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Section 9008, Biomass Research and Development Initiative

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Development jointly solicit applications for financial assistance addressing research and development of biomass based products, bioenergy, biofuels and related processes. The Program is intended to promote innovation and development related to biomass. It supports the Biomass Research Development Act of 2000, Section 9008 of the 2002 Farm Bill, the Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and stated Federal policy.

How much are the grants?
Grants may be awarded up to $1 million. Grants are highly competitive and require successful completion of a two phase pre-application and application process. Based on a technical merit review of the pre-applications, full-applications are submitted by invitation only.

Who is eligible?
Individual eligible entities or consortia of eligible entities include the following types of organizations:

• Institutions of higher education (colleges and universities beyond secondary education level)
• National Laboratories
• Federal and State research agencies
• Private sector entities (companies, corporations, farms, ranches, cooperatives, and others that compete in the marketplace)
• Nonprofit organizations (other than 501(c)(4) lobbying organizations)

What types of projects are eligible?
As mandated by the 2005 EPACT, there are four research and development technical topic areas considered eligible for Section 9008 funding. These include:

• Feedstock Production through the development of crops and cropping systems relevant to production of raw materials for conversion to biobased fuels or biobased products.
• Overcoming Recalcitrance of Cellulosic Biomass through developing technologies for converting cellulosic biomass into intermediates that can subsequently be converted into biobased fuels and biobased products.
• Product Diversification through technologies relevant to production of a range of biobased products (including chemicals, animal feeds, and co-generated power) that eventually can increase the feasibility of fuel production in a biorefinery.
• Analysis that provides strategic guidance for the application of biomass technologies in accordance with realization of improved sustainability and environmental quality, cost effectiveness, security, and rural economic development, usually featuring system-wide approaches.

How to Apply
To apply for funding for the Section 9008 Biomass Research and Development Initiative grant program, please contact Lisa Siesennop at (202)690-3810 or send an electronic message to lisa.siesennop@wdc.usda.gov.

Availability of Funds
During FY2007, up to $18 million will be available.

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