Selected Recipients for this Program

Fiscal Year 2016: The Northeast Center led by Cornell University closed in 2016. This center provided systematic approach to bioenergy economy. The North Central Center, South Dakota State University finalized and completed their EcoSun Praire farm. The experiment studies the benefits of bioenergy production by utilize a specific area for multiple purposes from the same source. The other 3 centers are working on their final projects and results for end of calendar of 2017. Fiscal Year 2017: Oklahoma State University (South Central Regional Center), Oregon State University (Western Regional Center), University of Tennessee (Southeastern Regional Center) are working on the final research projects. A full report will be received before the end of the calendar year of 2017. South Dakota State University (North Central Region) will submit their final research reports during the 2018 calendar year. The Centers are working on biomass conversion process for feedstock specific to their region to improve the feedstock logistics supply chain for biofuels and bio-products. Fiscal Year 2018: No Current Data Available

Uses and Use Restrictions

The recipients will conduct research according to the provisions provided in SAFTEA- LU (Public Law 109-59, August 10, 2005 119 Stat.

1781) Subtitle B Title V Section 5101 (m) The Department's role will be to manage and coordinate with the grantees to best address related DOT program needs, and ensure that no unnecessary duplication of effort exists with other DOT projects.

The program provided an avenue for innovative research to initiate and stimulate the biopower economy and rural areas as well as provide efficient, cost effective and environmentally safe transportation fuels to reduce greenhouse gases.

The recipients are five regional land-grant universities and the National Biodiesel Board.

The regional centers are called the Sun Grants and they consist of the University of Tennessee, South Dakota State University, Oregon University, Cornell University, and Oklahoma State University.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

Earmark recipients as designated in SAFTEA- LU , Public Law 109-59, August 10, 2005 119 Stat.

1781, Subtitle B Title V Section 5101 (m).

Beneficiary Eligibility

Public and private nonprofit institutions of higher learning and industry trade groups.

Credentials/Documentation

A formal application outlining how the institution will meet the project scope; detailed delineation of organization, staff, faculty, and budget. Costs were determined in accordance with OMB Circular A-21. This program is excluded from coverage under 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles.

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

Preapplication coordination is not applicable.

Environmental impact information is not required for this program.

This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.

12372.

Application Procedures

This program is excluded from coverage under 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.

Award Procedures

The grants were earmarks under SAFETEA-LU. There are no additional or new grants awarded however the existing grants received incremental modifications.

Deadlines

Not Applicable.

Authorization

Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users of 2005 (SAFTEA- LU), Public Law 109-59, 119 Stat. 1781.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

From 1 to 15 days. Prior procedures had fifteen working days from receipt of proposal.

Appeals

Not Applicable.

Renewals

Not Applicable.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

Statutory formulas are not applicable to this program. Matching Requirements: Percent: 20%. The Federal share of this grant shall be 20 percent of the funds received by the grantee. This program does not have MOE requirements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Four years as designated in: SAFTEA-LU (Public Law 109-59, August 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1781) Subtitle B Title V Section 5101 (m). In 2010, the Hire Incentive to Restore Employment Act extended the program and provided additional funding at the 2009 authorized levels. See the following for information on how assistance is awarded/released: The recipients were notified by letter and through the procurement process.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Each recipient is required to submit an annual report and a final technical report at the end of the research project.

If a recipient receives income during the lifet time of the grant, they are required to report the income on the SF-270.

Each recipient must submit quarterly progress reports as well as annual reports on the project(s) status.

The recipient is required by the Department and OMB (2 CFR part 215) to submit a financial report (SF-425).

The report identifies the total program obligation, expedentures, and cost share during the specified quarter.

Performance monitoring is not applicable.

Audits

In accordance with the provisions of 2 CFR 200, Subpart F - Audit Requirements, non-Federal entities that expend financial assistance of $750,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Non-Federal entities that expend less than $750,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in 2 CFR 200.503. Recipients are required to conduct an A-133 audit.

Records

Recipient is required to retain intact, for 3 to 5 years following submissions of the final expenditure report, pending resolution of audit findings, all grant products, financial records, and supporting documents.

Financial Information

Account Identification

69-8083-0-1-401.

Obigations

(Project Grants) FY 16 $0; FY 17 est $0; and FY 18 est $0 - The program will be closing and each center will be required to submit their final reports except for South Dakota State University. The first Center to complete the research was Cornell University. University of Tennessee, Oregon State University, and Oklahoma State University are preparing to close in 2017. The program was not authorized for additional funding after 2010.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

The range was between $9,000,000 -$13,000,000.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU, Public Law 109-59), enacted in 2005, Section 5201(m).

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

None.

Headquarters Office

Shawn Johnson, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E, E33-470, Washington, District of Columbia 20590 Email: shawn.johnson@dot.gov Phone: (202) 366-1762.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Not Applicable.