[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 135 (Tuesday, July 15, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41770-41777]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-17852]


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 Notices
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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 135 / Tuesday, July 15, 2003 / 
Notices  

[[Page 41770]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Biodiesel Fuel Education Program: Request for Applications and 
Request for Input

AGENCY: Office of the Chief Economist, Office of Energy Policy and New 
Uses, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of request for applications.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Office of the Chief Economist, Office of Energy Policy and 
New Uses (OEPNU) requests applications for the Biodiesel Fuel Education 
Program for fiscal year (FY) 2003 to educate governmental and private 
entities that operate vehicle fleets, other interested entities (as 
determined by the Secretary), and the public about the benefits of 
biodiesel fuel use.

DATES: Applications must be received by close of business (COB) on 
August 14, 2003 (5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time). Applications received 
after this deadline will not be considered for funding.

ADDRESSES: The address for hand-delivered applications or applications 
submitted using an express mail or overnight courier service is: 
Biodiesel Fuel Education Program; c/o Proposal Services Unit; 
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; U.S. 
Department of Agriculture; Room 1420, Waterfront Centre; 800 9th 
Street, SW.; Washington, DC 20024; Telephone: (202) 401-5048.
    Applications sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be sent to the 
following address: Biodiesel Fuel Education Program; c/o Proposal 
Services Unit; Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; STOP 2245; 1400 Independence 
Avenue, SW.; Washington, DC 20250-2245.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Applicants and other interested 
parties are encouraged to contact Carmela A. Bailey; National Program 
Leader, Plant and Animal Systems Unit; Cooperative State Research, 
Education, and Extension Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture; STOP 
2220; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2220; 
Telephone: (202) 401-6443; Fax: (202) 401-5179; E-mail: 
[email protected] or James Duffield; Economist; Office of Energy 
Policy and New Uses; U.S. Department of Agriculture; Telephone: (202) 
401-0523; E-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

    This program is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance under 10.306.

Table of Contents

Part I. General
    A. Legislative Authority and Background
    B. Purpose and Fund Availability
    C. Eligibility
    D. Indirect Costs
    E. Matching Requirements
    F. Types of Applications
Part II. Program Description
    A. Project Types
    B. Program Description
Part III. Preparation of an Application
    A. Program Application Materials
    B. Content of Applications
    C. Submission of Applications
    D. Acknowledgment of Applications
Part IV. Review Process
    A. General
    B. Evaluation Criteria
    C. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality
Part V. Award Administration
    A. General
    B. Organizational Management Information
    C. Award Document and Notice of Award
Part VI. Additional Information
    A. Access to Review Information
    B. Use of Funds; Changes
    C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements
    D. Applicable Federal Statutes and Regulations
    E. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards
    F. Regulatory Information
    G. Definitions

Part I. General

A. Legislative Authority and Background

    Sec. 9004 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 
(FSRIA), 7 U.S.C. 8104, established the Biodiesel Fuel Education 
Program and requires that the Secretary make competitive grants to 
eligible entities to educate governmental and private entities that 
operate vehicle fleets, other interested entities (as determined by the 
Secretary), and the public about the benefits of biodiesel fuel use. 
Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations and institutions of 
higher education (as defined in sec. 101 of the Higher Education Act of 
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) that have demonstrated both knowledge of 
biodiesel fuel production, use, or distribution and the ability to 
conduct educational and technical support programs.
    The Secretary delegated this authority to the Chief Economist, who 
in turn delegated this authority to the Director of OEPNU. OEPNU has 
entered into an Economy Act agreement with CSREES for CSREES assistance 
in administering this competitive grant program.

B. Purpose and Fund Availability

    The Biodiesel Fuel Education Program seeks to familiarise public 
and private vehicle fleet operators, other interested entities, and the 
public with the benefits of biodiesel, a relatively new fuel option in 
the United States. It will also address concerns previously identified 
by fleet operators and other potential users of this alternative fuel, 
including the need to balance the positive environmental, social and 
human health impacts of biodiesel utilization with the increased per 
gallon cost to the user. It is the Program's goal to stimulate 
biodiesel demand and encourage the further development of a biodiesel 
industry in the United States. Like other programs in the Energy Title 
(Title IX) of the FSRIA, the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program was 
motivated by a desire to increase our Nation's renewable energy sources 
and help reduce our dependence on petroleum imports.
    Applications should demonstrate the applicant's ability to provide 
an education/outreach program with a national scope and a consistent 
message. There is no commitment by USDA to fund any particular 
application or to make a specific number of awards. Approximately 
$920,000 is available to fund applications in FY 2003.

C. Eligibility

    Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations and institutions 
of higher education that have demonstrated both

[[Page 41771]]

knowledge of biodiesel fuel production, use, or distribution and the 
ability to conduct educational and technical support programs.
    Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to 
apply provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the 
project.

D. Indirect Costs

    For the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program, applicants should use the 
current indirect cost rate negotiated with the cognizant Federal 
negotiating agency. Indirect costs may not exceed the negotiated rate. 
If no indirect cost rate has been negotiated, a reasonable dollar 
amount for indirect costs may be requested, which will be subject to 
approval by USDA. In the latter case, if a proposal is recommended for 
funding, an indirect cost rate proposal must be submitted prior to 
award to support the amount of indirect costs requested. CSREES will 
request an indirect cost rate proposal and provide instructions, as 
necessary.
    A proposer may elect not to charge indirect costs and, instead, 
charge only direct costs to grant funds. Grantees electing this 
alternative will not be allowed to charge, as direct costs, indirect 
costs that otherwise would be in the grantee's indirect cost pool under 
the applicable Office of Management and Budget cost principles. 
Grantees who request no indirect costs will not be permitted to revise 
their budgets at a later date to charge indirect costs to grant funds.

E. Matching Requirements

    There are no matching funds requirements for the Biodiesel Fuel 
Education Program and matching resources will not be factored into the 
review process as evaluation criteria.

F. Types of Applications

    The Biodiesel Fuel Education Program is a new program in FY 2003. 
All applications will be reviewed competitively using the selection 
process and evaluation criteria described in Part IV--Review Process.

Part II. Program Description

A. Project Types

    OEPNU anticipates that $920,000 will be available to fund Biodiesel 
Fuel Education Program grants in each of FYs 2003 through 2007. In FY 
2003, OEPNU plans to award one or two continuation grants for an 
initial project period of one year. A continuation grant is a grant 
instrument by which the Department agrees to support a specified level 
of effort for a predetermined project period with a statement of 
intention to provide additional support at a future date, provided that 
performance has been satisfactory, appropriations are available for 
this purpose, and continued support would be in the best interest of 
the Federal government and the public. If these three elements are met, 
OEPNU plans to provide additional support to the funded project(s) in 
each of FYs 2004 through 2007.
    Project budgets may not exceed $920,000 per year. Project periods 
may range between three (3) and five (5) years.

B. Program Description

    Biodiesel can be made from various agricultural feedstocks, 
including oil crops like soybeans, canola, and sunflowers, and animal 
fats, such as lard and tallow, and potentially from wood and wood 
wastes. Recycled vegetable oils and animal fats, such as yellow grease, 
are also used to make biodiesel. Biodiesel can be used in most diesel 
engines with only minor modifications. It can be used as a neat fuel 
(100 percent) or blended with petroleum diesel in various proportions. 
The most common blend is B20, a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 
percent petroleum diesel. Biodiesel is also used as a fuel additive by 
blending it with diesel fuel at a low level (5 percent or less), which 
increases fuel lubricity.
    Currently there are a small number of biodiesel producers in the 
United States. They make biodiesel primarily from soybean oil or yellow 
grease and usually sell it as B20. Motor vehicle fleets such as school 
buses, urban buses, and government motor pools are the primary users of 
B20. The price of B20 varies significantly, depending on differences in 
feedstock costs and transportation cost, i.e., distance from supplier 
to the customer. Blending biodiesel with petroleum diesel increases the 
cost of diesel fuel; however, some fleet operators are encouraged to 
pay a premium price for B20 by Federal and State program incentives, 
such as the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) (Pub. L. 102-486), that 
promote alternative fuel use in the United States. The current demand 
for biodiesel is small; however, it has been increasing in the past few 
years and an infrastructure for marketing and distributing biodiesel is 
beginning to emerge.
    Biodiesel has many environmental, health and economic benefits. It 
is biodegradable and reduces air toxics and cancer causing compounds 
and can be considered to be an environmentally preferable fuel. Burning 
biodiesel and biodiesel blends reduces most forms of air pollution, 
including sulfur dioxide (SOX), carbon monoxide, and 
particulate matter, however, it increases emissions of nitrogen oxides 
(NOX). Because biodiesel is made from renewable sources, 
significant reductions in carbon dioxide can be realized when the life-
cycle (planting, growing, harvesting, and processing) of producing oil 
crops (e.g., soybeans) is used in comparing B20 to petroleum diesel. 
Atmospheric carbon dioxide increases are implicated in greenhouse 
warming, which has become a major concern for world leaders. Renewable 
fuels like biodiesel also have favorable energy balances compared to 
non-renewable petroleum fuels. Reducing the demand for petroleum diesel 
can reduce foreign imports and favorably influence the USA balance of 
trade. Increasing biodiesel production will increase the demand for 
farm commodities, which in turn will raise farm prices and net farm 
income, and lower government program payments. The development of a 
biodiesel industry would increase employment and stimulate economic 
growth in rural areas.
    The goals of the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program are to stimulate 
biodiesel consumption and to stimulate the development of a biodiesel 
infrastructure. Successful projects will develop practical indicators 
or milestones to measure their progress towards achieving the following 
objectives:
    1. Enhance current efforts to collect and disseminate biodiesel 
information;
    2. Coordinate with other biodiesel educational or promotional 
programs, and with Federal, State and local programs aimed at 
encouraging biodiesel use, including the EPAct program;
    3. Create a nationwide networking system that delivers biodiesel 
information to targeted audiences, including users, distributors and 
other infrastructure-related personnel;
    4. Identify and document the benefits of biodiesel (e.g., lifecycle 
costing); and
    5.Gather data pertaining to information gaps and develop strategies 
to address the gaps.

Part III. Preparation of an Application

A. Program Application Materials

    Program application materials are available at the CSREES Funding 
Opportunities Web site (http://www.reeusda.gov/1700/funding/ourfund.htm). If you do not have access to the web page or have trouble 
downloading material and you would like a hard copy, you may contact 
the Proposal Services Unit, Competitive Programs, USDA/CSREES at (202) 
401-

[[Page 41772]]

5048. When calling the Proposal Services Unit, please indicate that you 
are requesting the RFA and associated application forms for the 
Biodiesel Fuel Education Program. These materials also may be requested 
via Internet by sending a message with your name, mailing address (not 
E-mail) and phone number to [email protected]. State that you want a copy 
of the RFA and the associated application forms for the Biodiesel Fuel 
Education Program.

B. Content of Applications

    Applications should be prepared following the guidelines and the 
instructions below. Each application must contain the following 
elements in the order indicated:
1. General
    Use the following guidelines to prepare an application. Proper 
preparation of applications will assist reviewers in evaluating the 
merits of each application in a systematic, consistent fashion:
    (a) Prepare the application on only one side of the page using 
standard size (8\1/2\'' x 11'') white paper, one-inch margins, typed or 
word processed using no type smaller than 12 point font, and single 
spaced. Use an easily readable font face (e.g., Geneva, Helvetica, 
Times Roman).
    (b) Number each page of the application sequentially, starting with 
the Project Description, including the budget pages, required forms, 
and any appendices.
    (c) Staple the application in the upper left-hand corner. Do not 
bind. An original and ten (10) copies (eleven (11) total) must be 
submitted in one package.
    (d) Include original illustrations (photographs, color prints, 
etc.) in all copies of the application to prevent loss of meaning 
through poor quality reproduction.
    (e) The contents of the application should be assembled in the 
following order:
    (1)Proposal Cover Page (Form CSREES-2002).
    (2) Table of Contents.
    (3) Project Summary (Form CSREES-2003).
    (4) Project Description.
    (5) References.
    (6) Appendices to Project Description.
    (7) Key Personnel.
    (8) Collaborative Arrangements (including Letters of Support).
    (9) Conflict-of-Interest List (Form CSREES-2007).
    (10) Budget (Form CSREES-2004).
    (11) Budget Narrative.
    (12) Current and Pending Support (Form CSREES-2005).
    (13) Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 
(Form CSREES-2006).
    (14) Page B, Proposal Cover Page (Form CSREES-2002), Personal Data 
on Project Director.
2. Proposal Cover Page (Form CSREES-2002)
Page A
    Each copy of each grant application must contain a ``Proposal Cover 
Page'', Form CSREES-2002. One copy of the application, preferably the 
original, must contain the pen-and-ink signature(s) of the proposing 
PDs and the authorized organizational representative (AOR), the 
individual who possesses the necessary authority to commit the 
organization's time and other relevant resources to the project. If 
there are more than three co-PDs for an application, please list 
additional co-PDs on a separate sheet of paper (with appropriate 
information and signatures) and attach to the Proposal Cover Page (Form 
CSREES-2002). Any proposed PD or co-PD whose signature does not appear 
on Form CSREES-2002 or attached additional sheets will not be listed on 
any resulting award. Complete both signature blocks located at the 
bottom of the ``Proposal Cover Page'' form. Please note that Form 
CSREES-2002 is comprised of two parts--Page A, which is the ``Proposal 
Cover Page'', and Page B, which is the ``Personal Data on Project 
Director.''
    Form CSREES-2002 serves as a source document for the CSREES grant 
database; it is therefore important that it be accurately completed in 
its entirety, especially the E-mail addresses requested in Blocks 4.c. 
and 18.c. However, the following items are highlighted as having a high 
potential for errors or misinterpretations:
    (a) Type of Performing Organization (Block 6.a. and 6.b.). For 
Block 6.a., a check should be placed in the appropriate box to identify 
the type of organization that is the legal recipient named in Block 1. 
Only one box should be checked. For Block 6.b., please check as many 
boxes that apply to the affiliation of the PD listed in Block 16.
    (b) Title of Proposed Project (Block 7.). The title of the project 
must be brief (140-character maximum, including spaces), yet represent 
the major thrust of the effort being proposed. Project titles are read 
by a variety of nonscientific people; therefore, highly technical words 
or phraseology should be avoided where possible. In addition, 
introductory phrases such as ``investigation of,'' ``research on,'' 
``education for,'' or ``outreach that'' should not be used.
    (c) Program to Which You Are Applying (Block 8). Enter ``Biodiesel 
Fuel Education Program''.
    (d) Type of Request (Block 14.). Check the block for ``New''.
    (e) Project Director (PD) (Blocks 16.-19.). Blocks 16.-18. are used 
to identify the PD and Block 19. to identify co-PDs. If needed, 
additional co-PDs may be listed on a separate sheet of paper and 
attached to Form CSREES-2002, the Proposal Cover Page, with the 
applicable co-PD information and signatures. Listing multiple co-PDs, 
beyond those required for genuine collaboration, is discouraged.
    (f) Other Possible Sponsors (Block 21.). List the names or acronyms 
of all other public or private sponsors including other agencies within 
USDA to which your application has been or might be sent. In the event 
you decide to send your application to another organization or agency 
at a later date, you must inform the identified CSREES program contact 
as soon as practicable. Submitting your application to other potential 
sponsors will not prejudice its review by OEPNU.
Page B
    Page B should be submitted only with the original signature copy of 
the application and should be placed as the last page of the original 
copy of the application. This page contains personal data on the PD(s). 
CSREES requests this information in order to monitor the operation of 
its review and awards processes. This page will not be duplicated or 
used during the review process. Please note that failure to submit this 
information will in no way affect consideration of your application.
3. Table of Contents
    For consistency and ease in locating information, each application 
must contain a detailed Table of Contents immediately following the 
Proposal Cover Page. The Table of Contents should contain page numbers 
for each component of the application. Page numbering should begin with 
the first page of the Project Description.
4. Project Summary (Form CSREES-2003)
    The application must contain a ``Project Summary,'' Form CSREES-
2003. The summary should be approximately 250 words, contained within 
the box, placed immediately after the Table of Contents, and not 
numbered. The names and affiliated organizations of all PDs and co-PDs 
should be listed on this form, in

[[Page 41773]]

addition to the title of the project. The summary should be a self-
contained, specific description of the activity to be undertaken and 
should focus on: overall project goal(s) and supporting objectives; 
plans to accomplish project goal(s); and relevance of the project to 
the goals of the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program. The importance of a 
concise, informative Project Summary cannot be overemphasized. If there 
are more than three co-PDs for an application, please list additional 
co-PDs on a separate sheet of paper (with appropriate information) and 
attach to the Project Summary (Form CSREES-2003).
5. Project Description

    Please Note: The Project Description shall not exceed fifteen 
(15) pages of written text. This maximum has been established to 
ensure fair and equitable competition. The Project Description must 
address each of the evaluation criteria identified in Part IV, B., 
including the following:

    (a) Demonstrate ability to conduct educational and technical 
support programs;
    (b) Describe current efforts to collect and disseminate biodiesel 
information. Explain how the proposed project will enhance these 
efforts;
    (c) Describe plans to coordinate with other biodiesel educational 
or promotional programs and with Federal, State and local programs 
aimed at encouraging biodiesel use, including the EPAct program;
    (d) Describe plans to create a nationwide networking system that 
delivers biodiesel information to targeted audiences. Specifically 
address strategies to reach: (1) Government and private fleet 
operators; (2) the trucking industry; (3) the marine industry; (4) the 
agricultural sector; (5) fuel distributors; (6) fuel refiners; (7) the 
railroad industry; (8) non-fuel users (e.g., furnace manufacturers); 
(9) engine and engine part manufacturers; and (10) the public;
    (e) Describe how the project will identify and document the 
benefits of biodiesel;
    (f) Describe plans to identify information gaps and gather data 
pertaining to the gaps. Explain how this data will be used to develop 
strategies that reduce or eliminate the information gaps;
    (g) Describe how the project will identify and gather data 
pertaining to market barriers. Include plans to address questions and 
concerns related to fuel quality, Nox emissions, cost, lifecycle 
costing, storage, and engine warrantee coverage;
    (h) Identify all practical indicators or milestones that will be 
used to measure progress towards achieving program objectives (see Part 
II, B.). Indicators may include, but are not limited to: (1) a targeted 
audience's level of awareness of biodiesel benefits; (2) Government 
and/or State motor fleet consumption of biodiesel; (3) the availability 
of biodiesel information; and (4) the level of public acceptance of 
biodiesel as a credible fuel and fuel additive;
    (i) Describe strategies to involve stakeholders in the planning and 
accomplishment of program objectives (see Part II, B.); and
    (j) Document that necessary institutional resources 
(administrative, facilities, equipment, and/or materials), and other 
appropriate resources will be made available to the project. 
Demonstrate how the institutional resources to be made available to the 
project, when combined with the support requested from USDA, will be 
adequate to carry out the activities of the project.
6. References
    All references to works cited should be complete, including titles 
and all co-authors, and should conform to an acceptable journal format. 
References are not considered in the page-limitation for the Project 
Description.
7. Appendices to Project Description
    Appendices to the Project Description are allowed if they are 
directly germane to the proposed project. The addition of appendices 
should not be used to circumvent the page limitation.
8. Key Personnel
    The following should be included, as applicable:
    (a) The roles and responsibilities of each PD and/or collaborator 
should be clearly described; and (b) Vitae of the PD and each co-PD, 
senior associate, and other professional personnel. This section should 
include vitae of all key persons who are expected to work on the 
project, whether or not OEPNU funds are sought for their support. The 
vitae should be limited to two (2) pages each in length, excluding 
publication listings. The vitae should include a presentation of 
academic and research credentials, as applicable, e.g., earned degrees, 
teaching experience, employment history, professional activities, 
honors and awards, and grants received. A chronological list of all 
publications in refereed journals during the past four (4) years, 
including those in press, must be provided for each project member for 
whom a curriculum vitae is provided. Also list only those non-refereed 
technical publications that have relevance to the proposed project. All 
authors should be listed in the same order as they appear on each paper 
cited, along with the title and complete reference as these usually 
appear in journals.
9. Collaborative Arrangements
    If it will be necessary to enter into formal consulting or 
collaborative arrangements with others, such arrangements should be 
fully explained and justified. If the consultant(s) or collaborator(s) 
are known at the time of application, vitae or resume should be 
provided. In addition, evidence (e.g., letter of support) should be 
provided that the collaborators involved have agreed to render these 
services. The applicant also will be required to provide additional 
information on consultants and collaborators in the budget portion of 
the application. See instructions in the application forms for 
completing Form CSREES-2004, Budget.
10. Conflict-of-Interest List (Form CSREES-2007)
    A ``Conflict-of-Interest List,'' Form CSREES-2007, must be provided 
for all individuals who have submitted a vitae in response to item 
8.(b) of this part. Each Form CSREES-2007 should list alphabetically, 
by the last names, the full names of the individuals in the following 
categories: (a) All co-authors on publications within the past four 
years, including pending publications and submissions; (b) all 
collaborators on projects within the past four years, including current 
and planned collaborations; (c) all thesis or postdoctoral advisees/
advisors within the past four years; and (d) all persons in your field 
with whom you have had a consulting or financial arrangement within the 
past four years, who stand to gain by seeing the project funded. This 
form is necessary to assist program staff in excluding from application 
review those individuals who have conflicts of interest with the 
personnel in the grant application. The program contact must be 
informed of any additional conflicts of interest that arise after the 
application is submitted.
11. Budget
(a) Budget Form (Form CSREES-2004)
    Prepare the Budget, Form CSREES-2004, in accordance with 
instructions provided with the application forms. A budget form is 
required for each year of requested support. In addition, a cumulative 
budget is required detailing the requested total support for the 
overall project period. The budget form may be reproduced as needed by 
applicants. Funds may be requested

[[Page 41774]]

under any of the categories listed on the form, provided that the item 
or service for which support is requested is allowable under the 
authorizing legislation, the applicable statutes, regulations, and 
Federal cost principles, and these program guidelines, and can be 
justified as necessary for the successful conduct of the proposed 
project. Applicants also must include a budget narrative to justify 
their budget requests (see section (b) below).
(b) Budget Narrative
    All budget categories, with the exception of Indirect Costs, for 
which support is requested must be individually listed (with costs) in 
the same order as the budget and justified on a separate sheet of paper 
and placed immediately behind the Budget form.
12. Current and Pending Support (Form CSREES-2005)
    All applications must contain Form CSREES-2005 listing other 
current public or private support (including in-house support) to which 
personnel (i.e., individuals submitting a vitae in response to item 
8.(b) of this part) identified in the application have committed 
portions of their time, whether or not salary support for person(s) 
involved is included in the budget. Please follow the instructions 
provided on this form. Concurrent submission of identical or similar 
applications to other possible sponsors will not prejudice application 
review or evaluation by OEPNU. However, an application that duplicates 
or overlaps substantially with an application already reviewed and 
funded (or to be funded) by another organization or agency will not be 
funded under this program. Please note that the project being proposed 
should be included in the Pending section of the form.
13. Certifications
    Note that by signing Form CSREES-2002 the applicant is providing 
the certifications required by 7 CFR Part 3017, regarding Debarment and 
Suspension and Drug-Free Workplace, and 7 CFR Part 3018, regarding 
Lobbying. The certification forms are included in the application 
package for informational purposes only. These forms should not be 
submitted with the application since by signing Form CSREES-2002 your 
organization is providing the required certifications. If the project 
will involve a subcontractor or consultant, the subcontractor/
consultant should submit a Form AD-1048, Certification Regarding 
Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower 
Tier Covered Transactions, to the grantee organization for retention in 
their records. This form should not be submitted to USDA.
14. Compliance With the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (Form 
CSREES-2006)
    As outlined in 7 CFR Parts 1b and 3407 (the USDA and CSREES 
regulations implementing NEPA), the environmental data for any proposed 
project is to be provided to CSREES so that CSREES and OEPNU may 
determine whether any further action is needed. In some cases, however, 
the preparation of environmental data may not be required. Certain 
categories of actions are excluded from the requirements of NEPA.
    In order for CSREES and OEPNU to determine whether any further 
action is needed with respect to NEPA, pertinent information regarding 
the possible environmental impacts of a particular project is 
necessary; therefore, Form CSREES-2006, ``NEPA Exclusions Form,'' must 
be included in the application indicating whether the applicant is of 
the opinion that the project falls within a categorical exclusion and 
the reasons therefore. If it is the applicant's opinion that the 
proposed project falls within the categorical exclusions, the specific 
exclusion(s) must be identified.
    Even though a project may fall within the categorical exclusions, 
CSREES and OEPNU may determine that an Environmental Assessment or an 
Environmental Impact Statement is necessary for an activity, if 
substantial controversy on environmental grounds exists or if other 
extraordinary conditions or circumstances are present which may cause 
such activity to have a significant environmental effect.

C. Submission of Applications

1. When To Submit (Deadline Date)
Applications must be received by COB on August 14, 2003 (5 p.m. Eastern 
Time). Applications received after this deadline will not be considered 
for funding.
2. What To Submit
    An original and ten (10) copies of the application must be 
submitted in one package.
3. Where To Submit
    Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit completed applications 
via overnight mail or delivery service to ensure timely receipt by the 
USDA. The address for hand-delivered applications or applications 
submitted using an express mail or overnight courier service is: 
Biodiesel Fuel Education Program, c/o Proposal Services Unit, 
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Room 1420, Waterfront Centre, 800 9th 
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024, Telephone: (202) 401-5048.
    Applications sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be sent to the 
following address: Biodiesel Fuel Education Program, c/o Proposal 
Services Unit, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, STOP 2245, 1400 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2245.

D. Acknowledgment of Applications

    The receipt of all applications will be acknowledged by E-mail. 
Therefore, applicants are strongly encouraged to provide accurate E-
mail addresses, where designated, on the Form CSREES-2002. If the 
applicant's E-mail address is not indicated, CSREES will acknowledge 
receipt of the application by letter.
    Applicants who do not receive an acknowledgment within 60 days of 
the submission deadline should contact the program contact. Once the 
application has been assigned a proposal number, that number should be 
cited on all future correspondence.

Part IV. Review Process

A. General

    Reviewers will include government and non-government personnel. All 
reviewers will be selected based upon training and experience in 
relevant scientific, extension, or education fields, taking into 
account the following factors: (a) The level of relevant formal 
scientific, technical education, or extension experience of the 
individual, as well as the extent to which an individual is engaged in 
relevant research, education, or extension activities; and (b) the need 
to include as reviewers experts from various areas of specialization 
within relevant scientific, education, or extension fields.
    In addition, when selecting non-government reviewers, the following 
factors will be considered: (a) The need to include as reviewers other 
experts (e.g., producers, range or forest managers/operators, and 
consumers) who can assess relevance of the applications to targeted 
audiences and to program needs; (b) the need to include as reviewers 
experts from a variety of organizational types (e.g., colleges, 
universities, industry, state and Federal agencies, private profit and 
non-profit organizations) and

[[Page 41775]]

geographic locations; (c) the need to maintain a balanced composition 
of reviewers with regard to minority and female representation and an 
equitable age distribution; and (d) the need to include reviewers who 
can judge the effective usefulness to producers and the general public 
of each application.
    CSREES will compile application reviews by the individual reviewers 
and recommend awards to OEPNU. OEPNU will make final award decisions.

B. Evaluation Criteria

    The evaluation criteria below will be used in reviewing 
applications submitted in response to this RFA:
    1. Relevance of proposed project to current and future issues 
related to the production, use, distribution, fuel quality, and fuel 
properties of biodiesel, including:
    (a) Demonstrated knowledge about markets, state initiatives, 
impacts on local economies, regulatory issues, standards, and technical 
issues;
    (b) Demonstrated knowledge about issues associated with developing 
a biodiesel infrastructure; and
    (c) Quality and extent of stakeholder involvement in planning and 
accomplishment of program objectives.
    2. Reasonableness of project proposal, including:
    (a) Sufficiency of scope and strategies to provide a consistent 
message in keeping with existing standards and regulations;
    (b) Adequacy of Project Description (see Part III, B. 5.) , 
suitability and feasibility of methodology to develop and implement 
program;
    (c) Clarity of objectives, milestones, and indicators of progress;
    (d) Adequacy of plans for reporting, assessing and monitoring 
results over project's duration; and
    (e) Demonstration of feasibility, and probability of success.
    1. Technical quality of proposed project, including:
    (a) Suitability and qualifications of key project personnel;
    (b) Institutional experience and competence in providing 
alternative fuel education, including:
    (1) Demonstrated knowledge about programs involved in alternative 
fuel research and education;
    (2) Demonstrated knowledge about other fuels, fuel additives, 
engine performance, fuel quality and fuel emissions;
    (3) Demonstrated knowledge about Federal, State and local programs 
aimed at encouraging alternative fuel use;
    (4) Demonstrated ability in providing educational programs and 
developing technical programs; and
    (5) Demonstrated ability to analyze technical information relevant 
to the biodiesel industry.
    (a) Adequacy of available or obtainable resources; and
    (b) Quality of plans to administer and maintain the project, 
including collaborative efforts, evaluation and monitoring efforts.

C. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality

    During the peer evaluation process, extreme care will be taken to 
prevent any actual or perceived conflicts of interest that may impact 
review or evaluation. For the purpose of determining conflicts of 
interest, the academic and administrative autonomy of an institution 
shall be determined by reference to the current version of the Higher 
Education Directory, published by Higher Education Publications, Inc., 
6400 Arlington Boulevard, Suite 648, Falls Church, VA 22042. Phone: 
(703) 532-2300. Web site: http://www.hepinc.com.
    Names of submitting institutions and individuals, as well as 
application content and peer evaluations, will be kept confidential, 
except to those involved in the review process, to the extent permitted 
by law. In addition, the identities of peer reviewers will remain 
confidential throughout the entire review process. Therefore, the names 
of the reviewers will not be released to applicants. At the end of the 
fiscal year, names of reviewers will be made available in such a way 
that the reviewers cannot be identified with the review of any 
particular application.

Part V. Award Administration

A. General

    Awards made pursuant to this RFA will be made in accordance with 
the final rule published for the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program, 
including any changes that may be made to the Proposed Rule published 
elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register as necessary to address 
public comments submitted in response to the Proposed Rule.
    Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the 
Authorized Departmental Officer (ADO) shall make grants to those 
responsible, eligible applicants whose applications are judged most 
meritorious under the procedures set forth in this RFA. The date 
specified by the ADO as the effective date of the grant shall be no 
later than September 30 of the Federal fiscal year in which the project 
is approved for support and funds are appropriated for such purpose, 
unless otherwise permitted by law. It should be noted that the project 
need not be initiated on the grant effective date, but as soon 
thereafter as practical so that project goals may be attained within 
the funded project period. All funds granted by OEPNU under this RFA 
shall be expended solely for the purpose for which the funds are 
granted in accordance with the approved application and budget, the 
regulations, the terms and conditions of the award, the applicable 
Federal cost principles, and the Department's assistance regulations 
(Parts 3015 and 3019 of 7 CFR).

B. Organizational Management Information

    Specific management information relating to an applicant shall be 
submitted on a one-time basis as part of the responsibility 
determination prior to the award of a grant identified under this RFA, 
if such information has not been provided previously under a CSREES 
program. CSREES will provide copies of forms recommended for use in 
fulfilling these requirements as part of the preaward process. Although 
an applicant may be eligible based on its status as one of these 
entities, there are factors which may exclude an applicant from 
receiving Federal financial and nonfinancial assistance and benefits 
under this program (e.g., debarment or suspension of an individual 
involved or a determination that an applicant is not responsible based 
on submitted organizational management information).

C. Award Document and Notice of Award

    The award document will provide pertinent instructions and 
information including, at a minimum, the following:
    1. Legal name and address of performing organization or institution 
to whom OEPNU has issued an award under the terms of this request for 
applications;
    2. Title of project;
    3. Name(s) and institution(s) of PDs chosen to direct and control 
approved activities;
    4. Identifying award number assigned by the Department;
    5. Project period, specifying the amount of time the Department 
intends to support the project without requiring recompetition for 
funds;
    6. Total amount of Departmental financial assistance approved by 
OEPNU during the project period;
    7. Legal authority(ies) under which the award is issued;
    8. Appropriate Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) 
number;

[[Page 41776]]

    9. Approved budget plan for categorizing allocable project funds to 
accomplish the stated purpose of the award; and
    10. Other information or provisions deemed necessary by OEPNU and 
CSREES to carry out the awarding activities or to accomplish the 
purpose of a particular award.

Part VI. Additional Information

A. Access To Review Information

    Copies of reviews, not including the identity of reviewers, and a 
summary of the comments will be sent to the applicant PD after the 
review process has been completed.

B. Use of Funds; Changes

1. Delegation of Fiscal Responsibility
    Unless the terms and conditions of the award state otherwise, the 
awardee may not in whole or in part delegate or transfer to another 
person, institution, or organization the responsibility for use or 
expenditure of award funds.
2. Changes in Project Plans
    (a) The permissible changes by the awardee, PD(s), or other key 
project personnel in the approved project shall be limited to changes 
in methodology, techniques, or other similar aspects of the project to 
expedite achievement of the project's approved goals. If the awardee or 
the PD(s) is uncertain as to whether a change complies with this 
provision, the question must be referred to the Authorized Departmental 
Officer (ADO) for a final determination. The ADO is the signatory of 
the award document, not the program contact.
    (b) Changes in approved goals or objectives shall be requested by 
the awardee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such 
changes. In no event shall requests for such changes be approved which 
are outside the scope of the original approved project.
    (c) Changes in approved project leadership or the replacement or 
reassignment of other key project personnel shall be requested by the 
awardee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such 
changes.
    (d) Transfers of actual performance of the substantive programmatic 
work in whole or in part and provisions for payment of funds, whether 
or not Federal funds are involved, shall be requested by the awardee 
and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such transfers, 
unless prescribed otherwise in the terms and conditions of the award.
    (e) Changes in Project Period: The project period may be extended 
by OEPNU without additional financial support, for such additional 
period(s) as the ADO determines may be necessary to complete or fulfill 
the purposes of an approved project, but in no case shall the total 
project period exceed five years. Any extension of time shall be 
conditioned upon prior request by the awardee and approval in writing 
by the ADO, unless prescribed otherwise in the terms and conditions of 
award.
    (f) Changes in Approved Budget: Changes in an approved budget must 
be requested by the awardee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to 
instituting such changes if the revision will involve transfers or 
expenditures of amounts requiring prior approval as set forth in the 
applicable Federal cost principles, Departmental regulations, or award.

C. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements

1. Quarterly Progress Reports
    Quarterly Progress Reports must be submitted to the USDA program 
contact person throughout the life of the grant. Generally, the 
Quarterly Progress Reports should include a summary of overall progress 
toward project objectives, a description of current problems or unusual 
developments, plans for the next quarter's activities, and any other 
information that is pertinent to the ongoing project or which may be 
specified in the terms and conditions of the award.
2. Current Research Information System (CRIS) Reports
    Grant recipients are required to submit annual and summary 
evaluation reports via the CSREES Current Research Information System 
(CRIS). CRIS is an electronic, Web-based inventory system that 
facilitates both grantee submissions of project outcomes and public 
access to information on Federally funded projects.

D. Applicable Federal Statutes and Regulations

    Several Federal statutes and regulations apply to grant 
applications considered for review and to project grants awarded under 
this program. These include, but are not limited to:

7 CFR Part 1, subpart A--USDA implementation of the Freedom of 
Information Act.
7 CFR Part 3--USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-129 regarding 
debt collection.
7 CFR Part 15, subpart A--USDA implementation of Title VI of the Civil 
Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
7 CFR Part 3015--USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations, 
implementing OMB directives (i.e., OMB Circular Nos. A-21 and A-122) 
and incorporating provisions of 31 U.S.C. 6301-6308 (formerly the 
Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977, Public Law 95-
224), as well as general policy requirements applicable to recipients 
of Departmental financial assistance.
7 CFR Part 3017--USDA implementation of Governmentwide Debarment and 
Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-
Free Workplace (Grants).
7 CFR Part 3018--USDA implementation of Restrictions on Lobbying. 
Imposes prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and certification 
related to lobbying on recipients of Federal contracts, grants, 
cooperative agreements, and loans.
7 CFR Part 3019--USDA implementation of OMB Circular A-110, Uniform 
Administrative Requirements for Grants and Other Agreements With 
Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit 
Organizations.
7 CFR Part 3052--USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-133, Audits 
of States, Local Governments, and Non-profit Organizations.
7 CFR Part 3407--CSREES procedures to implement the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended.
29 U.S.C. 794 (sec. 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973) and 7 CFR Part 15b 
(USDA implementation of statute)-- prohibiting discrimination based 
upon physical or mental handicap in Federally assisted programs.
35 U.S.C. 200 et seq.--Bayh-Dole Act, controlling allocation of rights 
to inventions made by employees of small business firms and domestic 
nonprofit organizations, including universities, in Federally assisted 
programs (implementing regulations are contained in 37 CFR Part 401).

E. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards

    When an application results in an award, it becomes a part of the 
record of USDA transactions, available to the public upon specific 
request. Information that the Secretary determines to be of a 
confidential, privileged, or proprietary nature will be held in 
confidence to the extent permitted by law. Therefore, any information 
that the applicant wishes to have considered as confidential, 
privileged, or proprietary should be clearly marked within the 
application. The original copy of an application that

[[Page 41777]]

does not result in an award will be retained by the Agency for a period 
of one year. Other copies will be destroyed. Such an application will 
be released only with the consent of the applicant or to the extent 
required by law. An application may be withdrawn at any time prior to 
the final action thereon.

F. Regulatory Information

    For the reasons set forth in the final Rule-related Notice to 7 CFR 
Part 3015, subpart V (48 FR 29114, June 24, 1983), this program is 
excluded from the scope of the Executive Order 12372 which requires 
intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials. This 
program does not directly affect State and local governments. Under the 
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 
35), the collection of information requirements contained in this 
Notice have been approved under OMB Document No. 0524-0039.

G. Definitions

    For the purpose of this program, the following definitions are 
applicable:
    Administrator means the Administrator of the Cooperative State 
Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) and any other 
officer or employee of the Department to whom the authority involved 
may be delegated.
    Authorized departmental officer or ADO means the Secretary or any 
employee of the Department who has the authority to issue or modify 
grant instruments on behalf of the Secretary.
    Authorized organizational representative or AOR means the president 
or chief executive officer of the applicant organization or the 
official, designated by the president or chief executive officer of the 
applicant organization, who has the authority to commit the resources 
of the organization.
    Biodiesel means a monoalkyl ester that meets the requirements of an 
appropriate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard.
    Budget period means the interval of time (usually 12 months) into 
which the project period is divided for budgetary and reporting 
purposes.
    Department or USDA means the United States Department of 
Agriculture.
    Education activity means an act or process that imparts knowledge 
or skills through formal or informal training and outreach.
    Grant means the award by the Secretary of funds to an eligible 
recipient for the purpose of conducting the identified project.
    Grantee means the organization designated in the award document as 
the responsible legal entity to which a grant is awarded.
    Institution of higher education, as defined in sec. 101 of the 
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001), means an educational 
institution in any State that: (1) Admits as regular students only 
persons having a certificate of graduation from a school providing 
secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a 
certificate; (2) is legally authorized within such State to provide a 
program of education beyond secondary education; (3) provides an 
educational program for which the institution awards a bachelor's 
degree or provides not less than a two-year program that is acceptable 
for full credit toward such a degree; (4) is a public or other 
nonprofit institution; and (5) is accredited by a nationally recognized 
accrediting agency or association, or if not so accredited, is an 
institution that has been granted preaccreditation status by such an 
agency or association that has been recognized by the Secretary of 
Education for the granting of preaccreditation status, and the 
Secretary of Education has determined that there is satisfactory 
assurance that the institution will meet the accreditation standards of 
such an agency or association within a reasonable time.
    OEPNU means the Office of Energy Policy and New Uses.
    Peer review is an evaluation of a proposed project performed by 
experts with the scientific knowledge and technical skills to conduct 
the proposed work whereby the technical quality and relevance to the 
program are assessed.
    Project director or PD means the single individual designated by 
the grantee in the grant application and approved by the Secretary who 
is responsible for the direction and management of the project, also 
known as a principal investigator for research activities.
    Prior approval means written approval evidencing prior consent by 
an authorized departmental officer (as defined above).
    Program means the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program.
    Project means the particular activity within the scope of the 
program supported by a grant award.
    Project period means the period, as stated in the award document 
and modifications thereto, if any, during which Federal sponsorship 
begins and ends.
    Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture and any other officer 
or employee of the Department to whom the authority involved may be 
delegated.

    Done at Washington, DC, this 9th day of July 2003.
Roger Conway,
Director, Office of Energy Policy and New Uses.
[FR Doc. 03-17852 Filed 7-14-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-22-P