[Federal Register: March 28, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 58)]
[Notices]               
[Page 15695-15721]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr28mr05-114]                         


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Part II





Department of Agriculture





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Rural Development; Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting 
Applications for the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency 
Improvements Grant Program; Notice


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

 
Rural Development; Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting 
Applications for the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency 
Improvements Grant Program

AGENCY: Rural Development, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: Rural Development announces the availability of up to $22.8 
million in competitive grant funds for fiscal year (FY) 2005 to 
purchase renewable energy systems and make energy improvements for 
agricultural producers and rural small businesses. Of the $22.8 
million, $11.4 million will be set aside through August 31, 2005, for 
guaranteed loans. These funds will be administered under a final rule 
to be published in the Federal Register later this fiscal year. Any 
guaranteed loan funds not obligated by August 31, 2005, will be made 
available for competitive grants under this notice.
    In order to be eligible for grant funds, the agricultural producer 
or rural small business must demonstrate financial need. The grant 
request must not exceed 25 percent of the eligible project costs.

DATES: Applications must be completed and submitted to the appropriate 
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) State Rural Development 
Office postmarked no later than 90 days after the date of the published 
notice. Applications postmarked after that date will be returned to the 
applicant with no action.

ADDRESSES: Submit proposals to the USDA State Rural Development Office 
where your project is located or, in the case of a rural small 
business, where you are headquartered. A list of the Energy 
Coordinators and State Rural Development Office addresses and telephone 
numbers follow. For further information about this solicitation, please 
contact the applicable State Office. This document is available on our 
Web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/farmbill/index.html.


USDA State Rural Development Offices

Alabama

Mary Ann Clayton, USDA Rural Development
Sterling Center, Suite 601
4121 Carmichael Road
Montgomery, AL 36106-3683
(334) 279-3615

Alaska

Dean Stewart, USDA Rural Development
800 West Evergreen, Suite 201
Palmer, AK 99645-6539
(907) 761-7722

Arizona

Alan Watt, USDA Rural Development
230 N. First Avenue, Suite 206
Phoenix, AZ 85003-1706
(602) 280-8769

Arkansas

Shirley Tucker, USDA Rural Development
700 West Capitol Avenue, Room 3416
Little Rock, AR 72201-3225
(501) 301-3280

California

Joseph Choperena, USDA Rural Development
430 G Street, 4169
Davis, CA 95616-4169
(530) 792-5826

Colorado

Linda Sundine, USDA Rural Development
655 Parfet Street, Room E-100
Lakewood, CO 80215
(720) 544-2929

Delaware-Maryland

James Waters, USDA Rural Development
4607 South Dupont Hwy.
P.O. Box 400
Camden, DE 19934-0400
(302) 697-4324

Florida/Virgin Islands

Joe Mueller, USDA Rural Development
4440 NW. 25th Place
P.O. Box 147010
Gainesville, FL 32614-7010
(352) 338-3482

Georgia

J. Craig Scroggs, USDA Rural Development
333 Phillips Drive
McDonough, GA 30253
(678) 583-0866

Hawaii

Tim O'Connell, USDA Rural Development
Federal Building, Room 311
154 Waianuenue Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 933-8313

Idaho

Brian Buch, USDA Rural Development
725 Jensen Grove Drive, Suite 1
Blackfoot, ID 83221
(208) 785-5840, Ext. 118

Illinois

Patrick Lydic, USDA Rural Development
2118 West Park Court, Suite A
Champaign, IL 61821
(217) 403-6211

Indiana

Jerry Hay, USDA Rural Development
2411 N. 1250 W.
Deputy, IN 47230
(812) 873-1100

Iowa

Teresa Bomhoff, USDA Rural Development
873 Federal Building
210 Walnut Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 284-4447

Kansas

F. Martin Fee, USDA Rural Development
1303 SW First American Place, Suite 100
Topeka, KS 66604-4040
(785) 271-2744

Kentucky

Dewayne Easter, USDA Rural Development
771 Corporate Drive, Suite 200
Lexington, KY 40503
(859) 224-7435

Louisiana

Kevin Boone, USDA Rural Development
3727 Government Street
Alexandria, LA 71302
(318) 473-7960

Maine

Valarie Flanders, USDA Rural Development
967 Illinois Avenue, Suite 4
P.O. Box 405
Bangor, ME 04402-0405
(207) 990-9168

Massachusetts/Rhode Island/Connecticut

Sharon Colburn, USDA Rural Development
451 West Street, Suite 2
Amherst, MA 01002-2999
(413) 253-4303

Michigan

Rick Vanderbeek, USDA Rural Development
3001 Coolidge Road, Suite 200
East Lansing, MI 48823
(517) 324-5218

Minnesota

Lisa Noty, USDA Rural Development
1408 21st Avenue, Suite 3
Austin, MN 55912
(507) 437-8247 ext. 150

Mississippi

G. Gary Jones, USDA Rural Development
Federal Building, Suite 831
100 West Capitol Street
Jackson, MS 39269
(601) 965-5457

Missouri

D Clark Thomas, USDA Rural Development
601 Business Loop 70 West
Parkade Center, Suite 235
Columbia, MO 65203
(573) 876-0995

Montana

John Guthmiller, USDA Rural Development
900 Technology Blvd., Unit 1, Suite B
P.O. Box 850
Bozeman, MT 59771
(406) 585-2540

Nebraska

Cliff Kumm, USDA Rural Development
201 North, 25 Street
Beatrice, NE 68310
(402) 223-3125

Nevada

Dan Johnson, USDA Rural Development
555 West Silver Street, Suite 101
Elko, NV 89801
(775) 738-8468, Ext. 112

New Hampshire

See Vermont

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New Jersey

Michael Kelsey, USDA Rural Development
5th Floor North, Suite 500
8000 Midlantic Drive
Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054
(856) 787-7700, Ext. 7751

New Mexico

Eric Vigil, USDA Rural Development
6200 Jefferson Street, NE.
Room 255
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 761-4952

New York

Scott Collins, USDA Rural Development
The Galleries of Syracuse, Suite 357
441 South Salina Street
Syracuse, NY 13202-2541
(315) 477-6409

North Carolina

H. Rossie Bullock, USDA Rural Development
P. O. Box 7426
Lumberton, NC 28359-7426
(910) 739-3349

North Dakota

Dale Van Eckhout, USDA Rural Development
Federal Building, Room 208
220 East Rosser Avenue
P.O. Box 1737
Bismarck, ND 58502-1737
(701) 530-2065

Ohio

Randy Monhemius, USDA Rural Development
Federal Building, Room 507
200 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43215-2418
(614) 255-2424

Oklahoma

Jody Harris, USDA Rural Development
100 USDA, Suite 108
Stillwater, OK 74074-2654
(405) 742-1036

Oregon

Don Hollis, USDA Rural Development
1229 SE Third Street, Suite A
Pendleton, OR 97801-4198
(541) 278-8049, Ext. 129

Pennsylvania

J. Gregory Greco, USDA Rural Development
One Credit Union Place, Suite 330
Harrisburg, PA 17110-2996
(717) 237-2289

Puerto Rico

Luis Garcia, USDA Rural Development
IBM Building
654 Munoz Rivera Avenue, Suite 601
Hato Rey, PR 00918-6106
(787) 766-5091, ext. 251

South Carolina

R. Gregg White, USDA Rural Development
Strom Thurmond Federal Building
1835 Assembly Street, Room 1007
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 765-5881

South Dakota

Gary Korzan, USDA Rural Development
Federal Building, Room 210
200 4th Street, SW.
Huron, SD 57350
(605) 352-1142

Tennessee

Will Dodson, USDA Rural Development
3322 West End Avenue, Suite 300
Nashville, TN 37203-1084
(615) 783-1350

Texas

Pat Liles, USDA Rural Development
Federal Building, Suite 102
101 South Main Street
Temple, TX 76501
(254) 742-9780

Utah

Richard Carrig, USDA Rural Development
Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building
125 South State Street, Room 4311
Salt Lake City, UT 84138
(801) 524-4328

Vermont/New Hampshire

Lyn Millhiser, USDA Rural Development
City Center, 3rd Floor
89 Main Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
(802) 828-6069

Virginia

Laurette Tucker, USDA Rural Development
Culpeper Building, Suite 238
1606 Santa Rosa Road
Richmond, VA 23229
(804) 287-1594

Washington

Chris Cassidy, USDA Rural Development
1835 Black Lake Blvd. SW
Suite B
Olympia, WA 98512
(360) 704-7707

West Virginia

Cheryl Wolfe, USDA Rural Development
75 High Street, Room 320
Morgantown, WV 26505-7500
(304) 284-4882

Wisconsin

Mark Brodziski, USDA Rural Development
4949 Kirschling Court
Stevens Point, WI 54481
(715) 345-7615, Ext. 131

Wyoming

Milton Geiger, USDA Rural Development
1949 Sugarland Dr. Suite 118
Sheridan, WY 82801-5749
(307) 672-5820 ext. 4

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Programs Affected

    This program is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance under Number 10.755. This program is subject to the 
provisions of the Executive Order 12372, which requires 
intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The paperwork burden has been cleared by the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB) under OMB Control Number 0570-0044.

Background

    This solicitation is issued pursuant to enactment of the Farm 
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (2002 Act), which established 
the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program 
under Title IX, Section 9006. The 2002 Act requires the Secretary of 
Agriculture to create a program to make direct loans, loan guarantees, 
and grants to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to 
purchase renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency 
improvements. The program is designed to help agricultural producers 
and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption and help 
meet the nation's critical energy needs. The 2002 Act also mandates the 
maximum percentage Rural Development will provide in funding for these 
types of projects. The Rural Development grant will not exceed 25 
percent of the eligible project cost and will be made only to those who 
demonstrate financial need. Due to the time constraints for 
implementing this program, Rural Development is issuing only the grant 
program for FY 2005 at this time.

Definitions Aapplicable to This NOFA

    Agency. Rural Development or successor Agency assigned by the 
Secretary of Agriculture to administer the program.
    Agricultural producer. An individual or entity directly engaged in 
the production of agricultural products, including crops (including 
farming); livestock (including ranching); forestry products; 
hydroponics; nursery stock; or aquaculture, whereby 50 percent or 
greater of their gross income is derived from the operations.
    Annual receipts. The total income or gross income (sole 
proprietorship) plus cost of goods sold.
    Biogas. Biomass converted to gaseous fuels.
    Biomass. Any organic material that is available on a renewable or 
recurring basis including agricultural crops; trees grown for energy 
production; wood waste and wood residues; plants, including aquatic 
plants and grasses; fibers; animal waste and other waste materials; and 
fats, oils, and greases, including recycled fats, oils, and greases. It 
does not include paper that is commonly recycled or unsegregated solid 
waste.

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    Capacity. The load that a power generation unit or other electrical 
apparatus or heating unit is rated by the manufacturer to be able to 
meet or supply.
    Commercially available. Systems that have a proven operating 
history and an established design, installation, equipment, and service 
industry.
    Demonstrated financial need. The demonstration by an applicant that 
the applicant is unable to finance the project from its own resources 
or other funding sources without grant assistance.
    Eligible project cost. The total project cost that is eligible to 
be paid with grant funds.
    Energy audit. A written report by an independent, qualified entity 
or individual that documents current energy usage, recommended 
improvements and costs, energy savings from these improvements, dollars 
saved per year, and the weighted-average payback period in years.
    Energy efficiency improvement. Improvements to a facility or 
process that reduce energy consumption.
    Financial feasibility. The ability of the business to achieve the 
projected income and cashflow. The concept includes assessments of the 
cost-accounting system, the availability of short-term credit for 
seasonal business, and the adequacy of raw materials and supplies, 
where necessary.
    Grant close-out. When all required work is completed, 
administrative actions relating to the completion of work and 
expenditures of funds have been accomplished, and the Agency accepts 
final expenditure information.
    In-kind contributions. Applicant or third-party real or personal 
property or services benefiting the federally assisted project or 
program that are contributed by the applicant or a third party. The 
identifiable value of goods and services must directly benefit the 
project.
    Interconnection agreement. The terms and conditions governing the 
interconnection and parallel operation of the grantee's or borrower's 
electric generation equipment and the utility's electric power system. 
Other services required by the applicant from the utility are covered 
under separate arrangements.
    Matching funds. The funds needed to pay for the portion of the 
eligible project costs not funded by the Agency through a grant under 
this program.
    Other waste materials. Inorganic or organic materials that are used 
as inputs for energy production or are by-products of the energy 
production process.
    Power purchase arrangement. The terms and conditions governing the 
sale and transportation of electricity produced by the grantee or 
borrower to another party. Other services required by the applicant 
from the utility are covered under separate arrangements.
    Pre-commercial technology. Technology that has emerged through the 
research and development process and has technical and economic 
potential for application in commercial energy markets but is not yet 
commercially available.
    Renewable energy. Energy derived from a wind, solar, biomass, or 
geothermal source; or hydrogen derived from biomass or water using 
wind, solar, biomass or geothermal energy sources.
    Renewable energy system. A process that produces energy from a 
renewable energy source.
    Rural. Any area other than a city or town that has a population of 
greater than 50,000 inhabitants and the urbanized area contiguous and 
adjacent to such a city or town.
    Small business. An entity is considered a small business in 
accordance with the Small Business Administration (SBA) small business 
size standards by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 
found in title 13 CFR part 121. A private entity including a sole 
proprietorship, partnership, corporation, cooperative (including a 
cooperative qualified under section 501(c)(12) of the Internal Revenue 
Code) and an electric utility including a Tribal or Governmental 
Electric Utility that provides service to rural consumers on a cost-of-
service basis without support from public funds or subsidy from the 
Government authority establishing the district. These entities must 
operate independent of direct Government control. Public or private 
nonprofit is excluded, except as provided above. A very small business 
is a business with fewer than 15 employees and less than $1 million in 
annual receipts.
    State. Any of the 50 States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the 
Virgin Islands of the United States, Guam, American Samoa, the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of Palau, 
the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall 
Islands.
    Total project cost. The sum of all costs associated with a 
completed, operational project.

Grant Amounts

    The amount of funds available for this program in FY 2005 is 
approximately $22.8 million. Of the $22.8 million, $11.4 million will 
be set aside through August 31, 2005, for a guaranteed loan program. 
These funds will be administered under a final rule implementing the 
Section 9006 program, which is expected to be promulgated in FY 2005. 
Any guaranteed loan funds not obligated by August 31, 2005, will be 
made available for competitive grants under this notice.
    Rural Development grant funds may be used to pay up to 25 percent 
of the eligible project cost. Applications for renewable energy systems 
must be for a minimum grant request of $2,500 but no more than 
$500,000. Applications for energy efficiency improvements must be for a 
minimum grant request of $2,500 but no more than $250,000. The actual 
number of grants funded will depend on the quality of proposals 
received and the amount of funding requested. These limits are 
consistent with energy efficiency improvement projects and alternative 
energy systems, which the Department has determined are appropriate for 
agricultural producers and rural small businesses. Grant limitations 
were based on historical data supplied from Department of Energy, 
Environmental Protection Agency, and Rural Utilities Service on 
renewable energy systems and from an energy efficiency state program 
for energy efficiency improvements.

Applicant Eligibility

    To receive a grant under this notice, an applicant must meet each 
of the criteria, as applicable, as set forth in paragraphs (a) through 
(f).
    (a) The applicant or borrower must be an agricultural producer or 
rural small business.
    (b) Individuals must be citizens of the United States (U.S.) or 
reside in the U.S. after being legally admitted for permanent 
residence.
    (c) Entities must be at least 51 percent owned, directly or 
indirectly, by individuals who are either citizens of the U.S. or 
reside in the U.S. after being legally admitted for permanent 
residence.
    (d) If the applicant or borrower, or an owner has an outstanding 
judgment obtained by the U.S. in a Federal Court (other than in the 
United States Tax Court), is delinquent in the payment of Federal 
income taxes, or is delinquent on a Federal debt, the applicant or 
borrower is not eligible to receive a grant until the judgment is paid 
in full or otherwise satisfied, or the delinquency is resolved.
    (e) In the case of an applicant or borrower that is applying as a 
rural small business, the business headquarters must be in a rural area 
and the project to be funded also must be in a rural area.

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    (f) The applicant must have demonstrated financial need.
    Adverse actions made on applications are appealable pursuant to 7 
CFR part 11.

Project Eligibility

    For a project to be eligible to receive a grant under this notice, 
the proposed project must meet each of the criteria, as applicable, in 
paragraphs (a) through (f).
    (a) The project must be for the purchase of a renewable energy 
system or to make energy efficiency improvements.
    (b) The project must be for a pre-commercial or commercially 
available and replicable technology, not for research and development.
    (c) The project must be technically feasible.
    (d) The project must be located in a rural area.
    (e) The applicant must be the owner of the system and control the 
operation and maintenance of the proposed project. A qualified third-
party operator may be used to manage the operation and/or for 
maintenance of the proposed project.
    (f) All projects must be based on satisfactory sources of revenues 
in an amount sufficient to provide for the operation and maintenance of 
the system or project.
    (g) The total input from a nonrenewable energy source for necessary 
and incidental requirements of the energy system will be determined by 
the technical reviewers.

Grant Funding

    (a) The amount of grant funds that will be made available to an 
eligible project under this notice will not exceed 25 percent of 
eligible project costs.
    (1) The only eligible project costs are those costs associated with 
the items identified in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through (ix). The items 
must be an integral and necessary part of the total project:
    (i) Post-application purchase and installation of equipment, except 
agricultural tillage equipment and vehicles;
    (ii) Post-application construction or project improvements, except 
residential;
    (iii) Energy audits or assessments;
    (iv) Permit fees;
    (v) Professional service fees, except for application preparation;
    (vi) Feasibility studies;
    (vii) Business plans;
    (viii) Retrofitting; and
    (ix) Construction of a new facility only when the facility is used 
for the same purpose, is approximately the same size, and based on the 
energy audit will provide more energy savings than improving an 
existing facility. Only costs identified in the energy audit for energy 
efficiency projects are allowed.
    (2) The applicant must provide at least 75 percent of eligible 
project costs to complete the project. Applicant in-kind and other 
Federal grant awards cannot be used to meet the 75 percent match 
requirements. However, the Agency will allow third-party, in-kind 
contributions to be used in meeting the matching requirement. Third-
party, in-kind contributions will be limited to 10 percent of the 75 
percent match requirement of the grantee. The Agency will advise if the 
third-party, in-kind contributions are acceptable in accordance with 7 
CFR part 3015.
    (b) The maximum amount of grant assistance to one individual or 
entity for applications for Renewable Energy Systems and Energy 
Efficiency Improvements will not exceed $750,000.
    (c) Applications for renewable energy systems must be for a minimum 
grant request of $2,500 but no more than $500,000.
    (d) Applications for energy efficiency improvements must be for a 
minimum grant request of $2,500 but no more than $250,000.

Application and Documentation

    (a) Application. Separate applications must be submitted for 
Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement projects. For 
each type of project, two complete copies of the application must be 
submitted.
    (1) Table of Contents. The first item in each application will be a 
detailed Table of Contents in the order presented below. Include page 
numbers for each component of the proposal. Begin pagination 
immediately following the Table of Contents.
    (2) Project Summary. A summary of the project proposal, not to 
exceed one page, must include the following: Title of the project, a 
detailed description of the project including its purpose and need, 
goals and tasks to be accomplished, names of the individuals 
responsible for conducting and completing the tasks, and the expected 
timeframes for completing all tasks, including an operational date. The 
applicant must also clearly state whether the application is for the 
purchase of a renewable energy system or to make energy efficiency 
improvements.
    (3) Eligibility. Each applicant must describe how it meets the 
eligibility requirements.
    (4) Agricultural producer/small business information. All 
applications must contain the following information on the agricultural 
producer or small business seeking funds under this program:
    (i) Business/farm/ranch operation. (A) A description of the 
ownership, including a list of individuals and/or entities with 
ownership interest, names of any corporate parents, affiliates, and 
subsidiaries, as well as a description of the relationship, including 
products, between these entities.
    (B) A description of the operation.
    (ii) Management. The resume of key managers focusing on relevant 
business experience. If a third-party operator is used to monitor and 
manage the project, provide a discussion on the benefits and burdens of 
such monitoring and management, as well as the qualifications of the 
third party.
    (iii) Financial information. (A) Explanation of demonstrated 
financial need.
    (B) For rural small businesses, a current balance sheet and income 
statement prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles (GAAP) and dated within 90 days of the application. 
Agricultural producers must present financial information in the format 
that is generally required by commercial agriculture lenders. Financial 
information is required on the total operations of the agricultural 
producer/small business and its parent, subsidiary, or affiliates at 
other locations.
    (C) Rural small businesses must provide sufficient information to 
determine total annual receipts of the business and any parent, 
subsidiary, or affiliates at other locations. Voluntarily providing tax 
returns is one means of satisfying this requirement. Information 
provided must be sufficient for the Agency to make a determination of 
total income and cost of goods sold by the business.
    (D) If available, historical financial statements prepared in 
accordance with GAAP for the past 3 years, including income statements 
and balance sheets. If agricultural producers are unable to present 
this information in accordance with GAAP, they may instead present 
financial information for the past 3 years in the format that is 
generally required by commercial agriculture lenders.
    (E) Pro forma balance sheet at startup of the agricultural 
producer's/small business' business that reflects the use of the loan 
proceeds or grant award; and 3 additional years, indicating the 
necessary startup capital, operating capital, and short-term credit; 
and projected cashflow and income

[[Page 15700]]

statements for 3 years supported by a list of assumptions showing the 
basis for the projections.
    (F) For agricultural producers, identify the gross market value of 
your agricultural products for the calendar year preceding the year in 
which you submit your application.
    (iv) Production information for renewable energy system projects. 
(A) Provide a statement as to whether the technology to be employed by 
the facility is commercially or pre-commercially available and 
replicable. Provide information to support this position.
    (B) Describe the availability of materials, labor, and equipment 
for the facility.
    (v) Business market information for renewable energy system 
projects.
    (A) Demand. Identify the demand (past, present, and future) for the 
product and/or service and who will buy the product and/or service.
    (B) Supply. Identify the supply (past, present, and future) of the 
product and/or service and your competitors.
    (C) Market niche. Given the trends in demand and supply, describe 
how the business will be able to sell enough of its product/service to 
be profitable.
    (vi) A Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number.
    (b) Forms, certifications, and agreements. Each application 
submitted must contain, as applicable, the items identified in 
paragraphs (b)(1) through (15) of this section.
    (1) Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.''
    (2) Form SF-424C, ``Budget Information--Construction Programs.'' 
Each cost classification category listed on the form must be filled out 
if it applies to your project. Any cost category item not listed on the 
form that applies to your project can be put under the miscellaneous 
category. Attach a separate sheet if you are using the miscellaneous 
category and list each miscellaneous cost by not allowable and 
allowable costs in the same format as on Form SF-424C. All project 
costs must be categorized as either allowable or not allowable.
    (3) Form SF-424D, ``Assurances--Construction Programs.''
    (4) AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace 
Requirements.''
    (5) AD-1048, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, 
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tiered Covered 
Transactions.''
    (6) A copy of a bank statement or a copy of the confirmed funding 
commitment from the funding source. Matching funds must be included on 
Forms SF-424 and SF-424C.
    (7) Exhibit A-1, (Certification for Contracts, Grants and Loans) of 
RD Instruction 1940-Q required by Section 319 of Public Law 101-121 if 
the grant exceeds $100,000 or Exhibit A-2, (Statement of Loan 
Guarantees) of RD Instruction 1940-Q required by Section 319 of Public 
Law 101-121 if the guaranteed loan exceeds $150,000.
    (8) If the applicant has made or agreed to make payment using funds 
other than Federal appropriated funds to influence or attempt to 
influence a decision in connection with the application, Form SF-LLL, 
``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,'' must be completed.
    (9) AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and 
Other Responsibility Matters--Primary Covered Transactions.''
    (10) Form RD 400-1, ``Equal Opportunity Agreement.''
    (11) Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement.''
    (12) If the project involves interconnection to an electric 
utility, a copy of a letter of intent to purchase power, a power 
purchase agreement, a copy of a letter of intent for an interconnection 
agreement, or an interconnection agreement will be required from your 
utility company or other purchaser for renewable energy systems.
    (13) If applicable, intergovernmental consultation comments in 
accordance with Executive Order 12372.
    (14) Applicants and borrowers must provide a certification 
indicating whether or not there is a known relationship or association 
with an Agency employee.
    (15) Environmental review. All applicants must complete Form RD 
1940-20, ``Request for Environmental Information.'' All applicants will 
be responsible for providing all information necessary for the Agency 
to do a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review and analysis in 
accordance with 7 CFR part 1940, subpart G. Any additional 
environmental information required will be conveyed to the applicant 
after a preliminary review of the grant application by the State Rural 
Development Office. Any applicable analyses and studies required as 
part of completing the NEPA analysis (i.e., Historical and Cultural 
Resource, Biological Assessments, etc.) will be the responsibility of 
the applicant. The applicant should strive to achieve positive 
community support, select good sites, and mitigate environmental 
impacts resulting from his/her proposal. If an environmental review 
cannot be completed in sufficient time for grant funds to be obligated 
by September 30, 2005, grant funds will not be awarded.
    (c) Feasibility study for renewable energy systems. Each 
application for a renewable energy system project, except for requests 
of $50,000 or less, must include a project-specific feasibility study 
prepared by a qualified independent consultant. The feasibility study 
must include an analysis of the market, financial, economic, technical, 
and management feasibility of the proposed project. The feasibility 
study must also include an opinion and a recommendation by the 
independent consultant.
    (d) Technical requirements reports. The technical report must 
demonstrate that the project design, procurement, installation, 
startup, operation and maintenance of the Renewable Energy System or 
Energy Efficiency Improvement will operate or perform as specified over 
its design life in a reliable and a cost effective manner. The 
technical report must also identify all necessary project agreements, 
demonstrate that those agreements will be in place, and that necessary 
project equipment and services are available over the design life.
    All technical information provided must follow the format specified 
in paragraphs (d)(1) through (10). The technical reports will provide 
the basis for the technical merit score and project eligibility 
determination as required by this notice. Supporting information may be 
submitted in other formats. Preliminary design drawings and process 
flow charts should be included as exhibits. A discussion of each topic 
identified in paragraphs (d)(1) through (10) is not necessary if the 
topic is not applicable to the specific project. Questions identified 
in the Agency's technical review of the project must be answered to the 
Agency's satisfaction before the application will be approved. The 
applicant must submit the original technical requirements report, plus 
one copy to the State Rural Development Office. Projects requesting 
more than $50,000 require the services of a professional engineer (PE). 
Depending on the level of engineering required for the specific project 
or if necessary to ensure public safety, the services of a PE may be 
required for smaller projects.
    Below are the requirements for the technical reports for specific 
technologies. It is only necessary to read the one that fits your 
proposed project. The 10 technology areas are:
     Biomass, bio-energy;
     Biomass, anaerobic digesters;
     Geothermal, electric generation;
     Geothermal, direct use;
     Hydrogen;

[[Page 15701]]

     Solar, small;
     Solar, large;
     Wind, small;
     Wind, large; and
     Energy efficiency improvements.
    (1) Biomass, bioenergy. The technical requirements specified in 
paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (x) apply to renewable energy projects 
that produce fuel, thermal energy, or electric power from a biomass 
source, including wood, agricultural residue excluding animal wastes, 
or other energy crops considered biomass or bioenergy projects. The 
major components of bioenergy systems will vary significantly depending 
on the type of feedstock, product, type of process, and size of the 
process, but in general includes components around which the balance of 
the system is designed.
    (i) Qualifications of project team. The biomass project team will 
vary according to the complexity and scale of the project. For 
engineered systems, the project team should consist of a system 
designer, a project manager, an equipment supplier, a project engineer, 
a construction contractor or system installer, and a system operator 
and maintainer. One individual or entity may serve more than one role.
    The project team must have demonstrated expertise in similar 
biomass systems development, engineering, installation, and 
maintenance. The applicant must provide authoritative evidence that 
project team service providers have the necessary professional 
credentials or relevant experience to perform the required services. 
The applicant must also provide authoritative evidence that vendors of 
proprietary components can provide necessary equipment and spare parts 
for the system to operate over its design life. The application must:
    (A) Discuss the proposed project delivery method. Such methods 
include a design, bid, build where a separate engineering firm may 
design the project and prepare a request for bids and the successful 
bidder constructs the project at the applicant's risk, and a design 
build method, often referred to as turn key, where the applicant 
establishes the specifications for the project and secures the services 
of a developer who will design and build the project at the developer's 
risk;
    (B) Discuss the biomass system equipment manufacturers of major 
components being considered in terms of the length of time in business 
and the number of units installed at the capacity and scale being 
considered;
    (C) Discuss the project manager, equipment supplier, system 
designer, project engineer, and construction contractor qualifications 
for engineering, designing, and installing biomass energy systems 
including any relevant certifications by recognized organizations or 
bodies. Provide a list of the same or similar projects designed, 
installed, or supplied and currently operating and with references if 
available; and
    (D) Describe the system operator's qualifications and experience 
for servicing, operating, and maintaining biomass renewable energy 
equipment or projects. Provide a list of the same or similar projects 
designed, installed, or supplied and currently operating and with 
references if available.
    (ii) Agreements and permits. The applicant must identify all 
necessary agreements and permits required for the project and the 
status and schedule for securing those agreements and permits, 
including the items specified in paragraphs (d)(1)(ii)(A) through (G).
    (A) Biomass systems must be installed in accordance with applicable 
local, State, and national codes and regulations. Identify zoning and 
code issues, and required permits and the schedule for meeting those 
requirements and securing those permits.
    (B) Identify licenses where required and the schedule for obtaining 
those licenses.
    (C) Identify land use agreements required for the project and the 
schedule for securing the agreements and the term of those agreements.
    (D) Identify any permits or agreements required for solid, liquid, 
and gaseous emissions or effluents and the schedule for securing those 
permits and agreements.
    (E) Identify available component warranties for the specific 
project location and size.
    (F) Systems interconnected to the electric power system will need 
arrangements to interconnect with the utility. Identify utility system 
interconnection requirements, power purchase arrangements, or licenses 
where required and the schedule for meeting those requirements and 
obtaining those agreements. This is required even if the system is 
installed on the customer side of the utility meter. For systems 
planning to utilize a local net metering program, describe the 
applicable local net metering program.
    (G) Describe all potential environmental impacts resulting from 
siting issues, construction, and operation of the proposed project. 
Identify other site or design alternatives that were considered in your 
planning process. Identify all environmental compliance issues such as 
required permits (i.e. wetland fill, endangered species, air quality, 
NPDES, etc.)
    (iii) Resource assessment. The applicant must provide adequate and 
appropriate evidence of the availability of the renewable resource 
required for the system to operate as designed. Indicate the type, 
quantity, quality, and seasonality of the biomass resource including 
harvest and storage, where applicable. Where applicable, also indicate 
shipping or receiving method and required infrastructure for shipping. 
For proposed projects with an established resource, provide a summary 
of the resource.
    (iv) Design and engineering. The applicant must provide 
authoritative evidence that the system will be designed and engineered 
so as to meet its intended purpose and need, ensure public safety, 
mitigate any adverse environmental impacts, and comply with applicable 
laws, regulations, agreements, permits, codes, and standards. Projects 
shall be engineered by a qualified entity. Systems must be engineered 
as a complete, integrated system with matched components. The 
engineering must be comprehensive including site selection, system and 
component selection, and system monitoring equipment. Systems must be 
constructed by a qualified entity.
    (A) The application must include a concise but complete description 
of the biomass project including location of the project, resource 
characteristics, system specifications, electric power system 
interconnection, and monitoring equipment. Identify possible vendors 
and models of major system components. Describe the expected electric 
power, fuel production, or thermal energy production of the proposed 
system as rated and as expected in actual field conditions. For systems 
with a capacity more than 20 tons per day of biomass, address 
performance on a monthly and annual basis. For small projects such as a 
commercial biomass furnace or pelletizer of up to 5 tons daily 
capacity, proven, commercially available devices need not be addressed 
in detail. Describe the uses of or the market for electricity, heat, or 
fuel produced by the system. Discuss the impact of reduced or 
interrupted biomass availability on the system process.
    (B) The application must include a description of the siting 
criteria used in selecting the project site and the reason for 
elimination of other site alternatives considered and address issues 
such as site access, foundations, backup equipment when applicable, and 
environmental issues with emphasis on land use, air quality, water 
quality,

[[Page 15702]]

noise pollution, soil degradation, wildlife, habitat fragmentation, 
aesthetics, odor, and other construction and installation issues 
applicable to this type of technology. Identify any unique construction 
and installation issues.
    (C) Sites must be controlled by the agricultural producer or small 
business for the proposed project life or for the financing term of any 
associated Federal loans or loan guarantees.
    (v) Project development schedule. The applicant must identify each 
significant task, its beginning and end, and its relationship to the 
time needed to initiate and carry the project through startup and 
shakedown. Provide a detailed description of the project timeline 
including resource assessment, system and site design, permits and 
agreements, equipment procurement, and system installation from 
excavation through startup and shakedown.
    (vi) Financial feasibility. The applicant must provide a study that 
describes costs and revenues of the proposed project to demonstrate the 
financial performance of the project. Provide a detailed analysis and 
description of project costs including project management, resource 
assessment, project design, project permitting, land agreements, 
equipment, site preparation, system installation, startup and 
shakedown, warranties, insurance, financing, professional services, and 
operations and maintenance costs. Provide a detailed analysis and 
description of annual project revenues and expenses. Provide a detailed 
description of applicable investment, productivity, tax, loan, and 
grant incentives.
    (vii) Equipment procurement. The applicant must demonstrate that 
equipment required by the system is available and can be procured and 
delivered within the proposed project development schedule. Biomass 
systems may be constructed of components manufactured in more than one 
location. Provide a description of any unique equipment procurement 
issues such as scheduling and timing of component manufacture and 
delivery, ordering, warranties, shipping, receiving, and on-site 
storage or inventory. Procurement must be made in accordance with the 
requirements of 7 CFR part 3015.
    (viii) Equipment installation. The applicant must fully describe 
the management of and plan for site development and system 
installation, provide details regarding the scheduling of major 
installation equipment needed for project construction, and provide a 
description of the startup and shakedown specification and process and 
the conditions required for startup and shakedown for each equipment 
item individually and for the system as a whole.
    (ix) Operations and maintenance. The applicant must identify the 
operations and maintenance requirements of the system necessary for the 
system to operate as designed over the design life. The applicant must:
    (A) Provide information regarding available system and component 
warranties and availability of spare parts;
    (B) Have a biomass input capacity exceeding 10 tons of biomass per 
day for systems.
    (1) Describe the routine operations and maintenance requirements of 
the proposed system, including maintenance schedule for the mechanical, 
piping, and electrical systems and system monitoring and control 
requirements. Provide information that supports expected design life of 
the system and timing of major component replacement or rebuilds; and
    (2) Discuss the costs and labor associated with operations and 
maintenance of system and plans for in or outsourcing. Describe 
opportunities for technology transfer for long term project operations 
and maintenance by a local entity or owner/operator; and
    (C) Provide and discuss the risk management plan for handling 
large, unanticipated failures or major components. Include in the 
discussion, costs and labor associated with operations and maintenance 
of system and plans for insourcing or outsourcing.
    (x) Decommissioning. When uninstalling or removing the project, 
describe the decommissioning process. Describe any issues, 
environmental compliance requirements, and costs for removal and 
disposal of the system.
    (2) Biomass, Anaerobic digester. The technical requirements 
specified in paragraphs (d)(2)(i) through (x) apply to renewable energy 
projects, called anaerobic digester projects, that use animal waste and 
other organic substrates to produce thermal or electrical energy via 
anaerobic digestion. The major components of an anaerobic digester 
system include the digester, the gas handling and transmission systems, 
and the gas use system.
    (i) Qualifications of project team. The anaerobic digester project 
team should consist of a system designer, a project manager, an 
equipment supplier, a project engineer, a construction contractor, and 
a system operator or maintainer. One individual or entity may serve 
more than one role.
    The project team must have demonstrated commercial-scale expertise 
in anaerobic digester systems development, engineering, installation, 
and maintenance as related to the organic materials and operating mode 
of the system. The applicant must provide authoritative evidence that 
project team service providers have the necessary professional 
credentials or relevant experience to perform the required services. 
The applicant must also provide authoritative evidence that vendors of 
proprietary components can provide necessary equipment and spare parts 
for the system to operate over its design life. The applicant must:
    (A) Discuss the proposed project delivery method. Such methods 
include a design, bid, build where a separate engineering firm may 
design the project and prepare a request for bids and the successful 
bidder constructs the project at the applicant's risk, and a design 
build method, often referred to as turn key, where the applicant 
establishes the specifications for the project and secures the services 
of a developer who will design and build the project at the developer's 
risk;
    (B) Discuss the anaerobic digester system equipment manufacturers 
of major components being considered in terms of the length of time in 
business and the number of units installed at the capacity and scale 
being considered;
    (C) Discuss the project manager, equipment supplier, system 
designer, project engineer, and construction contractor qualifications 
for engineering, designing, and installing anaerobic digester systems 
including any relevant certifications by recognized organizations or 
bodies. Provide a list of the same or similar projects designed, 
installed, or supplied and currently operating consistent with the 
substrate material and with references if available; and
    (D) For regional or centralized digester plants, describe the 
system operator's qualifications and experience for servicing, 
operating, and maintaining similar projects. Farm scale systems may not 
require operator experience as the developer is typically required to 
provide operational training during system startup and shakedown. 
Provide a list of the same or similar projects designed, installed, or 
supplied and currently operating consistent with the substrate material 
and with references if available.
    (ii) Agreements and permits. The applicant must identify all 
necessary agreements and permits required for the project and the 
status and schedule for securing those agreements and permits,

[[Page 15703]]

including the items specified in paragraphs (d)(2)(ii)(A) through (G).
    (A) Anaerobic digester systems must be installed in accordance with 
applicable local, State, and national codes and regulations. Anaerobic 
digesters must also be designed and constructed in accordance with USDA 
anaerobic digester standards. Identify zoning and code issues, and 
required permits and the schedule for meeting those requirements and 
securing those permits.
    (B) Identify licenses where required and the schedule for obtaining 
those licenses.
    (C) For regional or centralized digester plants, identify feedstock 
access agreements required for the project and the schedule for 
securing those agreements and the term of those agreements.
    (D) Identify any permits or agreements required for transport and 
ultimate waste disposal and the schedule for securing those agreements 
and permits.
    (E) Identify available component warranties for the specific 
project location and size.
    (F) Systems interconnected to the electric power system will need 
arrangements to interconnect with the utility. Identify utility system 
interconnection requirements, power purchase arrangements, or licenses 
where required and the schedule for meeting those requirements and 
obtaining those agreements. This is required even if the system is 
installed on the customer side of the utility meter. For systems 
planning to utilize a local net metering program, describe the 
applicable local net metering program.
    (G) Describe all potential environmental impacts resulting from 
siting issues, construction and operation of the proposed project. 
Identify other site or design alternatives that were considered in your 
planning process. Identify all environmental compliance issues such as 
required permits (i.e., wetland fill, endangered species, air quality, 
NPDES, etc.)
    (iii) Resource assessment. The applicant must provide adequate and 
appropriate evidence of the availability of the renewable resource 
required for the system to operate as designed. Indicate the substrates 
used as digester inputs including animal wastes, food processing 
wastes, or other organic wastes in terms of type, quantity, 
seasonality, and frequency of collection. Describe any special handling 
of feedstock that may be necessary. Describe the process for 
determining the feedstock resource. Provide either tabular values or 
laboratory analysis of representative samples that include 
biodegradability studies to produce gas production estimates for the 
project on daily, monthly, and seasonal bases.
    (iv) Design and engineering. The applicant must provide 
authoritative evidence that the system will be designed and engineered 
so as to meet its intended purpose and need, will ensure public safety, 
mitigate any adverse environmental impacts, and will comply with 
applicable laws, regulations, agreements, permits, codes, and 
standards. Projects shall be engineered by a qualified entity. Systems 
must be engineered as a complete, integrated system with matched 
components. The engineering must be comprehensive including site 
selection, digester component selection, gas handling component 
selection, and gas use component selection. Systems must be constructed 
by a qualified entity.
    (A) The application must include a concise but complete description 
of the anaerobic digester project including location of the project, 
farm description, feedstock characteristics, a step-by-step flowchart 
of unit operations, electric power system interconnection equipment, 
and any required monitoring equipment. Identify possible vendors and 
models of major system components. Provide the expected system energy 
production, heat balances, material balances as part of the unit 
operations flowchart.
    (B) The application must include a description of the siting 
criteria used in selecting the project site and the reason for 
elimination of other site alternatives considered and address issues 
such as site access, foundations, backup equipment when applicable, and 
environmental issues with emphasis on land use, air quality, water 
quality, noise pollution, soil degradation, wildlife, habitat 
fragmentation, aesthetics, odor, and other construction and 
installation issues applicable to this type of technology. Identify any 
unique construction and installation issues.
    (C) Sites must be controlled by the agricultural producer or small 
business for the proposed project life or for the financing term of any 
associated Federal loans or loan guarantees.
    (v) Project development schedule. The applicant must identify each 
significant task, its beginning and end, and its relationship to the 
time needed to initiate and carry the project through startup and 
shakedown. Provide a detailed description of the project timeline 
including feedstock assessment, system and site design, permits and 
agreements, equipment procurement, system installation from excavation 
through startup and shakedown, and operator training.
    (vi) Financial feasibility. The applicant must provide a study that 
describes costs and revenues of the proposed project to demonstrate the 
financial performance of the project. Provide a detailed analysis and 
description of project costs including project management, feedstock 
assessment, project design, project permitting, land agreements, 
equipment, site preparation, system installation, startup and 
shakedown, warranties, insurance, financing, professional services, 
training and operations, and maintenance costs of both the digester and 
the gas use systems. Provide a detailed analysis and description of 
annual project revenues and expenses. Provide a detailed description of 
applicable investment, productivity, tax, loan, and grant incentives.
    (vii) Equipment procurement. The applicant must demonstrate that 
equipment required by the system is available and can be procured and 
delivered within the proposed project development schedule. Anaerobic 
digester systems may be constructed of components manufactured in more 
than one location. Provide a description of any unique equipment 
procurement issues such as scheduling and timing of component 
manufacture and delivery, ordering, warranties, shipping, receiving, 
and on-site storage or inventory. Procurement must be made in 
accordance with the requirements of 7 CFR part 3015.
    (viii) Equipment installation. The applicant must fully describe 
the management of and plan for site development and system 
installation, provide details regarding the scheduling of major 
installation equipment needed for project construction, and provide a 
description of the startup and shakedown specification and process and 
the conditions required for startup and shakedown for each equipment 
item individually and for the system as a whole.
    (ix) Operations and maintenance. The applicant must identify the 
operations and maintenance requirements of the system necessary for the 
system to operate as designed over the design life. The applicant must:
    (A) Ensure that systems must have at least a 3-year warranty for 
equipment and a 10-year warranty on design. Provide information 
regarding system warranties and availability of spare parts;
    (B) Describe the routine operations and maintenance requirements of 
the proposed project, including maintenance for the digester, the gas

[[Page 15704]]

handling equipment, and the gas use systems. Describe any maintenance 
requirements for system monitoring and control equipment;
    (C) Provide information that supports expected design life of the 
system and the timing of major component replacement or rebuilds;
    (D) Provide and discuss the risk management plan for handling 
large, unanticipated failures of major components. Include in the 
discussion, costs and labor associated with operations and maintenance 
of system and plans for insourcing or outsourcing; and
    (E) Describe opportunities for technology transfer for long-term 
project operations and maintenance by a local entity or owner/operator.
    (x) Decommissioning. When uninstalling or removing the project, 
describe the decommissioning process. Describe any issues, 
environmental compliance requirements, and costs for removal and 
disposal of the system.
    (3) Geothermal, electric generation. The technical requirements 
specified in paragraphs (d)(3)(i) through (x) apply to geothermal 
projects that produce electric power from the thermal potential of a 
geothermal source. The major components of an electric generating 
geothermal system include the production well, the separator or heat 
exchanger, the turbine, the generator, condenser, and the balance of 
station elements including the field piping, roads, fencing and 
grading, plant buildings, transformers and other electrical 
infrastructure such as interconnection equipment.
    (i) Qualifications of project team. The electric generating 
geothermal plant project team should consist of a system designer, a 
project manager, an equipment supplier, a project engineer, a 
construction contractor, and a system operator and maintainer. One 
individual or entity may serve more than one role.
    The project team must have demonstrated expertise in geothermal 
electric generation systems development, engineering, installation, and 
maintenance. The applicant must provide authoritative evidence that 
project team service providers have the necessary professional 
credentials or relevant experience to perform the required services. 
The applicant must also provide authoritative evidence that vendors of 
proprietary components can provide necessary equipment and spare parts 
for the system to operate over its design life. The applicant must:
    (A) Discuss the proposed project delivery method. Such methods 
include a design, bid, build where a separate engineering firm may 
design the project and prepare a request for bids and the successful 
bidder constructs the project at the applicant's risk, and a design 
build method, often referred to as turn key, where the applicant 
establishes the specifications for the project and secures the services 
of a developer who will design and build the project at the developer's 
risk;
    (B) Discuss the geothermal plant equipment manufacturers of major 
components being considered in terms of the length of time in business 
and the number of units installed at the capacity and scale being 
considered;
    (C) Discuss the project manager, equipment supplier, system 
designer, project engineer, and construction contractor qualifications 
for engineering, designing, and installing geothermal electric 
generation systems including any relevant certifications by recognized 
organizations or bodies. Provide a list of the same or similar projects 
designed, installed, or supplied and currently operating and with 
references if available; and
    (D) Describe system operator's qualifications and experience for 
servicing, operating, and maintaining electric generating geothermal 
projects. Provide a list of the same or similar projects designed, 
installed, or supplied and currently operating and with references if 
available.
    (ii) Agreements and permits. The applicant must identify all 
necessary agreements and permits required for the project and the 
status and schedule for securing those agreements and permits, 
including the items specified in paragraphs (d)(3)(ii)(A) through (F).
    (A) Electric generating geothermal systems must be installed in 
accordance with applicable local, State, and national codes and 
regulations. Identify zoning and code issues, and required permits and 
the schedule for meeting those requirements and securing those permits.
    (B) Identify any permits or agreements required for well 
construction and for disposal or re-injection of cooled geothermal 
waters and the schedule for securing those agreements and permits.
    (C) Identify land use or access to the resource agreements required 
for the project and the schedule for securing the agreements and the 
term of those agreements.
    (D) Identify available component warranties for the specific 
project location and size.
    (E) Systems interconnected to the electric power system will need 
arrangements to interconnect with the utility. Identify utility system 
interconnection requirements, power purchase arrangements, or licenses 
where required and the schedule for meeting those requirements and 
obtaining those agreements.
    (F) Describe all potential environmental impacts resulting from 
siting issues, construction and operation of the proposed project. 
Identify other site or design alternatives that were considered in your 
planning process. Identify all environmental compliance issues such as 
required permits (i.e., wetland fill, endangered species, Air Quality, 
State Water Quality Certification, etc.)
    (iii) Resource assessment. The applicant must provide adequate and 
appropriate evidence of the availability of the renewable resource 
required for the system to operate as designed. Indicate the quality of 
the geothermal resource including temperature, flow, and sustainability 
and what conversion system is to be installed. Describe any special 
handling of cooled geothermal waters that may be necessary. Describe 
the process for determining the geothermal resource including 
measurement setup for the collection of the geothermal resource data. 
For proposed projects with an established resource, provide a summary 
of the resource and the specifications of the measurement setup.
    (iv) Design and engineering. The applicant must provide 
authoritative evidence that the system will be designed and engineered 
so as to meet its intended purpose and need, will ensure public safety, 
mitigate any adverse environmental impacts, and will comply with 
applicable laws, regulations, agreements, permits, codes, and 
standards. Projects shall be engineered by a qualified entity. Systems 
must be engineered as a complete, integrated system with matched 
components. The engineering must be comprehensive including site 
selection, system and component selection, conversion system component 
and selection, design of the local collection grid, interconnection 
equipment selection, and system monitoring equipment. Systems must be 
constructed by a qualified entity.
    (A) The application must include a concise but complete description 
of the geothermal project including location of the project, resource 
characteristics, thermal system specifications, electric power system 
interconnection equipment and project monitoring equipment. Identify 
possible vendors and models of major system components. Provide the 
expected system energy production on a monthly and annual basis.
    (B) The application must include a description of the siting 
criteria used in

[[Page 15705]]

selecting the project site and the reason for elimination of other site 
alternatives considered and address issues such as site access, 
foundations, backup equipment when applicable, proximity to the 
electrical grid, environmental issues with emphasis on land use, air 
quality, water quality, noise pollution, soil degradation, wildlife, 
habitat fragmentation, aesthetics, odor, and other construction, and 
installation issues applicable to this type of technology. Identify any 
unique construction and installation issues.
    (C) Sites must be controlled by the agricultural producer or small 
business for the proposed project life or for the financing term of any 
associated Federal loans or loan guarantees.
    (v) Project development schedule. The applicant must identify each 
significant task, its beginning and end, and its relationship to the 
time needed to initiate and carry the project through startup and 
shakedown. Provide a detailed description of the project timeline 
including resource assessment, system and site design, permits and 
agreements, equipment procurement, and system installation from 
excavation through startup and shakedown.
    (vi) Financial feasibility. The applicant must provide a study that 
describes costs and revenues of the proposed project to demonstrate the 
financial performance of the project. Provide a detailed analysis and 
description of project costs including project management, resource 
assessment, project design, project permitting, land agreements, 
equipment, site preparation, system installation, startup and 
shakedown, warranties, insurance, financing, professional services, and 
operations and maintenance costs. Provide a detailed analysis and 
description of annual project revenues including electricity sales, 
production tax credits, revenues from green tags, and any other 
production incentive programs throughout the life of the project. 
Provide a detailed description of applicable investment incentives, 
productivity incentives, loans, and grants.
    (vii) Equipment procurement. The applicant must demonstrate that 
equipment required by the system is available and can be procured and 
delivered within the proposed project development schedule. Geothermal 
systems may be constructed of components manufactured in more than one 
location. Provide a description of any unique equipment procurement 
issues such as scheduling and timing of component manufacture and 
delivery, ordering, warranties, shipping, receiving, and on-site 
storage or inventory. Procurement must be made in accordance with the 
requirements of 7 CFR part 3015.
    (viii) Equipment installation. The applicant must fully describe 
the management of and plan for site development and system 
installation, provide details regarding the scheduling of major 
installation equipment needed for project construction, and provide a 
description of the startup and shakedown specification and process and 
the conditions required for startup or shakedown for each equipment 
item individually and for the system as a whole.
    (ix) Operations and maintenance. The applicant must identify the 
operations and maintenance requirements of the system necessary for the 
system to operate as designed over the design life. The applicant must:
    (A) ensure that systems must have at least a 3-year warranty for 
equipment. Provide information regarding turbine warranties and 
availability of spare parts;
    (B) describe the routine operations and maintenance requirements of 
the proposed project, including maintenance for the mechanical and 
electrical systems and system monitoring and control requirements;
    (C) provide information that supports expected design life of the 
system and timing of major component replacement or rebuilds;
    (D) provide and discuss the risk management plan for handling 
large, unanticipated failures of major components such as the turbine. 
Include in the discussion, costs and labor associated with operations 
and maintenance of system and plans for insourcing or outsourcing; and
    (E) Describe opportunities for technology transfer for long term 
project operations and maintenance by a local entity or owner/operator.
    (x) Decommissioning. When uninstalling or removing the project, 
describe the decommissioning process. Describe any issues, any 
environmental compliance requirements, and costs for removal and 
disposal of the system.
    (4) Geothermal, direct use. The technical requirements specified in 
paragraphs (d)(4)(i) through (x) apply to geothermal projects that 
directly use thermal energy from a geothermal source. The major 
components of a direct use geothermal system include the production 
well, the heat exchanger, pumps, and the balance of station elements 
including the field piping, re-injection wells or other disposal 
equipment as required, and final point-of-use heat exchangers and 
control systems.
    (i) Qualifications of project team. The geothermal project team 
should consist of a system designer, a project manager, an equipment 
supplier, a project engineer, a construction contractor, and a system 
operator and maintainer. One individual or entity may serve more than 
one role.
    The project team must have demonstrated expertise in geothermal 
heating systems development, engineering, installation, and 
maintenance. The applicant must provide authoritative evidence that 
project team service providers have the necessary professional 
credentials or relevant experience to perform the required services. 
The applicant must also provide authoritative evidence that vendors of 
proprietary components can provide necessary equipment and spare parts 
for the system to operate over its design life. The applicant must:
    (A) Discuss the proposed project delivery method. Such method 
include a design, bid, build where a separate engineering firm may 
design the project and prepare a request for bids and the successful 
bidder constructs the project at the applicant's risk, and a design 
build method, often referred to as turn key, where the applicant 
establishes the specifications for the project and secures the services 
of a developer who will design and build the project at the developer's 
risk;
    (B) Discuss the geothermal system equipment manufacturers of major 
components being considered in terms of the length of time in business 
and the number of units installed at the capacity and scale being 
considered;
    (C) Discuss the project manager, equipment supplier, system 
designer, project engineer, and construction contractor qualifications 
for engineering, designing, and installing direct use geothermal 
systems including any relevant certifications by recognized 
organizations or bodies. Provide a list of the same or similar projects 
designed, installed, or supplied and currently operating and with 
references if available; and
    (D) Describe system operator's qualifications and experience for 
servicing, operating, and maintaining direct use generating geothermal 
projects. Provide a list of the same or similar projects designed, 
installed, or supplied and currently operating and with references if 
available.
    (ii) Agreements and permits. The applicant must identify all 
necessary agreements and permits required for the project and the 
status and schedule for securing those agreements and permits,

[[Page 15706]]

including the items specified in paragraphs (d)(4)(ii)(A) through (F).
    (A) Direct use geothermal systems must be installed in accordance 
with applicable local, State, and national codes and regulations. 
Identify zoning and code issues, and required permits and the schedule 
for meeting those requirements and securing those permits.
    (B) Identify licenses where required and the schedule for obtaining 
those licenses.
    (C) Identify land use or access to the resource agreements required 
for the project and the schedule for securing the agreements and the 
term of those agreements.
    (D) Identify any permits or agreements required for well 
construction and for disposal or re-injection of cooled geothermal 
waters and the schedule for securing those permits and agreements.
    (E) Identify available component warranties for the specific 
project location and size.
    (F) Describe all potential environmental impacts resulting from 
siting issues, construction, and operation of the proposed project. 
Identify other site or design alternatives that were considered in your 
planning process. Identify all environmental compliance issues such as 
required permits (i.e. wetland fill, endangered species, Air Quality, 
State Water Quality Certification, etc.).
    (iii) Resource assessment. The applicant must provide adequate and 
appropriate evidence of the availability of the renewable resource 
required for the system to operate as designed. Indicate the quality of 
the geothermal resource including temperature, flow, and sustainability 
and what direct use system is to be installed. Describe any special 
handling of cooled geothermal waters that may be necessary. Describe 
the process for determining the geothermal resource including 
measurement setup for the collection of the geothermal resource data. 
For proposed projects with an established resource, provide a summary 
of the resource and the specifications of the measurement setup.
    (iv) Design and engineering. The applicant must provide 
authoritative evidence that the system will be designed and engineered 
so as to meet its intended purpose and need, will ensure public safety, 
mitigate any adverse environmental impacts, and comply with applicable 
laws, regulations, agreements, permits, codes, and standards. Projects 
shall be engineered by a qualified entity. Systems must be engineered 
as a complete, integrated system with matched components. The 
engineering must be comprehensive including site selection, system and 
component selection, thermal system component selection, and system 
monitoring equipment. Systems must be constructed by a qualified 
entity.
    (A) The application must include a concise but complete description 
of the geothermal project including location of the project, resource 
characteristics, thermal system specifications, and monitoring 
equipment. Identify possible vendors and models of major system 
components. Provide the expected system energy production on a monthly 
and annual basis.
    (B) The application must include a description of the siting 
criteria used in selecting the project site and the reason for 
elimination of other site alternatives considered and address issues 
such as, site access, foundations, thermal backup equipment, and 
environmental issues with emphasis on land use, air quality, water 
quality, noise pollution, soil degradation, wildlife, habitat 
fragmentation, aesthetics, odor, and other construction, and 
installation issues applicable to this type of technology. Identify any 
unique construction and installation issues.
    (C) Sites must be controlled by the agricultural producer or small 
business for the proposed project life or for the financing term of any 
associated Federal loans or loan guarantees.
    (v) Project development schedule. The applicant must identify each 
significant task, its beginning and end, and its relationship to the 
time needed to initiate and carry the project through startup and 
shakedown. Provide a detailed description of the project timeline 
including resource assessment, system and site design, permits and 
agreements, equipment procurement, and system installation from 
excavation through startup and shakedown.
    (vi) Financial feasibility. The applicant must provide a study that 
describes costs and revenues of the proposed project to demonstrate the 
financial performance of the project. Provide a detailed analysis and 
description of project costs including project management, resource 
assessment, project design, project permitting, land agreements, 
equipment, site preparation, system installation, startup and 
shakedown, warranties, insurance, financing, professional services, and 
operations and maintenance costs. Provide a detailed analysis and 
description of annual project revenues and expenses. Provide a detailed 
description of applicable investment, productivity, tax, loan, and 
grant incentives.
    (vii) Equipment procurement. The applicant must demonstrate that 
equipment required by the system is available and can be procured and 
delivered within the proposed project development schedule. Geothermal 
systems may be constructed of components manufactured in more than one 
location. Provide a description of any unique equipment procurement 
issues such as scheduling and timing of component manufacture and 
delivery, ordering, warranties, shipping, receiving, and on-site 
storage or inventory. Procurement must be made in accordance with the 
requirements of 7 CFR part 3015.
    (viii) Equipment installation. The applicant must fully describe 
the management of and plan for site development and system 
installation, provide details regarding the scheduling of major 
installation equipment needed for project construction, and provide a 
description of the startup and shakedown specification and process and 
the conditions required for startup and shakedown for each equipment 
item individually and for the system as a whole.
    (ix) Operations and maintenance. The applicant must identify the 
operations and maintenance requirements of the system necessary for the 
system to operate as designed over the design life. The applicant must:
    (A) Ensure that systems must have at least a 3-year warranty for 
equipment. Provide information regarding system warranties and 
availability of spare parts;
    (B) Describe the routine operations and maintenance requirements of 
the proposed project, including maintenance for the mechanical and 
electrical systems and system monitoring and control requirements;
    (C) Provide information that supports expected design life of the 
system and timing of major component replacement or rebuilds;
    (D) Provide and discuss the risk management plan for handling 
large, unanticipated failures of major components. Include in the 
discussion, costs and labor associated with operations and maintenance 
of system and plans for insourcing or outsourcing; and
    (E) Describe opportunities for technology transfer for long-term 
project operations and maintenance by a local entity or owner/operator.
    (x) Decommissioning. When uninstalling or removing the project, 
describe the decommissioning process. Describe any issues, 
environmental compliance requirements, and costs for removal and 
disposal of the system.

[[Page 15707]]

    (5) Hydrogen. The technical requirements specified in paragraphs 
(d)(5)(i) through (x) apply to renewable energy projects that produce 
hydrogen and renewable energy projects that use mechanical or electric 
power or thermal energy from a renewable resource using hydrogen as an 
energy transport medium. The major components of hydrogen systems 
include reformers, electrolyzers, hydrogen compression and storage 
components, and fuel cells.
    (i) Qualifications of project team. The hydrogen project team will 
vary according to the complexity and scale of the project. For 
engineered systems, the project team should consist of a system 
designer, a project manager, an equipment supplier, a project engineer, 
a construction contractor or system installer, and a system operator 
and maintainer. One individual or entity may serve more than one role.
    The project team must have demonstrated expertise in similar 
hydrogen systems development, engineering, installation, and 
maintenance. The applicant must provide authoritative evidence that 
project team service providers have the necessary professional 
credentials or relevant experience to perform the required services. 
The applicant must also provide authoritative evidence that vendors of 
proprietary components can provide necessary equipment and spare parts 
for the system to operate over its design life. The applicant must:
    (A) Discuss the proposed project delivery method. Such methods 
include a design, bid, build where a separate engineering firm may 
design the project and prepare a request for bids and the successful 
bidder constructs the project at the applicant's risk, and a design 
build method, often referred to as turn key, where the applicant 
establishes the specifications for the project and secures the services 
of a developer who will design and build the project at the developer's 
risk;
    (B) Discuss the hydrogen system equipment manufacturers of major 
components for the hydrogen system being considered in terms of the 
length of time in the business and the number of units installed at the 
capacity and scale being considered;
    (C) Discuss the project manager, equipment supplier, system 
designer, project engineer, and construction contractor qualifications 
for engineering, designing, and installing hydrogen systems including 
any relevant certifications by recognized organizations or bodies. 
Provide a list of the same or similar projects designed, installed, or 
supplied and currently operating and with references if available; and
    (D) Describe the system operator's qualifications and experience 
for servicing, operating, and maintaining hydrogen system equipment or 
projects. Provide a list of the same or similar projects designed, 
installed, or supplied and currently operating and with references if 
available.
    (ii) Agreements and permits. The applicant must identify all 
necessary agreements and permits required for the project and the 
status and schedule for securing those agreements and permits, 
including the items specified in paragraphs (d)(5)(ii)(A) through (G).
    (A) Hydrogen systems must be installed in accordance with 
applicable local, State, and national codes and regulations. Identify 
zoning and building code issues, and required permits and the schedule 
for meeting those requirements and securing those permits.
    (B) Identify licenses where required and the schedule for obtaining 
those licenses.
    (C) Identify land use agreements required for the project and the 
schedule for securing the agreements and the term of those agreements.
    (D) Identify any permits or agreements required for solid, liquid, 
and gaseous emissions or effluents and the schedule for securing those 
permits and agreements.
    (E) Identify available component warranties for the specific 
project location and size.
    (F) Systems interconnected to the electric power system will need 
arrangements to interconnect with the utility. Identify utility system 
interconnection requirements, power purchase arrangements, or licenses 
where required and the schedule for meeting those requirements and 
obtaining those agreements. This is required even if the system is 
installed on the customer side of the utility meter. For systems 
planning to utilize a local net metering program, provide a description 
of the applicable local net metering program.
    (G) Describe all potential environmental impacts resulting from 
siting issues, construction and operation of the proposed project. 
Identify other site or design alternatives that were considered in your 
planning process. Identify all environmental compliance issues such as 
required permits (Air Quality, etc.)
    (iii) Resource assessment. The applicant must provide adequate and 
appropriate evidence of the availability of the renewable resource 
required for the system to operate as designed. Indicate the type, 
quantity, quality, and seasonality of the biomass resource. For solar, 
wind, or geothermal sources of energy used to generate hydrogen, 
indicate the local renewable resource where the hydrogen system is to 
be installed. Local resource maps may be used as an acceptable 
preliminary source of renewable resource data. For proposed projects 
with an established renewable resource, provide a summary of the 
resource.
    (iv) Design and engineering. The applicant must provide 
authoritative evidence that the system will be designed and engineered 
so as to meet its intended purpose and need, will ensure public safety, 
mitigate any adverse environmental impacts, and will comply with 
applicable laws, regulations, agreements, permits, codes, and 
standards. Projects shall be engineered by a qualified entity. Systems 
must be engineered as a complete, integrated system with matched 
components. The engineering must be comprehensive including site 
selection, system and component selection, and system monitoring 
equipment. Systems must be constructed by a qualified entity.
    (A) The application must include a concise but complete description 
of the hydrogen project including location of the project, resource 
characteristics, system specifications, electric power system 
interconnection equipment, and monitoring equipment. Identify possible 
vendors and models of major system components. Describe the expected 
electric power, fuel production, or thermal energy production of the 
proposed system. Address performance on a monthly and annual basis. 
Describe the uses of or the market for electricity, heat, or fuel 
produced by the system. Discuss the impact of reduced or interrupted 
resource availability on the system process.
    (B) The application must include a description of the siting 
criteria used in selecting the project site and the reason for 
elimination of other site alternatives considered and address issues 
such as site access, foundations, backup equipment when applicable, and 
any environmental issues and safety concerns with emphasis on land use, 
air quality, water quality, aesthetics, odor, safety hazards, and other 
construction and installation issues applicable to this type of 
technology. Identify any unique construction and installation issues.
    (C) Sites must be controlled by the agricultural producer or small 
business for the proposed project life or for the financing term of any 
associated Federal loans or loan guarantees.

[[Page 15708]]

    (v) Project development schedule. The applicant must identify each 
significant task, its beginning and end, and its relationship to the 
time needed to initiate and carry the project through startup and 
shakedown. Provide a detailed description of the project timeline 
including resource assessment, system and site design, permits and 
agreements, equipment procurement, and system installation from 
excavation through startup and shakedown.
    (vi) Financial feasibility. The applicant must provide a study that 
describes costs and revenues of the proposed project to demonstrate the 
financial performance of the project. Provide a detailed analysis and 
description of project costs including project management, resource 
assessment, project design and engineering, project permitting, land 
agreements, equipment, site preparation, system installation, startup 
and shakedown, warranties, insurance, financing, professional services, 
and operations and maintenance costs. Provide a detailed analysis and 
description of annual project revenues and expenses. Provide a detailed 
description of applicable investment, productivity, tax, loan, and 
grant incentives.
    (vii) Equipment procurement. The applicant must demonstrate that 
equipment required by the system is available and can be procured and 
delivered within the proposed project development schedule. Hydrogen 
systems may be constructed of components manufactured in more than one 
location. Provide a description of any unique equipment procurement 
issues, such as scheduling and timing of component manufacture and 
delivery, ordering, warranties, shipping and receiving, and on-site 
storage or inventory. Procurement must be made in accordance with the 
requirements of 7 CFR part 3015.
    (viii) Equipment installation. The applicant must fully describe 
the management of and plan for site development and system 
installation, provide details regarding the scheduling of major 
installation equipment needed for project construction, and provide a 
description of the startup and shakedown specification and process and 
the conditions required for startup and shakedown for each equipment 
item individually and for the system as a whole.
    (ix) Operations and maintenance. The applicant must identify the 
operations and maintenance requirements of the system necessary for the 
system to operate as designed over the design life. The applicant must:
    (A) Provide information regarding system warranties and 
availability of spare parts;
    (B) Describe the routine operations and maintenance requirements of 
the proposed project, including maintenance of the reformer, 
electrolyzer, or fuel cell as appropriate, and other mechanical, 
piping, and electrical systems and system monitoring and control 
requirements;
    (C) Provide information that supports expected design life of the 
system and timing of major component replacement or rebuilds;
    (D) Provide and discuss the risk management plan for handling 
large, unanticipated failures of major components. Include in the 
discussion, costs and labor associated with operations and maintenance 
of system and plans for insourcing or outsourcing; and
    (E) Describe opportunities for technology transfer for long term 
project operations and maintenance by a local entity or owner/operator.
    (x) Decommissioning. When uninstalling or removing the project, 
describe the decommissioning process. Describe any issues, any 
environmental compliance requirements, and costs for removal and 
disposal of the system.
    (6) Solar, small. The technical requirements specified in 
paragraphs (d)(6)(i) through (x) of this section apply to small solar 
electric projects and small solar thermal projects. Small solar 
electric projects are those for which the rated power of the system is 
10kW or smaller. The major components of a small solar electric system 
are the solar panels, the support structure, the foundation, the power 
conditioning equipment, the interconnection equipment, surface or 
submersible water pumps, energy storage equipment and supporting 
documentation including operations and maintenance manuals. Small solar 
electric projects are either stand-alone (off grid) or interconnected 
to the grid at less than 600 volts (on grid). Small solar thermal 
projects are those for which the rated storage volume of the system is 
240 gallons or smaller. The major components of a small solar thermal 
system are the solar collector(s), the support structure, the 
foundation, the circulation pump(s) and piping, heat exchanger (if 
required), energy storage equipment and support.
    (i) Qualifications of project team. The small solar project team 
should consist of a system designer, a project manager or general 
contractor, an equipment supplier of major components, a system 
installer, a system maintainer, and, in some cases, the owner of the 
application or load served by the system. One individual or entity may 
serve more than one role.
    The applicant must provide authoritative evidence that project team 
service providers have the necessary professional credentials or 
relevant experience to perform the required services. The applicant 
must also provide authoritative evidence that vendors of proprietary 
components can provide necessary equipment and spare parts for the 
system to operate over its design life. The applicant must:
    (A) Discuss the qualifications of the suppliers of major components 
being considered;
    (B) Describe the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to 
service, operate, and maintain the system for the proposed application; 
and
    (C) Discuss the project manager, system designer, and system 
installer qualifications for engineering, designing, and installing 
small solar systems including any relevant certifications by recognized 
organizations or bodies. Provide a list of the same or similar systems 
designed or installed by the design and installation team and currently 
operating and with references if available.
    (ii) Agreements and permits. The applicant must identify all 
necessary agreements and permits required for the project and the 
status and schedule for securing those agreements and permits, 
including the items specified in paragraphs (d)(6)(ii)(A) through (D).
    (A) Small solar systems must be installed in accordance with local, 
State, and national building and electrical codes and regulations. 
Identify zoning, building and electrical code issues, and required 
permits and the schedule for meeting those requirements and securing 
those permits.
    (B) Identify available component warranties for the specific 
project location and size.
    (C) Small solar electric systems interconnected to the electric 
power system will need arrangements to interconnect with the utility. 
Identify utility system interconnection requirements, power purchase 
arrangements, or licenses where required and the schedule for meeting 
those requirements and obtaining those agreements. This is required 
even if the system is installed on the customer side of the utility 
meter. For systems planning to utilize a local net metering program, 
describe the applicable local net metering program.
    (D) Describe all potential environmental impacts resulting from 
siting issues, construction and operation of the proposed project. 
Identify other site or design alternatives that were

[[Page 15709]]

considered in your planning process. Identify all environmental 
compliance issues such as required permits (i.e. wetland fill, 
endangered species, water quality, hazard materials handling, etc.)
    (iii) Resource assessment. The applicant must provide adequate and 
appropriate evidence of the availability of the renewable resource 
required for the system to operate as designed. Describe the local 
solar resource where the solar system is to be installed. Acceptable 
sources of solar resource data include state solar maps and nearby 
weather station data. Incorporate information from state solar resource 
maps when possible. Indicate the source of the solar data and 
assumptions made when applying nearby solar data to the site.
    (iv) Design and engineering. The applicant must provide 
authoritative evidence that the system will be designed and engineered 
so as to meet its intended purpose and need, ensure public safety, 
mitigate any adverse environmental impacts, and comply with applicable 
laws, regulations, agreements, permits, codes, and standards. For small 
solar electric systems, the engineering must be comprehensive, 
including solar collector design and selection, support structure 
design and selection, power conditioning design and selection, surface 
or submersible water pumps and energy storage requirements as 
applicable, and selection of cabling, disconnects and interconnection 
equipment. For small solar thermal systems, the engineering must be 
comprehensive, including solar collector design and selection, support 
structure design and selection, pump and piping design and selection, 
and energy storage design and selection.
    (A) The application must include a concise but complete description 
of the small solar system including location of the project and 
proposed equipment specifications. Identify possible vendors and models 
of major system components. Provide the expected system energy 
production based on available solar resource data on a monthly (when 
possible) and annual basis and how the energy produced by the system 
will be used.
    (B) The application must include a description of the siting 
criteria used in selecting the project site and the reason for 
elimination of other site alternatives considered and address issues 
such as solar access, site access, foundations, backup equipment when 
applicable, orientation, proximity to the load or the electrical grid, 
unique safety concerns, and environmental issues with emphasis on land 
use, water quality, wildlife, habitat fragmentation, aesthetics, and 
other construction, and installation issues, and whether special 
circumstances exist applicable to this type of technology.
    (C) Sites and application load must be controlled by the 
agricultural producer or small business for the proposed project life 
or for the financing term of any associated Federal loans or loan 
guarantees.
    (v) Project development schedule. The applicant must identify each 
significant task, its beginning and end, and its relationship to the 
time needed to initiate and carry the project through startup and 
shakedown. Provide a detailed description of the project timeline 
including system and site design, permits and agreements, equipment 
procurement, and system installation from excavation through startup 
and shakedown.
    (vi) Financial feasibility. The applicant must provide a study that 
describes costs and revenues of the proposed project to demonstrate the 
financial performance of the project. Provide a detailed analysis and 
description of project costs including design, permitting, equipment, 
site preparation, system installation, system startup and shakedown, 
warranties, insurance, financing, professional services, and operations 
and maintenance costs. Provide a detailed description of applicable 
investment, productivity, tax, loan, and grant incentives. Provide a 
detailed description of historic or expected energy use and expected 
energy offsets or sales on a monthly and annual basis.
    (vii) Equipment procurement. The applicant must demonstrate that 
equipment required by the system is available and can be procured and 
delivered within the proposed project development schedule. Small solar 
systems may be constructed of components manufactured in more than one 
location. Provide a description of any unique equipment procurement 
issues such as scheduling and timing of component manufacture and 
delivery, ordering, warranties, shipping, receiving, and on-site 
storage or inventory. Provide a detailed description of equipment 
certification. Procurement must be made in accordance with the 
requirements of 7 CFR part 3015.
    (viii) Equipment installation. The applicant must fully describe 
the management of and plan for site development and system 
installation, provide details regarding the scheduling of major 
installation equipment needed for project construction, and provide a 
description of the startup and shakedown specification and process and 
the conditions required for startup and shakedown for each equipment 
item individually and for the system as a whole.
    (ix) Operations and maintenance. The applicant must identify the 
operations and maintenance requirements of the system necessary for the 
system to operate as designed over the design life. The applicant must:
    (A) Ensure that systems must have at least a 5-year warranty for 
equipment. Provide information regarding system warranty and 
availability of spare parts;
    (B) Describe the routine operations and maintenance requirements of 
the proposed system, including maintenance schedules for the mechanical 
and electrical and software systems;
    (C) For owner maintained portions of the system, describe any 
unique knowledge, skills, or abilities needed for service operations or 
maintenance; and
    (D) Provide information regarding expected system design life and 
timing of major component replacement or rebuilds. Include in the 
discussion, costs and labor associated with operations and maintenance 
of system and plans for insourcing or outsourcing.
    (x) Decommissioning. When uninstalling or removing the project, 
describe the decommissioning process. Describe any issues, any 
environmental compliance requirements, such as proper disposal or 
recycling procedures to reduce potential impact from hazardous 
chemicals and costs for removal and disposal of the system.
    (7) Solar, large. The technical requirements specified in 
paragraphs (d)(7)(i) through (x) apply to large solar electric projects 
and large solar thermal projects. Large solar electric systems are 
those for which the rated power of the system is larger than 10kW. The 
major components of a large solar electric system are the solar panels, 
the support structure, the foundation, the power conditioning 
equipment, the interconnection equipment, surface or submersible water 
pumps and energy storage equipment and supporting documentation 
including operations and maintenance manuals. Large solar electric 
systems are either stand-alone (off grid) or interconnected to the grid 
(on grid.) Large solar thermal systems are those for which the rated 
storage volume of the system is greater than 240 gallons. The major 
components of a large solar thermal system are the solar collector(s), 
the support structure, the foundation, the circulation pump(s) and 
piping, heat exchanger (if required), energy storage equipment and

[[Page 15710]]

supporting documentation including operations and maintenance manuals.
    (i) Qualifications of project team. The large solar project team 
should consist of an equipment supplier of major components, a project 
manager, general contractor, a system engineer, a system installer, and 
system maintainer. One individual or entity may serve more than one 
role.
    The applicant must provide authoritative evidence that project team 
service providers have the necessary professional credentials or 
relevant experience to perform the required services. The applicant 
must also provide authoritative evidence that vendors of proprietary 
components can provide necessary equipment and spare parts for the 
system to operate over its design life. The applicant must:
    (A) Discuss the proposed project delivery method. Such methods 
include a design, bid, build where a separate engineering firm may 
design the project and prepare a request for bids and the successful 
bidder constructs the project at the applicant's risk, and a design 
build method, often referred to as turn key, where the applicant 
establishes the specifications for the project and secures the services 
of a developer who will design and build the project at the developer's 
risk;
    (B) Discuss the qualifications of the suppliers of major components 
being considered;
    (C) Discuss the project manager, general contractor, system 
engineer, and system installer qualifications for engineering, 
designing, and installing large solar systems including any relevant 
certifications by recognized organizations or bodies. Provide a list of 
the same or similar systems designed or installed by the design, 
engineering, and installation team and currently operating and with 
references if available; and
    (D) Describe the system operator's qualifications and experience 
for servicing, operating, and maintaining the system for the proposed 
application. Provide a list of the same or similar systems designed or 
installed by the design, engineering, and installation team and 
currently operating and with references if available.
    (ii) Agreements and permits. The applicant must identify all 
necessary agreements and permits required for the project and the 
status and schedule for securing those agreements and permits, 
including the items specified in paragraphs (d)(7)(ii)(A) through (D).
    (A) Large solar systems must be installed in accordance with local, 
State, and national building and electrical codes and regulations. 
Identify zoning, building and electrical code issues, and required 
permits and the schedule for meeting those requirements and securing 
those permits.
    (B) Identify available component warranties for the specific 
project location and size.
    (C) Large solar electric systems interconnected to the electric 
power system will need arrangements to interconnect with the utility. 
Identify utility system interconnection requirements, power purchase 
arrangements, or licenses where required and the schedule for meeting 
those requirements and obtaining those agreements. This is required 
even if the system is installed on the customer side of the utility 
meter. For systems planning to utilize a local net metering program, 
describe the applicable local net metering program.
    (D) Describe all potential environmental impacts resulting from 
siting issues, construction and operation of the proposed project. 
Identify other site or design alternatives that were considered in your 
planning process. Identify all environmental compliance issues such as 
required permits (i.e. wetland fill, endangered species, water quality, 
hazard materials handling, etc.)
    (iii) Resource assessment. The applicant must provide adequate and 
appropriate evidence of the availability of the renewable resource 
required for the system to operate as designed. Describe the local 
solar resource where the solar system is to be installed. Acceptable 
sources of solar resource data include state solar maps and nearby 
weather station data. Incorporate information from state solar resource 
maps when possible. Indicate the source of the solar data and 
assumptions made when applying nearby solar data to the site.
    (iv) Design and engineering. The applicant must provide 
authoritative evidence that the system will be designed and engineered 
so as to meet its intended purpose and need, ensure public safety, 
mitigate any adverse environmental impacts, and comply with applicable 
laws, regulations, agreements, permits, codes, and standards.
    (A) For large solar electric systems, the engineering must be 
comprehensive, including solar collector design and selection, support 
structure design and selection, power conditioning design and 
selection, surface or submersible water pumps and energy storage 
requirements as applicable, and selection of cabling, disconnects and 
interconnection equipment. A complete set of engineering drawings, 
stamped by a professional engineer must be provided.
    (B) For large solar thermal systems, the engineering must be 
comprehensive, including solar collector design and selection, support 
structure design and selection, pump and piping design and selection, 
and energy storage design and selection. Provide a complete set of 
engineering drawings, stamped by a professional engineer.
    (C) For either type of system, provide a concise but complete 
description of the large solar system including location of the project 
and proposed equipment and system specifications. Identify possible 
vendors and models of major system components. Provide the expected 
system energy production based on available solar resource data on a 
monthly (when possible) and annual basis and how the energy produced by 
the system will be used.
    (D) For either type of system, provide a description of the project 
site and address issues such as solar access, orientation, proximity to 
the load or the electrical grid, environmental concerns such as land 
use, water quality, wildlife, habitat fragmentation, aesthetics, unique 
safety concerns, construction, and installation issues and whether 
special circumstances exist.
    (E) Sites must be controlled by the agricultural producer or small 
business for the proposed project life or for the financing term of any 
associated federal loans or loan guarantees.
    (v) Project development schedule. The applicant must identify each 
significant task, its beginning and end, and its relationship to the 
time needed to initiate and carry the project through startup and 
shakedown. Provide a detailed description of the project timeline 
including system and site design, permits and agreements, equipment 
procurement, and system installation from excavation through startup 
and shakedown.
    (vi) Financial feasibility. The applicant must provide a study that 
describes costs and revenues of the proposed project to demonstrate the 
financial performance of the project. Provide a detailed analysis and 
description of project costs including design and engineering, 
permitting, equipment, site preparation, system installation, system 
startup and shakedown, warranties, insurance, financing, professional 
services, and operations and maintenance costs. Provide a detailed 
description of applicable investment, productivity, tax, loan, and 
grant incentives. Provide a detailed description of historic or 
expected energy use and expected

[[Page 15711]]

energy offsets or sales on a monthly and annual basis.
    (vii) Equipment procurement. The applicant must demonstrate that 
equipment required by the system is available and can be procured and 
delivered within the proposed project development schedule. Large solar 
systems may be constructed of components manufactured in more than one 
location. Provide a description of any unique equipment procurement 
issues such as scheduling and timing of component manufacture and 
delivery, ordering, warranties, shipping, receiving, and on-site 
storage or inventory. Provide a detailed description of equipment 
certification. Procurement must be made in accordance with the 
requirements of 7 CFR part 3015.
    (viii) Equipment installation. The applicant must fully describe 
the management of and plan for site development and system 
installation, provide details regarding the scheduling of major 
installation equipment, including cranes and other devices, needed for 
project construction, and provide a description of the startup and 
shakedown specification and process and the conditions required for 
startup and shakedown for each equipment item individually and for the 
system as a whole.
    (ix) Operations and maintenance. The applicant must identify the 
operations and maintenance requirements of the system necessary for the 
system to operate as designed over the design life. The applicant must:
    (A) Ensure that systems must have at least a 5-year warranty for 
equipment. Provide information regarding system warranty and 
availability of spare parts;
    (B) Describe the routine operations and maintenance requirements of 
the proposed system, including maintenance schedules for the mechanical 
and electrical and software systems;
    (C) For owner maintained portions of the system, describe any 
unique knowledge, skills, or abilities needed for service operations or 
maintenance; and
    (D) Provide information regarding expected system design life and 
timing of major component replacement or rebuilds. Include in the 
discussion, costs and labor associated with operations and maintenance 
of system and plans for insourcing or outsourcing.
    (x) Decommissioning. When uninstalling or removing the project, 
describe the decommissioning process. Describe any issues, any 
environmental compliance requirements such as proper disposal or 
recycling procedures to reduce potential hazardous chemical 
contamination and costs for removal and disposal of the system.
    (8) Wind, small. The technical requirements specified in paragraphs 
(d)(8)(i) through (x) apply to wind energy systems for which the rated 
power of the wind turbine is 100kW or smaller and with a generator hub 
height of 120 ft or less. Such systems are considered small wind 
systems. The major components of a small wind system are the wind 
turbine, the tower, the foundation, the inverter, the interconnection 
equipment and energy storage when applicable. A small wind system is 
either stand-alone or connected to the local electrical system at less 
than 600 volts.
    (i) Qualifications of project team. The small wind project team 
should consist of a system designer, a project manager or general 
contractor, an equipment supplier of major components, a system 
installer, a system maintainer, and, in some cases, the owner of the 
application or load served by the system. One individual or entity may 
serve more than one role.
    The applicant must provide authoritative evidence that project team 
service providers have the necessary professional credentials or 
relevant experience to perform the required services. The applicant 
must also provide authoritative evidence that vendors of proprietary 
components can provide necessary equipment and spare parts for the 
system to operate over its design life. The applicant must:
    (A) Discuss the small wind turbine manufacturers and other 
equipment suppliers of major components being considered in terms of 
the length of time in business and the number of units installed at the 
capacity and scale being considered;
    (B) Describe the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to 
service, operate, and maintain the system for the proposed application; 
and
    (C) Discuss the project manager, system designer, and system 
installer qualifications for engineering, designing, and installing 
small wind systems including any relevant certifications by recognized 
organizations or bodies. Provide a list of the same or similar systems 
designed, installed, or supplied and currently operating and with 
references if available.
    (ii) Agreements and permits. The applicant must identify all 
necessary agreements and permits required for the project and the 
status and schedule for securing those agreements and permits, 
including the items specified in paragraphs (d)(8)(ii)(A) through (D).
    (A) Small wind systems must be installed in accordance with 
applicable local, State, and national building and electrical codes and 
regulations. Identify zoning, building and electrical code issues, and 
required permits and the schedule for meeting those requirements and 
securing those permits.
    (B) Identify available component warranties for the specific 
project location and size.
    (C) Small wind systems interconnected to the electric power system 
will need arrangements to interconnect with the utility. Identify 
utility system interconnection requirements, power purchase 
arrangements, or licenses where required and the schedule for meeting 
those requirements and obtaining those agreements. This is required 
even if the system is installed on the customer side of the utility 
meter. For systems planning to utilize a local net metering program, 
describe the applicable local net metering program.
    (D) Describe all potential environmental impacts resulting from 
siting issues, construction and operation of the proposed project. 
Identify other site or design alternatives that were considered in your 
planning process. Identify all environmental compliance issues such as 
required permits (i.e. wetland fill, endangered species, etc.)
    (iii) Resource assessment. The applicant must provide adequate and 
appropriate evidence of the availability of the renewable resource 
required for the system to operate as designed. Indicate the local wind 
resource where the small wind turbine is to be installed. Acceptable 
sources of wind resource data include state wind maps and nearby 
weather station data. Incorporate information from state wind resource 
maps when possible. Indicate the source of the wind data and the 
conditions of the wind monitoring when collected at the site or 
assumptions made when applying nearby wind data to the site.
    (iv) Design and engineering. The applicant must provide 
authoritative evidence that the system will be designed and engineered 
so as to meet its intended purpose and need, ensure public safety, 
mitigate any adverse environmental impacts, and comply with applicable 
laws, regulations, agreements, permits, codes, and standards. Small 
wind systems must be engineered by either the wind turbine manufacturer 
or other qualified party. Systems must be offered as a complete, 
integrated system with matched components. The engineering must be 
comprehensive including turbine design and selection, tower design and 
selection, specification of guy wire

[[Page 15712]]

anchors and tower foundation, inverter/controller design and selection, 
energy storage requirements as applicable, and selection of cabling, 
disconnects and interconnection equipment, as well as the engineering 
data needed to match the wind system output to the application load, if 
applicable.
    (A) The application must include a concise but complete description 
of the small wind system including location of the project, proposed 
turbine specifications, tower height and type of tower, type of energy 
storage and location of storage if applicable, proposed inverter 
manufacturer and model, electric power system interconnection 
equipment, and application load and load interconnection equipment as 
applicable. Identify possible vendors and models of major system 
components. Provide the expected system energy production based on 
available wind resource data on a monthly (when possible) and annual 
basis and how the energy produced by the system will be used.
    (B) The application must include a description of the siting 
criteria used in selecting the project site and address issues such as 
site access, foundations, backup equipment when applicable, access to 
the wind resource, proximity to the electrical gird or application 
load, and environmental issues with emphasis on land use, noise 
pollution, soil degradation, wildlife including migratory birds and 
bats, habitat fragmentation, aesthetics, and other construction and 
installation issues and whether special circumstances such as proximity 
to airports exist when applicable to this type of technology. Provide a 
360-degree panoramic photograph of the proposed site including 
indication of prevailing winds when possible.
    (C) Sites and application loads must be controlled by the 
agricultural producer or small business for the proposed project life 
or for the financing term of any associated Federal loans or loan 
guarantees.
    (v) Project development schedule. The applicant must identify each 
significant task, its beginning and end, and its relationship to the 
time needed to initiate and carry the project through startup and 
shakedown. Provide a detailed description of the project timeline 
including system and site design, permits and agreements, equipment 
procurement, and system installation from excavation through startup 
and shakedown.
    (vi) Financial feasibility. The applicant must provide a study that 
describes costs and revenues of the proposed project to demonstrate the 
financial performance of the project. Provide a detailed analysis and 
description of project costs including design, permitting, equipment, 
site preparation, system installation, system startup and shakedown, 
warranties, insurance, financing, professional services, and operations 
and maintenance costs. Provide a detailed description of applicable 
investment, productivity, tax, loan, and grant incentives. Provide a 
detailed description of historic or expected energy use and expected 
energy offsets or sales on a monthly and annual basis.
    (vii) Equipment procurement. The applicant must demonstrate that 
equipment required by the system is available and can be procured and 
delivered within the proposed project development schedule. Small wind 
systems may be constructed of components manufactured in more than one 
location. Provide a description of any unique equipment procurement 
issues such as scheduling and timing of component manufacture and 
delivery, ordering, warranties, shipping, receiving, and on-site 
storage or inventory. Provide a detailed description of equipment 
certification. Procurement must be made in accordance with the 
requirements of 7 CFR part 3015.
    (viii) Equipment installation. The applicant must fully describe 
the management of and plan for site development and system 
installation, provide details regarding the scheduling of major 
installation equipment, including cranes and other devices, needed for 
project construction, and provide a description of the startup and 
shakedown specification and process and the conditions required for 
startup and shakedown for each equipment item individually and for the 
system as a whole.
    (ix) Operations and maintenance. The applicant must identify the 
operations and maintenance requirements of the system necessary for the 
system to operate as designed over the design life. The applicant must:
    (A) Ensure that systems must have at least a 5-year warranty for 
equipment and a commitment from the supplier to have spare parts 
available. Provide information regarding system warranty and 
availability of spare parts;
    (B) Describe the routine operations and maintenance requirements of 
the proposed system, including maintenance schedules for the mechanical 
and electrical and software systems;
    (C) Provide historical or engineering information that supports 
expected design life of the system and timing of major component 
replacement or rebuilds. Include in the discussion, costs and labor 
associated with operations and maintenance of system and plans for in 
or outsourcing; and
    (D) For owner maintained portions of the system, describe any 
unique knowledge, skills, or abilities needed for service operations or 
maintenance.
    (x) Decommissioning. When uninstalling or removing the project, 
describe the decommissioning process. Describe any issues, any 
environmental compliance requirements, and costs for removal and 
disposal of the system.
    (9) Wind, large. The technical requirements specified in paragraphs 
(d)(9)(i) through (x) apply to wind energy systems for which the rated 
power of the individual wind turbine(s) is larger than 100kW. Such 
systems are considered large wind systems. The major components of a 
large wind system are the wind turbine rotor, the gearbox, the 
generator, the tower, the power electronics, the local collection grid, 
and the interconnection equipment.
    (i) Qualifications of project team. The large wind project team 
should consist of a project manager, a meteorologist, an equipment 
supplier, a project engineer, a primary or general contractor, 
construction contractor, and a system operator and maintainer and in 
some cases the owner of the application or load served by the system. 
One individual or entity may serve more than one role.
    The applicant must provide authoritative evidence that project team 
service providers have the necessary professional credentials or 
relevant experience to perform the required services. The applicant 
must also provide authoritative evidence that vendors of proprietary 
components can provide necessary equipment and spare parts for the 
system to operate over its design life. The applicant must:
    (A) Discuss the proposed project delivery method. Such methods 
include a design, bid, build where a separate engineering firm may 
design the project and prepare a request for bids and the successful 
bidder constructs the project at the applicant's risk, and a design 
build method, often referred to as turn key, where the applicant 
establishes the specifications for the project and secures the services 
of a developer who will design and build the project at the developers 
risk;
    (B) Discuss the large wind turbine manufacturers and other 
equipment suppliers of major components being considered in terms of 
the length of time in business and the number of units

[[Page 15713]]

installed at the capacity and scale being considered;
    (C) Discuss the project manager, equipment supplier, project 
engineer, and construction contractor qualifications for engineering, 
designing, and installing large wind systems including any relevant 
certifications by recognized organizations or bodies. Provide a list of 
the same or similar projects designed, installed, or supplied and 
currently operating and with references if available;
    (D) Discuss the qualifications of the meteorologist, including 
references; and
    (E) Describe system operator's qualifications and experience for 
servicing, operating, and maintaining the system for the proposed 
application. Provide a list of the same or similar projects designed, 
installed, or supplied and currently operating and with references if 
available.
    (ii) Agreements and permits. The applicant must identify all 
necessary agreements and permits required for the project and the 
status and schedule for securing those agreements and permits, 
including the items specified in paragraphs (d)(9)(ii)(A) through (E).
    (A) Large wind systems must be installed in accordance with local, 
State, and national building and electrical codes and regulations. 
Identify zoning, building and electrical code issues, and required 
permits and the schedule for meeting those requirements and securing 
those permits.
    (B) Identify land use agreements required for the project and the 
schedule for securing the agreements and the term of those agreements.
    (C) Identify available component warranties for the specific 
project location and size.
    (D) Large wind systems interconnected to the electric power system 
will need arrangements to interconnect with the utility. Identify 
utility system interconnection requirements, power purchase 
arrangements, or licenses where required and the schedule for meeting 
those requirements and obtaining those agreements.
    (E) Describe all potential environmental impacts resulting from 
siting issues, construction and operation of the proposed project. 
Identify other site or design alternatives that were considered in your 
planning process. Identify all environment