80 FR 63498 - Request for Proposals: 2016 Wood Innovations Funding Opportunity

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 202 (October 20, 2015)

The U.S. Forest Service (Forest Service) requests proposals to substantially expand and accelerate wood energy and wood products markets throughout the United States to support forest management needs on National Forest System and other forest lands. The grants and cooperative agreements awarded under this announcement will support the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-79), Rural Revitalization Technologies (7 U.S.C. 6601), and the nationwide challenge of disposing of hazardous fuels and other wood residues from the National Forest System and other forest lands in a manner that supports wood energy and wood products markets.

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 202 (Tuesday, October 20, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 63498-63501]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-26533]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Request for Proposals: 2016 Wood Innovations Funding Opportunity

AGENCY: Forest Service.

ACTION:  Request for proposals.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Forest Service (Forest Service) requests proposals to 
substantially expand and accelerate wood energy and wood products 
markets throughout the United States to support forest management needs 
on National Forest System and other forest lands. The grants and 
cooperative agreements awarded under this announcement will support the 
Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-79), Rural Revitalization 
Technologies (7 U.S.C. 6601), and the nationwide challenge of disposing 
of hazardous fuels and other wood residues from the National Forest 
System and other forest lands in a manner that supports wood energy and 
wood products markets.

DATES: The application deadline is Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at 5:00 
p.m. Eastern Time. The Forest Service will hold an informational Pre-
Application Webinar on November 10, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Standard 
Time to present this funding opportunity and answer questions. The link 
is: https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/usda/join?id=TC9SFQ&role=attend&pw=tK-%287%26Dwt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Information on application 
requirements, eligibility, and prerequisites are available at 
www.na.fs.fed.us/werc (see ``Wood Innovations'') and www.grants.gov. 
Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may 
call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 800-877-8339 24 hours a day, 
every day of the year, including holidays.
    Please direct questions regarding this announcement to the 
appropriate Forest Service Regional Biomass Coordinator listed in the 
table below. If you have questions that a Coordinator is unable to 
assist you with, please contact Ed Cesa ([email protected] or (304) 285-
1530) at the Wood Education and Resource Center in Princeton, WV.

[[Page 63499]]



          Table 1--Forest Service Regional Biomass Coordinators
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Forest Service Region 1 (MT, ND,         Forest Service Region 2 (CO,
 Northern ID, & Northwestern SD), ATTN:   KS, NE, SD, & WY), ATTN: Mike
 Mike Dudley, Forest Service, Northern    Eckhoff, Forest Service, Rocky
 Region (R1), 324 25th St., Ogden, UT     Mountain Region (R2), 740
 84401, [email protected], (801) 625-     Simms St, Golden, CO 80401-
 5253.                                    4702,
                                          [email protected],
                                          (970) 219-2140.
Forest Service Region 3 (AZ & NM),       Forest Service Region 4
 ATTN: Buck Sanchez, Forest Service,      (Southern ID, NV, UT, &
 Southwestern Region (R3), 333 Broadway   Western WY), ATTN: Mike
 Blvd, SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102,         Dudley, Forest Service,
 [email protected], (505) 842-3498.      Intermountain Region (R4), 324
                                          25th St., Ogden, UT 84401,
                                          [email protected], (801) 625-
                                          5253.
Forest Service Region 5 (CA, HI, Guam,   Forest Service Region 6 (OR &
 and Trust Territories of the Pacific     WA), ATTN: Ron Saranich,
 Islands), ATTN: Larry Swan, Forest       Forest Service, Pacific
 Service, Pacific Southwest Region        Northwest Region (R6), 1220 SW
 (R5), 1323 Club Drive, Vallejo, CA       3rd Ave., Portland, OR 97204,
 94592, [email protected], (707) 562-     [email protected], (503) 808-
 8917.                                    2346.
Forest Service Region 8 (AL, AR, FL,     Forest Service Region 9/
 GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX,      Northeastern Area (CT, DL, IL,
 VA, Virgin Islands, & Puerto Rico),      IN, IA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN,
 ATTN: Dan Len, Forest Service,           MO, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI,
 Southern Region (R8), 1720 Peachtree     VT, WV, WI), ATTN: Lew
 Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30309,                McCreery, Forest Service,
 [email protected], (404) 347-4034.          Northeastern Area--S&PF, 180
                                          Canfield St, Morgantown, WV
                                          26505, [email protected],
                                          (304) 285-1538.
Forest Service Region 10 (Alaska),       ...............................
 ATTN: Daniel Parrent, Forest Service,
 Alaska Region (R10), 161 East 1st
 Avenue, Door 8, Anchorage, AK 99501,
 [email protected], (907) 743-9467.
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Grant Program Overview

    Available Funding: The Forest Service plans to award approximately 
$5 million under this announcement. The maximum for each award is 
generally $250,000; however, the Forest Service may consider awarding 
more than $250,000 to a proposal that shows far reaching or significant 
impact. All awards are based on availability of funding.
    Eligible Applicants: Eligible applicants are for-profit entities; 
State, local, and Tribal governments; school districts; communities; 
not-for-profit organizations; or special purpose districts (e.g., 
public utilities districts, fire districts, conservation districts, or 
ports).
    Matching Requirements: A minimum 35:65 match is required. That is, 
an applicant must contribute at least 35 percent of the total project 
cost. The Forest Service's share of the project will be no more than 65 
percent of the total. The applicant's match or contribution must come 
from non-Federal source funds. The match may include cash or in-kind 
contributions. All matching funds must be directly related to the 
proposed project. All organizations that provide matching funds (other 
than the applicant) must submit letters of support specifying the 
amount of cash or in-kind services to be provided.
    Deadline: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard 
Time.
    Award Information: Grants and Cooperative Agreements awarded under 
this announcement are typically awarded for two to three years. 
Projects of greater complexity may be awarded for up to five years. The 
Forest Service will notify a recipient if their proposal is selected 
for an award and indicate whether any additional forms or information 
is required and an estimate of when they may proceed. The Federal 
government will incur no legal obligation until appropriated funds are 
available and a Forest Service Grant Officer returns a fully executed 
award letter to a successful applicant.

    Note:  An award to a for-profit entity will generate an Internal 
Revenue Service (IRS) Form 1099 Miscellaneous Income that will be 
filed with the IRS and provided to the awardee. The Forest Service 
expresses no opinion on the taxability, if any, of the awarded grant 
funds.

    Reporting Requirements: A Federal Financial Report (SF-425) and 
progress report are required on an annual calendar year basis and must 
be submitted to the appropriate Grant Officer. A detailed final report 
is required and should include: (1) Final Summary Report (brief 
overview of accomplishments of the goals and objectives described in 
the approved award); and (2) Final Accomplishment Report (includes 
assessments, reports, case studies, and related documents that resulted 
from project activities). Ten percent of awarded funds will be withheld 
until an acceptable final report is approved by the Forest Service. 
Forest Service will post final reports on the Wood Education and 
Resource Center Web site.

Wood Innovations Grant Categories

    The Forest Service seeks proposals that significantly stimulate or 
expand wood energy and wood products markets that support the long-term 
management of National Forest System and other forest lands.
    This Request for Proposals focuses on the following priorities to:
     Reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health on 
National Forest System and other forest lands;
     Reduce costs of forest management on all land types; and
     Promote economic and environmental health of communities.
    Equipment purchases, basic research, and construction will not be 
funded under this funding opportunity. Funding will be awarded in two 
separate categories.

Grant Category 1: Expansion of Wood Energy Markets

    The intent of this category is to stimulate, expand, or support 
wood energy markets that depend on forest residues or forest byproducts 
generated from all land types. Preference will be given to projects 
that make use of wood generated from National Forest System and other 
forest lands with high wildfire risk.
    The most competitive proposals will generate immediate and 
measurable on-the-ground results or substantially stimulate immediate 
adoption of wood energy. Proposals incorporating technologies that are 
not commercially proven will not be competitive under this category.
    Grant Category 1 is separated into two main project types:
1. Wood Energy Markets
    Expand or support wood energy markets that use wood residues for 
heating, cooling, or electricity production. Projects can include, but 
are not limited to the following:
    a. Develop a cluster of wood energy projects in a geographic area 
or specific sector (e.g., prisons, hospitals, universities, 
manufacturing sector, or industrial sector).
    b. Evaluate and recommend a commercial, institutional, or 
industrial sector most suitable for wood energy

[[Page 63500]]

that has not traditionally used wood for heating, cooling, or 
electricity.
    c. Conduct a feasibility assessment of several municipalities that 
would be ideal candidates to construct a district wood energy system 
for heating, cooling, and electricity.
    d. Develop innovative financing or new funding opportunities for 
wood energy development.
    e. Overcome market barriers and stimulate expansion of wood energy 
in the commercial sector.
    f. Establish a Statewide Wood Energy Team that provides technical, 
financial, and outreach assistance for wood energy projects. Note: 
Proposals to establish a Statewide Wood Energy Team in the following 
States will not be considered because a team is already in place: AK, 
AZ, CA, CO, ID, KY, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NM, NY, OR, PA, VA, VT, WA, WI, 
and WV.
    The above list of examples is not exhaustive and merely illustrates 
the types of projects that can be considered.
2. Wood Energy Projects
    Complete engineering designs, cost analyses, permitting, or other 
requirements that are necessary in the later stages of wood energy 
project development to secure financing.

    Note:  Preference will be given to proposals that bundle or 
address multiple wood energy projects. Projects in early project 
scoping or planning that need preliminary analyses, pre-feasibility 
assessments, or other assistance that is typical in the early phases 
of project development will not be competitive.

Grant Category 2: Expansion of Wood Products Markets

    The intent of this category is to promote markets that create or 
expand the demand for non-energy based wood products. Preference will 
be given to projects that support commercial building markets or other 
markets that use innovative wood products. Wood energy projects will 
not be considered under this category because those projects can apply 
for funding under Grant Category 1. Demonstration projects and applied 
research will be considered but applicants are strongly encouraged to 
first consult with their designated Forest Service Regional Biomass 
Coordinator to determine whether such projects will be competitive.
    Projects can include, but are not limited to the following:
    a. Develop training or perform outreach about innovative wood 
construction materials or building designs that incorporate wood into 
commercial construction (e.g., structural round wood or cross-laminated 
timbers).
    b. Develop a regional or national strategy to stimulate market 
demand for wood technology in targeted sectors, especially commercial 
construction.
    c. Establish statewide wood action teams that focus on using wood 
in support of Forest Service Regional/Area priorities and State Forest 
Action Plans.
    d. Facilitate establishment of new building codes to support 
expanded use of wood materials.
    e. Showcase the quantified environmental and economic benefits of 
using wood as a green building material in an actual commercial 
building and the projected benefits achieved if replicated across the 
United States based on commercial construction market trends.
    f. Develop a carbon trading market protocol for wood building 
materials that accounts for the fossil carbon offset from using wood.
    g. Develop manufacturing capacity and markets for wood products 
that support forest ecosystem restoration.
    h. Complete engineering designs, cost analyses, permitting, or 
other requirements for the final stages of commercial construction 
projects that use wood as a primary building material.
    The above list of examples is not exhaustive and merely illustrates 
the types of projects that can be considered.

Application Process

    Application information is available at the following two Web 
sites:
     http://www.na.fs.fed.us/werc/ (on right side of Web page 
under ``Wood Innovations'')
     www.grants.gov (Search: Opportunity: USDA-FS-WERC-2016 or 
CFDA 10.674 Wood Utilization Assistance, Agency Forest Service);
    Applicants should consult with the appropriate Forest Service 
Regional Biomass Coordinator to develop proposals (see Table 1 of 
Contacts section). Proposals should align with Forest Service Regional/
Area priorities and State Forest Action Plans.
    Application Submission: Applications must be submitted by email to 
the respective Forest Service Regional Biomass Coordinator listed in 
the Contacts section of this announcement by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on 
January 13, 2016. No Exceptions. Paper submittals will not be accepted.

    Note:  Your Forest Service Region is generally determined by the 
State where the majority of the proposed work will be conducted. Two 
Forest Service regions may exist in one State. You can locate your 
Forest Service region at: http://www.fs.fed.us/maps/products/guide-national-forests09.pdf. Consult with a Forest Service Regional 
Biomass Coordinator if you are not certain which Region applies.

    Application Format and Content: Each submittal must consist of two 
separate PDF files, preferably in a searchable format, as follows:
     PDF file #1: Application Part 1 (Cooperator Contact 
Information) and Application Part 2 (Proposal and Appendices).
     PDF file #2: Application Part 3 (Required Financial Forms, 
which must include SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, AD-1047, AD-1049 (or AD-
1052 for States and State agencies), AD-3030, FS-1500-35 (certificate 
regarding lobbying activities), and Financial Capability Questionnaire 
FS-1500-22).

    Note:  The applicant must include a DUNS number and register at 
www.sam.gov to receive a federal award.

    Application Parts 1, 2, and 3 can be found at http://www.na.fs.fed.us/werc on right side of Web page under ``Wood 
Innovations.'' Submit all application information at the same time.
    The Proposal in Application Part 2 must be presented on 8.5 x 11 
single-spaced and numbered pages with 1-inch margins using 12-point 
Times New Roman font. The Proposal cannot exceed 11 pages and must 
include items #1 through #5 as listed below:

1. Project Narrative (4 Pages)

     The project narrative should provide a clear description 
and anticipated impact of the project, including the following where 
appropriate: (1) Magnitude of the impact on markets generating 
renewable energy or creating non-energy wood products; (2) Benefits to 
National Forest System lands (e.g., tons of biomass removed in fire-
prone areas, air quality improvements, acres treated, cost savings for 
forest management, or carbon offsets); (3) Source of biomass removed 
from forested areas broken out by land ownership; and (4) Job creation 
and retention.
     Describe methods and reasoning for selecting areas of 
focus (e.g., geographic clusters, sector-based clusters, or larger 
projects to be targeted).
     Specify the number of years requested for the award.

2. Program of Work (3 Pages)

     Describe statement of need, goals, and objectives.
     Describe methods to accomplish goals and objectives.
     Specify projected accomplishments, timeline, and 
deliverables.
     Discuss communication and outreach activities that create 
social

[[Page 63501]]

acceptance in communities or markets where projects are targeted.
     Describe monitoring plan, which must include annual and 
final reports.
     Discuss all relevant aspects of the project, such as 
preliminary assessments, resource inventories, and success stories.
     Describe projected impact on wood energy or wood products 
markets.

3. Budget Summary and Justification in Support of SF-424A (2 Pages)

     Address proposed expenditures for each key activity or 
category within the proposed program of work.
     Specify cash and in-kind match, other Federal funds, and 
staff time that will help accomplish the program of work.
     Describe the fee structure if fee-for-services is planned.

4. Qualifications of Staff, Organization, and Partners (1.5 Pages)

     Include key personnel qualifications, certifications, and 
relevant experience.
     Describe experience and success of any prior funded Forest 
Service projects.

5. Project Outcomes, Annual Progress Reports, and Final Reports (0.5 
Pages)

     List anticipated project outcomes and accomplishments.
     Describe types of reports, documents, and success stories 
that will be provided at the end of the project for posting on the Wood 
Education and Resource Center Web site in addition to mandatory 
reporting.

Documentation exceeding the designated page limit requirements for any 
given section will not be considered.
    Appendices should be well organized with an index so that a 
reviewer can readily find information of interest. Include only 
relevant information in the Appendices that will help a review panel 
better understand and evaluate your project. Below are examples of 
information to include in the Appendices:
     Feasibility Assessments.
     Woody Biomass Resource Supply Assessment.
     If appropriate, quotes for Professional Engineering 
Services and rationale for selection of contractor, if already 
selected.
     Letters of Support from Partners, Individuals, or 
Organizations, especially those playing a key role or providing 
matching funds. These letters should display the degree of 
collaboration occurring between the different entities engaged on the 
project.
     Miscellaneous, such as schematics, engineering designs, or 
executive summaries of reports.
     List of all other Federal funds received for this project 
within the last 3 years (include agency, program name, and dollar 
amount).
    Letters of Support to include in Appendix: Applicants are strongly 
encouraged to include letters of support from partners closely engaged 
on the project, especially Forest Service units if National Forest 
System Lands will directly benefit from the project. All organizations 
that provide matching funds (other than the applicant) must submit 
letters of support specifying the amount of cash or in-kind services to 
be provided. These letters of support must be included in the 
application package.

Proposal Evaluation

    All applications will be screened to ensure basic compliance with 
the directions in this announcement. Applications not following the 
directions will be disqualified without appeal. A panel of Federal 
experts and their designees will perform a thorough technical review of 
eligible proposals and evaluate the proposals according to the criteria 
outlined in this announcement. Regional Foresters and the Northeastern 
Area Director will rank proposals according to regional and area 
priorities. The panel, Regional Foresters, and Northeastern Area 
Director will submit their recommendations to the Forest Service 
national leadership for a final decision.
    Evaluation Criteria and Point System: Reviewers will assign points 
to each proposal based on its ability to meet the following criteria. A 
maximum of 100 points can be earned per proposal.
     Alignment with goals and objectives of this Request for 
Proposals. (20 points)
     Technical approach, deliverables, and timetable. (30 
points)
     Impact on forest management, wood energy markets, or wood 
products markets. (20 points)
     Qualifications, relevant experience, and roles of team 
members. (20 points)
     Leveraging of federal funds. (10 points)

    Dated: October 2, 2015.
Patricia F. Hirami,
Associate Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry.
[FR Doc. 2015-26533 Filed 10-19-15; 8:45 a.m.]
BILLING CODE 3411-15-P