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National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program

Incentive Programs

Administering Entity

Environmental Protection Agency

Program Goals

A principal objective of the assistance under this program is to achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions in terms of tons of pollution produced and reductions in diesel emissions exposure, particularly from vehicles, engines and equipment operating in areas designated by the Administrator as poor air quality areas.

Each EPA region has identified additional goals with regional significance.

Eligibility

Eligible entities are:

A regional, State, local or tribal agency (or intertribal consortium) or port authority with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality; and
A nonprofit organization or institution that: represents or provides pollution reduction or educational services to persons or organizations that own or operate diesel fleets; or has, as its principal purpose, the promotion of transportation or air quality. Nonprofit organizations meeting eligibility requirements may apply on behalf of private fleets.

Funds available

The total estimated funding for the program is $64 million, divided between the EPA regions. Project level funding is determined on a regional basis. Eligible projects range from $200,000 to $3,000,000.

Funding varies by project. For Certified Vehicle/Equipment Replacement projects, EPA will fund the incremental cost of a EPA or CARB certified newer, cleaner vehicle, up to 25% of the cost of the vehicle. For Verified Retrofit Technology projects, EPA will fund up to 100% of the total cost of eligible technologies.

Determining Factors

Priority for funding will go to projects that:

Maximize public health benefits;
Are the most cost-effective;
Serve areas:
- with the highest population density;
- that are poor air quality areas (including nonattainment or maintenance of national ambient air quality standards for a criteria pollutant; Federal Class I areas; or areas with toxic air pollutant concerns);
- that receive a disproportionate quantity of air pollution from diesel fleets; including truck stops, ports, rail yards, terminals, and distribution centers; or
- that use a community-based multi-stakeholder collaborative process to reduce toxic emissions;
Include a certified engine configuration or verified technology that has a long expected useful life;
Maximize the useful life of any certified engine configuration or verified technology used or funded by the eligible entity;
Conserve diesel fuel

Please see RFP for detailed evaluation criteria.

Application Process

Applicants should apply in the EPA region where the project will take place.

A single proposal may target multiple fleets, fleet types, and/or diesel emission reduction solutions.

Applicants can download the individual grant application forms (Application for Federal Assistance SF-424, and Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs SF-424A) from EPA’s Office of Grants and Debarment website at: www.epa.gov/ogd/forms/forms.htm.

Hard copies or electronic copies of proposals must be submitted to the appropriate EPA region no later than 4:00 p.m. local time on December 8, 2009.

Reporting Requirements

Quarterly progress reports and a detailed final report are required.

Duration of program

2009-2010 Request for Proposal closes December 8, 2009, 4:00 p.m. local time.

The estimated project period for awards resulting from this solicitation will begin on April 1, 2010, with an expected project completion date no later than March 21, 2012.