RFI and NOI Slip-On Tanker Q&A.pdf

Questions and Answers Q1: Direct links to the FEMA Risk Index maps would be extremely beneficial.

A1: Unfortunately, the website doesn't allow for that particular extension however the link in the RFI document will take you directly the FEMA National Risk Index web page.

To access the wildfire data, select 'wildfire' from the Risk Index drop down and select Census Tract View rather than County View (which is the default). Both selections are in the top left-hand corner for the web page.

Q2: If a regional application is applied for, would the grant allow for different types of units to be applied for? (i.e., 12 departments apply for 5 end units, 7 UTV units) A2: Yes, multiple type of units can be applied for as long as they meet the minimum specifications. Attachment 1 in the RFI document provides the minimum specifications for the unit.

Q3: Is there any matching percentage?

A3: There is no required match for this grant.

Q4: If a department has already ordered a unit from a vendor, and prior to delivery then receives the grant, can the grant be used to purchase the pre-ordered unit? (if it was not purchased before application) A4: 2 CFR 200.458 does allow for pre-award costs to be incurred but only during negotiations and in anticipation of the Federal award with prior written approval from the Grants Officer. All costs incurred before the Federal award are at the recipient's risk (i.e. DOI is not required to reimburse such costs if for any reason the recipient does not receive a Federal award or if the Federal award is less than anticipated and inadequate to cover such costs).

Q5: The program is for ALL types of wildfires including range and agricultural lands, not just forestry wildfires.

A5: The program supports the purchase of slip-on tanks for all types of wildfires, not limited to forestry.

Q6: The grant is only for the slide-on units, not for purchase of a vehicle, correct?

A6: The BIL language provides financial assistance only for slip-on tanks. There may be other programs available to a Tribe or municipality for the acquisition of a vehicle for the slip-on tank unit.

Q7: The consolidated grant amount ($2m) seems like a lot of slide-on units!

A7: The actual ceiling has not been determined and the RFI/NOI will help DOI gauge the need to establish a ceiling and if so, what the ceiling would be. It is possible one entity may request on behalf of multiple other entities, therefore, DOI is attempting to understand if requests will be individual or consolidated and if consolidated, how many potential entities might be covered in one submission.

Q8: This is for us (small VFDs), and not for the Federal and State forestry departments?

A9: The slip-on tank pilot program was developed to provide local governments and Tribal Nations financial assistance to acquire slip-on tanker units to establish fleets of vehicles that can be quickly converted to be operated as fire engines. It is not meant to provide funding for Federal and State Forestry programs, although State Forestry departments may work with local entities to consolidate grant applications for multiple entities that meet the criteria.

Q9: Do you have a picture of these Slip-On Tankers so we can see the size of them?

A9: There are multiple vendors that supply the units that meet the minimum specifications and therefore come in varying shapes and sizes. Applicants can determine which unit to buy as long as it meets the minimum criteria established.

Q10: Do you have requirements of what size of trucks are needed to carry them?

A10: Attachment 1 in the RFI document provides the minimum specifications for the unit. The vehicle chassis must have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) large enough to accommodate the fully loaded weight of the completed unit.

Q11: Can we mount in a single axle F250/F350 or does it require a dually F450+ capacity?

A11: Attachment 1 in the RFI document provides the minimum specifications for the unit. The vehicle chassis must have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) large enough to accommodate the fully loaded weight of the completed unit.

Q12: I would like to clarify the type of vehicle we are allowed to utilize for this project. Our county is small and is entirely volunteer for our fire department. Would our Sheriff's department be allowed to utilize this opportunity to put a tank on one of their vehicles or a volunteer firefighter that has a truck that he would like to leave at a ranch for wildland fire fighting?

A12: Attachment 1 in the RFI document provides the minimum specifications for the unit. The vehicle chassis must have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) large enough to accommodate the fully loaded weight of the completed unit.

Q13: Do we have to build the units?

A13: The units are commercial off-the-shelf products.

Q14: If they do not have to be built, can they be ordered from any manufacturer?

A14: Yes, as long as the unit meets the minimum specifications. Attachment 1 in the RFI document provides the minimum specifications for the unit.

Q15: Do you have any photos of the tanks they can order?

A15: There are multiple vendors that supply the units that meet the minimum specifications and therefore come in varying shapes and sizes.