[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 172 (Wednesday, September 6, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52523-52525]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-14707]
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Notices
Federal Register
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This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 172 / Wednesday, September 6, 2006 /
Notices
[[Page 52523]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Request for Proposals for Woody Biomass Utilization Grant--Forest
Restoration Activities on National Forest System Lands
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Request for proposals.
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SUMMARY: The USDA Forest Service, State and Private Forestry,
Technology Marketing Unit, located at the Forest Products Laboratory,
requests proposals for forest product projects that increase the use of
woody biomass from national forest system lands. The woody biomass
utilization grant program is intended to help improve forest
restoration activities by using and creating markets for small-diameter
material and low-valued trees removed from forest restoration
activities, such as reducing hazardous fuels, handling insect and
diseased conditions, or treating forestlands impacted by catastrophic
weather events. These funds are targeted to help communities,
entrepreneurs, and others turn residues from forest restoration
activities into marketable forest products and/or energy products.
DATES: Pre-application Deadline: Close of business November 3, 2006.
Full application Deadline: Close of business February 2, 2007.
ADDRESSES: All pre- and full-application packages must be sent to the
following address: ATTN: Shawn Lacina, Grants and Agreements
Specialist, Forest Products Laboratory, 1 Gifford Pinchot Dr., Madison,
WI 53726-2398. Detailed information regarding what to include in the
pre- and full-application, definitions of terms, eligibility and
federal restrictions are available at http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu
(under Woody Biomass Grants). Paper copies of the information are also
available by contacting the USDA Forest Service, S&PF Technology
Marketing Unit, Madison, Wisconsin.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions regarding contract and
agreement questions, contact Shawn Lacina, Grants and Agreements
Specialist, (608) 231-9282, [email protected], for program and
technical questions, contact Susan LeVan, Program Manager, (608) 231-
9504, [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: To meet the shared goals of Public Law 109-
190 the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the anticipated Public Law
governing the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act of 2007, the agency is requesting proposals
to address the nationwide challenge in dealing with low-valued material
removed from hazardous fuel reduction activities, restoration of insect
and diseased conditions or catastrophic weather events. The Woody
Biomass Utilization Grant Program has a pre-application submission
process, and upon notification, selected pre-applicants will be asked
to submit a full application. Goals of the grant program are the
following:
Help reduce forest management costs by increasing value of
biomass and other forest products generated from forest restoration
activities.
Create incentives and/or reduce business risk for
increased use of biomass from national forestlands (must include
National Forest System lands, however, may also include other lands
such as, BLM, Tribal, State, local, and private).
Institute projects that target and help remove economic
and market barriers to using small-diameter trees and woody biomass.
Require a Forest Service letter of support for the woody
biomass grant project on National Forest System lands.
Woody Biomass Grants Program
1. Eligibility Information
a. Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants are State, local, and tribal governments,
school districts, communities, non-profit organizations, businesses,
companies, corporations, or special purpose districts, e.g., public
utilities districts, fire districts, conservation districts, or ports.
Only one application per business or organization will be accepted.
Construction projects involving a permanent building or infrastructure
item, such as roads, are not allowed with federal funds; however
construction funds can be part of the non-federal cost share.
b. Cost Sharing (Matching Requirement)
Applicants must demonstrate at least a 20% match from non-Federal
sources, which can include cash or in-kind contributions.
2. DUNS Number
All applicants must include a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B), Data
Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number in their full application. For
the purpose of this requirement, the applicant is the entity that meets
the eligibility criteria and has the legal authority to apply for an
award. For assistance in obtaining a DUNS number at no cost, call the
DUNS number request line (1-866-705-5711) or register on-line at
https://eupdate.dnb.com/requestoptions/government/ccrreg/. By
submission of an application, the applicant acknowledges the
requirement that prospective awardees shall be registered in the
Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database prior to award, during
performance, and through final payment of any grant resulting from this
solicitation. Further information can be found at http://www.ccr.gov.
3. Award Information
At least $4 million is available for granting under this program.
Individual grants will not be less than $50,000 or more than $250,000.
Funds are presently not available for this grant program. The
Government's obligation under this program is contingent upon the
availability of 2007 appropriated funds from which payment for grant
purposes can be made. No legal liability on the part of the Government
for any payment may arise until funds are made available to the Grants
Officer for this program, and until the Cooperator receives notice of
such availability, to be confirmed in writing by the Grants Officer.
Successful applicants will be announced by March 5, 2007. The maximum
length of the award is 3 years from the date of award. Written,
quarterly financial and semi-annual performance reports will be
required. Applicants should be aware that the grant funds are regarded
as taxable
[[Page 52524]]
income and a form 1099 will be sent by the Forest Service to the IRS.
4. Application Review Process
A two-step technical evaluation process is used for applications
submitted under this solicitation. The first step requires the
applicant to submit a preliminary application (pre-application). Pre-
applications are evaluated on the evaluation criteria discussed in
Section 5.
A review panel of technical experts from Federal agencies judges
the pre-applications. Panel members independently review the pre-
applications according to the evaluation criteria and point system. A
total of 100 points is possible. As a result of this preliminary
review, successful pre-applications are invited to submit a full-
application package. Unsuccessful pre-applicants are removed from
further consideration for funding under this solicitation. In either
case, a letter of notification is provided to each applicant.
The second step requires the applicant to submit a full-application
package, which is evaluated based on the same evaluation criteria as
the preliminary application. The full-application package is evaluated
for technical and financial feasibility. The reviewers discuss, rank,
and make recommendations to Executive Steering Committee of Senior
Federal officials.
5. Evaluation Criteria and Point System
a. Impact on National Forest System Lands Forest Restoration
Activities: Total Points 40
Condition of the forestlands proposed for the project,
such as Fire Regime Condition Class (http://www.frcc.gov), insect and
disease risk conditions, or degraded forestlands due to catastrophic
weather events.
Direct, tangible benefits with and without the grant
(e.g., increased acres treated from forest restoration activities,
increased value of raw material removed from forest restoration
activities, and reduced Forest Service's cost per acre).
Indirect, intangible benefit (such as air quality
benefits, water quality benefits, socio-economic impacts, wildlife
habitat, and watershed improvements).
Opportunities created for using woody biomass material
around National Forest System lands in locations where no capacity
exists.
b. Technical Approach Work Plan: Total Points 25
Technical feasibility of the proposed work.
Adequacy and completeness of the proposed tasks.
Likelihood of meeting project objectives.
Reasonableness of time schedule.
Identified deliverables/tasks.
Timeliness--timeframe of the project.
Evaluation and monitoring plan.
c. Financial Feasibility: Total Points 25
Realistic budget and timeframe.
Thorough financial documentation (see description of
required documentation under financial feasibility, Section 7. c.).
Level of matching funds for the grant.
d. Qualifications and Experience of Applicant: Total Points 10
Experience, capabilities (technical and managerial).
Demonstrated capacity.
If there are no technical or financial problems for the project,
and there is significant impact on reducing the Forest Service's cost
per acre, full points are given. If there are minor deficiencies, which
could limit success, midway points are given. If there are major
deficiencies, which could render the project unsuccessful, minimum
points are given. Further scoring criteria can be found at http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under Woody Biomass Grants). Full-application
packages that do not submit ALL required financial information will be
disqualified.
6. Pre-Application Information
a. Pre-Application Submission
Pre-applications are required. Specific content and submission
requirements for the pre-application are as follows: Each submittal
must be composed of three paper copies (single-sided) of the pre-
application. Paper copies of the pre-application must be on 8.5-by 11-
inch plain white paper with a minimum font size of 11 letters per inch.
Top, bottom, and side margins must be no less than three-quarters of an
inch. All pages must be clearly numbered. The paper copies of the
application package should be stapled with a single staple at the upper
left-hand corner.
b. Pre-Application Content
Assemble information in the following order: cover page, project
summary, project narrative, statement of need, project coordinator(s)
and partner(s), goals and objectives, technical approach work plan,
impact on National Forest System forest restoration treatments,
evaluation and monitoring plan, budget justification narrative, budget,
and appendices. The project narrative should provide a clear
description of the work to be performed and its impact on National
Forest System lands. It should address the technical approach work plan
under criteria 2 in Section 5. The project narrative is limited to 5
pages, excluding cover page, budget justification, budget, or
appendices.
The discussion of the impact on National Forest System lands is a
critical component because these proposals are aimed at helping the
Forest Service increase the number of acres treated and decrease the
cost per acre for those National Forest System lands that are at risk
due to hazardous fuel buildup, insects and diseases, or catastrophic
weather events. Applicants should describe qualitatively and
quantitatively how the project would decrease Forest Service treatment
costs and/or increase the price one might offer for the woody biomass.
Specifically, proposals should address the following:
Condition of the forest or grassland, such as providing
the Fire Regime Condition Class (http://www.frcc.gov), the insect and
disease risk, or any catastrophic weather events and the consequences
of the National Forest System not being able to do treatments because
of the cost.
What Forest Service is currently doing with material
removed from forest restoration activities.
What would be done with this material if grant is awarded?
Anticipated outcomes and measures of success.
Documentation of costs and benefits of project as a result
of the award (see project feasibility discussion at http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu under Woody Biomass Grants).
Documentation of intangible benefits. Examples of tangible
and intangible benefits are listed on the Technology Marketing Unit's
Web site at http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under Woody Biomass Grants).
Long-Term Benefits of Project: Applicant should address
the length of time the benefits and impacts are anticipated (e.g.,
project will have long-term consequences, such as equipment
improvements, or a one-time benefit, such as a subsidy.)
Expansion capability: Does the project have the potential
to expand the application to additional forest treatment areas or to
use more of the wood from treatments for higher valued uses?
A full description of each content item can be obtained from the
Technology Marketing Unit's Web site at http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu
(under
[[Page 52525]]
Woody Biomass Grants), or by calling the telephone number in the FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section, or by writing to the address in
the ADDRESSES section of this notice.
c. Pre-Application Delivery
Pre-applications must be postmarked by November 3, 2006 and
received no later than 5 p.m. Central Standard Time on November 10,
2006, by Shawn Lacina at the Forest Products Laboratory. Hand-
delivered, e-mail, or fax applications will not be accepted. No
exceptions allowed. Please send pre-applications to the address listed
in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.
7. Full-Application Information
USDA Forest Service will request full applications only from those
applicants selected in the pre-application process.
a. Full-Application Submission
Specific content and submission requirements for the full
application are as follows: Each submittal must be composed of three
paper copies (single-sided) of the full application. Paper copies of
the full application must be on 8.5- by 11-inch plain white paper with
a minimum font size of 11 letters per inch. Top, bottom, and side
margins must be no less than three-quarters of an inch. All pages must
be clearly numbered. The paper copies of the application package should
be stapled with a single staple at the upper left-hand corner. Other
bindings will not be accepted.
b. Full-Application Content
Assemble information in the following order: Cover page, project
summary, project narrative, statement of need, project coordinator(s)
and partner(s), goals and objectives, technical approach work plan,
impact on National Forest System forest restoration activities,
environmental documentation, project work plan and timeline, social
impacts, evaluation and monitoring plan, equipment description, budget
justification narrative, budget, financial feasibility, and appendices.
The project narrative should provide a clear description of the work to
be performed, how it will be accomplished, and its impact on National
Forest System lands. It should address the technical approach work plan
under criteria 2 listed in Section 5. The project narrative is limited
to a total of 10 pages excluding cover page, budget justification,
budget, appendices and financial documentation.
c. Detailed Financial Information
Detailed financial information is requested to assess the potential
and the capability of the applicant. All financial information remains
confidential and is not accessible under the Freedom of Information
Act. If the applicant has questions about how confidential information
is handled they should contact Shawn Lacina at [email protected]. The
financial information should provide a general overview of historical
and projected (pro forma) financial performance. Standard accounting
principles should be used for developing the required financial
information. Strong applications have benefited from the use of a
certified accountant to develop this information. Applicants should
refer to the Technology Marketing Unit's Web site at http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under Woody Biomass Grants) for the financial
information requirements, as well as Web sites for standard financial
templates.
d. Full-Application Delivery
Full applications must be postmarked by February 2, 2007, and
received no later than 5 p.m. Central Standard Time on February 9,
2007, by Shawn Lacina at the Forest Products Laboratory. Hand-
delivered, e-mail, or fax applications will not be accepted. No
exceptions allowed. Please send full-applications to the address listed
in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.
8. Appendices
The following information must be included in the appendix of the
pre-application and the full-application package:
a. Letter of Support and Biomass Availability From Local USDA Forest
Service District Ranger or Forest Supervisor
This letter must describe the status of National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA), acres, timeframes, available volumes, and
opportunities for applicant to access these volumes. These letters
should be submitted with both the pre-application and full-application.
b. Letters of Support From Partners, Individuals, or Organizations
Letters of support should be included in an appendix and are
intended to display the degree of collaboration occurring between the
different entities engaged in the project. These letters must include
commitments of cash or in-kind services from all partners and must
support the amounts listed in the budget. Each letter of support is
limited to one page in length.
c. Key Personnel Qualifications
Qualifications of the project manager and key personnel should be
included in an appendix. Qualifications are limited to two pages in
length and should contain the following: Resume, biographical sketch,
references, and demonstrated ability to manage the grant.
Dated: August 30, 2006.
James E. Hubbard,
Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry.
[FR Doc. E6-14707 Filed 9-5-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P