80 FR 38432 - Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 128 (July 6, 2015)
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 128 (July 6, 2015)
| Page Range | 38432-38436 | |
| FR Document | 2015-16480 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 128 (Monday, July 6, 2015)] [Notices] [Pages 38432-38436] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-16480] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Business-Cooperative Service Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This Notice announces the solicitation of applications for funds available under the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program (the Program), formerly the Biorefinery Assistance Program, to provide guaranteed loans to fund the development, construction, and Retrofitting of Commercial Scale biorefineries using Eligible Technology and of Biobased Product Manufacturing facilities that use Technologically New Commercial Scale processing and manufacturing equipment to convert Renewable Chemicals and other biobased outputs of biorefineries into end-user products, on a Commercial Scale. DATES: With this Notice, the Agency is announcing two separate application cycles, which are established in accordance with 7 CFR 4279.260(b), with application deadlines of October 1, 2015, and April 1, 2016. The first application cycle begins with publication of this Notice and extends no later than 4:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, October 1, 2015. The second application cycle begins at the close of the first application cycle and extends no later than 4:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, April 1, 2016. Applications received after the close of the second application cycle will be considered in the subsequent application cycle. All applications received prior to October 1, 2015, will be evaluated under 7 CFR part 4279, subpart B, published in the Federal Register on June 24, 2015. ADDRESSES: Applications and forms may be obtained from:USDA, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Energy Division, Attention: Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., STOP 3225, Washington, DC 20250-3225. Agency Web site: http://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/eForms. Follow instructions for obtaining the application and forms. Application materials can also be obtained from the Agency's Web site. http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/biorefinery-assistance-program. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Hubbell, Rural Business- Cooperative Service, Energy Division, Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Mail Stop 3225, Washington, DC 20250-3225. Telephone: 202-690-2516. Email: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Paperwork Reduction Act In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the information collection requirements associated with the Program, as covered in this Notice, have been submitted to the Office of Management Budget (OMB) under OMB Control Number 0570-0065, for OMB approval. Overview Federal Agency Name: Rural Business-Cooperative Service (an Agency of USDA in the Rural Development mission area). Solicitation Opportunity Title: Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program. Announcement Type: Notice of Solicitation of Applications. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: The CFDA number for this Notice is 10.865. Dates: To receive Program funds for the first application cycle, applications must be received in the USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Energy Division no later than 4:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on October 1, 2015, to compete for program funds. To receive Program funds for the second application cycle, applications must be received in the USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Energy Division no later than 4:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on April 1, 2016. Any application received after 4:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on April 1, 2016, will be considered for the subsequent application cycle for the Program. Availability of Notice and Rule: This Notice and the interim rule for the Program are available on the USDA Rural Development Web site at http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/biorefinery-assistance-program and at http://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom. I. Funding Opportunity Description A. Purpose of the Program. The purpose of the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Program is to assist in the development of new and emerging technologies for the development of Advanced Biofuels, Renewable Chemicals, and Biobased Product Manufacturing. This is achieved through guarantees for loans made to fund the development, construction, and Retrofitting of Commercial Scale biorefineries using Eligible Technology and of Biobased Product Manufacturing facilities that use Technologically New Commercial Scale processing and manufacturing equipment and required facilities to convert Renewable Chemicals and other biobased outputs of biorefineries into end-user products on a Commercial Scale. B. Statutory Authority. This Program is authorized under 7 U.S.C. 8103. Regulations are contained in 7 CFR part 4279, subpart C and in 7 CFR part 4287, subpart D. C. Definition of Terms. The definitions applicable to this Notice are published at 7 CFR 4279.202 and 7 CFR 4287.302. D. Application Awards. The Agency will review, evaluate, score, and award applications received in response to this Notice based on the provisions found in 7 CFR part 4279, subpart C and as indicated in this Notice. II. Award Information A. Available Funds. This Notice is a solicitation for applications that will be [[Page 38433]] funded using budget authority provided by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill) and available under current law. Of the funds available, the 2014 Farm Bill provided for up to 15 percent of the mandatory funds for fiscal years 2014 and 2015 to promote Biobased Product Manufacturing. B. Type of Award. Guaranteed loan. D. Guarantee Loan Funding. The provisions of 7 CFR 4279.232 apply to this Notice. The Borrower needs to provide the remaining funds from other non-Federal sources to complete the Project. E. Guarantee and Annual Renewal Fees. The guarantee and Annual Renewal Fees specified in 7 CFR 4279.231 are applicable to this Notice. F. Anticipated Award Date. The award date will vary based on timing of completion of each Project's individual application process. III. Eligibility Information A. Eligible Lenders. To be eligible for this Program, Lenders must meet the eligibility requirements in 7 CFR 4279.208. B. Eligible Borrowers. To be eligible for this Program, Borrowers must meet the eligibility requirements in 7 CFR 4279.209. C. Eligible Projects. To be eligible for this Program, Projects must meet the eligibility requirements in 7 CFR 4279.210. D. Application Completeness. Incomplete Phase 1 applications will be rejected and the Project will be given no further consideration. Lenders will be informed of the elements that made the application incomplete. If the Lender makes the required edits and resubmits the application to the USDA's Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Energy Division by 4:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, on the closing date, the Agency will reconsider the application. IV. Application Submission Information A. Letter of Intent. For each guarantee request, the Lender or the Borrower must submit to the Agency a non-binding letter of intent to apply for a loan guarantee not less than 30 calendar days prior to the application deadline. The letter must conform to 7 CFR 4279.260. The purpose of the letter of intent is to notify the Agency approximately how many applications will need to be reviewed, so that Agency resources can be organized to adequately and expeditiously review all applications. The Agency reserves the right to request additional information from potential applicants. Applications that do not submit a letter of intent within 30 days of the application deadline will not be accepted by the Agency in that particular application cycle. B. Applications. For each guarantee request, the Lender must submit to the Agency an application in conformance with 7 CFR 4279.261. Phase 1 applications will provide information to determine Lender, Borrower, and Project eligibility; preliminary economic and technical feasibility; and the priority score of the application. Based on the priority score ranking, the Agency will invite applicants whose Phase 1 applications receive higher priority scores to submit Phase 2 applications. Phase 2 application materials will be submitted as the Project planning and engineering is finalized and will include information such as: An environmental report, technical report, financial model, and the Lender's credit evaluation. The information required in both phases of the application process is detailed in the Agency's Application Guide. C. Content and Form of Submission. All applicants must submit one paper copy of the application materials and an electronic copy containing the same information that is included in the paper copy. Detailed instructions regarding application submission are explained in the Application Guide that the Agency has developed. The Application Guide is available online at http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/biorefinery-assistance-program or by contacting Todd Hubbell, Telephone: 202-690-2516. Email: [email protected]. D. Application Submittal. Application materials must be submitted to USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Energy Division, Attention: Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., STOP 3225, Washington, DC 20250-3225. V. Biobased Product Manufacturing This Notice also announces the solicitation of applications for funds available under the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program to specifically fund Biobased Product Manufacturing. The 2014 Farm Bill added Biobased Product Manufacturing to the Program and provided for up to 15 percent of the mandatory funds for fiscal years 2014 and 2015 to be used to support facilities producing Biobased Products for end use. The 2014 Farm Bill provides the definition of ``Biobased Product Manufacturing,'' which the Agency has incorporated into the subsequent interim rule (see 7 CFR 4279.202). This definition requires that the Biobased Product Manufacturing facility use Renewable Chemicals and/or other biobased outputs of biorefineries as inputs and also requires that the Borrower use Technologically New Commercial Scale processing and manufacturing equipment and required facilities. The facility must produce end-user products. A. Biobased Product Manufacturing Eligibility Information. The eligibility requirements for prospective Lenders and Borrowers are the same as those listed in Sections III.A and III.B of this Notice. For Biobased Product Manufacturing Projects, the Eligible Project requirement is modified to reflect that eligible Projects must use Technologically New Commercial Scale processing and manufacturing equipment and must convert Renewable Chemicals and other biobased outputs of biorefineries into end-user products on a Commercial Scale. B. Biobased Product Manufacturing Application Processing Procedures. The application processing procedures for Biobased Product Manufacturing Projects as the same as identified in Section III.D and Section IV in this Notice. C. Biobased Product Manufacturing Scoring. In lieu of the criteria listed in 7 CFR 4279.266, Biobased Product Manufacturing Projects will be scored using the criteria listed below: (a) Whether the Borrower has established a market for the manufactured Biobased Product, as applicable. A maximum of 16 points can be awarded. Points to be awarded will be determined as follows: (1) Degree of commitment of contracted sales agreements. A maximum of 6 points will be awarded. (i) If the Borrower has signed contracts for purchase for greater than 50 percent of the dollar value of manufactured Biobased Product, 6 points will be awarded. (ii) If the Borrower has signed letters of intent to enter into contracted sales agreements, or comparable documentation, for the purchase for greater than 50 percent of the dollar value of the manufactured Biobased Product, or combination of signed contracts or agreements and letters of intent or comparable documentation, 4 points will be awarded. (iii) If the Borrower has signed letters of interest to enter into contracted sales agreements, or comparable documentation, for the purchase for greater than 50 percent of the dollar value of the manufactured Biobased [[Page 38434]] Product, or combination of signed contracts, letters of intent or comparable documentation, 2 points will be awarded. (2) Duration of contracted sales agreements. A maximum of 6 points will be awarded. (i) If the Borrower commits to enter into contracted sales agreements prior to loan closing for purchase for greater than or equal to 50 percent of the dollar value of manufactured Biobased Product for the period not less than the loan term, 6 points will be awarded. (ii) If the Borrower commits to enter into contracted sales agreements prior to loan closing for purchase for greater than or equal to 50 percent of the dollar value of the manufactured Biobased Product for the period not less than 5 years but less than the term of the loan, 4 points will be awarded. (iii) If the Borrower commits to enter into contracted sales agreements prior to loan closing for purchase for greater than or equal to 50 percent of the dollar value of the manufactured Biobased Product for the period not less than 1 year but less than 5 years, 2 points will be awarded. (3) Financial strength of the contracted sales agreement counterparty. A maximum of 4 points will be awarded. (i) If the Borrower commits to enter into contracted sales agreements prior to loan closing for purchase for greater than or equal to 50 percent of the dollar value of the manufactured Biobased Product with a counterparty with a corporate credit rating not less than AA, Aa2, or equivalent, 4 points will be awarded. (ii) If the Borrower commits to enter into contracted sales agreements prior to loan closing for purchase for greater than or equal to 50 percent of the dollar value of the manufactured Biobased Product with a counterparty with a corporate credit rating less than AA, Aa2, or equivalent, but not less than A-, or A3, or equivalent, 2 points will be awarded. (iii) If the Borrower commits to enter into contracted sales agreements prior to loan closing for purchase for greater than or equal to 50 percent of the dollar value of the manufactured Biobased Product with a counterparty with a corporate credit rating less than A-, or A3, or equivalent, but not less than BBB-, or Baa3, or equivalent, 1 point will be awarded. (b) Whether the area in which the Borrower proposes to place the Project, defined as the area that will supply the Renewable Chemicals and other biobased outputs of biorefineries to the proposed Project, has any other similar facilities. A maximum of 5 points can be awarded. Points to be awarded will be determined as follows: (1) If the area that will supply the Renewable Chemicals and other biobased outputs of biorefineries to the proposed Project does not have any other similar facilities, 5 points will be awarded. (2) If there are other similar facilities located within the area that will supply the Renewable Chemicals and other biobased outputs of biorefineries to the proposed Project, 0 points will be awarded. (c) Whether the Borrower is proposing to use Renewable Chemicals and other biobased outputs of biorefineries not previously used in the Biobased Product Manufacturing. A maximum of 10 points can be awarded. Points to be awarded will be determined as follows: (1) If the Borrower proposes to use Renewable Chemicals and other biobased outputs of biorefineries previously used in the manufacture of a Biobased Product in a commercial facility, 0 points will be awarded. (2) If the Borrower proposes to use Renewable Chemicals and other biobased outputs of biorefineries not previously used in the manufacture of a Biobased Product in a commercial facility, 10 points will be awarded. (d) Whether the Borrower is proposing to work with producer associations or cooperatives. A maximum of 5 points can be awarded. Points to be awarded will be determined as follows: (1) If at least 50 percent of the dollar value of Renewable Chemicals and other biobased outputs of biorefineries to be used by the proposed Project will be supplied by producer associations and cooperatives or biorefineries supplied by producer associations and cooperatives, 5 points will be awarded. (2) If at least 30 percent of the dollar value of Renewable Chemicals and other biobased outputs of biorefineries to be used by the proposed Project will be supplied by producer associations and cooperatives or biorefineries supplied by producer associations and cooperatives, 3 points will be awarded. (e) The level of financial participation by the Borrower, including support from non-Federal Government sources and private sources. A maximum of 20 points can be awarded. Points to be awarded will be determined as follows: (1) If the sum of the loan amount requested and other direct Federal funding is less than or equal to 50 percent of total Eligible Project Costs, 20 points will be awarded. (2) If the sum of the loan amount requested and other direct Federal funding is greater than 50 percent but less than or equal to 55 percent of total Eligible Project Costs, 16 points will be awarded. (3) If the sum of the loan amount requested and other direct Federal funding is greater than 55 percent but less than or equal to 60 percent of total Eligible Project Costs, 12 points will be awarded. (4) If the sum of the loan amount and other direct Federal funding is greater than 60 percent but less than or equal to 65 percent of total Eligible Project Costs, 8 points will be awarded. (5) If the sum of the loan amount and other direct Federal funding is greater than 65 percent but less than or equal to 70 percent of total Eligible Project Costs, 4 points will be awarded. (f) Whether the Borrower has established that the adoption of the manufacturing process proposed in the application will have a positive effect on three impact areas: Resource conservation (e.g., water, soil, forest), public health (e.g., potable water, air quality), and the environment (e.g., compliance with an applicable renewable fuel standard, greenhouse gases, emissions, particulate matter). A maximum of 10 points can be awarded. Based on what the Borrower has provided in either the application or the Feasibility Study, points to be awarded will be determined as follows: (1) If process adoption will have a positive impact on any one of the three impact areas (resource conservation, public health, or the environment), 3 points will be awarded. (2) If process adoption will have a positive impact on two of the three impact areas, 6 points will be awarded. (3) If process adoption will have a positive impact on all three impact areas, 10 points will be awarded. (g) Whether the Borrower can establish that, if adopted, the technology proposed in the application will not have any economically significant negative impacts on existing manufacturing plants or other facilities that use Renewable Chemicals and other biobased outputs of biorefineries. A maximum of 5 points can be awarded. Points to be awarded will be determined as follows: (1) If the Borrower has failed to establish, through an independent third-party Feasibility Study, that the production technology proposed in the application, if adopted, will not have any economically significant negative impacts on existing manufacturing plants or other facilities that use similar Renewable Chemicals and other biobased outputs of biorefineries, 0 points will be awarded. [[Page 38435]] (2) If the Borrower has established, through an independent third- party Feasibility Study, that the production technology proposed in the application, if adopted, will not have any economically significant negative impacts on existing manufacturing plants or other facilities that use Renewable Chemicals and other biobased outputs of biorefineries, 5 points will be awarded. (h) The potential for Rural economic development. A maximum of 10 points will be awarded. Points to be awarded will be determined as follows: (1) If the Project is located in a Rural Area, 5 points will be awarded. (2) If the Project creates jobs through direct employment with an average wage that exceeds the county median household wages where the Project will be located, 5 points will be awarded. (i) The level of local ownership of the facility proposed in the application. For the purposes of this Notice, a Local Owner is defined as ``An individual who owns any portion of an eligible Advanced Biofuel Biorefinery and whose primary residence is located within 50 miles of the Biorefinery.'' A maximum of 5 points can be awarded. Points to be awarded will be determined as follows: (1) If Local Owners have an ownership interest in the facility of more than 20 percent but less than or equal to 50 percent, 3 points will be awarded. (2) If Local Owners have an ownership interest in the facility of more than 50 percent, 5 points will be awarded. (j) Whether the Project can be replicated. A maximum of 10 points can be awarded. Points to be awarded will be determined as follows: (1) If the Project can be commercially replicated regionally (e.g., Northeast, Southwest, etc.), 5 points will be awarded. (2) If the Project can be commercially replicated nationally, 10 points will be awarded. (k) If the Project uses a particular technology, system, or process that is not currently operating at Commercial Scale as of October 1 of the fiscal year for which the funding is available (October 1, 2014 for the first application cycle which deadline is October 5, 2015, and as of October 1, 2015 for the applications submitted for cycles ending October 1, 2015 and April 1, 2016, 5 points will be awarded. (l) The Administrator can award up to a maximum of 10 bonus points: (1) To ensure, to the extent practical, there is diversity in the types of Projects approved for loan guarantees to ensure a wide a range as possible technologies, products, and approaches are assisted in the program portfolio; and (2) To applications that promote partnerships and other activities that assist in the development of new and emerging technologies for the development of Renewable Chemicals and other biobased outputs of biorefineries, so as to, as applicable, promote resource conservation, public health, and the environment; diversify markets for agricultural and forestry products and agriculture waste material; and create jobs and enhance the economic development of the Rural economy. No additional information regarding partnerships is detailed in this Notice. VI. General Program Information A. Loan Origination. Lenders seeking a loan guarantee under this Notice must comply with the all of the provisions found in 7 CFR 4279, subpart C. B. Loan Processing. The Agency will process loans guaranteed under this Notice in accordance with the provisions specified in 7 CFR 4279.260 through 4279.290. C. Evaluation of Applications and Awards. Awards under this Notice will be made on a competitive basis; submission of an application neither reserves funding nor ensures funding. The Agency will evaluate each application received in the USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Energy Division, select Phase 1 applications in accordance with 7 CFR 4279.267 to invite submittal of Phase 2 applications, and will make awards using the provisions specified in 7 CFR 4279.278. D. Guaranteed Loan Servicing. The Agency will service loans guaranteed under this Notice in accordance with the provisions specified in 7 CFR 4287.301 through 4287.399. VII. Administration Information A. Notifications. The Agency will notify, in writing, Lenders whose Phase 1 applications have scored highest and will invite them to submit Phase 2 applications. If the Agency determines it is unable to guarantee any particular loan, the Lender will be informed in writing. Such notification will include the reasons for denial of the guarantee. B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. 1. Review or Appeal Rights. A person may seek a review of an Agency decision or appeal to the National Appeals Division in accordance with 7 CFR 4279.204. 2. Exception Authority. The provisions specified in 7 CFR 4279.203 and 7 CFR 4287.303 apply to this Notice. C. Environmental Review. The Agency has reviewed the types of applicant proposals that may qualify for assistance under this section and has determined, in accordance with 7 CFR part 1940, subpart G, that all proposals shall be reviewed as a Class II Environmental Assessment. Furthermore, if after Agency review of proposals the Agency has determined that the proposal could result in significant environmental impacts on the quality of the human environment, an Environmental Impact Statement may be required pursuant to 7 CFR 1940.313. Environmental Assessments for Projects that score high enough will be submitted during the Phase 2 application process and must be conducted in accordance with 7 CFR part 1940, subpart G. Guidelines for preparing the Environmental Assessment are available by reviewing 7 CFR part 1940, subpart G and by reviewing the Application Guide, available on the Agency's Web site. http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/biorefinery-assistance-program. Applicants are reminded that this program is governed by 7 CFR part 1940, subpart G or successor regulation. VIII. Agency Contacts For general questions about this Notice, please contact Todd Hubbell, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Energy Division, Biorefinery Assistance Program, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Mail Stop 3225, Washington, DC 20250-3225. Telephone: 202-690-2516. Email: [email protected]. Nondiscrimination Statement The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.) If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF), found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call [[Page 38436]] (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at [email protected]. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities and you wish to file either an EEO or program complaint please contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 or (800) 845-6136 (in Spanish). Persons with disabilities, who wish to file a program complaint, please see information above on how to contact us by mail directly or by email. If you require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) please contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). Dated: June 29, 2015. Samuel Rikkers, Acting Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service. [FR Doc. 2015-16480 Filed 7-2-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P
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are seven percent lower than they were cycles, which are established in Catalog of Federal Domestic
for NEERS5 even with the inclusion of accordance with 7 CFR 4279.260(b), Assistance (CFDA) Number: The CFDA
the new reporting elements (EFNEP with application deadlines of October 1, number for this Notice is 10.865.
program plans and budgets). This 2015, and April 1, 2016. Dates: To receive Program funds for
indicates that even though additional The first application cycle begins with the first application cycle, applications
reporting requirements were included in publication of this Notice and extends must be received in the USDA Rural
the updated system, the overall burden no later than 4:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Business-Cooperative Service, Energy
to the users was reduced. Time, October 1, 2015. The second Division no later than 4:30 p.m. Eastern
Comments: Comments are invited on: application cycle begins at the close of Daylight Time on October 1, 2015, to
(a) Whether the proposed collection of the first application cycle and extends compete for program funds. To receive
information is necessary for the proper no later than 4:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Program funds for the second
performance of the functions of the Time, April 1, 2016. Applications application cycle, applications must be
Agency, including whether the received after the close of the second received in the USDA Rural Business-
information will have practical utility; application cycle will be considered in Cooperative Service, Energy Division no
(b) the accuracy of the Agency’s the subsequent application cycle. All later than 4:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight
estimate of the burden of the proposed applications received prior to October 1, Time on April 1, 2016. Any application
collection of information; (c) ways to 2015, will be evaluated under 7 CFR received after 4:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity part 4279, subpart B, published in the Time on April 1, 2016, will be
of the information to be collected; and Federal Register on June 24, 2015. considered for the subsequent
(d) ways to minimize the burden of the ADDRESSES: Applications and forms may application cycle for the Program.
collection of information on those who be obtained from: Availability of Notice and Rule: This
are to respond, including through the • USDA, Rural Business-Cooperative Notice and the interim rule for the
use of appropriate automated, Service, Energy Division, Attention: Program are available on the USDA
electronic, mechanical, or other Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Rural Development Web site at http://
technological collection techniques or Biobased Product Manufacturing www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/
other forms of information technology. Assistance Program, 1400 Independence biorefinery-assistance-program and at
Done in Washington, DC, this 23rd day of Avenue SW., STOP 3225, Washington, http://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom.
June, 2015. DC 20250–3225.
• Agency Web site: http:// I. Funding Opportunity Description
Ann Bartuska,
forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/eForms. Follow A. Purpose of the Program. The
Deputy Under Secretary, Research,
Education, and Economics.
instructions for obtaining the purpose of the Biorefinery, Renewable
application and forms. Application Chemical, and Biobased Product
[FR Doc. 2015–16472 Filed 7–2–15; 8:45 am]
materials can also be obtained from the Manufacturing Program is to assist in
BILLING CODE 3410–22–P
Agency’s Web site. http:// the development of new and emerging
www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/ technologies for the development of
biorefinery-assistance-program. Advanced Biofuels, Renewable
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chemicals, and Biobased Product
Rural Business-Cooperative Service Todd Hubbell, Rural Business- Manufacturing. This is achieved
Cooperative Service, Energy Division, through guarantees for loans made to
Notice of Solicitation of Applications Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and fund the development, construction,
for the Biorefinery, Renewable Biobased Product Manufacturing and Retrofitting of Commercial Scale
Chemical, and Biobased Product Assistance Program, USDA, 1400 biorefineries using Eligible Technology
Manufacturing Assistance Program Independence Avenue SW., Mail Stop and of Biobased Product Manufacturing
3225, Washington, DC 20250–3225. facilities that use Technologically New
AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative
Telephone: 202–690–2516. Email: Commercial Scale processing and
Service, USDA.
Todd.Hubbell@wdc.usda.gov. manufacturing equipment and required
ACTION: Notice.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: facilities to convert Renewable
SUMMARY: This Notice announces the Chemicals and other biobased outputs
Paperwork Reduction Act of biorefineries into end-user products
solicitation of applications for funds
available under the Biorefinery, In accordance with the Paperwork on a Commercial Scale.
Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Reduction Act of 1995, the information B. Statutory Authority. This Program
Product Manufacturing Assistance collection requirements associated with is authorized under 7 U.S.C. 8103.
Program (the Program), formerly the the Program, as covered in this Notice, Regulations are contained in 7 CFR part
Biorefinery Assistance Program, to have been submitted to the Office of 4279, subpart C and in 7 CFR part 4287,
provide guaranteed loans to fund the Management Budget (OMB) under OMB subpart D.
development, construction, and Control Number 0570–0065, for OMB C. Definition of Terms. The
Retrofitting of Commercial Scale approval. definitions applicable to this Notice are
biorefineries using Eligible Technology published at 7 CFR 4279.202 and 7 CFR
Overview 4287.302.
and of Biobased Product Manufacturing
Federal Agency Name: Rural D. Application Awards. The Agency
facilities that use Technologically New
Business-Cooperative Service (an will review, evaluate, score, and award
Commercial Scale processing and
Agency of USDA in the Rural applications received in response to this
manufacturing equipment to convert
Lhorne on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Development mission area). Notice based on the provisions found in
Renewable Chemicals and other Solicitation Opportunity Title: 7 CFR part 4279, subpart C and as
biobased outputs of biorefineries into Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and indicated in this Notice.
end-user products, on a Commercial Biobased Product Manufacturing
Scale. Assistance Program. II. Award Information
DATES: With this Notice, the Agency is Announcement Type: Notice of A. Available Funds. This Notice is a
announcing two separate application Solicitation of Applications. solicitation for applications that will be
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(866) 632–9992 to request the form. You holder and the members identified in 2. C R Crain and Sons, Inc. (Los
may also write a letter containing all of the Certificate from State and Federal Molinos, CA)
the information requested in the form. government antitrust actions and from 3. Fig Garden Packing, Inc. (Fresno, CA)
Send your completed complaint form or private treble damage antitrust actions 4. RPC Packing Inc. (Porterville, CA)
letter to us by mail at U.S. Department for the export conduct specified in the 5. Sun-Maid Growers of California
of Agriculture, Director, Office of Certificate and carried out in (Kingsburg, CA)
Adjudication, 1400 Independence compliance with its terms and 6. Taylor Brothers Farms, Inc. (Yuba
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250– conditions. The regulations City, CA)
9410, by fax (202) 690–7442 or email at implementing Title III are found at 15 DFA’s proposed amendment of its
program.intake@usda.gov. CFR part 325 (2015). Section 302(b)(1) Export Trade Certificate of Review
Individuals who are deaf, hard of of the Export Trading Company Act of would result in the following companies
hearing or have speech disabilities and 1982 and 15 CFR 325.6(a) require the as Members under the Certificate:
you wish to file either an EEO or Secretary to publish a notice in the 1. Alpine Pacific Nut Company
program complaint please contact Federal Register summarizing the (Hughson, CA)
USDA through the Federal Relay application. Under 15 CFR 325.6(a), 2. Andersen & Sons Shelling (Vina, CA)
Service at (800) 877–8339 or (800) 845– interested parties may, within twenty 3. Avanti Nut Company, Inc. (Stockton,
6136 (in Spanish). days after the date of this notice, submit CA)
Persons with disabilities, who wish to written comments to the Secretary on 4. Berberian Nut Company, LLC (Chico,
file a program complaint, please see the application. CA)
information above on how to contact us 5. CAPEX (Corning, CA)
by mail directly or by email. If you Request for Public Comments
6. Carriere Family Farms, Inc. (Glenn,
require alternative means of Interested parties may submit written CA)
communication for program information comments relevant to the determination 7. Continente Nut LLC (Oakley, CA)
(e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) whether an amended Certificate should 8. Crain Walnut Shelling, Inc. (Los
please contact USDA’s TARGET Center be issued. If the comments include any Molinos, CA)
at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD). privileged or confidential business 9. C R Crain and Sons, Inc. (Los
Dated: June 29, 2015. information, it must be clearly marked Molinos, CA)
Samuel Rikkers, and a nonconfidential version of the 10. Crisp California Walnuts (Stratford,
Acting Administrator, Rural Business-
comments (identified as such) should be CA)
Cooperative Service. included. Any information not marked 11. Diamond Foods, Inc. (Stockton, CA)
as privileged or confidential business 12. Empire Nut Company (Colusa, CA)
[FR Doc. 2015–16480 Filed 7–2–15; 8:45 am]
information will be deemed to be 13. Fig Garden Packing, Inc. (Fresno,
BILLING CODE 3410–XY–P
nonconfidential. CA)
An original and five (5) copies, plus 14. Gold River Orchards, Inc. (Escalon,
two (2) copies of the nonconfidential CA)
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE version, should be submitted no later 15. Grower Direct Nut Company
than 20 days after the date of this notice (Hughson, CA)
International Trade Administration 16. GSF Nut Company (Orosi, CA)
to: Export Trading Company Affairs,
[Application No. 14–1A004] International Trade Administration, 17. Guerra Nut Shelling Company
U.S. Department of Commerce, Room (Hollister, CA)
Export Trade Certificate of Review 21028, Washington, DC 20230. 18. Hill View Packing Company Inc.
Information submitted by any person (Gustine, CA)
ACTION: Notice of application to amend 19. Linden Nut Company (Linden, CA)
the Export Trade Certificate of Review is exempt from disclosure under the
Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 20. Mariani Nut Company (Winters, CA)
issued to DFA of California, Application 21. Mariani Packing Company, Inc.
no. 14–1A004. 552). However, nonconfidential versions
of the comments will be made available (Vacaville, CA)
SUMMARY: The Office of Trade and to the applicant if necessary for 22. Mid Valley Nut Company Inc.
Economic Analysis (‘‘OTEA’’) of the determining whether or not to issue the (Hughson, CA)
International Trade Administration, amended Certificate. Comments should 23. National Raisin Company (Fowler,
Department of Commerce, has received refer to this application as ‘‘Export CA)
an application to amend an Export 24. Poindexter Nut Company (Selma,
Trade Certificate of Review, application
Trade Certificate of Review CA)
number 14–1A004.’’
25. Prima Noce Packing (Linden, CA)
(‘‘Certificate’’). This notice summarizes
Summary of the Application 26. RPC Packing Inc. (Porterville, CA)
the proposed amendment and requests
27. Sacramento Packing, Inc. (Yuba City,
comments relevant to whether the Applicant: DFA of California, 710
CA)
amended Certificate should be issued. Striker Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95834.
28. Sacramento Valley Walnut Growers,
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact: Matthew Krehe, Senior
Inc. (Yuba City, CA)
Joseph Flynn, Director, Office of Trade Manager with Gilbert Associates, Inc., 29. San Joaquin Figs, Inc. (Fresno, CA)
and Economic Analysis, International (916) 646–6464. 30. Shoei Foods USA, Inc. (Olivehurst,
Trade Administration, (202) 482–5131 Application No.: 14–1A004. CA)
(this is not a toll-free number) or email Date Deemed Submitted: June 19, 31. Stapleton-Spence Packing (Gridley,
Lhorne on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
at etca@trade.gov. 2015. CA)
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title III of Proposed Amendment: DFA of 32. Sun-Maid Growers of California
the Export Trading Company Act of California (‘‘DFA’’) seeks to amend its (Kingsburg, CA)
1982 (15 U.S.C. 4001–21) authorizes the Certificate to add the following six 33. Sunsweet Growers Inc. (Yuba City,
Secretary of Commerce to issue Export companies as Members of DFA’s CA)
Trade Certificates of Review. An Export Certificate: 34. Taylor Brothers Farms, Inc. (Yuba
Trade Certificate of Review protects the 1. CAPEX (Corning, CA) City, CA)
VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:37 Jul 02, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\06JYN1.SGM 06JYN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/80_FR_38560/page/5.svg)
Document Created: 2015-12-15 13:17:11
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 13:17:11
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice. | |
| Dates | With this Notice, the Agency is announcing two separate application cycles, which are established in accordance with 7 CFR 4279.260(b), with application deadlines of October 1, 2015, and April 1, 2016. | |
| Contact | Todd Hubbell, Rural Business- Cooperative Service, Energy Division, Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Mail Stop 3225, Washington, DC 20250-3225. Telephone: 202-690-2516. Email: [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 38432 |
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