[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 124 (Wednesday, June 29, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-15793]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: June 29, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Invitation for Proposals From State Governments for Projects
Designed To Accelerate the Introduction and Increase the Use of
Alternative Fuels and Alternative Fuel Vehicles
AGENCY: Department of Energy.
ACTION: Notice of Program Interest.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is interested in obtaining
unsolicited proposals from States under 10 CFR 600.15. DOE may award
grants to States to fund pilot programs demonstrating the feasibility
of accelerating the introduction and expanding the use of alternative
fuels and alternative fuel vehicles. Grants for such demonstration
programs, if any, would generally support DOE's alternative motor fuels
programs, including the impending State and Local Incentives Program of
the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT) and DOE's Clean Cities program.
Awards, if any, will be based on a combination of DOE need and program
merit. Meritorious program proposals would contain incentive plans
directed toward cities that are currently or are petitioning to become
DOE Clean Cities; that leverage non-Federal and Federal resources; and
are regionally diverse.
Proposals in response to this notice should encourage widespread
participation and reflect the participation and responsibilities of all
included parties. Particularly, proposals should reflect other
governmental participation, such as local government participation in a
State program. Approximately $1.0 million may be available in FY 1994
funds for pilot programs; approximately 6-10 awards may be made.
DATES: To guarantee consideration, proposals must be received by
September 1, 1994. Proposals shall be considered as meeting the
deadline if they are either received or postmarked on or before the
deadline date. Applications which do not meet the deadline will be
considered late applications and may not be considered.
ADDRESSES: Proposals referencing Program Notice should be submitted to:
Office of Transportation Technologies, Office of Alternative Fuels, EE-
33, U.S. Department of Energy, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence
Ave., Washington, DC 20585, Reference: Notice of Program Interest, DOE
Alternative Fuels Pilot Programs.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey P. Hardy, Office of
Alternative Fuels, Office of Transportation Technologies, U.S.
Department of Energy, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Ave.,
Washington, DC 20585, telephone (202) 586-9118.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
A. Background
The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT) sets forth Alternative Fuels
Titles III, IV and V which effectively establish goals and mechanisms
by which the widespread use of alternative fuels will lead this country
away from a growing dependence on imported petroleum in the
transportation sector. The Department of Energy (DOE) is responsible
for implementing and executing many initiatives under EPACT in order to
create a sustainable alternative fuels market.
To ensure successful market development, DOE is undertaking a
strategic alternative fuels program which builds on research and
development successes through the establishment of market foundations,
including public information, certification of training programs, and
assisting other agencies in labeling of fuels and vehicles, and setting
standards for fuels and vehicles. The second step of the program is to
supplement existing incentives to encourage the early adoption of
alternative fuels and vehicles, such as tax credits for purchasing
vehicles, tax credits for building stations, and grants to States to
develop incentive programs for alternative fuels. Thirdly, DOE will
obtain voluntary commitments from fuel suppliers to build stations,
from the automakers to build vehicles, and from fleets to use those
vehicles. Voluntary participation reduces the need for mandates and
allows users to determine appropriate technologies. The fourth step
will be to expand the market for alternative fuel vehicles by requiring
selected fleet operators to take the leadership in vehicle acquisition,
beginning with the Federal fleet, the State fleets, and the fleets of
alternative fuel suppliers. Finally, achieving long-term EPACT goals
may require private fleets and municipal government fleets to begin
acquiring AFVs in 1999.
Achievement of the challenging EPACT mandates will require
innovative and resourceful activity by DOE and by stakeholders in the
alternative fuels market. In support of the strategic alternative fuel
program, DOE will draw upon such available tools as technology
transfer, the use of studies, pilot programs, rulemakings, grants and
other deployment activities.
B. Purpose
The purpose of this notice is to promote and support innovative or
promising State programs demonstrating the feasibility of accelerating
the introduction and expanding the use of alternative fuels and
alternative fuel vehicles in the creation of a sustainable alternative
fuels market. Demonstrated results may then be considered by DOE during
the development and execution of its strategic alternative fuels
program.
C. Areas of Interest
The Department of Energy seeks to gain information and broaden its
knowledge and experience in the following areas of interest:
(1) Energy Policy Act of 1992 requirements to accelerate the
introduction and expand the use of alternative fuels and alternative
fuel vehicles;
(2) The potential to increase the long-term effectiveness of EPACT
Section 409;
(3) The potential to complement on-going activities in the DOE
Clean Cities program;
(4) Integration and implementation of Energy Policy Act and Clean
Air Act goals at the State and local level;
(5) The cost-effective use of combined private and public funding;
(6) The motivation and involvement of multiple public and private
market entities;
(7) The development of supporting alternative fuel market
infrastructure and broad public access to such infrastructure
(refueling, maintenance, etc.);
(8) Geographic program diversity;
(9) Promotion of all types of alternative fuels;
(10) The commercialization of innovative, efficient energy
technologies;
(11) Air quality improvement; and,
(12) The advancement of economic development and domestic resource
utilization.
D. Availability of Funds
Approximately $1.0 million may be available in FY 1994 funds for
developing demonstration projects to support the strategic alternative
fuels program. Approximately 6-10 awards may be made. Awards, if any,
will be based on a combination of DOE need and project merit within
each area of interest. Programs that leverage non-Federal and other
Federal resources will receive priority consideration.
E. Schedule
All projects submitted by the published deadline will be reviewed
during FY 1994. Any awards, thereafter, will be determined by DOE.
Budget and project periods may be negotiated to fit the needs of
particular projects. Award may be by means of amendment to an existing
grant or by separate grant or cooperative or joint venture agreement.
F. Eligible Applicants
States and entities which are agencies of States are eligible to
apply. Applicants are encouraged to propose cooperative projects or
joint ventures in partnership with local government, private and non-
profit sector organizations, and others.
Qualifying applications must be submitted in accordance with the
following format established by DOE. An application will consist of:
(1) applicant information; (2) a description of the proposed project,
stating parameters and objectives, action to be undertaken and expected
performance; (3) information on the sources and amount of funds
necessary for program implementation, including amounts to be provided
by the applicant(s); and, (4) an economic analysis to show the cost-
effectiveness of the project.
G. Evaluation Criteria
All proposals submitted under this Notice of Program Interest will
be evaluated in accordance of 10 CFR 600.14. Selection will be based on
criteria set forth in 10 CFR 600.14, including: overall merit,
objectives and probability of achievement, proposer's facilities, and
qualifications of critical project personnel. In addition, proposals
will be evaluated with respect to the above-listed Areas of Interest;
for their uniqueness or innovation of concept; for potential
replicability; and upon funding or other resources either provided by
the proposer or leveraged from non-governmental sources.
H. Review Process
Evaluation will be at the Program Office level: DOE Office of
Alternative Fuels. Final selection will be made by the Deputy Assistant
Secretary of Transportation Technologies.
DOE reserves the right to fund, in whole or in part, any, all, or
none of the proposals submitted in response to this notice.
Issued in Washington, DC, June 21, 1994.
Christine A. Ervin,
Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 94-15793 Filed 6-28-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
