Renewable Ener… · Web view25.02.2019 ·

GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Renewable Energy for Agriculture Program

GFO-18-401https://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/index.html

State of CaliforniaCalifornia Energy Commission

January 2019

https://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/index.html

Table of ContentsI. INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................1

A. PURPOSE OF SOLICITATION................................................................................................................1B. KEY WORDS/TERMS.......................................................................................................................... 1C. APPLICANTS’ RESPONSIBILITY.............................................................................................................3D. BACKGROUND.................................................................................................................................... 3E. FUNDING........................................................................................................................................... 4F. KEY ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE................................................................................................................9G. NOTICE OF PRE-APPLICATION WORKSHOP..........................................................................................9H. QUESTIONS..................................................................................................................................... 11

II. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS...........................................................................................13A. APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS..............................................................................................................13B. PROJECT REQUIREMENTS................................................................................................................14

All Applications................................................................................................................................................................14Optional Related Equipment...........................................................................................................................................14

III. APPLICATION ORGANIZATION AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS............................20A. APPLICATION FORMAT, PAGE LIMITS, AND NUMBER OF COPIES..........................................................20B. METHOD FOR DELIVERY...................................................................................................................20C. APPLICATION ORGANIZATION AND CONTENT......................................................................................21

IV. EVALUATION AND AWARD PROCESS............................................................................24A. APPLICATION EVALUATION................................................................................................................24B. RANKING, NOTICE OF PROPOSED AWARD, AND AGREEMENT DEVELOPMENT......................................24C. GROUNDS TO REJECT AN APPLICATION OR CANCEL AN AWARD.........................................................25D. MISCELLANEOUS.............................................................................................................................. 26E. STAGE ONE: APPLICATION SCREENING.............................................................................................27F. STAGE TWO: APPLICATION SCORING................................................................................................28

January 2019 Page i GFO-18-401Renewable Energy for Agriculture Program

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment Number Title

1 Application Form (requires original “wet” signature)

2 Commitment Letter Form (letters require signature)

3 Budget Worksheet (requires completion and acknowledgement)

January 2019 Page ii GFO-18-401Renewable Energy for Agriculture Program

I. IntroductionNOTE: This solicitation is for the Renewable Energy for Agriculture Program and the solicitation documents are unique and different from other California Energy Commission solicitations. Please do not use attachments from other Energy Commission grant solicitations as this will result in disqualification (i.e. EPIC and FPIP programs).

A. PURPOSE OF SOLICITATION California’s agricultural sector is a vital part of the State economy, and California’s agricultural production is important to global food security. Agricultural operations are also vulnerable to climate change.

The installation of onsite renewable energy offers agricultural operations an opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, increase energy reliability, and realize the benefits associated with reduced demand for grid electricity.

The California Energy Commission (Energy Commission) established the Renewable Energy for Agriculture Program (REAP) in 2018 in response to Assembly Bill (AB) 109. Funding for the program comes from the California Climate Investments (CCI) program. The CCI program requires that all funded projects reduce GHG emissions and further the purposes of Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32, Nunez, Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, Chapter 488, 2006) and Senate Bill 32 (SB 32, Pavley, California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, Chapter 249, 2016).

The goals of the program are to accelerate the adoption of onsite renewable energy technologies on agricultural operations to reduce GHG emissions, reduce demand for fossil fuels and grid electricity, and provide additional co-benefits. The projects to be funded by this Grant Funding Opportunity (GFO) will help reduce energy costs and reduce GHG emissions associated with agricultural production.

The REAP is open to owners and operators of agricultural operations located in California. All projects funded under REAP must reduce GHG emissions and further the purposes of AB 32 and SB 32 and must be located onsite in agricultural operations in California. This solicitation is consistent with the REAP Guidelines (Guidelines) that were adopted by the Energy Commission on November 7, 2018 and subsequently revised to incorporate non-substantial edits. The Guidelines provide details on how the Energy Commission will administer the REAP and includes information on program design, project selection, administrative requirements, project tracking and metrics, and reporting. The guidelines can be downloaded at: https://www.energy.ca.gov/renewables/reap/documents/.

This solicitation is limited to projects installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and wind turbines to generate renewable energy serving on-site load. Future solicitation(s) and funding may include other commercially available renewable energy technologies as identified in the Guidelines.

B. KEY WORDS/TERMS

Word/Term Definition

AB Assembly Bill

Agricultural (1) The growing or harvesting of crops from soil, and the raising of plants

January 2019 Page 1 of 31 GFO-18-401Renewable Energy for Agriculture Program

https://www.energy.ca.gov/renewables/reap/documents/

operations at wholesale nurseries, but not retail nurseries, or the raising of fowl or animals for the primary purpose of making a profit, providing a livelihood, or conducting agricultural research or instruction by an educational institution, or (2) agricultural crop preparation services such as packinghouses, cotton gins, nut hullers and processors, dehydrators, and feed and grain mills. Agricultural crop preparation services include only the first processing after harvest, not subsequent processing, canning, or other similar activities. Forestry products or operations are not considered for the purposes of REAP.

California Based Vendors

A vendor that has the equipment manufactured in California or has a distribution center in California.

CalEPA California Environmental Protection Agency

CEQA A law that requires state and local agencies in California, such as the Energy Commission, to assess the potential environmental impacts of their proposed actions, the California Environmental Quality Act found in California Public Resources Code § 21000 et seq., and the CEQA Guidelines, promulgated by the California Resources Agency, Title 14, section 15000 et seq., (Guidelines) which detail the protocol by which state and local agencies comply with CEQA requirements.

CAM Commission Agreement Manager

CARB California Air Resources Board

California Climate Investments

An umbrella term and associated logo developed for the purpose of communication with funding recipients and the general public to identify programs or projects funded in whole or in part by the GGRF. For additional information, please refer to: www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov.

CO2e Carbon dioxide equivalent

CSLB Contractors State License Board

Disadvantaged Communities

Areas that are disproportionately affected by multiple types of pollution and areas with vulnerable populations. Per SB 535, CalEPA is responsible for identifying disadvantaged communities for the purposes of California Climate Investments. For additional information, please refer to: http://www.calepa.ca.gov/EnvJustice/GHGInvest.

Energy Commission

California Energy Commission

GFO Grant Funding Opportunity

GGRF Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund

GHG Greenhouse gas

Grant Recipient Those applicants that receive an award under the REAP.

Guidelines Renewable Energy for Agriculture Program Guidelines

M&V Measurement and Verification

NOPA Notice of Proposed Award

Priority Priority populations include residents of: (1) census tracts identified as disadvantaged by CalEPA per SB 535; (2) census tracts identified as low-


http://www.calepa.ca.gov/EnvJustice/GHGInvest

http://www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov/

Populations income per AB 1550; or (3) a low-income household per AB 1550.

Project A technology or a portfolio of technologies installed in an agricultural operation that is identified in a grant application.

Project life The total operation period of funded equipment from installation to final operation or removal of equipment.

REAP Renewable Energy for Agriculture Program

Related Equipment

Optional addition of agriculture pump replacement, battery energy storage, or electric vehicle or equipment charging technologies used in agricultural operations.

SB Senate Bill

Solicitation The document that requests grant applications from interested parties and includes all attachments, exhibits, any addendum and written notices and questions and answers. Solicitation may be used interchangeably with Grant Funding Opportunity.

C. APPLICANTS’ RESPONSIBILITY

This solicitation contains application requirements and instructions. Applicants are responsible for carefully reading the solicitation, asking appropriate questions in a timely manner, ensuring that all solicitation requirements are met, submitting all required responses in a complete manner by the required date and time, and carefully rereading the solicitation before submitting an application. In particular, please carefully read the Screening/Scoring Criteria and Grounds for Rejection in Part IV of this Solicitation Manual and any other resource materials located at: https://www.energy.ca.gov/renewables/reap/documents/.

Applicants are responsible for the cost of developing applications. This cost cannot be charged to the State of California. All submitted documents will become public records upon the posting of the Notice of Proposed Award.

D. BACKGROUND

1. Renewable Energy for Agriculture ProgramThe REAP is a part of California Climate Investments funded by the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). All GGRF-funded programs must advance the goals of AB 32 and SB 32 as the primary program goals and each project must provide real and quantifiable GHG emission reductions. The REAP will fund the installation of onsite renewable energy technologies and related equipment serving agricultural operations and support achieving the state’s long term GHG emissions reduction goals. The Energy Commission, in alignment with GGRF principles, will prioritize investing the funds in projects that achieve the highest GHG reductions, maximize benefits to priority populations, and contribute to meeting the state’s climate goals.

2. Applicable Laws, Policies, and Background Documents A full description of all the energy and climate laws and policies governing REAP is found in the Guidelines (http://www.energy.ca.gov/renewables/reap/documents/). The major policies that govern REAP include the following:

AB 32 created a comprehensive program mandating a reduction in California GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. In implementing AB 32, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) developed a scoping plan describing the approach


http://www.energy.ca.gov/renewables/reap/documents/

California will take to reduce GHG emissions, including the Cap-and-Trade Program. CARB must update the plan every five years. Additional information can be found at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ab32/ab32.htm.

SB 32 requires the CARB to adopt rules and regulations to ensure that statewide GHG emissions are reduced to 40 percent below the 1990 levels by 2030.

AB 1550 (Gomez, Chapter 369, Statutes of 2016) amends existing SB 535 (DeLeon, Chapter 830, Statutes of 2012) to set investment minimums for GGRF projects in and benefiting disadvantaged communities and low-income communities and includes the following requirements:

o A minimum of 25% of the proceeds to be invested in projects located within and benefitting individuals living in disadvantaged communities;

o An additional minimum of 5% be invested in projects located within and benefitting individuals living in low-income communities or benefitting low-income communities statewide; and

o An additional minimum of 5% be invested in projects that are located within and benefitting individuals living in low-income communities, or benefitting low-income households that are within one-half mile of a disadvantaged community.

SB 535 Requires the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) to identify disadvantaged communities and requires CARB to provide guidance on maximizing benefits to these communities. In 2016, AB 1550 amended the investment minimums for disadvantaged communities and established new investment minimums for low-income communities and low-income households.

E. FUNDING

1. Funding and Fund DistributionThis solicitation makes available $5.7 million for grant awards. Applications requesting funding must request a minimum of $25,000 and may request a maximum of $300,000 per application.

The maximum award amount will be increased to $350,000 for projects that include the installation of a new electric vehicle or agricultural equipment charger paired with the newly installed onsite renewable energy technology.

Along with any other rights and remedies available to it, the Energy Commission reserves the right to:

Release additional solicitations for funds from later fiscal years, as additional funds become available or additional funds are allocated to the REAP.

Allocate any additional or remaining funds not awarded to passing applications, in rank order.

Reduce funding to an amount deemed appropriate if the budgeted funds do not provide full funding for agreements. In this event, the Recipient and Commission Agreement Manager will reach agreement on a reduced Scope of Work commensurate with available funding.

Increase or decrease the amount of funds available under this solicitation.


http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ab32/ab32.htm

2. Budget Worksheet Categoriesa. Bundled Equipment and Installation: the purchase of the renewable energy

technology and related equipment also includes installation as a package.

b. Equipment: the renewable energy technology and related equipment to be installed or materials needed for installation.

c. Third-Party Installation: labor costs performed by third-party contractors or vendors that are validly licensed contractors by Contractors State License Board (CSLB).

d. Site Preparation: work activities that are absolutely necessary for the purchased equipment to function properly. This may include materials, equipment, or labor costs performed by third party contractors or vendors that are CSLB licensed contractors.

Examples include but are not limited to:

Minor roof repairs to make building structurally sound for the installation of solar panels (cannot be complete roof replacement).

Leveling of land to install ground-mounted solar systems, wind turbines, and their related equipment.

Minor trenching and backfilling where the surface is restored.

e. Match Funding: can include those from the applicant, or other sources, and only include cash contributions towards allowable reimbursable costs.

3. Budget CostsAllowable Costs include:

equipment purchase and installation

site preparation costs including equipment rental and materials

labor costs, only for work performed by third party contractors validly licensed by CSLB1.

Unallowable Costs include:

labor performed by in-house staff (Recipient’s employees)

personal electronics

permitting

tools

materials not directly involved in the functioning of the renewable energy equipment

travel and per diem

other items specified in the REAP Terms and Conditions.

4. Match Funds

1 Unless Applicant can demonstrate that work to be performed is not the type of work completed by licensed contractors.


Match funding is optional. Preferential scoring points will be awarded when match funding is a component of the application and totals at least 10% of project expenditures, the requested grant amount, as shown below.

Percentage of match funds Preference Points

10-19 1

20-29 2

30-39 3

40-49 4

50-59 5

60-69 6

70-79 7

80-89 8

90-99 9

100 or more 10

Match funds can include those from the applicant, or other sources, and only include cash contributions towards allowable reimbursable costs. Match funds do not include: Energy Commission awards, future/contingent awards, or, the cost or value of all unallowable project costs such as travel, per diem, permitting, overhead, etc. In addition, match funds do not include “in kind” donations or contributions, where the recipient’s staff performs work, or other types of non-cash work.

Match funds must be spent only during the agreement term, either before or concurrently with Energy Commission funds. Match funds also must be reported in invoices submitted to the Energy Commission.

All applicants providing match funds must submit commitment letters that: (1) identify the source(s) of the funds; (2) justify the dollar value claimed; (3) provide an unqualified (i.e., without reservation or limitation) commitment that guarantees the availability of the funds for the project; and (4) provide a strategy for replacing the funds if they are significantly reduced or lost. Please see Attachment 2 Commitment Letter Form. Commitment letters must be submitted with the application to be considered.

If the applicant is leveraging or pursuing funding from multiple sources of GGRF, the applicant must describe all existing or potential GGRF sources in the application materials.

5. Budget Worksheet: Backup Detail for Application and Grant AgreementThe Budget Worksheet (Attachment 3) shall specify allowable costs associated with the proposed project in each budget category.

a. For all Budget Categories as identified in the Budget Worksheet:

The applicant shall provide line item detail outlining anticipated costs in each budget category.

Applicant will provide supporting documentation, such as a quote from a vendor, rental rates, or other third-party cost estimates showing the


expected cost for the purchase and installation of eligible equipment or site preparation.

b. For the Site Preparation portion of the Budget Worksheet:

The applicant shall provide a detailed description and justification in the appropriate section of Attachment 1 for any costs associated with site preparation.

The final grant agreement will include the budget worksheet.

6. Invoicing and Paymenta. CAM will provide template invoice to Recipient.

b. Recipients may invoice as frequently as needed but not more frequently than one invoice per month. All invoices must be accompanied by a brief progress report describing activities completed and associated with the costs contained in the invoice.

Following the commencement of the grant agreement, a progress report will be required no less than once every 90 days. Progress reports contained within an invoice may fulfill this requirement. If no invoices are submitted within a 3 month period, a separate progress report will be required.

c. Invoices must identify all costs associated with California Based Vendors. Invoices must also indicate any Match Funds associated with the billed activities.

d. Reimbursement is for:

Paid Costs. Paid costs are expenses which the Recipient has already made payment.

o For invoicing, Recipient must submit contractor or vendor invoice and proof of payment such as a receipt.

Incurred Costs. Incurred Costs are expenses which the Recipient has become liable (legally obligated) to pay.

o For invoicing, Recipient must submit the legally binding agreement along with the contractor or vendor invoice showing the amount to be paid and confirmation of the sale.

o Recipient must pay all Incurred Costs within 14 calendar days of receiving payment from the Energy Commission or return the money to the Energy Commission. Recipient must provide proof of payment according to the terms and conditions of the grant.

7. Budget Worksheet Changesa. Any changes to the total dollar amounts in each of the Budget Categories of the

Budget Worksheet require advance written approval by the CAM, in addition to the appropriate level of Commission approval. The CAM will provide Recipient with guidance on the level of Commission approval required.

b. Recipient must submit a written email request to the CAM for changes to the budget worksheet, which must include:

a brief summary of the proposed change;


a brief summary of the reason for the change;

justification for the change; and

the revised section of the Budget Worksheet, with changes made in underline/strikethrough format.

c. Changes to Site Preparation Budget Category of the Budget Worksheet

Following approval of a final Agreement, any changes to the budget amount allocated to Site Preparation will be subject to approval by the CAM and may not exceed a change of more than 10% of the initial Site Preparation budget.

If the original dollar amount for the site preparation category in the Budget Worksheet is zero dollars ($0), then the maximum amount that can be reallocated for site preparation work is limited to a maximum of 10% of the total Agreement amount.

8. Retention of FundsThe Energy Commission will reimburse 90 percent of each approved invoice request. The remaining 10 percent will be withheld until the project including the installation of all renewable energy technology and related equipment is completed and verified by Energy Commission staff. When all equipment is installed and operational, the Recipient must notify the CAM in writing that project implementation is complete and can at that point submit an invoice requesting release of the retained funds. Upon notification, the CAM will verify successful installation and operation of all project components. This may include a site visit or the submission of data demonstrating system operation (such as meter readings or a utility bill).


F. KEY ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE

Key activities, dates, and times for this solicitation and for agreements resulting from this solicitation are presented below. An addendum will be released if the dates change for activities that appear in bold in the table below.

ACTIVITY DATE TIME2

Solicitation Release 1/11/2019

Pre-Application Workshop, Sacramento 1/24/2019 1:00 pm

Pre-Application Workshop, Fresno 1/28/2019 1:00 pm

Pre-Application Workshop, Imperial Valley 1/30/2019 2:00 pm

Deadline to Submit Written Questions3 2/6/2019 5:00 pm

Anticipated Distribution of Questions and Answers 2/22/2019

Deadline to Submit Applications 3/5/2019 5:00 pm

Anticipated Posting of Notice of Proposed Awards (NOPA) 4/5/2019

Agreement Start Date No later than 6/30/2019

Agreement End Date No later than 3/31/2023

G. NOTICE OF PRE-APPLICATION WORKSHOPS

Energy Commission staff will hold three Pre-Application Workshops to discuss the solicitation with potential applicants. Participation is optional but encouraged. Applicants may attend the workshops in-person, via the internet (WebEx, see instructions below), or via conference call on the dates, times and locations listed below. Please call (916) 654-4381 or refer to the Energy Commission's website at www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/index.html to confirm the dates and times for all workshops.

2 Pacific Standard Time or Pacific Daylight Time, whichever is being observed.3 This deadline does not apply to non-technical questions (e.g., questions concerning application format requirements or attachment instructions) or to questions that address an ambiguity, conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other error in the solicitation. Such questions may be submitted to the Commission Agreement Officer listed in Section 1.H.at any time prior to the application deadline


http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/index.html

Workshop #1Date and time: January 24, 2019 at 1:00 p.m.Location: California Energy Commission

Charles Imbrecht Hearing Room 1516 9th Street

Sacramento, CA 95814Wheelchair Accessible

WebEx Instructions: To join the WebEx meeting, go to https://energy.webex.com and enter the meeting

number and password below: Meeting Number: 926 325 234Meeting Password: meeting@1Topic: REAP Pre-Application Workshop – Sacramento, CA

Workshop #2Date and time: January 28, 2019 at 1:00 p.m.Location: San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District

The VTC Room1990 E. Gettysburg AveFresno, CA 93726


number and password below: Meeting Number: 924 486 137Meeting Password: meeting@1Topic: REAP Pre-Application Workshop – Fresno, CA

Workshop #3Date and time: January 30, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.Location: Imperial Valley Vegetable Growers Association

485 Business Park WayImperial, CA 92251


number and password below: Meeting Number: 922 086 015Meeting Password: meeting@2Topic: REAP Pre-Application Workshop – Imperial, CA

To Logon with a Direct Phone Number: After logging into WebEx, a prompt will appear on-screen for a phone number. In the “Number” box, enter your area code and phone number and click “OK” to receive a call for the audio of the meeting. International callers may use the "Country/Region" button to help make their connection.

To Logon with an Extension Phone Number: After you login, a prompt will ask for your phone number. Select “CANCEL.” Call 1-866-469-3239 (toll-free in the U.S. and Canada). When prompted, enter the meeting number above and the unique Attendee ID number listed in the top left area of the screen after login. International callers may dial in using the “Show all global call-in numbers” link (also in the top left area).


https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fenergy.webex.com&data=01%7C01%7C%7C70ff89cb6ec440ceff0008d67107b47d%7Cac3a124413f44ef68d1bbaa27148194e%7C0&sdata=myqMt9w83CDSePSVhzrdufVY38ZJnpKqg5HV2hZfDFo%3D&reserved=0



Telephone Access Only:Call 1-866-469-3239 (toll-free in the U.S. and Canada). When prompted, enter the meeting number above. International callers may select their number from https://energy.webex.com/energy/globalcallin.php.

Technical Support: For assistance with problems or questions about joining or attending the meeting,

please call WebEx Technical Support at 1-866-229-3239. You may also contact Rick Alexander at (916) 651-9852.

System Requirements: To determine whether your computer is compatible, visit:http://support.webex.com/support/system-requirements.html.

Meeting Preparation: The playback of UCF (Universal Communications Format) rich media files require appropriate players. Please determine whether the players are installed on your computer by visiting: https://energy.webex.com/energy/systemdiagnosis.php.

Please direct requests for participation assistance to Yolanda Rushin at [email protected] or (916) 654-4310 at least five days in advance of the workshop you plan to participate in.

H. QUESTIONS

During the solicitation process, direct questions to the Commission Agreement Officer (CAO) listed below:

Andrea HoppeCommission Agreement OfficerCalifornia Energy Commission

1516 Ninth Street, MS-18Sacramento, California 95814

Telephone: (916) 651-0588FAX: (916) 654-4423

E-mail: [email protected]

Applicants may ask questions at the Pre-Application Workshop, and may submit written questions via mail, electronic mail, and by FAX. However, all technical questions must be received by the deadline listed in the “Key Activities Schedule” above. Questions received after the deadline may be answered at the Energy Commission's discretion. Non-technical questions (e.g., questions concerning application format requirements or attachment instructions) may be submitted to the CAO at any time prior to the application deadline.

A question and answer document will be posted on the Energy Commission’s website at: http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/index.html.

If an applicant discovers a conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other error in the solicitation at any time prior to the application deadline, the applicant may notify the Energy Commission in writing and request modification or clarification of the solicitation. The Energy Commission, at its discretion will provide modifications or clarifications by an addendum to the solicitation and post on the Energy Commission’s website at: http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/index.html. At its




mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

https://energy.webex.com/energy/systemdiagnosis.php

http://support.webex.com/support/system-requirements.html

https://energy.webex.com/energy/globalcallin.php

discretion, the Energy Commission may re-open the question/answer period to provide all applicants the opportunity to seek any further clarification required.

Any verbal communication with an Energy Commission employee concerning this solicitation is not binding on the State and will in no way alter a specification, term, or condition of the solicitation. Therefore, all communication should be directed in writing to the assigned CAO.


II. Eligibility RequirementsA. APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

1. EligibilityEligible entities shall include:

a. Private entities;

b. Public entities which includes only the following:

Local government defined as:

i. A unit of general purpose government below the state;

ii. A special district;

iii. Any combination of i and ii above, formed for the joint exercise of power.

c. Tribal government;

d. Academic/educational organizations.

For the REAP, funding will only be provided to projects that are proposed for implementation on properties engaged in agricultural operations as defined below and located in California:

“Agricultural operations” means (1) the growing or harvesting of crops from soil, and the raising of plants at wholesale nurseries, but not retail nurseries, or the raising of fowl or animals for the primary purpose of making a profit, providing a livelihood, or conducting agricultural research or instruction by an educational institution, or (2) agricultural crop preparation services such as packinghouses, cotton gins, nut hullers and processors, dehydrators, and feed and grain mills. Agricultural crop preparation services include only the first processing after harvest, not subsequent processing, canning, or other similar activities. Forestry products or operations are not considered for the purposes of REAP.

The applicant must also meet all the following requirements:

The applicant must own or operate one or more agricultural operations located in California on the site for the proposed project. If the applicant is the operator of the agricultural operation, the owner of the land on which the proposed project will be installed must provide written support for and approval of the proposed project, including approval of the right to operate for the duration of the technology’s life.

Proposed project must reduce GHG emissions through the installation and use of renewable energy.

Applicant must meet all eligibility and other criteria specified in this solicitation.

2. Grant AgreementEach grant agreement resulting from this solicitation will include terms and conditions that set forth the recipient’s rights and responsibilities. By signing the Application Form (Attachment 1), each applicant agrees to enter into an agreement with the Energy Commission to conduct the proposed project according to the terms and conditions. The


terms and conditions will be provided on the REAP webpage at https://www.energy.ca.gov/renewables/reap/documents/.

Failure to agree to the terms and conditions by taking actions such as failing to sign the Application Form or indicating that acceptance is based on modification of the terms will result in rejection of the application. Applicants must read the terms and conditions carefully. The Energy Commission reserves the right to modify the terms and conditions prior to executing grant agreements.

3. California Secretary of State RegistrationAll corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships (LPs) and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) are required to be registered and in good standing with the California Secretary of State prior to its project being recommended for approval at an Energy Commission Business Meeting. Please include your business entity identification number in your application. If not currently registered with the California Secretary of State, applicants are encouraged to contact the Secretary of State’s Office as soon as possible to avoid potential delays in beginning the proposed project(s) (should the application be successful). For more information, contact the Secretary of State’s Office via its website at https://www.sos.ca.gov. Sole proprietors using a fictitious business name must be registered with the appropriate county and provide evidence of registration to the Energy Commission prior to their project being recommended for approval at an Energy Commission Business Meeting.

B. PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

ALL APPLICATIONS: An eligible project proposal must include the installation of at least one onsite renewable energy technology listed below. The installed system must directly serve the electrical demand associated with the applicant’s agricultural operation.

solar photovoltaic (PV) systems wind turbines

OPTIONAL RELATED EQUIPMENT: Funding can be used for the following optional addition of related equipment, provided it is directly connected to the installed onsite renewable energy technology:

battery energy storage agriculture pump replacement (conversion of fossil fuel pump to electric pump)

electric vehicle or equipment charging for vehicles/tractors/equipment used in the agricultural operation. Grid electricity may also serve the charging station but fossil fuel generators may not serve the charging station.

A project installing onsite renewable energy technology is not required to be interconnected to the grid. Some examples of off-grid agricultural applications can include:

the removal/replacement of diesel agricultural pumps for electrical pumps that are served directly by an installed onsite renewable energy technology

installation of a solar energy system with battery storage to directly serve buildings or equipment, that is not also interconnected to the grid

Projects proposing to install experimental or beta technology, including research and development projects are not eligible for REAP funding.


https://www.sos.ca.gov/

https://www.energy.ca.gov/renewables/reap/documents/

1. Measurement and Verification Plan For the purpose of this REAP solicitation, GHG emissions reductions must be estimated as part of the application process and will need to be verified after installation of the funded project. Costs to develop estimates submitted as part of the application process are not reimbursable by the grant. The following process will be used to evaluate estimates during the application process and confirm results after project implementation:

a. Estimated GHG reduction information as part of the grant application. Applicants must first develop an estimated GHG emission reduction for its project based on specific characteristics of the agricultural operation affected by the proposed project, operating conditions, and other factors. For most projects, these estimates can be derived from the completion of the REAP Benefits Calculator, developed by CARB. Wind turbine installations are not included in this calculator, so applicants will need to provide estimated energy generation totals for one year which will be used to estimate total GHG reductions in that timeframe.

b. Post grant award. Projects awarded funding will be required to monitor and verify installed equipment energy performance to verify the GHG emissions and energy reductions attained by the equipment installations through actual on-site measurements. In many cases this will be completed through the submission of metered generation data associated with the installed equipment. Self-certification of GHG reductions and/or generation and use completed by in-house staff is acceptable but is not a reimbursable expense under the grant. The Energy Commission or its consultant reserves the right to conduct an audit of a sample of REAP projects to verify assumptions and estimates of energy savings and GHG emission reductions.

The REAP Quantification Methodology developed by CARB is based on a review of the available science, in close coordination with the Energy Commission, as well as academic consultants and other experts, as needed. The REAP Quantification Methodology is posted at http://www.arb.ca.gov/cci-quantification. CARB has also developed co-benefit assessment methodologies for use in evaluating project co-benefits and key variables. These methodologies are available at: www.arb.ca.gov/cci-cobenefits. CARB has released seven co-benefit assessments, which can be found at https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/auctionproceeds/cobenefits.htm.

2. Multiple Applications Any eligible entity (see Section II.A.1.) can submit more than one application. If an

applicant submits multiple applications, each application must be for a distinct and separate project with a unique APN or group of APNs (in other words, an APN can only be used on one application, not on multiple applications).

The maximum award amount per applicant under this solicitation is a total of $2.5 million.

3. Benefits to Priority Populations (If Applicable)The Energy Commission has established a goal to distribute 35 percent of REAP funds to projects located within and benefiting priority populations. These expenditures will result in the installation of onsite renewable energy technologies, some of which will be installed on agricultural operations located in disadvantaged and/or low-income communities and could result in reduced criteria air pollutant emissions and other benefits.


https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/auctionproceeds/cobenefits.htm

http://www.arb.ca.gov/cci-cobenefits

http://www.arb.ca.gov/cci-quantification

Projects claiming to benefit priority populations must be designed to avoid substantial burdens (e.g., displacement of low income, disadvantaged community residents and businesses or increased exposure to toxics or other health risks).

Proposals will receive preference points for project(s) located within an identified disadvantaged or low-income community and benefiting individuals living within that community, or directly benefiting residents of low-income households. Applicants must describe their efforts to provide direct, meaningful and assured benefits and to address an important community need using the following evaluation approach (Note: applicants must review the CARB’s guidance at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/auctionproceeds/ccidoc/criteriatable/criteria-table-eere.pdf?_ga=2.235997057.1001160583.1546644416-300497657.1516065044. for any updates to the following list):

Step 1: Identify the Priority Population(s). Must be located within a census tract identified as a disadvantaged community or low-income community, or directly benefit residents of a low-income household. The following web link provides interactive maps to aid in determining geographic eligibility for disadvantaged and low-income communities: www.arb.ca.gov/cci-communityinvestments.

Step 2: Address a Need. Meaningfully address an important community or household need for the identified priority population(s). The applicant must document the approach for determining community need and the level of engagement and how community input was considered in the project design. An alternative to direct community engagement is to identify individual factors in CalEnviroScreen that most impact a disadvantaged or low-income community, receive documentation of broad support for a proposed project local community based organizations and residents, or select a need from the list of common needs4 and document broad support from local community based organizations and/or residents.

Step 3: Provide a Benefit. Identify at least one direct, meaningful, and assured benefit that the project provides to priority populations. Projects must meet at least one of the following benefit criteria5:

o Project provides energy efficiency upgrades to residents of a disadvantaged or low-income community or a low-income household;

o Project provides renewable energy and direct energy cost savings to residents of disadvantaged or low-income communities, or low-income households (e.g. solar photovoltaic systems or community solar);

o Project reduces on-site criteria air pollutant or toxic air contaminant emissions through reduction of fossil fuel consumption via efficiency improvements or electrification;

o Project reinvests energy or fuel cost savings that would otherwise be realized by the funding recipient into the same disadvantaged or low-income community, or to low-income households, to provide direct, meaningful, and assured benefits to residents.

4 See Examples of Common Needs of Priority Populations in the Funding Guidelines www.arb.ca.gov/cci-fundingguidelines5 See to the Energy Efficiency or Renewable Energy Evaluation Criteria in the Funding Guidelines https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/auctionproceeds/ccidoc/criteriatable/criteria-table-eere.pdf?_ga=2.156650299.1602708917.1526276473-361977704.1519737075


https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/capandtrade/auctionproceeds/ccidoc/criteriatable/criteria-table-eere.pdf?_ga=2.156650299.1602708917.1526276473-361977704.1519737075


http://www.arb.ca.gov/cci-fundingguidelines


http://www.arb.ca.gov/cci-communityinvestments



If submitting multiple applications, the applicant must address and discuss each of the three steps for each application, along with the amount of Energy Commission funds to be spent in each application.

Preference points will be awarded based on whether all the agricultural operations in the application meet all the requirements indicated in CARB guidance which is posted at the following: www.arb.ca.gov/cci-fundingguidelines. If all operations in the application meet all three steps, then the proposal will obtain preference points. There will be no proration of points if some operations meet the requirement and others do not.

Projects claiming to benefit priority populations must be designed to avoid substantial burdens (e.g., displacement of low income, disadvantaged community residents and businesses or increased exposure to toxics or other health risks).

The interactive mapping tool to identify disadvantaged and low-income communities is posted at the following: www.arb.ca.gov/cci-communityinvestments.

Note: Priority population needs and benefits criteria is subject to change and the latest versions can be found on the Priority Population Benefits Criteria Table on the CCI Quantification, Benefits, and Reporting Materials webpage at www.arb.ca.gov/cci-quantification.

C. PERMITTING

Special Permits or Licenses; Building Permits

The applicant is responsible for obtaining all required permits and licenses for the proposed project. Some projects may require only a building permit (or a similar nondiscretionary permit). Other projects may also require a special permit or license, such as a conditional use permit or variance.

Energy Commission California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Review

Before the Energy Commission can approve a proposed award, the Energy Commission must comply with CEQA. In many cases, another governmental entity, such as a city or county, will already have addressed whether a proposed project will have a significant effect on the environment. This often will occur during the process of obtaining a special permit or license. The Energy Commission must independently review any previously prepared environmental document and make its own determinations of the potential environmental impacts of the project.

Time is of the essence

Even if another governmental entity has already conducted environmental review, the Energy Commission must have CEQA-related information from applicants and these other entities in a timely manner. Unfortunately, even with this information, the Energy Commission may not be able to complete its own CEQA review prior to the encumbrance deadline or scheduled business meeting for every project. For example, if a project requires an Environmental Impact Report, the process to complete it can take many months. For these reasons, it is critical that applicants organize project proposals in a manner that minimizes the time required for the Energy Commission to comply with CEQA and provide all CEQA-related information to the Energy Commission in a timely manner such that the Energy Commission is able to complete its review in time to meet deadlines.




http://www.arb.ca.gov/cci-communityinvestments


The Energy Commission must complete CEQA review before it can encumber funds. Funds available under this solicitation have an encumbrance deadline of June 30, 2019. This means that the Energy Commission must approve proposed awards at a business meeting (usually held monthly) prior to June 30, 2019, in order to avoid expiration of the funds. If the Energy Commission elects to provide additional funding as referenced in Section I.E. of this Solicitation Manual, those funds may be from subsequent fiscal years with different encumbrance deadlines. In the case that funds from subsequent fiscal years are awarded, approval of proposed awards using these funds may occur after June 30, 2019 but prior to the encumbrance deadlines applicable to such funds.

Examples

Examples of situations that may arise related to CEQA review include, but are not limited to:

Some projects may be “exempt” from CEQA because they meet the requirements of certain statutes or the CEQA Guidelines. If the proposed project clearly falls under an exemption, the project will likely have greater success in attaining rapid completion of CEQA requirements.6

If a project is not exempt under these laws, then the following examples may affect the readiness of a project and the Energy Commission’s ability to approve grant funding.

o If another state agency or local jurisdiction, such as a city or county, has primary responsibility under CEQA (frequently referred to as the “lead agency”), the Energy Commission’s review may be delayed while waiting for a determination from the lead agency.

o If the other agency has not already completed its review, the CEQA analysis may take longer than the time available to encumber the funds.

o If the other agency has already completed its review, the applicant must ensure that such an analysis covers the work in the proposed project, or must obtain a revised analysis and determination from the lead agency reviewing the proposed project.

The above examples are not exhaustive of instances in which the Energy Commission may or may not be able to comply with CEQA within the encumbrance deadline or a scheduled business meeting, and are only provided as further clarification for potential applicants. Please plan project proposals accordingly.

Application FormThe Energy Commission requires information on the application form (Attachment 1) to facilitate its evaluation of proposed activities under CEQA, in order to assess potential environmental impacts. Detailed information about required permits/licenses (other than a building permit or similar nondiscretionary permit), will assist the Energy Commission’s environmental review of the proposed activities that would be funded by REAP.

6 For solar PV systems, see Public Resources Code section 21080.35, https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=21080.35.


https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=21080.35

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PRC&sectionNum=21080.35

Scoring

In scoring proposals, the Energy Commission will consider if the proposed activity requires a special permit or license (other than a building permit or similar nondiscretionary permit), and the extent to which applicant is ready to begin the project:

Higher points will be given for projects that are ready to begin construction or installation:

o Have already obtained the necessary permit/license (if such permit/license is required); or

o Do not require a special permit/license.

Reservation of right to cancel proposed award If the Energy Commission is unable to complete CEQA review and compliance for a project awarded funds within sufficient time for the Energy Commission to meet the encumbrance deadline or approve the project at a scheduled business meeting prior to the encumbrance deadline, the proposed award may be cancelled and the funding allocated to the next highest-scoring project that was not initially awarded funds.


III. Application Organization and Submission InstructionsA. APPLICATION FORMAT, PAGE LIMITS, AND NUMBER OF COPIES

The following table summarizes the application formatting and page limit recommendations:

Format Font: 11-point, Arial (excluding Excel spreadsheets, original template headers and footers, and commitment or support letters)

Margins: No less than one inch on all sides (excluding headers and footers)

Spacing: Single spaced, with a blank line between each paragraph Pages: Numbered and printed double-sided (when determining page

limits, each printed side of a page counts as one page) Signatures: Manual (i.e., not electronic) Labeling: Tabbed and labeled as required in Sections B and C below Binding: Original binder clipped; all other copies spiral or comb bound

(binders discouraged) File Format: MS Word version 1997-2003, or version 2007 or later

(.doc or .docx format), excluding Excel spreadsheets and commitment or support letters (PDF files are acceptable for the letters)

File Storage: Electronic files of the application must be submitted on a CD-ROM or USB flash drive

Page Limits Page limits are as follows: Commitment Letters (Attachment 2): two pages each, excluding the

cover page

Number of Copies of the Application

Hard Copy Submittal (must be mailed): 1 hard copy (with signatures) One electronic copy (on USB memory stick/flash drive)

B. METHOD FOR DELIVERY

An applicant must deliver a hard copy and one electronic copy of an application by:

U. S. Mail In Person Courier service

Applications must be delivered to the Energy Commission Contracts, Grants and Loans Office according to the schedule in Section I.F. Applications must be delivered during normal business hours (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and prior to the deadline to submit applications. Applications received after the specified date and time shown in Section I.F. are considered late and will not be accepted. There are no exceptions to this. Postmark dates of mailing, E-mail and facsimile (FAX) transmissions are not acceptable in whole or in part, under any circumstances. Number of CopiesApplicants are only required to submit one paper copy. Applicants must also submit electronic files of the application on a USB flash drive along with the paper submittal. Electronic files must be in Microsoft Word XP (.doc format) and Excel Office Suite formats. Electronic files submitted via e-mail will not be accepted.


Packaging and LabelingAll hard copy applications must be labeled "Grant Funding Opportunity GFO-18-401," and include the title of the application and the applicant’s name.

Include the following label information on the mailing envelope:

Applicant’s Project Manager Applicant’s NameStreet AddressCity, State, and Zip Code

GFO-18-401Contracts, Grants, and Loans Office, MS-18California Energy Commission1516 Ninth Street, 1st FloorSacramento, California 95814

C. APPLICATION ORGANIZATION AND CONTENT

1. For all hard copy submittals, submit attachments in the order specified below.

2. Label the proposal application cover “Grant Funding Opportunity GFO-18-401” and include: (a) the title of the application; and (b) the applicant’s name.

3. Separate each section of the application by a tab labeled only with the tab number and section title indicated below.

Tab/Attachment Number

Title of Section

1 Application Form (requires signature)2 Commitment Letters (requires signature)3 Budget Worksheet (requires completion and acknowledgement)

Below is a description of each required section of the application. Completeness in submitting the required information will be factored into the scoring:

1. Application Form (Attachment 1)This form requests information about the applicant and the project. The application must be signed by an authorized representative of the applicant’s organization or will be failed as indicated in Section IV.E.

Other Components of Application Form (Attachment 1): Benefits to Priority Populations (If applicable)If the benefit is reduced on-site criteria air pollution via the replacement of a fossil fuel pump with an electric pump, the “Co-benefits Summary” tab of the REAP Calculator Tool must be submitted and will sufficiently address this item. If the benefits are provided in other ways, supporting descriptions will be needed.

California Based Vendors


Preference points will be awarded if some or all equipment selected for installation is purchased from a California-based vendor as specified in the Budget Worksheet (Attachment 3). Costs associated with equipment purchased from a California-based vendor may be included in the equipment categories of the budget worksheet or the bundled equipment and installation categories. If equipment is included in the bundled equipment and installation categories, additional detail describing the equipment costs only must be provided to support staff’s evaluation. This does not include costs associated with installation or equipment and materials necessary for site preparation. Applicants must describe how the vendors meet the requirements of being a California–based vendor. The more equipment purchased from California vendors the higher the points. The points will be calculated by using the following formula: (“CEC funds to CA Based Vendors for Equipment” divided by “Total CEC funds for Equipment”) multiplied by “Maximum Points for this criteria” as indicated in Section IV.F., criteria 8.

For example, if the total equipment cost is $100,000 and $60,000 is purchased from California vendors, then the points will be 60% of the total points possible for this criteria.

Landowner ConsentSupporting documentation will be needed to demonstrate authorized use of the land parcels, identified by the county’s Assessor's Parcel Number(s) (APN), affected by the proposed project.

Contact List TemplateThe list identifies the names and contact information of the project manager, administrator, accounting officer, and recipient of legal notices.

2. Commitment Letter Form (Attachment 2) (If Applicable)Proposals will receive preference points for project(s) that optionally commit to the use of match funds. A commitment letter commits an entity or individual to providing the funding described in the letter. Letters that are not submitted by the application deadline will not be reviewed and counted towards meeting the requirement specified in the solicitation.

Commitment Letters

If the applicant elects to commit to match funding (and be scored accordingly), applicants must submit a match funding commitment letter signed by each representative of the entity or individual that is committing to providing match funding. The letter must: (1) identify the source(s) of the funds; and (2) guarantee the availability of the funds for the project. If the match funds are provided by the applicant, a commitment letter from the applicant is needed.

3. Budget WorksheetComplete and submit information on the budget worksheet. The worksheet is to be completed for all eligible grant expenditures. The form includes:

Equipment and Installation (if vendor includes installation with equipment purchase)

Equipment

Installation

Site preparation

Match Funding


The information provided in these budget forms become a part of the final agreement.

a. All project expenditures (reimbursable) must be made within the approved agreement term. The entire term of the agreement must be considered when preparing the budget.

b. The budget must reflect estimates for actual costs to be incurred during the agreement term. The Energy Commission may only approve and reimburse for actual costs that are properly documented in accordance with the grant terms and conditions.

c. Applicants are responsible for all costs not covered by the grant, such as project management, grant administration, travel, permits and insurance.

d. Prevailing wage requirement: Projects that receive an award of public funds often involve construction, alteration, demolition, installation, repair or maintenance work over $1,000. For this reason, projects that receive an award of public funds are likely to be considered public works under the California Labor Code. See Chapter 1 of Part 7 of Division 2 of the California Labor Code, commencing with Section 1720 and Title 8, California Code of Regulations, Chapter 8, Subchapter 3, commencing with Section 16000.

Projects deemed to be public works require, among other things, the payment of prevailing wages, which can be significantly higher than non-prevailing wages.By accepting this grant, Recipient as a material term of this agreement shall be fully responsible for complying with all California public works requirements including but not limited to payment of prevailing wage. Therefore, as a material term of this grant, Recipient must proceed on the assumption that the project is a public work and ensure that:

(i) prevailing wages are paid; and(ii) the project budget for labor reflect these prevailing wage

requirements; and(iii) the project complies with all other requirements of prevailing

wage law including but not limited to keeping and reporting accurate payroll records, and complying with all working hour requirements and apprenticeship obligations


IV. Evaluation and Award Process A. APPLICATION EVALUATION

Applications will be evaluated and scored based on responses to the information requested in this solicitation. To evaluate applications, the Energy Commission will organize an Evaluation Committee that consists primarily of Energy Commission staff. The Evaluation Committee may use technical expert reviewers to provide an analysis of applications. Applications will be evaluated in two stages:

1. Stage One: Application Screening The Contracts, Grants, and Loans Office and/or the Evaluation Committee will screen applications for compliance with the Screening Criteria in Section E of this Part. Applications that fail any of the screening criteria will be rejected.

2. Stage Two: Application Scoring Applications that pass Stage One will be submitted to the Evaluation Committee for review and scoring based on the Scoring Criteria in Section F of this Part.

The scores for each application will be the average of the combined scores of all Evaluation Committee members.

A minimum score of 70.00 points for criteria 1-4 is required for the application to be eligible for funding.

Clarification Interviews: The Evaluation Committee may conduct optional in-person or telephone interviews with applicants or request a written clarification through email during the evaluation process to clarify and/or verify information submitted in the application. However, these interviews may not be used to change or add to the content of the original application. Applicants will not be reimbursed for time spent answering clarifying questions.

B. RANKING, NOTICE OF PROPOSED AWARD, AND AGREEMENT DEVELOPMENT

1. Ranking and Notice of Proposed AwardApplications that receive a minimum score of 70.00 points for all criteria will be ranked according to their score.

The Energy Commission will post a Notice of Proposed Award (NOPA) that includes: (1) the total proposed funding amount; (2) the rank order of applicants; and (3) the amount of each proposed award. The Energy Commission will post the NOPA at its headquarters in Sacramento and on its website, and will mail it to all entities that submitted an application. Proposed awards must be approved by the Energy Commission at a business meeting.

Debriefings: Unsuccessful applicants may request a debriefing after the release of the NOPA by contacting the Commission Agreement Officer listed in Part I. A request for debriefing must be received no later than 30 calendar days after the NOPA is released.

In addition to any of its other rights, the Energy Commission reserves the right to:

o Allocate any additional funds to passing applications, in rank order; and


o Work with successful applicants to modify the project scope, schedule, and/or level of funding.

2. AgreementsApplications recommended for funding will be developed into a grant agreement to be considered at an Energy Commission Business Meeting. Recipients may begin the project only after full execution of the grant agreement (i.e., approval at an Energy Commission business meeting and signature by the Recipient and the Energy Commission).

Agreement Development: The Contracts, Grants, and Loans Office will send the Recipient a grant agreement for approval and signature. The agreement will include the applicable terms and conditions and will incorporate this solicitation by reference. The Energy Commission reserves the right to modify the award documents (including the terms and conditions) prior to executing any agreement.

Failure to Execute an Agreement: If the Energy Commission is unable to successfully execute an agreement with an applicant, it reserves the right to cancel the pending award and to fund the next highest-ranked, eligible application.

Agreement Amendment: The executed agreement may be amended by mutual consent of the Energy Commission and the Recipient. The agreement may require anamendment as a result of project review, changes in project scope, and/or availability of funding.

C. GROUNDS TO REJECT AN APPLICATION OR CANCEL AN AWARD

Applications that do not pass the screening stage will be rejected. In addition, the Energy Commission reserves the right to reject an application and/or to cancel an award in and of the following circumstances:

The application contains false or intentionally misleading statements or references that do not support an attribute or condition contended by the applicant.

The application is intended to erroneously and fallaciously mislead the State in its evaluation and the attribute, condition, or capability is a requirement of this solicitation.

The application does not comply or contains caveats that conflict with the solicitation, and the variation or deviation is material.

The applicant has received unsatisfactory agreement evaluations from the Energy Commission or another California state agency.

The applicant is a business entity that is not in good standing with the California Secretary of State.

The Energy Commission is unable to complete CEQA review and compliance within sufficient time for the Energy Commission to meet its encumbrance deadline or a scheduled business meeting prior to the encumbrance deadline, as the Energy Commission in its sole and absolute discretion may determine.


D. MISCELLANEOUS

1. Solicitation Cancellation and AmendmentIt is the policy of the Energy Commission not to solicit applications unless there is a bona fide intention to award an agreement. However, if it is in the State’s best interest, the Energy Commission reserves the right, in addition to any other rights it has, to do any of the following:

Cancel this solicitation;

Revise the amount of funds available under this solicitation;

Amend this solicitation as needed; and/or

Reject any or all applications received in response to this solicitation.

If the solicitation is amended, the Energy Commission will send an addendum to all entities that requested the solicitation, and will also post it on the Energy Commission’s website at: www.energy.ca.gov/contracts. The Energy Commission will not reimburse applicants for application development expenses under any circumstances, including cancellation of the solicitation.

2. Modification or Withdrawal of ApplicationApplicants may withdraw or modify a submitted application before the deadline to submit applications by sending a letter to the Commission Agreement Officer listed in Section 1.H. Applications cannot be changed after that date and time but an Application may still be withdrawn. An Application cannot be “timed” to expire on a specific date. For example, a statement such as the following is non-responsive to the solicitation: “This application and the cost estimate are valid for 60 days.”

3. Confidentiality

Information received by the Commission in response to a solicitation shall be kept confidential before the posting of the NOPA. However, with very few exceptions, all project documents submitted to the Energy Commission or its technical consultant(s), including as part of any audit, are considered public records subject to disclosure under the Public Records Act. The Energy Commission or other state agencies may also use any of these documents or information for any purpose, including to determine eligibility and compliance with the REAP, applicable law, or a particular solicitation document, to evaluate related or relevant programs or program elements, or to prepare reports. These documents and information include, but are not limited to: applications for funding, the agreement itself, invoices and any documentation submitted in support of applications, all agreement deliverables, final project report and documents prepared for other reporting requirements, and materials and documents developed as part of technology transfer activities.

If the Energy Commission requires an applicant or a recipient to provide copies of records that the recipient believes contain confidential/proprietary information entitled to protection under the California Public Records Act or other law, the applicant or recipient may request that such records be designated confidential according to the Energy Commission’s regulations for confidential designation, Title 20, California Code of Regulations, Section 2505.

Applicants or recipients considering requesting confidentiality should note that GGRF funds are subject to information disclosure requirements to ensure transparency. Information


http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts

concerning the identity of recipients and the grant amount are public information, and will be disclosed according to the California Public Records Act. This information, as well as other public information, may also be disclosed through the Energy Commission’s website, another State of California agency website, or through other means.

Please note that the Energy Commission can disclose confidential information and records to other governmental entities and policing authorities for civil and criminal investigation and enforcement purposes.

For additional information, please refer to the REAP Guidelines, Chapter 3, and the terms and conditions. Persons or entities seeking a confidential designation for data shall follow the process identified in California Code of Regulations, Title 20, Section 2501 et. seq.

4. Solicitation Errors

If an applicant discovers any ambiguity, conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other error in the solicitation, the applicant should immediately notify the Energy Commission of the error in writing and request modification or clarification of the solicitation. The Energy Commission will provide modifications or clarifications by written notice to all entities that requested the solicitation. The Energy Commission will not be responsible for failure to correct errors.

5. Immaterial DefectThe Energy Commission may waive any immaterial defect or deviation contained in an application. The Energy Commission’s waiver will not modify the application or excuse the successful applicant from full compliance with solicitation requirements.

6. Disposition of Applicant’s DocumentsUpon the posting of the NOPA, all applications and related materials submitted in response to this solicitation will become property of the State and publicly available records.

E. STAGE ONE: APPLICATION SCREENING

Applications will be evaluated and scored based on responses to the information requested in the solicitation. To evaluate applications, the Energy Commission will organize an Evaluation Committee consisting of Energy Commission staff possessing expertise in agriculture and renewable energy. Subject matter experts from other agencies may also be invited to serve as scorers or technical reviewers-the latter provides insight about the technology. Proposals will be evaluated in two stages, application screening and proposal scoring. The following table shows the Application Screening Criteria.


STAGE ONE: APPLICATION SCREENING CRITERIA The Application must pass ALL criteria to progress to Stage Two.

The application is received by the due date and time specified in the solicitation. The application is submitted and the application form (Attachment 1) is “wet” (applicants sign

their names to the application document by ink pen) signed. The requested funding falls within the minimum and maximum range specified in the

solicitation. The application proposes to install at least one of the specified renewable energy systems. If the applicant has submitted more than one application, each application is for a distinct and

separate project installed on a unique Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) or group of APNs. If the applicant is the property owner, the proposal identifies and provides evidence of

property ownership for all affected parcels. If the applicant is the property operator, the proposal identifies the property owner of any

property affected by the proposed project. Proposal must include written support for and approval of the project signed by the owner of any and all property affected by the proposed project.Additional information drawn from the application form that will be screened:

Applicant indicated on budget worksheet “yes” regarding confirmation of compliance that labor price by vendor/contractor includes payment of prevailing wage.

F. STAGE TWO: APPLICATION SCORING

Proposals that pass ALL Stage One Screening Criteria and are not rejected as described in Section IV.C. will be evaluated based on the Scoring Criteria on the next page and the Scoring Scale below (with the exception of criteria 5 - 8, which will be evaluated as described in each criterion). Each criterion has an assigned number of possible points, and is divided into multiple sub-criteria. The sub-criteria are not equally weighted.

The minimum passing score is 70.00 out of 100 points for criteria 1 - 4.


SCORING SCALE

% of Possible Points

Interpretation Explanation for Percentage Points

0 - 10% Not Responsive

The response fails to address the criteria. The omissions, flaws, or defects are significant and

unacceptable.

10 - 50% Minimally Responsive

The response minimally addresses the criteria. The omissions, flaws, or defects are significant and only

minimally acceptable.

50 - 70% Inadequate

The response addresses the criteria. There are one or more omissions, flaws, or defects or the

criteria are addressed in a limited way that results in a low degree of confidence in the proposed solution.

70 - 80% Adequate The response adequately addresses the criteria. Any omissions, flaws, or defects are inconsequential and

acceptable.

80 - 90% Good

The response fully addresses the criteria with a good degree of confidence in the applicant’s response or proposed solution.

There are no identified omissions, flaws, or defects. Any identified weaknesses are minimal, inconsequential, and acceptable.

90 -100% Excellent

The response fully addresses the criteria with a high degree of confidence in the applicant’s response or proposed solution.

The applicant offers one or more enhancing features, methods, or approaches that exceed basic expectations.


SCORING CRITERIA The Application Form (Attachment 1) must respond to each criterion below, unless otherwise indicated. The responses must directly relate to the solicitation requirements described in this document. Failure to comply with the solicitation could be grounds for application rejection as stated in Section IV.C.

Maximum Points

Technical Scoring Criteria

5 1. Applicant and Project Eligibility Applications will be evaluated on the degree to which the Applicant:

a. Describes the agricultural operation, and how it meets the definition for an eligible agricultural operation.

b. Demonstrates the applicant and project have met all eligibility requirements as specified in the solicitation.

25 2. Technical Merit and NeedApplications will be evaluated on the degree to which the Applicant:

a. Justifies that the proposed technology(ies) is commercially available and will lead to reduction of GHG emissions at the applicant’s agricultural operation.

b. Proposal has included printouts from the populated 2018-2019 Renewable Energy for Agriculture Calculator, required by CARB-approved quantification methodology if available, or includes completed estimates consistent with the required approach described in the solicitation documents.

30 3. Technical ApproachApplications will be evaluated on the degree to which the Applicant:

a. Describes the approach to be used in performing the work, including demonstrated ability to successfully implement the proposed project.

b. Identifies and discusses factors critical for success, such as risks, barriers, permitting and environmental factors, harvest scheduling, climate or weather considerations and other limitations and how these will be mitigated to successfully complete the project within the grant term.

o Proposed project has obtained special permit or license (i.e. more than building permit) from local permitting agency or verifies such a permit is not required by local permitting agency and provides supporting documentation.

c. Describes how the knowledge gained will be shared with others.

40 4. Impacts and Benefits Applications will be evaluated on the degree to which the Applicant:

a. Provides justifiable and reasonable quantitative estimates of: 1) annual GHG emission reductions at the applicant’s agricultural operation, and 2) other potential benefits for California including the following (as applicable): direct and indirect annual electricity (kilowatt-hours), fossil fuel savings, energy cost reductions, other air emission reductions (e.g., NOx) and any other co-benefits.

b. Identifies the benefits to be provided by the project tasks and who will receive the identified benefits.

c. Provides cost benefit analysis comparing Energy Commission funds requested relative to estimated GHG emission reductions (e.g., CEC dollars requested/ton of GHG emissions reduced).

d. States the timeframe, assumptions, and calculations for the estimated


Maximum Points

Technical Scoring Criteria

benefits, and explains their reasonableness.e. Provides a clear and plausible M&V plan describing the methodology to

measure GHG emission reductions, energy savings, and other benefits (e.g., those identified in criteria 4.a.) if awarded funds.

100 Total Possible Points (Minimum Passing Score is 70)

Preference Points (optional): Applicants must meet the minimum passing score to be eligible for the additional points. A score above 100 may be possible after preference points are applied.

10 5. Priority PopulationsProposals that meet all the requirements of being located in and benefiting priority populations as referenced in Section II.B.3. will receive 10 points. Proposals that do not meet all requirements will receive zero points.

10 6. Match FundingPreference points shall be awarded on a sliding scale to proposals including at least 10 percent match funds. Please refer to section 1.E.4 for additional information. (Commitment letter(s) required)

5 7. Geographic locationFive (5) preference points shall be awarded if the application is for a proposed project located in a county represented by less than 10 percent of all passing applications submitted under this solicitation.

5 8. California Based VendorsPreference points shall be awarded if the equipment selected for installation is purchased from a California based vendor. Points will be awarded on a sliding scale based on the percentage of equipment funds spent with a California-based vendor and will be calculated by using the following formula:

CECFunds towardsCalifornia BasedVendors for EquipmentTotalCEC Funds for Equipment

×5 Points

Source: California Energy Commission


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