Question
The instructions state that electronic files cannot be from scanned-in paper. Does this apply to the forms requiring signatures? If so, are signatures required on the electronic versions?
Answer
Electronic copies do not require signatures, filling in the name of the appropriate person(s) will be sufficient. Original copies of the application submitted via mail must signatures on all required forms.
Question
I am FEDEXing a proposal to you guys at the address listed in the RFP. FEDEX requires a phone number. Do you have a phone number I can use for delivery purposes?
Answer
(281) 363-7957
Question
We are proposing a 3-year project. How should the RFGA-13 Budget form be used/modified for a 3-year budget?
Answer
You may alter the HARC Form 55 to insert two additional columns to allow for Year 3 Budget and Year 3 Cost Share amounts. Obviously, the formulas in the spreadsheet that accumulate the totals will need to be adjusted accordingly.
Question
Will non-SCR systems that nonetheless require an additional liquid on-board be acceptable? For example, such a liquid might be injected into the intake manifold or the fuel system.
Answer
The primary reason in seeking alternatives to conventional SCR systems is concerns associated with the need for an additional liquid on board the vehicle. Depending on the type of liquid you would propose for an alternative SCR solution, a greater, smaller, or similar risk factor would have to be taken into account in the review process.
Question
Will TERC fund a complete CARB verification?
Answer
Yes.
Question
Assuming these concepts satisfy the NOx reduction of at least 25% will they be considered for funding?
- A propane enhanced retrofit system for heavy-duty diesel engines.
- A hydrogen enhanced retrofit system for heavy-duty diesel engines.
- A natural gas conversion for heavy-duty diesel engines.
- A charge air fumigated system with periodic replacement liquid air enhancement containing precious metals.
Answer
As long as the basic eligibility requirements stated in RFGA-13 are met, these concepts will be reviewed and scored using the criteria listed in the RFGA.
Question
Are there any limitations / requirements for the time period of the grant project? For example, does the grant period have to occur over 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, etc?
Answer
The grant period is limited to a maximum of 3 years.
Question
On page 4 of the application it is stated that all "confidential/proprietary" information be submitted in a brown envelope separate from but enclosed with the other required application forms and information. Can you please advise me how to "brown envelope" the electronic version of our complete proposal which is required to be submitted via email?
Answer
When submitting the electronic application, send the body of the proposal, i.e. the non-confidential portion, to the email address specified in the instructions for RFGA-13. Send any confidential or proprietary information separately to the attention of Bob Travis at btravis@harc.edu, and include a clear reference as to the application to which it relates.
Question
Are budget spreadsheet pages and the "up to 4 pages" of justification for the budget in addition to the 25 page limit for the project narrative?
Answer
Yes.
Question
Would you prefer that the tables that address the following bullets be included in the project narrative or the "up to 4 page" budget justification?
- Provide a table listing labor categories and hours for all tasks
- Provide a table listing labor categories and hours for all subcontracted tasks
- Provide a rationale for determining labor categories and hours
Answer
Either way will be fine.
Question
Lastly, if possible would you provide a summary of allowable travel expenses i.e., dollar limits on meals, hotel rates, mileage, and airfare? We were not able to find the limits in the TCEQ Allowable Expenditure Guidelines.
Answer
Travel costs within Texas are limited to the rates allowed for State of Texas agencies, whereas travel costs outside of Texas cannot exceed the federal GSA allowances for travel in the given location. The GSA rates can be located at the website for the federal GSA. The State of Texas currently limits mileage to $0.485 per mile and allows up to $36/day for meals when traveling. Air fares are allowable based on best fare reasonably available.
Question
The RFGA has three areas. Areas 1 and 2 specifically call for EPA or CARB verification. Area 3 mentions verification in the title, but does not specifically call for EPA or CARB verification to be included in the SOW. Is this a requirement for Area 3?
Answer
Verification by either CARB or EPA, following the appropriate procedures, is a requirement for topic areas 1 and 2. It is optional for area 3.
Question
Is EPA verification the preferred verification? If so, what relative scores would EPA verification obtain relative to CARB verification?
Answer
There is no preference for either protocol.
Question
Should proposals that fall under item 3 include verification in the SOW? (i.e., Was that an omission?)
Answer
Inclusion of (EPA or CARB) verification in the statement of work is a requirement for topics areas 1 and 2, optional for topic area 3.
Question
- Will proposals which include SCR be rejected?
- If they will not be rejected, will they be at a disadvantage relative to proposals which do not include SCR?
- If they are at a disadvantage, how will scores be affected by the presence of SCR in the proposal?
Answer
- The current NTRD project portfolio contains a significant number of SCR projects. Proposals for "conventional" (using urea as a reductant) SCR projects will likely not be selected for funding.
- Conventional SCR projects will be at a disadvantage compared to other after treatment options.
- Unless a proposed SCR project offers unique benefits not found in current SCR projects, they will likely be found "not responsive" to the request for grant applications.
Question
- Will proposals which include fuel additives or blending agents be rejected?
- If they will not be rejected, will they be at a disadvantage relative to proposals which do not include fuel additives or blending agents?
- If they are at a disadvantage, how will scores be affected by the presence of fuel additives or blending agents in the proposal?
Answer
- Yes.
- The current NTRD project portfolio contains a significant number of SCR projects. Proposals for "conventional" (using urea as a reductant) SCR projects will likely not be selected for funding.
- The current NTRD project portfolio contains a significant number of SCR projects. Proposals for "conventional" (using urea as a reductant) SCR projects will likely not be selected for funding.
Question
Will you please clarify how proposers are to present the NOx emission reductions of technologies that are aimed at certain operation modes which are not well represented by the standard certification measurement cycles?
Answer
The answer greatly depends on the type of technology proposed. For example, for heavy duty hybrid vehicles, the engine is certified to a specific emissions level. The hybrid system provides emissions and fuel economy benefits not captured in this certification protocol. EPA and CARB are developing test protocols that will allow assessment of the additional benefits, which are duty cycle dependent. Similarly, test protocols are under development for idle reduction technologies.
Absent appropriate test protocols, a reasonable and coherent rationalization of the expected benefits of a particular technology (and application) is the minimum expected. Such reasoning can easily be further supported with computational modeling.
Question
Is the work performed under this grant required to be done in Texas?
Answer
No.
Question
Can one company apply for two projects under RFGA-13; one is a continuation on a previous TCEQ grant and the second is a new application?
Answer
Yes.
Question
Our technology works effectively on reducing NOx on low-exhaust temperature profiles applications. Such applications are difficult, complex and usually have high fuel penalties when most technologies are applied. Stationary diesel engines or marine applications are good examples. Do you have a preference based on HARC's needs for stationary vs. marine or any other diesel application where other technologies are not quite effective in such applications?
Answer
The focus of the NTRD program is on mobile on- and off-road diesel equipment such as heavy duty trucks, locomotive, marine, and construction equipment.
Question
I am a principal in a company that has an engine add-on product that has the capability of reducing NoX emissions from diesel engines. We are interested in applying for your grant funds. I am unfamiliar with the grant process (RFGA-13) and have a number of questions concerning the application and application process. Is there a person that I can speak with to address my questions?
Answer
Under the RFGA process, all questions must be submitted in writing as described in the RFGA, and the questions and answers will be posted for all interested persons to view. We cannot answer questions by phone or email, as the information conveyed in that manner conceivably could provide an applicant with a competitive advantage not available to other parties.
Question
I represent a small company bringing carbon-foam technology to the battery marketplace. Our website is: (redacted). I'd like to determine if our company is eligible for TERC funding under the provisions of the referenced RFGA in the subject line, and if so, if our technology is of interest to the selection committee. Our website gives a very good overview of our technology. If we are eligible, please let me know I can provide more technical details.
Answer
Your company is eligible for NTRD funding. As long as the project you propose is in line with the stated technology topics in the RFGA, then it too will be eligible. However, please be aware that the NTRD program employs a competitive process and eligibility is no guarantee for a grant award.
Question
Are we allowed to take exception to any of the contract language in the sample agreement provided? If so, should we include these exceptions in our proposal submission?
Answer
You are welcome to indicate any exceptions to the proposed contract language in a cover letter to your application (not in the application itself), although it is not necessary to do so. In the event your proposal is selected for funding, HARC will negotiate the final wording of the grant agreement with your organization at that time.
Question
Can federal government money for research qualify as the matching funding, or at least part of the matching funding?
Answer
Yes, as long as the match is not derived from other State of Texas funds.
Question
Does this RFGA include school busses?
Answer
Yes.
Question
The RFGA does not appear to mention attachment of letters of support from industry partners. Should these be attached? How? Will they count against the 25 pg. limit?
Answer
Letter(s) of support from industry as an indication of commercialization potential of your technology or project may be provided along with the application. They will not count against the 25 page limit on the technical narrative.
Question
Our company is currently developing a nano-derived SCR catalyst for fuel-based reductants, and proposes to: (a) scale it up to monolith, and (b) demonstrate its performance with Diesel engine exhaust. Through this approach, a unique catalytic solution can be developed avoiding the usage of urea as reductant for NOx abatement in Diesel exhaust. I would appreciate if you could confirm that the proposed research plan would fit the scope of your RFGA-13. A timely response is greatly appreciated.
Answer
The request for "alternatives to Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technologies" is aimed at alternatives to conventional SCR technologies, i.e. those using urea as a reductant. Catalytic solutions, including SCR, that do not require urea or any other additional liquid to be placed on the vehicle, will be eligible for funding.
Question
How can CenterPoint Energy become involved in RFGA 13?
Answer
Centerpoint Energy can apply for a grant for a qualifying project independently or team up with others.
Question
I want to know whether other institution and company which are not located in Texas can apply for the research funding?
Answer
Applicants are not restricted to Texas entities. Organizations outside of Texas may apply.
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