
activities, and reduced Forest Service's cost per acre.)
     Indirect, intangible benefit (such as air quality=20
benefits, water quality benefits, socio-economic impacts, wildlife=20
habitat, and watershed improvements).
     Opportunities created for using woody biomass material=20
around National Forest System lands in locations where no or limited=20
industry capacity exists.
b. Technical Approach Work Plan: Total Points 25
     Technical feasibility of the proposed work.
     Adequacy and completeness of the proposed tasks.
     Likelihood of meeting project objectives.
     Timeliness and reasonableness of time schedule.
     Identified deliverables/tasks.
 Evaluation and monitoring plan.
c. Financial feasibility: Total Points 25
     Realistic budget and timeframe.
     Thorough financial documentation (see description of=20
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,=20
and there is significant impact on reducing the Forest Service's cost=20
per acre, full points are given. If there are minor deficiencies, which=20
could limit success, midway points are given. If there are major=20
deficiencies, which could render the project unsuccessful, minimum=20
points are given. Further scoring criteria can be found at http://=
frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=3DleavingFR.html&lo=
g=3Dlinklog&to=3Dhttp://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under Woody =
Biomass Grants) and at http://

http://frwebga=
te.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=3DleavingFR.html&log=3Dlin=
klog&to=3Dhttp://www.grants.gov. Full-application packages that =
do not submit ALL=20

required financial information will be disqualified.

6. Pre-Application Information

    a. Pre-Application Submission. Pre-applications are required.=20
Specific content and submission requirements for the pre-application=20
are as follows: Each submittal must be composed of two paper copies=20
(single-sided) of the pre-application and one original copy. All=20
proposals for the pre-application must be on 8.5 by 11-inch plain white=20
paper with a minimum font size of 11 letters per inch. Top, bottom, and=20
side margins must be no less than three-quarters of an inch. All pages=20
must be clearly numbered. The paper copies of the application package=20
should be stapled with a single staple at the upper left-hand corner.=20
Do not staple the original.
    b. Pre-Application Content. SF 424 and 424A shall be submitted with=20
the application for consideration (http://frwebga=
te.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=3DleavingFR.html&log=3Dlin=
klog&to=3Dhttp://www.grants.gov). Assemble=20

information in the following order: cover page, SF 424, SF 424A,=20
project summary, project narrative, budget justification narrative,=20
budget, and appendices. The project narrative consists of statement of=20
need, project coordinator(s) and partner(s), goals and objectives,=20
technical approach work plan, impact on national forest system forest=20
restoration treatments, and evaluation and monitoring plan. The project=20
narrative should provide a clear description of the work to be=20
performed and its impact on National Forest System lands. It should=20
address the technical approach work plan under criteria 2 in section 5.=20
The project narrative is limited to 5 pages, and excludes cover page,=20
budget justification, budget, or appendices.
    c. The discussion of the impact on National Forest System lands is=20
a critical component because these proposals are aimed at helping the=20
Forest Service increase the number of acres treated and decrease the=20
cost per acre for those National Forest System lands that are at risk=20
due to hazardous fuel buildup, insects and diseases, or catastrophic=20
weather events. Applicants should describe qualitatively and=20
quantitatively how the project would decrease Forest Service treatment=20
costs and/or increase the price one might offer for the woody biomass.=20
Specifically, proposals should address the following:
     Condition of the forest or grassland, such as providing=20
the Fire Regime Condition Class (http://frwebgate=
.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=3DleavingFR.html&log=3Dlinkl=
og&to=3Dhttp://www.frcc.gov), the insect and=20

disease risk, or any catastrophic weather events and the consequences=20
of the national forest system not being able to do treatments because=20
of the cost.
     Forest Service's current practices of handling material=20
removed from forest restoration activities.
     What would be done with this material if grant is awarded?
     Anticipated outcomes and measures of success.

[[Page 53227]]

     Documentation of costs and benefits of project as a result=20
of the award (see project feasibility discussion at http://=
frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=3DleavingFR.html&lo=
g=3Dlinklog&to=3Dhttp://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu under Woody =
Biomass Grants or at http://

http://frwebga=
te.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=3DleavingFR.html&log=3Dlin=
klog&to=3Dhttp://www.grants.gov.

     Documentation of intangible benefits. Examples of tangible=20
and intangible benefits are listed on the Technology Marketing Unit's=20
Web site at http://=
frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=3DleavingFR.html&lo=
g=3Dlinklog&to=3Dhttp://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under Woody =
Biomass Grants) or at http://frwebga=
te.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=3DleavingFR.html&log=3Dlin=
klog&to=3Dhttp://www.grants.gov.

     Long-Term Benefits of Project: Applicant should address=20
the length of time the benefits and impacts are anticipated (e.g.,=20
project will have long-term consequences, such as equipment=20
improvements, or a one-time benefit, such as a subsidy.)
     Expansion capability: Does the project have the potential=20
to expand the application to additional forest treatment areas or to=20
create higher valued uses?
    A full description of each content item may be obtained from the=20
Technology Marketing Unit's Web site at http://=
frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=3DleavingFR.html&lo=
g=3Dlinklog&to=3Dhttp://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under Woody =
Biomass Grants) or at http://frwebga=
te.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=3DleavingFR.html&log=3Dlin=
klog&to=3Dhttp://www.grants.gov, or by calling=20

the telephone number in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section, or=20
by writing to the address in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.
    b. Pre-Application Delivery. Pre-applications must be postmarked by=20
November 2, 2007 and received no later than 5 p.m. Central Standard=20
Time on November 9, 2007, by Patricia Brumm at the Forest Products=20
Laboratory. Hand-delivered or fax applications will not be accepted. E-
mail applications should be submitted through http://frwebga=
te.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=3DleavingFR.html&log=3Dlin=
klog&to=3Dhttp://www.grants.gov. No=20

exceptions allowed. Please send pre-applications to the address listed=20
in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.

7. Full-Application Information

    USDA Forest Service will request full applications only from those=20
applicants selected in the pre-application process.
    a. Full-Application Submission. Specific content and submission=20
requirements for the full application are as follows: Each submittal=20
must be composed of two paper copies (single-sided) of the pre-
application and one original copy. All proposals for the full-
application must be on 8.5 by 11-inch plain white paper with a minimum=20
font size of 11 letters per inch. Top, bottom, and side margins must be=20
no less than three-quarters of an inch. All pages must be clearly=20
numbered. The paper copies of the application package should be stapled=20
with a single staple at the upper left-hand corner. Do not staple the=20
original. Other bindings will not be accepted.
    b. Full-Application Content. SF 424 and 424A shall be submitted=20
with the application for consideration. Assemble information in the=20
following order: Cover page, SF 424, SF424A, project summary, project=20
narrative, budget justification narrative, budget, financial=20
feasibility, and appendices. The project narrative consists of=20
statement of need, project coordinator(s) and partner(s), goals and=20
objectives, technical approach work plan, impact on national forest=20
system forest restoration activities, environmental documentation,=20
project work plan and timeline, social impacts, evaluation and=20
monitoring plan, and equipment description. The project narrative=20
should provide a clear description of the work to be performed, how it=20
will be accomplished, and its impact on National Forest System lands.=20
It should address the technical approach work plan under criteria 2=20
listed in section 5. The project narrative is limited to a total of 10=20
pages and excludes cover page, budget justification, budget, appendices=20
and financial documentation.
    c. Detailed Financial Information. Detailed financial information=20
is requested to assess the potential and the capability of the=20
applicant. All financial information remains confidential and is not=20
accessible under the Freedom of Information Act. If the applicant has=20
questions about how confidential information is handled they should=20
contact Patricia Brumm at pbrumm@fs.fed.us. The financial =
information=20
should provide a general overview of historical and projected (pro=20
forma) financial performance. Standard accounting principles should be=20
used for developing the required financial information. Strong=20
applications have benefited from the use of a certified accountant to=20
develop this information. Applicants should refer to the Technology=20
Marketing Unit's Web site at http://=
frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=3DleavingFR.html&lo=
g=3Dlinklog&to=3Dhttp://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under Woody =
Biomass Grants) or at http://frwebga=
te.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=3DleavingFR.html&log=3Dlin=
klog&to=3Dhttp://www.grants.gov for the financial=20

information requirements, as well as Web sites for standard financial=20
templates.
    d. Full-Application Delivery. Full applications must be postmarked=20
by February 1, 2008, and received no later than 5 p.m. Central Standard=20
Time on February 8, 2008, by Patricia Brumm at the Forest Products=20
Laboratory. Hand-delivered or fax applications will not be accepted. E-
mail applications should be submitted through http://frwebga=
te.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=3DleavingFR.html&log=3Dlin=
klog&to=3Dhttp://www.grants.gov. No=20

exceptions allowed. Please send full applications to the address listed=20
in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.

8. Appendices

    The following information must be included in the appendix of the=20
pre-application and the full application package:
    a. Letter of Support and Biomass Availability From Local USDA=20
Forest Service District Ranger or Forest Supervisor Is Required: This=20
letter must describe the status of National Environmental Policy Act=20
(NEPA), acres, timeframes, available volumes, and opportunities for=20
applicant to access these volumes. These letters shall be submitted=20
with both the pre-application and full-application.
    b. Letters of Support from Partners, Individuals, or Organizations:=20
Letters of support should be included in an appendix and are intended=20
to display the degree of collaboration occurring between the different=20
entities engaged in the project. These letters must include commitments=20
of cash or in-kind services from all partners and must support the=20
amounts listed in the budget. Each letter of support is limited to one=20
page in length.
    c. Key Personnel Qualifications: Qualifications of the project=20
manager and key personnel should be included in an appendix.=20
Qualifications are limited to two pages in length and should contain=20
the following: Resume, biographical sketch, references, and=20
demonstrated ability to manage the grant.

    Dated: September 13, 2007.
Robin L. Thompson,
Associate Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry.
[FR Doc. E7-18380 Filed 9-17-07; 8:45 am]

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