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Question
A 25 page, double space, does not leave a lot of space to present technological details or counter discussions on perceived technologies/know-hows. Can the applicant cake a reference to websites about such technical details in the project narrative?
Answer
Any Information beyond the 25 page technical narrative will not be considered in the review process.
Question
There is no reference to background qualificaion for key individuals. Under "Applicant Capabilities" does this refer to organization and key personnel, or just the organization? Should outside consultants' qualifications be listed separately from the affiliated organization?
Answer
Consideration of "applicant capabilities" includes both the proposing organization/person/entity as well as any subcontractors.
Question
Some hybrid manufacturers have limited or no diesel emission qualified individuals. Can the Principal Investigator be a member of a subcontractor organization?
Answer
Because an award is made to the named organization, an individual at that organization should be named as Principal Investigator with the responsibility to oversee the conduct of the project on behalf of the grantee organization. It is entirely acceptable to designate a co-PI who is a member of a subcontractor organization.
Question
In comparing the emissions reduction potential of a hybrid vehicle to a similar conventional vehicle in a controlled testing facility, do the engines need to be the same emissions certification year for a valid baseline comparison? For example, comparing a 2007 certified engine in a hybrid vehicle to a 2004 certified engine in a conventional vehicle would show high gains in emission reduction, most of which would come from the 2007 engine itself, but if you compared the 2007 hybrid to a 2007 conventional vehicle, the emission reduction gain would be modest. Would the latter case be considered for a different rating compared to what is currently listed in your Sample Score Sheet?
Answer
The emissions reduction and fuel savings potential of a hybrid truck should compare baseline vehicle to the exact same vehicle (i.e. same model year certified engine with identical ratings).
Question
The submission requirements state:
- "An original signed hard copy of the complete proposal shall also be submitted..."
- The "electronic version shall be submitted using a format readable by commonly available software such as Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Word. Note: Adobe Acrobat file must be searchable (i.e. they cannot be scanned-in paper).
- Does this mean that the electronic version does not have to include signatures? Attempts to include an electronic signature were not successful, nor were attempts to sign and scan signed copies into a searchable document.
Answer
Signatures are not required with the electronic version. The hard copy should include original signatures.
Question
The "Suspension and Debarment Certification" form is required to be signed by "all lower tier participants", but the form only allows for one entry. The file protection does not allow for additional pages to be added for the additional participants. How shall the additional participants forms be included?
Answer
The Suspension and Debarment Certification form applies to each company or organization applying under the RFGA rather than to the key individuals who will participate in the project, so only one certification is normally required per application. If you application anticipates subcontracting a portion of the Scope of Work to another entity, that other entity will also be required to provide the same certification prior to beginning work on the project.
Question
Does the in-field testing to demonstrate the ability and functionality of the hybrid truck need to occur in Texas, or is it acceptable to perform this locally to save shipping costs and travel expenses?
Answer
In field testing is not required to take place in Texas.
Question
In the case of a hybrid refuse truck, is there a specific body style (front, rear, or side loader) required for the in-field testing, or is that left to the discretion of the applicant?
Answer
For in field testing, the body style is up to the applicant, as long as the selected chassis and body are representative where relevant (e.g. total vehicle weight).
Question
Would EPA or CARB verification testing of after-treatment technologies for Electric Hybrids be eligible for funding?
Answer
No.
Question
Does the "No fees or profit margins are allowed" statement in the budget form instructions apply to overhead rates and, if not, does overhead have to be built into each item in the budget or can it be included as an "Indirect Cost"?
Answer
If your company or organization currently has a federally negotiated indirect cost rate, that rate may be included in your budget up to the limit stated in the RFGA, i.e. 15% of direct costs. Any indirect costs above that cap may be considered as cost share. If your organization does not have a negotiated IDC rate, you will need to itemize the overhead costs in your proposed budget. The NTRD Program will allow actual costs to be reimbursed, but not fees or profits in excess of actual costs.
Question
I am working in India and we are working on automotive research and certification. I am trying to work on a new combustion technology which gives almost zero NOx and PM from engines. But I don't have funds with me. I saw your web page regarding invitation of applications to work on new technology. But I would like to clarify that is this applicable to only US organizations or any body can apply. I am looking for funds to work on new technologies.
Answer
There is no restriction on who can apply, but pay close attention to the review criteria contained in the solicitation. This solicitation is aimed at hybrid technologies that are in the advanced stages of development or early preproduction with the expectation that the successful technologies will be commercially available in Texas relatively soon.
Question
Who can apply for the TERC grant? Can a municipality outside the State of Texas, in New Mexico for example apply for the grant?
Answer
Anyone or any entity can apply. The review criteria however are geared toward technology developers. As such, it is unlikely a municipality would score very high.
Question
Will a program centered around transit buses be given equal consideration to the program centered around trucks?
Answer
Yes.
Question
Is there any limit on the proportion of funding that would be used to develop hybrid vehicle or must the vehicle be commercially available?
Answer
This RFGA is aimed primarily at the late development and early pre-production stages.
Question
Will the program show any interest in Plug-In hybrids? Will the vehicle be charge sustaining under severe loading?
Answer
Plug-in hybrids are not excluded, but again, this RFGA is aimed primarily at the late development and early preproduction stages.
Question
Will TERC accept a request to extend the deadline for submission of the grant application?
Answer
No.
Question
The RFGA includes the wording, "Eligible projects will be limited to class 4 and higher trucks and must include a diesel engine as part of the hybrid drivetrain." Should one presume that a CNG hybrid engine configuration that replaces a diesel engine application will be excluded from consideration, or is the scope broad enough to consider this as a qualifying project?
Answer
A CNG hybrid does not qualify for funding under this RFGA.
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| Page Updated/Reviewed: 10/15/2007 2:34 PM |
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© 2005 - 2008 Texas Environmental Research Consortium
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