Regional Biomass Energy Programs (81.079)
Program
81.079 Regional Biomass Energy Programs
Federal Agency
OFFICE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Authorization
Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977, as amended, Public Law 95-91; Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, Public Law 99-500.
Program Number
81.079
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To build State and municipal capacity for accelerating biomass technology deployment, in partnership with industry; and provide assistance in outreach, public education, and behavior modification activities. To conduct a balanced, near-term demonstration of biomass technologies tailored to specific regions of the country for feedstock production, conversion technologies, and feasibility studies. Request for proposal solicitations will be offered to develop and transfer technology to various regions of the United States.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Assistance may be used to develop and transfer any of several biomass energy technologies to the scientific and industrial communities. For regional programs, such technologies will be appropriate for the needs and resources of particular regions of the United States.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Profit organizations; private nonprofit institutions/organizations; intrastate, interstate, State and local government agencies, and universities may apply.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Profit organizations; private nonprofit institutions/organizations; intrastate, interstate, State and local government agencies, universities will benefit.
Credentials/Documentation
Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 must be used for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
Unsolicited proposals should be submitted in accordance with DOE "Guide for the Submission of Unsolicited Proposals." This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110.
Award Procedure
Evaluation and award will be performed by personnel at the Coalition of Northeastern Governors (DOE Boston Regional Office); Council of Great Lakes Governors, (DOE Chicago Regional Office); the Southern States Energy Board (DOE Atlanta Regional Office); the DOE Seattle Regional Office; and the Nebraska Energy Office (DOE Denver Regional Office).
Deadlines
None.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Grants may be modified or extended prior to grant expiration.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula, but cost sharing is encouraged and is a factor in the award decision process.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Assistance is available from 2 months to 1 year.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Quarterly progress and expenditure reports. Final report at conclusion.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133, (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
None.
Program Accomplishments
The development of biomass energy technologies have been advanced on a regional basis.
Financial Information
Account Identification
89-0224-0-1-271.
Obligations
(Grants) FY 02 $3,500,000; FY 03 est $4,000,000; and FY 04 est $4,000,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Varies depending upon region and degree of cost-sharing.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
"Guide for the Submission of Unsolicited Proposals," Office of Procurement and Assistance Management, Department of Energy, Washington, DC 20585.
Related Programs
81.087, Renewable Energy Research and Development.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
See Appendix IV of the Catalog.
Headquarters Office
Ann Hegnauer, Office of Fuels Development, Mgr., Regional Biomass Energy Program, EE-31, Department of Energy, Washington, DC 20585. Telephone: (202) 586-8014. Fax: (202) 586-9815.
Web Site Address
http://www.ott.doe.gov/rbep/organization.html
Examples of Funded Projects
Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Great Lakes, and Western Regional Biomass Energy Programs received funding.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Merit of the proposal is determined by: (1) Technical relevance to program objectives; (2) potential contribution of the feedstock or conversion process to the energy needs of the region; (3) environmental and employment considerations; and (4) amount of cost-sharing by recipient.
