RULE NO: RULE TITLE
27N-1.100: General
27N-1.200: Definitions
27N-1.300: Renewable Energy Technologies Grants Program
27N-1.400: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Technologies Grant Program for Bioenergy
27N-1.500: Solar Energy Systems Incentives Program
27N-1.600: Renewable Energy Technologies Investments Tax Credit
27N-1.900: Forms
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The Commission is initiating rulemaking to adopt rule Chapter 27N-1, Florida Administrative Code, implementing the Florida Energy and Climate Protection Act (ss. 377.801-.806, F.S.). Specifically, the Commission intends to adopt rules governing the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Technologies Grants Program, the Solar Energy Systems Incentives Program, and the Renewable Energy Technologies Investment Tax Credit. The effect of the rule would be to: (1) reflect the transfer of program administration from the Department of Environmental Protection to the Florida Energy and Climate Commission; (2) revise certain application and review requirements relating to the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Technologies Grants Program; (3) establish procedures for the submission, review, award, and administration of bioenergy projects under the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Technologies Grants Program; (4) revise application submission requirements and allow for the implementation of an online application for the Solar Energy Systems Incentives Program; (5) revise application requirements for the Renewable Energy Technologies Investment Tax Credit; and (6) update program forms. The proposed rule provisions are a result of the enactment of HB 7135 during the 2008 Regular Session (Chapter No. 2008-227, Laws of Florida).
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: The subjects expected to be addressed in this rule include development of an online application system for the Solar Energy Systems Incentives Program, as well as the application and review requirements governing the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Technologies Grants Program, and the Renewable Energy Technologies Tax Credit.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 377.6015, 377.801, 377.803, 377.804, 377.806, 220.192 FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 377.6015, 377.801-.806, 220.192 FS.
A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
DATE AND TIME: March 20, 2009, 10:00 a.m.
PLACE: Bryant Building, Room 272, 620 S. Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida
Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 48 hours before the workshop/meeting by contacting: April Groover, 600 South Calhoun Street, Suite 251, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0001, or telephone (850)487-3800. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: April Groover, 600 South Calhoun Street, Suite 251, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0001, or telephone (850)487-3800

THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS:

27N-1.100 General.

This chapter implements the Florida Energy and Climate Protection Act, ~~Florida Renewable Energy Technologies Act~~ providing for grants for renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies and rebates for solar energy systems. This chapter also implements applications for corporate tax credits for renewable energy technologies provided for in Section 220.192, F.S.

Specific Authority 377.6015, 377.804(3), 377.806(7), 220.192(3) FS. Law Implemented 377.6015, 377.803, 377.804, 377.806, 377.808, 220.192 FS. History–New 10-22-07, Formerly 62-16.100, Amended _________.

27N-1.200 Definitions.

The words, terms and phrases used in this chapter, unless otherwise indicated, shall have the meaning set forth in Sections 377.803 and 220.192(1), F.S. In addition, when used in this chapter, the following words, phrases, or terms shall have the following meanings:

(1) “Bioenergy” means energy derived from biomass.

(2) “Biomass” means “biomass” as defined in Section 366.91(2)(a), F.S.

(3) “Commission” means the Florida Energy and Climate Commission. ~~“Department” means the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.~~

(4) “Matching Funds or Other In-Kind Contributions” means:

(a) Actual cash outlays contributed, including, but not limited to, cash outlays for wages, rental expenses, travel expenses, un-recovered indirect costs, and purchases of material and supplies, as a direct benefit to the project, or;

(b) Non-cash contributions necessary and reasonable for proper and efficient accomplishment of project objectives, the value of which must be established using the following guidelines:

1. Rates for donated or volunteer services of any person must be consistent with their regular rate of pay, or the rate of pay of those paid for similar work at a similar level of experience in the labor market, including the value of fringe benefits.

2. The value of donated expendable property such as office supplies or workshop supplies must not exceed the fair market value of the property.

3. The value of donated real property such as land must not exceed the fair market value of the property.

4. Donated space must be valued at fair rental value of comparable space and facilities in a privately-owned building in the same locale.

5. The value of loaned equipment can not exceed its fair rental value.

6. In-kind travel expense must be valued at the approved State rate as specified in Section 112.061, F.S.

(5) “Purchase date” means, for the purchase of solar energy equipment, the date of execution of a loan agreement or the date of final cash payment.

(6) “Solar thermal pool heater” means a device that traps the heat produced by incident sunlight in collector tubing through which swimming pool water is pumped in order to raise the temperature of the swimming pool water.

Specific Authority 377.6015, 377.804(3), 377.806(7), 220.192(3) F.S. Law Implemented 377.6015, 377.802, 377.804, 377.806, 220.192 FS. History–New 10-22-07, Formerly 62-16.200, Amended________.

27N-1.300 Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficient Technologies Grants Program.

(1) REQUEST FOR GRANT PRE-PROPOSALS.

(a) The Florida Energy and Climate Commission (“Commission”) ~~department~~ shall issue a request for grant pre-proposals (“RFGP”). The RFGP shall include a copy of the grant application form, instructions for submission of the grant application, and contact information for the commission ~~department~~.

(b) The RFGP shall be issued by publication on the Florida Department of Management Services State Vendor Bid System under MyFlorida MarketPlace, and on the commission’s ~~department’s~~ website.

(2) QUALIFIED APPLICANTS. Qualified applicants are those applicants identified in Section 377.804(2), F.S., and State of Florida agencies.

(3) APPLICATIONS. Applications for the Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficient Technologies Grants Program shall be submitted to the Florida Energy and Climate Commission, ATTN: Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficient Technologies Grants Program, 600 South Calhoun Street, Holland Building, Suite 251, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001 ~~Department of Environmental Protection, ATTN: Renewable Energy Technologies Grants Program, Renewable Energy Projects, Florida Energy Office, 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS-19, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400~~ as follows:

(a) Six copies of the pre-proposal application shall be submitted in hard copy format, using application Form 27N-1.900(1) ~~62-16.900(1)~~ which is adopted and incorporated by reference at subsection 27N-1.900(1), F.A.C. One copy of the complete application as well as one copy with all proprietary information redacted shall be submitted in electronic format on compact disc at the same time as the hard copy. Acceptable formats for electronic versions are Microsoft Word for Windows versions 5.0 or higher; and Rich Text Format. Acceptable formats for electronic versions of the signed commitment letters required by Form 27N-1.900(1) ~~62-16.900(1)~~ from third parties are Adobe PDF; Microsoft Word for Windows versions 5.0 or higher; and Rich Text Format.

(b) If an applicant is selected for the full proposal ranking phase, they will be asked to submit six copies of the full-proposal application shall be submitted in hard copy format, using application Form 27N-1.900(5) which is adopted and incorporated by reference at subsection Form 27N-1.900(5), F.A.C. One copy of the complete application as well as one copy with all proprietary information redacted shall be submitted in electronic format on compact disc at the same time as the hard copy. Acceptable formats for electronic versions are Microsoft Word for Windows versions 5.0 or higher; and Rich Text Format. Acceptable formats for electronic versions of the signed commitment letters required by Form 27N-1.900(5) from third parties are Adobe PDF; Microsoft Word for Windows versions 5.0 or higher; and Rich Text Format.

(c) Applications must be accompanied by an affidavit from the applicant attesting to the accuracy of the statements contained in the application.

(d)~~(b)~~ Applications must be received by the commission ~~department~~ no later than 5:00 p.m. on the date specified by the commission ~~department~~ in the RFGP.

(e)~~(c)~~ The application filing deadline shall be extended by the commission ~~department~~ when the commission ~~department~~ determines specifically for this grant program that extenuating circumstances exist, such as a hurricane or other natural disaster. Any deadline extension shall apply for all applicants. The commission shall publish notice of the deadline extension on the Florida Department of Management Services State Vendor Bid System under MyFlorida MarketPlace, and on the commission’s website.

(f)~~(d)~~ For grant requests, the minimum allowable amount for an application to be eligible for consideration for award shall be $50 thousand, and the maximum allowable amount shall be $2.5 million.

(g)~~(e)~~ COMPLETENESS. Any application which does not include all required information may ~~shall~~ be determined incomplete and ineligible for the award of the grant sought. ~~The department shall notify the applicant of the determination of ineligibility.~~

(h)~~(f)~~ An applicant is not eligible for award of a grant if the commission determines that the applicant: ~~An applicant is not eligible for award of a grant if at the time the department determines the recipients for the grant.~~

1. Has a pending civil, criminal or administrative action alleging that the applicant has committed violations of Florida Statutes or the rules promulgated there under; or The department has a pending civil or administrative action against the applicant that alleges that the applicant has committed violations of Chapters 373, 376, or 403, F.S., or the department rules implementing these statutes; or

2. Has not satisfied a fine, penalty or other judgment arising out of any civil, criminal or administrative action brought by any governmental agency based upon violation of Florida Statutes or the rules promulgated there under. The department has a final judgment or final order finding that the applicant has committed violations of Chapter 373, 376, or 403, F.S., unless the applicant has satisfied all requirements for corrective actions and has paid all costs, civil penalties, damages, and other financial assessments required by the judgment or order; or:

3. The applicant has entered into a consent order with the department, unless the applicant has satisfied all requirements for corrective actions and has paid all costs, civil penalties, damages, and other financial assessments required by the consent order.

(4) CRITERIA.

(a) The criteria listed in Section 377.804(4), F.S., shall apply to grants evaluated pursuant to Sections 377.804(1) through 377.804(5), F.S.

(b) In addition to the criteria in Section 377.804(4), F.S., grant applications shall be evaluated for the degree to which a project reduces greenhouse gas emissions, minimizes impacts to water resources and results in direct jobs created ~~incorporates multiple renewable energy technologies~~.

(5) MATCHING FUNDS.

(a) For matching funds, the minimum allowable amount for an application to be eligible for consideration for award shall be $1.00.

(b) All matching funds and other in-kind contributions, including third party in-kind, shall be verifiable from the applicant’s and/or its partners’ records, and not be included as contributions for any other state-assisted project or program.

(c) Expenses related to a proposed project incurred prior to the award announcement are not eligible as matching funds or in-kind contributions.

(d) State funds are not eligible as matching funds or in-kind contributions.

(6) RANKING.

(a) The commission ~~department~~ shall use a point system to score grants. In scoring grants, points shall be awarded as follows:

Criteria	Max Points Possible
Cost Share Percentage¹	20
Economic Development²	16
Technical Feasibility³	16
Innovative Technology⁴	16
Production Potential⁵	16
Energy Efficiency⁶	16
Fostering Awareness⁷	16
Project Management⁸	16
Duration & Timeline⁹	6
Location Served¹⁰	4
Public Integration¹¹	3 4
~~Multiple Technologies¹²~~	4
Total Numerical Rating	145 ~~150~~

¹Cost Share Percentage: The availability of matching funds or other in-kind contributions applied to the total project from the applicant.

0 points = $1.00 up to and including 1% of total project cost.

2 points = Greater than 1% up to and including 10% of total project cost.

4 points = Greater than 10% up to and including 20% of total project cost.

6 points = Greater than 20% up to and including 30% of total project cost.

8 points = Greater than 30% up to and including 40% of total project cost.

10 points = Greater than 40% up to and including 50% of total project cost.

12 points = Greater than 50% up to and including 60% of total project cost.

14 points = Greater than 60% up to and including 70% of total project cost.

16 points = Greater than 70% up to and including 80% of total project cost.

18 points = Greater than 80% up to and including 90% of total project cost.

20 points = Greater than 90% of total project cost.

²Economic Development: The degree to which the project stimulates in-state capital investment and economic development in metropolitan and rural areas, including the creation of jobs and the future development of a commercial market for renewable energy technologies.

Minimum (0 points): Negative contribution or this element of the evaluation criteria was not addressed.

Maximum (16 points): Significant potential for economic development in Florida, including estimate of direct jobs created and the potential duration of said jobs, whether time limited specific to the grant period or potentially on-going beyond the life of the grant.

³Technical Feasibility: The extent to which the proposed project has been demonstrated to be technically feasible based on pilot project demonstrations, laboratory testing, scientific modeling, or engineering or chemical theory that supports the proposal.

Minimum (0 points): No proof of feasibility or this element of the evaluation criteria was not addressed.

Maximum (16 points): Project demonstrated to be technically feasible and claims are fully supported.

⁴Innovative Technology: The degree to which the project incorporates an innovative new technology or an innovative application of an existing technology.

Minimum (0 points): No degree of innovation or this element of the evaluation criteria was not addressed.

Maximum (16 points): Project incorporates technologies or processes that are not in common use in Florida, that represent a novel application of an existing technology or process, or that overcome obstacles to meeting Florida’s energy needs in new or innovative ways.

⁵Production Potential: The degree to which a project generates thermal, mechanical, or electrical energy by means of a renewable energy resource that has substantial long-term production potential.

Minimum (0 points): No production potential or this element of the evaluation criteria was not addressed.

Maximum (16 points): Significant potential for energy production in Florida.

⁶Energy Efficiency: The degree to which a project demonstrates efficient use of energy and material resources.

Minimum (0 points): No consideration for energy efficiency or pollution prevention or this element of the evaluation criteria was not addressed.

Maximum (16 points): Project incorporates energy efficient products and practices including process improvements that lead to source reduction, waste minimization, ~~and~~ on-site recycling,. greenhouse gas emission reduction and demonstrates a commitment for implementation of best management practices for water use and/or reclamation.

⁷Fostering Awareness: The degree to which the project fosters overall understanding and appreciation of renewable energy technologies, including but not limited to education/public outreach and level of effort (i.e. within a given community or statewide).

Minimum (0 points): No contribution or this element of the evaluation criteria was not addressed.

Maximum (16 points): Significant potential for outreach activities that provide knowledge on the availability and benefits of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies and the promotion of its development ~~for fostering awareness of renewable energy technologies~~ throughout Florida, as well as integrated with statewide energy campaign efforts.

⁸Project Management: The ability to administer a complete project.

Minimum (0 points): Project team mismatched for tasks identified. No prior management experience on project team. Budget is unrealistic.

Maximum (16 points): Project team has extensive management experience and expertise in the proposed field of study. Budget suited to tasks involved.

⁹Duration & Timelines: Project duration and timeline for expenditures.

Minimum (0 points): Project objectives will not be met and grant funds will not be exhausted within the 3 year grant agreement timeframe.

Maximum (6 points): No difficulty accomplishing project objectives and expending funds within grant agreement timeframe.

¹⁰Location Served: The geographic area in which the project is to be conducted in relation to other projects.

Minimum (0 points): Project duplicates existing efforts in the county or counties in which the project is proposed, minimizing its potential value to the community and state.

Maximum (4 points): Location of project benefits related efforts in the county or counties in which the project is proposed and surrounding areas, creating value for the community and state.

¹¹Public Integration: The degree of public visibility and interaction.

Minimum (0 points): No visibility and interaction with the general public or this element of the evaluation criteria was not addressed.

Maximum (3 4 points): Significant potential for public visibility and interaction.

~~¹²Multiple Technologies: The degree to which a project incorporates multiple renewable energy technologies in the project.~~

~~0 points = One renewable energy technology is used.~~

~~2 points = Two renewable energy technologies are used.~~

~~4 points = Three or more renewable energy technologies are used.~~

(b) The commission’s executive director ~~department~~ shall establish a Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Technologies Grant Selection Advisory Group (RET-SAG) ~~review group~~ of no less than 3 people, who shall each individually review grant applications, and score each application according to the point system provided in paragraph (6)(a).

~~(c)~~ Score points from all reviewers within the RET-SAG shall be ranked and averaged as follows:

(7) PRE-PROPOSALS.

(a)1. Each reviewer shall rank each eligible pre-proposal ~~application~~ by assigning a ranking number to each eligible pre-proposal ~~application~~ based on the score of the individual pre-proposal ~~application~~ compared to all other pre-proposal ~~application~~ reviewed by that reviewer. For example, the top scored pre-proposal ~~application~~ shall be assigned a ranking number of 1, the second highest scored pre-proposal ~~application~~ shall be assigned a ranking number of 2, the third highest scored pre-proposal ~~application~~ shall be assigned a ranking number of 3, and so on, until all eligible pre-proposal ~~application~~ are ranked.

(b)2. After all eligible pre-proposal ~~application~~ are ranked by the individual reviewers, the ranking numbers from all reviewers for each individual pre-proposal ~~application~~ shall be averaged.

(c) The commission’s executive director shall develop a list based upon highest averaged ranking and availability of funding, with 1 being the highest ranking. In the instance of a ranking tie between two or more pre-proposals, the applicant proposing the higher percentage of match shall be ranked higher. In the instance of a ranking tie between two or more pre-proposals, and those pre-proposals contain the same percentage of match, the individual scores of the reviewers shall be added, and the pre-proposal with the higher added reviewer scores shall be ranked higher. If there is still a tie, then the pre-proposal submitted earlier in date shall be ranked higher.

(8) FULL PROPOSALS.

(a) The commission’s executive director shall extend invitations to applicants to prepare full proposals as follows. Invitations will be extended based upon highest average ranking pre-proposal in the following order; first to the highest ranking pre-proposal, second to the second highest ranked pre-proposal, and so on until the total amount of the fiscal appropriation in each state fiscal year for each grant category is met. The commission’s executive director may also extend an invitation to any of the next highest averaged ranking pre-proposals beyond the fiscal appropriation.

(b) Applicants selected to prepare a full proposal shall submit the full proposal pursuant to the guidelines in the RFGP. The RET-SAG shall host a one-day meeting to hear presentations from the applicants submitting full proposals and develop a recommendation for funding. Following the presentations, the same process of evaluation and ranking shall take place as occurred for pre-proposals in paragraph (7).

(9)~~(7)~~ AWARD.

(a) The commission’s executive director will request the top 10 ranked full proposal candidates to present before the commission. The commission’s final decision to award grant funding will be based on the proposals’ ability to achieve goals consistent with the State of Florida’s energy policies. The department shall award grants based upon highest averaged ranking and availability of funding, with 1 being the highest ranking. Grants shall be awarded to the top ranked application first, to the second highest ranked application second, and so on until the total amount of the fiscal appropriation in each state fiscal year is met.

(b)~~(a)~~ The maximum amount for an individual award shall be limited to $2.5 million.

(c)~~(b)~~ The minimum amount for an individual award shall be limited to $50 thousand.

(c)~~(d)~~ The commission ~~department~~ shall award up to the total amount requested in individual grant applications to the top ranked grant applicants up to the maximum amount allowed under paragraph (3)(e)~~(7)(a)~~. ~~If funds are not available to award the total amount requested by an applicant due to awards of grants to higher ranked applications, the department~~ The commission may award partial grants to applicants. The total amount of grant awards shall not exceed the ~~up to the amount of the~~ fiscal appropriation remaining in each state fiscal year.

(d) In the instance of a ranking tie between two or more applications, the application proposing the higher percentage of match shall be ranked higher. In the instance of a ranking tie between two or more applications, and those applications propose the same percentage of match, the individual scores of the reviewers shall be added, and the application with the higher added reviewer scores shall be ranked higher. If there is still a tie, then the application submitted earlier in date shall be ranked higher.

(10)~~(8)~~ ADMINISTRATION.

(a) Grant funds must be awarded through a formal grant agreement negotiated and executed between the commission ~~department~~ and the grant applicant. Either party has the discretion to terminate negotiations if an agreement is not reached within 45 days of announcement of award. If the commission ~~department~~ and the grant applicant are unable to negotiate an agreement, the grant shall not be awarded to that grant applicant.

(b) Grant agreements shall be limited to no longer than three years in duration.

(c) Grant funds shall be distributed as reimbursements to recipients upon receipt of a formal invoice, supporting documentation, and upon commission ~~department~~ grant manager approval for compliance with all requirements of the grant agreement, this rule chapter, and the Florida Statutes.

(d) Invoices shall be submitted by grantees not more frequently than once per month, and not less frequently than once per quarter.

(e) Expenses incurred by a grantee and its project partners for its project after the execution of a formal grant agreement shall be considered as match based upon the requirements of Section 377.804, F.S., and this chapter.

(f) The Commission shall have the authority to cancel this agreement because of failure of the grantee to fulfill its obligations under this agreement or any other past or present grant award agreement with the State of Florida. Expenses incurred by a grantee and its project partners for its project between the date of a notice of grant award and execution of formal grant agreement shall be considered as match if the proposed match would meet all requirements of this rule chapter and Chapter 377, F.S., which would be otherwise applicable to an awarded grant, and if the proposed match would not violate any other provisions of the law. The department shall determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether such expenses qualify for match. Approval of such expenses as match are subject to negotiation of the grant agreement, and prior written approval by the department is required. Consideration as match is not guaranteed.

(g) Satisfaction of obligations by the grantee shall be determined by the Commission.

(h) Prior to termination, the Commission shall provide 30 calendar days written notice of its intent to terminate and shall provide the Grantee with the opportunity to consult with the Commission for reason(s) for termination. Notice shall be sufficient if it is delivered to the party personally or mailed to its specified address. In the event of termination of this agreement, the grantee will be compensated for any work completed in accordance with this agreement prior to notification of termination. If the grantee violates any of the provisions of this agreement, the Commission shall have the right to demand the return of moneys delivered and withhold subsequent payments due under this or other grants.

Specific Authority 377.6015, 377.804(3) FS. Law Implemented 377.6015, 377.802, 377.804 FS. History–New 10-22-07, Formerly 62-16.300, Amended_________.

27N-1.400 Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficient Technologies Grants Program for Bioenergy.

(1) REQUEST FOR GRANT PROPOSALS.

(a) The Florida Energy and Climate Commission (“Commission”) shall issue a request for grant proposals (“RFGP”). The RFGP shall include a copy of the grant application form, instructions for submission of the grant application, and contact information for the commission.

(b) The RFGP shall be issued by publication on the Florida Department of Management Services State Vendor Bid System under MyFlorida MarketPlace, and on the commission’s website.

(2) QUALIFIED APPLICANTS. Qualified applicants are those applicants identified in Section 377.804(2), F.S., and State of Florida agencies.

(3) APPLICATIONS. Applications for the Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficient Technologies Grants Program for Bioenergy shall be submitted to the Florida Energy and Climate Commission, ATTN: Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficient Technologies Grants Program for Bioenergy, 600 South Calhoun Street, Holland Building, Suite 251, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001 as follows:

(a) Six copies of the pre-proposal application shall be submitted in hard copy format, using application Form 27N-1.900(4) which is adopted and incorporated by reference at subsection 27N-1.900(4), F.A.C. One copy of the complete application as well as one copy with all proprietary information redacted shall be submitted in electronic format on compact disc at the same time as the hard copy. Acceptable formats for electronic versions are Microsoft Word for Windows versions 5.0 or higher; and Rich Text Format. Acceptable formats for electronic versions of the signed commitment letters required by Form 27N-1.900(4) from third parties are Adobe PDF; Microsoft Word for Windows versions 5.0 or higher; and Rich Text Format.

(b) If an applicant is selected for the full proposal ranking phase, they will be asked to submit six copies of the full-proposal application shall be submitted in hard copy format, using application Form 27N-1.900(6) which is adopted and incorporated by reference at subsection Form 27N-1.900(6). One copy of the complete application as well as one copy with all proprietary information redacted shall be submitted in electronic format on compact disc at the same time as the hard copy. Acceptable formats for electronic versions are Microsoft Word for Windows versions 5.0 or higher; and Rich Text Format. Acceptable formats for electronic versions of the signed commitment letters required by Form 27N-1.900(6) from third parties are Adobe PDF; Microsoft Word for Windows versions 5.0 or higher; and Rich Text Format.

(c) Applications must be accompanied by an affidavit from the applicant attesting to the accuracy of the statements contained in the application.

(d) Applications must be received by the commission no later than 5:00 p.m. on the date specified by the commission in the RFGP.

(e) The application filing deadline shall be extended by the commission when the commission determines specifically for this grant program that extenuating circumstances exist, such as a hurricane or other natural disaster. Any deadline extension shall apply for all applicants. The commission shall publish notice of the deadline extension on the Florida Department of Management Services State Vendor Bid System under MyFlorida MarketPlace, and on the commission’s website.

(f) For grant requests, the minimum allowable amount for an application to be eligible for consideration for award shall be $50 thousand, and the maximum allowable amount shall be $2.5 million.

(g) COMPLETENESS. Any application which does not include all required information may be determined incomplete and ineligible for the award of the grant sought.

(h) An applicant is not eligible for award of a grant if the commission determines that the applicant:

1. Has a pending civil, criminal or administrative action alleging that the applicant has committed violations of Florida Statutes or the rules promulgated thereunder; or

(4) CRITERIA.

(a) The criteria listed in Section 377.804(6), F.S., shall apply to grants evaluated pursuant that Section.

(b) In addition to the criteria in Section 377.804(6), F.S., grant applications shall be evaluated for the degree to which a project reduces greenhouse gas emissions, minimizes impacts to water resources, results in direct jobs created and has scientific merit based on pilot project demonstrations, laboratory testing, scientific modeling, or engineering or chemical theory that supports the proposal.

(5) MATCHING FUNDS.

(a) For matching funds, the minimum allowable amount for an application to be eligible for consideration for award shall be $1.00.

(c) Expenses related to a proposed project incurred prior to the award announcement are not eligible as matching funds or in-kind contributions.

(d) State funds are not eligible as matching funds or in-kind contributions.

(6) RANKING.

(a) The commission shall use a point system to score grants. In scoring grants, points shall be awarded as follows:

Criteria	Max Points Possible
Economic Development¹	30
Florida-grown biomass²	30
Energy Efficiency³	20
Fostering Awareness⁴	10
Cost Share Percentage⁵	20
Duration & Timeline⁶	10
Expand Agribusiness⁷	20
Market Potential⁸	10
Scientific Merit⁹	20
Total Numerical Rating	170

¹Economic Development: The degree to which the project stimulates in-state capital investment and economic development in metropolitan and rural areas, including the creation of jobs and the future development of a commercial market for renewable energy technologies.

Minimum (0 points): Negative contribution or this element of the evaluation criteria was not addressed.

Maximum (30 points for Commercialization projects and 20 points for Research and Development or Demonstration projects): Significant potential for economic development in Florida, including estimate of direct jobs created and the potential duration of said jobs, whether time limited specific to the grant period or potentially on-going beyond the life of the grant.

²Florida Grown Biomass: The project produces bioenergy from Florida grown crops or biomass.

Minimum (0 points): No production potential or this element of the evaluation criteria was not addressed.

Maximum (30 points): Project results in significant bioenergy production from Florida grown biomass resources.

³Energy Efficiency: The degree to which a project demonstrates efficient use of energy and material resources.

Minimum (0 points): No consideration for energy efficiency or pollution prevention or this element of the evaluation criteria was not addressed.

Maximum (20 points): Project incorporates energy efficient products and practices including process improvements that lead to source reduction, waste minimization, on-site recycling, greenhouse gas emission reduction and demonstrates a commitment for implementation of best management practices for water use and/or reclamation.

⁴Fostering Awareness: The degree to which the project fosters overall understanding and appreciation of renewable energy technologies, including but not limited to education/public outreach and level of effort (i.e. within a given community or statewide).

Minimum (0 points): No contribution or this element of the evaluation criteria was not addressed.

Maximum (10 points): Significant potential for outreach activities that provide knowledge on the availability and benefits of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies and the promotion of its development throughout Florida, as well as integrated with statewide energy campaign efforts.

⁵Cost Share Percentage: The availability of matching funds or other in-kind contributions applied to the total project from the applicant.