Comment Log Display

We congratulate the Air Resources Board for the successful review
and funding of multiple small-scale biodiesel facilities.   

The final selection criterion appears to vary slightly from the
original Request for Proposal (RFP), specifically in the area of
“Choice of Feedstock”. 

In the original RFP, there are no points allocated for the choice
of feedstock, yet the evaluation and scoring section of the final
document states:

"Complete applications showing a projected operational date of
December 31, 2008 were evaluated based on total project cost,
proof of match funding,  experience and qualification of
principals, application of commercially proven technology,
selection of feedstock, production volume, demonstration of
project viability, and the ability to go on stream and obtain
rated production within the desired timeline. The scoring also
took into account the small business status of applicants."

Had we known that the awards would be influenced on the selection
of feedstock, especially that of recycled materials as appears to
be the case from the awardees, we would have described our plan to
incorporate recycled materials and alternate feedstock after our
initial optimization period.  While our priority is to obtain
regionally appropriate feedstocks to the greatest extent possible,
we did not include material on this topic since it was not part of
the scoring criteria and concise responses were encouraged. 

Also, we would like to understand the process that applies if a
project does not meet the on-going requirements under this RFP. 
If a funded project does not come to fruition or does not meet the
required milestones, will the funds be available for other projects
listed as “Next Most Qualified for Funding”?  If funds become
available, what are the specific protocols to fund these
additional “Next Most Qualified” projects?

Thank you for your consideration of these points.  Again, we
congratulate you on your efforts to build a cleaner and more
energy independent state.
 
Sincerely, 



Ryan Lamberg
Vice President and Communications Director
Community Fuels
www.communityfuels.com