Rural Energy for America Program
ID: 347523Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Rural Business-Cooperative Service (USDA-RBCS)

Award Range

$0 - $1M

Eligible Applicants

Small Businesses

Funding Category

Energy

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The Rural Business-Cooperative Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering grants through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to support renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements in rural areas. Eligible applicants include small businesses and agricultural producers, with grants covering up to 50% of project costs, depending on specific criteria, and a total funding pool of approximately $1.055 billion available through September 30, 2024. This program aims to enhance energy efficiency and promote the use of renewable energy technologies, thereby contributing to sustainable development in rural communities. Interested applicants can submit their applications year-round until the closing date, and for further information, they may contact the agency at CPGrants@usda.gov or refer to the Federal Register notice linked in the opportunity overview.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) requires applicants to submit specific forms based on total project costs, including the mandatory SF 424 series along with environmental review information. Applications can be submitted at any time, with designated quarterly windows for evaluation, and specific deadlines to qualify for set-aside funding. For assistance, applicants can contact their State Energy Coordinator through the provided website.
    The document is a USDA application form for the Rural Energy for America Program, specifically targeting renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements for projects costing $80,000 or less. It outlines the applicant's requirements, project descriptions, necessary certifications, and provisions for data privacy and compliance with federal regulations. Additionally, it includes guidance on documenting project costs, energy generation or savings, and commitments of funds, along with various certifications the applicant must affirm.
    The document outlines the application form RD 4280-3B for the Rural Energy for America Program, which allows applicants to request funding for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency projects ranging between $80,000 and $200,000. The form requires comprehensive information about the applicant's identity, project details, financial assessments, and compliance with various regulations, and it emphasizes the importance of privacy and data integrity. Additionally, the form includes sections for submitting supporting documents, applicant qualifications, and environmental impacts related to the proposed energy project.
    The document outlines the application process for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) aimed at supporting renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement projects, particularly those with total project costs of $200,000 or more. It includes sections for providing detailed applicant information, project descriptions, financial data, technical requirements, and the environmental impact assessment, while ensuring compliance with various federal regulations. Applicants are instructed to submit the completed form to the relevant USDA Rural Development office, with the understanding that the information collected will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974.
    The Technical Report and Technical Merit Summary for Energy Efficiency Improvements (EEI) outlines the evaluation criteria used by the Agency to assess an EEI project's technical merit, which includes a system of grading areas of the technical report as "pass," "pass with conditions," or "fail." Projects with a "pass" in all applicable areas are deemed to have technical merit and can be considered for funding, while those receiving a "fail" are ineligible for funding. Additional requirements for projects, including vendor certifications and energy audits, are specified based on the total project costs, with stricter conditions imposed for projects exceeding $200,000.
    The document outlines the requirements for environmental information collection necessary to determine the level of environmental review needed for a project, as mandated by NEPA. It specifies the need for detailed project descriptions, potential environmental impacts, consultations with relevant authorities, and necessary documentation. The document emphasizes that construction should not commence until a complete NEPA review is confirmed by the Agency.
    The RD 4280-3A form is used by applicants seeking grants for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement projects with total costs of $80,000 or less, adhering to regulations outlined in 7 C.F.R. 4280, part B. It requires detailed information about the applicant, project specifics, eligibility criteria, and any supporting documentation for funding determination, including project descriptions, technical requirements, and economic assessments. The form emphasizes voluntary demographic data collection and the necessity for accurate completion to ensure proper review and compliance with federal guidelines.
    The document outlines the application process for RD 4280-3B (Rural Energy for America Program) for projects with total costs between $80,000 and $200,000. It includes detailed instructions for applicants regarding eligibility criteria, required documentation, project details, and economic assessments, while emphasizing that compliance with regulatory definitions and requirements is crucial. The form also specifies the need for public benefit assessments, funding sources, and project feasibility to ensure qualifications for receiving government grants.
    The RD 4280-3C form is used by applicants seeking grants for Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Projects with total costs of $200,000 or more, adhering to requirements outlined in 7 C.F.R. 4280, part B. It includes sections for applicant information, project details, financial data, and technical assessments, with emphasis on priority points for veterans and socially disadvantaged groups. Additionally, it mandates that all submissions comply with defined eligibility criteria and requires detailed documentation to substantiate project costs and expected energy outputs.
    The Technical Report and Technical Merit Summary for Renewable Energy Systems outlines the assessment process and criteria for determining the technical merit of proposed projects. Projects are evaluated based on their technical reports, assigned ratings of "pass," "pass with conditions," or "fail," which dictate their eligibility for funding, with specific documentation requirements depending on the project's total cost. Additionally, certifications from vendors/installers regarding the reliability and economic viability of the proposed systems are mandated to ensure compliance and feasibility.
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