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Question
I wanted to confirm that all Related Forms, from Forms 51-59, excluding Form 58, must be scanned and included in the electronic submission due by midnight on May 1.
Answer
That is correct.
Question
Do the two copies of the application and related documents that need to be signed, actually have to be signed? Or does only the original need to be signed?
Answer
Only one set of original signatures is required. The other two sets can be photocopies.
Question
How many SmartWay devices need to be tested? Also, what evidence do you need from the manufacturers of the SmartWay devices that we designate for testing, so far as their commitment is concerned? Is it sufficient to indicate their name and contact information and type of device in our submission, or do we also have to obtain a commitment letter?
Answer
There isn't a specified number of devices to be tested. As a minimum, however, the applicant should include in their proposal the SmartWay technologies with a high probability of improved fuel economy and NOx reduction for a drayage drive cycle. As an example, the EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership's Paper Number 05CV-45 titled "Effect of Single Wide Tires and Trailer Aerodynamics of Fuel Economy and NOx Emissions of Class 8 Line-Haul Tractor-Trailers" indicate NOx is primarily a function of power output. "At lower speeds, rolling resistance assumes a greater fraction of the vehicle's power requirements." Tires with lower rolling resistance and decreased mass should be included in the proposal. The age of trucks used by drayage companies are generally 10 to 15 years old. Therefore, the cost of the SmartWay device(s) and cost of installation / vehicle modification should be a consideration in the selection process.
The applicant should include in the proposal a list of the SmartWay technologies (devices) that will be installed on the test truck indicating manufacturer's name and device specifications. The applicant should include in their "Deliverables (page 15)" a detailed description of the technology, the manufacturer of the technology, the commercial availability of the device and cost, prior test reports of the device, expected life and maintenance requirements of the device, anticipated fuel economy and NOx emissions reduction when installed on the test vehicle, and level of manufacturer's technical support to install and operate the device. Any modification or deviation from the manufacturer's installation instructions should be documented and clarified.
Question
If our company is the primary contractor for the bid, what documentation does any subcontractor (e.g., a University) have to fill out? Do we account for them ourselves on the budget (Form 55), and pay them directly? Which of the "Related Forms" would the subcontractor have to complete? Are there any special rules or guidance you can give us concerning University (or other) subcontractors?
Answer
When you prepare your budget (Form 55), show all of the subcontractor's costs as a single amount under category "F - Contract Services" and briefly explain this item in the budget justification. You should have your subcontractor provide you with all of the application forms as they relate to the subcontractor's participation in the project, but at a minimum you should require the subcontractor to submit to you a detailed budget and budget justification, a project narrative for their portion of the scope of work, and signed copies of the Certifications and Assurances. These items should be appended to your application.
If your organization receives this grant award, all of the terms and conditions contained in the Grant Agreement must be incorporated into any subcontracts. Your subcontractor will bill your organization for costs incurred, and your payments to the subcontractor will be treated as a cost that you invoice to HARC in turn. Your organization will be responsible for verifying that the subcontractor meets all grant conditions.
Question
In the related forms, Form 51, what are "COLLABORATORS" on page 2? Also, do you want Bio Sketches only for the prime contractor, or also for any subcontractor(s)? In the related forms, Form 57, you ask about current or future projects. What is the intent here? Are you worried about a time conflict of interest? Professional orientation? Also, do you want to know about any past projects of relevance to the proposed project?
Answer
The section for "Collaborators" on Form 51 is optional, but it is intended to allow the applicant to show if key personnel for the applicant have recent experience working with other leaders in the field (in other organizations) on similar types of projects. This field can be left blank.
The purpose of Form 57 is to allow reviewers to make informed judgments as to the applicant's ability to complete the work being proposed in light of other existing or anticipated commitments. Information regarding past projects might be relevant to the Biosketch but is not necessary for the Current and Pending Projects form.
Question
Please clarify what an educational institution (or other entity) can submit as allowable budget items.
Should we submit straight costs for hours expended? As a University, we usually calculate our cost, and then add a multiplier. Can this approach be used here? How do we show this in our submittal?
Answer
You should develop your budget in accordance with your organization's financial standards and policies. As noted in response to other questions, the RFGA has been amended to allow the inclusion of indirect costs within the total award amount up to a maximum of 15% of total direct costs.
Question
Where are the test trucks coming from? Who supplies them? Who is responsible for them?
Answer
The applicant must provide or supply a pair of trucks described in section 1.3. An applicant that does not currently own or have access to a pair of qualified trucks might consider a truck rental / leasing company; or possibly a rent or loan agreement from a trucking company interested in participation with the applicant in the SmartWay program. As stated in section 1.3, each truck and its container / chassis should be as identical as possible in terms of make, model, year manufactured, engine type and model year, transmission type, rear axle ratio and general condition and maintenance history. Both trucks should be free of obvious mechanical or physical defect that would adversely affect emissions or fuel consumption. The applicant will have complete responsibility for the trucks and installation of the on-board emissions monitoring equipment and SmartWay technologies.
Question
The RFGA states that any overhead or other indirect costs are not eligible under this program. This would mean that normal labor related costs that are tied to salaries by service organizations who might perform the testing would not be eligible. Normally indirects on labor for fringes and federal or state allowable overhead would be eligible expenses. Is the RFGA in error or is it meant to be stated this way?
Answer
We are amending this condition in the RFGA. An organization's normal indirect costs will be allowed up to a maximum of 15% of total direct costs. There are no additional funds available to cover indirect costs, so the total award limits indicated in the RFGA will still apply. Fees or profits will continue to be unallowable.
Question
In regards to the format of the project narrative, we have a several questions. First of all, we noticed that you require a cover page to the narrative; does this cover page count toward the 25 page limit? In addition, we would like to know if appendices are considered part of the 25 page limit (it appears from the RFGA that they are but we wanted to be certain)? Finally we would like to know if this 25 page limit will be strictly enforced with exceptions whatsoever?
Answer
The cover page does not count toward the 25-page limit, but otherwise that limit will be strictly enforced. Any pages submitted beyond the 25-page limit will not be reviewed. Any information vital to understanding your proposal must be included within those 25 pages. While additional attachments will not disqualify your application, you should assume that those appendices will not be considered in the review process.
Question
How important is it to TERC/HARC that we are able to speciate NO and NO2 with the PEMS? Is this of any importance to you at all or are you simply interested in general NOx detection?
Answer
We are only interested in general NOx detection.
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| Page Updated/Reviewed: 05/01/2006 8:07 AM |
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© 2005 - 2008 Texas Environmental Research Consortium
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