Biobased Transportation Research

 

Carry out biobased research of national importance at the National Biodiesel Board and at research centers identified in section 9011 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8109).

Deleted 04/02/2020 (Archived.) 20.761 Agency: Department of Transportation
Office: Office of the Secretary (OST) Administration Secretariate PROJECT GRANTS Fiscal Year 2014: Sun Grant Centers experienced difficulties considering the nature of their research is agriculturally based. There were many delays due to extreme inclement weather in several locations. Thus this hindered and altered harvests results especially for cellulosic research. The interruptions caused many delays and harvest season was not plentiful. Fiscal Year 2015: The Centers’ received no-cost extensions until 2017. The will allow them to recover from the lost in 2014 and be able to finish the intended Biobased research. Fiscal Year 2016: The Center’s projects will be coming to an end. Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users of 2005 (SAFTEA- LU), Public Law 109-59, 119 Stat. 1781. Earmark recipients as designated in SAFTEA- LU , Public Law 109-59, August 10, 2005 119 Stat. 1781, Subtitle B Title V Section 5101 (m). Public and private nonprofit institutions of higher learning and industry trade groups. A formal application outlining how the institution will meet the project scope; detailed delineation of organization, staff, faculty, and budget. Costs are determined in accordance with OMB Circular A-21. This program is excluded from coverage under 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles. Preapplication coordination is not applicable. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. This program is excluded from coverage under 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. The grants were earmarks under SAFETEA-LU. There are no additional or new grants awarded however the existing grants received incremental modifications. Not Applicable. From 1 to 15 days. Prior procedures had fifteen working days from receipt of proposal. Not Applicable. Not Applicable. Not Applicable. The recipients will conduct research according to the provisions provided in SAFTEA- LU (Public Law 109-59, August 10, 2005 119 Stat. 1781) Subtitle B Title V Section 5101 (m) The Department's role will be to manage and coordinate with the grantees to best address related DOT program needs, and ensure that no unnecessary duplication of effort exists with other DOT projects. The program provided an avenue for innovative research to initiate and stimulate the biopower economy and rural areas as well as provide efficient, cost effective and environmentally safe transportation fuels to reduce greenhouse gases. The recipients are five regional land-grant universities and the National Biodiesel Board. The regional centers are called the Sun Grants and they consist of the University of Tennessee, South Dakota State University, Oregon University, Cornell University, and Oklahoma State University. Each recipient is required to submit an annual report and a final technical report at the end of the research project. If a recipient receives income during the lifet time of the grant, they are required to report the income on the SF-270. Each recipient must submit quarterly progress reports as well as annual reports on the project(s) status. The recipient is required by the Department and OMB (2 CFR part 215) to submit a financial report (SF-425). The report identifies the total program obligation, expedintures, and cost share during the specified quarter. Performance monitoring is not applicable. In accordance with the provisions of 2 CFR 200, Subpart F - Audit Requirements, non-Federal entities that expend financial assistance of $750,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Non-Federal entities that expend less than $750,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in 2 CFR 200.503. Recipients are required to conduct an A-133 audit. Recipient is required to retain intact, for 3 to 5 years following submissions of the final expenditure report, pending resolution of audit findings, all grant products, financial records, and supporting documents. Statutory formulas are not applicable to this program.
Matching Requirements: Percent: 20.%. The Federal share of this grant shall be 20 percent of the funds received by the grantee.
This program does not have MOE requirements. Four years as designated in: SAFTEA-LU (Public Law 109-59, August 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1781) Subtitle B Title V Section 5101 (m). In 2010, the Hire Incentive to Restore Employment Act extended the program and provided additional funding at the 2009 authorized levels. See the following for information on how assistance is awarded/released: The recipients were notified by letter and through the procurement process. None. Shawn Johnson, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E, E33-470, Washington, District of Columbia 20590 Email: shawn.johnson@dot.gov Phone: (202) 366-1762. http://www.rita.dot.gov 69-8083-0-1-401. (Project Grants) FY 14 $0; FY 15 est $0; and FY 16 est $0 - FY2014 -- This program did not receive authorization for continued funding.

The program was not authorized additional funding after 2010. However, incremental funding for specific research projects to promote application and commercialization were provided through other funding resources. The range is between $9,000,000 -$13,000,000. The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU, Public Law 109-59), enacted in 2005, Section 5201(m). Fiscal Year 2014: There were no projects funded during this fiscal year. Fiscal Year 2015: Three centers will receive no-cost extensions. Fiscal Year 2016: The centers will be preparing the final reports to begin closing the grants.