Rural Development, USDA.
Notice.
Rural Development announces the availability of up to $22.8 million in competitive grant funds for fiscal year (FY) 2004 to purchase renewable energy systems and make energy improvements for agricultural producers and rural small businesses. In order to be eligible for grant funds, the agricultural producer or rural small business must demonstrate financial need. The grant request must not exceed 25 percent of the eligible project costs.
Applications must be completed and submitted to the appropriate United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) State Rural Development Office postmarked no later than 75 calendar days after the date of the published notice. Applications postmarked after that date will be returned to the applicant with no action.
Submit proposals to the USDA State Rural Development Office where your project is located or, in the case of a rural small business, where you are headquartered. A list of the Energy Coordinators and State Rural Development Office addresses and telephone numbers follow. For further information about this solicitation, please contact the applicable State Office.
Chris Harmon, USDA Rural Development, Sterling Center, Suite 601, 4121 Carmichael Road, Montgomery, AL 36106–3683, (334) 279–3615.
Dean Stewart, USDA Rural Development, 800 West Evergreen, Suite 201, Palmer, AK 99645–6539, (907) 761–7722.
Gary Mack, USDA Rural Development, 3003 North Central Avenue, Suite 900, Phoenix, AZ 85012–2906, (602) 280–8717.
Shirley Tucker, USDA Rural Development, 700 West Capitol Avenue, Room 3416, Little Rock, AR 72201–3225, (501) 301–3280.
Charles Clendenin, USDA Rural Development, 430 G Street, Agency 4169, Davis, CA 95616–4169, (530) 792–5825.
Linda Sundine, USDA Rural Development, 628 West 5th Street, Cortez, CO 81321, (720) 544–2929.
James Waters, USDA Rural Development, 4607 South Dupont Hwy., P.O. Box 400, Camden, DE 19934–0400, (302) 697–4324.
Joe Mueller, USDA Rural Development, 4440 NW. 25th Place, P.O. Box 147010, Gainesville, FL 32614–7010, (352) 338–3482.
J. Craig Scroggs, USDA Rural Development, 333 Phillips Drive, McDonough, GA 30253, (678) 583–0866.
Tim O'Connell, USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Room 311, 154 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720, (808) 933–8313.
Dale Lish, USDA Rural Development, 725 Jensen Grove Drive, Suite 1, Blackfoot, ID 83221, (208) 785–5840, Ext. 118.
Cathy McNeal, USDA Rural Development, 2118 West Park Court, Suite A, Champaign, IL 61821, (217) 403–6210.
Jerry Hay, USDA Rural Development, North Vernon Area Office, 2600 Highway 7 North, North Vernon, IN 47265, (812) 346–3411, Ext. 4.
Jeff Kuntz, USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Room 873, 210 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309, (641) 932–3031.
Larry Carnahan, USDA Rural Development, P.O. Box 437, 115 West 4th Street, Altamont, KS 67330, (620) 784–5431.
Dewayne Easter, USDA Rural Development, 771 Corporate Drive, Suite 200, Lexington, KY 40503, (859) 224–7435.
Kevin Boone, USDA Rural Development, 3727 Government Street, Alexandria, LA 71302, (318) 473–7960.
Valarie Flanders, USDA Rural Development, 967 Illinois Avenue, Suite 4, P.O. Box 405, Bangor, ME 04402–0405, (207) 990–9168.
Sharon Colburn, USDA Rural Development, 451 West Street, Suite 2, Amherst, MA 01002–2999, (413) 253–4303.
Lee Bambusch, USDA Rural Development, 3001 Coolidge Road, Suite 200, East Lansing, MI 48823, (517) 324–5257.
David Gaffaney, USDA Rural Development, 375 Jackson Street, Suite 410, St. Paul, MN 55101–1853, (651) 602–7814.
Charlie Joiner, USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Suite 831, 100 West Capitol Street, Jackson, MS 39269, (601) 965–5457.
D. Clark Thomas, USDA Rural Development, 601 Business Loop 70 West, Parkade Center, Suite 235, Columbia, MO 65203, (573) 876–0995.
John Guthmiller, USDA Rural Development, 900 Technology Blvd., Unit 1, Suite B, P.O. Box 850, Bozeman, MT 59771, (406) 585–2540.
Cliff Kumm, USDA Rural Development, 201 North, 25 Street, Beatrice, NE 68310, (402) 223–3125.
Dan Johnson, USDA Rural Development, 555 West Silver Street, Suite 101, Elko, NV 89801, (775) 738–8468, Ext. 112.
Michael Kelsey, USDA Rural Development, 5th Floor North, Suite 500, 8000 Midlantic Drive, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054, (856) 787–7700, Ext. 7751.
Eric Vigil, USDA Rural Development, 6200 Jefferson Street, NE., Room 255, Albuquerque, NM 87109, (505) 761–4952.
Scott Collins, USDA Rural Development, The Galleries of Syracuse, Suite 357, 441 South Salina Street, Syracuse, NY 13202–2541, (315) 477–6409.
H. Rossie Bullock, USDA Rural Development, P.O. Box 7426, Lumberton, NC 28359–7426, (910) 739–3349.
Dale Van Eckhout, USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Room 208, 220 East Rosser Avenue, P.O. Box 1737, Bismarck, ND 58502–1737, (701) 530–2065.
James Cogan, USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Room 507, 200 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43215–2418, (614) 255–2420.
Jody Harris, USDA Rural Development, 100 USDA, Suite 108, Stillwater, OK 74074–2654, (405) 742–1036.
Don Hollis, USDA Rural Development, 1229 SE. Third Street, Suite A, Pendleton, OR 97801–4198, (541) 278–8049, Ext. 129.
Vincent Murphy, USDA Rural Development, One Credit Union Place, Suite 330, Harrisburg, PA 17110–2996, (717) 237–2181.
Virgilio Velez, USDA Rural Development, IBM Building, 654 Munoz Rivera Avenue, Suite 601, Hato Rey, PR 00918–6106, (787) 766–5091, ext. 251.
R. Gregg White, USDA Rural Development, Strom Thurmond Federal Building, 1835 Assembly Street, Room 1007, Columbia, SC 29201, (803) 765–5881.
Gary Korzan, USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Room 210, 200 4th Street, SW., Huron, SD 57350, (605) 352–1142.
Dan Beasley, USDA Rural Development, 3322 West End Avenue, Suite 300, Nashville, TN 37203–1084, (615) 783–1341.
Pat Liles, USDA Rural Development, Federal Building, Suite 102, 101 South Main Street, Temple, TX 76501, (254) 742–9780.
Richard Carrig, USDA Rural Development, Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building, 125 South State Street, Room 4311, Salt Lake City, UT 84138, (801) 524–4328.
Lyn Millhiser, USDA Rural Development, City Center, 3rd Floor, 89 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602, (802) 828–6069.
Laurette Tucker, USDA Rural Development, Culpeper Building, Suite 238, 1606 Santa Rosa Road, Richmond, VA 23229, (804) 287–1594.
Chris Cassidy, USDA Rural Development, 1606 Perry Street, Suite E, Yakima, WA 98902–5769, (509) 454–5743, Ext. 5.
Cheryl Wolfe, USDA Rural Development, 75 High Street, Room 320, Morgantown, WV 26505–7500, (304) 284–4882.
Mark Brodziski, USDA Rural Development, 4949 Kirschling Court, Stevens Point, WI 54481, (715) 345–7615, Ext. 131.
Jerry Tamlin, USDA Rural Development, 100 East B, Federal Building, Room 1005, P.O. Box 820, Casper, WY 82602, (307) 261–6319.
This solicitation is issued pursuant to enactment of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (2002 Act), which established the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program under Title IX, Section 9006. The 2002 Act requires the Secretary of Agriculture to create a program to make direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. The program is designed to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption and help meet the nation's critical energy needs. The 2002 Act also mandates the maximum percentage Rural Development will provide in funding for these types of projects. The Rural Development grant will not exceed 25 percent of the eligible project costs and will be made only to those who demonstrate financial need. Due to the time constraints for implementing this program, Rural Development is issuing only the grant program for FY 2004 at this time.
The amount of funds available for this program in FY 2004 is up to $22.8 million. Rural Development grant funds may be used to pay up to 25 percent of the eligible project costs. Half of the funds will be available for renewable energy systems and the other half for energy efficiency improvement projects. USDA may reallocate funds between the renewable energy systems and the energy efficiency improvement funds. Applications for renewable energy systems must be for a minimum grant request of $2,500, but no more than $500,000. Applications for energy efficiency improvements must be for a minimum grant request of $2,500, but no more than $500,000. The actual number of grants funded will depend on the quality of proposals received and the amount of funding requested. These limits are consistent with energy efficiency improvement projects and alternative energy systems, which the Department has determined are appropriate for agricultural producers and rural small businesses. Grant limitations were based on historical data supplied from Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency and Rural Utilities Service on renewable energy systems and from an energy efficiency state program for energy efficiency improvements.
To receive a grant under this subpart, an applicant must meet each of the criteria, as applicable, as set forth in paragraphs (a) through (f).
(a) The applicant or borrower must be an agricultural producer or rural small business.
(b) Individuals must be citizens of the United States (U.S.) or reside in the U.S. after being legally admitted for permanent residence.
(c) Entities must be at least 51 percent owned, directly or indirectly, by individuals who are either citizens of the U.S. or reside in the U.S. after being legally admitted for permanent residence.
(d) If the applicant or borrower, or an owner has an outstanding judgment obtained by the United States in a Federal Court (other than in the United States Tax Court), is delinquent in the payment of Federal income taxes, or is delinquent on a Federal debt, the applicant or borrower is not eligible to receive a grant, until the judgment is paid in full or otherwise satisfied or the delinquency is resolved.
(e) In the case of an applicant or borrower that is applying as a rural small business, the business headquarters must be in a rural area and the project to be funded also must be in a rural area.
(f) The applicant must have demonstrated financial need.
Adverse actions made on applications are appealable pursuant to 7 CFR part 11.
For a project to be eligible to receive a grant under this subpart, the proposed project must meet each of the criteria, as applicable, in paragraphs (a) through (f).
(a) The project must be for the purchase of a renewable energy system or to make energy efficiency improvements.
(b) The project must be for a pre-commercial or commercially available and replicable technology, not for research and development.
(c) The project must be technically feasible.
(d) The project must be located in a rural area.
(e) The applicant must be the owner of the system and control the operation and maintenance of the proposed project. A qualified third-party operator may be used to manage the operation
(f) All projects must be based on satisfactory sources of revenues in an amount sufficient to provide for the operation and maintenance of the system or project.
(g) Proposed projects which may necessitate an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) may not be selected.
(h) The total input from a nonrenewable energy source for necessary and incidental requirements of the energy system will be determined by the technical reviewers.
(a) The amount of grant funds that will be made available to an eligible project under this subpart will not exceed 25 percent of eligible project costs.
(1) The only eligible project costs are those costs associated with the items identified in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through (ix). The items must be an integral and necessary part of the total project:
(i) Post-application purchase and installation of equipment, except agricultural tillage equipment and vehicles;
(ii) Post-application construction or project improvements, except residential;
(iii) Energy audits or assessments;
(iv) Permit fees;
(v) Professional service fees, except for application preparation;
(vi) Feasibility studies;
(vii) Business plans;
(viii) Retrofitting; and
(ix) Construction of a new facility only when the facility is used for the same purpose, is approximately the same size, and based on the energy audit will provide more energy savings than improving an existing facility. Only costs identified in the energy audit for energy efficiency projects are allowed.
(2) The applicant must provide at least 75 percent of eligible project costs to complete the project. Applicant in-kind and other Federal grant awards cannot be used to meet the 75 percent match requirements. However, the Agency will allow third-party, in-kind contributions to be used in meeting the matching requirement. Third-party, in-kind contributions will be limited to 10 percent of the 75 percent match requirement of the grantee. The Agency will advise if the third-party, in-kind contributions are acceptable in accordance with 7 CFR part 3015.
(b) The maximum amount of grant assistance to one individual or entity will not exceed $750,000.
(c) Applications for renewable energy systems must be for a minimum grant request of $2,500, but no more than $500,000.
(d) Applications for energy efficiency improvements must be for a minimum grant request of $2,500, but no more than $250,000.
(a)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(i) Business/farm/ranch operation.
(A) A description of the ownership, including a list of individuals and/or entities with ownership interest, names of any corporate parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries, as well as a description of the relationship, including products, between these entities.
(B) A description of the operation.
(ii) Management. The resume of key managers focusing on relevant business experience. If a third-party operator is used to monitor and manage the project, provide a discussion on the benefits and burdens of such monitoring and management as well as the qualifications of the third party.
(iii) Financial information.
(A) Explanation of demonstrated financial need.
(B) For rural small businesses, a current balance sheet and income statement prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and dated within 90 days of the application. Agricultural producers must present financial information in the format that is generally required by commercial agriculture lenders. Financial information is required on the total operations of the agricultural producer/small business and its parent, subsidiary, or affiliates at other locations.
(C) Rural small businesses must provide sufficient information to determine total annual receipts of the business and any parent, subsidiary, or affiliates at other locations. Voluntarily providing tax returns is one means of satisfying this requirement. Information provided must be sufficient for the Agency to make a determination of total income and cost of goods sold by the business.
(D) If available, historical financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP for the past 3 years, including income statements and balance sheets. If agricultural producers are unable to present this information in accordance with GAAP, they may instead present financial information for the past 3 years in the format that is generally required by commercial agriculture lenders.
(E) Pro forma balance sheet at startup of the agricultural producer's/small business' business that reflects the use of the loan proceeds or grant award; and 3 additional years, indicating the necessary start-up capital, operating capital, and short-term credit; and projected cash flow and income statements for 3 years supported by a list of assumptions showing the basis for the projections.
(F) For agricultural producers, identify the gross market value of your agricultural products for the calendar year preceding the year in which you submit your application.
(iv) Production information for renewable energy system projects.
(A) Provide a statement as to whether the technology to be employed by the facility is commercially or pre-commercially available and replicable. Provide information to support this position.
(B) Describe the availability of materials, labor, and equipment for the facility.
(v) Business market information for renewable energy system projects.
(A) Demand. Identify the demand (past, present, and future) for the product and/or service and who will buy the product and/or service.
(B) Supply. Identify the supply (past, present, and future) of the product and/or service and your competitors.
(C) Market niche. Given the trends in demand and supply, describe how the business will be able to sell enough of its product/service to be profitable.
(vi) A Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number.
(b)
(1) Form SF–424, “Application for Federal Assistance.”
(2) Form SF–424C, “Budget Information—Construction Programs.” Each cost classification category listed on the form must be filled out if it applies to your project. Any cost category item not listed on the form that applies to your project can be put under the miscellaneous category. Attach a separate sheet if you are using the miscellaneous category and list each miscellaneous cost by not allowable and allowable costs in the same format as on SF 424C. All project costs must be categorized as either allowable or not allowable.
(3) Form SF–424D, “Assurances—Construction Programs.”
(4) AD–1049, “Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements.”
(5) AD–1048, “Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion—Lower Tiered Covered Transactions.”
(6) A copy of a bank statement or a copy of the confirmed funding commitment from the funding source. Matching funds must be included on SF 424 and SF 424C.
(7) Exhibit A–1, (Certification for Contracts, Grants and Loans) of RD Instruction 1940–Q required by section 319 of Public Law 101–121 if the grant exceeds $100,000 or Exhibit A–2, Statement of Guarantees of RD Instruction 1940–Q required by section 319 of Public Law 101–121 if the guaranteed loan exceeds $150,000.
(8) If the applicant has made or agreed to make payment using funds other than Federal appropriated funds to influence or attempt to influence a decision in connection with the application, Form SF–LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,” must be completed.
(9) AD–1047, “Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility MattersPrimary Covered Transactions.”
(10) Form RD 400–1, “Equal Opportunity Agreement.”
(11) Form RD 400–4, “Assurance Agreement.”
(12) If the project involves interconnection to an electric utility, a copy of a letter of intent to purchase power, a power purchase agreement, a copy of a letter of intent for an interconnection agreement, or an interconnection agreement will be required from your utility company or other purchaser for renewable energy systems.
(13) If applicable, intergovernmental consultation comments in accordance with Executive Order 12372.
(14) Applicants and borrowers must provide a certification indicating whether or not there is a known relationship or association with an Agency employee.
(15)
(c)
(d)
All technical information provided must follow the format specified in paragraphs (d)(1) through (10). Supporting information may be submitted in other formats. Preliminary design drawings and process flow charts should be included as exhibits. A discussion of each topic identified in paragraphs (d)(1) through (10) is not necessary if the topic is not applicable to the specific project. Questions identified in the Agency's technical review of the project must be answered to the Agency's satisfaction before the application will be approved. The applicant must submit the original technical requirements report plus one copy to the State Rural Development Office. For small solar and small wind projects, the narrative portion of technical requirements portion of the proposals, excluding supporting documentation and drawings, should be less than ten pages. Projects costing more than $50,000 require the services of a professional engineer (PE). Depending on the level of engineering required for the specific project or if necessary to ensure public safety, the services of a PE may be required for smaller projects.
(1)
(i)
The project team must have demonstrated expertise in similar biomass systems development, engineering, installation, and maintenance. The applicant must
(A) Discuss the proposed project delivery method. Such methods include a design, bid, build where a separate engineering firm may design the project and prepare a request for bids and the successful bidder constructs the project at the applicant's risk, and a design build method, often referred to as turn key, where the applicant establishes the specifications for the project and secures the services of a developer who will design and build the project at the developer's risk;
(B) Discuss the biomass system equipment manufacturers of major components being considered in terms of the length of time in business and the number of units installed at the capacity and scale being considered;
(C) Discuss the project manager, equipment supplier, system designer, project engineer, and construction contractor qualifications for engineering, designing, and installing biomass energy systems including any relevant certifications by recognized organizations or bodies. Provide a list of the same or similar projects designed, installed, or supplied and currently operating and with references if available; and
(D) Describe the system operator's qualifications and experience for servicing, operating, and maintaining biomass renewable energy equipment or projects. Provide a list of the same or similar projects designed, installed, or supplied and currently operating and with references if available.
(ii)
(A) Biomass systems must be installed in accordance with applicable local, State, and national codes and regulations. Identify zoning and code issues, and required permits and the schedule for meeting those requirements and securing those permits.
(B) Identify licenses where required and the schedule for obtaining those licenses.
(C) Identify land use agreements required for the project and the schedule for securing the agreements and the term of those agreements.
(D) Identify any permits or agreements required for solid, liquid, and gaseous emissions or effluents and the schedule for securing those permits and agreements.
(E) Identify available component warranties for the specific project location and size.
(F) Systems interconnected to the electric power system will need arrangements to interconnect with the utility. Identify utility system interconnection requirements, power purchase arrangements, or licenses where required and the schedule for meeting those requirements and obtaining those agreements. This is required even if the system is installed on the customer side of the utility meter. For systems planning to utilize a local net metering program, describe the applicable local net metering program.
(G) Describe all potential environmental impacts resulting from siting issues, construction and operation of the proposed project. Identify other site or design alternatives that were considered in your planning process. Identify all environmental compliance issues such as required permits (
(iii)
(iv)
(A) The application must include a concise but complete description of the biomass project including location of the project, resource characteristics, system specifications, electric power system interconnection, and monitoring equipment. Identify possible vendors and models of major system components. Describe the expected electric power, fuel production, or thermal energy production of the proposed system as rated and as expected in actual field conditions. For systems with a capacity more than 20 tons per day of biomass, address performance on a monthly and annual basis. For small projects such as a commercial biomass furnace or pelletizer of up to 5 tons daily capacity, proven, commercially available devices need not be addressed in detail. Describe the uses of or the market for electricity, heat, or fuel produced by the system. Discuss the impact of reduced or interrupted biomass availability on the system process.
(B) The application must include a description of the siting criteria used in selecting the project site and the reason for elimination of other site alternatives considered and address issues such as site access, foundations, backup equipment when applicable, and environmental issues with emphasis on land use, air quality, water quality, noise pollution, soil degradation, wildlife, habitat fragmentation, aesthetics, odor, and other construction and installation issues applicable to this type of technology. Identify any unique construction and installation issues.
(C) Sites must be controlled by the agricultural producer or small business for the proposed project life or for the financing term of any associated federal loans or loan guarantees.
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(A) Provide information regarding available system and component warranties and availability of spare parts;
(B) For systems having a biomass input capacity exceeding 10 tons of biomass per day;
(1) Describe the routine operations and maintenance requirements of the proposed system, including maintenance schedule for the mechanical, piping, and electrical systems and system monitoring and control requirements. Provide information that supports expected design life of the system and timing of major component replacement or rebuilds; and
(2) Discuss the costs and labor associated with operations and maintenance of system and plans for in or outsourcing. Describe opportunities for technology transfer for long-term project operations and maintenance by a local entity or owner/operator; and
(C) Provide and discuss the risk management plan for handling large, unanticipated failures or major components. Include in the discussion, costs and labor associated with operations and maintenance of system and plans for in-sourcing or out-sourcing.
(x)
(2)
(i)
The project team must have demonstrated commercial-scale expertise in anaerobic digester systems development, engineering, installation, and maintenance as related to the organic materials and operating mode of the system. The applicant must provide authoritative evidence that project team service providers have the necessary professional credentials or relevant experience to perform the required services. The applicant must also provide authoritative evidence that vendors of proprietary components can provide necessary equipment and spare parts for the system to operate over its design life. The applicant must:
(A) Discuss the proposed project delivery method. Such methods include a design, bid, build where a separate engineering firm may design the project and prepare a request for bids and the successful bidder constructs the project at the applicant's risk, and a design build method, often referred to as turn key, where the applicant establishes the specifications for the project and secures the services of a developer who will design and build the project at the developer's risk;
(B) Discuss the anaerobic digester system equipment manufacturers of major components being considered in terms of the length of time in business and the number of units installed at the capacity and scale being considered;
(C) Discuss the project manager, equipment supplier, system designer, project engineer, and construction contractor qualifications for engineering, designing, and installing anaerobic digester systems including any relevant certifications by recognized organizations or bodies. Provide a list of the same or similar projects designed, installed, or supplied and currently operating consistent with the substrate material and with references if available; and
(D) For regional or centralized digester plants, describe the system operator's qualifications and experience for servicing, operating, and maintaining similar projects. Farm scale systems may not require operator experience as the developer is typically required to provide operational training during system startup and shakedown. Provide a list of the same or similar projects designed, installed, or supplied and currently operating consistent with the substrate material and with references if available.
(ii)
(A) Anaerobic digester systems must be installed in accordance with applicable local, State, and national codes and regulations. Anaerobic digesters must also be designed and constructed in accordance with USDA anaerobic digester standards. Identify zoning and code issues, and required permits and the schedule for meeting those requirements and securing those permits.
(B) Identify licenses where required and the schedule for obtaining those licenses.
(C) For regional or centralized digester plants, identify feedstock access agreements required for the project and the schedule for securing those agreements and the term of those agreements.
(D) Identify any permits or agreements required for transport and ultimate waste disposal and the schedule for securing those agreements and permits.
(E) Identify available component warranties for the specific project location and size.
(F) Systems interconnected to the electric power system will need arrangements to interconnect with the utility. Identify utility system interconnection requirements, power purchase arrangements, or licenses where required and the schedule for meeting those requirements and
(G) Describe all potential environmental impacts resulting from siting issues, construction and operation of the proposed project. Identify other site or design alternatives that were considered in your planning process. Identify all environmental compliance issues such as required permits (
(iii)
(iv)
(A) The application must include a concise but complete description of the anaerobic digester project including location of the project, farm description, feedstock characteristics, a step-by-step flowchart of unit operations, electric power system interconnection equipment, and any required monitoring equipment. Identify possible vendors and models of major system components. Provide the expected system energy production, heat balances, material balances as part of the unit operations flowchart.
(B) The application must include a description of the siting criteria used in selecting the project site and the reason for elimination of other site alternatives considered and address issues such as site access, foundations, backup equipment when applicable, and environmental issues with emphasis on land use, air quality, water quality, noise pollution, soil degradation, wildlife, habitat fragmentation, aesthetics, odor, and other construction and installation issues applicable to this type of technology. Identify any unique construction and installation issues.
(C) Sites must be controlled by the agricultural producer or small business for the proposed project life or for the financing term of any associated federal loans or loan guarantees.
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(A) Ensure that systems must have at least a 3-year warranty for equipment and a 10-year warranty on design. Provide information regarding system warranties and availability of spare parts;
(B) Describe the routine operations and maintenance requirements of the proposed project, including maintenance for the digester, the gas handling equipment, and the gas use systems. Describe any maintenance requirements for system monitoring and control equipment;
(C) Provide information that supports expected design life of the system and the timing of major component replacement or rebuilds;
(D) Provide and discuss the risk management plan for handling large, unanticipated failures of major components. Include in the discussion, costs and labor associated with operations and maintenance of system and plans for insourcing or outsourcing; and
(E) Describe opportunities for technology transfer for long-term project operations and maintenance by a local entity or owner/operator.
(x)
(3)
(i)
The project team must have demonstrated expertise in geothermal electric generation systems development, engineering, installation, and maintenance. The applicant must provide authoritative evidence that project team service providers have the necessary professional credentials or relevant experience to perform the required services. The applicant must also provide authoritative evidence that vendors of proprietary components can provide necessary equipment and spare parts for the system to operate over its design life. The applicant must:
(A) Discuss the proposed project delivery method. Such methods include a design, bid, build where a separate engineering firm may design the project and prepare a request for bids and the successful bidder constructs the project at the applicant's risk, and a design build method, often referred to as turn key, where the applicant establishes the specifications for the project and secures the services of a developer who will design and build the project at the developer's risk;
(B) Discuss the geothermal plant equipment manufacturers of major components being considered in terms of the length of time in business and the number of units installed at the capacity and scale being considered;
(C) Discuss the project manager, equipment supplier, system designer, project engineer, and construction contractor qualifications for engineering, designing, and installing geothermal electric generation systems including any relevant certifications by recognized organizations or bodies. Provide a list of the same or similar projects designed, installed, or supplied and currently operating and with references if available; and
(D) Describe system operator's qualifications and experience for servicing, operating, and maintaining electric generating geothermal projects. Provide a list of the same or similar projects designed, installed, or supplied and currently operating and with references if available.
(ii)
(A) Electric generating geothermal systems must be installed in accordance with applicable local, State, and national codes and regulations. Identify zoning and code issues, and required permits and the schedule for meeting those requirements and securing those permits.
(B) Identify any permits or agreements required for well construction and for disposal or re-injection of cooled geothermal waters and the schedule for securing those agreements and permits.
(C) Identify land use or access to the resource agreements required for the project and the schedule for securing the agreements and the term of those agreements.
(D) Identify available component warranties for the specific project location and size.
(E) Systems interconnected to the electric power system will need arrangements to interconnect with the utility. Identify utility system interconnection requirements, power purchase arrangements, or licenses where required and the schedule for meeting those requirements and obtaining those agreements.
(F) Describe all potential environmental impacts resulting from siting issues, construction and operation of the proposed project. Identify other site or design alternatives that were considered in your planning process. Identify all environmental compliance issues such as required permits (
(iii)
(iv)
(A) The application must include a concise but complete description of the geothermal project including location of the project, resource characteristics, thermal system specifications, electric power system interconnection equipment and project monitoring equipment. Identify possible vendors and models of major system components. Provide the expected system energy production on a monthly and annual basis.
(B) The application must include a description of the siting criteria used in selecting the project site and the reason for elimination of other site alternatives considered and address issues such as site access, foundations, backup equipment when applicable, proximity to the electrical grid, environmental issues with emphasis on land use, air quality, water quality, noise pollution, soil degradation, wildlife, habitat fragmentation, aesthetics, odor, and other construction, and installation issues applicable to this type of technology. Identify any unique construction and installation issues.
(C) Sites must be controlled by the agricultural producer or small business for the proposed project life or for the financing term of any associated federal loans or loan guarantees.
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(A) Ensure that systems must have at least a 3-year warranty for equipment. Provide information regarding turbine warranties and availability of spare parts;
(B) Describe the routine operations and maintenance requirements of the proposed project, including maintenance for the mechanical and electrical systems and system monitoring and control requirements;
(C) Provide information that supports expected design life of the system and timing of major component replacement or rebuilds;
(D) Provide and discuss the risk management plan for handling large, unanticipated failures of major components such as the turbine. Include in the discussion, costs and labor associated with operations and maintenance of system and plans for insourcing or outsourcing; and
(E) Describe opportunities for technology transfer for long term project operations and maintenance by a local entity or owner/operator.
(x)
(4)
(i)
The project team must have demonstrated expertise in geothermal heating systems development, engineering, installation, and maintenance. The applicant must provide authoritative evidence that project team service providers have the necessary professional credentials or relevant experience to perform the required services. The applicant must also provide authoritative evidence that vendors of proprietary components can provide necessary equipment and spare parts for the system to operate over its design life. The applicant must:
(A) Discuss the proposed project delivery method. Such method include a design, bid, build where a separate engineering firm may design the project and prepare a request for bids and the successful bidder constructs the project at the applicant's risk, and a design build method, often referred to as turn key, where the applicant establishes the specifications for the project and secures the services of a developer who will design and build the project at the developer's risk;
(B) Discuss the geothermal system equipment manufacturers of major components being considered in terms of the length of time in business and the number of units installed at the capacity and scale being considered;
(C) Discuss the project manager, equipment supplier, system designer, project engineer, and construction contractor qualifications for engineering, designing, and installing direct use geothermal systems including any relevant certifications by recognized organizations or bodies. Provide a list of the same or similar projects designed, installed, or supplied and currently operating and with references if available; and
(D) Describe system operator's qualifications and experience for servicing, operating, and maintaining direct use generating geothermal projects. Provide a list of the same or similar projects designed, installed, or supplied and currently operating and with references if available.
(ii)
(A) Direct use geothermal systems must be installed in accordance with applicable local, State, and national codes and regulations. Identify zoning and code issues, and required permits and the schedule for meeting those requirements and securing those permits.
(B) Identify licenses where required and the schedule for obtaining those licenses.
(C) Identify land use or access to the resource agreements required for the project and the schedule for securing the agreements and the term of those agreements.
(D) Identify any permits or agreements required for well construction and for disposal or re-injection of cooled geothermal waters and the schedule for securing those permits and agreements.
(E) Identify available component warranties for the specific project location and size.
(F) Describe all potential environmental impacts resulting from siting issues, construction and operation of the proposed project. Identify other site or design alternatives that were considered in your planning process. Identify all environmental compliance issues such as required permits (
(iii)
(iv)
(A) The application must include a concise but complete description of the geothermal project including location of the project, resource characteristics, thermal system specifications, and monitoring equipment. Identify possible vendors and models of major system components. Provide the expected system energy production on a monthly and annual basis.
(B) The application must include a description of the siting criteria used in selecting the project site and the reason for elimination of other site alternatives considered and address issues such as, site access, foundations, thermal backup equipment, and environmental issues with emphasis on land use, air quality, water quality, noise pollution, soil degradation, wildlife, habitat fragmentation, aesthetics, odor, and other construction, and installation issues applicable to this type of technology. Identify any unique construction and installation issues.
(C) Sites must be controlled by the agricultural producer or small business for the proposed project life or for the financing term of any associated federal loans or loan guarantees.
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(A) Ensure that systems must have at least a 3-year warranty for equipment. Provide information regarding system warranties and availability of spare parts;
(B) Describe the routine operations and maintenance requirements of the proposed project, including maintenance for the mechanical and electrical systems and system monitoring and control requirements;
(C) Provide information that supports expected design life of the system and timing of major component replacement or rebuilds;
(D) Provide and discuss the risk management plan for handling large, unanticipated failures of major components. Include in the discussion, costs and labor associated with operations and maintenance of system and plans for insourcing or outsourcing; and
(E) Describe opportunities for technology transfer for long term project operations and maintenance by a local entity or owner/operator.
(x)
(5)
(i)
The project team must have demonstrated expertise in similar hydrogen systems development, engineering, installation, and maintenance. The applicant must provide authoritative evidence that project team service providers have the necessary professional credentials or relevant experience to perform the required services. The applicant must also provide authoritative evidence that vendors of proprietary components can provide necessary equipment and spare parts for the system to operate over its design life. The applicant must:
(A) Discuss the proposed project delivery method. Such methods include a design, bid, build where a separate engineering firm may design the project and prepare a request for bids and the successful bidder constructs the project at the applicant's risk, and a design build method, often referred to as turn key, where the applicant establishes the specifications for the project and secures the services of a developer who will design and build the project at the developer's risk;
(B) Discuss the hydrogen system equipment manufacturers of major components for the hydrogen system being considered in terms of the length of time in the business and the number of units installed at the capacity and scale being considered;
(C) Discuss the project manager, equipment supplier, system designer, project engineer, and construction contractor qualifications for engineering, designing, and installing hydrogen systems including any relevant certifications by recognized organizations or bodies. Provide a list of the same or similar projects designed, installed, or supplied and currently operating and with references if available; and
(D) Describe the system operator's qualifications and experience for servicing, operating, and maintaining hydrogen system equipment or projects. Provide a list of the same or similar projects designed, installed, or supplied and currently operating and with references if available.
(ii)
(A) Hydrogen systems must be installed in accordance with applicable local, State, and national codes and regulations. Identify zoning and building code issues, and required permits and the schedule for meeting those requirements and securing those permits.
(B) Identify licenses where required and the schedule for obtaining those licenses.
(C) Identify land use agreements required for the project and the schedule for securing the agreements and the term of those agreements.
(D) Identify any permits or agreements required for solid, liquid, and gaseous emissions or effluents and the schedule for securing those permits and agreements.
(E) Identify available component warranties for the specific project location and size.
(F) Systems interconnected to the electric power system will need arrangements to interconnect with the utility. Identify utility system interconnection requirements, power purchase arrangements, or licenses where required and the schedule for meeting those requirements and obtaining those agreements. This is required even if the system is installed on the customer side of the utility meter. For systems planning to utilize a local net metering program, provide a description of the applicable local net metering program.
(G) Describe all potential environmental impacts resulting from siting issues, construction and operation of the proposed project. Identify other site or design alternatives that were considered in your planning process. Identify all environmental compliance issues such as required permits (
(iii)
(iv)
(A) The application must include a concise but complete description of the hydrogen project including location of the project, resource characteristics, system specifications, electric power system interconnection equipment, and monitoring equipment. Identify possible vendors and models of major system components. Describe the expected electric power, fuel production, or thermal energy production of the proposed system. Address performance on a monthly and annual basis. Describe the uses of or the market for electricity, heat, or fuel produced by the system. Discuss the impact of reduced or interrupted resource availability on the system process.
(B) The application must include a description of the siting criteria used in selecting the project site and the reason for elimination of other site alternatives considered and address issues such as site access, foundations, backup equipment when applicable, and any environmental issues and safety concerns with emphasis on land use, air quality, water quality, noise pollution, soil degradation, wildlife, habitat fragmentation, aesthetics, odor, and other construction and installation issues applicable to this type of technology. Identify any unique construction and installation issues.
(C) Sites must be controlled by the agricultural producer or small business for the proposed project life or for the financing term of any associated federal loans or loan guarantees.
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(A) Provide information regarding system warranties and availability of spare parts;
(B) Describe the routine operations and maintenance requirements of the proposed project, including maintenance of the reformer, electrolyzer, or fuel cell as appropriate, and other mechanical, piping, and electrical systems and system monitoring and control requirements;
(C) Provide information that supports expected design life of the system and timing of major component replacement or rebuilds;
(D) Provide and discuss the risk management plan for handling large, unanticipated failures of major components. Include in the discussion, costs and labor associated with operations and maintenance of system and plans for in or outsourcing; and
(E) Describe opportunities for technology transfer for long term project operations and maintenance by a local entity or owner/operator.
(x)
(6)
(i)
The applicant must provide authoritative evidence that project team service providers have the necessary professional credentials or relevant experience to perform the required services. The applicant must also provide authoritative evidence that vendors of proprietary components can provide necessary equipment and spare parts for the system to operate over its design life. The applicant must:
(A) Discuss the qualifications of the suppliers of major components being considered;
(B) Describe the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to service, operate, and maintain the system for the proposed application; and
(C) Discuss the project manager, system designer, and system installer qualifications for engineering, designing, and installing small solar systems including any relevant certifications by recognized organizations or bodies. Provide a list of the same or similar systems designed or installed by the design and installation team and currently operating and with references if available.
(ii)
(A) Small solar systems must be installed in accordance with local, State, and national building and electrical codes and regulations. Identify zoning, building and electrical code issues, and required permits and the schedule for meeting those requirements and securing those permits.
(B) Identify available component warranties for the specific project location and size.
(C) Small solar electric systems interconnected to the electric power system will need arrangements to interconnect with the utility. Identify utility system interconnection requirements, power purchase arrangements, or licenses where required and the schedule for meeting those requirements and obtaining those agreements. This is required even if the system is installed on the customer side of the utility meter. For systems planning to utilize a local net metering program, describe the applicable local net metering program.
(D) Describe all potential environmental impacts resulting from siting issues, construction and operation of the proposed project. Identify other site or design alternatives that were considered in your planning process. Identify all environmental compliance issues such as required permits (
(iii)
(iv)
(A) The application must include a concise but complete description of the small solar system including location of the project and proposed equipment specifications. Identify possible vendors and models of major system components. Provide the expected system energy production based on available solar resource data on a monthly (when possible) and annual basis and how the energy produced by the system will be used.
(B) The application must include a description of the siting criteria used in selecting the project site and the reason for elimination of other site alternatives considered and address issues such as solar access, site access, foundations, backup equipment when applicable, orientation, proximity to the load or the electrical grid, unique safety concerns, and environmental issues with emphasis on land use, air quality, water quality, noise pollution, soil degradation, wildlife, habitat fragmentation, aesthetics, odor, and other construction, and installation issues, and whether special circumstances exist applicable to this type of technology.
(C) Sites and application load must be controlled by the agricultural producer or small business for the proposed project life or for the financing term of any associated federal loans or loan guarantees.
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(A) Ensure that systems must have at least a 5-year warranty for equipment. Provide information regarding system warranty and availability of spare parts;
(B) Describe the routine operations and maintenance requirements of the proposed system, including maintenance schedules for the mechanical and electrical and software systems;
(C) For owner maintained portions of the system, describe any unique knowledge, skills, or abilities needed for service operations or maintenance; and
(D) Provide information regarding expected system design life and timing of major component replacement or rebuilds. Include in the discussion, costs and labor associated with operations and maintenance of system and plans for in or outsourcing.
(x)
(7)
(i)
The applicant must provide authoritative evidence that project team service providers have the necessary professional credentials or relevant experience to perform the required services. The applicant must also provide authoritative evidence that vendors of proprietary components can provide necessary equipment and spare parts for the system to operate over its design life. The applicant must:
(A) Discuss the proposed project delivery method. Such methods include a design, bid, build where a separate engineering firm may design the project and prepare a request for bids and the successful bidder constructs the project at the applicant's risk, and a design build method, often referred to as turn key, where the applicant establishes the specifications for the project and secures the services of a developer who will design and build the project at the developer's risk;
(B) Discuss the qualifications of the suppliers of major components being considered;
(C) Discuss the project manager, general contractor, system engineer, and
(D) Describe the system operator's qualifications and experience for servicing, operating, and maintaining the system for the proposed application. Provide a list of the same or similar systems designed or installed by the design, engineering, and installation team and currently operating and with references if available.
(ii)
(A) Large solar systems must be installed in accordance with local, State, and national building and electrical codes and regulations. Identify zoning, building and electrical code issues, and required permits and the schedule for meeting those requirements and securing those permits.
(B) Identify available component warranties for the specific project location and size.
(C) Large solar electric systems interconnected to the electric power system will need arrangements to interconnect with the utility. Identify utility system interconnection requirements, power purchase arrangements, or licenses where required and the schedule for meeting those requirements and obtaining those agreements. This is required even if the system is installed on the customer side of the utility meter. For systems planning to utilize a local net metering program, describe the applicable local net metering program.
(D) Describe all potential environmental impacts resulting from siting issues, construction and operation of the proposed project. Identify other site or design alternatives that were considered in your planning process. Identify all environmental compliance issues such as required permits (
(iii)
(iv)
(A) For large solar electric systems, the engineering must be comprehensive, including solar collector design and selection, support structure design and selection, power conditioning design and selection, surface or submersible water pumps and energy storage requirements as applicable, and selection of cabling, disconnects and interconnection equipment. A complete set of engineering drawings, stamped by a professional engineer must be provided.
(B) For large solar thermal systems, the engineering must be comprehensive, including solar collector design and selection, support structure design and selection, pump and piping design and selection, and energy storage design and selection. Provide a complete set of engineering drawings, stamped by a professional engineer.
(C) For either type of system, provide a concise but complete description of the large solar system including location of the project and proposed equipment and system specifications. Identify possible vendors and models of major system components. Provide the expected system energy production based on available solar resource data on a monthly (when possible) and annual basis and how the energy produced by the system will be used.
(D) For either type of system, provide a description of the project site and address issues such as, solar access, orientation, proximity to the load or the electrical grid, environmental concerns, unique safety concerns, construction, and installation issues and whether special circumstances exist.
(E) Sites must be controlled by the agricultural producer or small business for the proposed project life or for the financing term of any associated federal loans or loan guarantees.
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(A) Ensure that systems must have at least a 5-year warranty for equipment.
(B) Describe the routine operations and maintenance requirements of the proposed system, including maintenance schedules for the mechanical and electrical and software systems;
(C) For owner maintained portions of the system, describe any unique knowledge, skills, or abilities needed for service operations or maintenance; and
(D) Provide information regarding expected system design life and timing of major component replacement or rebuilds. Include in the discussion, costs and labor associated with operations and maintenance of system and plans for insourcing or outsourcing.
(x)
(8)
(i)
The applicant must provide authoritative evidence that project team service providers have the necessary professional credentials or relevant experience to perform the required services. The applicant must also provide authoritative evidence that vendors of proprietary components can provide necessary equipment and spare parts for the system to operate over its design life. The applicant must:
(A) Discuss the small wind turbine manufacturers and other equipment suppliers of major components being considered in terms of the length of time in business and the number of units installed at the capacity and scale being considered;
(B) Describe the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to service, operate, and maintain the system for the proposed application; and
(C) Discuss the project manager, system designer, and system installer qualifications for engineering, designing, and installing small wind systems including any relevant certifications by recognized organizations or bodies. Provide a list of the same or similar systems designed, installed, or supplied and currently operating and with references if available.
(ii)
(A) Small wind systems must be installed in accordance with applicable local, State, and national building and electrical codes and regulations. Identify zoning, building and electrical code issues, and required permits and the schedule for meeting those requirements and securing those permits.
(B) Identify available component warranties for the specific project location and size.
(C) Small wind systems interconnected to the electric power system will need arrangements to interconnect with the utility. Identify utility system interconnection requirements, power purchase arrangements, or licenses where required and the schedule for meeting those requirements and obtaining those agreements. This is required even if the system is installed on the customer side of the utility meter. For systems planning to utilize a local net metering program, describe the applicable local net metering program.
(D) Describe all potential environmental impacts resulting from siting issues, construction and operation of the proposed project. Identify other site or design alternatives that were considered in your planning process. Identify all environmental compliance issues such as required permits (
(iii)
(iv)
(A) The application must include a concise but complete description of the small wind system including location of the project, proposed turbine specifications, tower height and type of tower, type of energy storage and location of storage if applicable, proposed inverter manufacturer and model, electric power system interconnection equipment, and application load and load interconnection equipment as applicable. Identify possible vendors and models of major system components. Provide the expected system energy production based on available wind resource data on monthly (when possible) and annual basis and how the energy produced by the system will be used.
(B) The application must include a description of the siting criteria used in selecting the project site and address issues such as site access, foundations, backup equipment when applicable, access to the wind resource, proximity to the electrical gird or application load, and environmental issues with emphasis on land use, air quality, water quality, noise pollution, soil degradation, wildlife, habitat fragmentation, aesthetics, odor, avian impacts, and other construction and installation issues and whether special circumstances such as proximity to airports exist when applicable to this type of technology. Provide a 360-degree panoramic photograph of the proposed
(C) Sites and application loads must be controlled by the agricultural producer or small business for the proposed project life or for the financing term of any associated federal loans or loan guarantees.
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(A) Ensure that systems must have at least a 5-year warranty for equipment and a commitment from the supplier to have spare parts available. Provide information regarding system warranty and availability of spare parts;
(B) Describe the routine operations and maintenance requirements of the proposed system, including maintenance schedules for the mechanical and electrical and software systems;
(C) Provide historical or engineering information that supports expected design life of the system and timing of major component replacement or rebuilds. Include in the discussion, costs and labor associated with operations and maintenance of system and plans for in or outsourcing; and
(D) For owner maintained portions of the system, describe any unique knowledge, skills, or abilities needed for service operations or maintenance.
(x)
(9)
(i)
The applicant must provide authoritative evidence that project team service providers have the necessary professional credentials or relevant experience to perform the required services. The applicant must also provide authoritative evidence that vendors of proprietary components can provide necessary equipment and spare parts for the system to operate over its design life. The applicant must:
(A) Discuss the proposed project delivery method. Such methods include a design, bid, build where a separate engineering firm may design the project and prepare a request for bids and the successful bidder constructs the project at the applicant's risk, and a design build method, often referred to as turn key, where the applicant establishes the specifications for the project and secures the services of a developer who will design and build the project at the developers risk;
(B) Discuss the large wind turbine manufacturers and other equipment suppliers of major components being considered in terms of the length of time in business and the number of units installed at the capacity and scale being considered;
(C) Discuss the project manager, equipment supplier, project engineer, and construction contractor qualifications for engineering, designing, and installing large wind systems including any relevant certifications by recognized organizations or bodies. Provide a list of the same or similar projects designed, installed, or supplied and currently operating and with references if available;
(D) Discuss the qualifications of the meteorologist, including references; and
(E) Describe system operator's qualifications and experience for servicing, operating, and maintaining the system for the proposed application. Provide a list of the same or similar projects designed, installed, or supplied and currently operating and with references if available.
(ii)
(A) Large wind systems must be installed in accordance with local, State, and national building and electrical codes and regulations. Identify zoning, building and electrical code issues, and required permits and the schedule for meeting those requirements and securing those permits.
(B) Identify land use agreements required for the project and the schedule for securing the agreements and the term of those agreements.
(C) Identify available component warranties for the specific project location and size.
(D) Large wind systems interconnected to the electric power system will need arrangements to interconnect with the utility. Identify utility system interconnection requirements, power purchase arrangements, or licenses where required and the schedule for meeting those requirements and obtaining those agreements.
(E) Describe all potential environmental impacts resulting from siting issues, construction and operation of the proposed project. Identify other site or design alternatives that were considered in your planning process. Identify all environmental compliance issues such as required permits (
(iii)
(iv)
(A) The application must include a concise but complete description of the large wind project including location of the project, proposed turbine specifications, tower height and type of tower, the collection grid, interconnection equipment, and monitoring equipment. Identify possible vendors and models of major system components. Provide the expected system energy production based on available wind resource data on monthly and annual bases. For wind projects larger than 500kW in size, provide the expected system energy production over the life of the project including a discussion on inter-annual variation using a comparison of the on-site monitoring data with long-term meteorological data from a nearby monitored site.
(B) The application must include a description of the siting criteria used in selecting the project site and address issues such as site access, foundations, backup equipment when applicable, proximity to the electrical grid or application load, and environmental issues with emphasis on land use, air quality, water quality, noise pollution, soil degradation, wildlife, habitat fragmentation, aesthetics, odor, noise, avian impacts, and other construction, and installation issues and whether special circumstances such as proximity to airports exist.
(C) Sites must be controlled by the agricultural producer or small business for the proposed project life or for the financing term of any associated federal loans or loan guarantees.
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(A) Ensure that systems must have at least a 3-year warranty for equipment. Provide information regarding turbine warranties and availability of spare parts;
(B) Describe the routine operations and maintenance requirements of the proposed project, including maintenance schedules for the mechanical and electrical systems and system monitoring and control requirements;
(C) Provide information that supports expected design life of the system and
(D) Provide and discuss the risk management plan for handling large, unanticipated failures of major components such as the turbine gearbox or rotor. Include in the discussion, costs and labor associated with operations and maintenance of system and plans for insourcing or outsourcing;
(E) Describe opportunities for technology transfer for long term project operations and maintenance by a local entity or owner/operator; and
(F) For owner maintained portions of the system, describe any unique knowledge, skills, or abilities needed for service operations or maintenance.
(x)
(10)
(i)
The applicant must provide authoritative evidence that project team service providers have the necessary professional credentials or relevant experience to perform the required services. The applicant must also provide authoritative evidence that vendors of proprietary components can provide necessary equipment and spare parts for the system to operate over its design life. The applicant must:
(A) Discuss the qualifications of the various project team members including any relevant certifications by recognized organizations or bodies;
(B) Describe qualifications or experience of the team as related to installation, service, operation and maintenance of the project;
(C) Provide a list of the same or similarly engineered projects designed, installed, or supplied by the team or by team members and currently operating. Provide references if available; and
(D) Discuss the manufacturers of major energy efficiency equipment being considered including length of time in business.
(ii)
(A) Energy efficiency improvements must be installed in accordance with local, State, and national building and electrical codes and regulations. Identify building code, electrical code, and zoning issues and required permits, and the schedule for meeting those requirements and securing those permits.
(B) Identify available component warranties for the specific project location and size.
(C) Describe all potential environmental impacts resulting from siting issues, construction and operation of the proposed project. Identify other site or design alternatives that were considered in your planning process. Identify all environmental compliance issues such as required permits (
(iii)
(A) The application must include information on baseline energy usage (preferably including energy bills for at least one year), expected energy savings based on manufacturers specifications or other estimates, estimated dollars saved per year, and payback period in years (total investment cost equal to cumulative total dollars of energy savings). Calculation of energy savings should follow accepted methodology and practices. System interactions should be considered and discussed.
(B) For energy efficiency improvement projects in excess of $50,000, an energy audit is required. An energy audit is a written report by an independent, qualified entity that documents current energy usage, recommended potential improvements and their costs, energy savings from these improvements, dollars saved per year, and simple payback period in years (total costs divided by annual dollars of energy savings). The methodology of the energy audit must meet professional and industry standards. The energy audit must cover the following:
(
(
(
(
(
(
(
(
(
(
(
(
(iv)
(A) Energy efficiency improvement projects in excess of $50,000 must be engineered by a qualified entity. Systems must be engineered as a
(B) For all energy efficiency improvement projects, identify and itemize major energy efficiency improvements including associated project costs. Specifically delineate which costs of the project are directly associated with energy efficiency improvements. Describe the components, materials or systems to be installed and how they improve the energy efficiency of the process or facility being modified. Discuss passive improvements that reduce energy loads, such as improving the thermal efficiency of a storage facility, and active improvements that directly reduce energy consumption, such as replacing existing energy consuming equipment with high efficiency equipment, as separate topics. Discuss any anticipated synergy between active and passive improvements or other energy systems. Include in the discussion any change in on-site effluents, pollutants, or other by-products.
(C) Identify possible suppliers and model of major pieces of equipment.
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(A) Provide information regarding component warranties and the availability of spare parts;
(B) Describe the routine operations and maintenance requirements of the proposed project, including maintenance schedules for the mechanical and electrical systems and system monitoring and control requirements;
(C) Provide information that supports expected design life of the system and timing of major component replacement or rebuilds;
(D) Provide and discuss the risk management plan for handling large, unanticipated failures of major components. Include in the discussion, costs and labor associated with operations and maintenance of system and plans for in or outsourcing; and
(E) For owner maintained portions of the system, describe any unique knowledge, skills, or abilities needed for service operations or maintenance.
(ix)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1)
(i)
(A)
(B)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(2)
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
Insurance is required to protect the interest of the recipient of funds under this subpart and the Agency. The coverage must be maintained for the life of the grant unless this requirement is waived or modified by the Agency in writing.
(a) Worker compensation insurance is required in accordance with State law.
(b) National flood insurance is required in accordance with 7 CFR part 1806, subpart B.
(c) Business interruption insurance will be required.
The applicant must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, Executive Orders, and other generally applicable requirements, including those contained in 7 CFR part 3015, “Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations,” and such other statutory provisions as are specifically contained herein.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
The requirements of 7 CFR part 1924, subpart A, apply for construction of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement projects as applicable.
Recipients of grants and direct loans under this subpart are not authorized to construct the facility, project, or improvement in total, or in part, or utilize their own personnel and/or equipment.
(a) Letter of Conditions, which is prepared by the Agency, establishes conditions that must be understood and agreed to by the applicant before any obligation of funds can occur. The applicant must sign Letter of Intent To Meet Conditions and Form 1940–1, “Request for Obligation of Funds,” if they accept the conditions of the grant. These forms will be enclosed with the Letter of Conditions. The grant will be obligated when the Agency receives an executed Letter of Intent and Request for Obligation of Funds from the applicant agreeing to all provisions in the Letter of Conditions.
(b) The grantee must sign a Grant Agreement (which is published at the end of the NOFA) and abide by all requirements contained in the Grant Agreement or any other Federal statutes or regulations governing this program. Failure to follow the requirements may result in termination of the grant and adoption of other remedies provided for in the Grant Agreement.
Grants will be serviced in accordance with 7 CFR part 1951, subpart E and the Grant Agreement.
This GRANT AGREEMENT is a contract for receipt of grant funds under the Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency program (Title IX, Section 9006 of Public Law 107–171) between the Grantee and the United States of America acting through Rural Development, Department of Agriculture (Grantor). All references herein to “Project” refer to installation of a renewable energy system or energy efficiency improvement at the location identified in Block 9. Should actual project costs be lower than projected in the agreement (see Block 5), the final amount of grant will be adjusted to remain at the percentage (identified in Block 7) of the final Eligible Project Cost.
Grantee assures the Grantor that Grantee is in compliance with and will comply in the course of the Agreement with all applicable laws, regulations, Executive Orders, and other generally applicable requirements, including those contained in 7 CFR part 3015, “Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations,” which are incorporated into this agreement by reference, and such other statutory provisions as are specifically contained herein.
Grantee and Grantor agree to all of the terms and provisions of any policy or regulations promulgated under Title IX, Section 9006 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 as amended. Any application submitted by the Grantee for this grant, including any attachments or amendments, are incorporated and included as part of this Agreement. Any changes to
The Grantor may terminate the grant in whole, or in part, at any time before the date of completion, whenever it is determined that the Grantee has failed to comply with the conditions of this Agreement.
Grantee will use grant funds and leveraged funds only for the purposes and activities specified in the application approved by the Grantor including the approved budget. Budget and approved use of funds are as further described in the Grantor Letter of Conditions and amendments or supplements thereto. Any uses not provided for in the approved budget must be approved in writing by the Grantor. The proposed renewable energy system or energy efficiency improvements shall be constructed/installed in accordance with any energy audit recommendations or engineering or other technical reports provided by the Grantee and approved by the Grantor.
Grantee will comply with Executive Order 12898, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This shall include collection and maintenance of data on the race, sex, and national origin of Grantee's membership/ ownership and employees. This data must be available to the Grantor in its conduct of Civil Rights Compliance Reviews, which will be conducted prior to grant closing and 3 years later, unless the final disbursement of grant funds has occurred prior to that date.
A. Grantee will provide a Financial Management System in accordance with 7 CFR part 3015, including but not limited to:
(1) Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for grant-supported activities. Those records shall contain information pertaining to grant awards and authorizations, obligations, unobligated balances, assets, liabilities, outlays, and income.
(2) Effective control over and accountability for all funds, property, and other assets. Grantees shall adequately safeguard all such assets and ensure that they are used solely for authorized purposes.
(3) Accounting records prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and supported by source documentation.
(4) Grantee tracking of fund usage and records that show matching funds and grant funds are used in equal proportions. The grantee will provide verifiable documentation regarding matching funds usage,
B. Grantee will retain financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records pertinent to the grant for a period of at least 3 years after final grant disbursement, except that the records shall be retained beyond the 3-year period if audit findings have not been resolved. The Grantor and the Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives, shall have access to any books, documents, papers, and records of the Grantee's which are pertinent to the grant for the purpose of making audits, examinations, excerpts, and transcripts.
A. Grantee will comply with the applicable procurement requirements of 7 CFR part 3015 regarding standards of conduct, open and free competition, access to contractor records, and equal employment opportunity requirements.
B. Grantee will, for construction contracts in excess of $50,000, provide performance and payment bonds for 100 percent of the contract price.
A. Grantee will in accordance with 7 CFR part 3015, hold title to all real property identified as part of the project costs, including improvements to land, structures or things attached to them. Movable machinery and other kinds of equipment are not real property (see Item 2 below). In addition:
(1) Approval may be requested from Grantor to transfer title to an eligible third party for continued use for originally authorized purposes. If approval is given, the terms of the transfer shall provide that the transferee must assume all the rights and obligations of the transferor, including the terms of this Grant Agreement.
(2) If the real property is no longer to be used as provided above, disposition instructions of the Grantor shall be requested and followed. Those instructions will provide for one of the following alternatives:
a. The Grantee may be directed to sell the property, and the Grantor shall have a right to an amount computed by multiplying the Federal (Grantor) share of the property times the proceeds from sale (after deducting actual and reasonable selling and fix-up expenses, if any, from the sale proceeds). Proper sales procedures shall be followed which provide for competition to the extent practicable and result in the highest possible return.
b. The Grantee shall have the opportunity of retaining title. If title is retained, Grantor shall have the right to an amount computed by multiplying the market value of the property by the Federal share of the property.
c. The Grantee may be directed to transfer title to the property to the Federal Government provided that, in such cases, the Grantee shall be entitled to compensation computed by applying the Grantee's percentage of participation in the cost of the program or project to the current fair market value of the property.
Disposition requirements for real property shall expire 20 years from the date of final grant disbursement. This Grant Agreement covers the real property described in Block 10.
Grantee will abide by the requirements of 7 CFR part 3015 pertaining to equipment, which is acquired wholly or in part with grant funds.
B. Disposition requirements for equipment will expire at the end of each item's useful life (which is based on a straight-line, non-accelerated method). This Grant Agreement covers the equipment described in Block 11. Grantee agrees not to encumber, transfer, or dispose of the property or any part thereof, acquired wholly or in part with Grantor funds, without the written consent of the Grantor.
C. If required by Grantor, record liens or other appropriate notices of record to indicate that personal or real property has been acquired or improved with Federal grant funds, and that use and disposition conditions apply to the property as provided by 7 CFR part 3015.
A. Grantee will after Grant Approval through Project Construction:
(1) Provide periodic reports as required by the Grantor. A financial status report and a project performance report will be required on a quarterly basis (Due 30 working days after end of the quarter. For the purposes of this grant, quarters end on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31). The financial status report must show how grant funds and leveraged funds have been used to date and project the funds needed and their purposes for the next quarter. A final report may serve as the last quarterly report. Grantees shall constantly monitor performance to ensure that time schedules are being met and projected goals by time periods are being accomplished. The project performance reports shall include the following:
a. A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives for that period.
b. Reasons why established objectives were not met, if applicable.
c. Reasons for any problems, delays, or adverse conditions which will affect attainment of overall program objectives, prevent meeting time schedules or objectives, or preclude the attainment of particular objectives during established time periods. This disclosure shall be accomplished by a statement of the action taken or planned to resolve the situation.
d. Objectives and timetables established for the next reporting period.
(2) Final project development report which includes a detailed project funding and expense summary; summary of facility installation/construction process including recommendations for development of similar projects by future applicants to the program.
(3) For the year(s) in which in Grant funds are received, Grantee will provide an annual financial statement to Grantor.
B. Grantee will after Project Construction.
1. Allow Grantor access to the project and its performance information during its useful life.
2. Provide periodic reports as required by Grantor and permit periodic inspection of the project by a representative of the Grantor. Grantee reports will include but not be limited to the following:
a. Purchase of Renewable Energy System Project Report. Commencing the first full calendar year following the year in which project construction was completed and continuing for 3 full years a report detailing the following will be provided:
i. Quantity of Energy Produced. Grantee to report the actual amount of energy produced
ii. Environmental Benefits. If applicable, Grantee to provide documentation that identified health and/or sanitation problem has been solved.
iii. Return on Investment. Grantee to provide the annual income and/or energy savings of the renewable energy system.
iv. Summary of the cost of operating and maintaining the facility.
v. Description of any maintenance or operational problems associated with the facility.
vi. Recommendations for development of future similar projects.
b. Energy Efficiency Improvement Project Report. Commencing the first full calendar year following the year in which project construction was completed and continuing for 2 full years. Grantee will report the actual amount of energy saved due to the energy efficiency improvements.
Grantee will disburse grant funds as scheduled. Unless required by funding partners to be provided on a pro rata basis with other funding sources, grant funds will be disbursed after all other funding sources have been expended.
A. Requests for reimbursement may be submitted monthly or more frequently if authorized to do so by the Grantor. Ordinarily, payment will be made within 30 days after receipt of a proper request for reimbursement.
B. Grantee shall not request reimbursement for the Federal share of amounts withheld from contractors to ensure satisfactory completion of work until after it makes those payments.
C. Payment shall be made by electronic funds transfer.
D. Standard Form 271, “Outlay Report and Request for Reimbursement for Construction Programs,” or other format prescribed by Grantor shall be used to request Grant reimbursements.
E. For renewable energy projects, grant funds will be disbursed in accordance with the above through 90 percent of grant disbursement. The final 10 percent of grant funds will be held by the Grantor until construction of the project is completed, operational, and has met or exceeded the test run requirements as set out in the grant award requirements.
Grantee will own, operate, and provide for continued maintenance of the Project.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantee has this day authorized and caused this Agreement to be signed in its name and its corporate seal to be hereunto affixed and attested by its duly authorized officers thereunto, and the Grantor has caused this Agreement to be duly executed in its behalf by: