**Biodiesel Fuel Education Program**

***[2008 Request for Applications]{.underline}***

**APPLICATION DEADLINE: August 8, 2008**

![](media/image1.png)

#  U.S. Department of Agriculture

![](media/image2.png){width="0.47708333333333336in"
height="0.5923611111111111in"} **Cooperative State Research, Education,
and Extension Service**

**COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION SERVICE; U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE**

**Biodiesel Fuel Education Program**

**INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT**

**CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE:** This program is listed in
the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under **10.306.**

**DATES:** Applications must be received by close of business (COB) on
**August 8, 2008** (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Applications received after
this deadline will normally not be considered for funding. Comments
regarding this request for applications (RFA) are requested within six
months from the issuance of this notice. Comments received after that
date will be considered to the extent practicable.

**STAKEHOLDER INPUT:** The Cooperative State Research, Education, and
Extension Service (CSREES) is requesting comments regarding this RFA
from any interested party. These comments will be considered in the
development of the next RFA for the program, if applicable, and will be
used to meet the requirements of section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C.
7613(c)(2)). This section requires the Secretary to solicit and consider
input on a current RFA from persons who conduct or use agricultural
research, education and extension for use in formulating future RFAs for
competitive programs. Written stakeholder comments on this RFA should be
submitted in accordance with the deadline set forth in the DATES portion
of this Notice.

Written stakeholder comments should be submitted by mail to: Policy,
Oversight, and Funds Management Staff; Office of Extramural Programs;
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; USDA; STOP
2299; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW; Washington, DC 20250-2299; or via
e-mail to: [RFP-<OEP@csrees.usda.gov>]{.underline}. (This e-mail address
is intended only for receiving comments regarding this RFA and not
requesting information or forms.) In your comments, please state that
you are responding to the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program RFA.

**EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:** CSREES announces the availability of grant funds
and requests applications for the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program
(Biodiesel Education) for fiscal year 2008 to educate governmental and
private entities that operate vehicle fleets, other interested entities,
and the public about the benefits of biodiesel fuel use. The amount
available for support of this program in FY 2008 is approximately
\$960,000.

This notice identifies the objectives for Biodiesel Education projects,
the eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and the
application forms and associated instructions needed to apply for a
Biodiesel Education grant. CSREES additionally requests stakeholder
input from any interested party for use in the development of the next
RFA for this program.

**Table of Contents**

[PART I---FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION
4](#__RefHeading___Toc202243879)

[A. Legislative Authority and Background
4](#__RefHeading___Toc202243880)

[B. Purpose and Priorities 4](#__RefHeading___Toc202243881)

[PART II---AWARD INFORMATION 7](#__RefHeading___Toc202243882)

[A. Available Funding 7](#__RefHeading___Toc202243883)

[B. Types of Applications 7](#__RefHeading___Toc202243884)

[C. Project Types 7](#__RefHeading___Toc202243885)

[PART III---ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 8](#__RefHeading___Toc202243886)

[A. Eligible Applicants 8](#__RefHeading___Toc202243887)

[B. Cost Sharing or Matching 8](#__RefHeading___Toc202243888)

[PART IV---APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
9](#__RefHeading___Toc202243889)

[A. Application Package 9](#__RefHeading___Toc202243890)

[B. Content and Form of Application Submission
10](#__RefHeading___Toc202243891)

[C. Submission Dates and Times 12](#__RefHeading___Toc202243892)

[D. Funding Restrictions 12](#__RefHeading___Toc202243893)

[E. Other Submission Requirements 13](#__RefHeading___Toc202243894)

[PART V---APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS
14](#__RefHeading___Toc202243895)

[A. General 14](#__RefHeading___Toc202243896)

[B. Evaluation Criteria 14](#__RefHeading___Toc202243897)

[C. Conflicts of Interest and Confidentiality
15](#__RefHeading___Toc202243898)

[D. Organizational Management Information
16](#__RefHeading___Toc202243899)

[PART VI---AWARD ADMINISTRATION 17](#__RefHeading___Toc202243900)

[A. General 17](#__RefHeading___Toc202243901)

[B. Award Notice 17](#__RefHeading___Toc202243902)

[C. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
18](#__RefHeading___Toc202243903)

[D. Expected Program Outputs and Reporting Requirements
19](#__RefHeading___Toc202243904)

[PART VII---AGENCY CONTACT 20](#__RefHeading___Toc202243905)

[PART VIII---OTHER INFORMATION 21](#__RefHeading___Toc202243906)

[A. Access to Review Information 21](#__RefHeading___Toc202243907)

[B. Use of Funds; Changes 21](#__RefHeading___Toc202243908)

[C. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards
22](#__RefHeading___Toc202243909)

[D. Regulatory Information 22](#__RefHeading___Toc202243910)

[E. Definitions 22](#__RefHeading___Toc202243911)

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243879 .anchor}**PART I---FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
DESCRIPTION**

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243880 .anchor}A. Legislative Authority and
Background

[]{.mark}

Sec. 9006 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L.
110-246), amended the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7
U.S.C. 8101 *et seq.*) to re-establish the Biodiesel Fuel Education
Program which requires that the Secretary make competitive grants to
eligible entities to educate governmental and private entities that
operate vehicle fleets, other interested entities (as determined by the
Secretary), and the public about the benefits of biodiesel fuel use.

The Secretary delegated this authority to the Chief Economist, who in
turn delegated this authority to the Director of the Office of Energy
Policy and New Uses (OEPNU). OEPNU has joined with CSREES for assistance
in administering Biodiesel Education under the authorities found in the
Economy Act (31 U.S.C. 1535) and Section 1472 of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7
U.S.C. 3318). Specific Biodiesel Education administrative provisions are
found in 7 CFR 2903.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243881 .anchor}B. Purpose and Priorities

The goals of the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program as originally
established in Sec. 9004 of the Farm Security Investment Act of 2002 (7
U.S.C. 8104) were to stimulate biodiesel consumption and to stimulate
the development of a biodiesel infrastructure. The information and
outreach activities to raise awareness of the benefits of biodiesel fuel
use complemented the incentives provided by the Energy Policy Act of
2005 (EPAct) (Pub. L. 109-58), and the Energy Independence and Security
Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-140). As a result of increased awareness and
consumption of biodiesel over the past 5 years, the FY 2008 Biodiesel
Education program will focus on educational programs which will support
advances in infrastructure, technology transfer, fuel quality, fuel
safety and increasing feedstock production.

Biodiesel Education will address the need to balance the positive
environmental, social and human health impacts of biodiesel utilization
with the increased per gallon cost to the user. Applications are being
solicited for Biodiesel Education projects that will develop practical
indicators or milestones to measure their progress towards achieving the
following objectives:

(1) Enhance current efforts to collect and disseminate biodiesel
    information;

(2) Coordinate with other biodiesel educational or promotional programs,
    and with Federal, State and local programs aimed at encouraging
    biodiesel use, including the EPAct program;

(3) Create a nationwide networking system that delivers biodiesel
    information to targeted audiences, including users, distributors and
    other infrastructure-related personnel;

(4) Identify and document the benefits of biodiesel (e.g., lifecycle
    costing); and

(5) Gather data pertaining to information gaps and develop strategies to
    address the gaps.

FY 2008 applications should focus on achieving these five objectives
with education projects that are specifically designed to stimulate
expanded training opportunities, research, interest, and information
sharing in the following need areas as identified by fleet operators and
other stakeholders including potential users of this alternative fuel:

(1) Infrastructure to support the expanding biodiesel industry;

(2) Technology transfer of new biodiesel technologies;

(3) Fuel quality to help achieve consistent standards set for B100 (100
    percent) and biodiesel blends, as standardized by American Society
    of Testing and Materials International (ASTM); and

(4) Feedstock expansion to meet the increasing demand for biodiesel.

**Biodiesel Education** encourages projects that develop content
suitable for delivery through eXtension
(<http://about.extension.org/mediawiki/files/5/51/EXECUTIVE_SUMMARY_-_March_14%2C_2006_-_YEAR_2.pdf>).
This content is for end users, as opposed to staff development, and must
align with the eXtension Implementation Plan (available at
[[http://about.extension.org/wiki/Planning]{.underline}](http://about.extension.org/wiki/Planning)).
Funds may be used to contribute to existing Communities of Practice
(COPs)
(<http://about.extension.org/wiki/Glossary_of_eXtension_Terms#Community_of_Practice_.28CoP.29>)
or form new COPs that focus on Biodiesel Fuel (for examples of
developing COPs and guidance on forming COPs, see
[[http://cop.extension.org/wiki/Main_Page]{.underline}](http://cop.extension.org/wiki/Main_Page)).

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243882 .anchor}PART II---AWARD INFORMATION

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243883 .anchor}A. Available Funding

There is no commitment by USDA to fund any particular application or to
make a specific number of awards. Approximately \$960,000 will be
available to fund applications in FY

**2008.**

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243884 .anchor}B. Types of Applications

In FY 2008, only new applications may be submitted to the Biodiesel
Education. A new application is a project application that has not been
previously submitted to Biodiesel Education. All new applications will
be reviewed competitively using the selection process and evaluation
criteria described in Part V---Application Review Requirements.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243885 .anchor}C. Project Types

[]{.mark}

OEPNU and CSREES anticipate that \$960,000 will be available to fund
Biodiesel Education grants in each of FYs 2008 through 2012. In FY 2008,
OEPNU and CSREES plan to award one or two new continuation grants for an
initial project period of one year. A new continuation grant is an award
for a successful project application that has not been previously
submitted, and by which the Department agrees to support a specified
level of effort for a predetermined project period with a statement of
intention to provide additional support at a future date, contingent
upon the availability of appropriated funds and the satisfactory
progress of this project, and the determination that continued support
would be in the best interest of the Federal government and the public.
If these three elements are met, OEPNU intends to provide additional
support to the funded project(s) in each of FYs 2009 through 2012.
Project budgets may not exceed \$960,000 per year. Project periods may
range between three (3) and five (5) years.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243886 .anchor}PART III---ELIGIBILITY
INFORMATION

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243887 .anchor}A. Eligible Applicants

Applications may be submitted by nonprofit organizations and
institutions of higher education that have demonstrated knowledge of
biodiesel fuel production, use, or distribution; and the demonstrated
ability to conduct educational and technical support programs.

Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply
provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the
project. An applicant's failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the
time of an application deadline will result in CSREES returning the
application without review or, even though an application may be
reviewed, will preclude CSREES from making an award.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243888 .anchor}**B. Cost Sharing or Matching\
**\
There are no matching funds requirements for the Biodiesel Education and
matching resources will not be factored into the review process as
evaluation criteria.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243889 .anchor}PART IV---APPLICATION AND
SUBMISSION INFORMATION

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243890 .anchor}A. Application Package

Only electronic applications may be submitted via Grants.gov to CSREES
in response to this RFA.

Prior to preparing an application, it is suggested that the PD/PI first
contact an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) to determine
if the organization is prepared to submit electronic applications
through Grant.gov. If the organization is not prepared, the AOR should
see <http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp> for steps for
preparing to submit applications through Grants.gov.

The steps to access application materials are as follows:

1.  Download and install PureEdge Viewer, a small, free program that
    provides access to the grant application. See
    <http://www.grants.gov/resources/download_software.jsp#pureedge>.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
2.  The application package must be obtained via Grants.gov, go to
    [http://www.grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/), click on "Apply for
    Grants" in the left-hand column, click on "**Step 1:** [Download a
    Grant Application Package and
    Instructions](https://apply.grants.gov/forms_apps_idx.html)**,"**
    enter the funding opportunity number **USDA-CSREES-OP-001745** in
    the appropriate box and click "Download Package." From the search
    results, click "Download" to access the application package.

> Contained within the application package is the "[CSREES Grants.gov
> Application Guide: A Guide for Preparation and Submission of CSREES
> Applications via
> Grants.gov.](http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/grant_forms/electronic_app_guide.pdf)"
> This Guide contains an introduction and general Grants.gov
> instructions, information about how to use a Grant Application Package
> in Grants.gov, and instructions on how to complete the application
> forms.
>
> **If assistance is needed to access the application package** (e.g.,
> downloading or navigating PureEdge forms, using PureEdge with a
> Macintosh computer), refer to resources available on the Grants.gov
> Web site first (<http://grants.gov/>). Grants.gov assistance is also
> available as follows:

-   Grants.gov customer support\
    Toll Free: 1-800-518-4726\
    Business Hours: M-F 7:00 am -- 9 pm Eastern Standard Time\
    Email: <support@grants.gov>

See <http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/electronic.html> for additional
resources for applying electronically.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243891 .anchor}B. Content and Form of
Application Submission

::: Definition-Term
Electronic applications should be prepared following Part V and VI of
the document entitled "[A Guide for Preparation and Submission of CSREES
Applications via
Grants.gov](http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/grant_forms/electronic_app_guide.pdf)."
This guide is part of the corresponding application package (see Section
A. of this Part). The following is **additional information** needed in
order to prepare an application in response to this RFA. If there is
discrepancy between the two documents, the information contained in this
RFA is overriding.
:::

Note the attachment requirements (eg., portable document format) in Part
III section 3. of the CSREES Grants.gov Application Guide available with
the Application Package at Grants.gov. **[Any proposals containing
non-PDF documents will be at risk of being excluded from CSREES
review.]{.underline}** Partial applications will be excluded from
consideration. With documented prior approval, resubmitted applications
will be accepted until close of business (COB) on the closing date in
the RFA.

If you do not own PDF generating software, Grants.gov provides online
tools to assist applicants. Users will find a link to "[PDF Conversion
Programs](http://www.grants.gov/resources/download_software.jsp#pdf_conversion_programs%23pdf_conversion_programs)"
on
(<http://www.grants.gov/resources/download_software.jsp#pdf_conversion_programs>).

**1. [R&R Other Project Information Form]{.underline}**

Information related to the questions on this form is dealt with in
detail in Part V, 3. of the CSREES Grants.gov Application Guide.

a\. Project Summary/Abstract (Field 6. on the Form). The summary should
also include the relevance of the project to the goals of Biodiesel
Education.

b\. Project Narrative (Field 7. on the Form).

PLEASE NOTE: The Project Narrative shall not exceed 15 pages of written
text and up to 6 additional pages for figures and tables. This maximum
of 21 pages has been established to ensure fair and equitable
competition. The Project Narrative must include all of the following:

i.  Describe how the project will increase the sharing of knowledge and
    stimulate stakeholder efforts to; research, collect, and disseminate
    biodiesel information, e.g. implementing new and innovative
    approaches and information systems; and raise public awareness of
    the benefits of Biodiesel;

ii. Design education and outreach programs to:

    -   Promote expansion and diversification of feedstocks;

    -   Training and technical assistance programs for feedstock
        producers; and

    -   Train-the-trainer programs that provide; industry trainers,
        educators, extension leaders, and others; the tools with which
        to address fuel quality, fuel safety and infrastructure issues.

iii. Describe how the project will coordinate with other biodiesel
     educational or promotional programs, and with Federal, State and
     local programs aimed at encouraging biodiesel use, including the
     Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) (Pub. L. 102-468) program for
     federal fleets;

iv. Develop a nationwide networking system that delivers biodiesel
    information to targeted audiences, including users, distributors and
    other infrastructure-related personnel, specifically:

    -   Government and private fleet operators;

    -   The trucking industry;

    -   The marine industry;

    -   Agricultural sector;

    -   Fuel distributors and refiners;

    -   The railroad industry;

    -   Related manufacturing industries (e.g., furnace manufacturers,
        engine and engine part manufacturers);

    -   Underground mining; and

    -   Non-industrial consumers.

v.  Identify, document, create, and disseminate educational materials
    that share the benefits of biodiesel e.g., lifecycle costing;

vi. Gather data pertaining to new technologies, technical gaps, and
    information gaps and provide public access to educational materials
    and data;

vii. Identify markets, develop a procedure for measuring how much
     biodiesel is sold into those markets (including export markets);
     provide public access to this data, use this data in the
     development of educational materials; and

viii. Develop practical indicators or milestones to measure progress
      towards achieving objectives.

**2. [R&R Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded)]{.underline}**

Information related to the questions on this form is dealt with in
detail in Part V, 4. of the CSREES Grants.gov Application Guide.

**3. [R&R Personal Data]{.underline} --** As noted in Part V, 5., the
submission of this information

is voluntary and is not a precondition of award. **PLEASE DO NOT PROVIDE
THE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OF ANY KEY PROJECT PERSONNEL.**

::: Definition-Term
**4. [R&R Budget]{.underline}**
:::

Information related to the questions on this form is dealt with in
detail in Part V, 6. of the CSREES Grants.gov Application Guide.

5\. [Supplemental Information Form]{.underline}

Information related to the questions on this form is dealt with in
detail in Part VI, 1. of the CSREES Grants.gov Application Guide.

a\. Program Code (Field 2. on the Form). Enter the program code name
(i.e., enter "Biodiesel Fuel Education Program") and the program code
(i.e., enter "BX").

b\. Field 3. Type of Applicant. Enter the type of
Applicant/Organization.

c\. Conflict of Interest List (Field 8. on the Form). A conflict of
interest list is required under this program.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243892 .anchor}C. Submission Dates and Times

**Instructions for submitting an application are included in Part IV,
Section 1.9 of the CSREES Grants.gov Application Guide.**

Applications must be received by Grants.gov by COB on **August 8, 2008**
(5:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Applications received after this deadline will
normally not be considered for funding.

Correspondence regarding submitted applications will be sent using
e-mail. Therefore, applicants are strongly encouraged to provide
accurate e-mail addresses, where designated, on the SF-424 R&R
Application for Federal Assistance.

Normally if the AR has not received correspondence **from CSREES**
regarding a submitted application within 60 days of submission of the
application, please contact the Program Contact identified in Part VII
of the applicable RFA and request the proposal number assigned to the
application. **However, because of the timing of the scheduled review of
applications, the AR should contact a Program Contact (see Part VII) if
correspondence is not received within 14 days of submission of the
application.** Failure to do so may result in the application not being
considered for funding by the peer review panel. Once the application
has been assigned a proposal number, this number should be cited on all
future correspondence.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243893 .anchor}D. Funding Restrictions

[]{.mark}

**1. Indirect Costs**

When preparing budgets, applicants should limit their requests for
recovery of indirect costs to their institution's official negotiated
indirect cost rate. If no rate has been established the applicant may
indicate \"None---will negotiate\" and a reasonable dollar amount for
indirect costs may be requested, which will be subject to approval by
USDA. In the latter case, if a proposal is recommended for funding, an
indirect cost rate proposal must be submitted prior to award to support
the amount of indirect costs requested. CSREES will request an indirect
cost rate proposal and provide instructions, as necessary.

An applicant may elect not to charge indirect costs and, instead, use
all grant funds for direct costs. If indirect costs are not charged, the
phrase \"None requested\" should be written in this space. Grantees
electing this alternative will not be allowed to charge, as direct
costs, indirect costs that otherwise would be in the grantee\'s indirect
cost pool under the applicable Office of Management and Budget cost
principles. Grantees who request no indirect costs will not be permitted
to revise their budgets at a later date to charge indirect costs to
grant funds.

[No other indirect cost recovery caps apply to these funds.]{.underline}

**2. Construction and Renovation**

Funds made available under Biodiesel Education shall not be used for the
construction of a new building or facility or the acquisition,
expansion, remodeling, or alteration of an existing building or facility
(including site grading and improvement, and architect fees).

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243894 .anchor}E. Other Submission Requirements

The applicant should follow the submission requirements noted in the
document entitled "A Guide for Preparation and Submission of CSREES
Applications via Grants.gov."

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243895 .anchor}PART V---APPLICATION REVIEW
REQUIREMENTS

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243896 .anchor}A. General

Each application will be evaluated in a 2-part process. First, each
application will be screened to ensure that it meets the administrative
requirements as set forth in this RFA. Second, applications that meet
these requirements will be technically evaluated by a review panel.

Reviewers will be selected based upon training and experience in
relevant scientific, extension, or education fields, taking into account
the following factors: (a) The level of relevant formal scientific,
technical education, or extension experience of the individual, as well
as the extent to which an individual is engaged in relevant research,
education, or extension activities; (b) the need to include as reviewers
experts from various areas of specialization within relevant scientific,
education, or extension fields; (c) the need to include as reviewers
other experts (e.g., producers, range or forest managers/operators, and
consumers) who can assess relevance of the applications to targeted
audiences and to program needs; (d) the need to include as reviewers
experts from a variety of organizational types (e.g., colleges,
universities, industry, state and Federal agencies, private profit and
non-profit organizations) and geographic locations; (e) the need to
maintain a balanced composition of reviewers with regard to minority and
female representation and an equitable age distribution; and (f) the
need to include reviewers who can judge the effective usefulness to
producers and the general public of each application.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243897 .anchor}B. Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation criteria below will be used in reviewing applications
submitted in response to this RFA:

[]{.mark}

1.  **Project Application Relevance (10 Points)**:

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
a.  Relevance of proposed project to current and future issues related
    to the production (feedstock expansion), use, distribution
    (infrastructure), fuel quality, and fuel properties of biodiesel,
    including:

    i.  Demonstrated knowledge about markets, state initiatives, impacts
        on local economies, regulatory issues, standards, and technical
        issues (technology transfer);

    ii. Demonstrated knowledge about issues associated with developing a
        biodiesel infrastructure; and

    iii. Quality and extent of stakeholder involvement in planning and
         accomplishment of program objectives.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
2.  **Project Application Rationale (50 points)**:

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
a.  Sufficiency of scope and strategies to provide a consistent message
    in keeping with existing standards and regulations;

b.  Adequacy of Project Description, suitability and feasibility of
    methodology to develop and implement program;

c.  Clarity of objectives, milestones, and indicators of progress;

d.  Adequacy of plans for reporting, assessing and monitoring results
    over project\'s duration; and

e.  Demonstration of feasibility, and probability of success.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
3.  **Project Application Technical Quality (40 points)**:

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
a.  Suitability and qualifications of key project personnel;

b.  Institutional experience and competence in providing alternative
    fuel education, including:

    i.  Demonstrated knowledge about programs involved in alternative
        fuel research and education;

    ii. Demonstrated knowledge about other fuels, fuel additives, engine
        performance, fuel quality and fuel emissions;

    iii. Demonstrated knowledge about Federal, State and local programs
         aimed at encouraging alternative fuel use;

    iv. Demonstrated ability in providing educational programs and
        developing technical programs; and

    v.  Demonstrated ability to analyze technical information relevant
        to the biodiesel industry.

c.  Adequacy of available or obtainable resources; and

d.  Quality of plans to administer and maintain the project, including
    collaborative efforts, evaluation and monitoring efforts.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243898 .anchor}C. Conflicts of Interest and
Confidentiality

During the peer evaluation process, extreme care will be taken to
prevent any actual or perceived conflicts of interest that may impact
review or evaluation. For the purpose of determining conflicts of
interest, the academic and administrative autonomy of an institution
shall be determined by reference to the current Higher Education
Directory, published by Higher Education Publications, Inc., 6400
Arlington Boulevard, Suite 648, Falls Church, Virginia 22042. Phone:
(703) 532-2300. Web site:
[[http://www.hepinc.com]{.underline}](http://www.hepinc.com/).

Names of submitting institutions and individuals, as well as application
content and peer evaluations, will be kept confidential, except to those
involved in the review process, to the extent permitted by law. In
addition, the identities of peer reviewers will remain confidential
throughout the entire review process. Therefore, the names of the
reviewers will not be released to applicants.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243899 .anchor}D. Organizational Management
Information

Specific management information relating to an applicant shall be
submitted on a one time basis, with updates on an as needed basis, as
part of the responsibility determination prior to the award of a grant
identified under this RFA, if such information has not been provided
previously under this or another CSREES program. CSREES will provide
copies of forms recommended for use in fulfilling these requirements as
part of the preaward process. Although an applicant may be eligible
based on its status as one of these entities, there are factors which
may exclude an applicant from receiving Federal financial and
nonfinancial assistance and benefits under this program (e.g., debarment
or suspension of an individual involved or a determination that an
applicant is not responsible based on submitted organizational
management information).

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243900 .anchor}PART VI---AWARD ADMINISTRATION

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243901 .anchor}A. General

Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the awarding
official of CSREES shall make grants to those responsible, eligible
applicants whose applications are judged most meritorious under the
procedures set forth in this RFA. The date specified by the awarding
official of CSREES as the effective date of the grant shall be no later
than September 30 of the Federal fiscal year in which the project is
approved for support and funds are appropriated for such purpose, unless
otherwise permitted by law. It should be noted that the project need not
be initiated on the grant effective date, but as soon thereafter as
practical so that project goals may be attained within the funded
project period. All funds granted by CSREES under this RFA shall be
expended solely for the purpose for which the funds are granted in
accordance with the approved application and budget, the regulations,
the terms and conditions of the award, the applicable Federal cost
principles, and the Department\'s assistance regulations (parts 3015 and
3019 of 7 CFR).

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243902 .anchor}B. Award Notice

The award document will provide pertinent instructions and information
including, at a minimum, the following:

\(1\) Legal name and address of performing organization or institution
to whom the Administrator has issued an award under the terms of this
request for applications;

\(2\) Title of project;

\(3\) Name(s) and institution(s) of PDs chosen to direct and control
approved activities;

\(4\) Identifying award number assigned by the Department;

\(5\) Project period, specifying the amount of time the Department
intends to support the project without requiring recompetition for
funds;

\(6\) Total amount of Departmental financial assistance approved by the
Administrator during the project period;

\(7\) Legal authority(ies) under which the award is issued;

\(8\) Appropriate Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number;

\(9\) Applicable award terms and conditions (see
<http://www.csrees.usda.gov/business/awards/awardterms.html> to view
CSREES award terms and conditions);

\(10\) Approved budget plan for categorizing allocable project funds to
accomplish the stated purpose of the award; and

\(11\) Other information or provisions deemed necessary by CSREES to
carry out its respective awarding activities or to accomplish the
purpose of a particular award.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243903 .anchor}C. Administrative and National
Policy Requirements

Several Federal statutes and regulations apply to grant applications
considered for review and to project grants awarded under this program.
These include, but are not limited to:

7 CFR Part 1, subpart A**---**USDA implementation of the Freedom of
Information Act.

7 CFR Part 3**---**USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-129
regarding debt collection.

7 CFR Part 15, subpart A**---**USDA implementation of Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.

7 CFR Part 331 and 9 CFR Part 121**---**USDA implementation of the
Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002.

7 CFR Part 3015**---**USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations,
implementing OMB directives (i.e., OMB Circular Nos. A-21 and A-122, now
codified at 2 CFR Parts 220 and 230) and incorporating provisions of 31
U.S.C. 6301-6308 (formerly the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement
Act of 1977, Pub. L. No. 95-224), as well as general policy requirements
applicable to recipients of Departmental financial assistance.

7 CFR Part 3017**---**USDA implementation of Governmentwide Debarment
and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and 7 CFR Part 3021**---**Governmentwide
Requirements for Drug Free Workplace (Grants).

7 CFR Part 3018**---**USDA implementation of Restrictions on Lobbying.
Imposes prohibitions and requirements for disclosure and certification
related to lobbying on recipients of Federal contracts, grants,
cooperative agreements, and loans.

7 CFR Part 3019**---**USDA implementation of OMB Circular A-110, Uniform
Administrative Requirements for Grants and Other Agreements With
Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit
Organizations.

7 CFR Part 3052**---**USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-133,
Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non profit Organizations.

7 CFR Part 3407**---**CSREES procedures to implement the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended.

29 U.S.C. 794 (section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973) and 7 CFR Part
15b (USDA implementation of statute) **---**prohibiting discrimination
based upon physical or mental handicap in Federally assisted programs.

35 U.S.C. 200 et seq. **---**Bayh Dole Act, controlling allocation of
rights to inventions made by employees of small business firms and
domestic nonprofit organizations, including universities, in Federally
assisted programs (implementing regulations are contained in 37 CFR Part
401).

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243904 .anchor}D. Expected Program Outputs and
Reporting Requirements

[]{.mark}

Grantees are required to submit initial project information and annual
and summary reports to CSREES\' Current Research Information System
(CRIS). The CRIS database contains narrative project information,
progress/impact statements, and final technical reports that are made
available to the public. For applications recommended for funding,
instructions on preparing and submitting project documentation will be
provided to the applicant by the agency contact. Documentation must be
submitted to CRIS before CSREES funds will be released. Project reports
will be requested by the CRIS office when required. For more information
about CRIS, visit
[http://cris.csrees.usda.gov](http://cris.csrees.usda.gov/).

It should be noted that with respect to continuation awards that
grantees should expect the award to include the requirement that annual
progress reports be electronically submitted through the CRIS within 90
days prior to the end of the current budget period, i.e., current
expiration date of the award. Untimely submission of these reports may
delay processing of the award and failure to submit these reports will
likely result in the restriction of the funding increment. 

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243905 .anchor}PART VII---AGENCY CONTACT

Applicants and other interested parties are encouraged to contact James
Duffield; Economist; Office of Energy Policy and New Uses; U.S.
Department of Agriculture; Telephone: (202) 401-0523; E-mail:
<jduffield@oce.usda.gov>

**OR**

Carmela Bailey; National Program Leader, Plant and Animal Systems Unit;
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; U.S.
Department of Agriculture; STOP

2220; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-2220;

Telephone: (202) 401-6443; Fax: (202) 401-5179; E-mail:
<cbailey@csrees.usda.gov>

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243906 .anchor}PART VIII---OTHER INFORMATION

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243907 .anchor}A. Access to Review Information

Copies of reviews, not including the identity of reviewers, and a
summary of the panel comments will be sent to the applicant PD after the
review process has been completed.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243908 .anchor}B. Use of Funds; Changes

**1. [Delegation of Fiscal Responsibility]{.underline}**

Unless the terms and conditions of the award state otherwise, the
awardee may not in whole or in part delegate or transfer to another
person, institution, or organization the responsibility for use or
expenditure of award funds.

**2. [Changes in Project Plans]{.underline}**\
\
a. The permissible changes by the awardee, PD(s), or other key project
personnel in the approved project shall be limited to changes in
methodology, techniques, or other similar aspects of the project to
expedite achievement of the project\'s approved goals. If the awardee or
the PD(s) is uncertain as to whether a change complies with this
provision, the question must be referred to the Authorized Departmental
Officer (ADO) for a final determination. The ADO is the signatory of the
award document, not the program contact.

b\. Changes in approved goals or objectives shall be requested by the
awardee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such
changes. In no event shall requests for such changes be approved which
are outside the scope of the original approved project.

c\. Changes in approved project leadership or the replacement or
reassignment of other key project personnel shall be requested by the
awardee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such
changes.

d\. Transfers of actual performance of the substantive programmatic work
in whole or in part and provisions for payment of funds, whether or not
Federal funds are involved, shall be requested by the awardee and
approved in writing by the ADO prior to effecting such transfers, unless
prescribed otherwise in the terms and conditions of the award.

e\. The project period may be extended by CSREES without additional
financial support, for such additional period(s) as the ADO determines
may be necessary to complete or fulfill the purposes of an approved
project, but in no case shall the total project period exceed five
years. Any extension of time shall be conditioned upon prior request by
the awardee and approval in writing by the ADO, unless prescribed
otherwise in the terms and conditions of award.

f\. Changes in Approved Budget: Unless stated otherwise in the terms and
conditions of award, changes in an approved budget must be requested by
the awardee and approved in writing by the ADO prior to instituting such
changes if the revision will involve transfers or expenditures of
amounts requiring prior approval as set forth in the applicable Federal
cost principles, Departmental regulations, or award.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243909 .anchor}C. Confidential Aspects of
Applications and Awards

When an application results in an award, it becomes a part of the record
of CSREES transactions, available to the public upon specific request.
Information that the Secretary determines to be of a confidential,
privileged, or proprietary nature will be held in confidence to the
extent permitted by law. Therefore, any information that the applicant
wishes to have considered as confidential, privileged, or proprietary
should be clearly marked within the application. The original copy of an
application that does not result in an award will be retained by the
Agency for a period of three years. Other copies will be destroyed. Such
an application will be released only with the consent of the applicant
or to the extent required by law. An application may be withdrawn at any
time prior to the final action thereon.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243910 .anchor}D. Regulatory Information

For the reasons set forth in the final Rule related Notice to 7 CFR part
3015, subpart V (48 FR 29114, June 24, 1983), this program is excluded
from the scope of the Executive Order 12372 which requires
intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials. Under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter
35), the collection of information requirements contained in this Notice
have been approved under OMB Document No. 0524-0039.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc202243911 .anchor}E. Definitions

For the purpose of this program, the following definitions are
applicable:

[]{.mark}

*Authorized departmental officer* or *ADO* means the Secretary or any
employee of the Department who has the authority to issue or modify
grant instruments on behalf of the Secretary.

*Authorized organizational representative* or *AOR* means the president
or chief executive officer of the applicant organization or the
official, designated by the president or chief executive officer of the
applicant organization, who has the authority to commit the resources of
the organization.

*Biodiesel* means a monoalkyl ester that meets the requirements of an
appropriate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard.

*Budget* period means the interval of time (usually 12 months) into
which the project period is divided for budgetary and reporting
purposes.

*Department* or *USDA* means the United States Department of
Agriculture.

*Education activity* means an act or process that imparts knowledge or
skills through formal or informal training and outreach.

*Grant* means the award by the Secretary of funds to an eligible
recipient for the purpose of conducting the identified project.

*Grantee* means the organization designated in the award document as the
responsible legal entity to which a grant is awarded.

*Institution of higher education,* as defined in sec. 101 of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001), means an educational institution
in any State that:

\(1\) Admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of
graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the
recognized equivalent of such a certificate;

\(2\) Is legally authorized within such State to provide a program of
education beyond secondary education;

\(3\) Provides an educational program for which the institution awards a
bachelor\'s degree or provides not less than a two-year program that is
acceptable for full credit toward such a degree;

\(4\) Is a public or other nonprofit institution; and

\(5\) Is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or
association, or if not so accredited, is an institution that has been
granted preaccreditation status by such an agency or association that
has been recognized by the Secretary of Education for the granting of
preaccreditation status, and the Secretary of Education has determined
that there is satisfactory assurance that the institution will meet the
accreditation standards of such an agency or association within a
reasonable time.

*OEPNU* means the Office of Energy Policy and New Uses.

*Peer review* is an evaluation of a proposed project performed by
experts with the scientific knowledge and technical skills to conduct
the proposed work whereby the technical quality and relevance to the
program are assessed.

*Prior approval* means written approval evidencing prior consent by an
authorized departmental officer (as defined in this section).

*Program* means the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program.

*Project* means the particular activity within the scope of the program
supported by a grant award.

*Project director* or *PD* means the single individual designated by the
grantee in the grant application and approved by the Secretary who is
responsible for the direction and management of the project, also known
as a principal investigator for research activities.

*Project period* means the period, as stated in the award document and
modifications thereto, if any, during which Federal sponsorship begins
and ends.

*Secretary* means the Secretary of Agriculture and any other officer or
employee of the Department to whom the authority involved may be
delegated.