Request for Proposals for Woody Biomass Utilization Grant-Hazardous Fuel Reduction on National Forest System Lands, 57250-57252 [05-19546]

Download as PDF 57250 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 189 / Friday, September 30, 2005 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Foreign Agricultural Service Refined Sugar Re-Export Program AGENCY: Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA. ACTION: Request for comment. The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) requests comments on a proposed temporary waiver of certain provisions of the Refined Sugar Re-Export Program. Due to Hurricane Katrina, major disruptions to some U.S. sugar refining operations have occurred and seriously impacted sugar trade, including exports. In response, and using the waiver authority under sugar re-export program found at 7 CFR 1530.113 for licensed refiners, FAS proposes to temporarily extend from 90 days to 270 days the period in which licensed refiners must export or transfer an equivalent amount of refined sugar, after entering a quantity of raw can sugar, if such entry results in a positive balance to their license. Comments are welcomed regarding whether the waiver should be made or not, or about details of the terms of such a proposed waiver. Comments to this notice should be submitted within October 5, 2005 to Ron Lord, Deputy Director, Import Policies and Programs Division, Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA, 202–720– 2916, by fax to 202–720–0876, or by e-mail to Ronald.lord@usda.gov. Dated: September 21, 2005. W. Kirk Miller, Acting Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service. [FR Doc. 05–19577 Filed 9–29–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–10–M DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Request for Proposals for Woody Biomass Utilization Grant—Hazardous Fuel Reduction on National Forest System Lands Forest Service, USDA. Request for Proposals. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The USDA Forest Service, State and Private Forestry, Technology Marketing Unit, located at the Forest Products Laboratory, requests proposals for forest products projects that increase the use of woody biomass from or near national forest lands. The woody biomass utilization grant program is intended to help improve forest restoration activities by using and creating markets for small-diameter VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:14 Sep 29, 2005 Jkt 205001 material and low-valued trees removed from hazardous fuel reduction activities. These funds are targeted to help communities, entrepreneurs, and others turn residues from hazardous fuel reduction projects into marketable forest products and/or energy products. DATES: Pre-application Deadline: Close of business December 1, 2005. Full application Deadline: Close of business March 1, 2006. ADDRESSES: All pre- and full-application packages must be sent to the following address: ATTN: Shawn Lacina, Grants and Agreements Specialist, Forest Products Laboratory, 507 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53705–2398. More detailed information regarding what to include in the pre- and full-application and definitions of terms are available at https://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under Woody Biomass Grants). Paper copies of the information are also available by contacting the USDA Forest Service, S&PF Technology Marketing Unit, Madison, Wisconsin. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shawn Lacina, Grants and Agreements Specialist, (608) 231–9282, e-mail to slacina@fs.fed.us, or; technical questions, contact Susan LeVan-Green, Program Manager, (608) 231–9504, e-mail to slevan@fs.fed.us. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: To meet the shared goals of Public Law 108–148 Healthy Forest Restoration Act, Public Law 109–190 the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and Public Law 109–54 Appropriation Act of 2006, the agency is requesting proposals to address the nationwide challenge in dealing with low-valued material removed from hazardous fuel reduction activities. The Woody Biomass Utilization Grant Program has a pre-application submission process, and upon notification, selected pre-applicants will be asked to submit a full application. Goals of the grant program are the following: • Help reduce management costs by increasing value of biomass and other forest products generated by hazardous fuel treatments. • Create incentives and/or reduce business risk for increased use of biomass from or near national forestlands (must include National Forest System lands, however, may also include other lands such as, Bureau of Land Management, Tribal, State, local, and private). • Institute projects that target and help remove economic and market barriers to using small-diameter trees and woody biomass. • Require a Forest Service letter of support for the woody biomass grant PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 project on or near National Forest System lands. Woody Biomass Grants Program 1. Eligibility Information. a. Eligible Applicants. Eligible applicants are State, local, and Tribal governments, school districts, communities, non-profit organizations, businesses, companies, corporations, or special purpose districts, e.g., public utilities districts, fire districts, conservation districts, or ports. Only one application per business or organization will be accepted. Construction projects involving a permanent building or infrastructure item, such as roads, are not allowed. b. Cost Sharing (Matching Requirement). Applicants must demonstrate at least a 20% match from non-Federal sources, which can include cash or in-kind contributions. 2. Duns Number. All applicants must include a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B), Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number in their full application. For the purpose of this requirement, the applicant is the entity that meets the eligibility criteria and has the legal authority to apply for an award. For assistance in obtaining a DUNS number at no cost, call the DUNS number request line (1–866–705–5711) or register on-line at https:// eupdate.dnb.com/requestoptions/ government/ccrreg/. 3. Award Information. At least $4.0 million are available for granting under this program. Individual grants will not be less than $50,000 or more than $250,000. Successful applicants will be announced by April 1, 2006. The maximum length of the award is 3 years from the date of award. Written, quarterly financial and semi-annual performance reports will be required. 4. Application Review Process. A twostep technical evaluation process is used for applications submitted under this solicitation. The first step requires the applicant to submit a preliminary application (pre-application). Preapplications are evaluated on the evaluation criteria discussed in Section 5. A review panel of technical experts from Federal agencies judges the preapplications. Panel members independently review the preapplications according to the evaluation criteria and point system. A total of 100 points is possible. As a result of this preliminary review, successful preapplications are invited to submit a fullapplication package. Unsuccessful preapplicants are removed from further consideration for funding under this solicitation. In either case, a letter of E:\FR\FM\30SEN1.SGM 30SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 189 / Friday, September 30, 2005 / Notices notification is provided to each applicant. The second step requires the applicant to submit a full-application package, which is evaluated based on the same evaluation criteria as the preliminary application. The fullapplication package is evaluated for technical and financial feasibility. The reviewers discuss, rank, and make recommendations to an Executive Steering Committee of Senior Federal officials. 5. Evaluation Criteria and Point System. a. Impact on National Forest System Lands Hazardous Fuel Reduction Activities: Total Points 40. • Fire Regime Condition Class (https://www.frcc.gov). • Direct, tangible benefits with and without the grant (e.g., increased acres treated for hazardous fuel treatments, increased value of raw material removed from hazardous fuel treatments, reduced cost per acre, etc). • Indirect, intangible benefit (such as air quality benefits, water quality benefits, socio-economic impacts, wildlife habitat, and watershed improvements). b. Technical Approach Work Plan: Total Points 25 • Technical feasibility of the proposed work • Adequacy and completeness of the proposed tasks • Likelihood of meeting project objectives • Reasonableness of time schedule • Identified deliverables/tasks • Timeliness—timeframe of the project • Evaluation and monitoring plan c. Financial Feasibility: Total Points 25 • Realistic budget and timeframe • Thorough financial documentation (see description of required documentation under financial feasibility, Section 7. c.) • Level of matching funds for the grant d. Qualifications and Experience of Applicant: Total Points 10 • Experience, capabilities (technical and managerial) • Demonstrated capacity If there are no technical or financial problems for the project, full points are given. If there are minor deficiencies, which could limit success, midway points are given. If there are major deficiencies, which could render the project unsuccessful, minimum points are given. 6. Pre-Application Information. a. PreApplication Submission. Pre- VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:14 Sep 29, 2005 Jkt 205001 applications are required. Specific content and submission requirements for the pre-application are as follows: Each submittal must be composed of three paper copies (single-sided) of the pre-application plus one electronic copy on a CD or 3.5-inch diskette in Microsoft Word for PCs or pdf format. Paper copies of the pre-application must be on 8.5-by 11-inch plain white paper with a minimum font size of 11 letters per inch. Top, bottom, and side margins must be no less than three-quarters of an inch. All pages must be clearly numbered. The paper copies of the application package should be stapled with a single staple at the upper lefthand corner. No other bindings are accepted. b. Pre-Application Content. Assemble information in the following order: Cover page, project summary, project narrative, statement of need, project coordinator(s) and partner(s), goals and objectives, technical approach work plan, impact on National Forest System lands on hazardous fuels treatments, evaluation and monitoring plan, budget justification narrative, budget, and appendices. The project narrative should provide a clear description of the work to be performed. It should address the technical approach work plan under criteria 2 in Section 5. The project narrative is limited to 5 pages, excluding cover page, and does not include the budget justification, budget, or appendices. The discussion of the impact on National Forest System lands is a critical component because these proposals are aimed at helping the Forest Service increase the number of acres treated under hazardous fuel treatments (as defined under the Healthy Forest Restoration Act, Pub. L. 108–148) and decrease the cost. Applicants should describe qualitatively and quantitatively how the project would decrease Forest Service hazardous fuel removal costs and/or increase the price one might offer for the woody biomass. Specifically, proposals should address the following: • Fire Regime Condition Class (https://www.frcc.gov). • What Forest Service is currently doing with material removed from hazardous fuel activities. • What would be done with this material if grant is awarded. • Anticipated outcomes and measures of success. • Documentation of costs and benefits of project as a result of the award (see financial templates on https:// www.fpl.fs.fed.us). • Documentation of intangible benefits. Examples of the information PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 57251 requested are listed on the Technology Marketing Unit’s Web site at https:// www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under Woody Biomass Grants). • Long-Term Benefits of Project: Applicant should address the length of time the benefits and impacts are anticipated (e.g., project will have longterm consequences, such as equipment improvements, or a one-time benefit, such as a subsidy.) • Expansion capability: Does the project have the potential to expand the application to additional forest treatment areas or to use more of the wood from treatments for higher valued uses? A full description of each content item can be obtained from the Technology Marketing Unit’s Web site at https://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under Woody Biomass Grants), or by calling the telephone number in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section, or by writing to the address in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. c. Pre-Application Delivery. Preapplications must be post marked by December 1, 2005, and received no later than 5 p.m. Central Standard Time on December 8, 2005, by the Technology Marketing Unit at the Forest Products Laboratory. Hand-delivered, e-mail, or fax applications shall not be accepted. No exceptions allowed. Please send preapplications to the address listed in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. 7. Full-Application Information. USDA Forest Service will request full applications only from those applicants selected in the pre-application process. a. Full-Application Submission. Specific content and submission requirements for the full application are as follows: Each submittal must be composed of three paper copies (singlesided) of the full application plus one electronic copy on a CD or 3.5-inch diskette in Microsoft Word for PCs or pdf format. Paper copies of the full application must be on 8.5- by 11-inch plain white paper with a minimum font size of 11 letters per inch. Top, bottom, and side margins must be no less than three-quarters of an inch. All pages must be clearly numbered. The paper copies of the application package should be stapled with a single staple at the upper left-hand corner. Other bindings will not be accepted. b. Full-Application Content. Assemble information in the following order: Cover page, project summary, project narrative, statement of need, project coordinator(s) and partner(s), goals and objectives, technical approach work plan, impact on National Forest System lands on hazardous fuels treatments, environmental E:\FR\FM\30SEN1.SGM 30SEN1 57252 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 189 / Friday, September 30, 2005 / Notices documentation, project work plan and timeline, social impacts, evaluation and monitoring, equipment description, budget justification, budget requirements, financial feasibility, and appendices. The project narrative should provide a clear description of the work to be undertaken and how it will be accomplished. It should address the technical approach work plan under criteria 2 listed in Section 5. The project narrative is limited to a total of 10 pages excluding cover page, budget justification, budget, appendices and financial documentation. c. Detailed Financial Information. Detailed financial information is requested to assess the potential and the capability of the applicant. Financial information remains confidential. The financial information should provide a general overview of historical financial performance, projections (Pro Forma), and cash flow statements. Standard principles should be used for developing the required financial information. Strong applications have benefited from the use of a certified accountant to develop this information. Applicants should refer to the Technology Marketing Unit’s Web site for the financial information templates, as well as an example https:// www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under Woody Biomass Grants). d. Full-Application Delivery. Full applications must be postmarked by March 1, 2006, and received no later than 5 p.m. Central Standard Time on March 8, 2006, by the Technology Marketing Unit at the Forest Products Laboratory. Hand-delivered, e-mail, or fax applications shall not be accepted. No exceptions allowed. Please send preapplications to the address listed in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. 8. Appendices. The following information must be included in the appendix of the pre-application and the full-application package: a. Letter of Support and Biomass Availability From Local USDA Forest Service District Ranger or Forest Supervisor: This letter must describe the status of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), acres, timeframes, available volumes, and opportunities for applicant to access these volumes. b. Letters of Support From Partners, Individuals, or Organizations: Letters of support should be included in an appendix and are intended to display the degree of collaboration occurring between the different entities engaged in the project. These letters must include commitments of cash or in-kind services from all partners and must support the amounts listed in the budget. Each letter VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:14 Sep 29, 2005 Jkt 205001 of support should be limited to one page in length. c. Key Personnel Qualifications: Qualifications of the project manager should be included in an appendix. Qualifications are limited to two pages in length and should contain the following: resume, biographical sketch, references, and demonstrated ability to manage the grant. Dated: September 26, 2005. Kent P. Connaughton, Associate Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry. [FR Doc. 05–19546 Filed 9–29–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc.; Notice of Extension of Public Scoping Comment Period AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA. Notice of extension of public scoping comment period. ACTION: SUMMARY: Upon request the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) agrees to extend the public scoping comment period by 30 days prior to the preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS) in connection to a project proposed by Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AECI), with headquarters in Springfield, Missouri. A previous notice was published in the Federal Register on August 10, 2005 announcing RUS’s intent to prepare an EIS and to hold public scoping meetings. The proposal consists of the construction and operation of a nominal 660 megawatt coal-based electrical generating plant and associated transmission facilities. A proposed and an alternate site both near the Missouri River in the northwest quadrant of Missouri have been identified by AECI. AECI is requesting RUS to provide financing for the proposal. Send comments to RUS, at the address listed below on or before October 28, 2005. A Site Selection Study and Macro Corridor Study Report, prepared by Associated Electric Cooperative, is available for public review on the RUS Web site https://www.usda.gov/rus/ water/ees/eis.htm, at Associated Electric Cooperative offices at, 2814 S. Golden, Springfield, Missouri 65807, and at the following public repositories: DATES: Cameron Public Library, 312 N. Chestnut St., Cameron, MO 64429, Phone 816/632–2311. PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Concordia Library, 709 S. Main St., Concordia, MO 64020, Phone: 660/463– 2277. Hale Library & Museum, 321 Main St., Hale, MO 64643, Phone: 660/565–2617. Mid-Continent Public Library, Kearney Branch, 100 S. Platte-Clay Way, Kearney, MO 64060–7640, Phone: 816/628–5055. Macon Public Library, 210 N. Rutherford St., Macon, MO 63552, Phone: 660/385–3314. Maryville Public Library, 509 N. Main St., Maryville, MO 64468, Phone 660/582– 5281. Little Dixie Regional Library, 111 N. 4th St., Moberly, MO 65270, Phone: 660/263–4426. Oregon Public Library, 103 S. Washington St., Oregon, MO 64473, Phone: 660/446– 3586. Dulany Memorial Library, 501 S. Broadway, Salisbury, MO 65281, Phone: 660/388– 5712. Carrollton Public Library, 1 N. Folger St., Carrollton, MO 64633, Phone: 660/542– 0183. Mid-Continent Public Library, Excelsior Springs Branch, 1460 Kearney Road, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024–1746, Phone: 816/630–6721 Robertson Memorial Library, 19 W. 20th St., Higginsville, MO 64037, Phone: 660/584– 2880. Lexington Library, 1008 Main St., Lexington, MO 64067, Phone: 660/259–3071. Marshall Public Library, 214 N. Lafayette, Marshall, MO 65340, Phone: 660/886– 3391. DeKalb County Public Library, 201 N. Polk St., Maysville, MO 64469, Phone: 816/449– 5695. Mound City Public Library, 205 E. 6th St., Mound City, MO 64470, Phone: 660/442– 5700. Ray County Library, 219 S. College St., Richmond, MO 64085, Phone: 816/470– 3291. Rolling Hills Consolidated Library, Savannah, 514 W. Main St., Savannah, MO 64485, Phone: 816/324–4569. Boonslick Regional Library Sedalia Branch 219 W. 3rd St., Sedalia, MO 65301, Phone: 660/827–7323. Carnegie Library 316 Massachusetts St., St. Joseph, MO 64504, Phone: 816/238–0526. East Hills Library 502 N. Woodbine Road, Suite A, St. Joseph, MO 64506, Phone: 816/ 236–2136. Washington Park Library 1821 N. Third St., St. Joseph, MO 64505, Phone: 816/232–2052. Boonslick Regional Library 950 E. Main St., Warsaw, MO 65355, Phone: 660/438–5211. Sedalia Public Library 311 W. Third St., Sedalia, MO 65301, Phone: 660/826–1314. Downtown Library 927 Felix St., St. Joseph, MO 64501, Phone: 816/232–7729. Rolling Hills Consolidated Library: Eastside 1904 N. Belt Highway, St. Joseph, MO 64506, Phone: 816/232–5479. Sweet Springs Public Library 323 Spring St., Sweet Springs, MO 65351, Phone: 660/ 335–4314. Norborne Public Library 109 East 2nd Street, Norborne, MO 64668, Voice: (816) 594–3514. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephanie Strength, Environmental Protection Specialist, RUS, Engineering E:\FR\FM\30SEN1.SGM 30SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 189 (Friday, September 30, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57250-57252]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-19546]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Request for Proposals for Woody Biomass Utilization Grant--
Hazardous Fuel Reduction on National Forest System Lands

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Request for Proposals.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The USDA Forest Service, State and Private Forestry, 
Technology Marketing Unit, located at the Forest Products Laboratory, 
requests proposals for forest products projects that increase the use 
of woody biomass from or near national forest lands. The woody biomass 
utilization grant program is intended to help improve forest 
restoration activities by using and creating markets for small-diameter 
material and low-valued trees removed from hazardous fuel reduction 
activities. These funds are targeted to help communities, 
entrepreneurs, and others turn residues from hazardous fuel reduction 
projects into marketable forest products and/or energy products.

DATES: Pre-application Deadline: Close of business December 1, 2005.
    Full application Deadline: Close of business March 1, 2006.

ADDRESSES: All pre- and full-application packages must be sent to the 
following address: ATTN: Shawn Lacina, Grants and Agreements 
Specialist, Forest Products Laboratory, 507 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 
53705-2398. More detailed information regarding what to include in the 
pre- and full-application and definitions of terms are available at 
https://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under Woody Biomass Grants). Paper copies 
of the information are also available by contacting the USDA Forest 
Service, S&PF Technology Marketing Unit, Madison, Wisconsin.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shawn Lacina, Grants and Agreements 
Specialist, (608) 231-9282, e-mail to slacina@fs.fed.us, or; technical 
questions, contact Susan LeVan-Green, Program Manager, (608) 231-9504, 
e-mail to slevan@fs.fed.us.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: To meet the shared goals of Public Law 108-
148 Healthy Forest Restoration Act, Public Law 109-190 the Energy 
Policy Act of 2005, and Public Law 109-54 Appropriation Act of 2006, 
the agency is requesting proposals to address the nationwide challenge 
in dealing with low-valued material removed from hazardous fuel 
reduction activities. The Woody Biomass Utilization Grant Program has a 
pre-application submission process, and upon notification, selected 
pre-applicants will be asked to submit a full application. Goals of the 
grant program are the following:
     Help reduce management costs by increasing value of 
biomass and other forest products generated by hazardous fuel 
treatments.
     Create incentives and/or reduce business risk for 
increased use of biomass from or near national forestlands (must 
include National Forest System lands, however, may also include other 
lands such as, Bureau of Land Management, Tribal, State, local, and 
private).
     Institute projects that target and help remove economic 
and market barriers to using small-diameter trees and woody biomass.
     Require a Forest Service letter of support for the woody 
biomass grant project on or near National Forest System lands.

Woody Biomass Grants Program

    1. Eligibility Information. a. Eligible Applicants. Eligible 
applicants are State, local, and Tribal governments, school districts, 
communities, non-profit organizations, businesses, companies, 
corporations, or special purpose districts, e.g., public utilities 
districts, fire districts, conservation districts, or ports. Only one 
application per business or organization will be accepted. Construction 
projects involving a permanent building or infrastructure item, such as 
roads, are not allowed.
    b. Cost Sharing (Matching Requirement). Applicants must demonstrate 
at least a 20% match from non-Federal sources, which can include cash 
or in-kind contributions.
    2. Duns Number. All applicants must include a Dun and Bradstreet 
(D&B), Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number in their full 
application. For the purpose of this requirement, the applicant is the 
entity that meets the eligibility criteria and has the legal authority 
to apply for an award. For assistance in obtaining a DUNS number at no 
cost, call the DUNS number request line (1-866-705-5711) or register 
on-line at https://eupdate.dnb.com/requestoptions/government/ccrreg/.
    3. Award Information. At least $4.0 million are available for 
granting under this program. Individual grants will not be less than 
$50,000 or more than $250,000. Successful applicants will be announced 
by April 1, 2006. The maximum length of the award is 3 years from the 
date of award. Written, quarterly financial and semi-annual performance 
reports will be required.
    4. Application Review Process. A two-step technical evaluation 
process is used for applications submitted under this solicitation. The 
first step requires the applicant to submit a preliminary application 
(pre-application). Pre-applications are evaluated on the evaluation 
criteria discussed in Section 5.
    A review panel of technical experts from Federal agencies judges 
the pre-applications. Panel members independently review the pre-
applications according to the evaluation criteria and point system. A 
total of 100 points is possible. As a result of this preliminary 
review, successful pre-applications are invited to submit a full-
application package. Unsuccessful pre-applicants are removed from 
further consideration for funding under this solicitation. In either 
case, a letter of

[[Page 57251]]

notification is provided to each applicant.
    The second step requires the applicant to submit a full-application 
package, which is evaluated based on the same evaluation criteria as 
the preliminary application. The full-application package is evaluated 
for technical and financial feasibility. The reviewers discuss, rank, 
and make recommendations to an Executive Steering Committee of Senior 
Federal officials.
    5. Evaluation Criteria and Point System. a. Impact on National 
Forest System Lands Hazardous Fuel Reduction Activities: Total Points 
40.
     Fire Regime Condition Class (https://www.frcc.gov).
     Direct, tangible benefits with and without the grant 
(e.g., increased acres treated for hazardous fuel treatments, increased 
value of raw material removed from hazardous fuel treatments, reduced 
cost per acre, etc).
     Indirect, intangible benefit (such as air quality 
benefits, water quality benefits, socio-economic impacts, wildlife 
habitat, and watershed improvements).
b. Technical Approach Work Plan: Total Points 25
     Technical feasibility of the proposed work
     Adequacy and completeness of the proposed tasks
     Likelihood of meeting project objectives
     Reasonableness of time schedule
     Identified deliverables/tasks
     Timeliness--timeframe of the project
     Evaluation and monitoring plan
c. Financial Feasibility: Total Points 25
     Realistic budget and timeframe
     Thorough financial documentation (see description of 
required documentation under financial feasibility, Section 7. c.)
     Level of matching funds for the grant
d. Qualifications and Experience of Applicant: Total Points 10
     Experience, capabilities (technical and managerial)
     Demonstrated capacity
    If there are no technical or financial problems for the project, 
full points are given. If there are minor deficiencies, which could 
limit success, midway points are given. If there are major 
deficiencies, which could render the project unsuccessful, minimum 
points are given.
    6. Pre-Application Information. a. Pre-Application Submission. Pre-
applications are required. Specific content and submission requirements 
for the pre-application are as follows: Each submittal must be composed 
of three paper copies (single-sided) of the pre-application plus one 
electronic copy on a CD or 3.5-inch diskette in Microsoft Word for PCs 
or pdf format. Paper copies of the pre-application must be on 8.5-by 
11-inch plain white paper with a minimum font size of 11 letters per 
inch. Top, bottom, and side margins must be no less than three-quarters 
of an inch. All pages must be clearly numbered. The paper copies of the 
application package should be stapled with a single staple at the upper 
left-hand corner. No other bindings are accepted.
    b. Pre-Application Content. Assemble information in the following 
order: Cover page, project summary, project narrative, statement of 
need, project coordinator(s) and partner(s), goals and objectives, 
technical approach work plan, impact on National Forest System lands on 
hazardous fuels treatments, evaluation and monitoring plan, budget 
justification narrative, budget, and appendices. The project narrative 
should provide a clear description of the work to be performed. It 
should address the technical approach work plan under criteria 2 in 
Section 5. The project narrative is limited to 5 pages, excluding cover 
page, and does not include the budget justification, budget, or 
appendices.
    The discussion of the impact on National Forest System lands is a 
critical component because these proposals are aimed at helping the 
Forest Service increase the number of acres treated under hazardous 
fuel treatments (as defined under the Healthy Forest Restoration Act, 
Pub. L. 108-148) and decrease the cost. Applicants should describe 
qualitatively and quantitatively how the project would decrease Forest 
Service hazardous fuel removal costs and/or increase the price one 
might offer for the woody biomass. Specifically, proposals should 
address the following:
     Fire Regime Condition Class (https://www.frcc.gov).
     What Forest Service is currently doing with material 
removed from hazardous fuel activities.
     What would be done with this material if grant is awarded.
     Anticipated outcomes and measures of success.
     Documentation of costs and benefits of project as a result 
of the award (see financial templates on https://www.fpl.fs.fed.us).
     Documentation of intangible benefits. Examples of the 
information requested are listed on the Technology Marketing Unit's Web 
site at https://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under Woody Biomass Grants).
     Long-Term Benefits of Project: Applicant should address 
the length of time the benefits and impacts are anticipated (e.g., 
project will have long-term consequences, such as equipment 
improvements, or a one-time benefit, such as a subsidy.)
     Expansion capability: Does the project have the potential 
to expand the application to additional forest treatment areas or to 
use more of the wood from treatments for higher valued uses?
    A full description of each content item can be obtained from the 
Technology Marketing Unit's Web site at https://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu 
(under Woody Biomass Grants), or by calling the telephone number in the 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section, or by writing to the address 
in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.
    c. Pre-Application Delivery. Pre-applications must be post marked 
by December 1, 2005, and received no later than 5 p.m. Central Standard 
Time on December 8, 2005, by the Technology Marketing Unit at the 
Forest Products Laboratory. Hand-delivered, e-mail, or fax applications 
shall not be accepted. No exceptions allowed. Please send pre-
applications to the address listed in the ADDRESSES section of this 
notice.
    7. Full-Application Information. USDA Forest Service will request 
full applications only from those applicants selected in the pre-
application process.
    a. Full-Application Submission. Specific content and submission 
requirements for the full application are as follows: Each submittal 
must be composed of three paper copies (single-sided) of the full 
application plus one electronic copy on a CD or 3.5-inch diskette in 
Microsoft Word for PCs or pdf format. Paper copies of the full 
application must be on 8.5- by 11-inch plain white paper with a minimum 
font size of 11 letters per inch. Top, bottom, and side margins must be 
no less than three-quarters of an inch. All pages must be clearly 
numbered. The paper copies of the application package should be stapled 
with a single staple at the upper left-hand corner. Other bindings will 
not be accepted.
    b. Full-Application Content. Assemble information in the following 
order: Cover page, project summary, project narrative, statement of 
need, project coordinator(s) and partner(s), goals and objectives, 
technical approach work plan, impact on National Forest System lands on 
hazardous fuels treatments, environmental

[[Page 57252]]

documentation, project work plan and timeline, social impacts, 
evaluation and monitoring, equipment description, budget justification, 
budget requirements, financial feasibility, and appendices. The project 
narrative should provide a clear description of the work to be 
undertaken and how it will be accomplished. It should address the 
technical approach work plan under criteria 2 listed in Section 5. The 
project narrative is limited to a total of 10 pages excluding cover 
page, budget justification, budget, appendices and financial 
documentation.
    c. Detailed Financial Information. Detailed financial information 
is requested to assess the potential and the capability of the 
applicant. Financial information remains confidential. The financial 
information should provide a general overview of historical financial 
performance, projections (Pro Forma), and cash flow statements. 
Standard principles should be used for developing the required 
financial information. Strong applications have benefited from the use 
of a certified accountant to develop this information. Applicants 
should refer to the Technology Marketing Unit's Web site for the 
financial information templates, as well as an example https://
www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under Woody Biomass Grants).
    d. Full-Application Delivery. Full applications must be postmarked 
by March 1, 2006, and received no later than 5 p.m. Central Standard 
Time on March 8, 2006, by the Technology Marketing Unit at the Forest 
Products Laboratory. Hand-delivered, e-mail, or fax applications shall 
not be accepted. No exceptions allowed. Please send pre-applications to 
the address listed in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.
    8. Appendices. The following information must be included in the 
appendix of the pre-application and the full-application package:
    a. Letter of Support and Biomass Availability From Local USDA 
Forest Service District Ranger or Forest Supervisor: This letter must 
describe the status of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), acres, 
timeframes, available volumes, and opportunities for applicant to 
access these volumes.
    b. Letters of Support From Partners, Individuals, or Organizations: 
Letters of support should be included in an appendix and are intended 
to display the degree of collaboration occurring between the different 
entities engaged in the project. These letters must include commitments 
of cash or in-kind services from all partners and must support the 
amounts listed in the budget. Each letter of support should be limited 
to one page in length.
    c. Key Personnel Qualifications: Qualifications of the project 
manager should be included in an appendix. Qualifications are limited 
to two pages in length and should contain the following: resume, 
biographical sketch, references, and demonstrated ability to manage the 
grant.

    Dated: September 26, 2005.
Kent P. Connaughton,
Associate Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry.
[FR Doc. 05-19546 Filed 9-29-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P
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