Forest Products Lab: Technology Marketing Unit (TMU)
The program will is designed to assist small forest products businesses, State, local and Tribal governments, school districts, communities, entrepreneurs, non-profits,
Accelerate adoption of technologies using biomass and small diameter materials to create community-based enterprises through marketing activities and demonstration projects and establish small-scale business enterprises to make use of biomass and small-diameter materials.
The public goal is to reduce the cost per acre of hazardous fuel treated needed to protect communities from wildland fire and improve the overall health of the nations forest.
Program may include: (1) development of potential new products; (2) projects that showcase innovative uses for small diameter and low-valued hardwoods and softwoods; and (3) reducing the challenge to economic and market barriers to the use of the material (4) provide seed money and gap funding (5) facilitating creation/expansion of harvesting/processing/transporting enterprises around wildland urban interface areas.
None, this is a new Program.
Established in 1862, the Department of Agriculture serves all Americans through anti-hunger efforts, stewardship of nearly 200 million acres of national forest and rangelands, and through product safety and conservation efforts. The USDA opens markets for American farmers and ranchers and provides food for needy people around the world.
Relevant Nonprofit Program Categories
Program Accomplishments
None.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Must significantly tie to National Forest System land hazardous fuels treatment projects.
No land acquisition or construction.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Entities eligible include: Non-profits, local, state, and Tribal governments, business, companies, corporation, (for Profit), special purpose districts, (public utilities districts, fire districts, conservation districts, or port).
Land treatment must be adjacent National Forest System lands and may include other lands as part of the treatment activities.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Not applicable.
Credentials/Documentation
Not applicable.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No.
A-102, as implemented by 7 CFR Part 3016, must be used for this program (i.e., SF-424).
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
Procedures for submitting grant application can be found on www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu or contact the Program Manager as listed under Information Contacts. Submit a narrative description along with the appropriate forms listed in 091, budget sheet, and budget justification.
Award Procedures
Nationally competitive, merit-based.
Deadlines
Please contact the program contact listed in the Information Contacts or Headquarters Office section below.
Authorization
Appropriation through 2005 Omnibus Bill, Public Law 108-447; Public Law 108-148.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: 160 days after the date of closure on a Request for Proposals.
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate a 20 percent cost share from non-Federal sources, which can include in-kind contributions. In-kind, or non-cash contributions, must be reasonable, allowable, and the recipient must be able to demonstrate in the application that all costs can be shown as actual costs to the recipient in performing the project. i. All unit costs must be clearly identified in the budget justification and must be allowable, reasonable, and auditable. ii. Funds paid by the Federal government under another award, unless authorized by Federal statute, may not be used for cost sharing or matching.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
As determined by project, no longer than 3 years.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Reports: Grants quarterly financial and semi-annual performance report required.
Audits
Grant recipients are subject to audit by the Office of Inspector General, USDA.
Records
Grant records will be maintained for 5 years after expiration date.
Financial Information
Account Identification
11-4011-0-1-302.
Obigations
FY 07 est not available; FY 08 est not available; and FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Range and Average of Financial Assistance: $50,000 to $250,000 per grant.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
No regulations.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Local contact: List S&PF regional contacts which reference to table as in the past.
Headquarters Office
Technology Marketing Unit, State and Private Forestry, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, One Gifford Pinchot Dr., Madison, WI 53726-2398, (608) 231-9200.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Grants are approved on the basis of a nationwide review and are based on technical and financial merits of the project as evaluated by a panel of Federal, State, and local business experts and peers. Criteria include showing a demonstrated ability to use biomass from hazardous fuels reduction/treatment projects on and near National Forest Lands.
Social Entrepreneurship
Spotlight
The Social Innovators of 2014
For 2014, the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship has recognized 37 individuals for their outstanding work in the field of social enterprise.
