Final NOFA M18AS00007.docx

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Renewable Energy Program

Program Announcement No. M18AS00007

Offshore Wind Generation and Load Compatibility Assessment with Emphasis on Electricity Grid Constraints, Mitigation Measures and Associated Costs

BOEM FY 2018 Environmental Studies Program

CFDA No. 15.423

September 24, 2018

I. Funding Opportunity Description

The mission of BOEM is to manage the exploration and development of the nation’s offshore resources in a way that appropriately balances economic development, energy independence and environmental protection through oil and gas leases, and renewable energy development. The decision-making behind the management of the nation’s offshore resources is supported through environmental reviews and associated studies.

Authorities: The Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) oversees the development of offshore renewable energy on the nation's Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) Section 1345 authorizes the use of Cooperative Agreements with affected states to meet the requirements of OCSLA, including sharing of information, joint utilization of available expertise, and formation of joint monitoring arrangements to carry out applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to OCS operations both onshore and offshore

Background: The State of California and BOEM are actively engaged in offshore renewable energy planning for siting of offshore energy projects in federal waters. The State of California has formally legislated through SB 350 (the Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act of 2015) the goal of 50% of all energy generated and sold in California will be from renewable energy sources by 2030 and is investigating how offshore wind could play a role in achieving this renewable energy goal. After extensive development of solar energy in California to meet renewable energy goals, the State electrical grid has an excess of daylight energy availability and a deficit of energy available from renewable energy sources during evening and early morning hours. This critical gap could be filled by development of offshore wind energy which peaks in energy production during evening and early morning hours, effectively complementing solar production and potentially ‘smoothing’ energy availability and reducing energy fluctuations in the electrical grid. Results from characterizing offshore wind resource potential from economic and regulatory perspectives, and evaluating potential interconnection constraints and export potential from Humboldt Bay to load centers in California will provide valuable information to inform future policy decisions regarding offshore energy development.

Purpose: The proposed study will examine the existing northern California offshore wind resources, interconnection constraints and transmission upgrade costs. The proposed study would inform future public decisions and development of state programs and policies related to energy planning for California, and the potential integration of offshore renewable energy sources into electrical grids.

Scope of Objectives: The primary goal of this work will be to understand the offshore wind resource potential available in northern California and how offshore renewable energy projects could integrate into local and regional electrical transmission grids. Specific objectives include:

1. Understanding the existing northern California offshore wind resources;

2. Characterization of the wind resource’s potential for integration into California’s electric grid from an economic and regulatory perspective;

3. Update the 2011 Humboldt County Renewable Project Study (HCRPS) to current conditions;

4. Evaluation of the HCRPS options and approximate interconnection and transmission upgrade costs for potential offshore projects and potential offshore wind energy interconnection constraints; and

5. Evaluation of a conceptual undersea transmission system capable of exporting offshore wind energy produced offshore Humboldt Bay and delivered to the San Francisco Bay area.

II. Award Information

The total anticipated amount of funding available is approximately $150,000, subject to the availability of funds. Although the study proposal may not have a total budget exceeding $200,000 in funds requested from BOEM, the total project budget may exceed $200,000 when matched with direct funds from another non-Federal source or in-kind contributions. Matching contributions from the applicant are encouraged. The BOEM anticipates making one cooperative agreement award for 1 proposal submitted under this program announcement.

Work performance under the proposed work must be completed no later than 12 months from the start date.

This Program Announcement describes the specific projects that may be awarded to university identified. All awards are premised on receipt of an acceptable proposal. This is not an open solicitation for proposals.

This announcement is specifically to announce intent to undertake the following project:

· Characterization of northern California wind resources and their potential for integration into the electrical grid from an economic and regulatory perspective

· Open to: Schatz Energy Research Center, Humboldt State University

No other proposals are requested at this time.

The award will be a cooperative agreement (with the exception of tasks performed by Federal partners – see Eligibility Information below). This involves substantial involvement by BOEM scientists in various aspects of study development and/or study conduct.

III. Eligibility Information

Research projects are required to have a staff member of the University as the Principal Investigator. The specific project identified in Section 2 is intended for the organization or group identified. Contributions of matching funds towards these efforts, either as cash or in-kind contributions (such as salary, equipment, etc., or a combination of both) is very strongly encouraged. Match cannot include value associated with collection costs for samples previously collected. Match value for instrumentation and other equipment should be adjusted to the period of use within the project relative to the full life cycle for the item. Written documentation for the assessed match for ship time (if applicable) shall provide a fair assessment of costs relevant to the project. Matching dollars cannot be from other federal funding sources. Further information can be located at 2 CFR 200.306.

Federal entities as partners are allowed, however the tasks performed by the Federal partner and the associated budget must be presented separately by the Federal partner. The non-profit’s proposal and the Federal proposal should be cross referenced to each other, but each should stand alone. Other non-federal organizations may be partners and their tasks and budgets should be included in the non-profit’s proposal.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Proposals must be submitted by 5 pm EST, November 8, 2018.

2. Location of Application Package

All applications must be submitted through the www.grants.gov by the due date noted on the synopsis to this announcement. Information on the application process can be found under the “Applicants” tab. Applicants can locate the application package by visiting the grants.gov portal and searching on CFDA number 15.424 in the grants.gov search engine.

The electronic submission system requires several preliminary registration steps before the actual application can be submitted, including obtaining a DUNS number (see www.dnb.com), registering in SAM.gov (see www.sam.gov) and registering a Grants.gov account (go to www.grants.gov and click on “Register” in the top right hand corner).

3. Content and Form of Applications

The application process begins by downloading Adobe Reader (version 9.0.0 and later) at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html. The Adobe software will enable the applicant and all interested parties to view and complete the following required application forms:

SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance SF-424a Budget Information SF-424b Assurances – Non-Construction Programs Project Narrative Form (including Proposal Cover Sheet described below) Budget Narrative Form Budget Form and Budget Justification GG Certification Regarding Lobbying Form (Complete the Optional SF-LLL Lobbying form only if lobbying has occurred)

4. Proposal Cover Sheet

The cover sheet of the proposal shall contain the following information:

Project Title:

Principal Investigator(s):

Name of Organization:

Contact information for Technical and Administrative Negotiations Project Status: New/Continuation Project Duration: (years or months) Proposed Start Date:

Proposed Draft Final Report Submission Date:

Proposed Completion Date:

Amount Requested From BOEM:

Amount and Sources of Non-Federal Match:

Total Project Cost:

Signature, Name and Contact Information of Organization’s Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator:

Proposal Endorsement, including Signature, Name and Contact Information of Sponsoring Organization or Institute Director:

5. Proposal Text

The proposal must be in 11-12 point Times New Roman, Arial, or similar font with 1” page margins. Non-conforming proposals will not be considered. The text should be no longer than 20 pages. Please include the following in the Proposal:

a. Abstract

b. Background/Relevance to BOEM Issues, Information Needs, and Research Topics: Give a brief introduction to the research problem. State how the proposal addresses BOEM goals. Explain why the work is important. Specify the contribution to science related to renewable energy issues and the benefits that society will receive from the study. Proposals should describe why the research is important to offshore wind energy development issues. Provide a brief summary of findings or outcomes of any prior work you have completed in this area.

c. Objectives/Hypotheses: Clearly define goals of the project.

d. Methods/Analyses: Provide a clear description of planned methodologies and analyses.

e. Data Management, Data Security and Data Archiving Plan: Provide copies of data files with metadata to BOEM in a format that meets Federal data standards (e.g., current Federal Geographic Data Committee standards). Copies shall also be archived with the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), or other appropriate Federal Data Repository.

f. Project management/Staffing plan: All key personnel (including graduate student workers) shall be identified by name. List the non-profit’s Principal Investigator first, followed by the names of other individuals. Indicate the role (engineer, research assistant, energy analyst, etc.) and anticipated level of effort for each participant in the project. If names of some participants are unknown at the time the proposal is first submitted, a proposal addendum with the names and vitae must be submitted prior to award.

g. Performance Measures: Applicants shall suggest specific measures that can be used to monitor project progress, including that of sub-awardees e.g., quality and timely deliverables, timely completion of fieldwork or other project components, draft peer reviewed articles. These performance measures will be incorporated into the cooperative agreement award and reviewed as part of any continuation request.

h. Timeline (including deliverables): Provide for submission of the draft final report six months before project end date to ensure adequate time for review, revision, and publication.

i. Project Deliverables and Planned Products: List product(s) (reports, analyses, maps, digital data, etc.) that will be delivered during the performance period. Quarterly, draft and final annual reports, and draft and final technical summaries are required. Images and data are also standard deliverables.

j. Publication and Presentation: BOEM strongly encourages the Recipients to publish project reports in scientific and technical journals, and present results to the scientific community, appropriate professional organizations, and local, State, and Federal agencies as part of the project. These publications and meetings should be included in the proposal and budget.

k. Bibliography: List all references cited in the text, as well as references that are relevant to the current proposal from your past work in the field.

l. Curricula Vitae (maximum 2 pages) for each identified participant. Emphasize previous experience in the field of study that the proposal addresses.

m. Letters of Commitment: Provide signed letters of commitment by matching funds grantors, contractors, and sub-grantees.

n. Budget Spreadsheet: In addition to SF-424a Budget Information form in section IV.3 above, include information in a format which provides personnel, travel, services, supplies, equipment, tuition, and indirect costs for the requested BOEM funds.

o. Budget Justification Narrative: (see item 6 below)

6. Budget Justification Narrative

This information will provide more details than the SF-424a form (section IV.3) and will provide adequate information for the Contracting Officer to conduct a detailed analysis of the costs to determine they are reasonable, allowable and allocable. Please include the following:

a. Salaries and Wages. List positions and rate of compensation for non-profit employees. If contract employees are hired, also list job titles, number of estimated hours, rate of compensation, and total time.

b. Fringe benefits/labor overhead. Indicate the rates/amounts in conformance with normal accounting procedures. Explain what costs are covered in this category and the basis of the rate computations. Provide a copy of the negotiated rate agreement with the cognizant federal audit agency for the Recipient, and all sub-grantees, if available.

c. Tuition. Requests for funds for tuition must identify the student by name. The total compensation (including tuition funds, stipend, etc.) requested for the individual must be commensurate with the services to be performed by that individual.

d. Lab Analyses. Briefly itemize cost of all analytical work.

e. Supplies. Enter the cost for all tangible property. Include the cost of office, laboratory, computing, and field supplies separately. Provide detail on any specific item that represents a significant portion of the proposed amount. Provide a statement that supplies will be purchased in accordance with 2 CFR. 215.40-48.

f. Equipment. Show the cost of all special-purpose equipment necessary for achieving the objectives of the project. "Special-purpose equipment" means scientific equipment having a useful life of more than 1 year and having an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per item. Each item should be itemized and include a full justification and a dealer or manufacturer quote, if available.

General-purpose equipment (used also for purposes other than this project) must be purchased from the applicant's operating funds. Title to non-expendable personal property shall be vested solely with the Recipient. Under no circumstances shall property title be vested in a sub-tier recipient. Provide a statement that equipment will be purchased in accordance with 2 CFR 215.40-48.

g. Services or consultants. Identify the tasks or problems for which such services would be used. List the contemplated sub-recipients by name (including consultants), the estimated amount of time required, and the quoted rate per day or hour. Sub-applicant proposals should provide cost breakdowns at the same level of detail as the Applicant’s proposal. If contract employees are hired, include their total time, rate of compensation, job titles, and roles. Provide a statement that salaries will be charged at the actual rate and that the rate is comparable to others doing similar work within the organization. Note that tasks conducted by Federal partners must have a separate proposal and budget. Federal partners must be funded directly from BOEM via an intra-agency agreement, and cannot be reimbursed directly by the recipient.

h. Travel. State the purpose of the trip and itemize the estimated travel costs to show the number of trips required, the destinations, number of people traveling, the per diem rates, the cost of transportation, and any miscellaneous expenses for each trip. Calculations of other special transportation costs (such as charges for use of applicant-owned vehicles or vehicle rental costs) should also be shown. Applicants should include in the proposal a plan to present findings at one to two major meetings (see Section IV.5.l).

i. Publication costs. Show the estimated cost of publishing the results of the research in the peer-reviewed literature. Include costs of drafting or graphics, reproduction, page or illustration charges, and a minimum number of reprints.

j. Digital Images. All projects should plan to provide BOEM with no less than 20-30 digital images related to the research activity. BOEM encourages the Recipient to develop education and/or outreach materials, e.g. teacher’s packet, poster, video, etc.

k. Other direct costs. Itemize the different types of costs not included elsewhere.

l. Total Direct Charges. Totals for items a - k.

m. Indirect Charges (Overhead). Indirect cost/general and administrative (G&A) cost. Show the proposed rate, cost base, and proposed amount for indirect costs based on the cost principles applicable to the Applicant's organization. If the Applicant has separate rates for recovery of labor overhead and G&A costs, each charge should be shown. Provide a copy of the negotiated rate agreement with the Applicant’s federal cognizant audit agency.

n. Amount proposed. Total items l and m.

V. Application Review Information Proposal will be reviewed by BOEM scientists, program managers and may also include external peer review. Reviewers have expertise in Federal offshore programs and/or the specific scientific discipline of the proposal.

Evaluation Criteria. The proposal will be evaluated in accordance with the following criteria:

Technical and Programmatic (30%) Are all elements outlined within the scope of work effectively understood and a description provided of how each element will be addressed? Is there a complete technically and scientifically sufficient description of the design and methodology for the required services? Is there a clear statement of how each project deliverable will be accomplished, including major tasks that will lead to achieving the goal, the strategies to be employed, required staffing, and other required resources, tools or techniques?

Organizational (40%) Does the proposed project staff possess the skills, knowledge, and expertise necessary to complete the tasks? Does the applicant agency or institution have the organizational capacity to complete all deliverables? Does the applicant demonstrate the ability to produce the results offered and according to the timeline proposed? Are the proposed project management and staffing plans realistic and sufficient to complete the project within the award period? Is the proposed budget realistic and does it represent good value relative to the anticipated results?

Past Performance (30%) Were previous studies completed in a competent and timely manner? Were the reporting requirements from previous awards satisfied? Were the results and data from previous studies published in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals? Does the applicant have experience in compiling and analyzing marine biological databases? Does the applicant have experience coordinating with other researchers and users in the Northern California area?

VI. Award Administration Information The recipient is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the cooperative agreements and sub-awards to ensure compliance with applicable Federal statutes, regulations and policies. The recipient is also responsible for meeting the performance goals identified in the Proposal Text.

Awards based on the application submitted to, and as approved by the BOEM, are subject to the terms and conditions incorporated either directly or by reference in the following:

Acceptance of a Federal Financial Assistance award from the Department of the Interior (DOI) Bureau of Ocean Energy Management carries with it the responsibility to be aware of and comply with the terms and conditions of award. Acceptance is defined as the start of work, drawing down funds, or accepting the award via electronic means. Awards are based on the application submitted to, and as approved by BOEM, and are subject to the terms and conditions incorporated either directly or by reference in the following:

1. Program legislation\regulation.

1. Special terms and conditions.

1. Code of Federal Regulations/Regulatory Requirements, as applicable (Contact the Contracting Officer with any questions regarding the applicability of the following):

2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards 2 CFR Part 25 Universal Identifier and System for Award Management 2 CFR Part 170 Reporting Subaward and Executive Compensation Information 2 CFR Part 175 Award Term for Trafficking in Persons 2 CFR Part 1400 NonProcurement Debarment and Suspension 43 CFR 12(A) Administrative and Audit Requirements and Cost Principles for Assistance Programs

43 CFR Part 18 New Restrictions on Lobbying 2 CFR Part 182 Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace Reporting The BOEM will conduct oversight and monitoring of the work progress and financial status of each cooperative agreement by requiring the following information from the Recipient institution, at a minimum:

1. Federal Cash Transactions Reports The Recipient must submit the Standard Form 425, Federal Financial Report and, when necessary, its continuation form if funds are withdrawn in advance of expenditures. The BOEM will use the form to monitor the cash advanced to the Recipient, and to obtain disbursement or outlay information for each cooperative agreement.

2. Performance and Financial Status Reporting Requirements Reporting requirements for the projects are regulated by 2 CFR Part 215. These regulations specify basic cooperative agreement reporting requirements including performance and financial reports. BOEM will work closely with the recipient to incorporate appropriate performance and financial reporting requirements into each cooperative agreement award, consistent with 2 CFR Part 215. These regulations provide some flexibility in determining the appropriate content and frequency of performance and financial reports. At a minimum, however, the reporting schedule will require the recipient to report their progress at least quarterly through the established reporting process and yearly submission of financial status reports.

3. Single Audit Requirements Nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance funds of $750,000 or more in Federal awards must have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $750,000 in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

4. Technical Reporting Requirements (to be submitted by project PI) Quarterly Reports, Annual Progress Reports, Draft and Final Reports, and Draft and Final Technical Summaries are required. Details and format requirements are available at: http://www.boem.gov/ Environmental-Studies-Program-Report-Specifications/.

Acknowledgement of Sponsorship The Recipients shall acknowledge Federal sponsorship in the draft and final reports by placing the following statement on the disclaimer/acknowledgement page of both reports: “Study collaboration and funding were provided by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Renewable Energy Program under Agreement Number _TBD_.”

The following disclaimer statement shall be placed on the disclaimer/acknowledgement page of both reports: “This report has been technically reviewed by BOEM, and it has been approved for publication. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Government, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.”

The Recipient shall require of all investigators that all manuscripts intended to be published in journals resulting from this study shall be submitted to BOEM for review and comment prior to submittal to the journal, with final revisions remaining subject to the discretion of the author. BOEM manuscript reviews shall be conducted expeditiously, within a period of 10 business days, and in conformance with the U.S. Department of the Interior Scientific and Scholarly Integrity Policy, as outlined in the DOI Departmental Manual (Part 305: Chapter 3).

All publications and oral presentations shall contain an acknowledgement of support from BOEM under this Cooperative Agreement that reads: “Study collaboration and funding were provided by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Renewable Energy Studies Program under Agreement Number _TBD_.”

Scientific integrity is vital to Department of the Interior (DOI) activities under which scientific research, data, summaries, syntheses, interpretations, presentations, and/or publications are developed and used. Failure to uphold the highest degree of scientific integrity will result not only in potentially flawed scientific results, interpretations, and applications but will damage DOI’s reputation and ability to uphold the public’s trust. All work performed must comply with the DOI Scientific Integrity Policy posted to http://www.doi.gov, or its equivalent as provided by their organization or State law.

VII. Agency Contacts Grants.gov:

Technical questions concerning the application process:

Grants.gov Help Desk at:

Phone: 1-800-518-4726 Email: support@grants.gov Program Announcement and Cooperative Agreement Questions:

Acquisition Policy and Financial Assistance Branch Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement 45600 Woodland Road, VAE-AMD Sterling, Virginia 20166 Attn: Joanne Murphy Phone (703) 787-1024 joanne.murphy@bsee.gov Program Office:

Ms. Jean Thurston Renewable Energy Specialist Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Pacific OCS Region 760 Paseo Camarillo, Suite 102 Camarillo, CA 93010 Tel: (805) 384-6303; Fax: (805) 388-1049 Email: Jean.Thurston@boem.gov Renewable Energy Section Contact (RES Contact) Necy Sumait Chief, Renewable Energy Section Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Pacific OCS Region 760 Paseo Camarillo, Suite 102 Camarillo, CA 93010 Tel: (805) 384-6320; Fax: (805) 388-1049 Email: Necy.Sumait@boem.gov Regional Supervisor, Office of Strategic Resources (OSR Contact) Doug Boren Regional Supervisor Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Office of Strategic Resources 760 Paseo Camarillo, Suite 102 Camarillo, CA 93010 Tel: (805) 384-6384; Fax: (805) 388-1049 Email: Douglas.Boren@boem.gov

VIII. Other Information Extensions to the project period. Extensions are discouraged. The timely conduct of funded projects is of great importance to the achievement of the goals of the BOEM. Applicants should consider their time commitments at the time of applying for funding support. Requests for extensions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should supply documentation supporting their request for an extension.

--End of Program Announcement M18AS00003--