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Clarification
HARC has received questions regarding the possibility of extending the deadline for responses to RFGA-14. At this time, we do not anticipate extending the current deadline of June 20, 2008. In the event that we do not receive a sufficient number of applications on or before that date, HARC may repeat this solicitation in a new RFGA.
Question
Is retrofit an option to reduce emissions from ship's auxiliary engines operating in port? If yes, would a PM + NOx retrofit device considered for control of emissions from ship's auxiliary engines operating in port.
Answer
The answer to both questions is Yes, although the device would have to be operated at least 75% of the time in the non-attainment area in order to be eligible.
Question
The locomotives in a switchyard operate throughout all 8 power (notch) levels and idle, yet they are confined to just the switchyard. Is a switchyard for trains considered an inland port? Would reducing the NOx emissions for a switchyard locomotive operating in some of its 8 power states (plus idle) be considered a valid goal for RFGA-14 or is the only valid goal "idle" emissions reduction?
Answer
A railroad switchyard is not considered an inland port for the purposes of RFGA-14.
Question
What is the award notification date for RFGA-14?
Answer
The anticipated award date is September 15, 2008.
Question
What is the performance period (start/stop dates)?
Answer
The performance period will begin upon execution of the NTRD Grant Agreement or upon receipt of an Authorization to Proceed, so it is reasonable to project a start date of October 1, 2008. The project end date should be determined by the applicant based on the timeline required to complete the approved scope of work.
Question
When will the award be made?
Answer
The anticipated award date is September 15, 2008.
Question
Would verification testing at Southwest Research Institute under the CARB verification process be eligible for funding?
Answer
Technology verification testing should follow the EPA protocol.
Question
The intended applications seemed to be steady state and constant rpm for the electric power, but transient for the delivery vans, etc. Is that true?
Answer
The intended applications are those that are significant sources of NOx emissions in air, marine, and in-land ports. Please clarify your question.
Question
What makes this project different from RFGA-3? Is it that the duty cycles are all relatively "cold"?
Answer
RFGA-3 was very broadly focused at all heavy duty diesel applications in any market segment. RFGA-14 is focused on significant sources of NOx emissions in air, marine, and in-land ports.
Question
What are you expecting to be different from the technologies funded for RFGA-3?
Answer
They can be similar or alternative approaches, but must be aimed specifically at port applications.
Question
Could you comment on the issue of confidentiality of the application materials? Specifically, what is the timing for public release of application materials, and is release dependent upon a positive decision to grant funding? The RFGA information document describes that the purpose of the NTRD program is to make information publicly available, the need for clearly marking confidential information, and the process by which the Texas Attorney General determines whether specific information is confidential. However, it is not clear (a) whether information from non-selected applications would be released, and (b) what the timing for release is (upon receipt of application, during review, upon award). Could you help me with these two questions? Thank you.
Answer
Because the funding for the NTRD Program is provided by the State of Texas through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, all HARC records pertaining to the Program are subject to the Texas Public Information Act. While the TPIA was written to provide some protection for proprietary or confidential commercial information, applicants need to be aware that other individuals or entities may request access to information relating to the NTRD Program, including applications. HARC does not post the applications that are not selected for funding, but interested parties may still request information about those applications. Summary information about the funded applications is posted on the NTRD web site after the awards are announced, but the complete applications are not posted. We strongly encourage applicants to adhere to the instructions in the application guidelines about clearly marking and segregating any Confidential or Proprietary information.
Question
Are for-profit entities that are not located nor incorporated in Texas able to apply for this grant?
Answer
Yes.
Question
Would development of a prototype and subsequent commercialization of an all-electric terminal tractor, many of which operate at marine and inland ports, be eligible for funding?
Answer
Yes, such a proposal would be considered for funding.
Question
Is there a possibility that the grant deadline may be extended?
Answer
No.
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| Page Updated/Reviewed: 06/16/2008 2:02 PM |
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© 2005 - 2008 Texas Environmental Research Consortium
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