Marine Vessel Exhaust Gas Cleaning and Selective Catalytic Reduction | Apply Online

FAQs: Marine Vessel Exhaust Gas Cleaning and Selective Catalytic Reduction (DTMA91R1500012)

What is this funding opportunity?

The Marine Vessel Exhaust Gas Cleaning and Selective Catalytic Reduction opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number DTMA91R1500012) was a discretionary, research-and-development focused funding announcement issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) under CFDA 20.817, Air Emissions and Energy Initiative.

What was the main purpose of the program?

The purpose was to support work that reduces air pollution from marine vessels by advancing or demonstrating emissions-control technologies, specifically exhaust gas cleaning systems ("scrubbers") and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems. The overall intent was to help vessels meet increasingly stringent air emissions requirements by cutting pollutants associated with ship exhaust from fuel combustion.

Which federal agency administered this opportunity?

The opportunity was administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Maritime Administration (MARAD).

What is the CFDA program number and program name?

The CFDA program number was 20.817, Air Emissions and Energy Initiative.

What type of funding instrument was used?

The funding instrument type was a Cooperative Agreement, which generally indicates MARAD expected to have substantial involvement during the project period rather than issuing funds with minimal ongoing participation.

What does "Cooperative Agreement" imply for project oversight?

Based on the description provided, a Cooperative Agreement implies MARAD expected to be substantively involved during performance of the project (for example, engagement during implementation, monitoring, or coordination) rather than functioning purely as a pass-through funder.

How many awards were anticipated?

The announcement anticipated making a single award.

What was the estimated total federal funding available?

The estimated total funding amount was $750,000.

What were the award ceiling and award floor?

The award ceiling was $750,000 and the award floor was listed as $0. Practically, this meant one project could potentially receive up to the full $750,000, and smaller budget proposals could also be considered, although only one award was anticipated.

Was cost sharing or matching required?

Yes. A cost sharing or matching requirement applied, meaning applicants were expected to contribute non-federal resources to the project in addition to any federal funds awarded.

What kinds of contributions might count toward cost share based on the description?

The description notes that cost share commonly includes cash and/or in-kind contributions such as equipment use, staff time, vessel time, engineering support, or other documented project inputs. The specific percentage and allowability details would be defined in the full announcement.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility focused on parties positioned to implement these technologies in real-world marine settings. Eligible applicants included vessel owners, vessel operators, or public sponsors (such as port authorities, government entities, or other public organizations acting as sponsors for vessel-related projects). The listing also referenced "Others" with clarification in additional eligibility text, but the stated emphasis was on applicants with direct access to vessels and the operational ability to install, test, demonstrate, or evaluate exhaust controls.

What types of projects or activities did the opportunity target?

The opportunity targeted projects that could advance or demonstrate scrubbers and/or SCR systems to reduce marine vessel emissions. The description suggests activities could include retrofitting or integrating emissions controls on marine engines, engineering design, installation, operational testing, emissions monitoring, and reporting outcomes relevant to compliance and broader adoption.

What technologies were specifically highlighted?

Two main technology pathways were highlighted: exhaust gas cleaning systems ("scrubbers") and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems.

What are exhaust gas cleaning systems ("scrubbers") in the context of this opportunity?

Exhaust gas cleaning systems are designed to remove certain pollutants from the exhaust stream before release to the atmosphere. The description notes they are often used to reduce sulfur oxides and particulate matter when vessels burn higher-sulfur fuels, depending on system configuration and regulatory context.

What is selective catalytic reduction (SCR) in the context of this opportunity?

SCR is an emissions-control approach for reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx). It generally works by injecting a reductant (commonly urea-based diesel exhaust fluid in many applications) into the exhaust and passing it over a catalyst, converting NOx into nitrogen and water under appropriate operating conditions.

Which pollutants was the opportunity especially focused on reducing?

The description emphasizes reducing pollutants associated with ship exhaust from fuel combustion. It specifically references sulfur oxides and particulate matter in connection with scrubbers, and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in connection with SCR.

When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was posted on May 19, 2015 (with a creation date of May 21, 2015). The original and final closing date was June 19, 2015.

Was the opportunity still active after the closing date?

No. The archive date was July 19, 2015, indicating the opportunity was no longer active after that point.

How long was the application window?

Based on the posted date of May 19, 2015 and the closing date of June 19, 2015, the application window was roughly one month.

Where does this opportunity sit in terms of funding category or approach?

It was described as discretionary and research-and-development focused, with an emphasis on advancing or demonstrating emissions-control technologies in marine applications.

Who was the point of contact for accessing the full announcement or getting help retrieving it?

The listed point of contact was Judy Bowers, Contracting Officer at DOT MARAD, reachable by phone at 202-366-1913.

What information might be found only in the full announcement?

The description indicates that the specific cost share percentage and what counts as an allowable match would be spelled out in the full announcement. Other implementation details beyond what is summarized here would also typically be included in the full announcement text.

Does the description suggest MARAD preferred applicants with specific capabilities?

Yes. The eligibility emphasis suggests a preference for applicants with direct access to vessels and the operational ability to install, test, demonstrate, or evaluate emissions-control technologies in marine settings.

Could a project focus on only one of the two technologies?

The description frames scrubbers and SCR as the main technology pathways and does not state that both must be included. It indicates the funded project likely involved either retrofitting, integrating, or demonstrating performance of these controls, which could reasonably be interpreted as allowing a focus on scrubbers, SCR, or a combination, depending on the proposal and the full announcement requirements.