Funding and Training Opportunities for Tribes
September 7, 2012
The Tribal Energy Program, under the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, is pleased to forward the following information on funding and training opportunities that may be of interest to tribes.
Funding Opportunities
Army Announces $7 Billion Action to Support Renewable Energy
The U.S. Army announced on August 7 that it has issued a $7 billion request for proposals to procure renewable and alternative energy on federal property through power purchase agreements. The $7 billion capacity would be expended for the purchase of energy over 30 years or less from renewable energy plants that are constructed and operated by contractors using private sector financing. Contracts will be awarded to both large and small businesses among four different renewable energy technologies: solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass.
Project locations may be on any federal property located within the United States or U.S. territories, or other property under the control of the U.S. government. The solicitation will be available for 60 days, with responses due by October 5. These contracts are part of a U.S. Department of Defense goal to get 25% of its total energy from renewable sources by 2025. See the army press release.
Renewable Energy RFPs
This update contains solicitations for renewable energy generation, renewable energy certificates, and green power as a courtesy to our subscribers. Unless otherwise noted, these requests for proposals and solicitations are neither supported nor endorsed by the DOE Green Power Network.
Deadline - September 28, 2012
NorthWestern Energy RFP seeking up to 45 megawatts (MW) of renewable generation that qualify under Montana's community renewable resource requirement. Customers with questions are encouraged to contact Lands Energy Consulting for RFP documents and schedule notices.
Contacts: Steve Lewis, 206-726-3695; Tim Castille, 503-704-4313
Deadline - October 5, 2012
U.S. Army RFP seeking reliable, locally generated renewable and alternative energy utilizing power purchase agreements (PPAs) or other contractual equivalents. Over the course of 10 years, a total budget of $7 billion will be made available and power purchase agreements will be acceptable for periods up to 30 years.
Contact: Sarah M. Tierney, 256-895-1219
Deadline - October 8, 2012
Arizona Public Service Company (APS) RFP seeking proposals from solar developers to construct a 32-MW solar PV facility to be financed by APS through the utility's AZ Sun Program. Bid submission period opens August 22, 2012, with a bidder's webinar on August 29, 2012. Registration with PowerAdvocate is required.
Contact: Jessica Hernandez
A complete list of active RFPs can found on the Green Power Network's Renewable Energy RFPs page.
USDA Seeks Applications for Grants to Help Agricultural Producers Bring Increased Value to Their Products
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is making up to $14 million in grants available for projects that help farmers and ranchers produce bio-based products from agricultural commodities. The grants, which are competitively awarded, are available for planning activities or for working capital expenses, but not for both. The maximum grant amount is $100,000 for planning grants and $300,000 for working capital grants. Generating new products, creating and expanding marketing opportunities, and increasing producer income are the goals of the Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program.
Applicants have until October 15, 2012, to apply.
There is a matching funds requirement of at least $1 for every $1 in grant funds provided by the agency (matching funds plus grant funds must equal proposed total project costs). Eligible applicants are independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority- controlled produced-based businesses.
For information on how to apply, see page 48951 of the August 15, 2012, Federal Register.
Training Opportunities
Midwest Native American Economic Development Conference
October 17-18, 2012
The Millenium Knickerbocker Hotel
Chicago, Illinois
This year at Native Nation Events’ Midwest Native American Economic Development Conference, tribal leaders and industry professionals will share essential information on how to create various economic development opportunities for future generations. This two-day event in Chicago will incorporate ways to boost employment and generate a sustainable economy in Indian Country. Attendees will network with tribal leaders and professionals who have achieved great success with their economic development projects. This event will explore topics including project financing, legislation, gaming, construction, renewable energy projects, and sovereignty.
Visit the Native Nation Events website to view the most current conference details.
Law Seminars: Tribal Rights, Sovereignty and Economic Development Conference
October 18-19, 2012
Embassy Suites Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Law Seminars International is pleased to present a valuable update on current legal issues impacting tribes. Many of these issues are addressed by tribal leaders attending the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Annual Convention, set to take place this year from October 21-26 in Sacramento, California. To help tribal leaders and their attorneys, get ready for their NCAI discussions, this conference will offer in-depth looks at a number of legal hot topics, including the settlement of trust fund management lawsuits, taxation, tribal water rights, and federal responsibilities for funding tribal contracts in the wake of Salazar v. Ramah Navajo Chapter.
The conference will also place significant focus on legal and regulatory developments for tribal energy and environmental matters, including the interplay with recent federal efforts to regulate Indian Country. The conference will address federal efforts, via the National Labor Relations Board, to intervene in tribal matters. Lastly, the conference will address tribal e-commerce, opportunities and pitfalls in internet gaming and consumer lending. Federal leaders, leading private practitioners, and tribal leaders and attorneys will provide the latest insights on the variety of current legal topics with significant tribal sovereignty implications.
Don't miss this excellent updated overview on today's legal and policy developments, along with practical strategies and tips to assist attorneys, tribal representatives, agency officials and consultants in navigating these latest issues, and to be ready to engage in informed policy discussions at NCAI.
Agenda
View the agenda here.
Registration
Register here or call 206-567-4490.
Intended Audience
Attorneys, tribal representatives, industry executives, and governmental officials
Cost (includes the written course materials)
Standard rate: $895 per person
Group: $670 per person
Government: $595 per person
Student/new to job: $447.50 per person
NREL State and Local Webinars
DOE and its National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) invite state and local officials to participate in the following webinar. For more information about NREL State and Local webinars, visit the NREL website.
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Tapping Into Wind in Urban Environments
Wednesday, September 18, 2012, 3 p.m.- 4:15 p.m. EDT
This Webinar will focus on lessons learned from urban wind development projects, highlighting case studies from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Hull, Massachusetts. Register.
Climate and Energy Webcasts for State and Local Governments
ENERGY STAR Webcast: The Basics of Benchmarking in Portfolio Manager
September 18, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. EDT
Learn the basics of benchmarking using Portfolio Manager, EPA’s ENERGY STAR measurement and tracking tool. Portfolio Manager enables you to track the progress of energy and water efficiency efforts and compare the energy use of your buildings to similar buildings nationwide. Regardless of whether you are looking to benchmark a K-12 school, fire station, courthouse, retail store, supermarket, or office, this session will show you how easy it is to get started by providing an introduction to ENERGY STAR and walking you through setting up a building in Portfolio Manager. You will learn how to use Portfolio Manager to establish energy and water use baselines; track energy and water use and greenhouse gas emission reductions over time; and assess your building's energy performance. Register online.
EPA Webcast: Addressing Barriers to Renewable Energy Procurment
September 19, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. EDT
Using clean energy is a key component of many organizations’ sustainability goals. However, the process of procuring clean energy at a meaningful scale has proven to be difficult for corporations. In this webcast sponsored by EPA’s Green Power Partnership, learn about common challenges, including market access, deal terms, and risk management requirements that organizations have encountered when trying to source clean energy for facilities or power portfolios. You’ll also learn how to overcome these barriers in a meaningful and cost-effective way. Speakers include Blaine Collison, program director, U.S. EPA’s Green Power Partnership; Charles Esdaile, co-founder and managing partner, Altenex; and Chris Hayes, co-founder and managing partner, Altenex. Register online.
Grant Researching and Proposal Writing in Indian Country
December 3-5, 2012
Sheraton Lake Buena Vista
Orlando, FL
The Seminole Tribe of Florida Native Learning Center is excited to present its first Grant Researching and Proposal Writing in Indian Country Workshop. Whether you are a beginner, an expert, or anywhere in between, this three-day workshop will provide you with the skills necessary to explore, seek out, and successfully write a grant proposalclean energy is a key component of many organizations’ sustainability goals. Register online.
Regards,
DOE Tribal Energy Program
1617 Cole Blvd.
Golden, CO 80401
tribal@go.doe.gov
For more information on the Tribal Energy Program and our Guide to Tribal Energy Development, visit our website.
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