Merit Review Criteria.pdf

Merit Review Criteria (Power Generation, etc.) Merit Review Criteria (Energy Efficiency & Conservation)

Criterion 1: Goals and Objectives Weight: 25% Applies to all applications.

• Whether or not the proposed project is identified and supported in the territory’s Strategic Energy Plan and/or Energy Action Plan.

• Extent to which the proposed project will reduce the cost and improve reliability of electricity to the consumer.

• Clarity and completeness of the discussion of the project goals and objectives.

• Extent to which the proposed project provides economic, environmental, cultural, or social benefits to the territory.

• Potential for future replicability or expansion beyond the currently proposed project.

• Soundness of the discussion that justifies the need for OIA funding.

Criterion 2: Project Description and Implementation Plan Weight: 40% Topic Area 1: Grid/Feasibility Studies, Deployment of Energy and Power Generation/Transmission Projects, Thermal and Energy Storage Systems Applies only to related proposed projects.

• Overall clarity and completeness of the discussion of the proposed project.

• Location of the proposed system.

• Estimated power/energy rating(s) of the proposed system.

• Physical footprint of the proposed system

• Estimated energy production of the proposed system. (Annual, seasonal/monthly). For wind and solar projects, the estimated energy delivery shall be based on supply and reliability for the proposed project site.

• Description of the energy load to be served (annual consumption, seasonal/monthly/diurnal consumption [if important]).

• Demonstration of site control

• Evidence that the project will be designed and constructed to withstand extreme but reasonably likely weather events such as typhoons/hurricanes.

• Demonstrate that the chosen technology is commercially proven (tested and demonstrated, carries a warranty, has service and parts readily available), is

Criterion 2: Project Description and Implementation Plan Weight: 40% Topic Area 2: Energy Efficiency and Conservation Applies only to related proposed projects:

• Overall clarity and completeness of the discussion of the proposed project.

• Location(s) of the proposed project.

• Description of project scope including, for buildings: the number of buildings, square footage, and systems (HVAC, lighting, mechanical, building envelope, plug loads, water heating, etc.).

• Projected annual and lifetime reduction in energy consumption (for both electrical and thermal energy as appropriate) as demonstrated by proposed energy consumption of the project as compared to an energy baseline taken from energy bill data.

Anticipated annual energy savings must be at least 15% for the project to be considered. Supporting calculations should be provided.

• Energy conservation measures with a favorable payback period identified through an energy audit. Identify the level of audit already performed or to be performed: ASHRAE Level 1: walkthrough assessment, Level 2: energy survey and analysis, or Level 3: detailed analysis/modeling.

• Demonstration that equipment/devices/processes/controls to ready for immediate deployment, and has financing available from private sector organizations.

• Demonstrate that the project complies with utility interconnection policies and will be able to interconnect to the grid.

This includes providing a summary of applicable interconnection policies and summaries of meetings with utility representatives, design reviews, and any other interactions with the utility regarding the proposed project.

• Evidence/affirmation that the applicant will procure insurance that includes coverage for system damage and third-party liability

• A description of the territory's procurement rules and regulations applicable to the proposed project is provided.

• Credibility and clarity of the anticipated operation & maintenance (O&M) plan and how the project will be financially sustained after OIA funding. Description should designate the Annual system operations and maintenance (O&M) cost and responsible party (i.e., who has the expertise and will perform the required maintenance) and estimated O&M costs.

(Note: annual O&M costs over the life of the project are not allowable costs under the grant award and must be covered by the grantee).

• Quantification of non-energy benefits, such as reduction in water consumption, avoided infrastructure improvements, jobs created, etc.

• Extent to which the project improves the territory's disaster resilience.

• Estimated total capital cost for the proposed system. Show a breakout of estimated costs for significant project line items and major components.

• Estimated annual and lifetime cost savings due to the project (Show calculations.)

be installed are commercially available, able to be installed within 24 months, with proven success in similar applications, warrantied, with readily available service and parts, and available training/support to ensure successful operation & maintenance.

• An adequate level of energy metering/sub-metering to measure and verify ongoing project performance and energy savings.

• Quantification of impacts on the electricity grid, such as the extent of peak load reduction or system congestion relief.

• Anticipated commissioning plan, which describes the commissioning process, sequence of operations, equipment run times and schedules, energy metering, proposed set points, and other requirements to ensure energy efficient operations.

• Credibility and clarity of the anticipated operation & maintenance (O&M) plan and how the project will be financially sustained after OIA funding. Description should designate the Annual system operations and maintenance (O&M) cost and responsible party (i.e., who has the expertise and will perform the required maintenance) and estimated O&M costs.

(Note: annual O&M costs over the life of the project are not allowable costs under the grant award and must be covered by the grantee).

• Estimated total capital cost for the proposed system. Show a breakout of estimated costs for significant project line items and major components.

• Estimated annual and lifetime cost savings due to the project (Show calculations.)

Criterion 3: Environmental Considerations Weight: 15% Applies to all applications.

• Quality of the description of land for deployment projects only and evidence of a commitment of the use of that land.

• Thoroughness of the discussion of Federal, State, or local permitting, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), or other approvals as required for the proposed project.

• Likelihood of obtaining the required permits, approvals, and any applicable compliance within the 1–3-year timeframe allotted. Please refer to the included NEPA Screening Template for guidance on what level of NEPA compliance potential projects may require. As a reminder, all Federally funded projects are required to comply with NEPA, regardless of the project involving infrastructure or not.

• Clarity of the discussion of environmental analyses conducted and quality of the environmental analyses provided.

• If applicable, the soundness of the plan to dispose of any sanitary or hazardous waste (e.g., construction and demolition debris, old light bulbs, lead ballasts, piping, roofing material, discarded equipment, debris, and asbestos) generated as a result of the proposed project.

Criterion 4: Roles, Responsibilities, Resources, and Capabilities Weight: 10%

• Soundness of the project management concept with respect to proposed tasks and organizational structure to achieve project objectives.

• Capabilities of the applicant and participants to comprehensively address all aspects of the proposed project or reasonableness of the plan to obtain qualified suppliers, subcontractors, or consultants.

• Level of commitment of the applicant and each participating organization as evidenced by level of involvement, contributions, and cost sharing (if any) identified in declarations and letters of commitment.

• Reasonableness of the business agreements between each of the parties to implement the project, if any.

• Soundness of the project co-financing and evidence of the capability of the applicant and participating organizations to meet cost sharing requirements (if any) of the proposed project.

Criterion 5: Project Support Weight: 10%

Level of support from stakeholders, the public, Congress, and local government, as evidenced by letters of support, historical support by Congress/the Administration, or signature on grant documents by the Governor of the insular area.