OIAOIA-EIC2400538.pdf

Office of Insular Affairs

OIA-BUD OIA-Budget Division

OIAOIA-EIC2400538

06/15/2024

Table of Contents A. Program Description

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding

B2. Expected Award Amount

B3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates

B4. Number of Awards

B5. Type of Award

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching

C3. Other

D. Application and Submission Information

D1. Address to Request Application Package

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission

D3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

D4. Submission Dates and Times

D5. Intergovernmental Review

D6. Funding Restrictions

D7. Other Submission Requirements

E. Application Review Information

E1. Criteria

E2. Review and Selection Process

E3. CFR – Regulatory Information

E4. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

F. Federal Award Administration Information

F1. Federal Award Notices

F2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

F3. Reporting

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

G1. Program Technical Contact

G2. Program Administration Contact

H. Other Information

A. Program Description

Authority:

48 U.S.C. 1492

Assistance Listing:

15.875 Program Background, Objectives, and Goals:

The Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) is requesting proposals for its Energizing Insular Communities (EIC) Program which provides grant funding for sustainable energy strategies that mitigate climate change, reduce reliance and expenditures on imported fuels, develop and utilize domestic energy sources, and improve the performance of energy infrastructure and overall energy efficiency in the territories. All proposals must be directly and explicitly tied to updated and in-use strategic energy plans, energy action plans, or integrated resource plans. The Office of Insular Affairs will use the following criteria in evaluating proposals:

• whether the proposal is identified and supported in the strategic energy plan, energy action plan, or integrated resource plan;

• the projected energy cost savings.

Multiple project proposals may be submitted. Satisfactory Energizing Insular Communities funding proposals will:

• provide a title, detailed narrative description, and budget for each proposed project (inclusive of required NEPA compliance);

• provide a complete timeline with milestones that demonstrates the project can be accomplished within 36 months (inclusive of required NEPA compliance);

• provide a copy of the territory’s current energy plan, and describe the connection to the plan, impact on foreign fuel imports, and to the extent practicable, electricity costs;

• include the applicable SF-424 grant application forms; and

• include a project abstract.

EIC grant funds are not intended to supplant local funding for routine operating expenses of an insular government or organization. EIC grant funds are not intended to fund the salaries of local, existing employees though they may be utilized to provide temporary, short-term expertise from contractors or consultants to help carry out the project if approved in the proposed budget.

Eligible technologies for energy supply and energy efficiency projects should incorporate commercially available technology. This may include but is not limited to energy from solar, wind, geothermal, geothermal heat pumps, waste to energy, and biogas. Energy storage, transportation and grid feasibility studies are also eligible.

Examples of projects that were awarded in previous years include: distributed solar, utility-scale solar, integrated resource planning, wind turbines, energy efficiency improvements (lighting, air conditioning, cool rooftop, etc.), plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles and supply equipment, net metering policies, debit meters, backup battery systems, microgrids, grid stability and integration studies.

Funding Goals Funding Opportunity Goals To support sustainable energy strategies that mitigate climate change reduce reliance and expenditures on imported fuels develop and utilize domestic energy sources and improve the performance of energy infrastructure and overall energy efficiency in the territories.

B. Federal Award Information

B1. Total Funding

Estimated Total Funding $15,250,000

B2. Expected Award Amount

Maximum Award $0 Minimum Award $0

B3. Expected Award Funding and Anticipated Dates

Expected Award Funding $15,250,000 Expected Award Date September 10, 2024

B4. Number of Awards

Expected Number of Awards

B5. Type of Award

Funding Instrument Type G - Grant Projects will be funded, subject to availability of funds, by issuance of a grant agreement.

C. Eligibility Information

C1. Eligible Applicants

Eligible Applicants 25 – Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) Additional Information on Eligibility Eligible applicants are local government entities, utilities, semi-autonomous agencies, and institutions of higher education located in the U.S. territories of Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

C2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement No Percentage of Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement

C3. Other

Foreign Entities or Projects:

This program does not provide funding to foreign entities or for projects conducted outside the United States.

State Sponsors of Terrorism: This program will not fund projects in countries determined by the U.S. Department of State to have repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism and therefore are subject to sanctions restricting receipt of U.S. foreign assistance and other financial transactions.

Office of Foreign Assets Control Sanctions: This program will not fund projects in countries subject to comprehensive sanction programs administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Asset Control without proper licenses.

In-Country Licenses, Permits, or Approvals: Entities conducting activities outside the U.S.

are responsible for coordinating with appropriate U.S. and foreign government authorities as necessary to obtain all required licenses, permits, or approvals before undertaking project activities. OIA does not assume responsibility for recipient compliance with the laws, regulations, policies, or procedures of the foreign country in which they are conducting work.

Excluded Parties:

OIA conducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award. OIA cannot award funds to entities or their key project personnel identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted or otherwise excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain Federal assistance and benefits, as their ineligibility condition applies to this Federal program.

https://www.state.gov/j/ct/list/c14151.htm https://www.state.gov/j/ct/list/c14151.htm https://www.state.gov/j/ct/list/c14151.htm http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Pages/default.aspx http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Pages/default.aspx

D. Application and Submission Information

D1. Address to Request Application Package

Program Website Link https://www.doi.gov/oia/financial-assistance

D2. Content and Form of Application Submission SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance

Applicants must submit the appropriate Standard Form (SF)-424, Application for Federal Assistance. All applicants must complete the standard SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance. The required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov.

The SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance must be complete, and signed and dated. Please note: Enter only the amount requested from this Federal program in the “Federal” funding box on the SF-424 Application form. Include any other Federal sources of funding in the “Other” box and provide details on those Federal source(s) and funding amount(s) in the required Budget Narrative (see the “Budget Narrative” section below).

On your SF-424, you must include the UEI for the office that the funding flows through. For example, if your office is part of a larger local government, and the funding flows through the Department of Treasury/Administration/Finance/etc., you must use that offices's UEI, not your office's. The same replies for the reverse, if your past grant funding had flowed through your office, but a different office submits your application, be sure they use your offices's UEI. This may mean you have to submit your proposal from your own office moving forward.

All applicants must submit the signed and dated SF-424B, Assurances for Non-Construction Programs form. The SF-424B, Assurances for Non-Construction Programs are available at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

Any applicant requesting support for a construction projects must submit as signed and dated SF- 424D, Assurances for Construction Programs form. All required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov.

Project Summary Signed and Dated Cover Letter: The cover letter should briefly summarize the application and be signed by an Authorized Representative of the applicant organization. Cover letters should be addressed to the Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs:

Carmen G. Cantor Assistant Secretary Insular and International Affairs U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street NW https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html

Mail Stop 3117 Washington, D.C. 20240

Project proposals for power generation, thermal and/or energy storage systems, or studies to support the integration of those systems to the grid should include the following items to the extent applicable:

1. Location of proposed system.

2. Estimated power/energy rating(s) of the proposed system (both DC and AC as appropriate).

3. Physical footprint of the proposed system.

4. Estimated energy production of the proposed system. (Annual, seasonal/monthly). For wind and solar projects, the estimated energy delivery shall be based on long-term climate data for the proposed project site.

5. Estimated reduction in fossil fuel usage for current generation or offsetting load increase (show calculations) (if applicable).

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

7. Demonstration of site control

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

9. Demonstration that the chosen technology is commercially proven (tested and demonstrated, carries a warranty, has service and parts readily available), is ready for immediate deployment, and is financeable, i.e. commercially proven.

10. Demonstration that the proposed project, if interconnecting to the utility grid, is consistent with utility interconnection requirements. This includes describing consultations with utility, design reviews, and participating in any needed interaction between utility and the proposed project. Describe plan of required steps to complete interconnection approval if project is approved.

11. Evidence/Affirmation that the system will be insured to the full cost for system damage and third party liability Per 2 CFR 200.447, insurance costs are eligible under this grant.

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

13. Anticipated commissioning plan, which describes the commissioning process, sequence of operations, equipment run times and schedules, energy metering, and other requirements to ensure sustained energy performance.

14. Description of anticipated operation & maintenance (O&M) plan and how the project will be financially sustained after OIA funding. Description should designate the 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)

15. Quantification of non-energy benefits, such as reduction in water consumption, avoided infrastructure improvements, jobs created, GHG and/or other emissions reductions, etc.

16. Address whether and how the project improves the territory's disaster resilience.

17. Estimated total price for proposed system. Show a breakout of estimated costs for significant project line items and major components.

18. Description of what entity is the offtaker/beneficiary of the system. Estimate of expected energy cost savings (show calculations)..

Project proposals for energy efficiency and conservation should incorporate the following items to the extent applicable:

1. Project location(s).

2. 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.).

3. 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, and who will benefit from these savings.

4. 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.

5. Demonstrate that equipment/devices/processes/controls to be installed are commercially available, able to be installed within 36 months, with proven success in similar applications, warrantied, with readily available service and parts, and available training/support to ensure successful operation & maintenance.

6. Demonstrate that an adequate level of energy metering/sub-metering will be installed to measure and verify ongoing project performance and energy savings.

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

8. Description of 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.

9. Description of anticipated operation & maintenance (O&M) plan and how the project will be financially sustained after OIA funding. Description should designate the 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.

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

Project Narrative

1. Project Narrative:

2. Detailed Project Description(s): Describe the project(s) and activities being proposed, in as much detail as possible.

3. Detailed Project Budget(s): Provide detailed budget information for the proposed project(s) and activities. A budget breakout chart, by category, is suggested. Please make sure to explain categories that are not self-explanatory, such as “OTHER”, in full. Also provide a description of external contracts that will be required to complete the project. State the basis for the budget cost estimates, whether it is based on research by government technical staff, a recently completed similar project, information provided by quotes or an outside source, etc.

If charging indirect costs, please include or attach a copy of the negotiated indirect cost rate document. Please note that all activities and costs to be charged to the grant must be in full compliance with the applicable cost principle found in OMB Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards (2 CFR 200).

4. Detailed Project Timeline(s): Provide a detailed project timeline for completion of each proposed project with project milestones, inclusive of time estimated to complete all environmental documentation and any required permits to obtain NEPA clearance.

5. Statement of Need: Describe why this project is necessary and include supporting information. Summarize previous or ongoing efforts (of your organization as well as outside organizations) relevant to the proposed work. Explain how this project is tied to/reference where it is in the territory’s updated strategic energy plan, energy action plan, or integrated resource plan.

6. Project Goals and Objectives: State the long-term goals of what you want to achieve.

Objectives are the specific steps you will take to reach your stated goals. State your objectives, which must be specific, measurable, and realistic (attainable within the project’s period of performance).

Performance Goals All applications must include at least one performance measure (output & outcome) that corresponds to the proposed project objective. If the grant is chosen for award, the applicant will need to report on the performance measure in narrative project reports that are submitted.

The narrative portion of the application must:

• Describe the expected outputs and the potential outcomes to communities, the economy, and the environment.

• Describe how the project supports the Agency’s priorities described in Section A2.

• Describe how progress toward achieving the expected outputs and social, economic, and environmental outcomes will be tracked and measured.

Please note that the performance measures need to be reported on in every Performance Progress Report submitted. If performance goals are not being met, a detailed explanation of why they are not being met should be included in the report.

6. Environmental Permitting: All Federally-funded projects are required to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Please describe what will be required to comply with NEPA and how long it will take to acquire the necessary permits. Please refer to the included Environmental Review Instructions for guidance on what level of NEPA compliance potential projects may require.

7. Priority Listing for Multiple Projects: If multiple projects are being proposed, please provide a listing of the proposed projects in order of priority. An example is provided below:

SUMMARY PRIORITY PROJECTS

Priority Project (list in priority order) Requested Amount

1. Priority 1 - Project [Name] $

2. Priority 2 - Project [Name] $

3. Priority 3 - Project [Name] $

Total Request for Fiscal Year 2024 $

8. Grant Recipient: Please provide the name, title, and address of person to who the grant award, if made, should be addressed. This is normally, the head of the local government or head of the entity applying for the project. Please ensure that the recipient organization matches the entity designated on the SF-424 forms.

9. Recipient Grant Manager: Please provide the name, title, and contact information for the person who will be the day-to-day grant manager if the proposal is funded. Contact information should include the mailing address, phone number, fax number and email address (as applicable).

10. Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) Identification Number:

Organizations already enrolled in ASAP under Agency Location Code 14010001 should list their ASAP identification number on their application.

A complete application package must include:

• Core SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance form

• SF-424A Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs (or SF-424C for projects involving construction)

• SF-424B Assurances – Non-Construction Programs (or SF-424D for projects involving construction)

• Signed and Dated Cover Letter

• Complete Project Narrative (detailed project description, detailed budget, detailed timeline with milestones, statement of need, project goals and objectives, priority listing (if applicable), grant recipient, grant manager, first time applicant responses & ASAP Identification.

• Performance Measures - at least one performance measure (output & outcome) that corresponds to the proposed project objective

• Project Abstract

• Negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, and detailed calculations spreadsheet showing how final indirect costs were calculated including notations of any variations from the established rates and showing itemized list of costs excluded from the calculations.

Responses to Financial capability questions in section D.6.

• Letters of Support - Letters of support should be addressed to Jonathan Dunn, Director of Budget and Grants Management, and they should be transmitted electronically on Grants.gov/GrantSolutions.gov with the other proposal documents.

Letters of support are not mandatory but do contribute to the scoring of the proposal.

• Statement indicating if there is any overlap between this federal application and any other federal application, or funded project. If no such overlap exists, please state in the proposal: “There are no overlaps or duplication between this application and any of our other Federal applications or funded projects, including in regards to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel.” Please see the Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement section of this announcement on page 10 for further guidance, if needed.

• Conflict of Interest statement, if applicable.

Applicants must submit the appropriate SF-424 Budget Information form and Budget Narrative.

For non-construction programs or projects, applicants must complete and submit the SF-424A, “Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs” form. All of the required application forms are available with this announcement on Grants.gov. Federal award recipients and subrecipients are subject to Federal award cost principles per the OIA’s Terms and Conditions.

Applicants must show funds requested from this Federal program separately from any other Federal sources of funding. In the “Budget Summary” section of the appropriate SF-424 budget form, use the first row for funding requested from this Federal program. Use subsequent row(s) for funding requested from this Federal program. Use subsequent row(s) for other Federal funding. Enter each Federal program’s CFDA number(s) in the corresponding fields on the form.

The CFDA number(s) for this program appears on the first page of this announcement.

SF-429 Request to Acquire, Improve, or Furnish Real Property

Applicants seeking approval to acquire real property under an award must complete and submit the SF-429, “Real Property Status Report (Cover Page)” and the SF-429-B, “Real Property Status Report Attachment B (Request to Acquire, Improve, or Furnish)”. These forms are required if the real property is acquired with Federal funds, with recipient cost share or matching funds, or as an in-kind contribution under the award. These forms may be found on https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html.

Budget Narrative Describe and justify requested budget items and costs. Detail how the SF-424 Budget Information, Object Class Category totals were determined. For personnel salary costs, include the baseline salary figures and the estimates of time. Describe any item of cost that requires prior approval under the Federal cost principles. See 2 CFR 200.407 “Prior written approval (prior approval)” for more information. If equipment purchased previously with Federal funds is available for the project, provide a list of that equipment and identify the Federal funding source.

Identify any cash or in-kind contributions that a partner or other entity will contribute to the project and describe how the contributions directly and substantively benefit completion of the project. For in-kind contributions, include the source, the amount, and the valuation methodology https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html used to determine the total value. See 2 CFR 200.306 “Cost sharing or matching” for more information.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Per the Financial Assistance Interior Regulation (FAIR), 2 CFR §1402.112, applicants must state in their application if any actual or potential conflict of interest exists at the time of submission.

(a) Applicability.

(1) This section intends to ensure that non-Federal entities and their employees take appropriate steps to avoid conflicts of interest in their responsibilities under or with respect to Federal financial assistance agreements.

(2) In the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and services by recipients and by sub recipients, the conflict of interest provisions in 2 CFR §200.318 apply.

(b) Notification.

(1) Non-Federal entities, including applicants for financial assistance awards, must disclose in writing any conflict of interest to the DOI awarding agency or pass-through entity in accordance with 2 CFR §200.112.

(2) Recipients must establish internal controls that include, at a minimum, procedures to identify, disclose, and mitigate or eliminate identified conflicts of interest. The recipient is responsible for notifying the Financial Assistance Officer in writing of any conflicts of interest that may arise during the life of the award, including those that have been reported by sub recipients.

(c) Restrictions on lobbying. Non-Federal entities are strictly prohibited from using funds under a grant or cooperative agreement for lobbying activities and must provide the required certifications and disclosures pursuant to 43 CFR §18 and 31 USC §1352.

(d) Review procedures. The Financial Assistance Officer will examine each conflict of interest disclosure on the basis of its particular facts and the nature of the proposed grant or cooperative agreement, and will determine whether a significant potential conflict exists and, if it does, develop an appropriate means for resolving it.

(e) Enforcement. Failure to resolve conflicts of interest in a manner that satisfies the government may be cause for termination of the award. Failure to make required disclosures may result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR §200.339, Remedies for noncompliance, including suspension or debarment (see also 2 CFR §180).

Uniform Audit Reporting Statement All U.S. states, local governments, federally recognized Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, and non- profit organizations expending $750,000 USD or more in Federal award funds in the applicant’s fiscal year must submit a Single Audit report for that year through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse’s Internet Data Entry System, in accordance with 2 CFR 200 subpart F. U.S. state, local government, federally recognized Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, and non-profit applicants must state if your organization was or was not required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year. If your organization was required to submit a Single Audit report for the most recently closed fiscal year, provide the EIN https://ecfr.federalregister.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XIV/part-1402/subpart-B https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=sp2.1.200.d&rgn=div6#se2.1.200_1318 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1112 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=pt43.1.18&rgn=div5 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title31/subtitle2/chapter13&edition=prelim https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=sp2.1.200.d&rgn=div6#se2.1.200_1339 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr180_main_02.tpl https://harvester.census.gov/facides/Account/Login.aspx associated with that report and state if it is available through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse website.

Certification Regarding Lobbying Applicants requesting more than $100,000 in Federal funding must certify to the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A-Certification Regarding Lobbying. If this application requests more than $100,000 in Federal funds, the Authorized Official’s signature on the appropriate SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance form also represents the entity’s certification of the statements in 43 CFR Part 18, Appendix A.

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Applicants and recipients must not use any federally appropriated funds (annually appropriated or continuing appropriations) or matching funds under a Federal award to pay any person for lobbying in connection with the award. Lobbying is influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any U.S. agency, a Member of the U.S. Congress, an officer or employee of the U.S. Congress, or an employee of a Member of the U.S. Congress connection with the award. Applicants and recipients must complete and submit the SF-LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities”https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.htmlform if the Federal share of the proposal or award is more than $100,000 and the applicant or recipient has made or has agreed to make any payment using non- appropriated funds for lobbying in connection with the application or award. The SF-LLL form is available with this Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov. See 43 CFR, Subpart 18.100 for more information on when additional submission of this form is required.

Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement Applicants must provide a statement indicating if there is any overlap between this Federal application and any other Federal application, or funded project, in regards to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel. If no such overlap or duplication exists, state, “There are no overlaps or duplication between this application and any of our other Federal applications or funded projects, including in regards to activities, costs, or time commitment of key personnel”.

If any such overlap exists, provide a complete description of overlaps or duplications between this proposal and any other federally funded project or application in regards to activities, costs, and time commitment of key personnel, as applicable. Provide a copy of any overlapping or duplicative proposal submitted to any other potential funding entity and identify when that proposal was submitted, to whom (entity name and program), and when you anticipate being notified of their funding decision. When overlap exists, your statement must end with “We understand that if at any time we receive funding from another source that is duplicative of the funding we are requesting from the Office of Insular Affairs in this application, we will immediately notify the Office of Insular Affairs point of contact identified in this Funding Opportunity in writing.

D3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Registration: (DOI Standard Template Language) https://harvester.census.gov/facdissem/Main.aspx http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=683823273fc0da6a1060883eda593fb8&mc=true&node=pt43.1.18&rgn=div5 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=683823273fc0da6a1060883eda593fb8&mc=true&node=pt43.1.18&rgn=div5 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/post-award-reporting-forms.html

This requirement does not apply to individuals applying for funds as an individual (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization you may own, operate, or work within), or any entity with an exception to bypass SAM.gov registration with prior approval from the funding bureau or office in accordance with bureau or office policy. All other applicants are required to register in SAM.gov prior to submitting a Federal award application and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) which replaced the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number from Dun & Bradstreet in April 2022. A Federal award may not be made to an applicant that has not completed the SAM.gov registration. If an applicant selected for funding has not completed their SAM.gov registration by the time the program is ready to make an award, the program may determine the applicant is not qualified to receive an award. Federal award recipients must also continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information through the life of their Federal award(s). See the “Submission Requirements” section of this document below for more information on SAM.gov registration. There is no cost to register with SAM.gov. There are third-party vendors who will charge a fee in exchange for registering entities with SAM.gov;

please be aware you can register and request help for free.

Register with the System for Award Management (SAM) Applicants can register on the SAM.gov website. The “Help” tab on the website contains User Guides and other information to assist you with registration. The Grants.gov “Register with SAM” page also provides detailed instructions. Applicants can contact the supporting Federal Service Desk for help registering in SAM. Once registered in SAM, entities must renew and revalidate their SAM registration at least once every 12 months from the date previously registered. Entities are strongly encouraged to revalidate their registration as often as needed to ensure their information is up to date and reflects changes that may have been made to the entity’s IRS information. If applicable, foreign entities who want to receive payment directly to a U.S. bank account must enter and maintain valid, current banking information in SAM.

D4. Submission Dates and Times

Due Date for Applications 06/15/2024 Application Due Date Explanation Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.

D5. Intergovernmental Review An intergovernmental review may be required for applications submissions from a U.S. state or local government prior to submission. Applicants must contact their State’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to comply with the state’s process under Executive Order 12372.

https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federal-acquisition-service/office-of-systems-management/integrated-award-environment-iae/iae-systems-information-kit/unique-entity-identifier-update https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/federal-acquisition-service/office-of-systems-management/integrated-award-environment-iae/iae-systems-information-kit/unique-entity-identifier-update http://www.sam.gov https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Register/RegisterWithSAM.htm https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html)

D6. Funding Restrictions The Federal awarding agency that provides the largest amount of direct funding to your organization is your cognizant agency for indirect costs, unless otherwise assigned by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). If the Department of the Interior is your organization’s cognizant agency, the Interior Business Center will negotiate your indirect cost rate. Contact the Interior Business Center by phone 916-930-3803 or using the IBC Email Submission Form. See the IBC Websitehttps://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-servicesfor more information.

Organizations must have an active Federal award before they can submit an indirect cost rate proposal to their cognizant agency. Failure to establish an approved rate during the award period renders all costs otherwise allocable as indirect costs unallowable under the award. Recipients must have prior written approval from the OIA to use amounts budgeted for direct costs to satisfy cost-share or match requirements or to cover unallowable indirect costs. Recipients shall not shift unallowable indirect costs to another Federal award unless specifically authorized to do so by legislation.

Required Indirect Cost Statement to be submitted with Application All organizations must include the applicable statement from the following list in their application, and attach to their application any documentation identified in the applicable statement:

We are:

• A U.S. state, territorial or local government entity receiving more than $35 million in direct Federal funding each year with an indirect cost rate of [insert rate]. We submit our indirect cost rate proposals to our cognizant agency. Attached is a copy of our most recently approved rate agreement/certification.

• A U.S. state, territorial or local government entity receiving less than $35 million in direct Federal funding with an indirect cost rate of [insert rate]. We have prepared and will retain for audit an indirect cost rate proposal and related documentation.

• A [insert your organization type; U.S. states, territories and local governments, do not use this statement] that has previously negotiated or currently has an approved indirect cost rate with our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. [Insert either:

“Attached is a copy of our most recently approved but expired rate agreement. In the event an award is made, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award is made.” or “Attached is a copy of our current negotiated indirect cost rate agreement.”]

• A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate]. If we receive an award, we will submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after the award date.

• A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency and has an indirect cost rate that is lower than 10%. Our indirect cost rate is [insert rate; must be lower than 10%]. However, if we receive an award we will not be able to meet the requirement to submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after award. We request as a condition of https://www.doi.gov/ibc/contactus/icsfeedback https://www.doi.gov/ibc/contactus/icsfeedback https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services https://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/finance/indirect-cost-services award to charge a flat indirect cost rate of [insert rate; must be lower than 10%] against [insert a clear description of the direct cost base against which your rate is charged (e.g., salaries; salaries and fringe benefits; or modified total direct costs). However, please note that your organization cannot charge indirect costs in excess of the indirect costs that would be recovered if applied against modified total direct costs as defined in §2 CFR 200.68]. We understand that we must notify the OIA in writing if we establish an approved rate with our cognizant agency at any point during the award period.

• A [insert your organization type] that has never submitted an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency and has an indirect cost rate that is 10% or higher. Our indirect cost rate is [insert your organization’s indirect rate; must be 10% or higher]. However, if we receive an award we will not be able to meet the requirement to submit an indirect cost rate proposal to our cognizant agency within 90 calendar days after award. We request as a condition of award to charge a flat de minimis indirect cost rate of 10% to be charged against modified total direct project costs as defined in 2 CFR §200.68. We understand that we must notify the OIA in writing if we establish a negotiated rate with our cognizant agency at any point during the award period. We understand that additional Federal funds may not be available to support an unexpected increase in indirect costs during the project period and that such changes are subject to review, negotiation, and prior approval by OIA

• A [insert your organization type] that will charge all costs directly.

Financial Capabilities Financial Capabilities: IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FUNDING FROM OIA IN THE LAST FIVE (5) YEARS, please ensure that the following questions are answered on your application:

1. Does your organization have independent financial capabilities that can comply with the financial management and accounting requirements detailed in 2 CFR 200 (see below)?

2. Does your organization have a financial unit? If so, please describe the staffing and structure (such as the number of CPAs, utilization of accounting software etc.)

3. Has your organization received and managed federal grant funding before?

4. Does your organization undergo an annual financial audit?

5. Has your organization ever completed a single audit?

All applicants, but especially first-time applicants, are strongly encouraged to review Code of Federal Regulations Title 2, Part 200 (2 CFR 200) in order to familiarize themselves with the Department of the Interior’s administrative requirements, particularly the financial management requirements, associated with managing federal grant funding. 2 CFR 200 can be viewed using the following link:

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl

D7. Other Submission Requirements https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=0bb1f5386f36f965f85dc05b2ad8a804&%3Bmc=true&%3Bnode=pt2.1.200&%3Brgn=div5&%3Bse2.1.200_168 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=0bb1f5386f36f965f85dc05b2ad8a804&%3Bmc=true&%3Bnode=pt2.1.200&%3Brgn=div5&%3Bse2.1.200_168 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=0bb1f5386f36f965f85dc05b2ad8a804&%3Bmc=true&%3Bnode=pt2.1.200&%3Brgn=div5&%3Bse2.1.200_168 http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl

E. Application Review Information

E1. Criteria Goals and Objectives Maximum Points: 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.

• 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.

• Clarity and completeness of the discussion of how the project will be financially sustained after OIA funding.

Project Description and Implementation Plan Maximum Points: 40 Only the criteria under one of the following topic areas will be applied, subject to the focus of the application: grid feasibility study; development (pre-construction) of renewable energy and power generation projects and/or deployment (construction) of renewable energy and power generation projects; deployment of energy efficiency and conservation projects.

Topic Area 1: Grid/Feasibility Studies, Deployment of Renewable Energy and Power Generation 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 long-term climate data 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 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.)

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 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.

• Anticipated operation and maintenance plan, which describes the 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.)

Environmental Considerations Maximum Points: 15 Applies to all applications.

• Clarity and completeness of the discussion of the environmental benefits and impacts of the proposed project.

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

• 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 NEPA decisions within the 1–3-year timeframe allotted. Please refer to the included Environmental Review Instructions 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.

• 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.

Roles, Responsibilities, Resources, and Capabilities Maximum Points: 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…