Request for Proposals for Woody Biomass Utilization Grant-Forest Restoration Activities on National Forest System Lands, 52810-52813 [E8-21112]

Download as PDF rmajette on PRODPC74 with NOTICES 52810 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 177 / Thursday, September 11, 2008 / Notices Section 301.86–3 of the regulations sets out the procedures for determining the areas quarantined for PCN. Paragraph (a) of § 301.86–3 states that, in accordance with the criteria listed in § 301.86–3(c), the Administrator will designate as a quarantined area each field that has been found to be infested with PCN, each field that has been found to be associated with an infested field, and any area that the Administrator considers necessary to quarantine because of its inseparability for quarantine enforcement purposes from infested or associated fields. Paragraph (c) provides that the Administrator will designate a field as an infested field when PCN is found in the field. Paragraph (c) also provides that the Administrator will designate a field as an associated field when PCN host crops, as listed in § 301.86–2(b), have been grown in the field in the last 10 years and the field shares a border with an infested field; the field came into contact with a regulated article listed in § 301.86–2 from an infested field within the last 10 years; or, within the last 10 years, the field shared ownership, tenancy, seed, drainage or runoff, farm machinery, or other elements of shared cultural practices with an infested field that could allow spread of the PCN, as determined by the Administrator. Paragraph (b) describes the conditions for the designation of an area less than an entire State as a quarantined area. Less than an entire State will be designated as a quarantined area only if the Administrator determines that: 1. The State has adopted and is enforcing restrictions on the intrastate movement of the regulated articles that are equivalent to those imposed by the regulations on the interstate movement of regulated articles; and 2. The designation of less than the entire State as a quarantined area will prevent the interstate spread of PCN. We have determined that it is not necessary to designate the entire State of Idaho as a quarantined area. Idaho has adopted and is enforcing restrictions on the intrastate movement of regulated articles from that area that are equivalent to those we are imposing on the interstate movement of regulated articles. Paragraph (d) provides for the removal of fields from quarantine. An infested field will be removed from quarantine when a 3-year biosurvey protocol approved by APHIS has been completed and the field has been found to be free of PCN. An associated field will be removed from quarantine when the field has been found to be free of PCN according to a survey protocol VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:21 Sep 10, 2008 Jkt 214001 approved by the Administrator as sufficient to support removal from quarantine. Any area other than infested or associated fields which has been quarantined by the Administrator because of its inseparability for quarantine enforcement purposes from infested or associated fields will be removed from quarantine when the relevant infested or associated fields are removed from quarantine. Paragraph (a) of § 301.86–3 further provides that the Administrator will publish the description of the quarantined area on the Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Web site, https:// www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/ plant_pest_info/potato/pcn.shtml. The description of the quarantined area will include the date the description was last updated and a description of the changes that have been made to the quarantined area. The description of the quarantined area may also be obtained by request from any local office of PPQ; local offices are listed in telephone directories. Finally, paragraph (a) establishes that, after a change is made to the quarantined area, we will publish a notice in the Federal Register informing the public that the change has occurred and describing the change to the quarantined area. We are publishing this notice to inform the public of changes to the PCN quarantined area in accordance with § 301.86–3(a). On June 27, 2008, we updated the quarantined areas to release nine fields from designation as quarantined areas and add four fields to the quarantined area. Eight of the nine fields were removed from quarantine as associated fields after being found to be free of PCN according to a survey protocol approved by the Administrator as sufficient to support removal from quarantine, under paragraph (d)(2) of § 301.86–3. The ninth field was removed from quarantine because we determined that it did not meet the criteria for an associated field listed in § 301.86– 3(c)(2). The fields removed from quarantine were in Bonneville and Bingham Counties. The four fields added to the quarantine areas were designated as associated fields because they share a border with an infested field. Paragraph (c)(2) of § 301.86–3 indicates that such fields will be considered associated fields and therefore will be added to the quarantined area. The fields designated as quarantined areas are in Bonneville County. The current map of the quarantined area can be viewed on the PPQ Web site at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/ PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 plant_health/plant_pest_info/potato/ pcn.shtml. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701–7772 and 7781– 7786; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.3. Done in Washington, DC, this 5th day of September 2008. Kevin Shea, Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. E8–21115 Filed 9–10–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Request for Proposals for Woody Biomass Utilization Grant—Forest Restoration Activities 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 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 Postmark Deadline: November 7, 2008. Full application Postmark Deadline: February 13, 2009. ADDRESSES: All pre- and full-application packages must be sent to the following address: ATTN: Patricia Brumm, Grants and Agreements Specialist, Forest Products Laboratory, One Gifford Pinchot Drive, Madison, WI 53726– 2398. Detailed information regarding what to include in the pre- and fullapplication, definitions of terms, eligibility and Federal restrictions are available at https://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under Woody Biomass Grants), and at https://www.grants.gov). Paper copies of the information are also available by contacting the USDA Forest Service, S&PF Technology Marketing Unit, One Gifford Pinchot Dr., Madison, Wisconsin 53726–2398, 608–231–9504. E:\FR\FM\11SEN1.SGM 11SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 177 / Thursday, September 11, 2008 / Notices For questions regarding the grant application or administrative regulations, contact Patricia Brumm, Grants and Agreements Specialist, 608– 231–9298, pbrumm@fs.fed.us; for program and technical questions, contact Susan LeVan, Program Manager, 608–231–9504, slevan@fs.fed.us. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: To address the mutual goals of Public Law 109–58, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the anticipated Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriation Act of 2009, 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 preapplication submission process, and upon notification, selected preapplicants 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. • Help generate renewable energy from woody biomass, including the use of new technologies. • Build industry infrastructure around national forestlands where no or limited industry infrastructure exists. • Expand working relationships between local forest products businesses and Forest Service offices. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Woody Biomass Grants Program rmajette on PRODPC74 with NOTICES 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, VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:21 Sep 10, 2008 Jkt 214001 conservation districts, or ports. Only one application per business or organization will be accepted. If applicants have received a Woody Biomass Utilization Grant within the last 3 years, they are not eligible. Construction projects involving a permanent building or infrastructure item, such as roads, are not allowed with these Federal funds; however construction funds can be part of the non-Federal cost share. For Alaska, only applicants on the Seward Ranger District on the Chugach National Forest are eligible to apply for this grant. Cordova and Glacier Ranger Districts on the Chugach are not eligible. Ranger Districts on the Tongass National Forest are not eligible. b. Cost Sharing (Matching Requirement). Applicants must demonstrate at least a 20% match of the total project cost. This match must be 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:// fedgov.dnb.com/webform. 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. For assistance, contact the CCR Assistance Center (1–888–227– 2423). 3. Award Information At least $4 million are 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 2009 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 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 52811 Officer. Successful applicants will be announced by early April 2009. The maximum length of the award is 3 years from the date of award. Written annual financial performance reports and semiannual project performance reports shall be required. Applicants should be aware that the grant funds are regarded as taxable income and a form 1099 will be sent by the Forest Service to the IRS. Awardees are expected to follow all OSHA requirements regarding safe working practices and all applicable State and Federal regulations pertinent to the proposed project. 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 (preapplication). Pre-applications are evaluated on criteria discussed in section 5. All pre-applications shall be screened to ensure compliance with the administrative requirements as set forth in the RFP. Applications found to be non-compliant shall be disqualified. 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 full application package. Unsuccessful preapplicants 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 based on the same evaluation criteria as the preliminary application. Each full application shall be screened to ensure that it meets the administrative requirements as set forth in the RFP. The full application package is evaluated for technical merit 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. E:\FR\FM\11SEN1.SGM 11SEN1 52812 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 177 / Thursday, September 11, 2008 / Notices • 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 benefits (including air quality and water quality improvements in socioeconomics of communities, in wildlife habitats, and in watersheds). • Opportunities created for using woody biomass material around National Forest System lands in locations where no or limited industry capacity exists. b. Technical Approach Work Plan: Total Points 25 • Technical feasibility of the proposed work. • Adequacy and completeness of the proposed tasks. • Timeliness and reasonableness of time schedule. • Identified deliverables/tasks. • Evaluation and monitoring plan (accountability measures of environmental, social, financial and forest restoration effects of proposed project). • Potential for project to improve efficiencies or to accelerate adoption of cleaner technologies (air, water, waste) for biomass utilization. rmajette on PRODPC74 with NOTICES 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) and at https://www.grants.gov. Full application packages that do not submit ALL required financial information will be disqualified. 6. Pre-Application Information a. Pre-Application Submission. Preapplications are required. Specific VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:21 Sep 10, 2008 Jkt 214001 content and submission requirements for the pre-application are as follows: Each submittal must be composed of two paper copies (single-sided) of the pre-application and one original copy. All proposals for the pre-application must be on 8.5- by 11-inch plain white paper only (no colored paper, over-sized paper, or special covers) 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. Do not staple the original. Other bindings will not be accepted. b. Pre-Application Content. Project Summary, SF 424, and 424A shall be submitted with the application for acceptance. Assemble information in the following order: Project Summary, SF 424, SF 424A, project narrative, budget justification narrative, budget, and appendices. Forms for the Project Summary, SF424, and SF424A can be found at https://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under Woody Biomass Grants). The project narrative consists of statement of need, project coordinator(s) and partner(s), goals and objectives, technical approach work plan, impact on National Forest System forest restoration treatments, and evaluation and monitoring plan. The project narrative shall provide a clear description of the work to be performed and its impact on National Forest System lands. It shall address the technical approach work plan under criteria b in section 5. The project narrative is limited to 5 pages, and excludes Project Summary Table, budget justification, budget, or appendices. c. 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 shall 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 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 System not being able to do treatments because of the cost. • Forest Service’s current practices of handling 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 or at https:// www.grants.gov. • 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) or at https:// www.grants.gov. • 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 create 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 at https:// www.grants.gov, 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 November 7, 2008, and received no later than 5 p.m. Central Standard Time on November 14, 2008, by Patricia Brumm at the Forest Products Laboratory. Handdelivered, or fax applications will not be accepted. E-mail applications should be submitted through https:// www.grants.gov. 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 two paper copies (singlesided) of the full application and one original copy. All proposals for the full E:\FR\FM\11SEN1.SGM 11SEN1 rmajette on PRODPC74 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 177 / Thursday, September 11, 2008 / Notices application must be on 8.5- by 11-inch plain white paper only (no colored paper, over-sized paper, or special covers) with a minimum font size of 11 letters per inch. Top, bottom, and side margins must be no less than threequarters 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. Do not staple the original. Other bindings will not be accepted. b. Full Application Content. Project Summary Table, SF 424, and 424A shall be submitted with the application for acceptance. Assemble information in the following order: Project Summary Table, SF 424, SF424A, project narrative, budget justification narrative, budget, financial feasibility, and appendices. Forms for the Project Summary, SF424, and SF424A can be found at https://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under Woody Biomass Grants). The project narrative consists of 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, and equipment description. The project narrative shall provide a clear description of the work to be performed, how it will be accomplished, and its impact on National Forest System lands. It shall address the technical approach work plan under criteria b listed in section 5. The project narrative is limited to a total of 10 pages and excludes Project Summary Table, 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 Patricia Brumm at pbrumm@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) or at VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:21 Sep 10, 2008 Jkt 214001 https://www.grants.gov 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 13, 2009, and received no later than 5 p.m. Central Standard Time on February 20, 2009, by Patricia Brumm at the Forest Products Laboratory. Handdelivered or fax applications will not be accepted. E-mail applications should be submitted through https:// www.grants.gov. 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 preapplication and the full application package: a. Letter of Support and Biomass Availability from Local USDA Forest Service District Ranger or Forest Supervisor Is Required: 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 shall be submitted with both the preapplication 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: September 5, 2008. James Hubbard, Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry. [FR Doc. E8–21112 Filed 9–10–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–P PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 52813 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service Minnkota Power Cooperative, Inc.: Notice of Extension of Public Comment Period for Public Scoping in Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement Rural Utilities Service, USDA. Notice of Intent To Extend Public Comment Period for Public Scoping for Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency delivering the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Utilities Programs, hereinafter referred to as Rural Development and/or the Agency, is extending the public comment period for the public scoping in preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed action by Minnkota Power Cooperative (Minnkota Power), Otter Tail Power Company, and Minnesota Power to construct a 230 kV electric transmission line from Bemidji to Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Rural Development and the State of Minnesota Office of Energy Security (OES) are jointly preparing an EIS to evaluate the potential impacts of the proposed transmission line pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (U.S.C. 4231 et seq.) in accordance with the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR 1500–1508), 36 CFR 800.2(a); section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act 16 U.S.C. 470f and its implementing regulations, ‘‘Protection of Historic Properties’’ (36 CFR Part 800); the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act (MEPA), Minnesota Statute, Chapter 116D.04; the Minnesota Power Plant Siting Act (MPPSA); Minnesota Statute, Chapter 216 E.03 and Minnesota Rules, Chapter 4400. The U.S. Forest Service-Chippewa National Forest, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe are participating as Cooperating Agencies in development of the EIS. Two public scoping documents, an Alternatives Evaluation Study (AES) and a Macrocorridor Study (MCS), were prepared to provide public information on the proposed project. Using information from the AES and the MCS and considering input provided by government agencies, private organizations, and the public, Rural Development and OES, in consultation E:\FR\FM\11SEN1.SGM 11SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 177 (Thursday, September 11, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52810-52813]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-21112]


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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 Postmark Deadline: November 7, 2008. Full 
application Postmark Deadline: February 13, 2009.

ADDRESSES: All pre- and full-application packages must be sent to the 
following address: ATTN: Patricia Brumm, Grants and Agreements 
Specialist, Forest Products Laboratory, One Gifford Pinchot Drive, 
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), and at https://www.grants.gov). Paper 
copies of the information are also available by contacting the USDA 
Forest Service, S&PF Technology Marketing Unit, One Gifford Pinchot 
Dr., Madison, Wisconsin 53726-2398, 608-231-9504.

[[Page 52811]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions regarding the grant 
application or administrative regulations, contact Patricia Brumm, 
Grants and Agreements Specialist, 608-231-9298, pbrumm@fs.fed.us; for 
program and technical questions, contact Susan LeVan, Program Manager, 
608-231-9504, slevan@fs.fed.us.
    Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) 
may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 
between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through 
Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: To address the mutual goals of Public Law 
109-58, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the anticipated Department 
of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriation Act of 
2009, 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.
     Help generate renewable energy from woody biomass, 
including the use of new technologies.
     Build industry infrastructure around national forestlands 
where no or limited industry infrastructure exists.
     Expand working relationships between local forest products 
businesses and Forest Service offices.

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. If applicants have received a Woody 
Biomass Utilization Grant within the last 3 years, they are not 
eligible. Construction projects involving a permanent building or 
infrastructure item, such as roads, are not allowed with these Federal 
funds; however construction funds can be part of the non-Federal cost 
share. For Alaska, only applicants on the Seward Ranger District on the 
Chugach National Forest are eligible to apply for this grant. Cordova 
and Glacier Ranger Districts on the Chugach are not eligible. Ranger 
Districts on the Tongass National Forest are not eligible.
    b. Cost Sharing (Matching Requirement). Applicants must demonstrate 
at least a 20% match of the total project cost. This match must be 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 http:/
/fedgov.dnb.com/webform. 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. For assistance, contact the CCR Assistance Center 
(1-888-227-2423).

3. Award Information

    At least $4 million are 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 2009 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 early April 2009. The 
maximum length of the award is 3 years from the date of award. Written 
annual financial performance reports and semi-annual project 
performance reports shall be required. Applicants should be aware that 
the grant funds are regarded as taxable income and a form 1099 will be 
sent by the Forest Service to the IRS. Awardees are expected to follow 
all OSHA requirements regarding safe working practices and all 
applicable State and Federal regulations pertinent to the proposed 
project.

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 criteria discussed in section 5. All pre-
applications shall be screened to ensure compliance with the 
administrative requirements as set forth in the RFP. Applications found 
to be non-compliant shall be disqualified.
    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 based on the same evaluation criteria as the 
preliminary application. Each full application shall be screened to 
ensure that it meets the administrative requirements as set forth in 
the RFP. The full application package is evaluated for technical merit 
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.

[[Page 52812]]

     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 benefits (including air quality and 
water quality improvements in socioeconomics of communities, in 
wildlife habitats, and in watersheds).
     Opportunities created for using woody biomass material 
around National Forest System lands in locations where no or limited 
industry capacity exists.
b. Technical Approach Work Plan: Total Points 25
     Technical feasibility of the proposed work.
     Adequacy and completeness of the proposed tasks.
     Timeliness and reasonableness of time schedule.
     Identified deliverables/tasks.
     Evaluation and monitoring plan (accountability measures of 
environmental, social, financial and forest restoration effects of 
proposed project).
     Potential for project to improve efficiencies or to 
accelerate adoption of cleaner technologies (air, water, waste) for 
biomass utilization.
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) and at https://
www.grants.gov. 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 two paper copies 
(single-sided) of the pre-application and one original copy. All 
proposals for the pre-application must be on 8.5- by 11-inch plain 
white paper only (no colored paper, over-sized paper, or special 
covers) 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. Do not staple the original. Other bindings will not be 
accepted.
    b. Pre-Application Content. Project Summary, SF 424, and 424A shall 
be submitted with the application for acceptance. Assemble information 
in the following order: Project Summary, SF 424, SF 424A, project 
narrative, budget justification narrative, budget, and appendices. 
Forms for the Project Summary, SF424, and SF424A can be found at http:/
/www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under Woody Biomass Grants). The project 
narrative consists of statement of need, project coordinator(s) and 
partner(s), goals and objectives, technical approach work plan, impact 
on National Forest System forest restoration treatments, and evaluation 
and monitoring plan. The project narrative shall provide a clear 
description of the work to be performed and its impact on National 
Forest System lands. It shall address the technical approach work plan 
under criteria b in section 5. The project narrative is limited to 5 
pages, and excludes Project Summary Table, budget justification, 
budget, or appendices.
    c. 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 shall 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.
     Forest Service's current practices of handling 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 or at https://
www.grants.gov.
     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) 
or at https://www.grants.gov.
     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 
create 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 at https://www.grants.gov, 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 November 7, 2008, and received no later than 5 p.m. Central Standard 
Time on November 14, 2008, by Patricia Brumm at the Forest Products 
Laboratory. Hand-delivered, or fax applications will not be accepted. 
E-mail applications should be submitted through https://www.grants.gov. 
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 two paper copies (single-sided) of the full 
application and one original copy. All proposals for the full

[[Page 52813]]

application must be on 8.5- by 11-inch plain white paper only (no 
colored paper, over-sized paper, or special covers) 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. Do not staple the 
original. Other bindings will not be accepted.
    b. Full Application Content. Project Summary Table, SF 424, and 
424A shall be submitted with the application for acceptance. Assemble 
information in the following order: Project Summary Table, SF 424, 
SF424A, project narrative, budget justification narrative, budget, 
financial feasibility, and appendices. Forms for the Project Summary, 
SF424, and SF424A can be found at https://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu (under 
Woody Biomass Grants). The project narrative consists of 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, and 
equipment description. The project narrative shall provide a clear 
description of the work to be performed, how it will be accomplished, 
and its impact on National Forest System lands. It shall address the 
technical approach work plan under criteria b listed in section 5. The 
project narrative is limited to a total of 10 pages and excludes 
Project Summary Table, 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 Patricia Brumm at pbrumm@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) or at https://www.grants.gov 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 13, 2009, and received no later than 5 p.m. Central 
Standard Time on February 20, 2009, by Patricia Brumm at the Forest 
Products Laboratory. Hand-delivered or fax applications will not be 
accepted. E-mail applications should be submitted through https://
www.grants.gov. 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 Is Required: 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 shall 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: September 5, 2008.
James Hubbard,
Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry.
[FR Doc. E8-21112 Filed 9-10-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P
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