Biomass Research and Development Initiative Competitive Grants Program (BRDI)

 

To carry out research on and development and demonstration of: (A) biofuels and biobased products; and (B) the methods, practices, and technologies, for the production of biofuels and biobased products.

Active 10.312 National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Department of Agriculture B - Project Grants Fiscal Year 2016 For FY 2016: No new awards are anticipated through the Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) in FY 2016. The program will be competed in FY 2017. NOTES FROM PROGRAM: (1) The Farm Bill does not provide funding past FY 2017. (2) There are no new projects planned for FY 2016 as those funds will be rolled into the FY 2017 funds to provide a more robust funding opportunity. This action been approved by NIFA Senior Leadership. No new awards were made through the Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) in FY 2016. Non-competitive renewals and/or continuation awards totaled $2,572,807. The program will be competed in FY 2017.
Fiscal Year 2017 In Fiscal Year (FY) 2017, the Biomass Research and Education Development Initiative (BRDI) awarded $2,506,479 to four (4) projects that focus on the development of biomass feedstocks, biofuels and biobased products, and the life-cycle analysis of these systems.
Fiscal Year 2018 N/A. The Program ended in FY 2017. However, Assistance Listing (CFDA) # 10.312 for the Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) cannot be archived. Several pending and/or unrecorded financial transactions prevent this action at this time.
Fiscal Year 2019 N/A. The Program ended in FY 2017. However, Assistance Listing (CFDA) # 10.312 for the Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) cannot be archived. Several pending and/or unrecorded financial transactions prevent this action at this time.
Fiscal Year 2020 N/A. The Program ended in FY 2017. However, Assistance Listing (CFDA) # 10.312 for the Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) cannot be archived. Several pending and/or unrecorded financial transactions prevent this action at this time.
Fiscal Year 2023 The Program ended in FY 2017. However, Assistance Listing (CFDA) # 10.312 for the Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) cannot be archived. Several pending and/or unrecorded financial transactions prevent this action at this time. Collaboration between Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Agriculture (USDA) on a Biomass Research and Development Initiative is directed under various statutory authorities, primarily the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (FCEA) (Public Law 110-246) and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005)(Public Law 109-58; Section 941). USDA’s authorization appears in Section 9008 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (FCEA) (Public Law 110-246) which replaced section 9008 of the Farm Security, and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (FSRIA) (Public Law 107-171) [7 U.S.C. 8108]; thereby amending section 307 of the Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000 (BRDA) (7 U.S.C. 7624 note, and 7 U.S.C. 8101 note; Public Law 106–224). Pursuant to Executive Order 13134, BRDA can be found at (7 U.S.C .8601 et seq). BRDA authorizes the Biomass Research and Development., Public Law 109-58, 7 U.S.C. 8606 Eligible entities include: (A) an institution of higher education; (B) a National Laboratory; (C) a Federal research agency; (D) a State research agency; (E) a private sector entity; (F) a nonprofit organization; or (G) a consortium of 2 or more entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (F) Eligible entities include: (A) an institution of higher education; (B) a National Laboratory; (C) a Federal research agency; (D) a State research agency; (E) a private sector entity; (F) a nonprofit organization; or (G) a consortium of 2 or more entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (F) The System for Award Management (SAM) combines eight federal procurement systems, including CCR, and the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance into one new system. CCR activities are conducted through SAM (the CCR website will redirect users to SAM). Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number and System for Award Management (SAM): Each applicant (unless excepted under 2 CFR ? 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR ? 25.110(d)) is required to: (i) Be registered in SAM before submitting its application; (ii) Provide a valid UEI number in its application; and (iii) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency. It also must state that the Federal awarding agency may not make a Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable UEI and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant. Applicants must furnish the information required in the Competitive Request for Applications (RFAs). Successful applicants recommended for funding must furnish the information and assurances requested during the award documentation process. These include, but are not limited to the following: Organizational Management Information - Specific management information relating to an applicant shall be submitted on a one time basis, with updates on an as needed basis, as part of the responsibility determination prior to the award of a grant identified under this RFA, if such information has not been provided previously under this or another NIFA program. NIFA will provide copies of forms recommended for use in fulfilling these requirements as part of the preaward process. Although an applicant may be eligible based on its status as one of these entities, there are factors which may exclude an applicant from receiving Federal financial and nonfinancial assistance and benefits under this program (e.g., debarment or suspension of an individual involved or a determination that an applicant is not responsible based on submitted organizational management information). This information collection is approved under OMB Circular Control No. 0524-0026, "Assurance of Compliance with the Department of Agriculture Regulations Assuring Civil Rights, Compliance and Organization Information." SPECIAL NOTE: Please refer to the Competitive Request for Applications (RFAs) for further specific and pertinent details. The most current RFAs are available as follows: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/biomass-research-and-development-initiative-brdi RFAs are generally released annually. Hence, the RFAs provide the most current and accurate information available. Any specific instructions in the Competitive RFAs supersede the general information provided in the CFDA database. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program. Preapplication coordination is required. An environmental impact statement is required for this listing. An environmental impact assessment is not required for this listing. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. All RFAs are published on Grants.gov. Applicants must complete the Grants.gov registration process and follow the instructions provided per Grants.Gov.. 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) only accepts electronic applications which are submitted via Grants.gov in response to specific Requests for Applications (RFA). Applicants must complete the Grants.gov registration process. For information about the pre-award phase of the grant lifecycle application processes see: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grants-101/pre-award-phase.html. Further, applicants must follow the instructions provided in the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide, which can be assessed as follows: Adobe NIFA Applications. 2 CFR part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards and 2 CFR part 400 USDA's Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards apply to this program. SPECIAL NOTE: Please refer to the Competitive Request for Applications (RFAs) for further specific and pertinent details. The most current RFAs are available via: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/biomass-research-and-development-initiative-brdi RFAs are generally released annually. Hence, the RFAs provide the most current and accurate information available. Any specific instructions in the Competitive RFAs supersede the general information provided in the CFDA database. Applications are subjected to a system of peer and merit review in accordance with section 103 of the Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7613) by a panel of qualified scientists and other appropriate persons who are specialists in the field covered by the proposal. Within the limit of funds available for such purpose, the NIFA Authorized Departmental Officer (ADO) shall make grants to those responsible, eligible applicants whose applications are judged most meritorious under the procedures set forth in the RFA. Reviewers will be selected based upon training and experience in relevant scientific, extension, or education fields, taking into account the following factors: (a) The level of relevant formal scientific, technical education, or extension experience of the individual, as well as the extent to which an individual is engaged in relevant research, education, or extension activities; (b) the need to include as reviewers experts from various areas of specialization within relevant scientific, education, or extension fields; (c) the need to include as reviewers other experts (e.g., producers, range or forest managers/operators, and consumers) who can assess relevance of the applications to targeted audiences and to program needs; (d) the need to include as reviewers experts from a variety of organizational types (e.g., colleges, universities, industry, state and Federal agencies, private profit and non-profit organizations) and geographic locations; (e) the need to maintain a balanced composition of reviewers with regard to minority and female representation and an equitable age distribution; and (f) the need to include reviewers who can judge the effective usefulness to producers and the general public of each application. Evaluation Criteria will be delineated in the Competitive Request for Applications (RFA). 2 CFR 200 - Subpart C and Appendix I and 2 CFR part 400 apply to this Program. SPECIAL NOTE: Please refer to the Competitive Request for Applications (RFAs) for further specific and pertinent details. The most current RFAs are available via: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/biomass-research-and-development-initiative-brdi RFAs are generally released annually. Hence, the RFAs provide the most current and accurate information available. Any specific instructions in the Competitive RFAs supersede the general information provided in the CFDA database. Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for application deadlines From 30 to 60 days. Contact the National Program Leader (NPL), as indicated per CFDA Section # 152 - Headquarters Office regarding dates for specific deadlines, start and end dates, and range of approval/disapproval time. Information is also available via our website and may be obtained via the Grants.gov website. NIFA's respective links regarding general information are provided below: http://nifa.usda.gov/ http://www.grants.gov. SPECIAL NOTE: Please refer to the Competitive Request for Applications (RFAs) for further specific and pertinent details. The most current RFA is available via: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/biomass-research-and-development-initiative-brdi RFAs are generally released annually. Hence, the RFAs provide the most current and accurate information available. Any specific instructions in the Competitive RFAs supersede the general information provided in the CFDA database. Not Applicable 2 CFR Part 200 - Subparts D & E apply to this program. Specific details are provided in the Request for Applications (RFA), which are generally published annually. The most current RFA is available via: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/biomass-research-and-development-initiative-brdi 2 CFR part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards and 2 CFR part 400 USDA's Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards apply to this program. Within guidelines established for the program as described in the Competitive Request for Application (RFA). The most current RFAs are available via: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/biomass-research-and-development-initiative-brdi Grant funds must be used for allowable costs necessary to conduct approved research and extension objectives. Funds shall not be used for the construction of a new building or facility or the acquisition, expansion, remodeling, or alteration of an existing building or facility (including site grading and improvement, and architect fees). Funds may not be used for any purposes other than those approved in the grant award documents. Performance Reports: PERFORMANCE MONITORING: See above for pertinent and specific details. Relation to other audit requirements, but records must be available for review or audit by appropriate officials of the Federal agency, pass-through entity, and Government Accountability Office (GAO). This program is also subject to audit by the cognizant Federal audit agency and the USDA Office of Inspector General. In accordance with 2 CFR Part 400 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, ? 200.334 Retention requirements for records. Grantees shall maintain separate records for each grant to ensure that funds are used for authorized purposes. Grant-related records are subject to inspection during the life of the grant and must be retained at least three (3) years. Records must be retained beyond the three (3) year period if litigation is pending or audit findings have not been resolved 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart D applies to this program. Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing.

Matching is voluntary. Funds are awarded competitively. No formula grants are awarded under this authority. The minimum required recipient cost share must be at least 20% of the total allowable costs for Research and Development (R&D) projects and 50% of the total allowable costs for Demonstration projects. Applicant cost share must come from non-Federal sources unless otherwise allowed by law. No blending of R&D and Demonstration or associated cost share will be permitted.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. In accordance with statutory time limits, project periods, including no-cost extensions of time, are not to exceed five (5) years. Further details are provided in the Award document Form NIFA-2009 and the NIFA General Terms and Conditions Grants and Cooperative Agreements (dated October 2016) at: https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/nifa-general-terms-and-conditions-grants-and-cooperative-agreements-october-2016. SPECIAL NOTE: Please refer to the Competitive Request for Applications (RFAs) for specific and pertinent details. The most current RFAs are available via: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/biomass-research-and-development-initiative-brdi RFAs are generally released annually. Hence, the RFAs provide the most current and accurate information available. Any specific instructions in the Competitive RFAs supersede the general information provided in the CFDA database. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Letter. National Institute of Food and Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture P.O. Box 419205, Mail Stop 10000, Kansas City, MO 64141-6205 Courier/Package Delivery Address: 2312 East Bannister Road, Mail Stop 10000, Kansas City, MO 64141-3061 USDA, NIFA, National Program Leader,
Institute of Bioenergy, Climate, and Environment, Division of Bioenergy, National Institute of Food and Agriculture
U.S. Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 419205, Mail Stop 10000, Kansas City, MO 64141-6205
Courier/Package Delivery Address:
2312 East Bannister Road, Mail Stop 10000, Kansas City, MO 64141-3061
Kansas City, MO 64141 US
brdi@usda.gov
Phone: (202) 401-5244 http://nifa.usda.gov/program/biobased-products-processing-programs 12-1003-0-1-271 (Project Grants) FY 22$0.00; FY 23 est $0.00; FY 24 est $0.00; FY 21$0.00; FY 20 FY 19$0.00; FY 18$0.00; FY 17$2,506,479.00; FY 16$2,572,807.00; - The difference between the appropriation and obligation numbers reflects legislative authorized set-asides deducted as appropriate, and in some cases the availability of obligational authority from prior years. Section 9008 "Biomass Research and Development" amounts for FYs 2014 and 2015 reflect the 2014 Farm Bill under Title IX - energy, which provides $3,000,000 for each of the Fiscal Years 2014 through 2017. The Obligations (aka Payments to States) for both years reflect legislatively mandates set asides. NOTES: (1) This program represents no year funds. (2) Funding for this Farm Bill mandatory program is authorized for FYs 2014 through FY 2017. (3) Funding for this Program ended in FY 2017. However, due to recent transactions, the Assistance Listing (CFDA) Number can not yet be Archived If minimum or maximum amounts of funding per competitive and/or capacity project grant, or cooperative agreement are established, these amounts will be announced in the annual Competitive Request for Application (RFA). The most current RFA is available via: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/biomass-research-and-development-initiative-brdi As an administrator of U.S. government support, NIFA works in partnership with grantees to ensure responsible stewardship of federal funds. Our grantees and partners are required to comply with all relevant rules and regulations. The following resources are provided to NIFA's partners and award recipients to support their adherence to federal regulations governing program performance: NIFA's primary (main) website: https://nifa.usda.gov/regulations-and-guidelines The following represent specific documents and direct links: POLICY GUIDE NIFA's Federal Assistance Policy Guide describes agency policies and procedures. https://nifa.usda.gov/policy-guide CERTIFICATIONS AND REPRESENTATIONS Certifications and representations provided through the NIFA application process. https://nifa.usda.gov/certifications-and-representations ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF USDA SUPPORT BY NIFA When acknowledging USDA support in accordance with 2 CFR Part 415, grantees must use the following acknowledgement for all projects or initiatives supported by NIFA. https://nifa.usda.gov/acknowledgment-usda-support-nifa FEDERAL REGULATIONS The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) lists all regulations published in the Federal Register. https://nifa.usda.gov/federal-regulations FOIA The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides that any person has the right to request access to federal documents and information such as research data. https://nifa.usda.gov/foia NEPA POLICY AND GUIDANCE The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Policy and Guidance set the standard for identifying potential environmental impacts. https://nifa.usda.gov/nepa-policy-and-guidance OGFM ISSUED CORRESPONDENCE The Office of Grants and Financial Management occasionally issues correspondence to applicants, grantees, and/or the general public for informational or clarification purposes. https://nifa.usda.gov/ogfm-issued-correspondence RESEARCH MISCONDUCT NIFA requires that all its awardees adhere to the USDA Scientific Integrity Policy and the Federal Policy on Research Misconduct. https://nifa.usda.gov/research-misconduct NIFA'S GENERAL AWARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS Award terms and conditions are determined by statutory, regulatory, and agency requirements, as well as each grant's circumstances. Terms and conditions dictate important items related to your grant, including method of payment, reporting frequency and content, and prior approval requirements. References to the terms and conditions of awards are located on the NIFA 2009 Award Fact Sheet. NIFA's general award terms and conditions (see link below) is applicable to this program, for awards with an award date on December 26, 2014 and thereafter. https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/nifa-general-terms-and-conditions-grants-and-cooperative-agreements-october-2016. Fiscal Year 2016 For FY 2016: No new awards were made through the Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) in FY 2016. The program will be competed in FY 2017. NOTES FROM PROGRAM: : (1) The Farm Bill does not provide funding past FY 2017. (2) There are no new projects planned for FY 2016 as those funds will be rolled into the FY 2017 funds to provide a more robust funding opportunity. This action been approved by NIFA Senior Leadership. No new awards were be made through the Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) in FY 2016.
Fiscal Year 2017 In Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 four (4) projects were awarded in the following mandated three (3) technical areas, as described in the Farm Bill: (1) Feedstock Development; (2) Biofuels and Bioproduct Development; and (3) Biofuels Development Analysis. Examples are below: • Life-Cycle Assessment of Biochar in Agricultural and Forest Ecosystems: Effects on Production, Soil Fertility, and Economic Impact This project will test the effectiveness of biochar in enhancing soil fertility, productivity, and soil carbon sequestration in diverse managed ecosystems, including pasture,vegetable gardens, and forests across a national network of sites • Valorization of Biochar: Applications in Anaerobic Digestion, Livestock Odor Control and Plant Growth This project will produce high alkalinity and porous (HAP) biochar through auto-thermal pyrolysis of herbaceous biomass, e.g. perennial grasses, and. integrated the TEA and LCA analysis to improve economic, environmental and societal benefits of thermochemical biorefinery platforms.
Fiscal Year 2018 N/A. The Program ended in FY 2017. However, Assistance Listing (CFDA) # 10.312 for the Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) cannot be archived. Several pending and/or unrecorded financial transactions prevent this action at this time.
Fiscal Year 2019 N/A. The Program ended in FY 2017. However, Assistance Listing (CFDA) # 10.312 for the Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) cannot be archived. Several pending and/or unrecorded financial transactions prevent this action at this time.
Fiscal Year 2020 N/A. The Program ended in FY 2017. However, Assistance Listing (CFDA) # 10.312 for the Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) cannot be archived. Several pending and/or unrecorded financial transactions prevent this action at this time.
Fiscal Year 2023 The Program ended in FY 2017. However, Assistance Listing (CFDA) # 10.312 for the Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) cannot be archived. Several pending and/or unrecorded financial transactions prevent this action at this time.