Inactive

The purpose for amendment no. 9 is to respond to the following questions. Question-18: We like to find out if we could apply for Funding under the above Opportunity Number ? We are familiar with Sandi... The purpose for amendment no. 9 is to respond to the following questions. Question-18: We like to find out if we could apply for Funding under the above Opportunity Number ? We are familiar with Sandia / Hydrogenics / Cummins Containerized Fuel System which was being used at the Nimitz Marine Facility in conjunction with the Scripps Institute of Oceanography (SIO) and their vessel R/V Robert Gordon Sproul. In the final Sandia report a number of issues were highlighted which we believe our developing design and technology will address. If we are still able to apply, we will compile a proposal document and submit. Is the deadline date? Response-18: Interested parties may submit applications subject to the timing and eligibility requirements described in the RFP. The deadline date for this RFP is Monday, August 28, 2023, at 12 Noon. Question-19: One more question regarding the META application. Given the nature of the application, there could be proprietary/confidential information included within the application. Is there a procedure to follow or a way to identify such information should the application be made public, i.e. FOIA? Response-19: We do not share proprietary/business sensitive information. The purpose for amendment no. 8 is to respond to the following questions. Question-16: Project budget. Is this expected to be in narrative form or via an attached spreadsheet? If attached spreadsheet, is that included in the page limit for the application? Response-16: We do not need a spreadsheet, but a summary table with a narrative would be helpful. All materials submitted must be within the page limit set in the RFP. Question-17: Letters of Support. Is MARAD accepting letters of support from collaborative partners? If so, is there a limit to the number of letters? Would the letters be considered as part of the application page limit. Response-17: No letters of support are needed. All submitted materials must fit within the page limit set in the RFP. The purpose for amendment no. 7 is to respond to the following question. Question-15: One last question regarding this MARAD RFP. For the vessel demonstration, we were thinking of partnering with a privately-owned European, international shipping line. The company operates in all major ports of the world. The company has a major presence in the US, but they are not owned by a US company. Is this acceptable? Response-15: This RFP will not be used to demonstrate on a foreign-flagged vessel. We recommend working with a US-flagged company. The purpose for amendment no. 6 is to respond to the following questions. Question-14: Can more information be provided about the specific vessels that could be utilized during our testing? Response-14: MARAD supports the US Maritime Transportation System. Vessels that are eligible under this RFP include commercial workboats, harbor craft, and oceangoing vessels. The purpose for amendment no. 5 is to respond to the following questions. Question-11: Just wanted to know if you have a preferred format or structure? Response-11: There is no preferred format. Reports should focus on the criteria indicated and stay under the page limit. Question-12: Have thoughts regarding photos being imbedded into the proposal or at the end in an appendix? Response-12: All aspects of the proposal, including photos and appendices must be included within the page limit. Question-13: And/or if you would like a flat rate for what we think is a decent project OR can add a tiered approach with multiple funding levels. Response -13: The budget should indicate how much money is being requested and break out how that money will be used for each element of the project. The purpose for amendment no. 4 is to respond to the following questions. Question-9: Does the final report need to be completed within the 3-year project window or would that be completed after the 3 year window? Response-9: Yes, the project and report must be completed within the 3-year project window. Question-10: Does the three-year project window begin when the project is awarded? If so, is there an estimated timeline for awarding the project? Response-10: Yes, the 3-Year Project window will begin when the project is awarded. The estimated timeline to award this project is between 60 to 90 days from announcement close date (12 Noon, Monday, August 28, 2023). The purpose for amendment no. 3 is to respond to the following questions. Question-5: What will substantial involvement mean for this requirement? Substantial involvement can include an agency's participation in program management decisions, collaboration in accomplishing an activity, or operational involvement or participation during the project. We would like to know what the Maritime Administration’s involvement will be in the cooperative agreement. Response-5: MARAD does not interfere with the awardee’s operational or management decisions. MARAD’s interest and participation in this project is limited to: 1) Producing a public report that describes the process and challenges of execution and operation. This report would include as much data and detail as possible without infringing on sensitive or proprietary information. 2) Tracking the progress of work as it aligns with the Statement of Work. The Statement of Work will be based on the timeline and tasks outlined in the proposal. I could go on about trying to offer support where possible, regular video calls, etc. but that’s all in the RFP. Question-6: Is an active SAM registration required for proposal submission? OR do you only need an UEI to submit the proposal? Response-6: No, an active SAM registration is not required at the time of proposal submission. However, when time comes to make an award if your organization isn’t active in SAM.gov then your organization will not be considered for an award. Question-7: May these funds be awarded to a private vessel operator to be used on converting a privately owned commercial vessel from diesel engines to electric propulsion? These are all US Coast Guard subchapter T and K inspected commercial passenger ferry vessels Response-7: Yes Question-8: Can a private applicant apply directly, or do they have to apply as a subapplicant with a public entity? If they have to co-apply with a public entity, what are the eligibility requirements for the public entity? What are the responsibilities and requirements upon the public entity? Question-8: Yes, a private company can apply. You do not need a public sponsor. The purpose for amendment no. 2 is to respond to the following questions. Question-3: Is a demonstration required of all funded projects, or could a funded project be entirely dedicated to design, engineering, and feasibility studies? Response-3: A demonstration is required out of this RFP. Question-4: For a demonstration project, does the innovation/technology that is receiving funding from this RFP have to be demonstrated on vessel, or could the funded innovation/technology be part of the shoreside bunkering/charging system which would enable one or more vessels to operate on alternative fuels, such as electricity? Response-4: This RFP is focused on demonstrating low-carbon technology or fuels on a vessel. The purpose for amendment no. 1 is to respond to the following questions. Question-1: Please send me a copy of the general terms and conditions of the Federal award made under this RFP for reference while compiling my proposal. Response-1: Attached for your awareness is our cooperative agreement form with highlighted blanks for project specifics since these are our terms and conditions that a recipient must agree to in order to receive the assistance award. (See Attachment-A) Question-2: I expect to use equipment imported from other country. Does this disqualify me from the project? Response-2: One can use equipment from another country if there is no prohibition in the regulations. Please review 2 CFR Part 200 to see if there are any applicable restrictions. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY NAME: Maritime Administration FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TITLE: Feasibility Study on Low Carbon Fuel or Technology Vessel Demonstration Project RFP. Solicitation Number: 693JF723R000017 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: 693JF723R000017 ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE: Initial Announcement. ASSISTANCE LISTINGS NUMBERS(S): 20.817 Request for Proposals (RFP) The Maritime Administration (MARAD), Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance (META) program, is issuing this request for proposals (RFP) for projects that will demonstrate low carbon energy and technologies onboard operating U.S. vessels. Funding provided for this RFP is $1.5 million and may be awarded to a single or multiple projects and to one or more applicants. Projects must be completed within a 3-year timeline. During the project, the awardee will provide MARAD with regular updates and interim reports associated with major project milestones. Upon completion of the demonstration, the awardee is required to provide a detailed report of the project that describes the technology, the application of the technology, low carbon verification, cost/benefits, considerations of alternatives (if applicable), general power management system considerations for this application, regulatory and administrative hurdles, and other key lessons learned. The final report will be publicly available and posted to the META webpage. A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Over the past several years, MARAD’s META program has been partnering with government agencies, industry, and academia on efforts to reduce vessel and port emissions, as well as efforts to support the use of low carbon energy sources. MARAD seeks to support projects that address the most pressing needs for industry in the context of emerging environmental concerns. Responding to increasing requests from industry to support deployment of new and alternative energy technologies, META is issuing this RFP for projects that demonstrate low carbon fuels or technology applications for propulsion or auxiliary systems used on vessels in the U.S. fleet. The results of this project will primarily serve as a reference for vessel operators that are considering low carbon fuel or technology solutions for their existing or future fleet. It will also engage a broader section of the maritime industry that is seeking to bring technologies to market or provide support and fueling services for alternative energy systems more broadly. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMARION: MARAD will provide funding through a cooperative agreement for the execution of the demonstration project. Collaborative partnerships with other entities such as private maritime industry, ports/terminals, class societies, non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) and state or local governments are highly encouraged. MARAD reserves the right to fund some or none of the proposals received under this RFP. MARAD provides no funding for reimbursement of proposal development costs. Technical and cost proposals (or any other material) submitted in response to this RFP will not be returned. It is the policy of MARAD to treat all proposals submitted under this RFP as sensitive competitive information and to disclose their contents only for the purposes of evaluation. This announcement is an expression of interest only and does not commit MARAD to make any award. The total amount of funding will be up to $1,500,000. Proposals are limited to 12 pages and must be received within sixty (60) days of the publication of this notice. Proposals shall: Identify the specific type of vessel(s) being proposed for the project and the owner/operator of the vessel Provide sufficient, verifiable, and detailed data that describes the technology, integration of the technology, and operational characteristics of a specific candidate vessel. Describe the details of the alternative energy system being proposed, and any necessary vessel-shore infrastructure interface. Describe the system for transferring fuel or energy to the vessel, e.g. through bunkering or charging, and how the supply will be ensured to support regular vessel operation. Include a method of verifying low carbon operations of the technology during demonstration. This may include fuel use data, in-situ emissions testing, power meter readings, or other proposed methods subject to MARAD approval. C. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION. 1. Eligible Applicants. MARAD is seeking to provide full funding through cooperative agreement(s) for the proposal that provide sufficient, verifiable and detailed data on how to reach the objective of this feasibility study. (Please see section C.3) 2. MARAD will fund 100% of the total cost of the project. Proposals must include a detailed cost breakdown that shows how Federal funds will be used for the project. Please see Section D.2 for information on proposal requirements. 3. Systems for Award Management (SAM) Requirements. MARAD will not make an award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements and if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time MARAD is ready to make an award, MARAD may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award and use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant. Please see Section D.3 for information on SAM requirements. MARAD will not make an award to any applicant with an exclusion in SAM. D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION This RFP contains all the information needed to submit a proposal and be considered for award. No specific application form or other materials need to be obtained from MARAD. Send proposals to Christian Onwudiegwu (christian.onwudiegwu@dot.gov) by 12 PM Eastern daylight savings time on the 60th day after posting of this announcement. Send all proposal content in PDF format. Do not send any printed copies by US mail or delivery service. Review and Selection Process: Any project funded out of this RFP must result in low carbon energy or technologies being installed on a vessel and operated during normal commercial activities. Awards will only be considered for proposals that demonstrate that all project steps and reporting can be completed within a three-year timeline. The proposals will be evaluated against the following criteria: Application of low carbon fuel or technology system, its technology readiness level (TRL), and percent of greenhouse gas emissions reduced compared to conventional operation. Proposed method for verifying low carbon fuel or technology application benefits. Operational characteristics of vessel(s). Vessels with higher operating hours in the U.S. fleet will be viewed more favorably than vessels with low operating hours. The applicant team’s capabilities, related experience, facilities, techniques, or other unique characteristics that indicate a high likelihood to achieve the proposal objectives. Ability to, and extent of, cost share with partners and the effect of requested MARAD funding to substantially support the project, add otherwise unfunded value, or support enhanced monitoring, testing, and reporting. Scope and extent of partnerships, their role(s) and financial commitment to the project. Detailed project timeline with descriptions of key decision points and areas of uncertainty that have the potential to terminate the project or extend implementation and demonstration beyond the required 3-year timeframe. Proposals are limited to 12 pages and must be received within (60) days of the publication of this notice. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM). Each applicant is required to:] (a) be registered and current in SAM before submitting its application; (b) provide a valid unique entity identifier in its applicant; and (c) 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. MARAD will not make an award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements and if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time MARAD is ready to make an award, MARAD may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award and use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant. Submission Dates and Times. The deadline for proposal submission is 12:00 PM EST on the closing date listed for this RFP on SAMS.gov Please submit proposals in PDF format attached to an email. Send proposals to Christian Onwudiegwu/Contract Specialist at Christian.onwudiegwu@dot.gov. Do not send paper copies, or other media of the proposal via post office or delivery service. Proposals received by MARAD after the deadline will not be considered for award. An email will be deemed “received” by MARAD on the date and time the email was “sent” to the email address in Section D.7, below, as determined by MARAD’s servers. Intergovernmental Review. This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” Funding Restrictions. Applicants are advised to review 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards as supplemented by 2 C.F.R. Part 1201 for cost principles used to determine allowable costs of work performed under Federal awards. Other Submission Requirements. Proposals must be submitted by the deadline set forth in Section D.4 above by electronic mail to Christian Onwudiegwu at Christian.onwudiegwu@dot.gov Please include the Funding Opportunity Number and Title in the Subject Line. E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION Review and Selection Process. MARAD has set-up an internal review team to evaluate all proposals that are submitted under this announcement. All eligible proposals will be evaluated within four (4) weeks after the closing date. If the review team has any questions on an individual proposal, it will notify the applicant for clarification. F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION Federal Award Notices. The successful applicant(s) will be notified by MARAD’s Office of Acquisition via telephone however, the telephone call is not the actual award or the authorization to begin performance. All awards will be made by a cooperative agreement signed by MARAD’s Agreement/Grants Officer. After an award, has been made a MARAD representative from the Office of Environment and Innovation will notify the awardee to set-up a kick-off meeting for the project. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified via email. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. Applicants are advised to review 2. C.F.R. Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Costs Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards as supplemented by 2 C.F.R. Part 1201, for applicable administrative and national policy requirements. For a copy of the general terms and conditions of the Federal award made under this RFP, please contact Christian Onwudiegwu at Christian.onwudiegwu@dot.gov. Federal awards made under RFP may include additional terms that are specific to the project, including without limitation awardee information, project description, funding details and appropriate data rights clauses. Reporting. Applicants are advised to review 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Costs Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, as supplemented by 2 C.F.R. Part 1201, for applicable reporting requirements. Federal awards made under this RFP may include additional reporting requirements that are appropriate for the specific project to be funded by MARAD. G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACT For any questions relating to the technical or programmatic aspects of this RFP, please contact Galen Hon at Galen.hon@dot.gov and please cc me on all questions to Christian.onwudiegwu@dot.gov For any questions about the administration of this funding opportunity and any awards, please contact Christian Onwudiegwu at Christian.onwudiegwu@dot.gov H. OTHER INFORMATION Applicants must identify all proprietary information in its submission. MARAD is not obligated to make any Federal award.