Air Emissons and Energy Initiative | Apply Online

Air Emissions and Energy Initiative (MARAD) - FAQs

1) What is the Air Emissions and Energy Initiative?

The Air Emissions and Energy Initiative is a Maritime Administration (MARAD) funding opportunity that supports real-world demonstration projects designed to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions from marine vessels. The program is focused on practical, vessel-based upgrades that produce credible emissions and fuel-use data MARAD can use to guide future maritime emissions reduction efforts.

2) What is MARAD trying to achieve through this Request for Proposals (RFP)?

MARAD is seeking projects that move beyond planning studies and into actual onboard vessel retrofits or repowers that can show measurable reductions in key pollutants and/or carbon emissions. The intent is to generate verified, defensible data on emissions outcomes, fuel consumption, and costs.

3) Which pollutants or emissions does the program target?

Projects are expected to demonstrate measurable reductions in one or more of the following:

• Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
• Sulfur oxides (SOx)
• Particulate matter (PM)
• Carbon emissions

4) What types of projects are eligible?

Eligible projects must focus on onboard vessel emissions reductions. Examples listed in the opportunity include:

• Engine repowers
• Re-engining
• Engine retrofits
• Installation of emissions control technologies
• Use of alternative fuels
• Alternative propulsion or energy technologies (including hybrid systems)

5) Are shore-side projects eligible (such as shore power)?

No. Shore-side projects are not eligible. Shore power installations and shore-side equipment upgrades are explicitly excluded. The emphasis is on measurable vessel-based improvements tied directly to vessel operations and fuel use.

6) What vessels are eligible under this opportunity?

The opportunity is targeted specifically at U.S.-flagged vessels operating on inland or coastal waterways.

7) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Vessel owners
• Vessel operators
• Public sponsors supporting eligible vessels

8) Does MARAD encourage partnerships or collaboration?

Yes. MARAD strongly encourages collaboration across private industry, public entities, and academic partners. Proposals are expected to identify partners and explain how each partner will contribute resources, expertise, facilities, and/or testing capability to strengthen the project and its results.

9) What kind of award instrument is used?

Funding is offered through cooperative agreements. This means awardees should expect active MARAD involvement and coordination, especially on data collection, reporting, and verification of results.

10) How many awards does MARAD expect to make, and what is the total funding?

MARAD anticipates making up to three awards under this solicitation, with total estimated funding of $1,500,000.

11) Is cost sharing required?

Yes. MARAD will cover no more than 75 percent of total project costs. Applicants must provide at least 25 percent cost share.

12) What forms of cost share are acceptable?

The announcement states the required 25 percent match may be provided through cash, in-kind contributions, or other eligible matching resources, as laid out in the proposal budget.

13) What is the program's expectation for measurement and verification?

Measurement and verification are central requirements. Awardees must demonstrate emissions reductions using an approved emissions testing scheme, and proposals are expected to describe how reductions will be verified.

14) What data must be provided to support emissions reductions?

Applicants need to provide:

• Pre- and post-project emissions data for criteria pollutants and/or carbon
• Pre- and post-project fuel use data

15) What data must be shared with MARAD, and can it be used publicly?

Cost information, fuel consumption, and emissions data collected under the cooperative agreement must be shared with MARAD. MARAD may use that data publicly, reflecting the program goal of building credible evidence on costs and benefits.

16) What should be included in the proposal narrative about the vessel and its operations?

At a minimum, MARAD expects a clear description of the vessel and how it operates, including:

• Vessel class
• Engine type and size
• Operational area and specifics (such as waterways used and ports served)
• Frequency of operation
• Cargo carried

17) What financial information does MARAD expect in the proposal?

Proposals are expected to include a complete cost share analysis, along with project cost data in the budget and supporting narrative.

18) How long can the proposal be?

Proposals must be detailed but concise, with a page limit of 15 pages.

19) What does MARAD expect regarding the applicant's ability to execute the project?

The proposal should demonstrate the applicant's capacity to execute the project, manage partnerships, and deliver the required reporting and data products.

20) What are the post-award reporting and data-sharing expectations?

Post-award reporting and data-sharing requirements are not fully fixed in the announcement and will be negotiated as part of the final cooperative agreement. However, applicants should assume substantial documentation expectations because the program is focused on demonstration and research-and-development outcomes.

21) What standard federal application form is required?

Applications require the standard federal face page using SF Form 424.

22) How were proposals submitted?

Proposals were to be submitted by email to delores.bryant@dot.gov.

23) When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was posted May 8, 2012, with a closing date of July 9, 2012.

24) What is the Funding Opportunity Number and CFDA number for this program?

The Funding Opportunity Number is DTMA 91 R 2012 0019, and the CFDA number is 20.817.

25) Which agency sponsors this opportunity?

The sponsoring agency is the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD), through MARAD's Office of Environment.

26) What general type of activity does this funding support?

The activity aligns with science, technology, and other research and development efforts focused on reducing vessel-related emissions.