Solicitation of Applications and Notice of Funding Availability for the FRA Railroad System Issues Research and Development Program, 27112-27114 [2010-11510]
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27112
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 92 / Thursday, May 13, 2010 / Notices
Appendix B
Federal Land Management Agencies Transit
in Parks Program Contacts
• National Park Service: Mark H. Hartsoe,
Mark_H_Hartsoe@nps.gov; telephone: 202–
513–7025, fax: 202–371–6675, mail: 1849 C
Street, NW., (MS2420); Washington, DC
20240–0001
• Fish and Wildlife Service: Nathan
Caldwell, Nathan_Caldwell@fws.gov,
telephone: 703–358–2205, fax: 703–358–
2517, mail: 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Room
634, Arlington, VA 22203
• Forest Service: Floyd Thompson,
Fthompson02@fs.fed.us, telephone: 202–
205–1423, mail: 1400 Independence
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250–1101
• Bureau of Land Management: Victor F.
Montoya, Victor_Montoya@blm.gov,
telephone: 202–912–7041, mail: 1620 L
Street, WO–854, Washington, DC 20036
[FR Doc. 2010–11474 Filed 5–12–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–57–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Notice of Intent to Rule on Request for
a Change in Use of Aeronautical
Property at the Williamsport Regional
Airport, Williamsport, PA
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AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of request for a Change
in Use of Aeronautical Property.
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to rule and
invite public comment for a change in
airport property from aeronautical use
to non-aeronautical use at the
Williamsport Regional Airport,
Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before June 14, 2010.
ADDRESSES: Comments on this
application may be mailed or delivered
to the following address: Thomas J.
Hart, Executive Director, Williamsport
Municipal Airport Authority,
Williamsport Regional Airport, 700
Airport Road, Montoursville, PA 17754;
and at the FAA Harrisburg Airports
District Office: Lori K. Pagnanelli,
Manager, Harrisburg Airports District
Office, 3905 Hartzdale Dr., Suite 508,
Camp Hill, PA 17011.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rick
Harner, Program Manager Harrisburg
Airports District Office location listed
above.
The request for the change of use may
be reviewed in person at this same
location.
The FAA
proposes to rule and invite public
comment for a change in airport
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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15:56 May 12, 2010
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property from aeronautical use to nonaeronautical use at the Williamsport
Regional Airport, Williamsport,
Pennsylvania. On April 16, 2010, the
FAA determined that the request to
change airport property from
aeronautical use to non-aeronautical use
at the Williamsport Regional Airport,
submitted by the Williamsport
Municipal Airport Authority (Authority)
met the procedural requirements.
The following is a brief overview of
the request:
The Williamsport Regional Airport
Authority (Authority) requests the
change of real property totaling 24.37
acres, of aeronautical airport property to
non-aeronautical property. The property
is located on the northwest corner of the
airport property. The purpose of this
change in use is to allow the Authority
to lease the subject land that does not
serve any aeronautical purpose at the
airport to the Sooner Pipe Company,
LLC (Sooner). Sooner will use the
subject property for pipe delivery,
threading, storage and shipping to sites
in the northeastern United States. The
proposed use of the subject property is
compatible with the airport operations.
There are no impacts to the Airport and
the land is not needed for aeronautical
development as shown on the Airport
Layout Plan. The Authority will collect
fair market value lease rates for the
subject property. Any proceeds from the
lease of property are to be used for the
capital and operating costs of the
airport.
Any person may inspect the request
by appointment at the FAA office
address listed above. Interested persons
are invited to comment on the proposed
release from obligations. All comments
will be considered by the FAA to the
extent practicable.
Issued in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, April
27, 2010.
Lori K. Pagnanelli,
Manager, Harrisburg Airports District Office.
[FR Doc. 2010–11509 Filed 5–12–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Railroad Administration
Solicitation of Applications and Notice
of Funding Availability for the FRA
Railroad System Issues Research and
Development Program
AGENCY: Federal Railroad
Administration (FRA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of funding availability;
solicitation for applications.
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Sfmt 4703
SUMMARY: Under this Notice, the FRA is
soliciting applications from interested
and responsible parties for two grants:
(1) To conduct a Locomotive Biofuel
Study, and (2) to conduct a Study of the
Use of Bio-based Technologies
(Lubricants) that can be used in
locomotives, rolling stock and other rail
equipment.
DATES: FRA will accept applications for
these grant opportunities until June 7,
2010.
ADDRESSES: Applications must be
submitted electronically to https://
www.grants.gov (‘‘Grants.gov’’).
Grants.gov allows organizations
electronically to find and apply for
competitive grant opportunities from all
Federal grant-making agencies. Any
entity wishing to submit an application
pursuant to this notice should
immediately initiate the process of
registering with Grants.gov at https://
www.grants.gov. For application
materials that an applicant is unable to
submit via Grants.gov, applicants may
submit an original and two (2) copies to
the Federal Railroad Administration at
the following address: Federal Railroad
Administration, Attention: Melissa
Shurland, Office of Research and
Development, Mail Stop 20, Room
W36–429, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590. Due to delays
caused by enhanced screening of mail
delivered via the U.S. Postal Service,
applicants are encouraged to use other
means to assure timely receipt of
materials.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Melissa Shurland, Office of Research
and Development, Federal Railroad
Administration, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590;
Phone: (202) 493–1316 or Jennifer
Capps, Grants Officer, Office of
Acquisition and Grants Services
(RAD–50), Federal Railroad
Administration, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590;
Phone: (202) 493–0112.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title IV,
Section 404 of the Passenger Rail
Investment and Improvement Act, 2008
(Division B of Pub. L. 110–432)
authorized the FRA, in consultation
with the Secretary of Energy and
Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency, to conduct a
‘‘Locomotive Biofuel Study.’’ This study
will focus on determining the extent to
which freight railroads, Amtrak, and
other passenger rail operators could use
biofuel blends to power locomotives
and other vehicles that can operate on
diesel fuel, as appropriate. Additionally,
Section 405 of the Passenger Rail
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 92 / Thursday, May 13, 2010 / Notices
Investment and Improvement Act, 2008
(Division B of Pub. L.110–432)
authorized the FRA to conduct a ‘‘Study
of the Use of Bio-based Technologies.’’
The study will focus on the feasibility
of using readily biodegradable
lubricants for freight and passenger
railroad locomotives, rolling stock, or
other equipment. The two grants,
‘‘Locomotive Biofuel Study’’ and the
‘‘Study of the Use of Bio-based
Technologies,’’ together, will be
supported with a total of up to $700,000
of Federal funds provided to FRA as
part of the Transportation, Housing and
Urban Development, and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010
(Division A of Pub. L. 111–117
(December 16, 2009)). Eligible projects
will include dynamic testing of
locomotives, rolling stock and other rail
equipment, with various biofuel blends
as fuel; or bio-based lubricants being
utilized in the appropriate equipment
components to verify the effectiveness
of the fuel or lubricant, in comparison
to their equivalent petroleum-based
products. FRA anticipates that no
further public notice will be made with
respect to selecting grantees under this
program.
Purpose: The volatility of the price of
petroleum-based products in recent
years and the negative impact of their
use on the environment has caused endusers to consider alternatives to these
products. Currently in the railroad
industry petroleum-based fuel and
lubricants are used in various
components of rail equipment and
rolling stock, such as locomotive
engines, equipment gear cases and
housings. Fuel and lubricants that are
bio-based come from a renewable
source, may be environmentally benign,
and can help reduce the railroad
industry’s dependence on imported oil.
The FRA wishes to conduct the two
studies on the feasibility of using
various biofuel blends and bio-based
lubricants in railroad equipment.
One study will test the feasibility of
using biofuel blends as locomotive
engine fuel. For the biofuel study, FRA
wishes to consider (1) the energy
intensity of various biofuel blends
compared to diesel fuel;
(2) environmental and energy effects of
using various biofuel blends compared
to diesel fuel, including emission
effects; (3) the cost of purchasing biofuel
blends; (4) whether sufficient biofuel is
readily available; (5) any public benefits
derived from the use of such fuels; and
(6) the effect of biofuel use on
locomotive and other vehicle
performance and warranty
specifications. Locomotive engine
performance and emissions shall be
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15:56 May 12, 2010
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determined through locomotive testing,
using various biofuel blends and diesel
fuel. This research shall be done so that
recommendations can be made for
premium locomotive biofuel blends.
The second study will focus on
testing the feasibility of using bio-based
lubricants in locomotive, rolling stock
and other equipment. This study shall
consist of the following: (1) An analysis
of the potential use of soy-based grease
and soy-based hydraulic fluids to
perform according to railroad industry
standards; (2) an analysis of the
potential use of other readily
biodegradable lubricants to perform
according to railroad industry
standards; (3) a comparison of the
health and safety of petroleum-based
lubricants with bio-based lubricants,
which shall include an analysis of fire
safety; (4) a comparison of the
environmental impact of petroleumbased lubricants with bio-based
lubricants, which shall include the rate
and effects of biodegradability; (5) a
comparison of the performance of the
bio-based lubricant in comparison to
petroleum-based lubricants; and (6) a
study of the effects of the bio-based
lubricants on railroad equipment
components in comparison to
petroleum-based lubricants.
Authority: The authority for the
research can be found in the Passenger
Rail Investment and Improvement Act,
2008, (Division B of Pub. L. 110–432,
(October 16, 2008)).
Funding: Pursuant to the
Transportation, Housing and Urban
Development, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2010, (Division A
of Pub. L. 111–117 (December 16, 2009))
$3,000,000 is available for the railroad
system issues research and development
program, and the Act authorizes FRA to
engage in research, development and
demonstration activities relating to
railroad system safety, performancebased regulations, railroad systems and
infrastructure security, railroad
environmental issues, and locomotive
research and development. Up to
$700,000 of the railroad system issues
research and development program
funds will be used to support the
studies of the feasibility of using biofuel
blends and bio-based lubricants in
locomotives, rolling stock or other
equipment. The funding provided under
this grant will be made available to
grantees on a reimbursement basis. It is
anticipated that the available funding
could support the projects proposed by
multiple applicants. FRA may choose to
award a grant or grants within the
available funds in any amount. Funding
made available through a grant provided
under this program, together with
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27113
funding from other sources that is
committed by a grantee as part of a grant
agreement, must be sufficient to
complete the funded project.
Schedule for Locomotive Biofuel
Study and the Study of the Use of Biobased Technologies: FRA will begin
accepting grant applications
immediately. Applicants must specify
the specific grant for which they are
applying, i.e. ‘‘Locomotive Biofuel
Study,’’ or the ‘‘Study of the Use of Biobased Technologies.’’ Applications must
be submitted by Monday, June 7, 2010.
Due to the limited funding available
under this program: (1) Applicants are
encouraged to submit their applications
at the earliest date practicable in order
to maximize the consideration of their
application in the competition; and (2)
FRA may request that an applicant
submit a revised application reflecting a
refined scope of work and budget. FRA
anticipates making the first award(s)
pursuant to this notice during FY 2010.
Eligible Participants: For the
locomotive biofuel study, any
responsible entity with knowledge of
biofuel blends and their applicable use
as fuel for locomotives, and the ability
to determine and/or analyze the energy
content, specification and chemical
properties of biofuel, is eligible to apply.
Eligible participants must show their
ability to conduct dynamic tests of
locomotive to acquire fuel consumption,
engine wear, and emissions, of various
biofuel blends.
Section 405 provides that FRA work
with an agricultural-based lubricant
testing facility or facilities to complete
the study of the use of bio-based
lubricants. Eligible participants for the
bio-based lubricant study must be
knowledgeable and experienced in
research, development and testing of
bio-based lubricants, knowledge of
petroleum-based lubricant use in
railroad, and the ability to conduct
accurate analyses of biodegradability,
and the health and safety impact,
including fire safety of lubricants.
Additionally, the applicant must show
ability to a conduct dynamic test of the
bio-based lubricants in railroad
equipment.
Dynamic testing of the biofuel blends
and bio-based lubricants can be
accomplished in collaboration with a
third party, but any such third party
must be identified in the grant
application proposed statement of work.
Eligible Projects: Eligible projects
must be for the primary benefit of
determining the feasibility of utilizing
biofuel blends or bio-based lubricants in
locomotive, rolling stock and other rail
equipment. Only new projects will be
eligible; projects that have either
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27114
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 92 / Thursday, May 13, 2010 / Notices
commenced before the time of award or
have been completed will not be
considered. Matching funding must be
in the form of new financial
commitments toward the proposed
project by the applicant and/or its
partners.
Selection Criteria: The following will
be considered to be positive selection
factors in evaluating applications for
grants under this program: (1) The
ability of the proposed project to result
directly in evaluating the effectiveness
of biofuel blends and bio-based
lubricant as an alternative to petroleumbased fuels and lubricants, including,
but not limited to, testing and analyses
of the biofuel blends or bio-based
lubricants to perform in accordance
with railroad industry standards; (2)
comparison of biofuel blends or biobased lubricant with petroleum-based
lubricants in relation to their
environmental, health and safety
impact, and the effects of the biofuel
blends or bio-based lubricants on the
equipment parts and components; (3)
the ability to conduct dynamic testing of
the biofuel blends or bio-based lubricant
in railroad equipment in controlled
environment and/or revenue service
conditions; and (4) the ability to provide
matching funds or in-kind
contributions, which can be provided by
a third party; however, the grantee is
responsible for ensuring their
availability.
Requirements for Grant Applications:
The following points describe the
minimum content which will be
required in grant applications. These
requirements may be satisfied through a
narrative statement submitted by the
applicant, supported by spreadsheet
documents, tables, drawings, and other
materials, as appropriate. Each grant
application will: (1) Designate a point of
contact for the applicant, including
phone number, mailing address and email address. (2) Include a complete
Standard Form 424, ‘‘Application for
Federal Assistance,’’ and, as applicable,
Standard Form 424B, ‘‘Assurances—
Non-Construction Programs.’’ Also
include signed copies of FRA’s
Additional Assurances and
Certifications, available at https://
www.fra.dot.gov/downloads/admin/
assurancesandcertifications.pdf. (3)
Identify and provide background
information on the bio-based lubricant
technology, its application(s), and
benefits. (4) Define the scope of work for
the proposed project and the anticipated
project schedule. Describe the proposed
project’s physical location (as
applicable). (5) Present a detailed
budget for the proposed project. At a
minimum, the budget should separate
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total cost of the project into the
following categories: (a) Direct Costs
(such as labor, materials, equipment
and/or procurement fees, engineering
fees, testing facilities fees, actual testing
fees, and inspection fees); (b) Other
Direct Costs (such as travel); and (c)
General and Administrative Costs.
Format: Excluding spreadsheets,
drawings, and tables, the narrative
statement for grant applications may not
exceed fifty pages. All application
materials should be submitted as
attachments through Grants.Gov.
Spreadsheets consisting of budget or
financial information should be
submitted via Grants.Gov as Microsoft
Excel (or compatible) documents.
Issued in Washington, DC, on May 7, 2010.
Paul Nissenbaum,
Acting Associate Administrator, Railroad
Policy and Development, Federal Railroad
Administration.
[FR Doc. 2010–11510 Filed 5–12–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–06–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Transit Administration
Public Transportation on Indian
Reservations Program; Tribal Transit
Program
AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration
(FTA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of Funding Availability:
Solicitation of Grant Proposals for FY
2010 Tribal Transit Program Funds.
SUMMARY: This notice announces the
availability of $15,074,963 million in
funding provided by the Public
Transportation on Indian Reservations
Program (Tribal Transit Program (TTP)),
a program authorized by the Safe,
Accountable, Flexible, Efficient
Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for
Users (SAFETEA–LU), Section 3013(c).
This notice is a national solicitation for
grant proposals and it includes the
selection criteria and program eligibility
information for FY 2010 projects.
This announcement is available on
the FTA Web site at: https://
www.fta.dot.gov. FTA will announce
final selections on the Web site and in
the Federal Register. A synopsis of the
funding opportunity will be posted in
the FIND module of the governmentwide electronic grants Web site at
https://www.grants.gov. Applicants
proposing projects for funding under
TTP may apply through GRANTS.GOV
or via e-mail at
fta.tribalprogram@dot.gov. Those who
apply via GRANTS.GOV should receive
two confirmation e-mails. The first will
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
confirm that the application was
received and a subsequent e-mail will
be sent within 24–48 hours indicating
whether the application was validated
or rejected by the system.
DATES: Complete proposals for the
discretionary program announced in
this Notice must be submitted by June
28, 2010.
ADDRESSES: Proposals must be
submitted electronically through the
GRANTS.GOV Web site. Anyone
intending to apply electronically
through GRANTS.GOV should initiate
the process of registering on the
GRANTS.GOV site immediately to
ensure completion of registration before
the deadline for submission. Applicants
applying for funding under the Tribal
Transit Program may apply through
GRANTS.GOV or via e-mail at
fta.tribalprogram@dot.gov.
To apply for funding through
GRANTS.GOV, applicants must be
properly registered. Complete
instructions on how to register and
submit applications can be found at
https://www.grants.gov. If interested
parties experience difficulties at any
point during the registration or
application process, please call the
GRANTS.GOV Customer Support
Hotline at 1–800–518–4726, Monday–
Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST.
Registering with GRANTS.GOV is a onetime process; however, processing
delays may occur and it can take up to
several weeks for first-time registrants to
receive confirmation and a user
password. It is highly recommended
that applicants start the registration
process as early as possible to prevent
delays that may preclude submitting an
application by the deadlines specified.
Applications will not be accepted after
the relevant due date; delayed
registration is not an acceptable reason
for extensions. Accordingly, you are
urged to submit your application at least
72 hours prior to the due date of the
application to allow time to receive the
validation message and to correct any
problems that may have caused a
rejection notification.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Contact the appropriate FTA Regional
Administrator (Appendix A) for
proposal-specific information. For
general program information, contact
Lorna Wilson, Tribal Transit Program,
(202) 366–0893, e-mail:
lorna.wilson@dot.gov. A TDD is
available at 1–800–877–8339 (TDD/
FIRS).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Overview
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 92 (Thursday, May 13, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27112-27114]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-11510]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Railroad Administration
Solicitation of Applications and Notice of Funding Availability
for the FRA Railroad System Issues Research and Development Program
AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of funding availability; solicitation for applications.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Under this Notice, the FRA is soliciting applications from
interested and responsible parties for two grants: (1) To conduct a
Locomotive Biofuel Study, and (2) to conduct a Study of the Use of Bio-
based Technologies (Lubricants) that can be used in locomotives,
rolling stock and other rail equipment.
DATES: FRA will accept applications for these grant opportunities until
June 7, 2010.
ADDRESSES: Applications must be submitted electronically to https://www.grants.gov (``Grants.gov''). Grants.gov allows organizations
electronically to find and apply for competitive grant opportunities
from all Federal grant-making agencies. Any entity wishing to submit an
application pursuant to this notice should immediately initiate the
process of registering with Grants.gov at https://www.grants.gov. For
application materials that an applicant is unable to submit via
Grants.gov, applicants may submit an original and two (2) copies to the
Federal Railroad Administration at the following address: Federal
Railroad Administration, Attention: Melissa Shurland, Office of
Research and Development, Mail Stop 20, Room W36-429, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. Due to delays caused by enhanced
screening of mail delivered via the U.S. Postal Service, applicants are
encouraged to use other means to assure timely receipt of materials.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Melissa Shurland, Office of Research
and Development, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590; Phone: (202) 493-1316 or Jennifer
Capps, Grants Officer, Office of Acquisition and Grants Services (RAD-
50), Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590; Phone: (202) 493-0112.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title IV, Section 404 of the Passenger Rail
Investment and Improvement Act, 2008 (Division B of Pub. L. 110-432)
authorized the FRA, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy and
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to conduct a
``Locomotive Biofuel Study.'' This study will focus on determining the
extent to which freight railroads, Amtrak, and other passenger rail
operators could use biofuel blends to power locomotives and other
vehicles that can operate on diesel fuel, as appropriate. Additionally,
Section 405 of the Passenger Rail
[[Page 27113]]
Investment and Improvement Act, 2008 (Division B of Pub. L.110-432)
authorized the FRA to conduct a ``Study of the Use of Bio-based
Technologies.'' The study will focus on the feasibility of using
readily biodegradable lubricants for freight and passenger railroad
locomotives, rolling stock, or other equipment. The two grants,
``Locomotive Biofuel Study'' and the ``Study of the Use of Bio-based
Technologies,'' together, will be supported with a total of up to
$700,000 of Federal funds provided to FRA as part of the
Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2010 (Division A of Pub. L. 111-117 (December 16,
2009)). Eligible projects will include dynamic testing of locomotives,
rolling stock and other rail equipment, with various biofuel blends as
fuel; or bio-based lubricants being utilized in the appropriate
equipment components to verify the effectiveness of the fuel or
lubricant, in comparison to their equivalent petroleum-based products.
FRA anticipates that no further public notice will be made with respect
to selecting grantees under this program.
Purpose: The volatility of the price of petroleum-based products in
recent years and the negative impact of their use on the environment
has caused end-users to consider alternatives to these products.
Currently in the railroad industry petroleum-based fuel and lubricants
are used in various components of rail equipment and rolling stock,
such as locomotive engines, equipment gear cases and housings. Fuel and
lubricants that are bio-based come from a renewable source, may be
environmentally benign, and can help reduce the railroad industry's
dependence on imported oil. The FRA wishes to conduct the two studies
on the feasibility of using various biofuel blends and bio-based
lubricants in railroad equipment.
One study will test the feasibility of using biofuel blends as
locomotive engine fuel. For the biofuel study, FRA wishes to consider
(1) the energy intensity of various biofuel blends compared to diesel
fuel; (2) environmental and energy effects of using various biofuel
blends compared to diesel fuel, including emission effects; (3) the
cost of purchasing biofuel blends; (4) whether sufficient biofuel is
readily available; (5) any public benefits derived from the use of such
fuels; and (6) the effect of biofuel use on locomotive and other
vehicle performance and warranty specifications. Locomotive engine
performance and emissions shall be determined through locomotive
testing, using various biofuel blends and diesel fuel. This research
shall be done so that recommendations can be made for premium
locomotive biofuel blends.
The second study will focus on testing the feasibility of using
bio-based lubricants in locomotive, rolling stock and other equipment.
This study shall consist of the following: (1) An analysis of the
potential use of soy-based grease and soy-based hydraulic fluids to
perform according to railroad industry standards; (2) an analysis of
the potential use of other readily biodegradable lubricants to perform
according to railroad industry standards; (3) a comparison of the
health and safety of petroleum-based lubricants with bio-based
lubricants, which shall include an analysis of fire safety; (4) a
comparison of the environmental impact of petroleum-based lubricants
with bio-based lubricants, which shall include the rate and effects of
biodegradability; (5) a comparison of the performance of the bio-based
lubricant in comparison to petroleum-based lubricants; and (6) a study
of the effects of the bio-based lubricants on railroad equipment
components in comparison to petroleum-based lubricants.
Authority: The authority for the research can be found in the
Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act, 2008, (Division B of
Pub. L. 110-432, (October 16, 2008)).
Funding: Pursuant to the Transportation, Housing and Urban
Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010, (Division A
of Pub. L. 111-117 (December 16, 2009)) $3,000,000 is available for the
railroad system issues research and development program, and the Act
authorizes FRA to engage in research, development and demonstration
activities relating to railroad system safety, performance-based
regulations, railroad systems and infrastructure security, railroad
environmental issues, and locomotive research and development. Up to
$700,000 of the railroad system issues research and development program
funds will be used to support the studies of the feasibility of using
biofuel blends and bio-based lubricants in locomotives, rolling stock
or other equipment. The funding provided under this grant will be made
available to grantees on a reimbursement basis. It is anticipated that
the available funding could support the projects proposed by multiple
applicants. FRA may choose to award a grant or grants within the
available funds in any amount. Funding made available through a grant
provided under this program, together with funding from other sources
that is committed by a grantee as part of a grant agreement, must be
sufficient to complete the funded project.
Schedule for Locomotive Biofuel Study and the Study of the Use of
Bio-based Technologies: FRA will begin accepting grant applications
immediately. Applicants must specify the specific grant for which they
are applying, i.e. ``Locomotive Biofuel Study,'' or the ``Study of the
Use of Bio-based Technologies.'' Applications must be submitted by
Monday, June 7, 2010. Due to the limited funding available under this
program: (1) Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications at
the earliest date practicable in order to maximize the consideration of
their application in the competition; and (2) FRA may request that an
applicant submit a revised application reflecting a refined scope of
work and budget. FRA anticipates making the first award(s) pursuant to
this notice during FY 2010.
Eligible Participants: For the locomotive biofuel study, any
responsible entity with knowledge of biofuel blends and their
applicable use as fuel for locomotives, and the ability to determine
and/or analyze the energy content, specification and chemical
properties of biofuel, is eligible to apply. Eligible participants must
show their ability to conduct dynamic tests of locomotive to acquire
fuel consumption, engine wear, and emissions, of various biofuel
blends.
Section 405 provides that FRA work with an agricultural-based
lubricant testing facility or facilities to complete the study of the
use of bio-based lubricants. Eligible participants for the bio-based
lubricant study must be knowledgeable and experienced in research,
development and testing of bio-based lubricants, knowledge of
petroleum-based lubricant use in railroad, and the ability to conduct
accurate analyses of biodegradability, and the health and safety
impact, including fire safety of lubricants. Additionally, the
applicant must show ability to a conduct dynamic test of the bio-based
lubricants in railroad equipment.
Dynamic testing of the biofuel blends and bio-based lubricants can
be accomplished in collaboration with a third party, but any such third
party must be identified in the grant application proposed statement of
work.
Eligible Projects: Eligible projects must be for the primary
benefit of determining the feasibility of utilizing biofuel blends or
bio-based lubricants in locomotive, rolling stock and other rail
equipment. Only new projects will be eligible; projects that have
either
[[Page 27114]]
commenced before the time of award or have been completed will not be
considered. Matching funding must be in the form of new financial
commitments toward the proposed project by the applicant and/or its
partners.
Selection Criteria: The following will be considered to be positive
selection factors in evaluating applications for grants under this
program: (1) The ability of the proposed project to result directly in
evaluating the effectiveness of biofuel blends and bio-based lubricant
as an alternative to petroleum-based fuels and lubricants, including,
but not limited to, testing and analyses of the biofuel blends or bio-
based lubricants to perform in accordance with railroad industry
standards; (2) comparison of biofuel blends or bio-based lubricant with
petroleum-based lubricants in relation to their environmental, health
and safety impact, and the effects of the biofuel blends or bio-based
lubricants on the equipment parts and components; (3) the ability to
conduct dynamic testing of the biofuel blends or bio-based lubricant in
railroad equipment in controlled environment and/or revenue service
conditions; and (4) the ability to provide matching funds or in-kind
contributions, which can be provided by a third party; however, the
grantee is responsible for ensuring their availability.
Requirements for Grant Applications: The following points describe
the minimum content which will be required in grant applications. These
requirements may be satisfied through a narrative statement submitted
by the applicant, supported by spreadsheet documents, tables, drawings,
and other materials, as appropriate. Each grant application will: (1)
Designate a point of contact for the applicant, including phone number,
mailing address and e-mail address. (2) Include a complete Standard
Form 424, ``Application for Federal Assistance,'' and, as applicable,
Standard Form 424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.'' Also
include signed copies of FRA's Additional Assurances and
Certifications, available at https://www.fra.dot.gov/downloads/admin/assurancesandcertifications.pdf. (3) Identify and provide background
information on the bio-based lubricant technology, its application(s),
and benefits. (4) Define the scope of work for the proposed project and
the anticipated project schedule. Describe the proposed project's
physical location (as applicable). (5) Present a detailed budget for
the proposed project. At a minimum, the budget should separate total
cost of the project into the following categories: (a) Direct Costs
(such as labor, materials, equipment and/or procurement fees,
engineering fees, testing facilities fees, actual testing fees, and
inspection fees); (b) Other Direct Costs (such as travel); and (c)
General and Administrative Costs.
Format: Excluding spreadsheets, drawings, and tables, the narrative
statement for grant applications may not exceed fifty pages. All
application materials should be submitted as attachments through
Grants.Gov. Spreadsheets consisting of budget or financial information
should be submitted via Grants.Gov as Microsoft Excel (or compatible)
documents.
Issued in Washington, DC, on May 7, 2010.
Paul Nissenbaum,
Acting Associate Administrator, Railroad Policy and Development,
Federal Railroad Administration.
[FR Doc. 2010-11510 Filed 5-12-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P
