HomeMy WebLinkAboutRecovery Act Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant
Commission Memorandum
REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Natalie Meyer, Grants and Climate Protection Coordinator
Chris Kukulski, City Manager
SUBJECT: Recovery Act Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant
(EECBG) Application Review and Approval
MEETING DATE: May 18, 2009
RECOMMENDATION: Public Hearing and Approval of Bozeman’s EECBG application.
BACKGROUND: The City of Bozeman is eligible for an allocation of $175,500
through the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG),
which was made available through the Recovery Act of 2009. The City must apply for the
allocation and is required to adopt a plan after public comment. The purpose of the EECBG
Program is to assist eligible entities in creating and implementing strategies to:
· reduce fossil fuel emissions in a manner that is environmentally sustainable and, to the
maximum extent practicable, maximizes benefits for local and regional communities;
· reduce the total energy use of the eligible entities; and
· improve energy efficiency in the building sector, the transportation sector, and other
appropriate sectors.
City Staff have met on numerous occasions to hear about possible projects from all departments
and to develop these project recommendations.
The EECBG dollars may be used within the private sector, thus we established a sub-grant
application form for citizens that was available upon request. One completed request was
received and reviewed. The BABAB is requesting funding for a Bicycle Transportation
Coordinator position. Because EECBG funding is one-time dollars, and because the fossil fuel
and energy use reductions brought about as a direct result of hiring a person to fill this position
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would be very difficult to quantify, City Staff are not recommending that this request be included
in our plan.
Based on EECBG’s number one program principle of prioritizing energy efficiency and
conservation as the cheapest, cleanest, and fastest ways to meet energy demand, we recommend
investing approximately 75 percent of the funds into energy efficiency improvements for City
buildings.
The remaining 25 percent would partially fund photo voltaic (PV) arrays for Fire Station #3 and
the Parking Garage, as well as two bus shelters located on North 7th Street.
The proposed projects will save energy and taxpayer dollars, leverage funds to promote
renewable energy and public transit, and help the City reach our greenhouse gas emissions
reduction goal. The Commission is asked to review the attached EECBG program narrative,
receive public comment, and approve the proposed projects, which must be submitted to the
Department of Energy (DOE) by June 25, 2009.
FISCAL EFFECTS: Within 120 days of application submittal and approval, the
resulting award will be made as an advance. No local match is required, but EECBG encourages
leveraging funds from other resources. The DOE has suggested there will be flexibility to move
dollars from one approved project to another, but there is no indication that adding new projects
will be allowed.
ALTERNATIVES: As suggested by the City Commission.
Attachments:
Proposed Project List
Request from BABAB
EECBG Program Sheet
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5/18/2009
PROJECT DESCRIPTION COST NOTES
Building Energy Efficiency
1 City Hall energy efficient hot water pumps 12,000.00$
2 Fire Station #1 energy efficient boiler 48,400.00$
3 Fire Station #1 window (5 units) 3,500.00$
4 Fire Station #1 incadescent fixture replacement (CFL) 3,500.00$
5 Fire Station #1 tower insulation 1,500.00$
5 Shop Complex heater replacements (12 units) 16,500.00$
6 Shop Complex T‐12 fixture replacement (T‐8) 3,850.00$
7 Shop Complex install occupancy sensors 750.00$
8 Shop Complex replace task lighting in meter shop (T‐8) 1,000.00$
9 Shop Complex install low flow faucets (7 units) 2,100.00$
10 Senior Center replace freezer system 5,000.00$
11 Senior Center change windows 5,000.00$
12 Senior Center slow start elevator motor 3,000.00$
13 Senior Center change incadescent light fixtures (CFL) 1,200.00$
14 Senior Center install occupancy sensors 1,500.00$
15 Senior Center install photo eyes on exterior fixtures 1,600.00$
16 Senior Center low flush toilets (10 units) 10,000.00$
17 Senior Center low flow faucets (7 units) 2,100.00$
18 Professional Building change incadescent light fixtures (CFL)1 200 00$
Proposed CITY OF BOZEMAN EECBG Projects
May 18, 2009
18 Professional Building change incadescent light fixtures (CFL)1,200.00$
19 Professional Building install occupancy sensors 1,600.00$
20 Professional Building slow start elevator motor 3,000.00$
21 Professional Building low flow faucets (5 units) 1,500.00$
22 Fire Station #2 low flush toilets (3 units) 3,000.00$
23 Fires Station #2 low flow faucets (3 units) 900.00$
Transportation Energy Efficiency
24 North 7th bus shelters (partial funding, 2 units) 16,800.00$ Combine with CTEP and TIF
Renewable Energy
25 Fire Station #3 photo voltaic array or solar hot water 20,000.00$ Split with County ‐ $40K total
26 Parking Garage photo voltaic array & electric vehicle 5,000.00$ Combine with Clean Energy
charging stations (partial funding ) and NWE grants or Parking
Commission and TIF
TOTAL 175,500.00$
TOTAL City EECBG Allocation 175,500.00$
Difference:‐
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Proposed Strategy for City of Bozeman Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
Bozeman Area Bicycle Advisory Board
Introduction - Transportation is Montana’s third largest emitter of greenhouse gasses (Montana GHG Inventory
and Reference Case Projection CCS, September 2007). As noted in the City of Bozeman draft Growth Policy,
“Shifting the paradigm to prioritize walking, biking and transit can help to avoid problems related to over-reliance
on the automobile such as air and water quality problems, congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing
driving trips may also reduce fuel use… and reduce the need for expanded parking lots and roadways.”
Proposed Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy - The Bozeman Area Bicycle Advisory Board and
partners propose a strategy to reduce fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions by increasing the use of
alternative modes of transportation, specifically bicycling, walking, and use of transit. We propose that the
$175,500 block grant allocated to the City of Bozeman be used over three years to employ a full-time Bike/Ped or
an Alternative Transportation Coordinator. This position would be charged with organizing programs, conducting
education, collaborating with partners, implementing relevant components of the Transportation Plan and Growth
Policy, collecting measures and raising additional funds all aimed at reducing vehicle miles traveled and
achieving measurable increases in bicycling, pedestrian and transit modes of transportation in Bozeman. The
recently adopted Transportation Plan recommends such a position, “to take full advantage of bicycle planning
efforts, and to assist with [Plan] implementation.”
Measurable Goals and Objectives - The proposed Bike/Ped Coordinator would implement the following
programs, and in each case implement evaluation procedures to measure impacts (or mobilize other city
departments and partners to collect measures):
1. Implement Alta Planning and Design recommendations in its Safe Routes to School Plans.
A Safe Routes to School Program relieves traffic congestion, contributes to cleaner air, creates alternative
transportation routes, and improves the health and safety of children and the entire community. Some cities
and counties allocate funds to support Safe Routes to School programs. Some also allocate a portion of their
local Transportation Enhancement or general funds to Safe Routes to School educational programs. The City
of Bozeman and the Bike Board invested in the plans and strategies that Alta Planning and Design has
completed for SRTS programs for each Bozeman elementary school; and there are already active and
committed stakeholders for the program. However, no action to implement the plans has emerged because
there is no point person to provide leadership for implementation. The school district’s passage of school
attendance zones creates opportunity for SRTS to succeed. While much of the initial work involved in
starting a Safe Routes to School program can be conducted by volunteers, funding is needed to plan and
implement physical improvements, organize events, and develop and implement educational programs and
materials. There are not enough state SRTS funds to support a position but they may supplement what the
City can coordinate. Primary energy efficiency and conservation measures to be collected would include:
¾ Change in number and percentage of children walking and biking safely to school;
¾ Change in number and percentage of students who ride to school in family vehicle; and
¾ Individual or multiple classroom tracking of mileage covered by walking or biking to school,
preferably through a competition between classes and/or schools.
2. Implement a “SmartTrips” program.
In collaboration with the Western Transportation Institute, the Montana Nutrition & Physical Activity
(NAPA) Program, and the Bozeman Area Bicycle Advisory Board, the Coordinator would implement
elements of a “SmartTrips” program aimed at reducing vehicle miles traveled and increasing use of
alternative modes of transportation. SmartTrips is a comprehensive approach to reduce drive-alone trips and
increase biking, walking, and public transit for transportation and recreation. Travel behavior change
programs such as SmartTrips have proven successful in many cities in Europe, Australia and the U.S.
SmartTrips incorporates individualized marketing which delivers information to residents who wish to learn
more about their transportation options. Well established methods encourage people to overcome the habitual
use of the car. Primary energy efficiency and conservation measures to be collected would include:
¾ Reductions in single-occupancy vehicle miles traveled reported by participants;
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¾ Increase in walking, biking and transit use reported by participants or by transit providers; and
¾ Annual bicycle user counts and surveys at set locations.
3. Assist or coordinate implementation of alternative transportation recommendations within the newly
adopted Transportation Plan and the draft Growth Policy.
For example, monitor the design and construction of on-street bikeways and shared use paths; and ensure
bicycle facilities identified in planning documents, development applications and/or as mitigation measures
are designed appropriately and constructed expediently. Primary energy efficiency and conservation
measures to be collected would include:
¾ Miles of bicycle or pedestrian facilities (sidewalks, bike lanes, etc.);
¾ Increase in transit use reported by transit providers;
¾ Annual bicycle user counts and surveys at set locations;
¾ Measures of vehicle miles traveled;
¾ An on-line commuter fossil fuel/greenhouse gas footprint calculator with a commitment page for
users to indicate how they’re going to change their transportation habits;
¾ Integrated planning activities (e.g. transportation, housing, land use and business location) that reduce
the need for vehicle miles; and
¾ Ride-sharing program implementation.
Implementation Plan - This strategy would entail hiring a full-time Bike/Ped or Alternative Transportation
Modes Coordinator by September 2009. Our budget envisions dividing the $175,500 DOE block grant by 3 to
allow for adequate funding of this position (for example at a full-time salary of $45,000 plus benefits) over three
years. Three years, as allowed in the DOE guidelines, would provide sufficient time for program implementation,
recruitment of additional external resources to support programs and the position, and, if proven desirable,
development of a strategy for the city to be able to continue the position after the end of the grant. Even without
continuation of the position, the strategy envisioned here would have a significant impact on Bozeman residents’
transportation choices and the impacts on fossil fuel and GHG reductions would continue over time. Ideally this
position would be funded in conjunction with the County, with additional resources provided for programming.
Yet even if only the position itself can be funded, much can be accomplished through organizing and education
and partnership-building that doesn’t require additional implementation resources through this DOE block grant.
Clearly, the person to be hired must be a skilled and experienced organizer/educator if s/he is to succeed without
additional program funds.
Sustaining Benefits Beyond the Project Period - As noted in the City of Bozeman draft Growth Policy,
“Bicycling and walking can significantly contribute to reducing oil consumption and CO2 emissions within the
transportation sector. To minimize the economic costs of mitigating the impacts of climate change, it will be
crucial to aggressively pursue the most cost-effective measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Increased
bicycling and walking are capable of achieving greenhouse gas reductions at no extra costs to the economy,
because fuel savings alone will offset the investment costs, and additional benefits make it a “no regrets” strategy.
Americans will demand a fiscally responsible approach to addressing climate change that achieves maximum
results at minimal costs, which is why increasing bicycle and pedestrian use through investments in safe and
convenient infrastructure should rank high on any list of measures we consider to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and our dependence on oil.”
Implementing Safe Routes to School and SmartTrips programs and shaping Bozeman’s biking/walking
infrastructure will have long-term effects on commuting by both children and adults. This 3-year opportunity will
be successful in energy and climate terms regardless of whether it continues. But three years is also ample time to
work out multiple options for continuation of a Bike/Ped Coordinator position. The City of Bozeman can
examine how Helena has managed to fund a similar position. The person in the position can work with partners
to raise grant funds that will continue the effort (WTI and the NAPA Program have a particularly strong record
here). Montana State University (e.g. the Associated Students) might be approached for cost-share if the position
proves helpful to MSU students and personnel and reduces, for example, parking needs on campus. There are
many options for continuation of the position that don’t require a reliance on City of Bozeman general funds.
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Proposal Supplement: Additional Rationale and Program Details
This strategy builds on City of Bozeman Transportation, Safe Routes to School and Growth plans and partner
initiatives. Following is a further discussion of the rationale for this strategy.
Safe Routes to School:
Additional explanation and rationale for SRTS staffing is provided in the Alta Plans. Motor vehicle use to drop
children off or pick them up from schools in Bozeman has a significant effect on traffic, congestion, and motor
idling – all elements of inefficient energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. The studies of each elementary
school found the following:
¾ Emily Dickenson – the “vast majority” of students arrived by car.
¾ Hawthorne – loading areas on three sides of the school are “congested.”
¾ Irving – both morning and afternoon traffic is “bad” – several minor accidents have been reported.
¾ Longfellow – though the school has moderate levels of biking/walking, drop-off areas are congested.
¾ Morningstar – the school has hired extra people to deal with traffic congestion; during inclement weather
parent drop-offs increase to almost 100%.
¾ Whittier – the study found low rates of biking and walking, partially due to difficulties for children
required to cross N. 7th.
According to the Alta plans:
Safe Routes to School (SR2S) refers to a variety of multi-disciplinary programs aimed at increasing the number of
students walking and bicycling to school. Such programs and projects improve traffic safety and air quality
around school areas through education, encouragement, increased law enforcement, and engineering measures.
Safe Routes to School programs typically involve partnerships among municipalities, school districts, community
members, parent volunteers, and law enforcement agencies. Comprehensive Safe Routes to School programs are
developed using five complementary strategies, referred to as the “Five E’s”:
Engineering – Design, implementation and maintenance of signage, striping, and infrastructure improvements
designed to improve the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists along school commute routes.
Enforcement – Strategies to deter the unsafe behavior of drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians, and encourage all
road users to obey traffic laws and share the road.
Education – Educational programs that teach students bicycle, pedestrian, and traffic safety skills, and teach
drivers how to share the road safely.
Encouragement – Special events, clubs, contests and ongoing activities that encourage more walking, bicycling,
or carpooling through fun activities and incentives. Encouragement activities can be quick and easy to start and
relatively inexpensive.
Evaluation – Evaluating the projects and programs is fundamental to assessing successes of each of the “E’s”
above and helps to determine which programs were most effective and helps to identify ways to improve
programs.
The Coordinator would:
¾ Work with engineering and streets departments to implement the Safe Routes to School Engineering
Strategies.
¾ Work with Police Department and Commission to implement appropriate enforcement measures to
eliminate unsafe behaviors near schools.
¾ Implement the educational (e.g., walking and biking safety training) and encouragement (e.g., organizing
fun activities and generating enthusiasm) programs that are the core strategy of a Safe Routes to School
Program. Programs include special events, such as International Walk and Bike to School Day, contests,
such as a mileage club, and ongoing activities such as a walking school bus (or bicycling in a “Bike
Train”) in which an adult accompanies groups of children to school. The Alta Plan recommends that,
o “The City of Bozeman should lead an effort to create a pedestrian safety curriculum,”
o “The City of Bozeman should lead an effort to create a bicycle safety curriculum,” and
o “The City should work with local bicycle advocacy groups (Gallatin Valley Bicycle Club,
Bozeman Area Bicycle Advisory Board, GAS Cycling Team), as well as the School District, to
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develop a standard safety handbook that is provided to parents at the beginning of the school
year.”
¾ Collaborate with GVLT and the City to implement recommended sidewalk, street and path
improvements.
In order to be successful, a Safe Routes to School program in Bozeman will need participation from individuals,
groups and organizations throughout the community. Potential coalition members include school officials, the
Bozeman Safe Routes to School Taskforce, Parent Advisory Committees (PACs), residents, the Police
Department and City staff. Participation from a broad coalition will ensure that appropriate and effective school-
area traffic calming and pedestrian and bicycle projects will be developed. Involving various stakeholders also
improves the chances that projects and programs will be funded by State, Federal or other grant funding and
increases the likelihood that educational and enforcement programs will be implemented. Funding is needed for a
paid staff coordinator to write newsletters (with information on routes/maps, safety, and events), organize and
staff events, and develop educational materials. Both individual school-based and program-based funding will be
essential for success. Additional program funding may be sought from companies, foundations, fundraisers,
Parent Advisory Committees (PACs) and School Districts, federal SSRTS funds administered by the state.
The Alta Plan notes that, “The City’s role in the Safe Routes to School process is to provide resources to support
the school-based Safe Routes to School stakeholder teams and to provide assistance in funding, construction, and
program implementation. An effective Safe Routes to School team will require technical support and
implementation assistance from Bozeman’s Public Works Department and the Police Department. Public Works
personnel trained in engineering, traffic management and innovative pedestrian and bicycle treatments and
programs can work with schools to determine the best way to improve school area pedestrian and bicycle safety.
The Police Department can work with schools to determine appropriate and effective enforcement techniques and
schedules, and work directly with students through presenting safety education classes and special events such as
bicycle rodeos.”
SmartTrips Program:
The MSU-based Western Transportation Institute is pursuing the program funding needed to make a full
SmartTrips program feasible (with costs of $15-30 per participant), and has the capacity to conduct evaluation.
However, the City has no staff member currently who could collaborate with WTI in making this program a
reality. Any level of programming has the potential to measurably reduce car trips. SmartTrips concepts were
first introduced in the UK in the late 1990s and typically reduce car driver trips by 11 percent among the targeted
population (Department for Transport, Nov. 2008. Making Personal Travel Planning Work: Practitioners' Guide.
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/sustainable/travelplans/ptp/) Similar travel behavior intervention programs in Europe
and Australia have increased walking, bicycling and public transportation, and have shown lasting 9 to 13 percent
reduction in drive alone trips. A TravelSmart program in the United Kingdom resulted in increased walking,
cycling and public transport ranging between 8 and 20 % across the target population (World Health
Organization, 2005 http://www.euro.who.int/Document/E90144.pdf ). In 2002, the Portland Office of
Transportation adapted TravelSmart to fit local needs, resulting in a program called SmartTrips. SmartTrips in
U.S. cities have resulted in an average of 9 percent increase in walking, bicycling and transit trips (Converting Car
Trips to Active Trips Webinar- Linda Ginenthal, Jessica Roberts Dec. 2008). In Portland, SmartTrips Southeast
area participating residents made a 17.5% increase overall to active alternatives to driving (City of Portland Office
of Transportation, 2008).
Transportation Plan and Growth Policy Implementation:
Bozeman’s new draft Growth Policy recognizes that “Improvements in transportation efficiency and a reduction
of vehicle trips also affect air quality and other sustainability issues.” The Growth Policy also recommends
Transportation Demand Management (TDM), “an integrated set of strategies designed to reduce the travel
demand. Strategies include reducing the number of [vehicle] trips made, shifting travel to less congested times,
and shifting the travel mode to higher-occupancy vehicles, TDM provides a more cost-effective means of
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addressing congestion than the construction of additional travel lanes. Bozeman’s transportation policies support
TDM.”
A new report, Active Transportation in America: The Case for Increased Federal Investment in Bicycling and
Walking, supported by the Bikes Belong Coalition and the Rails to Trails Conservancy, provides the data to
support the case that public investment in bike/ped infrastructure results in an increase in bike/ped transportation
and a concomitant reduction in single-occupancy vehicle transportation. “Reliable estimates of the costs of
investment to achieve a certain mode shift towards bicycling and walking nationwide are not available because
tracking of spending and travel data has been insufficient. On a local level, however, there is ample quantitative
evidence from places like Portland, OR (1), Minneapolis, MN (2), and California (3), as well as from Europe (4)
and Australia (5) that investment in safe and convenient bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure results in increased
bicycling and walking. Portland, OR, for example, has seen steady increases in bicycling to levels now five times
higher than in 1990.” “In the 1990 Census, only 1.2 percent of all commuters in Portland, Ore., reported using
their bike to get to work. Since then, the city invested about $3.50 per resident annually on bicycling
infrastructure and related programs. By 2007, 6 percent of commuters chose to bicycle to work; and as many as
12 percent do so in the downtown area.(1) Over 15 years, bicycle trips taken in Portland have increased five-fold.
Every European city that has achieved high bicycling mode share has invested significantly into bicycle
infrastructure, and cities with low bicycling rates have not.” “Bicycling and walking should and will play a
bigger role if we make it a priority to build active transportation systems, functional networks of bicycle lanes and
boulevards, bicycle paths, shared-use trails and sidewalks, connecting the places where substantial numbers of
people live, work, shop and play.” Investing $175,500 over three years in Bozeman on bicycling infrastructure
and programs would amount to a per year investment of about $1.67 per resident (assuming 35,000 residents).
Starting at nearly half of Portland’s investment is a great starting rate!
“Investments to encourage increased bicycling and walking can reduce miles driven in three ways:
¾ Because a majority of car trips are short, bicycling and walking can often be as fast and convenient as
driving.
¾ More car trips can be shifted to public transportation when well-integrated networks of bicycle and
pedestrian infrastructure provide convenient access to bus stops and rail stations.
¾ Investments to make communities conducive to bicycling and walking promote a richer and denser mix of
residences, businesses and amenities, leading to shorter trip-distances even for those who drive.”
Making the city more bicycle friendly will encourage more people to ride, thereby reducing energy used in
transportation. Also, catching a bad design or a plan that does not include bicycle accommodation before it is
built/implemented saves money, and energy, as it won't have to be fixed later on.
Full report available at: http://www.railstotrails.org/whatwedo/trailadvocacy/ATFA/index.html.
1) City of Portland Office of the Auditor, Service Efforts & Accomplishments Report 2006-7. 2007
2) City of Minneapolis Department of Public Works Bicycle & Pedestrian Program, Report on Bicycle Counts
for the Midtown Greenway. 2008
3) Boarnet, M.G., C.L. Anderson, et al., Evaluation of the California Safe Routes to School legislation: Urban
form changes and children's active transportation to school. American journal of preventive medicine, 2005
4) Pucher, J. and R. Buehler, Making Cycling Irresistible: Lessons from the Netherlands, Denmark, and
Germany. Transport Reviews, 2008
5) University of New South Wales, A Virtuous Cycle: Safety In Numbers For Bicycle Riders. 2008
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10/2008 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT U. S. Department of Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory Recovery Act – Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants – Formula Grants Funding Opportunity Number: DE-FOA-0000013 Announcement Type: AMENDMENT 000003 The purpose of Amendment 000003 is to extend the application due date for State Applicants to June 25, 2009 at 8:00:00 PM Eastern Time. CFDA Number: 81.128 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG) Issue Date: May 11, 2009 Application Due Date: For ALL Applicants (States, Units of local government, and Tribal organizations): This announcement will remain open until June 25, 2009 8:00:00 pm Eastern Time. Applications may be submitted at any time before the specified due date and time. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon practicable. NOTE: REGISTRATION/SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS Registration Requirements There are several one-time actions you must complete in order to submit an application in response to this Announcement (e.g., obtain a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, register with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR), and register with FedConnect). Applicants who are not registered with CCR and FedConnect, should allow at least 10 days to complete these requirements. It is suggested that the process be started as soon as possible. Applicants must obtain a DUNS number. DUNS website: http://www.dnb.com/US/duns_update/ Applicants must register with the CCR. CCR website: http://www.ccr.gov/ Applicants must register with FedConnect to submit their application. FedConnect website: www.fedconnect.net Questions Questions relating to the system requirements or how an application form works must be directed to Grants.gov at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. Questions regarding the content of the announcement must be submitted through the FedConnect portal. You must register with FedConnect to respond as an interested party to submit questions, and to view responses to questions. It is recommended that you register as soon as possible after release of the FOA to have the benefit of all responses. More information is available at http://www.compusearch.com/products/fedconnect/fedconnect.asp. DOE will try to respond to a question within 3 business days, unless a similar question and answer have already been posted on the website. Questions pertaining to the submission of applications through FedConnect should be directed by e-mail to support@FedConnect.net or by phone to FedConnect Support at 800-899-6665. Application Preparation and Submission Applicants must download the application package, application forms and instructions from Grants.gov. Grants.gov website: http://www.grants.gov/ (Additional instructions are provided in Section IV A of this FOA.) Applicants must submit their application through the FedConnect portal. FedConnect website: www.fedconnect.net (additional instructions are provided in Section IV H of this FOA). 116
3 TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I – FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................... 4 PART II – AWARD INFORMATION ................................................................................................................. 11 A. TYPE OF AWARD INSTRUMENT ....................................................................................................... 11 B. ESTIMATED FUNDING ....................................................................................................................... 11 C. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE ............................................................................................................ 11 D. TYPE OF APPLICATION ..................................................................................................................... 11 E. METHOD OF PAYMENT ..................................................................................................................... 11 PART III - ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION .......................................................................................................... 12 A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS ........................................................................................................................ 12 B. COST SHARING .................................................................................................................................... 13 PART IV – APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION .................................................................... 14 A. ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE ....................................................................... 14 B. LETTER OF INTENT AND PRE-APPLICATION ................................................................................. 14 C. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION – SF 424 ......................................................................... 14 D. SUBMISSIONS FROM SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS ....................................................................... 22 E. SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES ..................................................................................................... 23 F. INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW ..................................................................................................... 23 G. FUNDING RESTRICTIONS ................................................................................................................. 23 H. OTHER SUBMISSION AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS ...................................................... 24 PART V - APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION........................................................................................ 26 A. PRELIMINARY REVIEW ..................................................................................................................... 26 B. REVIEW AND AWARD PROCESS ..................................................................................................... 26 PART VI - AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION ................................................................................ 27 A. AWARD NOTICES ............................................................................................................................... 27 B. ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS ...................................................... 27 C. REPORTING ........................................................................................................................................ 27 PART VII - QUESTIONS/AGENCY CONTACTS ............................................................................................. 28 A. QUESTIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 28 PART VIII - OTHER INFORMATION ................................................................................................................ 29 A. MODIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................................ 29 B. GOVERNMENT RIGHT TO REJECT OR NEGOTIATE ...................................................................... 29 C. COMMITMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS ................................................................................................... 29 APPENDICES/REFERENCE MATERIAL ........................................................................................................ 30 • ATTACHMENT A – EECBG PROGRAM ALLOCATIONS 4/15/2009 ............................................................ 30 • ATTACHMENT B1 – PROJECT ACTIVITY FILE ........................................................................................... 30 • ATTACHMENT B2 – FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT .................................................................... 30 • ATTACHMENT B3 – NETL F 451.1-1/3-EECBG ..................................................................................... 30 • ATTACHMENT C – REPORTING REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................................... 30 • ATTACHMENT D – EECBG STRATEGY FORMAT (UNITS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND INDIAN TRIBES) ....... 30 • ATTACHMENT E – EECBG STRATEGY FORMAT (STATES) ....................................................................... 30 4 PART I – FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION SUMMARY The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Public Law 111-5, appropriates funding for the Department of Energy (DOE) to issue/award formula-based grants to states, U.S. territories, units of local government, and Indian tribes under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. DOE’s authorization for this program is set forth in Title V, Subtitle E of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007. Projects under this announcement will be funded, in whole or in part, with funds appropriated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Pub. L. 111-5, (Recovery Act or Act). The Recovery Act’s purposes are to stimulate the economy and to create and retain jobs. The Act gives preference to activities that can be started and completed expeditiously, including a goal of using at least 50 percent of the funds made available by it for activities that can be initiated not later than June 17, 2009. Due to the schedule of this Funding Opportunity Announcement, this date does not impact activities in the EECBG Program. Accordingly, special consideration will be given to projects that promote and enhance the objectives of the Act, especially job creation, preservation and economic recovery, in an expeditious manner. Be advised that special terms and conditions may apply to projects funded by the Act relating to: • Reporting, tracking and segregation of incurred costs; • Reporting on job creation and preservation; • Publication of information on the Internet; • Access to records by Inspectors General and the Government Accountability Office; • Prohibition on use of funds for gambling establishments, aquariums, zoos, golf courses or swimming pools; • Ensuring that iron, steel and manufactured goods are produced in the United States; • Ensuring wage rates are comparable to those prevailing on projects of a similar character; • Protecting whistleblowers and requiring prompt referral of evidence of a false claim to an appropriate inspector general; and • Certification and Registration. These special terms and conditions will be based on provisions included in Titles XV and XVI of the Act. These Special Provisions are located at http://management.energy.gov/business_doe/business_forms.htm. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has issued Initial Implementing Guidance for the Recovery Act. See M-09-10, Initial Implementing Guidance for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. OMB will be issuing additional guidance concerning the Act in the near future. Applicants should consult the DOE website, www.energy.gov, the OMB website http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/, and the Recovery website, www.recovery.gov regularly to keep abreast of guidance and information as it evolves. Recipients of funding appropriated by the Act shall comply with requirements of applicable Federal, State, Tribal and local laws, regulations, DOE policy and guidance, and instructions in this announcement, unless relief has been granted by DOE. Recipients shall flow down the requirements of applicable Federal, State, Tribal and local laws, regulations DOE policy and guidance, and instructions in this announcement to subrecipients at any tier to the extent necessary to ensure the recipient’s compliance with the requirements. 117
5 Be advised that Recovery Act funds can be used in conjunction with other funding as necessary to complete projects, but tracking and reporting must be separate to meet the reporting requirements of the Recovery Act and related OMB Guidance. Applicants for projects funded by sources other than the Recovery Act should plan to keep separate records for Recovery Act funds and to ensure those records comply with the requirements of the Act. Funding provided through the Recovery Act that is supplemental to an existing grant is one-time funding. Applicants should begin planning activities for their first tier subawardees, including obtaining a DUNS number (or updating the existing DUNS record), and registering with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR). The extent to which subawardees will be required to register in CCR will be determined by OMB at a later date. This announcement includes program guidance on the implementation and administration of the EECBG Program. PURPOSE The purpose of the EECBG Program is to assist eligible entities in creating and implementing strategies to: • reduce fossil fuel emissions in a manner that is environmentally sustainable and, to the maximum extent practicable, maximizes benefits for local and regional communities; • reduce the total energy use of the eligible entities; and • improve energy efficiency in the building sector, the transportation sector, and other appropriate sectors. These stated purposes describe the overall intent of the EECBG Program. Entities may develop various initiatives and projects that address one or more of the purposes and each activity an entity undertakes is not required to meet all of the stated purposes. DOE encourages entities to develop many different new and innovative approaches within the framework of the legislation and the guidance to serve these purposes. However, each entity is required to use the funds in a cost-effective manner that is of maximum benefit to the population of that entity and in a manner that will yield continuous benefits over time in terms of energy and emission reductions. The period of performance for these grants will be 36 months. In keeping with the agenda of the Recovery Act, and supporting the goal of immediate investment in the economy, entities are required to obligate/commit all funds within eighteen (18) months from the effective date of the award. In the event funds are not obligated/committed within eighteen (18) months, DOE reserves the right to deobligate the funds and cancel the award. PROGRAM PRINCIPLES DOE has developed the following core principles to guide entities during the program and project planning process: • Prioritize energy efficiency and conservation first as the cheapest, cleanest, and fastest ways to meet energy demand. • To maximize benefits over the longest possible terms, entities should look for ways to link their energy efficiency efforts to long-term priorities (especially community economic development, community stabilization and poverty reduction efforts). • Invest funds in programs and projects that create and/or retain jobs and stimulate the economy while meeting long term energy goals. 6• Target programs and projects that will provide substantial, sustainable and measurable energy savings, job creation and economic stimulus effects. • Give priority to programs and projects that leverage federal funds with other public and private resources, including coordinated efforts involving other Federal programs targeting community development funded through the Recovery Act such as the Community Development Block Grant program, HOME, and job training programs. • To the extent possible, develop programs and strategies that will continue beyond the funding period. • Ensure oversight, transparency, and accountability for all program activities. • Enact policies that transform markets, increase investments, and support program goals. • Develop comprehensive plans that benchmark current performance and set aggressive goals. PROGRAM OUTCOMES The EECBG Program is a crosscutting program. There are many possible outcomes that could result from successfully implementing programs, projects and activities at the state and local level. These desired outcomes help clarify the broad purposes stated in the legislation and can assist implementation, including overall development and administration of state and local programs. They can be used to help evaluate potential programs and projects, as well as understand the factors that affect the success of different activities, programs and projects. Desired outcomes of the EECBG Program include: • Increased energy efficiency, reduced energy consumption and reduced energy costs through efficiency improvements in the building, transportation and other appropriate sectors; • New jobs and increased productivity to spur economic growth and community development; • Accelerated deployment of market-ready distributed renewable energy technologies, including wind, solar, geothermal, hydropower, biomass and hydrogen technologies; • Improved air quality and related environmental and health indicators associated with the reduction of fossil fuel emissions; • Improved coordination of energy-related policies and programs across jurisdictional levels of governance and with other local and community level programs in order to maximize the impact of this program on long-term local priorities; • Increased security, resilience, and reliability of energy generation and transmission infrastructure; • Leveraging of the resources of federal, state and local governments, utilities and utility regulators, private sector and non-profit organizations to maximize the resulting energy, economic and environmental benefits; and • Widespread use of innovative financial mechanisms that transform markets. ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES A list of eligible activities for use of program funds is contained in Sec. 544 of EISA. Additional activities may be eligible pending approval by the DOE. The activities below are therefore not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide to the intent of the program. DOE encourages each entity to develop a strategy, including its component activities, that is likely to result in maximum energy efficiency improvements, fossil-fuel emission reductions, economic benefits and total energy use reduction. 1. Development of an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy: Entities may use a grant received under this part to develop and/or implement a strategy for energy efficiency and conservation and to carry out activities to achieve the purposes of the program. All entities receiving direct formula grants from the DOE are required to submit a proposed strategy for 118
7approval. 2. Technical Consultant Services: Entities may retain technical consultant services to assist the eligible entity in the development of such a strategy, including formulation of energy efficiency, energy conservation, and energy usage goals; identification of strategies to achieve those goals through efforts to increase energy efficiency, reduce fossil fuel emissions or reduce energy consumption through investments or by encouraging behavioral changes. Entities may develop methods to measure progress in achieving the goals. Entities may develop and publish annual reports to the population served by the eligible entity describing the strategies and goals and the progress made in achieving them during the preceding calendar year. 3. Residential and Commercial Building Energy Audits: Entities may support the conduct of residential and commercial building energy audits. 4. Financial Incentive Programs: Entities may establish financial incentive programs and mechanisms for energy efficiency improvements such as energy saving performance contracting, on-bill financing, and revolving loan funds. 5. Energy Efficiency Retrofits: Grants may be made to nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies for the purpose of retrofitting existing facilities to improve energy efficiency. 6. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Programs for Buildings and Facilities: Entities may develop and implement energy efficiency and conservation programs for buildings and facilities within the jurisdiction of the entity. The range of activities includes the design and operation of the programs; the identification of the most effective methods for achieving maximum participation and efficiency rates; public education; measurement and verification protocols; and identification of energy efficient technologies. 7. Development and Implementation of Transportation Programs: Entities may develop and implement programs to conserve energy used in transportation, including but not limited to: • Employee flex time programs; • Promoting use of satellite work centers; • Development and promotion of zoning guidelines or requirements that promote energy efficient development; • Development of infrastructure such as bike lanes and pathways and pedestrian walkways; • Synchronization of traffic signals; • State/locals/regional integrated planning activities (i.e. transportation, housing, environmental, energy, land use) with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled; • Incentive programs to reduce commutes by single occupancy vehicles; • Improvements in operational and system efficiency of the transportation system such as implementation of intelligent transportation system (ITS) strategies; • Idle-reduction technologies and/or facilities to conserve energy, reduce harmful air pollutants, and greenhouse gas emissions from freight movement; and • Installation of solar panels on interstate rights-of-way to conserve energy in highway operations and maintenance activities. 8. Building Codes and Inspections: Entities may develop and implement building codes and inspection services to promote building energy efficiency. 9. Energy Distribution: Entities may implement distributed energy resource technologies that 8significantly increase energy efficiency, including: • District heating and cooling systems • Combined heat and power systems • Cogeneration systems • Energy Storage systems • Absorption chillers • Desiccant humidifiers • Micro turbines • Ground source heat pumps 10. Material Conservation Programs: Entities may implement activities to increase participation and efficiency rates for material conservation programs, including source reduction, recycling, and recycled content procurement programs that lead to increases in energy efficiency. 11. Reduction and Capture of Methane and Greenhouse Gases: Entities may use grant funds to purchase and implement technologies to reduce, capture, and, to the maximum extent practicable, use methane and other greenhouse gases generated by landfills or similar waste-related sources, such as wastewater treatment plants, operations producing food waste, dairy farms and other animal operations. 12. Traffic Signals and Street Lighting: Entities may use grant funds to replace traffic signals and street lighting with energy efficient lighting technologies, including light emitting diodes; and any other technology of equal or greater energy efficiency. 13. Renewable Energy Technologies on Government Buildings: Entities may use grant funds to develop, implement, and install on or in any government building of the eligible entity onsite renewable energy technology that generates electricity from renewable resources, including solar energy; wind energy; fuel cells; and biomass. 14. Any Other Appropriate Activity: Entities may submit any other appropriate activity for approval in the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy. METRICS The results of the funding provided for the EECBG Program through the Recovery Act will be assessed according to the performance metrics contained in Attachment C Reporting Requirements. STATES AND TERRITORIES: REVISION OF THE STATE ENERGY CONSERVATION PLAN Each state shall modify the state energy conservation plan of the state under 42 U.S.C. 6322 to establish additional goals for increased energy efficiency and conservation in the state. This requirement will be accomplished when the State applicant submits their annual State Energy Program plan for 2009. More details will be set forth in the upcoming Program Year 2009 State Energy Program Funding Opportunity Announcement. STATES AND TERRITORIES: ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION STRATEGY States and territories shall submit an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (EECS) with their application. The EECS shall address the following: 1) the process for providing subgrants to units of local government that are not eligible for population formula-based grants; and 2) include a strategy of the state for the use of funds received under the program to assist the state in achieving the goals established in EISA, in accordance with Subtitle E, Sec. 545(c)(2)(B). The format for the EECS is 119
9contained in Attachment E. Approval By the Secretary: The Secretary has a maximum of 120 days after receiving a proposed strategy to approve or disapprove it. If the Secretary disapproves a proposed strategy the Secretary shall provide to the state the reasons for the disapproval; and the state may revise and resubmit the proposed strategy as many times as necessary until the Secretary approves a proposed strategy. STATES AND TERRITORIES: DISTRIBUTION OF SUBGRANTS Each state that receives a grant under the program shall use not less than 60 percent of the amount received to provide subgrants to units of local government in the state that are not eligible for direct formula grants. The state shall provide the subgrants not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary approves the proposed energy efficiency and conservation strategy. States are required to develop a sub-granting process that expeditiously allocates funding, prevents fraudulent spending, generates robust reporting, and promotes the EECBG Program principles stated above. Washington, D.C. is explicitly defined as a state according to Section 541(6)(B) of EISA (42 U.S.C. 17151(6)(B)). Because the District of Columbia is a consolidated city-state government, it is not subject to the requirement applicable to states that not less than 60% of state funding must be subgranted to local units of government. Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands have no ineligible entities; these entities are exempt from having to provide subgrants. ELIGIBLE UNITS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND INDIAN TRIBES: PROPOSED STRATEGY Units of local government and Indian tribes must submit to the DOE a proposed Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (EECS). This can be done through one of two methods: a) submit the EECS with the application utilizing the suggested format contained in Attachment D to this announcement; or b) prepare the EECS as Activity Area 1 under Attachment B1 and submit it not later than 120 days after the effective date of the award. If the latter option is chosen, the EECS shall be a comprehensive strategy that covers, at a minimum, all items detailed in Attachment D. Approval by the Secretary: The Secretary has a maximum of 120 days after receiving a proposed strategy to approve or disapprove it. If the Secretary disapproves a proposed strategy, the Secretary shall provide to the grantee the reasons for the disapproval; and the grantee may revise and resubmit the proposed strategy as many times as necessary until the Secretary approves a proposed strategy. EECBG FUNDING Funding allocations for the formula-based grants are included as Attachment A to this announcement. The statute established a number of parameters with regard to the funds made available for the EECBG program. Funds are apportioned under a series of formulas specified by EISA and formulas as determined by DOE. All funds must be obligated/committed within 18 months of the effective date of the award and expended within 36 months of the effective date of the award. • Set-Aside for Training and Technical Assistance Expenses: Prior to distributing funding to grantees, DOE may deduct funds for administrative expenses to administer the EECBG Program. 10STAGED DISBURSEMENT FOR EECBG AWARDS Obligation of funds under the EECBG awards will vary based on the following: (1) the award amount, and (2) acceptance of an approved Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (EECS). The EECBG staged disbursements are as follows: • Awards up to $250,000 – 100% of allocation will be obligated at time of award. No EECS is required prior to award, but the EECS must be submitted within 120 days. • Awards above $250,000 but less than $2M – applicants may receive up to $250,000 for development of the EECS and approved activities. If not submitted with the application, the EECS is required within 120 days of the effective date of the award. The balance of the allocation will be obligated upon DOE approval of the recipient’s EECS. • Awards above $2M – applicants may receive up to $250,000 at award for development of an EECS and approved activities, or 50% of the total allocation if an acceptable EECS has been submitted with the application and has been approved by DOE. The balance of funding will be obligated after one or more progress reviews in which the recipient must demonstrate that it has obligated funds appropriately, complied with reporting requirements and created jobs. Project performance will be monitored and corrective action taken, as necessary, to ensure acceptable performance for all awards. QUESTIONS Specific questions relating to the application and award process should be directed to EECBG@netl.doe.gov. For general questions regarding the EECBG Program, please contact the EERE’S Information Center at http:///www1.eere.energy.gov/informationcenter/ or call toll-free at 1-877-EERE-INFO (1-877-337-3463) between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. EST, Monday-Friday. 120
11 PART II – AWARD INFORMATION A. TYPE OF AWARD INSTRUMENT • DOE anticipates awarding grants under this announcement. B. ESTIMATED FUNDING • The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 appropriated funds for the EECBG Program. The amounts available for grants are as follows: • $1,880,310,000 for formula grants to eligible cities and counties • $767,480,000 for formula grants to states • $54,836,200 for formula grants to eligible Indian tribes The EECBG funding allocations are included as Attachment A to this announcement. Each state is required to pass not less than 60 percent of its allocation through to cities and counties within the state that are ineligible for direct formula grants from the DOE. C. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE • DOE anticipates making awards with a thirty-six (36) month period of performance. Applicants must ensure that all funds are obligated for authorized activities within eighteen (18) months. D. TYPE OF APPLICATION • DOE will only accept new applications under this announcement. E. METHOD OF PAYMENT • Payment under the resulting awards will be made as advance through the Department of Treasury’s Automated Standard Application for Payment (ASAP) System http://www.fms.treas.gov/asap/index.html. 12 PART III - ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS In accordance with Section 541 of EISA, only the following entities may apply for financial assistance under the EECBG Program: States, U.S. Territories, Indian tribes, and units of local governments (cities and counties and their equivalents). The DOE uses the most recent and accurate population data from the U.S. Census to determine eligibility. Specific definitions for eligibility are as follows: STATES AND TERRITORIES For the purposes of the EECBG Program, an “eligible state” includes the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and the following Territories of the United States: Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. LOCAL GOVERNMENTS A local government is eligible for funds if the following conditions are met: 1. The government is included in the latest available Census of Governments as a currently incorporated government; 2. The government has a governance structure with an elected official and governing body; 3. The government has the authority to implement the eligible activities under this program; and 4. The government meets the population thresholds in EISA as further defined in the Federal Register. CITIES For the purposes of the EECBG Program, “city” includes a city-equivalent unit of local government as defined by the US Census of Governments. For example, a city-equivalent unit of local government such as a town, village or other municipality shall be considered eligible if it meets the required population thresholds. Consolidated city-county governments will be considered as cities. Cities that are eligible for direct formula grants from the DOE are those that have a population of at least 35,000, or that are one of the 10 highest populated cities of the state in which the city is located. In states that have incorporated eligible municipalities (villages) within the boundaries of other incorporated eligible municipalities (towns), the village population will be subtracted from the town’s population. Cities that do not meet the eligibility requirements described above for direct formula grants from DOE may be eligible for program funds through subgrants through the state in which they are located. COUNTIES For the purposes of the EECBG Program, “county” includes county-equivalent units of local government as defined by the US Census of Governments. Counties are eligible for direct formula grants from the DOE if the county population is at least 200,000 or if the county is one of the 10 highest populated counties of the state in which it is located. County populations calculated for eligibility for direct formula grants from the DOE do not include the 121
13populations of any and all cities within them that are eligible for direct formula grants from the DOE. Counties that do not meet the eligibility requirements described above for direct formula grants from the DOE may be eligible for program funds through subgrants through the state in which they are located. A group of eligible units of local governments may choose to submit a single application provided that the application is submitted by a single eligible unit of local government representing the group. The required assurances from the duly authorized official or highest elected official representing each of the units of local government must be provided. INDIAN TRIBES As defined by section 541(4) of Title V, Subtitle E of EISA, “‘Indian tribe’ has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.” The Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act states that, “‘Indian tribe’ means any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688), which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians” (25 U.S.C. 450b). The Tribal Allocation for the EECBG Program will be distributed among the 562 federally recognized Indian tribes, listed in Indian Entities Recognized and Eligible to Receive Services from the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs published by Department of Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs in the Federal Register on April 4, 2008, 73 FR 18553; and the 12 Alaska Native regional corporations established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (33 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.). All Indian tribes as defined above are eligible for direct formula grants from DOE. A group of eligible Indian tribes may choose to submit a single application provided that the application is submitted by a single Indian tribe representing the group. The Tribal Council Resolution from each participating Tribe must be included with the application (see Part IV.C.3. for more information). Additionally, an organization (e.g., organizational unit, department, or sub-division of the Tribe), may submit an application on behalf of an eligible Tribe or group of eligible Tribes provided a Tribal Council Resolution is submitted from the Tribe(s) that authorizes the organization to apply for, receive funds, and administer the grant on behalf of the Tribe(s). PLEASE NOTE: Only one application may be submitted by an eligible unit of local government or Indian tribe. If the unit of local government or Indian tribe intends to use Recovery Act funding to support projects performed by different parts of the eligible unit of local government or Indian tribe, the projects must be consolidated into a single application. OFFICIAL LIST OF ELIGIBLE ENTITIES The DOE official list of entities eligible for direct formula grants under EECBG Program is contained as Attachment A to this announcement. The updated list is dated 4/15/09. This revision did not change the allocation amounts, it only clarified entity names B. COST SHARING • Cost sharing is not required. However, leveraging of funds by grantees is encouraged in order to maximize the total additional energy-related benefits resulting from the program. 14PART IV – APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION A. ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE • Application forms and instructions are available at Grants.gov. To access these materials, go to http://www.grants.gov, select “Apply for Grants,” and then select “Download Application Package.” Enter the CFDA number of the funding opportunity number located on the cover of this announcement and then follow the prompts to save the application package. Once you have SAVED the application package and completed all the required documentation, you will submit your application via the Fedconnect portal. See Section C. below for specific instructions as to the naming of your application package. DO NOT use the Save & Submit selection in Grants.gov. B. LETTER OF INTENT AND PRE-APPLICATION 1. Letter of Intent. • Letters of Intent are not required. However, if you are an eligible entity in accordance with Section 541, Subtitle E of EISA of 2007 and DO NOT intend to apply for these funds, please submit the following message to EECBG@netl.doe.gov: Subject: DE-FOA-0000013 - No intention of applying for funding The following entity: [State / City, State / County, State / Indian Tribe / State] will not be applying for their formula-based funding available under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. Please include the signature, name and contact information of the authorized individual responsible for this decision. 2. Pre-application • Pre-applications are not required. C. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION – SF 424 You must complete the mandatory forms and any applicable optional forms (e.g., SF-LLL- Disclosure of Lobbying Activities) in accordance with the instructions on the forms and the additional instructions below. Files that are attached to the forms must be in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) unless otherwise specified in this announcement. IMPORTANT: Your complete application package must be saved with a unique identification code (UIC). The UIC varies for each type of applicant and will be used by the DOE to help distinguish and organize the applications received under this announcement. As noted below, the UIC will also be used in the naming of certain files. The format for the UIC is as follow: For State applicants, the UIC consists of the following: 1 (State code) For units of local government, the UIC consists of the following: 1 (State code) – 2 (Type of Local Government) – 3 (Name of Local Government) For Indian Tribes, the UIC consists of the following: 1 (State code) – 2 (Tribal Name) 122
15 The “State code” is the two-letter state identifier. The “type of local government” should be identified as “City” for City governments, “County” for County governments, and “Other” for other types of local governments such as boroughs, townships, and villages. Examples of the various filename formats are shown below: State applicant: FL-SF424.pdf Unit of local government: OH-CITY-COLUMBUS.pdf Indian Tribe: AZ-NAVAJO NATION.pdf 1. SF 424 - Application for Federal Assistance Complete this form first to populate data in other forms. Complete all required fields in accordance with the instructions on the form. The list of certifications and assurances referenced in Field 21 can be found on the DOE Financial Assistance Forms Page at http://management.energy.gov/business_doe/business_forms.htm under Certifications and Assurances. PLEASE NOTE: by signing the SF 424, Applicants are providing their written assurance that they will comply with ALL requirements set forth in the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. 2. Project/Performance Site Location(s) Indicate the primary site where the work will be performed. If a portion of the project will be performed at any other site(s), identify the site location(s) in the blocks provided. Note that the Project/Performance Site Congressional District is entered in the format of the 2 digit state code followed by a dash and a 3 digit Congressional district code, for example VA-001. Hover over this field for additional instructions. Use the Next Site button to expand the form to add additional Project/Performance Site Locations. 3. Other Attachments Form Submit the following files with your application and attach them to the Other Attachments Form. Click on “Add Mandatory Other Attachment” to attach the Project Activity File. Click on “Add Optional Other Attachment,” to attach the other files. • Project Activity File - Mandatory Other Attachment The format for the Project Activity File is contained in Attachment B1. The project activity file must contain a brief description of each activity the Applicant will undertake with the allocated funding. Applicants may propose more than one activity and must submit one activity worksheet for each project proposed. For each activity, Applicants should identify the market sectors being served, the anticipated number of jobs to be created, the anticipated number of jobs retained, the anticipated amount of energy saved and/or renewable energy generated, the anticipated reduction in emissions, and anticipated funds to be leveraged. Applicants should also identify the overall cost of the proposed project. The budgets for all activity sheets should sum to the total allocation for the applicant. Save the information in a single file named “UIC-Project Activity.pdf,” and click 16on “Add Mandatory Other Attachment” to attach. ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS: State applicants may not use more than 10 percent of amounts provided under the program for administrative expenses (EISA Sec 545 (c)(4). Units of local government and Indian tribes may not use more than 10 percent or $75,000, whichever is greater (EISA Sec 545 (b)(3)(A). These costs should be captured and summarized for each activity under the Projected Costs Within Budget: Administration. REVOLVING LOAN FUNDS: Units of local government and Indian tribes may not use more than 20 percent or $250,000, whichever is greater, for the establishment of revolving loan funds (EISA Sec 545 (b)(3)(B)). These costs should be captured and summarized for each activity under the Projected Costs Within Budget: Revolving Loans. SUBGRANTS: State applicants may not use less than 60 percent of their allocation to provide subgrants to units of local government in the State that are not eligible for direct grants (EISA Sec 545 (c)(1)(A). Units of local government and Indian tribes may not use more than 20 percent or $250,000, whichever is greater, for the provision of subgrants to non-governmental organizations for the purpose of assisting in the implementation of the energy efficiency and conservation strategy of the applicant (EISA Sect 545 (b)(3)(C)). These costs should be captured and summarized for each activity under the Projected Costs Within Budget: Subgrants. • SF 424 A Excel, Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs File You must provide a budget for the total project period/total allocation amount. Use the SF 424 A Excel, “Budget Information – Non Construction Programs” form on the DOE Financial Assistance Forms Page at http://management.energy.gov/business_doe/business_forms.htm. You may request funds under any of the Object Class Categories as long as the item and amount are necessary to perform the proposed work, meet all the criteria for allowability under the applicable Federal cost principles, and are not prohibited by the funding restrictions in this announcement (See PART IV, G). Save the information in a single file named “UIC-SF424A.xls,” and click on “Add Optional Other Attachment” to attach. • Budget Justification File – For Awards Less than $250,000 For applications seeking $250,000 or less, DOE intends to issue fixed obligation grants when the Applicant provides sufficient budgetary documentation for DOE to ascertain that actual project costs would be at least the amount sought in the application. Such documentation may include: • Competitive bids or quotes for equipment, materials and/or services. • Catalogue pricing for equipment and/or materials. • Published labor rates for services on a labor hour or time and materials basis. • Audited labor rates for work performed on a cost-reimbursable basis. Please note: In the event a fixed obligation grant is awarded, Recipients must certify in writing to the contracting officer at the end of the project that the activity was completed or the level of effort was expended, however should the activity or effort not be carried out, the recipient would be expected to make appropriate reimbursements. 123
17For Awards Greater than $250,000 You must justify the costs proposed in each Object Class Category/Cost Classification category (e.g., identify key persons and personnel categories and the estimated costs for each person or category; provide a list of equipment and cost of each item; identify proposed subaward/consultant work and cost of each subaward/consultant; describe purpose of proposed travel, number of travelers, and number of travel days; list general categories of supplies and amount for each category; and provide any other information you wish to support your budget). Provide the name of your cognizant/oversight agency, if you have one, and the name and phone number of the individual responsible for negotiating your indirect rates. Save the budget justification information in a single file named “UIC-Budget.pdf,” and click on “Add Optional Other Attachment” to attach. ARRA 2009 Additional Budget Justification Information Proposals shall provide written assurance that all laborers and mechanics on projects funded directly by or assisted in whole or in part by and through funding appropriated by the Act are paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on projects of a character similar in the locality as determined by subchapter IV of Chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code (Davis-Bacon Act). For guidance on how to comply with this provision, see http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/contracts/dbra.htm. • Subaward Budget File(s) – Required for Awards Greater than $250,000 You must provide a separate budget as well as budget justification for each subaward that has an estimated cost greater than 25% of the total allocation or $1,000,000, whichever is less. Save each Subaward budget in a separate file. Use up to 10 letters of the subawardee’s name (plus .xls) as the file name (e.g., ucla.xls or energyres.xls), and click on “Add Optional Other Attachment” to attach. • Financial Management Assessment The format for the Financial Management Assessment is contained in Attachment B2. In order to evaluate the viability of the Applicant’s financial management system, the Financial Management Assessment should be completed, signed and certified by the Applicant’s Financial Officer. This form should be saved in a file named “UIC-Financial Assessment.pdf” and click on “Add Optional Other Attachment” to attach. • EECS Strategy Format - For units of local government and Indian tribes only The format for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy to be used by units of local government and Indian tribes is contained in Attachment D. As detailed in Part I of this announcement, all applicants must submit an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (EECS). Units of local government and Indian tribes have the option of submitting the EECS with the application or not later than 120 days after the effective date of the award. Units of local government and Indian tribes who choose to submit the EECS at the time of application shall use the format contained in Attachment D. This form should be saved in a file named “UIC-Strategy.pdf” and click on “Add Optional Other Attachment” to attach. Units of local government and Indian tribes that do not intend to submit an EECS with their application need to submit an EECBG Activity Worksheet (Attachment B1) to reflect an activity under Area 1 (Development of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy). When the EECS is provided after award (as Attachment D), a complete portfolio of all proposed activities to be executed under the grant shall also be provided, as well as all related budget information, including the budget justification, and related NEPA 18forms (if applicable). Once these documents are received, the EECS, the activities and all related forms shall be reviewed by DOE and a subsequent Amendment to the grant shall be executed. • EECS Strategy - For States only The format for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy for use by States is contained in Attachment E. State applicants must submit the EECS at the time of applications. The EECS should address the following: 1) the process for providing subgrants to units of local government that are not eligible for population formula-based grants; and 2) include a strategy for the use of funds received under the program to assist the state in achieving the goals established in EISA, in accordance with Subtitle E, Sec. 545(c)(2)(B). The EECS should be saved in a file named “UIC-Strategy.pdf” and click on “Add Optional Other Attachment” to attach. • Assurances REQUIREMENT FOR UNITS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT: All units of local government, such as cities, towns, municipalities, counties or other, must designate the proper authority to apply for and receive funding based on Title V, Subtitle E, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants, Sections 541(3)(A) or 541(3)(B) of EISA 2007, Public Law 110-140. The duly authorized official or highest elected official within the unit of local government, in consultation with the energy or sustainability department of that entity, if one exists, must certify the name and contact information for the part of the eligible government that is authorized to receive funds and implement the EECBG Program. REQUIREMENT FOR TRIBAL APPLICANTS: A Tribal Council Resolution, or other evidence of the applicant’s authority to submit the application on behalf of the Tribe, must be submitted as part of the application. The Tribal Council Resolution or other evidence must verify that the entity submitting the application has or has been given the authority to submit on behalf of the Tribe. If an eligible Tribe is submitting the application on behalf of a team of eligible Tribes, a Tribal Council Resolution or other evidence from each of the entities must be submitted, as stated above. If an organization (e.g., organizational unit, department, or sub-division of the Tribe), is submitting an application on behalf of an eligible Tribe or group of eligible Tribes, the application should clearly identify the list of Tribes that have authorized the proposing organization to submit an application on their behalf. Save each certification in a separate file named “UIC-Assurances.pdf” and click on “Add Optional Other Attachment” to attach. 3. SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities If applicable, complete SF- LLL. Applicability: If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the grant/cooperative agreement, you must complete and submit Standard Form - LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying.” 4. NEPA All projects receiving financial assistance from DOE must be reviewed under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 – 42 U.S.C. Section 4321 et seq. Based on DOE’s review of the list of activities that funds can be utilized for under the EECBG Program, DOE has determined that projects in support of activities 1-3, 6, 7A, 7B, 7C, 7E, 7F, 8-124
1910, and 12 (shown in the table in regular text) will likely be classified as categorical exclusions. Therefore, Applicants proposing projects in support of activities 1-3, 6, 7A, 7B, 7C, 7E, 7F, 8-10, and 12 are not required to submit any NEPA documentation at this time. However, DOE reserves the right to request NEPA documentation if during the review process it is determined necessary. Applicants proposing projects in support of activities 4, 5, 7D, 11, 13, and 14 (shown in the table below in bold text) may also qualify for categorical exclusion status. However, this determination cannot be made without NEPA review. Therefore, all Applicants proposing projects in support of activities 4, 5, 7D, 11, 13, and 14 must supply the environmental information contained in NETL F 451.1-1/3-EECBG contained in Attachment B3. This form should be saved in a file named “UIC-NEPA.pdf” and click on “Add Optional Other Attachment” to attach. Applicants must know that by proposing projects in support of activities 4, 5, 7D, 11, 13, or 14, the NEPA process could delay the award process; applicants may be restricted to use of funds for planning purposes only until the NEPA process is complete. All project activites permitted under the EECBG Program and the corresponding required NEPA actions are reflected in the table below: Table of NEPA Requirements by EECBG Project Activities ACTIVITY NUMBER ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION NEPA ACTION REQUIRED AT THIS TIME 1. development and implementation of an energy efficiency and conservation strategy under section 545(b); No further action needed at this time 2. retaining technical consultant services to assist the eligible entity in the development of such a strategy, including— A. formulation of energy efficiency, energy conservation, and energy usage goals; B. identification of strategies to achieve those goals— (i) through efforts to increase energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption; and (ii) by encouraging behavioral changes among the population served by the eligible entity; C. development of methods to measure progress in achieving the goals; D. development and publication of annual reports to the population served by the eligible entity describing— (i) the strategies and goals; and (ii) the progress made in achieving the strategies and goals during the preceding calendar year; and E. other services to assist in the implementation of the energy efficiency and conservation strategy; No further action needed at this time 203. residential and commercial building energy audits; No further action needed at this time 4. establishment of financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements; Complete NETL F 451.1-1/3-EECBG and submit with application 5. the provision of grants to nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies for the purpose of performing energy efficiency retrofits; Complete NETL F 451.1-1/3-EECBG and submit with application 6. development and implementation of energy efficiency and conservation programs for buildings and facilities within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity, including— A. design and operation of the programs; B. identifying the most effective methods for achieving maximum participation and efficiency rates; C. public education; D. measurement and verification protocols; and E. identification of energy efficient technologies; No further action needed at this time 7. development and implementation of programs to conserve energy used in transportation, including— A. use of flex time by employers; B. satellite work centers; C. development and promotion of zoning guidelines or requirements that promote energy efficient development; No further action needed at this time D. development of non-highway transportation infrastructure, such as bike lanes and pathways and pedestrian walkways; Complete NETL F 451.1-1/3-EECBG and submit with application E. synchronization of traffic signals; and F. other measures that increase energy efficiency and decrease energy consumption; No further action needed at this time 8. development and implementation of building codes and inspection services to promote building energy efficiency; No further action needed at this time 9. application and implementation of energy distribution technologies that significantly increase energy efficiency, including— A. distributed resources; and B. district heating and cooling systems; No further action needed at this time 10. activities to increase participation and efficiency rates for material conservation programs, including source reduction, recycling, and recycled content procurement programs that lead increases in energy efficiency; No further action needed at this time 11. the purchase and implementation of technologies to reduce, capture, and, to the maximum extent practicable, use methane Complete NETL F 451.1-1/3-EECBG and submit with 125
21and other greenhouse gases generated by landfills or similar sources; application 12. replacement of traffic signals and street lighting with energy efficient lighting technologies, including— A. light emitting diodes; and B. any other technology of equal or greater energy efficiency; No further action needed at this time 13. development, implementation, and installation on or in any government building of the eligible entity of onsite renewable energy technology that generates electricity from renewable resources, including— A. solar energy; B. wind energy; C. fuel cells; and D. biomass; and Complete NETL F 451.1-1/3-EECBG and submit with application 14. any other appropriate activity, as determined by the Secretary, in consultation with— A. the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; B. the Secretary of Transportation; and C. the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Complete NETL F 451.1-1/3-EECBG and submit with application Summary of Required Forms/Files As previously noted, the complete application package must be saved with the proper unique identification code (UIC). The UIC varies for each type of applicant and will be used by DOE to help distinguish and organize the applications received under this announcement. Your application must include the following documents. Please note: some of the documents are contained in the application package that Applicants will download from grants.gov. Other documents are to be crated using formats attached to this announcement and others do not have an established format and are to be created in the format of the Applicants choice: Name of Document Location of Document Format File Name Application for Federal Assistance – SF424 In grants.gov forms package Form N/A Project/Performance Site Location(s) In grants.gov forms package Form N/A Other Attachments Form: Attach the following files to this form: Form N/A Project Activity File** Attachment B1 PDF UIC-Project Activity.pdf 22SF 424A File - Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs DOE Financial Assistance Forms Page at http://management.energy.gov/business_doe/business_forms.htm. Excel UIC-SF424A.xls Budget Justification File Created by Applicant PDF UIC-Budget.pdf Subaward Budget File(s) (if applicable) Created by Applicant Excel See Instructions above Financial Management Assessment Attachment B2 PDF UIC-Financial Assessment.pdf EECS Strategy Format (units of local government and Indian Tribes only) Attachment D PDF UIC-Strategy.pdf EECS Strategy (states only) Attachment E PDF UIC-Strategy.pdf Assurances Created by Applicant PDF UIC-Assurances.pdf SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable) In grants.gov forms package Form N/A NEPA Information NETL F 451.1-1/3-EECBG Attachment B3 PDF UIC-NEPA.pdf **Units of local government and Indian tribes who do not intend to submit an EECS with their application need to complete Activity 1 (Development of an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy) under Attachment B1. D. SUBMISSIONS FROM SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS DOE reserves the right to request additional or clarifying information for any reason deemed necessary, including, but not limited to: • Indirect cost information • Other budget information • Name and phone number of the Designated Responsible Employee for complying with national policies prohibiting discrimination (See 10 CFR 1040.5) • Additional NEPA Information • Applicants who will be using grant money for infrastructure investments will be required to provide the following Certification prior to award: “With respect to funds made available to State or local governments for infrastructure investments under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Pub. L. 111-5, the Governor, mayor, or other chief executive, as appropriate, certifies by acceptance of this award that the infrastructure investment has received the full review and vetting required by law and that the chief executive accepts responsibility that the infrastructure investment is an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars. Recipient shall provide an additional certification that includes a description of the investment, the estimated total cost, and the amount of covered funds to be 126
23used for posting on the Internet. A State or local agency may not receive infrastructure investment funding from funds made available by the Act unless this certification is made and posted.” E. SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES Application Due Date For ALL Applicants (States, Units of local government, and Tribal organizations): This announcement will remain open until June 25, 2009 8:00:00 pm Eastern Time. Applications may be submitted at any time before the specified due date and time. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon practicable. F. INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW This program is not subject to Executive Order 12372 (Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs) and the regulations at 10 CFR Part 1005. G. FUNDING RESTRICTIONS Cost Principles Costs must be allowable in accordance with the applicable Federal cost principles referenced in 10 CFR part 600. LIMITATIONS ON THE USE OF FUNDS ALL APPLICANTS In accordance with EISA Sec. 548(b), EECBG funds shall supplement (and not supplant) other Federal funding provided under the State Energy Program or the Weatherization Assistance Program. STATES AND TERRITORIES States must subgrant at least 60 percent of their allocation to units of local government in the State that are not eligible for direct grants. State applicants may expend for payment of reasonable administrative and planning costs not more than 10 percent of amounts provided under the program including the cost of reporting. LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND INDIAN TRIBES Up to 10 percent or $75,000, whichever is greater, of grant funds may be used for administrative expenses, excluding the cost of meeting the reporting requirements of the Program. Administrative costs are the allowable, reasonable, and allocable direct and indirect costs related to overall management of the awarded grant. Up to 20 percent or $250,000, whichever is greater, of the grant funds may be used for the establishment of revolving loan funds. Up to 20 percent or $250,000, whichever is greater, of grant funds may be used for the provision of subgrants to nongovernmental organizations for the purpose of assisting in the implementation of the energy efficiency and conservation strategy of the eligible unit of local government or Indian tribe. 24 H. OTHER SUBMISSION AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS 1. Where to Submit APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH FEDCONNECT TO BE CONSIDERED FOR AWARD. Information regarding how to submit applications via Fed Connect can be found at https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/PublicPages/FedConnect_Ready_Set_Go.pdf Further, it is the responsibility of the applicant, prior to the offer due date and time, to verify successful transmission. 2. Registration Requirements There are several one-time actions you must complete prior to submitting an application through FedConnect (e.g., obtain a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, register with the Central Contract Registry (CCR), and register in FedConnect). Please allow 10 days for completing the registration process. Registration for these systems is not controlled by the Department of Energy. Therefore, questions relating to the registration process and system requirements must be directed to the individual help centers for DUNS, CCR, and FedConnect identified on the respective web sites. DUNS Number If your organization does not have a DUNS number, go to the Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) online registration located at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do to receive a number free of charge or call 1-866-705-5711. CCR Registration The Central Contractor Registration (CCR) collects, validates, stores, and disseminates business information about the Federal Government's trading partners in support of the contract award, grants, and the electronic payment processes. To see if your organization is already registered with CCR, check the CCR website located at http://www.bpn.gov/ccrinq/scripts/search.asp. You will be able to search CCR by using either your organization’s DUNS Number or legal business name. If your organization is already registered, take note of who is listed as the organization’s E-Business Point of Contact (E-Business POC). This person will be responsible for registering in FedConnect. If your organization is not registered in CCR, go to the CCR Website at www.ccr.gov and select the "Start New Registration" option to begin the registration process. Please allow up to 7 days for processing of your registration which includes the IRS validating your Employer Identification Number (Taxpayer Identification Number or Social Security Number). The organization’s E-Business POC will be designated during the CCR registrations process. A special Marketing Partner ID Number (MPIN) is established as a password to verify the E-Business POC. This MPIN is needed for the initial FedConnect Registration. FedConnect Registration 127
25FedConnect is a web portal that bridges the gap between agencies and vendors to streamline the process of doing business with the federal government. Through this portal, you will be able to review opportunities, submit applications and receive awards. To register with FedConnect, go to https://www.fedconnect.net If you are the first person from your company to register, FedConnect will need to create a company account. This is done by the E-Business POC indentified in CCR using the organization’s CCR MPIN. After the initial FedConnect account is created, employees can register themselves without the MPIN. 26 Part V - APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION A. PRELIMINARY REVIEW Applications will initially be reviewed to determine that (1) the applicant is eligible for an award; and (2) the information required by the announcement has been submitted; (3) all mandatory requirements are satisfied; and (4) the proposed project is responsive to the objectives of the funding opportunity announcement. B. REVIEW AND AWARD PROCESS Applications will be reviewed to determine that the activities proposed are in accordance with Section 544 of EISA 2007. Awards will be made in accordance with the final EECBG Formula Allocations. These allocations are contained in Attachment A to this announcement. 128
27 Part VI - AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION A. AWARD NOTICES Notice of Award • An Assistance Agreement issued by the contracting officer is the authorizing award document. It normally includes either as an attachment or by reference: (1) Special Terms and Conditions; (2) Applicable program regulations, if any; (3) Application as approved by DOE/NNSA; (4) DOE assistance regulations at 10 CFR part 600, or if the award is for research and to a university or non-profit, the Research Terms and Conditions; (5) National Policy Assurances To Be Incorporated As Award Terms; (6) Budget Summary; and (7) Federal Assistance Reporting Checklist, which identifies the reporting requirements. B. ADMINISTRATIVE AND NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS 1. Administrative Requirements The administrative requirements for DOE grants and cooperative agreements are contained in 10 CFR part 600 (See: http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov) and, if the award is for research and to a university or non-profit, the Research Terms & Conditions and the DOE Agency Specific Requirements located at http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/rtc/index.jsp Recovery Act 2009 Award Administration Information Special Provisions relating to work funded under American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Pub. L. 111-5 shall apply. Also, the Office of Management and Budget may be promulgating additional provisions or modifying existing provisions. Those additions and modifications will be incorporated into the Special Provisions as they become available. These Special Provisions are located at http://management.energy.gov/business_doe/business_forms.htm 2. Special Terms and Conditions and National Policy Requirements Special Terms and Conditions and National Policy Requirements The DOE Special Terms and Conditions for Use in Most Grants and Cooperative Agreements are located at http://management.energy.gov/business_doe/business_forms.htm. The National Policy Assurances To Be Incorporated As Award Terms are located at DOE http://management.energy.gov/business_doe/business_forms.htm. Intellectual Property Provisions The standard DOE financial assistance intellectual property provisions applicable to the various types of recipients are located at http://www.gc.doe.gov/financial_assistance_awards.htm. C. REPORTING Reporting requirements are identified on the Federal Assistance Reporting Checklist, DOE F 4600.2, located in Attachment C to this Announcement. The requirements include special reporting set forth under the Recovery Act. 28 PART VII - QUESTIONS/AGENCY CONTACTS A. QUESTIONS For general questions regarding the EECBG Program, please contact the EERE Information Center via phone or email at 1-877-EERE-INFO (1-877-337-3463) (Toll-free) or eereic@ee.doe.gov. Specific questions relating to the application and award process should be directed to EECBG@netl.doe.gov. All technical questions must be submitted through FedConnect. By operating in this manner, questions and answers can be viewed by all applicants and the potential for duplication can be avoided. To submit questions through FedConnect, you must first register as a vendor. See the FedConnect publication “Ready, Set, Go!” for complete details on both how to register and how to submit questions. 129
29 PART VIII - OTHER INFORMATION A. MODIFICATIONS Notices of any modifications to this announcement will be posted on FedConnect. You can receive updates through FedConnect’s message center once you register interest for the opportunity. B. GOVERNMENT RIGHT TO REJECT OR NEGOTIATE DOE reserves the right, without qualification, to reject any or all applications received in response to this announcement and to select any application, in whole or in part, as a basis for negotiation and/or award. C. COMMITMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS The Contracting Officer is the only individual who can make awards or commit the Government to the expenditure of public funds. A commitment by other than the Contracting Officer, either explicit or implied, is invalid. 30 APPENDICES/REFERENCE MATERIAL • Attachment A – EECBG Program Allocations 4/15/2009 • Attachment B1 – Project Activity File • Attachment B2 – Financial Management Assessment • Attachment B3 – NETL F 451.1-1/3-EECBG • Attachment C – Reporting Requirements • Attachment D – EECBG Strategy Format (units of local government and Indian tribes) • Attachment E – EECBG Strategy Format (States) 130