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Please direct your questions to vaughn.gloria@epa.gov. |
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Question
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| Does the grant allow for us to apply for funds for the infrastructure needed to fuel CNG vehicles? |
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| Answer |
| Fueling infrastructure costs are not eligible for funding. Funding available under this program may be used to cover the cost differential between cleaner fuels (ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (for nonroad vehicles/engines prior to EPA’s mandate), biodiesel, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane, and emulsions or additives verified by EPA or CARB, etc.) and conventional diesel fuel. Replacement of a diesel vehicle with a compressed natural gas or alternative fueled vehicle would be eligible under this announcement. |
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| Question |
| Under the announcement, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) are eligible to apply for funds. Are MPOs able to apply for general funding and then subgrant to individual projects or do they have to apply for specific projects. |
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| Answer |
| Subawards/subgrants are allowed under the competition. Several organizations could join together to submit one application, but the funds would be awarded to one eligible applicant as the recipient even if other eligible entities are named as partners or co-applicants or members of a “coalition” or “consortium.” The recipient is accountable to EPA for the proper expenditure of funds. See section IV. D., page 24, of the proposal for additional information regarding subawards/subgrant. Matching funds from other projects can be used as long as those funds are not from other federal grants unless there is specific statutory authority that allows the use of the grant as a match. |
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| Question |
| The Blue Skyways Collaborative includes Minnesota but the grant specifies Regions 6 & 7. We were going to apply through Blue Skyways since we are active in CENRAP. What would you advise? |
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| Answer |
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| The request for proposals announced the availability of funds and solicits proposals for diesel emissions reductions projects to be funded jointly by EPA Regions 6 and 7, and carried out in the ten-state geographic area encompassed by the Blue Skyways Collaborative, which includes the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Minnesota. Therefore eligible Minnesota entities in Minnesota may apply to either the Region 5 competition or the Region 6/7 competition, but should not submit the same or similar project to both. |
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| Question |
| It appears as though non-attainment areas are the preferred areas to fund for this RFP. My area is in attainment. Does our attainment status affect our ability to be funded? |
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| Answer |
| No. Consideration will be given to applicants in both attainment and non-attainment areas. Priority areas as outlined in the RFP are a part of the evaluation process but are not only related to attainment vs. non-attaintment areas. |
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| Question |
| My company is a large operator of tour busses in the U.S. and we are interested obtaining funds to help upgrade some of our pre2007 engine motor coaches with cleaner burning engines. Can I apply for funding under the RFP? |
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| Answer |
| Under the solicitation, only eligible entities can apply for assistance. An eligible entity can partner with other entities to establish projects. Eligible entities are U.S. regional, state, local, tribal or port agencies with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality; and nonprofit organizations or institutions that represent or provide pollution reduction or educational services to persons or organizations that operate diesel fleets; or has as its principle purpose, the promotion of transportation or air quality. School districts, federally recognized Indian tribes, municipalities, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), cities and counties are all eligible entities under this program. |
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| Question |
| How many applications do you expect to receive in response to this solicitation? |
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| Answer |
| Eighty to 100 applications were received for the 2007 national Clean School Bus solicitation. We expect the same or more applications for this funding. |
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| Question |
| Is this program usually very competitive? |
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| Answer |
| Yes |
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| Question |
| Do you find that most of your applications come from a particular state or area? |
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| No. Applications are geographically spread out. In the past, we have received applications from all Blue Skyways Collaborative states - Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Minnesota. |
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| Question |
| Is priority given to states that you typically receive less proposals for? |
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| Answer |
| No |
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| Question |
| Out of the eligible types of organizations, what type usually applies and is successful? |
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| Answer |
| Applications have been received from almost all eligible categories |
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| Question |
| Is the letter of intent optional or required to submit a full proposal? |
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| Answer |
| The letter of intent is a specific step required for the State Clean Diesel Grant Program, not the Blue Skyways Collaborative RFP. For the State program, only the lead State agency can apply and they are required to submit the letter of intent prior to submitting the full proposal. For the Blue Skyways Collaborative RFP, submission of a letter of intent to apply is optional; it is a process management tool that will allow EPA to better anticipate the total staff time required for efficient review, evaluation, and selection of submitted proposals. |
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| Question |
| Is there a preferred format or form for the letter of intent? |
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| Answer |
There is not a preferred format, form or content for the letter of intent.You can include as little or as much information as you choose. The letter could simply state that you intend to apply. If you have a potential funding range or brief project description, you can include this, but it is not required.
You should submit your letter of intent by (April 18, 2008) via email to BSCDERA@epa.gov, with Intent to Apply in the subject line. |
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| Question |
| Does submitting a letter of intent, bind me to submitting an application? |
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| Answer |
| Submitting a letter of intent does not bind a prospective applicant to submitting an application. |
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| Question |
| In some EPA grants (such as CARE), each eligible entity is only allowed to submit one application. Are eligible entities allowed to submit multiple proposals under this RFP? |
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| The request for proposals does not limit the number of proposals submitted by an eligible entity. |
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| Question |
| Can the funding provided through this RFP be used to support an outreach effort like a workshop, or does the RFP also require the application to offer revolving loans or to support equipment purchases? |
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| Answer |
| Use of funds should be directed or focused on actual equipment/emission reductions. While some administrative-type activities including outreach may follow with these, it should not be the main focus of the grant application/project. |
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| Question |
| Is electrification of truck parking spaces (also known as truck stop electrification) an eligible use of funds for the Blue Skyways Diesel Emission Reduction RFP. |
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| Answer |
| Yes, this activity is eligible. Please see the section entitled Idle Reduction Technologies in the RFP. |
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| Question |
| We are combining several small projects in order to collaborate into one large project. Should one applicant fleet description spreadsheet be completed for the combined projects, or should a separate applicant fleet description spreadsheet be completed for each small project that is included in our overall project? |
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| Answer |
| The applicant spreadsheet should clearly distinguish between each project. If this can be done on a single spreadsheet, one spreadsheet would be acceptable. If the projects are not clearly distinguishable, the applicant should consider placing each project on a separate spreadsheet. Please go to http://www.epa.gov/otaq/diesel/documents/appl-fleet.xls for directions on filling out the spreadsheet. Read the section titled "READ ME" which is located on the first tab of the Excel file. |
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| Question |
| We are evaluating projects in multiple localities in our state, and within each locality we are looking to partner with several entities including public and private. Would it be best to submit a separate application for each locality or can the state combine the projects under one application? |
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| Several projects can be submitted under one application. However, the projects must be clearly distinguishable. |
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| Question |
| Can one application include multiple projects? |
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| Answer |
| Yes |
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| Question |
| Can the funding be used to overhaul diesel transit vehicles with model years ranging from 1998 through 2006 to make them more efficient? |
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| Answer |
| Yes |
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| Question |
| Is developing novel non-precious metal catalysts to replace current platinum base catalysts for DPF regeneration and/or NOx reduction in the scope of this particular call for proposal? |
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| Answer |
| No. RFP EPA-R6-BSCDERA-2008 allows for implementation, rather than demonstration. Please visit the National Clean Diesel Campaign’s (NCDC) website at www.epa.gov/diesel and the Blue Skyways Collaborative’s website at www.blueskyways.org for information on request for proposals for emerging technologies and research, investigations, experiments, demonstrations, surveys, and studies. |
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| Question |
| We want to put APUs on trucks to reduce the amount of idling, but the trucks are owned by for profit agencies. Would we need to send out RFPs in order to award money for this equipment to a trucking company? We will not be purchasing any goods or services from the company just doing cost sharing on the actual APUs with the company. Would this type of grant proposal need to be stated in a way that all trucking companies would have equal chance to get cost sharing on APUs or is an RFP not necessary because we are not purchasing anything from the trucking companies? |
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| Answer |
| Successful applicants may award subgrants (also referred to as subawards) of financial assistance to fund partnerships under the EPA grant provided the recipient complies with applicable requirements for subgrants/subawards including those contained in 40 CFR Parts 30 or 31, as appropriate. Subgrants/subawards do not have to be competed; however, successful applicants cannot use subgrants/subawards to avoid requirements in EPA grant regulations for competitive procurement by using subgrants/subawards to acquire commercial services or products from for-profit organizations. In addition, successful applicants need to be able to report on how subgrants were awarded. |
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| Question |
| The explanation regarding cost-share or matching funds indicates that “other Federal grants may not be used as voluntary matches or cost shares without specific statutory authority”. Would Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Funds (CMAQ), Surface Transportation Program-Metropolitan Mobility (STP-MM) funds, or 49 USC 5307 Urbanized Area Formula Program funds be considered “other Federal grants”, and therefore ineligible sources of matching funds? |
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| Answer |
| Yes, they are federal funds, and they may not be used as match. |
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| Question |
| Is there a link that one can follow to view past projects funded through "Clean Diesel" in Regions 6/7 + Minnesota? |
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| Answer |
| The following link will allow you to view past projects funding through the Clean Diesel program: http://www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus/demo_projects.htm#2006 . Also a sample proposal can be found at http://www.epa.gov/otaq/diesel/documents/sample-proposal.pdf. |
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| Question |
| Can maintenance costs of retrofit devices be included in the proposal - such as replacement filters for closed crankcase filtration systems, equipment to clean diesel particulate filters, etc. |
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| No, funding is not provided for maintenance cost. |
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| Question |
| Can compatibility testing costs be included in the proposal - such as blow by testing for closed crankcase filtration systems, data logging for diesel particulate filters, etc. |
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| No, funding is not provided for compatibility testing. |
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| Question |
| Can travel expenses be reimbursed for school districts who must have their school buses driven to a far away service shop to have the retrofits installed? |
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| No, funding is not provided for school districts that must have their school buses driven to a far away service shop to have the retrofits installed. |
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| Question |
| My organization does not have a DUNS number. Is a DUNS number required to complete the application? |
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| Answer |
The Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number must be included on the SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance. Organizations may obtain a DUNS number at no cost by calling the toll-free DUNS number request line at 1-866-705-5711.
It is strongly advised that applicants read section IV.B.2. www.Grants.gov Submission of the request for proposal for instructions on completing and submitting the application prior to filling out the application package. Instructions can also be found at http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/opportunities/instructions/oppEPA-R6-BSCDERA-2008-cfda66.039-instructions.doc. |
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| Question |
| Eligibility is limited to public sector entities, but subgrants/subawards are allowed. If a public sector proposal involves subgrants and is awarded, must the subgrants also be limited to the public sector, or may private companies also be funded? |
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Private fleets may be funded with a subgrant or loan. |
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| Question |
| Are projects including heavy-duty diesel hybrid vehicles eligible under this RFP? |
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| Yes. Assuming that the replacement hybrid vehicle has an EPA or CARB certified engine. |
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| Question |
| Are nonprofit organizations or institutions eligible to apply for funds? |
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| Yes. Nonprofit organizations or institutions that represent or provide pollution reduction or educational services to persons or organizations that own or operate diesel fleets or have as their principal purpose the promotion of transportation or air quality are eligible. The application should specifically state why the organization or institution is eligible by providing specific examples and explanation. |
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| Question |
| Is it possible to apply for funding for multiple project areas? |
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| Yes |
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| Question |
| A school district would like to apply for funding for retrofits, engine replacements, and vehicle replacements. Is there any restriction that the funding must be used for a single project area? |
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| No. There is no restriction that the funding must be used for a single project area. |
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| Question |
| Can Closed Crankcase Filtration Systems be selected as one of the retrofits if it is a stand alone retrofit (sans DOC or DPF). |
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| Yes. |
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| Question |
| Are Council of Governments eligible entities to apply for the grant? |
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| Yes. Council of Governments are eligible entities to apply for the grant |
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| Question |
| Is there funding for new emerging technologies that are not yet EPA or CARB verified but that are up and operating and cutting toxic emissions up to 65% on a school bus fleet? |
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| Answer |
| Please visit the National Clean Diesel Campaign’s (NCDC) website at www.epa.gov/diesel for information on request for proposals for emerging technologies. |
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| Question |
| The NOTE for Repower and Replacements found on page 7 of the full announcement stating that, “Emission reductions that result from vehicle, engine, or equipment replacements that would have occurred through normal attrition are considered to be the result of normal fleet turnover and are not eligible for funding under this program.” is found under the FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION section, but is not listed as a requirement for eligibility under section III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION beginning on page 14. Since this is listed under a NOTE heading in the description and not listed as an eligibility requirement; is there a possibility that vehicles can be funded that are currently due for replacement under the requesting entity’s replacement standards? |
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| No. There would not be an environmental benefit to the project. Benefits are derived from replacements that would not have occurred anyway if an older engine is scrapped ahead of schedule and replaced by something clean. DERA projects have to be cost-effective and maximize health benefits; a project that funds vehicles currently due for replacement would do neither. |
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| Question |
| Are there any criteria that define early replacement versus normal fleet turnover? |
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| An explanation should be provided in the turnover schedule that shows how the project is replacing a vehicle or equipment early. For example, if a school district buys 3 new school buses every year and scraps 3 old ones, and has done so for 10 years, but now, with EPA's assistance, will buy 6 new buses and scrap 6 old ones, should be explained in the proposal. An application could be made for assistance in purchasing the 3 vehicles that are being retired ahead of schedule. |
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| Question |
| As a Trade Association - (501(c)(6) non-profit, are we an eligible entity? |
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| Nonprofit organizations or institutions that represent or provide pollution reduction or educational services to persons or organizations that own or operate diesel fleets or have as their principal purpose the promotion of transportation or air quality are eligible. The application should specifically state why the organization or institution is eligible by providing specific examples and explanations. |
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| Question |
| Can we apply to administer both clean diesel financing programs and the deployment of EPA verified and certified emission reduction technologies. |
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| Yes |
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| Question |
| The RFP identifies Past Performance as “federally funded assistance agreements”. Nearly all our funding has been from a State agency or from Supplemental Environmental Projects through a State Agency. Can these be included as evidence of our capability? |
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| The RFP only identifies Past Performance through federally funded assistance agreements. In evaluating applicants under past performance, EPA will consider the information provided by the applicant and may also consider relevant information from other sources, including information from EPA files and from current and prior Federal agency grantors (e.g., to verify and/or supplement the information provided by the applicant). If you do not have any relevant or available past performance or reporting information, please indicate this in the proposal and you will receive a neutral score for this factor under the evaluation section in Section V; failure to do so will result in a score of zero (0) for this factor. |
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| Question |
| Is there a cap for administrative expenses for the Funding Assistance and Emerging Technologies Programs? |
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| The RFP does not indicate an administrative cap for the Clean Diesel Funding assistance program. |
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| Question |
| Does administrative expenses associated with the Funding Assistance and Emerging Technologies Programs include staff time, postage and others typically included in that budget category? |
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| Please see page 31 section VIII. A-J of EPA-R6-BSCDERA-2008 for budget details for the Clean Diesel Funding assistance program. |
