Request for Proposals for Woody Biomass Utilization Grant-Forest Restoration Activities on National Forest System Lands, 52523-52525 [E6-14707]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
• Forest Service

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 172 (Wednesday, September 6, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52523-52525]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-14707]


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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 172 / Wednesday, September 6, 2006 / 
Notices

[[Page 52523]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Request for Proposals for Woody Biomass Utilization Grant--Forest 
Restoration Activities on National Forest System Lands

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Request for proposals.

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SUMMARY: The USDA Forest Service, State and Private Forestry, 
Technology Marketing Unit, located at the Forest Products Laboratory, 
requests proposals for forest product projects that increase the use of 
woody biomass from national forest system 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 forest restoration 
activities, such as reducing hazardous fuels, handling insect and 
diseased conditions, or treating forestlands impacted by catastrophic 
weather events. These funds are targeted to help communities, 
entrepreneurs, and others turn residues from forest restoration 
activities into marketable forest products and/or energy products.

DATES: Pre-application Deadline: Close of business November 3, 2006.
    Full application Deadline: Close of business February 2, 2007.

ADDRESSES: All pre- and full-application packages must be sent to the 
following address: ATTN: Shawn Lacina, Grants and Agreements 
Specialist, Forest Products Laboratory, 1 Gifford Pinchot Dr., Madison, 
WI 53726-2398. Detailed information regarding what to include in the 
pre- and full-application, definitions of terms, eligibility and 
federal restrictions 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: For questions regarding contract and 
agreement questions, contact Shawn Lacina, Grants and Agreements 
Specialist, (608) 231-9282, slacina@fs.fed.us, for program and 
technical questions, contact Susan LeVan, Program Manager, (608) 231-
9504, slevan@fs.fed.us.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: To meet the shared goals of Public Law 109-
190 the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the anticipated Public Law 
governing the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related 
Agencies Appropriations Act of 2007, the agency is requesting proposals 
to address the nationwide challenge in dealing with low-valued material 
removed from hazardous fuel reduction activities, restoration of insect 
and diseased conditions or catastrophic weather events. 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 forest management costs by increasing value of 
biomass and other forest products generated from forest restoration 
activities.
     Create incentives and/or reduce business risk for 
increased use of biomass from national forestlands (must include 
National Forest System lands, however, may also include other lands 
such as, BLM, 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 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 with federal funds; however 
construction funds can be part of the non-federal cost share.
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/. By 
submission of an application, the applicant acknowledges the 
requirement that prospective awardees shall be registered in the 
Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database prior to award, during 
performance, and through final payment of any grant resulting from this 
solicitation. Further information can be found at https://www.ccr.gov.

3. Award Information

    At least $4 million is available for granting under this program. 
Individual grants will not be less than $50,000 or more than $250,000. 
Funds are presently not available for this grant program. The 
Government's obligation under this program is contingent upon the 
availability of 2007 appropriated funds from which payment for grant 
purposes can be made. No legal liability on the part of the Government 
for any payment may arise until funds are made available to the Grants 
Officer for this program, and until the Cooperator receives notice of 
such availability, to be confirmed in writing by the Grants Officer. 
Successful applicants will be announced by March 5, 2007. 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. Applicants should be aware that the grant funds are regarded 
as taxable

[[Page 52524]]

income and a form 1099 will be sent by the Forest Service to the IRS.

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 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 Executive Steering Committee of Senior 
Federal officials.

5. Evaluation Criteria and Point System

a. Impact on National Forest System Lands Forest Restoration 
Activities: Total Points 40
     Condition of the forestlands proposed for the project, 
such as Fire Regime Condition Class (https://www.frcc.gov), insect and 
disease risk conditions, or degraded forestlands due to catastrophic 
weather events.
     Direct, tangible benefits with and without the grant 
(e.g., increased acres treated from forest restoration activities, 
increased value of raw material removed from forest restoration 
activities, and reduced Forest Service's cost per acre).
     Indirect, intangible benefit (such as air quality 
benefits, water quality benefits, socio-economic impacts, wildlife 
habitat, and watershed improvements).
     Opportunities created for using woody biomass material 
around National Forest System lands in locations where no capacity 
exists.
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, 
and there is significant impact on reducing the Forest Service's cost 
per acre, 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. Further scoring criteria can be found at https://
www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under Woody Biomass Grants). Full-application 
packages that do not submit ALL required financial information will be 
disqualified.

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. 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.
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 forest restoration 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 and its impact on National 
Forest System lands. 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, 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 and decrease the 
cost per acre for those National Forest System lands that are at risk 
due to hazardous fuel buildup, insects and diseases, or catastrophic 
weather events. Applicants should describe qualitatively and 
quantitatively how the project would decrease Forest Service treatment 
costs and/or increase the price one might offer for the woody biomass. 
Specifically, proposals should address the following:
     Condition of the forest or grassland, such as providing 
the Fire Regime Condition Class (https://www.frcc.gov), the insect and 
disease risk, or any catastrophic weather events and the consequences 
of the National Forest System not being able to do treatments because 
of the cost.
     What Forest Service is currently doing with material 
removed from forest restoration 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 project feasibility discussion at https://
www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu under Woody Biomass Grants).
     Documentation of intangible benefits. Examples of tangible 
and intangible benefits 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

[[Page 52525]]

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 postmarked by November 3, 2006 and 
received no later than 5 p.m. Central Standard Time on November 10, 
2006, by Shawn Lacina at the Forest Products Laboratory. Hand-
delivered, e-mail, or fax applications will 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. 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 forest restoration activities, 
environmental documentation, project work plan and timeline, social 
impacts, evaluation and monitoring plan, equipment description, budget 
justification narrative, budget, financial feasibility, and appendices. 
The project narrative should provide a clear description of the work to 
be performed, how it will be accomplished, and its impact on National 
Forest System lands. 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. All financial information remains 
confidential and is not accessible under the Freedom of Information 
Act. If the applicant has questions about how confidential information 
is handled they should contact Shawn Lacina at slacina@fs.fed.us. The 
financial information should provide a general overview of historical 
and projected (pro forma) financial performance. Standard accounting 
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 at https://
www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under Woody Biomass Grants) for the financial 
information requirements, as well as Web sites for standard financial 
templates.
d. Full-Application Delivery
    Full applications must be postmarked by February 2, 2007, and 
received no later than 5 p.m. Central Standard Time on February 9, 
2007, by Shawn Lacina at the Forest Products Laboratory. Hand-
delivered, e-mail, or fax applications will not be accepted. No 
exceptions allowed. Please send full-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. These letters 
should be submitted with both the pre-application and full-application.
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 is 
limited to one page in length.
c. Key Personnel Qualifications
    Qualifications of the project manager and key personnel 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: August 30, 2006.
James E. Hubbard,
Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry.
[FR Doc. E6-14707 Filed 9-5-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P