Solication No. 693JF722R000004 - Microgrid Questions and Answers-3.pdf

Solicitation No. 693JF722R000004 Questions and Answers for Microgrid Pilot/Hybrid Demonstration Project Amendment No. 3

18. Question:

Is it allowable to propose a phased approach to demonstrate interoperability of the proposed systems before fully integrating at larger scales in a subsequent phase within the same project, so long as all activities are completed within the three-year project term? For example, could we deploy an initial amount of renewable energy generation to demonstrate the system's interoperability before adding additional power generation capacity to the microgrid system?

Answer:

Yes, it is allowable to propose a phased approach in order to demonstrate interoperability as long as the full project will be completed within 36 months (3.0 years) as shown in the RFP.

19. Question:

Would it be acceptable if an awardee implements the project without using the full amount of the grant award (e.g., for cost savings or other reasons)? If so, would the awardee be allowed to return the unused funds or re-invest those funds in other carbon reducing microgrid efforts?

Answer:

Once the funds are awarded, it is expected that the funds will be used for that specific project only. Funds will not be returned back, and we are expecting that any proposal should incorporate of using the full fund amount. Moreover, the funds can be used only for this specific proposal and not any other microgrid-related project.

20. Question:

Would it be possible to reduce the scope and/or requested funding amount during the grant?

Answer:

Once awarded, it is not preferable to make scope changes.

21. Question:

Would it be allowable to leverage activities and microgrid-related procurements under an existing grant as cash or in-kind match share toward the MARAD Grant?

Answer:

We do encourage partnerships – however, MARAD will not fund more than 50% of the total cost as mentioned in the RFP. The awardee will be responsible for the other 50% of the total cost and it is up to the awardee how these funds will be found.