DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Question: Can the grant be used to improve a community swimming pool facility? The community I’m working with wishes to purchase innovative solar or biomass equipment to heat the swimming pool and the building.

Answer: No, funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 may not be used for swimming pools.

Question: A Solid Waste District is considering the possibility of developing an alternative energy project at a landfill with landfill gas. The first step in this process is the installation of test wells in the waste mass to determine the amount and quality of landfill gas generated on site. This information would then be used to conduct a feasibility study for the construction of a full scale landfill gas and power generation facility. It is estimated that the cost of the drilling and study would be $75,000 to $100,000. Would this study qualify for the Alternative Energy Development Grants?

Answer: No. This grant is for implementation. All feasibility work must be done prior to submitting the grant application.

Question: We are in the process of designing a new office building that will incorporate many energy saving ideas. We intent to install about 6000w of grid intertie solar power and solar collectors to heat the hot water for the office. Would the solar system be eligible for this grant program?

Answer: This is an example of a renewable technology that is very widely used in Montana.  It meets the minimum requirements of the program, but without more detail it appears that there would be few points for the innovative use of renewable energy technology, nor for jobs created or maintained section. Please refer to the scoring sections to determine how points will be awarded.

Question: Would a project to replace an old propane boiler with a new bio-mass boiler that would produce steam to run a back pressure turbine be   an acceptable project? The turbine would generate power for either a mill or it could be sold to the grid as green energy.  The steam that comes from the turbine would be used to heat kilns and a lumber mill.

Answer: This is an example of a renewable technology that is has been used in Montana.  It meets the minimum requirements of the program, but without more detail it appears that there would be few points for the innovative use of renewable energy technology. Please refer to the scoring sections to determine how points will be awarded.

Question: A company that is looking to demonstrate and commercialize all-electric delivery trucks that have the capability for multiple body build-outs and functions would be compatible with this grant opportunity. The company is based in the United States and already has a working prototype and manufacturing facility. The opportunity for green job development is large, but funds are needed to demonstrate and commercialize the product.

Answer: The projects must be located in Montana, and will be scored based on the criteria outlined in the RFA. The evaluation team will have to examine the proposal to determine if the prototype is adequate to meet the commercialization requirements of the ARRA SEP grant that provides funding for this project.

Question: Is this grant specifically for manufacturing alternative energy systems or can the money be put towards developing alternative energy projects.

Answer: DEQ is looking for innovative uses of renewable energy or innovative energy storage systems. Therefore, DEQ will accept applications EITHER from manufacturers who want to build equipment that would produce or store energy, such as batteries or wind turbines, or from applicants who want to build energy-producing facilities, such as a wind farm or an energy storage facility.  Those planning to produce renewable energy should fully explain how the energy will be produced and who will use it.

Answer: The maximum amount that can be funded in one proposal is $500,000. The project could be any amount. No more than 75 percent of the total project may be federal funds, including the tax credits and loan guarantees.

Answer: Yes, with the stipulation that this grant will not exceed $500,000.

Answer: Yes, to the $500,000 individual grant application cap.

Question: Do public schools qualify for this grant — such as MSU?

Answer: The team that wrote the grant proposal did not think that a university could own a project that met the criteria for innovative uses of commercial technology. The grant may not be used for research. If the university can show ownership and meet all requirements of the grant proposal, including the business plan, the evaluation team would consider the application.

Question: As a solar contractor we will have to assist people in completing their applications, should they be awarded the grant. Will the project have to be put out in a public bid as the money is federal money?

Answer: Procurement of goods and services under this grant must meet the state of Montana policies. Response to this proposal with specifics of what is to be installed would qualify for the competitive bid. Because the grant is to encourage the use of innovative technologies there may or may not be retailers for the products in the state at this time.

Answer: You have given examples of elements of a marketing plan; however your other concern should be how to meet the criteria for innovative uses of existing technology. There are many solar pv systems designed to educate students of different ages across Montana. This program will look for projects that are different from what is already in place in Montana. 

Answer: Part of your business plan should estimate how your project will penetrate or impact the market over the next ten years.