Collaborative Diesel Emissions Reductions 2006 Request for Proposals (RFP) Frequently Asked Questions
All questions or comments must be communicated in writing to dieselgrants@epa.gov.
All efforts will be made to promptly reply to appropriate questions and comments below
1. Who may apply?
Carefully read Section III: Eligibility Information, A: Who may apply.
EPA is soliciting proposals from States, the District of Columbia, territories, Federally Recognized Indian Tribes and Tribal Consortia, international organizations, public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, and other public or private nonprofit institutions.
Successful applicants must use a competitive process for obtaining contracts for services and products and conduct cost and price analyses to the extent required by federal, state or local procurement requirements. All contracts and the purchase of supplies and equipment must be conducted in a manner providing free and open competition, to the maximum extent practicable. As such, applicants should refrain from mentioning specific technology producers in their proposals unless they are sole source providers.
2. How can I apply?
Carefully review the entire RFP, and follow the format under Section IV. Application and Submission Information. There is not an application form, but the format must be strictly adhered to. Applicants have the option of applying via email to dieselgrants@epa.gov or online using the Grants.Gov website with an electronic signature – please use only one method. For those applicants that lack the technical capability to apply either by e-mail or through Grants.Gov, please contact Peter Murchie (206-890-0196 and/or dieselgrants@epa.gov) for alternative submission methods.
3. What is the most important factor for EPA in making award decisions? What is an example of a good project?
Carefully review the information in Section V: Application Review Information. Applications which are best able to directly and explicitly address the evaluation criteria will have a greater likelihood of being selected for award. Each application will be rated under a points system, with a total of 100 points possible.
Examples of fundable projects can be found under Section I: Funding Opportunity Description, E: Examples of Potential Projects.
4. Will EPA favor environmental justice areas and/or non-attainment areas?
Yes, under Section V: Application Review Information, the proposal evaluation criteria indicate that 15/100 points will be based on the degree to which the project will reduce environmental risks to sensitive populations and environmental justice communities and/or impact an area that is non-attainment for ozone or PM standards. Executive Order 12898 (http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/policies/ej/exec_order_12898.pdf) defines environmental justice communities as minority and low-income populations with disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental impacts
5. What do you mean by a "regional" project?
This grant opportunity is unique in that it will demonstrate regional diesel reductions, rather than reductions in one district or one captive fleet. Regional projects should have impacts across district, state or national borders or be transferable across borders. If the project is transferable to other areas in the West Coast, applications should specifically outline when, how and where it will be replicated. Projects that are merely transferable to other geographic areas, but have no immediate benefits outside a single district, will receive fewer points than those that are regional in design
6. Does my project qualify if it's not regional?
Under Section V: Application Review Information, the proposal evaluation criteria indicate that 10/100 points will be based on how well the project crosses or is transferable across district, state or national borders. Successful projects will benefit the West Coast region as a whole.
7. Would replicating an existing project in another state or country be considered regional in scope?
No, projects that merely replicate an existing project in a different area are not automatically regional. However, projects that describe how a project could have benefits along the entire West Coast if replicated in multiple locations would be considered regional.
8. Does the project have to use EPA verified technology?
Carefully read Section III: Eligibility Information, C: Eligibility Screening Requirements: Threshold Criteria. Retrofit technologies, engine replacements or cleaner fuels must be either verified or recognized under EPA’s Retrofit Program, certified by another EPA program, verified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), or involve the application of a verified technology in an unverified application. Idle reduction technologies, which are not verified under EPA’s programs, are exempt from having to meet the verification requirement.
In cases where an applicant would like to use EPA verified technologies in applications that have not yet been verified, applicants should discuss or explain the reasoning used to determine that the technology will function properly in this application and their rationale for any estimated emissions reductions.
9. Where can I get information about EPA verified or certified technologies?
A list of EPA verified or certified technologies is available at: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit/retroverifiedlist.htm.
10. For a retrofit to be considered verified, will you accept the unit even if ultra low sulfur fuel (ULSD) is not being used with the retrofit kit that is on the EPA verified list as requiring ULSD or, does ULSD have to be used for it to be considered verified?
The conditions of verification have to be met to be acceptable under the funding announcement. Therefore, any PM filters would have to use ULSD fuel to qualify for funding.
11. Will a retrofit be considered verified if it uses diesel fuel that has 30 parts per million sulfur that ULSD is defined as 15 parts per million sulfur?
EPA will consider a retrofit verified for projects that propose to use verified technology and diesel fuel with 30 ppm sulfur if the technology was verified with 30 ppm or higher sulfur levels.
12. If we don't have access to ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel may we use biodiesel fuel?
ULSD is required to be considered verified if you elect to use PM filters. However, ULSD is not required for all types of retrofits (e.g., oxidation catalysts). Biodiesel has also been verified as a generic fuel subject to the conditions listed on our verified technology list. EPA will consider projects that propose to use biodiesel with or without other appropriate technology.
13. May I apply for funding for equipment replacement?
Yes, you may seek funds for new equipment. Applicants should only apply for funding to cover the cost of the pollution control technology.
14. Can I apply for funding for new engines?
Yes, EPA will consider projects that replace old engines with new engines. However, applicants should know that EPA does not want to prolong the life of an older piece of equipment that may not have up-to-date safety provisions.
15. Is there a time requirement that the engine must be maintained in its modified form?
No, there is not a time requirement. However, outcomes and outputs are significant evaluation criteria. For example, under Section V: Application Review Information, A: Proposal Evaluation Criteria, 10/100 points will be based on Clearly Defined/Measurable Outcomes – the degree to which the project has a clearly defined goal or objective that will result in immediate as well as future diesel emissions reductions that can be measured. And 20/100 points will be based on Real/Quantifiable Outputs – the degree to which the applicant has provided an evaluative component to the project including an estimation of anticipated emissions (PM2.5, NOx, GHG and/or VOCs) reductions (in tons or lbs/year), the cost-effectiveness of the project (in $/lb or $/ton), the health and/or environmental benefits (quantified or qualified), operational concerns or other barriers to applying the technologies, and any other measurements.
16. May I apply for funding for engines powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquid Propane Gas (LPG)? Will this be considered certified or verified technology?
Yes, you may seek funds for engines that use compressed natural gas or liquid propane gas. EPA certifies certain engines to run on each. Applicants should only apply for funding to cover the cost differential between a new piece of equipment and one that runs on CNG or LPG, as appropriate.
17. May I apply for funds to replace old equipment with hybrid equipment? Will this be considered certified or verified technology?
Yes, you may seek funds for hybrid technology. EPA certifies certain hybrid engines. Applicants should only apply for funding to cover the cost differential between a new piece of equipment and one that runs on hybrid technology.
18. May I apply for funding for technology to reducing idling?
EPA will consider projects that propose to use technology to reducing idling or warm-up time. For more information about idle control technology, visit: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/smartway/idling.htm.
19. May funding be used to retrofit privately owned equipment/engines?
Yes, as long as the applicant qualifies under Section III: Eligibility Information.
20. May we include administrative costs for implementing and managing the project in the grant application? If so, what level of detail is needed (i.e., salary, hourly rates, supplies, etc.)?
Yes, you may apply for funds to cover administrative costs. If you do not apply for funds to cover administrative costs, these costs can be considered part of your financial contribution. Please include as much as detail as you see fit, while adhering to the format under Section IV. Applications and Submission Information.
21. What if I want to know that my application has been received?
Please inquire by email at dieselgrants@epa.gov.
22. What are the geographic restrictions for operating this equipment? Can we operate the equipment outside of Regions 9 and 10?
Proposals must benefit one or more of the following geographic areas of EPA Regions 9 and 10: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon or Washington - including Tribal lands belonging to the federally recognized tribes in these regions - or territories including American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or Guam.
23. What is the total pot of funds?
We anticipate that the total post will be approximately $3 million.
24. How big will the final grants be?
EPA anticipates awarding grants or cooperative agreements ranging in size from $50,000 up to $500,000. Proposals in which the applicant is requesting assistance funds in excess of $500,000 or below $50,000 will not be reviewed.
25. Are there any emissions reductions thresholds? What are the parameters for cost effectiveness or percentage emissions reduced?
No, there aren't any emissions reductions or cost effectiveness thresholds; however, under Section V: Application Review Information, the proposal evaluation criteria indicate that 10/100 points will based on the degree to which the project has a clearly defined goal or objective that will result in immediate as well as future diesel emissions reductions that can be measured. Applicants are encouraged to specify the estimated quantifiable environmental and economic outputs of the project in terms of anticipated emissions (PM2.5, NOx, GHG and/or VOCs) reduced (in tons or lbs/year), the cost effectiveness (in $/lb or $/ton) and the health or environmental benefits that will be achieved and how these benefits will be measured or confirmed.
26. How is the grant awarded? When will the money be available?
The grant will be awarded after EPA and the applicant sign an assistance agreement, which EPA estimates will be no later than September 30, 2006. Funds will be deposited in the bank account of the applicant as reimbursement.
27. Is there a project completion requirement by award date? Is there a preferred time period for the demonstration?
Proposed project periods may be up to three years.
28. Are there any emissions testing requirements? If so, who pays for that?
Applications may include an emissions testing component. The cost of the emissions testing should be included in the budget. Applicants that are selected to submit a final proposal may be asked to include emissions testing even if it was not included in the initial proposal.
29. Will a project qualify that uses distillate, bunker fuel or other non-diesel fuel in a diesel engine?
Yes.
30. Can an applicant use EPA funds from this grant to lobby Congress?
No.
31. Can an applicant use funds for infrastructure costs?
Yes, although applications are encouraged to use funds for actual emissions reductions as detailed under Section V. Application Review Information.
32. Does a project that exclusively uses ULSD as control technology before the 2006 deadline qualify?
Yes, such a project would qualify; however, the benefits of the project would only be calculated from the time of use until the regulation implementation date.
33. What cost sharing or matching needs are there?
No matching funds are required; however, under Section V: Application Review Information, the proposal evaluation criteria indicate that 15/100 points will be based on the degree to which the project proposes to work in partnership with a diverse set of stakeholders and leverage significant resources to implement the proposal.
34. Is EPA looking for PM, NOx or other targeted pollutant reductions specifically? Will you preference one over the others?
Under Section IV: Application and Submission Information, B: 2006 Collaborative Diesel Emissions Reductions Proposal Format, EPA asks for the applications to specify the estimated quantifiable environmental and economic outputs of the project in terms of anticipated emissions (PM2.5, NOx, GHG and/or VOCs) reduced (in tons or lbs/year), the cost effectiveness (in $/lb or $/ton) and the health or environmental benefits that will be achieved and how these benefits will be measured or confirmed. There is no indication of how one pollutant will take preference over another.
35. Is there a specific emissions reductions calculator or guidance that EPA would like us to use to estimate emissions reductions?
Please refer to Section I: Funding Opportunity Description, D: Measuring Environmental Results for the recommended calculation methodologies.
36. Can an applicant apply for more than one grant?
Yes.
37. Can the grant cover the cost differential between a clean fuel and standard diesel or for a fuel additive?
Yes; however, applicants should only apply for funding to cover the cost differential between a new piece of equipment and one that runs on cleaner fuel or a fuel additive.
38. Could the grant money be used to give to private users to offset the cost of a product or service?
We can't give grants directly to the private sector, but we can give grants to states, nonprofits, academic institutions, etc. which can then contract with for-profit entities. These contacts can then be used to off-set the cost or purchase of retrofit technology, including cleaner fuel, add-on control technology, idle reduction technology, etc.
39. Is community participation an explicit part of the evaluation?
No; however, under Section V: Application Review Information, the proposal evaluation criteria indicate that 15/100 points will be based on the degree to which the project proposes to work in partnership with a diverse set of stakeholders and leverage significant resources to implement the proposal. In addition, 15/100 points will be based on the degree to which the project will reduce environmental risks to sensitive populations and environmental justice communities and/or impact an area that is non-attainment for ozone or PM standards.
40. Can funds be used for education on diesel impacts?
Under Section V. Application Review Information, the proposal evaluation criteria indicate that 10/100 points will be based on Clearly Defined/Measurable Outcomes: Degree to which the project has a clearly defined goal or objective that will result in immediate as well as future diesel emissions reductions that can be measured; and 20/100 points will be based on Real/Quantifiable Outputs: Degree to which the applicant has provided an evaluative component to the project including an estimation of anticipated emissions (PM2.5, NOx, GHG and/or VOCs) reductions (in tons or lbs/year), the cost-effectiveness of the project (in $/lb or $/ton), the health and/or environmental benefits (quantified or qualified), operational concerns or other barriers to applying the technologies, and any other measurements as requested in Section I., D. Measuring Environmental Results, in addition to how the applicant’s success in achieving these outputs and outcomes will be measured.
41. How will EPA weigh reduced health risks vs. reduced diesel emissions?
EPA will consider both in our evaluation. Under Section IV: Application and Submission Information, the Collaborative Diesel Emissions Reductions Proposal Format asks the applicant to specify the estimated quantifiable environmental and economic outputs of the project in terms of anticipated emissions (PM2.5, NOx, GHG and/or VOCs) reduced (in tons or lbs/year), the cost effectiveness (in $/lb or $/ton) and the health or environmental benefits that will be achieved and how these benefits will be measured or confirmed.
42. Would a bio-methane capture project have to explicitly replace existing diesel engines or could it just capture the bio-methane?
These grants support regional collaborative demonstration projects that reduce diesel emissions. Projects must be connected to diesel emissions reductions.
43. For a bio-methane capture project, can the applicant include reductions achieved by capturing the bio-methane in addition to those emissions reductions achieved by replacing a diesel source with bio-methane?
Yes.
44. Could the grant fund a plan, strategy or put in place mechanisms for capital projects?
Under Section V. Application Review Information, the proposal evaluation criteria indicate that 10/100 points will be based on Clearly Defined/Measurable Outcomes: Degree to which the project has a clearly defined goal or objective that will result in immediate as well as future diesel emissions reductions that can be measured; and 20/100 points will be based on Real/Quantifiable Outputs: Degree to which the applicant has provided an evaluative component to the project including an estimation of anticipated emissions (PM2.5, NOx, GHG and/or VOCs) reductions (in tons or lbs/year), the cost-effectiveness of the project (in $/lb or $/ton), the health and/or environmental benefits (quantified or qualified), operational concerns or other barriers to applying the technologies, and any other measurements as requested in Section I., D. Measuring Environmental Results, in addition to how the applicant’s success in achieving these outputs and outcomes will be measured.
45. How will EPA weigh actual emissions reductions achieved vs. plans for emissions reductions?
Under Section V. Application Review Information, the proposal evaluation criteria indicate that 10/100 points will be based on Clearly Defined/Measurable Outcomes: Degree to which the project has a clearly defined goal or objective that will result in immediate as well as future diesel emissions reductions that can be measured; and 20/100 points will be based on Real/Quantifiable Outputs: Degree to which the applicant has provided an evaluative component to the project including an estimation of anticipated emissions (PM2.5, NOx, GHG and/or VOCs) reductions (in tons or lbs/year), the cost-effectiveness of the project (in $/lb or $/ton), the health and/or environmental benefits (quantified or qualified), operational concerns or other barriers to applying the technologies, and any other measurements as requested in Section I., D. Measuring Environmental Results, in addition to how the applicant’s success in achieving these outputs and outcomes will be measured.
46. Does the applicant have to be based in the U.S.?
EPA is soliciting proposals from States in the United States, the District of Columbia, territories, Federally Recognized Indian Tribes and Tribal Consortia, international organizations, public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, and other public or private nonprofit institutions.
47. Do the emissions reductions and/or impacts have to take place in the U.S.?
Proposals must benefit one or more of the following geographic areas of EPA Regions 9 and 10: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon or Washington - including Tribal lands belonging to the federally recognized tribes in these regions - or territories including American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or Guam.
.
48. Would a project that deals with a fleet that travels along the coast count as regional?
Yes, if the project has impacts across district, state or national borders, it is considered regional.
49. Are local demonstration projects that are transferable to other areas along the West Coast considered regional?
Yes; however, projects that are merely transferable to other geographic areas, but have no immediate benefits outside a single district, will receive fewer points than those that are regional in design.
50. How will EPA weigh actual regional projects vs. regionally transferable projects?
Projects that are merely transferable to other geographic areas, but have no immediate benefits outside a single district, will receive fewer points than those that are regional in design.
51. If I am looking for potential partners, does EPA provide a mechanism for that?
Yes, EPA has convened the West Coast Collaborative. Contact information for participants (by Sector Workgroup) can be found at www.westcoastcollaborative.org.
52. Will EPA favor certain geographical areas or certain sectors?
Special emphasis will be on funding high quality projects in a variety of geographic locations in Region 9 and 10 (Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon or Washington - including Tribal lands belonging to the federally recognized tribes in these regions - or territories including American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or Guam) and distributing funds across the 6 categories (Trucking, Marine Vessels and Ports, Construction and Distributed Generation, Locomotives and Rail, Agriculture Equipment, and Cleaner Fuels).
53. Will there be a contract?
If a project is selected for funding, EPA and the applicant will sign an assistance agreement.
54. Can an eligible applicant subsequently redistribute the funds to for-profit entities?
Yes; however, all contracts and the purchase of supplies and equipment must be conducted in a manner providing free and open competition, to the maximum extent practicable. As such, applicants should refrain from mentioning specific technology producers in their initial proposals.
55. May I apply for funds to retrofit diesel engines subject to CARB regulations ahead of the implementation schedule required by CARB?
Yes, diesel emissions reductions projects that pull ahead of federal or state regulations quality under this request.
56. Would a no-till program for agriculture be eligible for funding?
Yes, a no-till or reduced till project that reduces emissions from diesel engines qualifies.
57. Can we use this funding source towards reducing emissions from school or municipal buses?
No, school and municipal bus projects do not qualify for the RFP.
58. If funds were to be approved, could they be used toward a project that has already started?
Yes.
59. Does cold ironing qualify under this application?
Yes, cold ironing would qualify because it is a project that reduces diesel emissions.
60. How will you rank projects that fall under more than one sector?
Under Section V. Application Review Information, there is no reference to “bonus” points for covering more than one category. As long the project falls under at least one of the categories (ports, rail, trucking, agriculture, construction, or alternative fuels), the project is eligible.
61. Does the applicant need to reside in EPA Region 9 or 10 to qualify?
No, the applicant does not need to reside in EPA Region 9 or 10, however the project must benefit air quality in EPA Region 9 or 10.
62. Can the project be applicable to areas outside of EPA Region 9 or 10?
Yes, while the project must benefit air quality in EPA Region 9 or 10, it is acceptable for the technology or project to benefit other areas, but the application would not receive bonus points in the evaluation.
63. What is the definition of a demonstration project?
Demonstration project must involve something new so that when results are shown, it contributes to the knowledge base and can be replicated
64. Will you accept letters of support for an application from other entities?
No.
65. Is there any set allocation for each of the six sectors?
There is not an explicit allocation of the $3 million total, but it is EPA’s intent to distribute funds equally across sectors and across an equal geographic distribution.
66. Are forklifts eligible, do they fall in one of the sectors?
Yes, while there is not a strict definition for forklifts, applicants should explain into which of the six sectors they believe their forklift projects falls.
67. Is engine replacement is an approved use of the funds (i.e., want to replace old engine with a newer, more advanced engine, but one without add-on technology; alternative is to overhaul old engine to old standards)?
Yes, the applicant may apply funds to cover the cost differential between the new engine and the alternative.
68. Are Native American communities classified as an environmental justice area?
Yes
69. Would a genset project that is mobile be regional?
If over the course of the life of the project, the genset is explicitly planned to be used in multiple cities would be considered regional. Alternatively, it would be considered transferable if the design is to prove the working in one city before rolling out the technology to other cities.
70. Is this RFP subject to future budget appropriations (such as for multi-year projects)?
No, these funds are secured and not subject to future appropriations.
71. Under the application review, what does a neutral score mean?
Under Section 5, Criteria number 8, if the applicant does not have experience with federally funded projects; a neutral score will neither hurt nor benefit the application.
72. How should an applicant define benefits?
See Section I.D: Measuring Environmental Results for an explanation on output and outcome benefits.
73. Does EPA provide a list of impacted communities?
The application should explain how the project affects an impacted community, but EPA does not have a list. Non-attainment maps are available from EPA at: http://www.epa.gov/air/data/nonat.html?us~USA~United%20States
74. Is there a list of previously successful projects?
Yes, please see the West Coast Collaborative website projects area at: http://www.westcoastcollaborative.org/projects.htm
75. The maximum funding per award is given as $500,000. Is this the maximum funding possible for each year of the proposed project or for the entire duration of the project (e.g., 3 years)?
$500,000 is the maximum for the entire duration of the project.
76. Are technology projects that has nothing to do with diesel fuel eligible?
The project does not have to address diesel fuel itself, but needs to reduce emissions from diesel engines.
77. When mailing a grant submittal, will applicants have to provide a data universal number system (DUNS) number?
Yes, as found in Section IV.E, all applicants must have a DUNS number.
78. Are projects with solid waste trucks eligible?
Yes, solid waste trucks are eligible under the trucking category.
79. Are government-funded national laboratories eligible to apply?
Yes.
80. When procurring property and services under a grant, may grantees enter into sole-source contracts with contractors?
Generally, grantees must compete contracts they award when procurring property and services under a grant. However, there are some circumstances which justify the issuance of sole-source contracts. See http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/08aug20051500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2005/julqtr/40cfr31.36.htm for more information.
81. Can a 501c4 apply for the funds?
501c4 organizations are not eligible to apply for grant funds.
82. Are there limitations to the types of international organizations that can apply?
An international non-governmental organization can apply. However, international governmental entities and international for-profit organizations/entities are not eligible to apply.
83. Can funds be re-distributed to for-profit companies?
For-profit companies are not eligible to apply, but grantees may use grant funds to contract with for-profit companies to carry out the work under the grant agreements. (see question 1 above for more information about procurement under grants).
84. Are the projects intended to benefit the nonattainment areas or are they directed at reducing emissions from the equipment being retrofitted in a specific project?
The proposal criteria provide that project benefits should address non-attainment areas, but should also result in real/quantifiable outputs and clearly defined/measurable outcomes from the specific project. See Section V(A) of the RFP/solicitation.
85. I understand that laboratories are eligible to apply for this grant. Does this include government-funded national laboratories?
For-profit laboratories are not eligible to apply. There are other laboratories which may not be eligible based on other factors. Please contact EPA if you have questions about your laboratory's eligibility under this RFP.
86. Are public, for-profit institutions eligible to participate or is this limited to non-profit institutions only?
EPA is soliciting proposals from States, the District of Columbia, territories, Federally Recognized Indian Tribes and Tribal Consortia, international organizations, public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, and other public or private nonprofit institutions. Private for-profit entities are not eligible to apply.
87. Are the projects intended to benefit the nonattainment areas or are they directed at reducing emissions from the equipment being retrofitted in a specific project?
The proposal criteria provide that project benefits should address non-attainment areas, but should also result in real/quantifiable outputs and clearly defined/measurable outcomes from the specific project. See Section V(A) of the RFP.
88. How will before-and-after testing costs be "looked at" in the proposal review?
Testing costs will be evaluated in accordance with Proposal Evaluation Criteria. See, e.g., Section V(A)(5) regarding "Real/Quantifiable Outputs."
89. Does an applicant have to issue its own public RFP before selecting a technology partner?
Usually yes. See question 1 above.
90. Can a grant be directly used to assist a private company verify its product?
Private companies are not eligible to apply for assistance under this solicitation but grantees may use grant funds to contract with for-profit companies to carry out the project being funded under the grant agreement. Generally, grantees must compete contracts they award when procurring property and services under a grant. The grants are not intended to directly fund a private company's verification of its product. However, this does not necessarily preclude the use of grant funds to develop data as required by the RFP. For example, see the information that may be generated in connection with Section V(A)(5) of the RFP. Some of this information may or may not relate to the verification process.