Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA FSA 2015 22

  • The Farm Service Agency in the energy sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership (BIP) Grant" and is now available to receive applicants.
  • Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.117 Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership.
  • This funding opportunity was created on Jun 22, 2015 and posted on Jun 16, 2015.
  • Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 15, 2015. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
  • The funding agency has allocated a total of $100,000,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
  • Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
  • The Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership (BIP) is a one time only competitive grant opportunity for States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.
Apply for USDA FSA 2015 22

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Opportunity Summary:

The Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership (BIP) Grant was a one-time, competitive federal grant opportunity run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to help expand consumer access to renewable fuel options, especially higher ethanol blends. The program made up to $100,000,000 available to support the build-out and improvement of fueling infrastructure so that more stations could offer fuels like E15 and E85, which generally require compatible pumps and related equipment to store and dispense these blends safely and reliably.

Eligible applicants were limited to state-level governments, specifically U.S. States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. (meaning private companies and local governments were not direct applicants under this opportunity, though states could structure projects that involved partnerships with fuel retailers and other stakeholders). Applications were accepted during a short window, with the funding opportunity posted in mid-June 2015 and a closing deadline of July 15, 2015. The program was categorized under the Energy funding activity area and identified under CFDA 10.117, with the funding opportunity number USDA FSA 2015 22.

A core feature of BIP was its cost-sharing requirement. Awardees were required to provide matching contributions alongside federal support. The federal funds, provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), were specifically intended to pay a portion of costs tied directly to installing fuel pumps and associated infrastructure dedicated to distributing higher ethanol blends at retail vehicle fueling locations. In practical terms, this meant the grant funding focused on tangible, on-the-ground upgrades that would allow stations to dispense E15 and E85, such as new or upgraded dispensers, compatible piping, tanks or tank modifications where needed, and other related equipment necessary for compliant operation.

The required matching funds were more flexible than the CCC share. While the match could also be used for the same types of infrastructure costs, it could additionally cover complementary activities that help ensure the infrastructure actually gets used and delivers measurable results. Examples listed in the opportunity included additional supporting infrastructure tied to pump deployment, marketing and consumer outreach, education efforts, data collection, program evaluation, and associated administrative costs. This structure signaled that BIP was not only about purchasing equipment, but also about supporting broader state-led efforts to increase availability and adoption of higher ethanol blends by addressing practical barriers such as awareness, retailer participation, and performance tracking.

Administratively, the program was managed by USDA FSA Energy Programs. Applicants needing help accessing the full announcement were directed to contact Kelly Novak, Energy Specialist, at 202-720-4053. The announcement also referenced an additional information link to FSA's Energy Program web page for further program materials and guidance.

Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership (BIP) Grant FAQs

What is the Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership (BIP) Grant?

The Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership (BIP) Grant was a one-time, competitive federal grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA). Its purpose was to expand consumer access to renewable fuel options, with an emphasis on higher ethanol blends.

Was BIP a recurring program?

No. The BIP Grant was described as a one-time competitive funding opportunity.

What was the main goal of the program?

The program aimed to increase the number of retail fueling locations able to safely and reliably offer higher ethanol blends, specifically fuels like E15 and E85, by supporting infrastructure upgrades.

How much funding was available under BIP?

Up to $100,000,000 was made available under the program.

Which federal agency ran the BIP program?

The program was run by USDA, specifically the Farm Service Agency (FSA) through its Energy Programs.

What types of fuels were emphasized by this grant?

The grant emphasized higher ethanol blends, particularly E15 and E85, which often require compatible equipment for storage and dispensing.

Who was eligible to apply for the BIP Grant?

Eligible applicants were limited to state-level governments: U.S. States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C.

Could private companies apply directly for BIP funding?

No. Private companies were not direct applicants under this opportunity. The eligible applicants were state-level governments.

Could local governments apply directly for BIP funding?

No. Local governments were not direct applicants under this opportunity. Eligibility was limited to U.S. States, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C.

Could states involve fuel retailers or other partners in projects?

Yes. While private companies and local governments were not eligible as direct applicants, the opportunity noted that states could structure projects involving partnerships with fuel retailers and other stakeholders.

When was the BIP funding opportunity posted?

The funding opportunity was posted in mid-June 2015.

What was the application deadline?

The closing deadline was July 15, 2015.

How long was the application window?

Applications were accepted during a short window between the mid-June 2015 posting date and the July 15, 2015 deadline.

What was the funding activity area for this opportunity?

The opportunity was categorized under the Energy funding activity area.

What is the CFDA number for BIP?

The CFDA number identified for this program was 10.117.

What is the funding opportunity number for BIP?

The funding opportunity number was USDA FSA 2015 22.

Did BIP require cost sharing or matching funds?

Yes. A core feature of BIP was a cost-sharing requirement. Awardees were required to provide matching contributions alongside federal support.

What source provided the federal funds for BIP?

Federal funds were provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC).

What could the federal (CCC) share of funds be used for?

The CCC-funded federal share was intended to pay a portion of costs tied directly to installing fuel pumps and associated infrastructure dedicated to distributing higher ethanol blends at retail vehicle fueling locations.

What kinds of infrastructure upgrades did BIP focus on?

The grant focused on on-the-ground retail station upgrades to support dispensing E15 and E85. Examples included new or upgraded dispensers, compatible piping, tanks or tank modifications where needed, and other related equipment necessary for compliant operation.

Could matching funds be used for the same infrastructure costs as federal funds?

Yes. Matching funds could be used for the same types of infrastructure costs.

Could matching funds be used for activities beyond equipment installation?

Yes. The match was described as more flexible than the CCC share and could also cover complementary activities designed to ensure the infrastructure is used and achieves measurable results.

What are examples of activities that matching funds could cover?

Examples listed included additional supporting infrastructure tied to pump deployment, marketing and consumer outreach, education efforts, data collection, program evaluation, and associated administrative costs.

What did the structure of BIP suggest about the program approach?

The structure indicated BIP was not only about purchasing equipment, but also about supporting broader state-led efforts to increase the availability and adoption of higher ethanol blends by addressing barriers like awareness, retailer participation, and performance tracking.

Who managed the program within USDA?

The program was managed by USDA FSA Energy Programs.

Who was the contact person for help accessing the full announcement?

Applicants needing help accessing the full announcement were directed to contact Kelly Novak, Energy Specialist.

What phone number was provided for assistance?

The phone number provided was 202-720-4053.

Was there a referenced website for additional program information?

Yes. The announcement referenced an additional information link to FSA's Energy Program web page for further program materials and guidance.

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