Form FS-1500-0050 Wood Innovation Funding Opportunity Application

WOOD INNOVATIONS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
Reference Public Law 115-334 Sec. 9013, 117-58 Div. J. Title
VI, 117-169 Sec. 23002, and 7 U.S.C. Sec. 8112

FS-1500-0050 (REV. 08/2023)
OMB #: 0596-0256
OMB Exp. Date: 05/31/2023

Cover Page for Part 1: Cooperator Contact Information

Required Actions - Ensure that your organization is registered with the System for Award Management (SAM),
which is located at https://sam.gov. DO NOT go through a third party that may charge for registration. There is no
charge for registering at SAM.gov. This process may take time, so please register immediately.
1. Project Title:
2. Project Type (choose one):

Wood Products

Wood Energy

3. Project Cost & Cooperator Funding
A. Cooperator Funding (Amount of non-federal funds allocated to project):

$ 0.00

B. Requested USDA Forest Service Funding:

$ 0.00

C. Cooperator Funding as a Percentage of USDA Forest Service Funding Request (A / B x 100):
D. Total Project Cost (A + B):

0
$ 0.00

4. Contact Information
Financial Agreement Contact (Responsible official for the financial administration of the grant agreement)
Name:

Title:

Organization/Company:
Street Address/P.O. Box:
City, State Zip:
Phone:

E-mail Address:

Project Contact (Responsible for the management/coordination of the project) If listed above, check box
Name:

Title:

Organization/Company:
Street Address/P.O. Box:
City, State Zip:
Phone:

File Code: 1580

E-mail Address:

For technical questions and Section 508 accommodation, please contact [email protected]

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 08/2023)

Application Instructions: Complete and submit Part 1 (Contact Information, Narrative including Budget Tables and
Justification, and Appendices) and Part 2 (Required Financial Forms).
Submission Requirements: E-mail submittal of Part 1 (includes appendices) and Part 2 (financial forms) at one
time to the Forest Service Regional Coordinator. Separate letters of support or other documents will not be accepted.
No hard copy or fax proposals will be accepted. Each submittal must consist of two separate, searchable PDF files,
as follows:
Part 1: Cooperator Contact Information, Narrative including budget table and justification, and any Appendices.
Part 2: Required Financial Forms.
Part 1: Narrative, including Budget Tables and Justification

A. Basic Project Information
Project Title:

Project Length:
Typical award is for 2-3 years (projects of
greater complexity may be awarded for a longer period, not to exceed 5 years).
Project Abstract: Provide a brief description of the project. If funded, the abstract will be posted on the Wood
Innovations website and available to the general public. (This field accommodates up to 1,625 characters and
spaces.)

File Code: 1580

For technical questions and Section 508 accommodation, please contact [email protected]

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 08/2023)

BELOW ARE THE ITEMS THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED IN THE SUBSEQUENT FILLABLE FORM BOXES
B. Project Goals and Objectives
•

Statement of need. (Describe succinctly why this project is needed.)

•

Specific goals and objectives in bullet format. (Goals should identify the outcomes you want to achieve based
on the statement of need. Objectives are the measurable steps needed to accomplish the goals.)

•

Describe how the proposed project responds to the Wood Innovations Funding Opportunity program goals and
intent listed in the Instructions.

C. Project Description
•

Describe the specific project work activities or tasks that will be carried out to accomplish and meet the goals
and objectives listed in Project Goals and Objectives.

•

Describe the timeline for project activities. Describe how the budget aligns with these activities (This should be
a brief statement of how you intend to spend money to carry out project activities).

•

Describe how progress will be measured (Provide measurable outcomes).

•

Describe industry involvement (Project should have some connection to forest products businesses,
manufacturers, distributors, or end users of wood products or wood energy).

•

Describe any subgrant or subcontracting activity.

•

Describe communication and outreach activities (Explain how you will inform others of the experiences,
successes, knowledge, etc. of your project so that your work can help grow markets to meet the intent and
goals of the Wood Innovations Funding Opportunity program).

D. Project Impact
•

List anticipated project outcomes, deliverables, and desired results (Outcomes should be specific, measurable,
and align with project timeline).

•

Describe anticipated project impacts, including: 1) magnitude of impact on wood products market or wood
energy market, 2) benefits to National Forest System and other forest lands, and 3) job creation and retention
(Include assumptions used to determine these impacts).

•

Describe leveraged activities and/or leveraged funds above the minimum required match that maximize
proposed project benefits or bringer greater value to the goals of the Wood Innovations Funding Opportunity
program (Explain how you will use other funding or team sources to maximize project impact).

•

Describe how the project will help the Forest Service meet the intent and goals of this grant, including details
on how the project will expand wood products and wood energy markets.

•

If applicable, explain how the project supports, benefits, or engages communities that are historically
underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality (Pursuant to Executive
Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal
Government).

E. Qualification of Teams and Partners
•

List key personnel qualifications and role(s) in the project. Describe their capabilities,certifications, and
experience on related projects that demonstrate your team has the appropriate skill set and experience for
success. List any experience and performance of prior funded USDA Forest Service project(s). If appropriate,
please include a short resume or vitae in the Appendix.

•

Provide a brief background on the history and current operations of your business or organization (e.g.
origination date, no. of employees, type of operation, and if applicable volume of wood processed annually)

F. Annual Progress Reports and Final Reports
•

Annual Progress Reports are required, at a minimum, on a quarter-year basis. The reports provide an overview
of accomplishments of the goals and objectives listed in the approved project narrative, success stories, and
documentation of media events or activities generated by the award.

•

Describe planned reports, documents, and success stories that will be provided during and at the end of the
project for posting on the Wood Innovations website.

•

List the contact information for the person(s) responsible for reporting (reports should be submitted via e-mail
as Word documents, preferably in a 508-compliant format).

•

See the Notice of Funding Opportunity and Instructions for additional information on required reports.

File Code: 1580

For technical questions and Section 508 accommodation, please contact [email protected]

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 08/2023)

B. Project Goals and Objectives (This field accommodates up to 5,000 characters with spaces.)

File Code: 1580

For technical questions and Section 508 accommodation, please contact [email protected]

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 08/2023)

C. Project Description (This field accommodates up to 5,000 characters with spaces.)

File Code: 1580

For technical questions and Section 508 accommodation, please contact [email protected]

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 08/2023)

D. Project Impact (This field accommodates up to 5,000 characters with spaces.)

File Code: 1580

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 08/2023)

E. Qualifications of Team and Partners (This field accommodates up to 5,000 characters with spaces.)

File Code: 1580

For technical questions and Section 508 accommodation, please contact [email protected]

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 08/2023)

F. Annual Progress Reports and Final Reports (This field accommodates up to 5,000 characters with spaces.)

File Code: 1580

For technical questions and Section 508 accommodation, please contact [email protected]

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 08/2023)

G. Budget Tables and Justification in Support of the SF-424A
Please complete the following two budget tables. Written justifications must be provided for both federal and
cooperator match. The budget should support the narrative statement and reflect projected costs. Allowable
expenses are those that are directly allocable to specific implementation of the proposed project and agreement.
Applicants must contribute at least 100% of the Forest Service requested funds. For every $1 of Federal
funding requested, applicants must provide at least $1 in match. For example, if the requested Federal amount
is $100,000, the applicant match must be at least $100,000. The applicant’s match must come from non-Federal
sources. The match may include cash or in-kind contributions. All matching funds must be directly related to the
proposed project.
Applicants must submit letters of support from third-party organizations confirming the amount of cash or
in-kind services to be provided, up to the minimum required match. Pledged match needs to occur within the
time frame of the agreement.
Note: Applicants should be aware that the purchase of equipment with Forest Service funds creates a federal
interest in the equipment. The successful applicant will be required to complete additional paperwork before and
after receiving Forest Service funds for the purchase and is subject to the regulations at 2 CFR § 200.310, 200.313,
and 200.316. These 2 CFR § 200 regulations are available at: eCFR :: 2 CFR Part 200 -- Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.
The purchase of equipment with cooperator matching funds does not create a federal interest in the
equipment.
Projects must provide a preference for the purchase, acquisition, or use of goods, products, or materials produced in
the United States pursuant to 2 CFR § 200.322.
Instructions for the Budget Table:
•

Lines 1 – 8: Enter the dollar amount for each item.

•

Line 4: Only stationary equipment is eligible for Forest Service grant funds.

•

Line 9: Sum of 1 – 8.

•

Line 10: Costs not directly attributable to accomplishing the project, such as overhead or indirect costs.

•

Line 11: Sum of 9 and 10.

•

Line 12: Use the total in Line 11, Column III to determine the percentage of each share.

COMPLETE THE PROJECT BUDGET TABLE AND COOPERATOR FUNDING TABLE ON THE NEXT PAGE

File Code: 1580

For technical questions and Section 508 accommodation, please contact [email protected]

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 08/2023)

Project Budget Table
Budget Categories

II. Cooperator Funds
(non-federal funds)

I. Forest Service Funds

III. Total

1. Personnel

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

2. Fringe Benefits

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

3. Travel

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

4. Equipment

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

5. Supplies/Materials

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

6. Contractual

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

7. Construction

N/A

N/A

N/A

8. Other

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

9. Total Direct Charges

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

10. Indirect Charges

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

11. Total

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

0

0

0

12. Percentage of Total

Note: Applicants should be aware that the purchase of stationary equipment (>$5,000) with USDA Forest Service funds creates a federal interest in
the equipment. Any proposed equipment purchase is subject to the regulations at 2 CFR § 200.310, 200.313, and 200.316. These and other 2 CFR
§ 200 regulations are available for viewing at the Code of Federal Regulations website https://www.ecfr.gov/

Cooperator Funding Table - Identify the value of the contributions your organization or partners will be bringing
to the project. The totals in this table should equal Column II Cooperator Funds in the above Project Budget Table.
Letters of financial support from partners should be included as an Appendix item.
Cooperator

Totals

Cash

Materials

In-Kind Services

Total.

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

CONTINUE TO THE NEXT PAGE

File Code: 1580

For technical questions and Section 508 accommodation, please contact [email protected]

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 08/2023)

Budget Justification
On the following pages, please provide specific details on how USDA Forest Service and Cooperator match funding will
be used for each of the budget categories identified in the previous two budget tables.
Category 1. Personnel: This is the actual estimated salary cost paid and does not include fringe benefits. Show job
titles or positions, estimated days or hours, and the estimated cost per day or hour. Clearly delineate if the personnel
costs listed below are being used as in-kind match or if the personnel costs are part of the requested federal financial
assistance. Cost must align with regulations listed in 2 CFR § 200.430 . (This field is limited to 4,700 characters with
spaces)

File Code: 1580

For technical questions and Section 508 accommodation, please contact [email protected]

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 08/2023)

Category 2. Fringe Benefits: Fringe benefits are generally expressed as a percentage of salary cost. Provide the rate
and total estimated cost or in-kind contribution. (This field is limited to 1,625 characters with spaces)

Category 3. Travel: Show anticipated trips, number of travelers, locations, and an estimated cost per trip. Clearly
delineate if the travel is being requested as part of the federal financial assistance or if travel is being used as in-kind
match. (This field is limited to 1,625 characters with spaces)

File Code: 1580

For technical questions and Section 508 accommodation, please contact [email protected]

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 08/2023)

Category 4. Equipment: Identify all equipment that is being funded with federal financial assistance and which
equipment will be used as in-kind match. When possible, provide documentation of equipment cost or quotes as an
appendix item. The USDA Forest Service can only fund stationary equipment. Mobile equipment will not funded with
USDA Forest Service funds. (This field is limited to 5,000 characters with spaces)

File Code: 1580

For technical questions and Section 508 accommodation, please contact [email protected]

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 08/2023)

Category 5. Supplies/Materials: Identify all materials and supplies that is being funded with federal financial
assistance and which items will be used as in-kind match. When possible, provide documentation of cost estimates or
quotes as an appendix item. (This field is limited to 5,000 characters with spaces)

File Code: 1580

For technical questions and Section 508 accommodation, please contact [email protected]

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 08/2023)

Category 6. Contractual: Identify contractual costs that is being funded with federal financial assistance and which
items will be used as in-kind match. When possible, provide documentation of cost estimates or quotes as an
appendix item. (This field is limited to 5,000 characters with spaces)

File Code: 1580

For technical questions and Section 508 accommodation, please contact [email protected]

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 08/2023)

Category 8. Other: Identify other project costs, that do not fit in the previous categories, that are being funded with
federal financial assistance and which items will be used as in-kind match. When possible provide documentation
of cost estimates or quotes as an appendix item. Note: Federal funds cannot be used for construction activities and
construction activities cannot be used as in-kind match. In addition, federal funds cannot be used for activities that
improve land as defined in 26 CFR § 1.856-10 Definition of real property. (This field is limited to 4,000 characters with
spaces)

File Code: 1580

For technical questions and Section 508 accommodation, please contact [email protected]

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 08/2023)

H. Appendices
Appendices should be well organized with an index so reviewers can readily find information of interest. Include only
relevant information in the Appendices that will help the review panel understand and evaluate your project. Letters of
support should be included as the first Appendix. Below are required items that must be included in the Appendices as
well as examples of optional information to include the Appendices.
Required Information for Appendices:
•

Letters of support from partners, individuals, or organizations, especially those playing a key role or providing
matching funds, including Forest Service units if National Forest System lands will directly benefit from the
project. Letters of support should display the degree of collaboration occurring between the different entities
engaged in the project. Applicants must submit letters of support from third-party organizations
confirming the amount of cash or in-kind services to be provided.

•

List of all other funds (Federal, State, Private) received for this project and closely related projects within the
last 5 years (include agency, program name, and dollar amount).

•

Provide screen shot from SAM.gov showing either an active registration or that the registration process has
been initiated in SAM.gov.

•

Short resume or vitae for team members.

•

Documentation and/or cost quotes of equipment requested to be funded if applicable.

Optional Information for Appendices:
•

Feasibility assessments.

•

Woody biomass resource supply assessment (recommended for larger wood energy proposals).

•

Quotes for professional engineering services and rationale for selection of contractor, if already selected.

•

Miscellaneous items, such as schematics, engineering designs, or executive summaries of reports.

•

Include 1 – 3 photos that best tell the story of your project. Please include a caption for each photo that
explains what is shown or happening in the photo. Only include photos that can be used for press releases,
public websites, or mass communications if awarded. Optional at time of proposal submission but required if
proposal is selected for award.

File Code: 1580

For technical questions and Section 508 accommodation, please contact [email protected]

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FS-1500-0050 (REV. 08/2023)

Part 2. Required Financial Forms

The following forms need to be completed and submitted with your proposal. Forms a — f below are located at the
Grants.gov website. Search the “Form Name” column for the appropriate form.
a. SF–424: Application for Federal Assistance
https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424_4_0-V4.0.pdf’
b. SF-424A: Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs
https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424A-V1.0.pdf
c. SF-424B: Assurances for Non-Construction Programs
https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/forms/sample/SF424B-V1.1.pdf
d. FS-1500-35: Certificate Regarding Lobbying Activities
https://www.fs.usda.gov/nac/assets/documents/forms/fs-1500-35-certification-regarding-lobbying.docx
e. FS-1500-22: Financial Capability Questionnaire
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3834433.docx
f. Your agency, business or organization must have an active registration (preferred) or have initiated the registration
process in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) to apply. You must include a screenshot of the SAM.gov
registration page indicating that you have initiated the registration process in the application appendices, or your
application will be denied. Additionally, your organization must have attained an active registration prior to the final
selection of grant awards to be eligible for an award. There is no charge for registration. Active registration must be
maintained throughout the life of the award.
Items to note when completing the SF-424 and SF-424A forms:
•

Catalog of Domestic Assistance Number (CFDA): 10.674

•

CFDA Title: Wood Utilization Assistance

•

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-FS-WOOD-INNOVATIONS

•

Funding Opportunity Title: Wood Innovations Funding Opportunity

Note: You must register your organization at the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) website. The SAM
registration process can take time; please ensure your registration is up to date, if awarded.

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond, to a collection
of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0596-0256. Response
to this collection of information is mandatory. The authority to collect the information is the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Pub. Law 117-58).
The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 3 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies,
offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color,
national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status,
income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity
conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign
Language, etc.) should contact the responsible agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TYY) or contact USDA through the
Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found on-line at How to File
a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information
requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2)(2)
fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email [email protected].
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
The Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a and the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552 govern the confidentiality to be provided for information
received by the Forest Service.
File Code: 1580

For technical questions and Section 508 accommodation, please contact [email protected]

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