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Powering Affordable Reliable Technology (PART) Energy Program

Fiscal Year 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity

Funding Opportunity Number: RUS-PART-2026

Publication Date: August 3, 2026

Opening of Letter of Interest Submission Date: September 8, 2026

Closing of Letter of Interest Submission Date: October 9, 2026

Note: Letter of Interest will be reviewed in the order that they were received.

Karl Elmshaeuser

Administrator

Rural Utilities Service

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PROGRAM SOLICITATION INFORMATION

Funding Opportunity Title: Powering Affordable Reliable Technology (PART) Energy Program

Funding Opportunity Number: RUS-PART-2026

Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Assistance Listing Number: 10.757

Dates: LOIs can be submitted beginning at 11:59 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) on September 8, 2026 until 11:59 a.m. ET on October 9, 2026.

Executive Summary:

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS or the Agency), a Rural Development (RD) Agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is soliciting Letters of Interest (LOI) for loan Applications, announcing the Application process for those loans, and providing deadlines for Applications from eligible entities under the Powering Affordable Reliable Technology (PART) Energy Program. These loan funds will be made to qualified PART Applicants to finance power generation Projects for Renewable Energy Resource (RER) systems or Energy Storage Systems (ESS) that support RER Projects. The PART Program is making approximately $410 million in appropriated budget authority (BA) funding available under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA).

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Program Description

1.1 Purpose of the Program

1.2 Statutory and Regulatory Authority

1.3 Definitions

1.4 Application of Awards

2.0 Federal Award Information

3.0 Eligibility Information

3.1 Eligible Applicants

3.2 Cost Sharing or Matching

3.3 Other

4.0 Application and Submission Information

4.1 Address to Request Application Package

4.2 Content and Form of Application Submission

4.3 System for Award Management and Unique Entity Identifier

4.4 Submission Dates and Times

4.5 Intergovernmental Review

4.6 Funding Restrictions

4.7 Other Submission Requirements

5.0 Application Review Information

5.1 Criteria

5.2 Review Selection Processes

6.0 Federal Award Administration Information

6.1 Federal Award Notices- Loan Terms and Conditions

6.2 Administrative and National Policy Requirements

6.3 Reporting

7.0 Federal Award Agency Contacts

8.0 Other Information

8.1 Build America, Buy America Requirements

8.2 Paperwork Reduction Act

8.3 National Environmental Policy Act

8.4 Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act

8.5 Equal Opportunity for Religious Organizations

8.6 Nondiscrimination Statement

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1.0 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1.1 Purpose of the Program

The goal of the PART Program is to support affordable energy growth across America. The PART Program provides loans to eligible entities, with a level of loan forgiveness, for Projects that generate and/or store electricity from an eligible RER.

1.2 Statutory and Regulatory Authority

PART is authorized under Section 22001 of the Inflation Reduction Act, (IRA) Public Law 117-169 (IRA).

Other Federal statutes and regulations that apply to this notice are: Section 317 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, 7 U.S.C. 940g (RE Act), 7 U.S.C. 8103, 7 CFR parts 1700-1730, 1767, 1773, and 1787, and 7 CFR part 1b.

This funding notice is designed to advance important Administration energy and consumer priorities.

The President’s Executive Orders on “Unleashing American Energy” (E.O. 14154) and “Declaring an Energy Emergency” (E.O. 14156) instructed federal agencies including the United States Department of Agriculture to use its authorities to invest in energy infrastructure and establish U.S. energy dominance.

In the President’s Executive Order on “Defeating the Cost of Living Crisis” the President instructed agencies to “deliver emergency price relief.” This funding notice will provide financing for new reliable, resilient and affordable sources of power as well as financing storage devices which add reliability, resiliency and dispatchability to proposed and existing eligible sources of power. Adding to the nation’s power supply will help meet the growing need for electric power. Awardees are required to demonstrate the consumers benefit from awards made under this funding notice. Increasing power supply, as well as ensuring consumer benefit will help meet national energy needs and reduce or mitigate the need for electric utility rate increases.

The PART Program is to be carried out by the RUS pursuant to Section 22001 of the IRA. Section 22001 of the IRA amends Section 9003 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 by adding new subsection (h). Section 22001 of the IRA provides RUS with appropriated funds “for the cost of loans under Section 317 of the RE Act.” Additionally, Section 22001 of the IRA provides that PART funds may be utilized to finance Projects that store electricity generated from eligible energy sources listed under Section 317 of the RE Act. These Project Loans or System Loans will be forgiven up to forty percent (40%), provided the Awardee and the Project otherwise meet the terms and conditions of the loan forgiveness. Approximately $410 million in budget authority is being made available under this Notice.

The Administrator reserves the right to increase this funding level should additional funds become available or reduce funding in the event an insufficient number of high-quality projects are submitted for consideration.

Pursuant to Section 317(b) of the RE Act, loans shall be made for the purpose of constructing electric generation from renewable energy sources. Section 22001 of the IRA also provides that loan funds may be utilized for Projects that store electricity for such generation facilities. Further, Section 317(b) requires that the power generated from the eligible renewable energy source be for resale to rural and https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ169/PLAW-117publ169.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-10315/pdf/COMPS-10315.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-10315/pdf/COMPS-10315.pdf chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https:/www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title7/pdf/USCODE-2024-title7-chap31-subchapIII-sec940g.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title7/pdf/USCODE-2024-title7-chap107-sec8103.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1767 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1773 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1787 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-A/part-1b https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-10315/pdf/COMPS-10315.pdf

5 | P a g e nonrural residents. Lastly, Section 317(c) requires that the rate of a loan shall be equal to the average tax-exempt municipal rate of similar maturities.

This funding round will only provide awards for the construction of hydro, geothermal, or biomass energy generation, and/or storage systems charged with any energy source eligible under section 317 of the Rural Electrification Act.

1.3 Definitions

The definitions applicable to this notice are as follows:

Administrator. The Administrator of the RUS, an agency under the RD mission area of the USDA.

Agency. The Rural Utilities Service (RUS).

Application. An application containing all information required by RUS as identified in the Invitation to Proceed. The application is materially complete in form and substance satisfactory to RUS within the specified time.

Award. The financial assistance offered to a PART Applicant.

Awardee. An entity that has been awarded a PART Award.

Commercially Available Technology. Equipment, devices, applications, or systems that have a proven, reliable performance, and replicable operating history specific to the proposed application. The equipment, device, application, or system is based on an established patented design or has been certified by an industry-recognized organization and subject to installation, operating, and maintenance procedures generally accepted by industry practices and standards. Service and replacement parts for the equipment, device, application, or system must be readily available in the marketplace with established warranty applicable to parts, labor, and performance.

Commitment Letter. The notification issued by the Administrator to a PART Applicant containing the total Award amount, the acceptable security arrangement, the proposed level of loan forgiveness, and such controls and conditions on the PART Awardee’s financial, investment, operational and managerial activities deemed necessary by the Administrator to adequately secure the Government’s interest.

Energy Storage System (ESS). A facility capable of accepting energy, storing the energy for a period of time, and then later releasing the stored energy in support of an eligible Renewable Energy Resource (RER) under section 317 of the Rural Electrification Act.

Environmental Attributes. All financial attributes that are created or otherwise arise from the Project’s generation of electricity from a renewable or zero emission energy system that include but are not limited to, any environmental air quality credits, renewable energy credits (RECs), carbon credits, emissions reduction credits, emission rate credits, certificates, tags, offsets, allowances, etc.

Environmental and Historic Preservation Requirements. The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) (42 U.S.C 4321, et seq), implemented by USDA at 7 CFR 1b, Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) (50 CFR part 402), and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)(54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.)(36 CFR Part 800).

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-A/part-1b https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50/chapter-IV/subchapter-A/part-402 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-36/chapter-VIII/part-800

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Financial Feasibility. An eligible entity’s ability as determined by the Administrator to generate sufficient revenues to cover its expenses, sufficient cash flow to service its debts and obligations as they come due and meet the financial ratios set forth in the applicable loan documents.

Indian Tribe. The term “Indian Tribe” has the meaning given the term in 25 U.S.C 5304.

Invitation to Proceed. A written notification issued by RUS to the applicant acknowledging that the Letter of Interest (LOI) was received and reviewed and inviting the applicant to submit an Application.

The notification also provides the applicant instructions on how to submit the loan Application package and details of the next steps in the Application process.

Letter of Interest (LOI). An electronically signed submission made through the RUS window completed by an eligible entity notifying RUS of its intent to apply for a loan and addressing all the elements identified in Section 4.2(a) of this notice.

Non-Federal Entities. As defined in 2 CFR 200.1, Non-Federal Entities are States, local governments, Indian Tribes, institutions of higher education (IHE), or nonprofit organizations. The definition of what constitutes a non-profit is also located in 2 CFR 200.1.

Off-Taker. Shall mean: (1) the customers or members of the PART Applicant that purchase and receive the electrical power and energy from the PART Applicant; or (2) the entity that has or will execute a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the PART Applicant to purchase and receive electrical capacity and associated energy produced by the Project. The Off-Taker may also be referred to in the PPA as the “Buyer”, “Customer”, “Purchaser” or another name that describes the entity purchasing the power.

Operating utility. An Operating utility is an electric service provider that has been granted a certificate of convenience and necessity (or its equivalent) from a regulator with jurisdiction over the applicant to serve a specific geographic territory or group of distribution utilities and the applicant has a commitment to serve consumers in that area or areas. Where a cooperative does not have a separate regulator, an operating utility is an electric service provider that has authority to serve a specific geographic territory or group of distribution utilities by operation of state or federal law.

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). A binding agreement executed between the PART Applicant and an Off-Taker under which the Off-Taker agrees to purchase and receive from the PART Applicant the electrical capacity and associated energy produced by the Project at a pre-determined price and term.

The PPA may include other transactions such as the selling and purchasing of Environmental Attributes or ancillary services (e.g., voltage regulation and synchronization, contingency reserves).

Powering Affordable Reliable Technology (PART) Applicant. An eligible entity that has submitted an Application pursuant to an Invitation to Proceed.

Project. Eligible new facilities constructed after the publication of this Notice compliant with all other applicable requirements of this notice used to generate electricity from an RER, and/or to store electricity that support the types of RERs that are eligible to be financed with PART Program loan funds, as provided in Section 22001 of the IRA, Section 317 of the RE Act, which will result in the deployment of renewable energy generation or storage capacity. This funding round will only provide awards for the https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title25/pdf/USCODE-2024-title25-chap46-sec5304.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200?toc=1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200?toc=1

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Project Loans. A PART Award secured by a security interest in the assets and revenues of the Project and supporting credit enhancements relating to the Project rather than by a security interest in all of the assets of the PART Applicant’s electric utility system. Any PART Award to a PART Applicant that is not a current Operating utility shall be a Project Loan.

Renewable Energy Resource or Renewable Energy Source (RER). With respect to energy generation, an RER shall mean an energy conversion system which is fueled from a hydropower, biomass, or geothermal source of energy. For energy storage projects, the storage system may be charged with any RER eligible under Section 317(a) of the RE Act.

Rural Area. A rural area shall mean:

(a) Any area other than a city, town, or unincorporated area that has a population of greater than 20,000 inhabitants. or

(b) Service areas of current or former RUS or Rural Electrification Act (REA) borrowers will be deemed rural for the purposes of this NOFO.

RUS Borrower. A current RUS borrower under the RE Act.

Secretary. The Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture.

Substantially Underserved Trust Area (SUTA). An area defined under Section 306F of the RE Act.

System Loans. PART Awards secured through a senior security interest in all assets of the PART Applicant, which must be a currently Operating electric utility. System Loans are not available to non-operating utility energy developers or their wholly-owned non-operating entities.

1.4 Application of Awards

LOIs will be queued as they are received and reviewed on rolling basis in the order they are received.

The Agency will review and evaluate LOIs based on the criteria found in Section 5.1(a) of this notice.

Upon review of the LOI, RUS may issue an Invitation to Proceed to the applicant. The Agency will review the loan Application and evaluate it based on the criteria found in Section 5.1(b) of this notice. The Agency advises all interested parties that the applicant bears the full burden in preparing and submitting an LOI, as well as its Application submission as a PART Applicant, in response to this notice. Awardees under the previous Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) Program may apply for PART funding;

however, the combined total of their PACE and PART loans (including forgiveness) may not exceed $100 million.

2.0 FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION

Type of Awards: Loan & Loan Forgiveness

Fiscal Year Funds: 2026 and 2027

Available Funds: Approximately $410 million in budget authority through September 30, 2031.

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RUS may, at its discretion, increase the total level of funding available in this funding round from any available source provided the Awards meet the requirements of the statute which made the funding available to the Agency. The Agency may also choose to obligate fewer funds if in the sole judgement of the agency there are not a sufficient number of high-quality applications.

Minimum Award Amounts: The minimum amount of any individual Award is $1 million.

Maximum Award Amounts: The maximum loan amount, inclusive of the forgivable portion, of any individual Award is limited to $100 million. Additionally, the combined total of any prior PACE Award and PART Award may not exceed $100 million.

Loan Type: RUS will offer both Project Loans and System Loans as described below.

(a) Project Loans. This loan type applies to applicants that are not eligible for, or have decided not to pursue, a System Loan. Project Loans will be used to finance specific eligible Projects where the Award will be secured through a senior security interest on the Project’s assets and the revenues generated from the Project’s assets. A Project may also require the Awardee to commit additional cash reserves.

Further, to the extent that a PPA is in place with respect to the Project’s assets, the Awardee must collaterally assign the PPA to RUS as security, with the Off-Taker’s consent to such assignment. When applicable, the Administrator may consider tax credits or direct payments in lieu of tax credits the Awardee receives under the Internal Revenue Code when calculating equity investment requirements for a PART Applicant’s proposed Project. If the Administrator allows a PART Applicant to meet the financial equity requirement by utilizing applicable tax benefits, the Administrator may require additional credit support from the PART Applicant pending the PART Applicant’s receipt of the tax benefit. Further, the Agency may utilize its authority under Section 306F of the RE Act and finance up to 100% of the cost of Projects benefiting SUTA areas. Project Award funds will only be released after commercial operation of the Project is commenced and RUS has confirmed that the Awardee has satisfied all other conditions specified in the Award.

(b) System Loans. System Loans are only available to currently Operating electric utilities. The PART Applicant will provide, if it has not already provided, RUS with a perfected senior lien on all of its existing assets, both real and personal, including intangible personal property, as well as after-acquired property. At the Administrator’s discretion, PART Applicants which are generation and transmission suppliers may be permitted to secure a System Loan through an indenture, provided that RUS is granted a perfected senior security interest in all its assets by the trustee. System Loans, where financially feasible may finance up to 100% of the Project costs included in an Application. At the discretion of the Administrator, System Loan funds can be released to finance Projects for costs incurred during construction of the facilities; however, loan forgiveness will not occur until the Project has been completed and RUS has confirmed that the Awardee has satisfied all other conditions specified in the Award.

Loan Forgiveness Categories: Eligible projects receiving funding under this notice shall be eligible for loan forgiveness up to 40 percent.

Anticipated Award Date: From September 2026 to December 2027

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Performance Period: Five (5) years from the date of environmental clearance, but no later than September 30, 2031

Use of Other Governmental Funds: The Agency will generally allow the Awardee to combine the incentives contained in this notice with other governmental benefits, including RUS loans to eligible and feasible borrowers, provided such combinations are otherwise permitted by law or regulation.

Renewal or Supplemental Awards: None

Type of Assistance Instrument: Loan Agreement

3.0 ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

3.1 Eligible Applicants

Eligible Applicants. RUS will accept LOIs and Applications from Operating Utilities as described below:

(a) For-profit organizations.

(b) State or local governments.

(c) Indian Tribes defined by the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-454;

108 Stat. 4791, 4792), including their wholly arms and instrumentalities.

(d) Alaska Native Corporations, including regional or village corporations as defined under or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (Public Law 104-42; 85 Stat. 688)

(e) Nonprofits.

(f) Distribution electric cooperatives and generation and transmission electric cooperatives.

(g) Certificated electric utilities

3.2 Cost Sharing or Matching

(a) Project Loans. Awards will finance up to 75% of the total capitalized costs of a Project. Awardees will be required to provide at least 25% of the Project’s total capitalized cost in the form of cash or equity investments, which may not be derived from debt instruments. However, the Agency may utilize its authority under Section 306F of the RE Act and finance up to 100% of the costs of the Projects benefitting SUTA areas.

(b) System Loans. PART System Loans may cover up to 100% of the total costs of the Project.

3.3 Other

(a) Eligible Service Areas.

(1) Electricity generated or stored from facilities shall be provided to “rural and nonrural residents” in eligible service areas.

(2) Rural Percentage of the Service Territory. For the purpose of this notice, the minimum rural percentage by the chosen methodology must be at least 50 percent, unless otherwise approved by the https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-108/pdf/STATUTE-108-Pg4791.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-85/pdf/STATUTE-85-Pg688.pdf

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Administrator based upon a showing that there exists significant energy burdens, severe economic needs, or substantial added benefits to rural consumers. The rural percentage will be calculated at the applicant’s choosing by either:

(i) The population located in the Rural Areas of a service territory versus the total population of the entire service territory; or

(ii) Meters served in the Rural Areas of a service territory versus meters served in the entire service territory

(3) Rural Determination. If the PART Applicant is not a current or former RUS or REA Borrower, a rural determination will be conducted by RUS in order to:

(i) Identify the service territory where electricity from the facilities to be financed by PART Award would be delivered and consumed; and

(ii) Further identify those areas within the service territory that are rural.

(b) Project Eligibility.

(1) Projects can be developed by eligible applicants developing new renewable power generation eligible under this Notice from RER and ESS for use by Off-Takers through a PPA or a financial guarantee that ensures Financial Feasibility.

(2) New facilities that generate electricity from an RER, including facilities that store electricity that support such assets. However, RUS will not approve facilities that violate the terms of a PART Applicant’s existing wholesale power contract.

(3) New linear facilities, including microgrids, and equipment that are necessary to operate the Project including, but not limited to, transformers, transmission or distribution facilities that are needed to export, transmit, and deliver power from the generating facility to the Off-Taker.

(4) The upgrading of existing linear facilities and equipment that are necessary to operate the Project including, but not limited to, transformers, transmission or distribution facilities that are needed to export, transmit, and deliver power from the generating facility to the Off-Taker.

(5) The Project may include one or more RERs and/or ESSs eligible under this NOFO.

(6) Facilities may be co-located to operate interconnectedly or independently or constructed at separate sites.

(7) RERs and ESSs must be installed so that the RER can provide energy and any ancillary services for resale to rural and nonrural residents located in eligible service areas.

(8) Applicants can request interconnection and other costs associated with being able to deliver the RER and/or the ESS to Off-Takers, including related microgrid investments. Successful applicants may also recover a portion of their capitalizable pre-application costs pursuant to 7 CFR part 1767 and this notice.

(9) Applicant may include in its loan Application the costs specified in 7 CFR 1710.106, including interest during construction (IDC) pursuant to 7 CFR 1710.106(a)(4).

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1767?toc=1 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1710/subpart-C/section-1710.106 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1710/subpart-C/section-1710.106

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(10) Forbearance. Requests for forbearance periods will not be entertained if such period exceeds six months.

(c) Do Not Pay System.

The applicant and its principals must not be debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from participation in USDA programs, in accordance with 2 CFR Parts 180 and 417. The applicant must not be delinquent on any federal debt, nor have any outstanding judgment obtained by the U.S. in a Federal court. Upon receipt of application, prior to award, and prior to disbursement of federal funds, the agency will screen the applicant and its principals through the Do Not Pay System, as required by 31 U.S.C. § 3354, to verify eligibility with respect to debarment, suspension, and any unresolved federal debts. Applicants are responsible for resolving any issues identified in the Do Not Pay System; if such issues are not resolved by the deadlines specified in this notice, the agency may proceed to award funds to other eligible applicants. Applicants are responsible for compliance with all applicable regulations, including 2 CFR Parts 180 and 417.

4.0 APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

4.1 Address to Request Application Package

The Agency will publish its on-line application instructions by notice on the agency’s website before the opening of the application window. The PART Program Application Guide and copies of necessary forms and samples will become available at https://www.rd.usda.gov/. Please monitor the PART website for updates as further timely publications may not be practicable If you require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape) please contact the 711 Relay Service.

4.2 Content and Form of Application Submission

(a) Letter of Interest (LOI) Submission. The LOI must include the information listed below in this Section. LOI submitters should be aware that the final Application will require more information as included in Section 4.2(b) of this notice.

(1) LOI submitter’s profile and point of contact information.

(i) Legal name and status of the LOI submitter.

(ii) The LOI submitter’s address and principal place of business.

(iii) The LOI submitter's tax identification number and its Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number from the System for Award Management (SAM) registry.

(iv) Legal structure of LOI submitter (e.g., cooperative, corporation, limited-liability company, State or local government entity, municipality, federally recognized Tribe). If the applicant is a non-governmental entity, a statement as to whether the entity is organized as a non-profit.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-180 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-IV/part-417 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title31/pdf/USCODE-2024-title31-subtitleIII-chap33-subchapIV-sec3354.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title31/pdf/USCODE-2024-title31-subtitleIII-chap33-subchapIV-sec3354.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-180 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-IV/part-417 https://www.rd.usda.gov/

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(v) If the LOI submitter is a State or local governmental entity, a certification that it can enter into contracts with the Federal government, incur debt, and provide security for such debt. Federal government entities are not eligible for financing.

(vi) Name and title of LOI submitter’s manager and/or point of contact, which must include general contact information, as well as an email address to receive RUS’ Invitation to Proceed.

(vii) The location of the Project and the applicable service area using a digital Shapefile. The applicable service area must demonstrate that the Project will provide economical clean energy to rural residents as outlined in Section 3.3(a) of this notice.

(viii) The LOI submitter’s net assets value.

(ix) A certification as to whether the LOI submitter over the last 10 years has been placed in receivership liquidation, has been under a workout agreement, has declared bankruptcy, or has had a decree or order issued for relief in any bankruptcy, insolvency, or other similar action.

(x) A statement as to whether the Project(s) will serve a SUTA area as defined in Section 1.3 of this notice.

(2) Financial Information. A copy of the LOI submitter’s balance sheet and income statements for the shorter of the last three years or the years the LOI submitter has been in operation. If the LOI submitter does not have an operating history of such length, the LOI submitter must inform RUS in its LOI and provide RUS with additional information to establish the applicant’s financial strength. Upon review of the LOI, the RUS may request additional clarifying information on financial strength. If the applicant does not provide the information RUS, deems necessary to evaluate the financial strength of the LOI submitter, the application will be denied and proceed no further. The LOI submitter must also provide the balance sheet and income statements for the last three years of any entity or entities providing equity or security for the loan, with an explanation of the legal relationship to the LOI submitter.

(3) Technical Description of the Project. A technical description of the Project, which shall not exceed 1,500 words, and must include the following:

(i) Type of loan being requested, Project Loan or System Loan. See Section 2, “Loan Type”, of this notice.

(ii) A description of each eligible RER and ESS being requested for PART financing including Project name, location, type, size, and renewable energy units generated and saved.

(iii) Verification that the Project(s) will be designed, constructed, and operated based on Commercially Available Technology.

(iv) For each Project, the estimated dates to start construction and to achieve commercial operation.

(v) The estimated total capital cost of each Project and the amount of Award funds being requested to finance each Project.

(vi) Proposed financial structure of the owners, equity investors and other participants, which shall include estimated sources and uses of all funds. In the case of Limited Liability Corporations, a diagram of the ownership structure up to and including the ultimate parent must be provided.

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(vii) If applicable, a description and status of any PPA that will be used to sell and deliver the electrical output of the Project(s) to Off-Takers.

(viii) If applicable, a description of any existing power sales contracts, such as wholesale power contracts, between Off-Takers and its members.

(ix) Status of, and estimated timelines to complete, if known, any applicable Federal, State, or local permitting or environmental review processes.

(x) Ratepayer Benefit. A brief discussion from the LOI submitter that if it is invited to submit an Application, it will demonstrate in its Application how it will pass on a portion of the savings from the loan forgiveness to consumers, including the Off-Taker as described in Section 2, “Loan Forgiveness Categories”, of this notice.

If the LOI submitter cannot provide any of the information or documents listed above, it must notify RUS prior to submitting an Application.

(b) Application Submission. An LOI submitter that receives an Invitation to Proceed must submit Application packages containing the information and documents required in 7 CFR 1710.501, as well as the following information and documentation:

(1) Loan Application letter. The letter may be signed by any authorized representative of the PART Applicant; however, the authorization must also be submitted with the Application.

(2) Articles of incorporation and bylaws and other governing and organizational documents. The PART Applicant must provide the articles of incorporation, bylaws, and other organizational documents currently in effect. PART Applicants that are RUS Borrowers may comply with this requirement by notifying in writing to RUS that there are no material changes to the documents already on file with RUS. Other governmental applicants must only provide evidence of their ability to enter into debt obligations.

(3) Environmental and Historic Preservation Requirements. If the PART Applicant has not received written notice from RUS that the Project environmental review process is formally concluded as provided in 7 CFR 1b, it must submit documents that establish that a review is in progress and no ground disturbance activities have started prior to receiving notice that the Environmental and Historic Preservation review requirements have been completed. This requirement requires the PART Applicant to include a certification that construction has not started and that it will not start prior obtaining written notice from RUS. The PART Applicant must further state the type of environmental review document it believes needs to be prepared in accordance with 7 CFR part 1b (e.g., a Categorical Exclusion, an Environmental Assessment, or Environmental Impact Statement in accordance with subparts B, C, or D, respectively). The submission will be reviewed by RD staff and the applicant will be notified if corrections and or additional environmental documentation is needed for a categorical exclusion to be completed and or if an EA or EIS will need to be prepared. The PART Applicant must provide a description of any potential environmental controversy or extraordinary circumstances, and the estimated timelines for completing the environmental process. PART Applicants are strongly https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1710/subpart-I/section-1710.501

14 | P a g e advised that commencing construction prior to environmental or historic preservation clearance could make a Project ineligible for RUS financing, regardless of a Project’s place in the application queue.

(4) Financial Forecast. In order to demonstrate that the loan is feasible as required in 7 CFR 1710.112, the PART Applicant must submit a financial forecast. For Project and System Loans, the financial forecast must cover at least 10 years from the commercial operating date of the Project to be financed, must demonstrate that the PART Applicant’s operation is economically viable, and that the proposed loan is financially feasible. System Loan forecasts must include an operating income statement, balance sheet, and cashflow statement. It must contain both the project being financed by PART as well as the electric system as a whole, inclusive of a scenario that includes anticipated loan forgiveness. A sensitivity analysis must be provided without loan forgiveness in order to demonstrate the impact on rates to consumers. Project Loan Forecasts must include the projects being financed by PART with loan forgiveness. A sensitivity scenario must also be provided to include a scenario without loan forgiveness in order to demonstrate the benefit to consumers. RUS may request additional information, if RUS deems it necessary based on the financial structure of the PART Applicant. The PART Applicant must submit the financial forecast in the form prescribed by RUS in the Invitation to Proceed.

(5) PPA. If the PART Applicant proposes to sell power generated from the Project to an Off-Taker under a PPA, the PART Applicant must provide a draft copy of the PPA with the Application, which must be structured to allow two different rate schedules; one for the case without loan forgiveness and the other for the case with loan forgiveness. Because the PPA is essentially the mechanism by which consumers will benefit from the PART program, all draft PPAs must be approved by RUS prior to being executed. RUS approval of the PART Application is predicated upon an executed PPA that has been approved by the Agency.

(6) Power Resources Owned, Co-owned or Leased. If applicable, provide a discussion or table of the existing power resources available to the applicant that includes generation facilities owned, co-owned or leased. The information provided should include: name of plant and unit, ownership interest (%), type of unit and fuel used, net peak capacity, and in-service date.

(7) Power Purchase Contracts. If applicable, provide a discussion of the applicant’s power purchase contracts (with terms greater than two years) that describes the capacity and energy resources purchased. The information should include type of contract (take-or pay, unit power purchase, etc.), parties to the contract, amount (capacity and energy), and term and expiration date.

(8) Power Sales Contracts. A description of any existing power sales contracts, such as wholesale power contracts, between an Off-Taker and its members must be provided that includes the type of agreements (e.g., all or partial requirements), the initial execution dates, and the dates the agreements expire. The PART Applicant must provide copies of the agreements if requested by the Agency.

(9) Engineering Report. A draft engineering report or engineering and power cost study must be provided with the Application, or soon thereafter. The report must describe the purpose, design, costs, construction, and operation of the Project(s) as described in 7 CFR 1710.253 and 7 CFR 1710.303. RUS will review and approve the draft report before it is made final. An approved engineering report is a prerequisite to the obligation of PART funds; however, the PART borrower may amend the engineering https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1710#1710.112 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1710#1710.253 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1710#1710.303

15 | P a g e report with RUS’ written approval. The finalized engineering report must be signed or approved by an engineer in conformance with 7 CFR 1724.4.

(10) Project Contracting. The PART Applicant must provide a list of all engineering, procurement, and construction contracts it intends to use on the Project(s), with a brief description and cost estimate of each contract. At the Agency’s discretion, any contracts selected by the Agency for review and approval must be submitted within the period of time requested by the Agency. In no event will Award funds be disbursed prior to the selected Project contracts receiving Agency approval and any other necessary approvals.

(11) Interconnection Agreements. If an interconnection agreement is needed, draft agreements required to interconnect an RER, ESS, or related microgrid system to a distribution or transmission network must be included with the Application. These agreements must be approved by the Agency before the Award funds are disbursed.

(12) System Impact Studies. The status and summary of any related system impact studies as they may pertain to the interconnection of the Project with a distribution or transmission network must be provided with the Application. System impact studies must be conducted, as applicable, to include load flow studies, short circuit analysis, system stability analysis, and conclusions (e.g., identify voltage, overload, stability problems and proposed actions or contingencies; single contingency analysis of proposed facilities; transmission constraints; and system improvements needed). The nature of any required system upgrades and associated costs to be incurred by the Awardee, Off-Taker, or other entity must be identified. The Agency may request a copy of any system impact studies or links to review such studies.

(13) Transmission Service Agreements. Transmission service agreements required to export, transmit or deliver the power from the Project to the Off-Taker, if any, must be included with the Application.

These agreements must receive Agency approval before Award funds are disbursed.

(14) Other Major Agreements. The PART Applicant must provide a list and a brief description of all other major agreements that will need to be executed for the Project. Such agreements, if applicable, include, but are not limited to O&M arrangements, joint ownership arrangements, fuel management, and fuel supply and transportation. Agreements selected for approval by the Agency should be submitted within the period of time requested by the Agency. RUS will not approve the PART Application until all agreements requested for review have been approved by the Agency.

(15) Meteorological Data and Studies. RERs and ESS must be supported with meteorological and/or hydrological data and studies to determine the expected energy generation of the facility during the initial year of operation. The PART Applicant must identify the amount and basis of any annual degradation in energy output of the RERs.

(16) Fuel and Fuel Transportation Strategies. If applicable to the Project, the PART Applicant must describe the fuel and fuel transportation strategies of the Project and show that the fuel supply for the life of the Project is adequate. Fuel supply contracts and fuel transportation contracts must be identified, including the term of each contract. Copies of the fuel contracts or arrangements must be provided if requested by the Agency.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1724

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(17) Sources and Uses of Water. The PART Applicant must identify the uses and source of water for the Project, as well as evidence that the water supply will be adequate to meet both daily demands and demands for the life of the Project. If requested by the Agency, the PART Applicant must provide copies of any agreements or arrangements that would be used to purchase or receive water used and consumed by the Project and the applicable water balance diagram of the facilities.

(18) Real Estate Matters. If the PART Applicant is leasing the real estate upon which it will build and operate the Project, the PART Applicant must submit an executed copy of the lease agreement with the Application. Lease agreements must contain, or be amended to contain, a provision that allows the PART Applicant to collaterally assign the lease to RUS as security for the loan. Further, to the extent that the lessor under any lease with the PART Applicant has executed a mortgage or deed of trust with respect to the real estate to another party, that party must execute an attornment and non-disturbance agreement in favor of the PART Applicant that will allow the PART Applicant to continue to lease the real property and operate the Project in the event of the lessor’s default under the mortgage or deed of trust. The PART Applicant must submit any attornment and non-disturbance agreements to RUS with its PART Application.

(19) Tribal Government Resolution of Consent. A certification from the appropriate Tribal official is required if the Project, or any part of it, will be sited on Tribal land where a Tribal government has regulatory authority. Any non-Tribal PART Applicant that fails to provide a certification to provide service on the Tribal lands identified in the proposed Project or the proposed service area will not be considered for funding.

(20) Estimated Costs. The applicant must include in its loan Application a breakdown of the estimated costs listed in Section 3.3(b)(9) of this notice for which it intends to seek reimbursement.

4.3 System for Award Management and Unique Entity Identifier

(a) At the time of application, each applicant must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting its application in accordance with 2 CFR part 25. In order to register in SAM, entities will be required to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Instructions for obtaining the UEI are available at https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration.

(b) Each applicant must maintain an active SAM registration, with current, accurate and complete information, at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration by a Federal awarding agency.

(c) Each applicant must ensure they complete the Financial Assistance General Certifications and Representations in SAM.

(d) Applicants must provide a valid UEI in its application, unless determined exempt under 2 CFR 25.110.

(e) The Agency will not make an award until the applicant has complied with all SAM requirements including providing the UEI. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Agency is ready to make an award, the Agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-I/part-25 https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration

17 | P a g e receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.

4.4 Submission Dates and Times

(a) LOI Submissions. LOIs must be submitted beginning at 11:59 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) on September 8,2026, and until 11:59 a.m. ET on October 9, 2026. Letters of Interest will not be accepted after 11:59 a.m. ET on October 9, 2026.

(b) Application Submissions. A LOI submitter that receives an Invitation to Proceed will have 60 days, or a time agreeable to the Agency, to complete and submit its loan Application. If the deadline to submit the Application falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a Federal holiday, the Application is due the next business day. The Administrator may grant an extension of time to complete the documentation required for an Application if, in the Administrator’s sole judgment, extraordinary circumstances prevented the PART Applicant from completing the Application within the time frame herein stipulated. In extending an Invitation to Proceed to a LOI submitter in the queue, RUS reserves the right to meet overall RUS program objectives and therefore, may notify the PART Applicant that the amount of financing to be Awarded is below the level sought by the PART Applicant.

(c) General. RUS reserves the right to ask PART Applicants for clarifying information on, or additional information related to, the LOI or Application.

4.5 Intergovernmental Review

Executive Order (EO) 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” does not apply to this program.

4.6 Funding Restrictions

(a) Entities that been approved for an award under the RUS Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program or the RUS Empowering Rural America (New ERA) Program may not apply for the same Project under the PART Program. Failure to follow this limitation could result in the PART Applicant being disqualified from the PART program.

(b) Only Projects where construction begins after the date of publication of this Notice will be eligible for funding under the PART Program.

(c) Funding will not be provided for merchant power Projects; Projects where a non-utility entity is generating power for its own use or behind the meter projects owned by the consumer.

(d) Funding will not be provided for the purchase of any existing RER or ESS.

(e) There are no Application or origination fees for loans under the PART Program.

(f) RUS will only finance Projects that utilize Commercially Available Technology under this notice.

PART Applicants may request reimbursement for interconnection costs and other costs associated with being able to deliver the RER and/or the ESS to Off-Takers.

4.7 Other Submission Requirements

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(a) An entity may only submit one LOI. RUS will not accept paper LOIs. A sample LOI and additional information is available at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/electric-programs/powering-affordable-reliable-technology-program.

(b) Each LOI submitter may only submit one Application, upon receiving a RUS Invitation to Proceed.

(c) Each PART Applicant may only receive one Award.

(d) An Invitation to Proceed or RUS’ approval of a PART Application does not constitute approval of any agreement or document that the PART Applicant must provide to RUS for RUS’ approval as outlined in this notice or in the applicable PART loan agreement.

(e) A PART Applicant must, after submitting a LOI or loan Application, promptly notify RUS of any changes in its circumstances that materially affect the information contained in the Loan Application.

(f) Applicants (“co-applicants”) may submit a joint/consolidated LOI or a Joint Application for consideration (collectively the “Joint LOI” or “Joint Application”). If a joint LOI contains two or more proposed Projects, the Agency may evaluate each proposed Project separately as to whether to provide an Invitation to Proceed concerning each proposed Project. The Agency may also disaggregate its review of the technical and Financial Feasibility of the individual Projects contained in a joint LOI or a joint Application. Further, the Agency may require co-applicants to accept separate contractual and financial commitments relating to the Project or Projects contained in the joint Application.

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