Request for Applications
Clean Diesel Funding Program
Clean Diesel Funding Program
The principal goal of this Request for Applications is to select organizations that will become beneficiaries under our current projects funded through EPA’s Clean Diesel program. These projects (approximately $1,300,000 in funds) will be authorized to begin work this spring.
A secondary goal of this RFA is to select co-applicants to EPA’s new FY21 competitive grant opportunity. Selection for the latter opportunity does not guarantee beneficiary funding, since our available funding depends on EPA’s award selections.
MEC’s priority goals for applicant selection include reduced air emissions affecting vulnerable populations, reduced use of petro diesel, and beneficiary participation in outreach and public awareness campaigns.
RFA Issue Date: | 1/28/2021 |
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Pre-Application Meeting | 2/9/2021 10:00am CT |
RFA Questions Deadline | 2/18/2021 |
RFA Submission Deadline | 3/4/2021 2:00pm CT |
Expected Date for MEC Selection Notification | 3/8/2021 |
Expected Timeframe for Award Negotiations | 04/2021 |
MEC RFA guidance document (click to download PDF)
Application Form (click to download Word Doc)
Budget Table and Fleet Data Worksheet (click to download Excel Doc)
Engine Model Year Summary (click to download Word Doc)
MEC transportation program staff is available to assist applicants. Contact David Albrecht for assistance if needed. David will not participate in project selection.
An informational webinar was conducted on Tuesday February 9, 2021. Those who were not able to attend live may access the recording using the following link:
Grant Writing Webinar recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_M2Z3oioByM&feature=youtu.be
U.S. EPA Clean Diesel National Grants web page
Q1. This RFA is for on-road only, right?
A1. No. Motive off-road equipment may also be proposed, provided that the replacement or repower would be powered by an alternative fuel or a zero-emission alternative, and that it meets all other eligibility requirements.
Q2. Will you allow propane bus replacements older than 2019, namely MY 2014?
A2. It is the intent of this program to award funds to Beneficiaries that deploy the newest and cleanest options for any engine/fuel chosen. We selected engine model year (EMY)2019 as our oldest allowed replacement and will judge applications accordingly. Note: Any applicant may propose projects that vary from the guidelines; those must be marked as variances in your application. Also note: per EPA governing documents, no vehicle replacement under any of the program years may be older than EMY16.
Q3. Is there a cost-efficiency ($/NOx) standard or goal set for the program?
A3. No, we did not set a cost-efficiency standard or goal for this program. However, please note that cost-efficiency and emissions reductions are our highest weighted evaluation criteria.
Q4. A prospective applicant is planning on applying for funds to replace a diesel terminal tractor with a 100% electric tractor. However, the future ownership of this vehicle is an issue we’d like MEC’s input on so we can advise them accurately and quickly. Please allow me to explain:
Question: Which entity should apply for the incentive funding?; and does it matter how and when the ownership of the trucks would be transferred? We see three possibilities for how such a transfer might be accomplished and would like to know which MEC prefers:
Please advise as to the following also:
A4. First, for application, we prefer to see option 3. Should the project be selected for award, we could then seek guidance from EPA managers regarding whether they would approve one of the other options as a variance, if need be.
Second, the answer to both follow up questions is yes, your assumptions are correct. While there is more opportunity for EMY1996 – 2009, there is also opportunity for older and newer units.
Q5. Regarding funding: the RFP states that available funds total $1.3MM (current projects) and $1.25MM (new applications), for a total of $2.55M. Please clarify. Does this mean that $1.3MM of the $2.55MM has already been allocated, therefore leaving a remaining $1.25MM available to fund projects submitted in this round of applications? Or does this mean $1.3MM is currently available for projects?
A5. We are selecting new projects for up to $2.55MM.
Q6: If selected for funding, would a project in Buchanan County, MO:
A6: After evaluation and upon selection for funding, staff will review several key factors to determine whether to apply those selected projects to immediate funds or to the application to EPA for new funds. Among the primary factors:
Q7. We have clients that have replaced old diesels in the past with Tier 4 diesels but are now wanting to clean up further. I believe we’re talking about fleets running almost 10-yr-old Tier 4 non-road diesel engines. They are hoping they could be able to apply for electric replacements, as an example. Is this possible?
A7. Yes, the new program rules allow for Tier 4 replacement with zero emission engines/vehicles. EPA has provided further guidance that owners of the Tier 4 should to try to engage in a “scrappage swap,” where an older fleet could purchase the Tier 4s and then scrap their older (Tier 3) vehicles. This type of scrappage swap with a second fleet is not required but would increase emission reduction and cost efficiency scores.
Q8. I just want to make sure, can the replacement vehicles be diesel or gasoline?