Attachment 4 - Frequently Asked Questions.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Does this grant cover the purchase of the truck to be outfitted with the slip-on tanker or must we acquire the trucks first?

A1: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) language does not cover the purchase of a truck, the BIL provides financial assistance only for slip-on tanks.

Q2: It seems as though the scope of this grant opportunity is for slide on water tanks but is there was any flexibility in the funding which would allow for the purchase of a forestry hose/reel system.

A2: The BIL language provides financial assistance only for slip-on tanks. There may be other programs outside of the BIL available for the acquisition of a forestry hose/reel system.

Q3: While the specifications indicate a slip-on unit, the award ceiling suggests the potential inclusion of a full build truck. Could you please provide clarification on what exactly can be requested under this grant?

A3: Financial assistance for slip-on tanks only is what is covered under the BIL language. The announcement includes flexibility for responses from individual fire departments or consolidated applications hence the larger ceiling amount.

Q4: We are a local Fire Department, not a Municipality. Does this disqualify us from applying?

A4: It depends, the entity must meet the definition of “Local government” as defined in 2 CFCR 200.1 and have a SAM.gov Unique Entity ID (UEI) that reflects an “Entity Type” of “US Local Government”.

Q5: Is this grant full funding or does this require matching any funds awarded?

A5: Full funding, there is no cost sharing/matching requirement for this announcement.

Q6: If I understand it correctly, a “slip-on tanker unit” is a “skid unit” that slides into or on a vehicle. It includes a tank, pump, hardware, etc. comprising of a self-contained unit. Is that correct?

A6: Yes, that is correct. Minimum specifications are outlined in Attachment 1. Other terms used for “slip-on tanker unit” include skid unit, slip-on, slip-in.

Q7: Since not all slip-on tanker units are created equal, what sizes and/or manufacturer brands (if stipulated) are eligible for funding?

A7: Please note specifications for “slip on tanker unit” as outlined in Attachment 1.

Q8: Are labor costs associated with the installation of these slip-on units eligible?

A8: Yes, the units and installation of the units are eligible costs.

Q9: Is the available funding a distribution or reimbursement allocation?

A9: It depends, all payments will be in accordance with 2 CFR 200.305, Federal payment. Please refer to https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.305 to determine how funds will be disbursed to your entity.

Q10: Are local governments in the US territories eligible for award?

A10: No. A territory is not a state but land that the federal government administers.

Q11: Could our department apply for skid unit, and if awarded purchase a chassis or could the grant fund the whole package?

A11: Yes, your department could apply if it meets the eligibility criteria. An evaluation of the vehicles available is part of the prioritization process and said vehicle is required to be available prior to receipt of the slip-on tanker unit. The grant could not fund the purchase of a chassis. The BIL language provides financial assistance only for slip-on tanks. There may be other programs outside the BIL available for the acquisition of a vehicle for the slip-on tank unit.

Q12: I was wondering who is building the skid units or if a bid will be going out to select a vendor to build them?

A12: The grant is to provide funds to local governments to purchase the units that meet minimum specifications. There is no required vendor, local governments are required to use the funding to purchase the skid unit(s).

Q13: I’m assuming this is a National Program. Can I access the grant here in Wisconsin?

A13: Yes, this program allows for anyone who meets the eligibility criteria to submit an application.

Q14: Do you have a list of companies who build skid units that were given the specs for this program?

A14: No, we do not have a listing of the companies that could meet this requirement. It is the responsibility of the local government to find a company to meet the minimum slip-on tank specifications as posted to this announcement.

Q15: What can you tell us about the Treasury's Automated System for Payment system and what information do I need to get us enrolled.

A15: This information is not available during this Phase. Instructions will be provided to entities selected for award.

Q16: If we were awarded this grant could it keep us from being awarded other grants already applied for such as the SAFER and AFG grants?

A16: Unsure, you would need to confirm any restrictions with the agency responsible for issuing those particular grants.

Q17: Does the population go by the entire fire district service area or the population that the unit will be assigned to?

A17: The population is for the entire area the fire district services.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/section-200.305

Q18: The spec seems to be the US Forest Service boiler plate specs and eliminates ATV's and UTV's. Can you clarify this?

A18: It depends if the ATV and UTV can accommodate a unit with minimum dimensions of 78 inches long by 48 inches wide as outlined in Attachment 1. If it can, then they would not be eliminated.

Q19: The spec seems to be the US Forest Service boiler plate specs and eliminates Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS). Can you clarify this?

A19: The specifications in Attachment 1 are the minimum required. If this system is incorporated into the unit and does not cause the unit to be non-compliant in any other area of the specifications, then the system will be eligible for consideration. The specifications in Attachment 1 are the minimum required.

Q20: Please confirm the grant is just for skid mount and tank. Would the grant cover a truck bed plus the skid mounts and tank.

A20: The BIL language provides financial assistance only for slip-on tanks. There may be other programs outside the BIL available for the acquisition or modification of a truck bed.

Q21: Would the following variances be considered:

Variances on the total flow for Ultra High Pressure (1000psi +) and High Pressure (300- 999psi) Standard pressure fire suppression (75-100psi) will waste the majority of the water used. They are only 10-15% efficient vs the UHP (Ultra High Pressure) systems which is 95% efficient. A 10gpm (gallons per minute) UHP system will put out as much fire as a 70gpm at standard pressure and will cause far less run off and soil erosion.

A21: No, ultra High Pressure and High Pressure systems are not the industry standard for wildland fire suppression. These systems are more expensive, more difficult to maintain, and have a higher degree of potential consequences in the event of failure. They are not common in the wildland firefighting industry. The minimum specifications were designed to meet the needs of the majority of users while keeping costs reasonable and providing units that will have a long service life and ease of use.