2026 Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Program

FS-1500-0051 CW Application Form

COMMUNITY WOOD ENERGY & WOOD INNOVATION PROGRAM
FS-1500-0051 (REV. 08/2025)
OMB #: 0596-0257
Reference Public Law 115-334 Sec. 9013, 117-58 Div. J. Title VI, and 7 U.S.C. Sec. 8112
OMB Exp. Date: 07/31/2027
Ensure that your organization is registered with the System for Award Management (SAM), which is located at
https://sam.gov/. DO NOT go through a third party that may charge for registration. There is no charge for
registering at SAM.gov. This process will take time, so please register immediately.
COVER PAGE FOR PART 1: COOPERATOR CONTACT INFORMATION
1. Project Title:
2. Project Type (check one): Community Wood Energy System Innovative Wood Product
Facility Both Community Wood Energy System and Innovative Wood Product Facility
3. Total Capital Costs (Forest Service Funding + Cooperator Funding):
A. Requested Forest Service funding (amount of Forest Service funds):
B. Cooperator Funding (amount of leveraged non-federal funds):
C. Total Capital Costs (Line A + Line B. *This value should be the same as the value listed in Column
C, Line 11 of Budget Table 1 of this application):
D. Maximum allowable Forest Service funding request (Line C x 35%):
E. Cooperator Funding as a Percentage of Total Capital Costs (Line B ÷ Line C x 100%. This value
should not be less than 65% unless requesting special consideration):
F. Are you requesting special consideration for Forest Service funding of more than $1 million
and/or Forest Service funding to cover between 36-50% of total capital costs? Ye s No
If Yes, did you receive prior approval from the Forest Service? Y es No
If Yes, is the requested Forest Service funding not more than $1.5 million and does not cover
more than 50% of the total capital costs? Y es No
4. Contact Information:
Financial Agreement Applicant (Responsible official for financial administration of the project.)
Name: Title:
Organization/Company:
Address, City, State, Zip:
Phone: E-mail Address:
Project Contact (Responsible official for management of the project. If listed above, check box ☐)
Name: Title:
Organization/Company:
Address, City, State, Zip:
Phone: E-mail Address:
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FS-1500-0051 (REV. 08/2025)
Application Instructions: Complete and submit Parts 1 and 2. Address each item under subheadings A
though H for Part 1.
PART 1: NA RRATIVE
A. Basic Project Information
Project Title:
Project Length: Typical award is for 2-3 years (projects of greater complexity may be awarded for a
longer period, not to exceed 5 years).
Abstract: Provide a brief description of the project. If funded, the abstract will be posted on a public
we bsite. Be concise and clear. ( T his field is limited to 1,625 characters and spaces)
File Code: 1580 Page 2 of 15

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FS-1500-0051 (REV. 08/2025)
B. Project Description (This field is limited to 5,000 characters with spaces)
Review program instructions and Notice of Funding Opportunity for more information.
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FS-1500-0051 (REV. 08/2025)
C. Project Impact (This field is limited to 5,000 characters with spaces)
Review program instructions and Notice of Funding Opportunity for more information.
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FS-1500-0051 (REV. 08/2025)
D. Technical Criteria (This field is limited to 5,000 characters with spaces)
Review program instructions and Notice of Funding Opportunity for more information.
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FS-1500-0051 (REV. 08/2025)
E. Qualifications of Team and Partners (This field is limited to 5,000 characters with spaces)
Review program instructions and Notice of Funding Opportunity for more information.
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FS-1500-0051 (REV. 08/2025)
F. Annual Progress Reports and Final Reports (This field is limited to 1,625 characters with spaces)
Review program instructions and Notice of Funding Opportunity for more information.
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FS-1500-0051 (REV. 04/2025)
FS-1500-0051 (REV. 08/2025)
G. Budget Summary and Justification in Support of SF–424A
Complete the two budget tables below and provide a brief budget narrative explaining primary costs and
any subcontracting. The budget should support the narrative statement and reflect projected costs. Include
cash, in-kind services, and staff time used to complete the project.
Budget Table
Review program instructions and Notice of Funding Opportunity for more information
Lines 1-8: Enter the dollar amount for each item and provide details for each of these costs in narrative
section below table.
Line 9: Sum of 1 – 8.
Line 10: Costs not directly attributable to accomplishing the project, such as overhead or indirect costs.
Line 11: Sum of 9 and 10.
Line 12: Use the total in Column C, Line 11 to determine the percentage of each share.
Column A Column B Column C
Forest Service Funds Leveraged Funds Total Capital Costs
Categories (Forest Service share) (Non-federal share) (Column A + Column B)
1. Personnel
2. Fringe benefits
3. Travel
4. Equipment
5. Supplies/Materials
6. Contractual
7. Construction Not Allowed
8. Other
9. Direct charges
10. Indirect charges
11. Total Costs
12. Percentage of total
(Column A, Line 11) ÷ (Column C, Line 11) x 100% (Column B, Line 11) ÷ (Column C, Line 11) x 100%
Leveraged Funding Table –
Instructions for the Cooperator Contributions Table: List the leveraged funds provided by the applicant
and all 3rd party organizations. Exclude Forest Service funding. Use reasonable and acceptable rates to
value materials and in-kind contributions.
Cash Materials In-Kind Services Total
Cooperator Name
Totals:
File Code: 1580 Page 8 of 15

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FS-1500-0051 (REV. 08/2025)
Please provide more specific details on how Forest Service funding will be used for each of the
following budget categories:
Category 1. Personnel: This is the actual estimated salary cost paid and may or may not include fringe
benefits. Show job titles or positions and estimated days or hours and the estimated cost per day or
hour. (This field is limited to 4,700 characters with spaces)
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FS-1500-0051 (REV. 08/2025)
Category 2. Fringe Benefits: Fringe is generally expressed as a percentage of the salary cost. Provide
the rate and total estimated cost. (This field is limited to 1,625 characters with spaces)
Category 3. Travel: Show anticipated trips, number of travelers, and an estimated cost per trip. (This
field is limited to 1,625 characters with spaces)
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FS-1500-0051 (REV. 08/2025)
Category 4. Equipment: Provide documentation of equipment costs. (This field is limited to 5,000
characters with spaces)
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FS-1500-0051 (REV. 08/2025)
Category 5. Supplies/Materials: Provide an estimate of the supplies and materials that may be
purchased for the project. (This field is limited to 5,000 characters with spaces)
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FS-1500-0051 (REV. 08/2025)
Category 6. Contractual: List out any estimated costs for contracts or subawards with a description of
work for each anticipated contract. (This field is limited to 5,000 characters with spaces)
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FS-1500-0051 (REV. 08/2025)
Category 7. Other: Any costs under this category must be itemized with a description and an
estimated cost. (This field is limite d to 4,000 characters wi th spaces)
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FS-1500-0051 (REV. 08/2025 )
PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond, to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB
control number for this information collection is 0596-0257. Response to this collection of information is required
to obtain or retain benefits. The authority to collect the information is the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
(Pub. Law 117-58). The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 3 hours per
response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations
and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering
USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability,
age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or
reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all
bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille,
large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local Agency that administers
the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY).
Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form,
AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a
letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy
of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW,
Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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NOFO Instructions - FY26 Community Wood

NOTICE OF

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Instructions and Guidelines

Community Wood Grant Program

Fiscal Year 2026

Tentative Announcement: February 18, 2026

I. BASIC INFORMATION

Funding Opportunity Title: 2026 Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Program

Announcement Type: Annual Grant Announcement/Initial Announcement

Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-FS-COMMUNITY WOOD-2026

Assistance Listing Number:10.708 -- Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Program

Funding:

• Estimated Total Program Funding: Up to $15 million from annual agency appropriations.

• Expected Number of Awards: Up to 25

• Individual Award Funding: Up to $1 million; however, up to $1.5 million in special circumstances only if agency gives prior approval to the applicant before application submittal. The Agency reserves the right to award an applicant less than the funding requested based on funding availability and project eligibility.

Key Dates:

• Application Due Date: April 22, 2026

• Anticipated Award Date: June 2026

Agency Contact Information:

USDA Forest Service Regional Wood Innovations Coordinators are available for any questions. Their contact information is provided at the following weblink: USDA Forest Service Regional Wood Innovations Coordinator Contacts. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with their designated Coordinator to determine whether a project will be competitive, and to help develop proposals that conform to requirements and respond to grant program goals and objectives.

Executive Summary:

Community Wood Grants issued through the Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Program award funding to shovel-ready projects to install a community wood energy system or build or expand an innovative wood product facility. Healthy forests depend on a vibrant forest products economy and forest products processing infrastructure. These projects will directly support forest health and stimulate local economies by expanding renewable wood energy and innovative wood products manufacturing capacity. More information on past awarded projects can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/energy-forest-products/wood-innovation/grants.

Applicants must obtain a Grants.gov account and be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) to apply to this funding announcement.

II. APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

• Eligible Applicants

• Not-for-profit organizations

• Local, state, and tribal governments

• Higher education institutions

• Businesses, companies, corporations (for profit)

• Indian tribes

• Special purpose districts (e.g. public utilities districts, fire districts, school districts, conservation districts and ports)

• Available Funding

• The maximum for each award is $1 million to pay for up to 35% of total capital costs; however, the Forest Service may award up to $1.5 million or for up to 50% of the total capital costs only for a proposal that warrants special consideration, such as a project located in an area of high unemployment, adds critical forest products manufacturing infrastructure, advances forest management priorities, etc. Applicants seeking special consideration must obtain prior approval from a Forest Service Regional Coordinator before submitting a proposal.

Applicants are encouraged to reach out to the USDA Wood Energy Technical Assistance Team for projects involving wood energy systems.

• Cost Sharing/Matching/Leveraging:

• Required Leverage:

• Matching funds are not required; however, leveraging is required. Applicants must contribute the additional funds (leveraged funds) necessary to complete the project above and beyond the requested Forest Service funding.

• Example: if an applicant requests Forest Service funding for 35% of the total capital costs of the project, then the applicant must provide 65% of the total capital costs of the project. In this example, the 65% of the total capital costs are considered the required leveraged funds.

• Leverage Restrictions:

• Leverage must be met using eligible and allowable costs and is subject to additional federal requirements.

• Leveraged funds must be from non-federal sources.

• Marketing, program income, production expenses (including raw material costs) or operating expenses cannot be used as leverage under this funding opportunity.

Leverage Commitment Requirements:

• Applicants must submit a letter of support from each third-party organization confirming the exact amount of leverage committed.

• Applicants must list all other funds (e.g., Federal, State, private) received for this project and closely related projects within the last 5 years (include agency, program name, and dollar amount) in the application appendices.

III. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

• Funding Purpose:

The intent of the Community Wood Grant is to support forest health and stimulate local economies by expanding renewable wood energy use and innovative wood products manufacturing capacity.

• Funding Priorities:

Preference will be given to projects that:

• Will aid forest restoration.

• Are located where markets are needed for low-value or low-quality wood.

• Use or retrofit existing sawmill facilities located in areas of high unemployment.

• Use the most stringent control technology that has been required or achieved in practice for a wood-fired boiler and will operate in a location with limited access to natural gas pipelines.

• Note: Projects that satisfy one or more of the above priorities will be more competitive. However, projects that do not address any of the priorities can still be competitive. For example, a project using wood residues to offset natural gas for heating can still be highly competitive even if it is located where there is an abundance of natural gas.

• Proposals incorporating commercially proven technologies will be most competitive.

This program supports agency priorities to reduce commodity loss to wildfire, increase timber production, retain American energy production, and expand rural economies in accordance with all laws and policies including:

• Executive Order (EO) 14223 “Addressing the Threat to National Security From Imports of Timber, Lumber, and Their Derivative Products”

• EO 14225 “Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production”

• EO 14154 “Unleashing American Energy”

• EO 14308 “Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention And Response”

• Secretarial Memos 1078-006 and 1078-011

• Forest Service Active Forest Management Strategy

• Program Goals and Objectives:

• Expand thermally led community wood energy or innovative wood product opportunities

• Improve forest health

• Reduce forest management costs on all land types

• Stimulate local economies

• Limitations of Forest Service Funds:

• Forest Service funds cannot be used to acquire a wood energy system that exceeds nameplate capacity of 5 megawatts of thermal energy or combined thermal and electric energy.

• Forest Service funds under this grant program cannot be used for capital costs that would create a federal interest in real property. Pursuant to 2 CFR § 200.85, “real property” means land, including land improvements, structures, and appurtenances thereto, but excludes moveable machinery and equipment. Therefore, applicants cannot use Forest Service funds to pay for any of the following activities: purchasing or improving real property, relocation expenses and payments associated with real property; site work; demolition and removal; construction; or contingencies.

• Applicants may use non-federal leveraged funds to contribute toward this real property related activities and can include them in the budget table. Forest Service funds may be used for architecture and engineering design, inspections, legal work, and permitting costs associated with real property.

• Forest Service funds cannot be used for operating costs, which are expenses associated with maintenance and administration of operations on a day-to-day basis.

• Leasing of equipment is not allowed with federal funds.

• Purchase of mobile equipment and attachments for mobile equipment (e.g., forklifts, skidders, feller bunchers, self-propelled in-woods chipping units) is not allowed with Forest Service funds. However, mobile equipment purchases can be used as leverage.

• Expenses for self-marketing or self-promotion are not eligible expenses (e.g., company brochures, business cards, display materials, web sites, other electronic media, etc.).

• Purchasing ecosystem restoration byproducts or raw material feedstock.

• Funding federal involvement in the project activities.

• Program Citations:

• The grants and agreements awarded under this announcement will support the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 Pub. L. 115-334 Sec. 9013, Rural Revitalization Technologies 7 U.S.C. Sec. 8113, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Pub. L. 117-58 Div. J Title VI, and the nationwide challenge of disposing of hazardous fuels and other wood residues from the National Forest System and other U.S. forest lands in a manner that supports wood products and wood energy markets.

IV. OTHER INFORMATION

• This funding opportunity is intended for shovel ready projects that will not require additional funding or time to complete after the award period.

• Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to:

• Install a thermally led community wood energy system for heating, cooling, and/or electricity that replaces fossil fuels such as coal, oil, propane, or natural gas.

• Purchase and install manufacturing equipment at a mass timber production facility.

• Expand a sawmill to add higher value production lines that incorporate innovative technologies and cost cutting measures.

• Purchase and install equipment at a new facility to produce biofuels from forest residues.

B. Additional Details:

• Applicants should be aware that the purchase of equipment greater than $10,000 with federal funds creates a federal interest in the equipment until the fair market value of the equipment falls below $10,000.

• Applicants are encouraged to use non-federal funding to purchase equipment and use federal financial assistance to cover other relevant project costs, which include but not limited to the engineering, design, transportation, and installation of the equipment.

• The successful applicant will be required to complete additional paperwork before and after receiving Forest Service funds for the equipment purchase and is subject to the regulations at 2 CFR § 200.310, 2 CFR § 200.313, and 2 CFR §200.316.

• For equipment procured with federal funding, there is a preference for the purchase, acquisition, or use of goods, products, or materials produced in the United States pursuant to 2 CFR § 200.322.

• Indirect Costs: Applicants may request reimbursement for indirect costs using their established Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA, if applicable) or the de minimis rate of 15% of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) per 2 CFR § 200.414.

• MTDC are calculated as defined in 2 CFR 200.1 “Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC)”.

• If applying using a NICRA, a copy of the NICRA is required to be provided as an Appendix.

• Only entities with an established Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) are eligible to use waived unrecovered Federal indirect costs as match.

C. Calculating Total Capital Costs and Maximum Allowable Forest Service Funding

• Capital costs represent the total costs needed to bring a project to an operable status. They may include, but are not limited to, construction costs, site work, and equipment used in the production of goods. Although these costs may be included in the calculation, not all these costs are eligible for reimbursement from Forest Service funding. For this grant program, capital costs do not include program income or land.

• Total capital costs are the value in Column C, Line 11 of Budget Table 1 in the Application. The amount of Forest Service funding allowed for the project will not exceed 35% of this value in Column C, line 11 (or, 50% of this value for projects warranting special consideration).

• The Forest Service will use the applicant’s reported total capital costs to determine the maximum amount of Forest Service funding allowed for the award (e.g., 35% of the project’s total capital costs). When filling out the Budget table in the Application, applicants should include ALL costs associated directly with the project other than program income and land. Do not include program income or land anywhere in the budget table or SF-424A.

• Applicants may have already completed extensive studies, feasibility assessments, life-cycle analyses, or other tasks associated directly with the project such that these costs can be included in the Budget table if they were incurred on or after October 1, 2025. Inclusion of pre-work costs directly related to the project will increase the total capital costs of the project, which thereby increases the amount of Forest Service funding allowed for the project.

• Capital costs incurred before October 1, 2025, should not be included in the Budget table or SF-424A. Capital costs incurred on or after October 1, 2025, can be included in the Budget table or SF-424A. Successful applicants should be aware that costs incurred prior to the award date, which is expected to be sometime in summer 2026, will not be reimbursable with Forest Service funds.

V. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

• Required Contents:

• Project Narrative consisting of the Application Form (FS-1500-0051) AND attached appendices combined into one PDF file

• Required Federal Forms:

• SF-424: Application for Federal Assistance

• SF-424A: Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs

• Project Narrative Attachment Form (for submitting the above Project Narrative consisting of FS-1500-0051 and appendices)

Applicants will access and submit the required application materials (Items above) in Grants.gov. See Section V. Submission Requirements and Deadlines for additional information and detailed instructions. Emailed, mailed or faxed proposals will not be accepted.

• Application Form (FS-1500-0051) Instructions and Guidance:

Below are a set of instructions for filling out the Community Wood Funding Opportunity application form (FS-1500-0051). Address each item under the Cooperator Contact Information on page 1 of the application form and under each subheading:

• Cooperator Contact Information

• Project Title

• Provide brief project title

• Project Type

• Indicate whether project type is a Community Wood Energy System, Innovative Wood Product Facility, or Both Community Wood Energy System and Innovative Wood Product Facility

• Total Capital Costs

• Indicate requested Federal funding (amount of Forest Service funds)

• Indicate cooperator funding (amount of leveraged non-federal funds)

• Indicate Total Capital Costs (cooperator funds + Federal funds)

• Indicate maximum allowable Federal funding (Total Capital Costs x 35%)

• Indicate if requesting special consideration for Federal funding of more than $1 million and/or Federal funding to cover between 36-50% of the Total Capital Costs

• If requesting special consideration, indicate whether you received prior approval from the Forest Service

• Contact Information

• Financial Agreement Contact: Provide contact information for the official responsible for financial administration of the project.

• Project Contact: Provide contact information for the official responsible for the management/coordination of the project.

• Basic Project Information

• Project Title

• Provide project title from Project Cooperator section (above).

• Project Length

• Indicate the project length. Typical award is for 2 or 3 years, projects of greater complexity may be awarded for a longer period, not to exceed 5 years.

• Project Abstract

• Provide a brief description of the project. If funded, the abstract will be posted on the Forest Service website and available to the public.

• Project Description

• Specific project goals and objectives in bullet format

• Goals should identify the outcomes you want to achieve based on the statement of need. Objectives are the measurable steps needed to accomplish the goals.

• Statement of need

• Describe succinctly why this project is needed.

• Describe the specific project work activities or tasks that will be carried out to accomplish and meet the goals and objectives listed above.

• Describe the timeline for project activities and how the budget aligns with these activities.

• This should be a brief statement of how you intend to spend money to carry out project activities. Keep in mind that projects selected for funding are anticipated to begin around August 2026.

• Describe how progress will be measured.

• Describe any subgrant or subcontracting activity

• Describe communication and outreach activities

• Explain how you will inform others of the experiences, successes, lessons learned, etc. of your projects.

• Project Impact

• List anticipated project outcomes, deliverables, and desired results (Outcomes should be specific, measurable, and align with project timeline).

• Describe magnitude of impact on wood products markets or wood energy markets, and job creation and retention (Include assumptions used to determine these impacts).

• Describe how much wood will be used as a result of the funding being requested. List the additional volume quantities (e.g. tons, board feet, or CCF) and whether any wood will be sourced from federal lands. Provide basic documentation on how the projected volumes were determined.

• Describe leveraged activities and/or leveraged funds above the minimum required match that maximize proposed project benefits or bring greater value to the goals of the Wood Innovations Funding Opportunity program (Explain how you will use other funding or team sources to maximize project impact).

• Describe how the project will help the Forest Service meet the intent and goals of this grant, including details on how the project will expand wood products and wood energy markets.

• Describe anticipated impacts on local economies (Include assumptions used to determine these impacts).

• Specify whether the project supports an existing or new sawmill or forest products business located in a geographic area with an average annual unemployment rate that is more than one percent higher than the national average unemployment rate in calendar year 2024.

• Describe how the project will address Administration priorities including relevant Executive Orders (EOs), Secretarial Memos, and Agency guidance (see Section III.B for a complete list)

• Technical Criteria

• For community wood energy system or innovative wood product facility projects, describe or provide information to support the following criteria:

• Energy efficiency and cost effectiveness of the system or facility.

• Extent to which the system or facility represents the best available commercial technology.

• Extent to which the applicant has demonstrated a high likelihood of project success by completing detailed engineering and design work in advance of the grant application.

• For community wood energy system projects only (in addition to above criteria):

• Extent to which the system will displace conventional fossil fuels, minimize emission increases to the greatest extent possible, and use the most stringent control technology that has been required or achieved in practice for a wood-fired boiler of similar size and type.

• Extent to which the proposed community wood energy system will increase delivered thermal efficiency of systems being replaced.

• Qualifications of Teams and Partners

• List key personnel qualifications and role(s) in the project. Describe their capabilities, certifications, and experience on related projects that demonstrate your team has the appropriate skill set and experience for success.

• List any experience and performance of prior funded USDA Forest Service project(s). If appropriate, please include a short resume or vitae in the Appendix.

• Provide a brief background on the history and current operations of your business or organization (e.g. origination date, number of employees, type of operation, and if applicable, volume of wood processed annually)

• Annual Progress Reports and Final Reports

• Describe planned reports, documents, and success stories that will be provided during and at the end of the project for posting on the Wood Innovations website. Note: Progress Reports are required as frequently as quarterly. The reports provide an overview of accomplishments of the goals and objectives listed in the approved project narrative, success stories, and documentation of media events or activities generated by the award.

• Budget Tables and Justification in Support of the SF-424

• The Project Budget Table and Justifications are required in the application form. The budget tables should support the Project Description and mirror data entered in the required financial form SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs).

• Required Appendices:

• Appendices must be attached to the Community Wood Funding Opportunity Application Form (FS-1500-0051) into one PDF file.

• Letters of support from partners, individuals, or organizations, especially those playing a key role or providing matching funds, including Forest Service units if National Forest System lands will directly benefit from the project. Letters of support should display the degree of collaboration occurring between the different entities engaged in the project.

• Applicants must submit letters of support from third-party organizations confirming the amount of cash or in-kind services to be provided, up to the minimum required leverage.

• List of all other funds (Federal, State, private) received for this project and closely related projects within the last 5 years (include agency, program name, and dollar amount).

• Short resume for key team members, if appropriate.

• If applicable, a copy of organization’s approved NICRA is required if requesting indirect costs

• Optional Appendices

• Feasibility Assessments.

• Woody Biomass Resource Supply Assessment (recommended for larger wood energy proposals)

• Quotes for equipment, professional engineering or design services and rationale for selection of contractor, if already selected.

• Miscellaneous items, such as schematics, engineering designs, or executive summaries of reports.

• Include 1 – 3 photos that best tell the story of your project. Please include a caption for each photo that explains what is shown or happening in the photo. Only include photos that can be used for press releases, public websites, or mass communications if awarded.

VI. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

A. Accessing the Application Package and Materials

Application materials, including required forms and a copy of this Notice of Funding Opportunity, can be accessed at www.grants.gov. Click on the “Search Grants” tab and enter the Funding Opportunity number or Assistance Listing number and click the search button.

• Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-FS-WOOD INNOVATIONS-2026

• Assistance Listing: 10.674

• System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

• Each Entity Applicant Must Register in SAM.gov before applying – An active SAM registration is required prior to starting the application process. This process can take many weeks so early registration is highly recommended

• The System for Award Management (SAM.gov) is a government-wide registry for organizations doing business with the Federal government. There is no fee for registering with SAM.gov.

• Maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information at all times during the application period and while the Federal award is active.

• The entity name and business address registered in SAM must exactly match the applicant’s name and address provided on the Wood Innovations Funding Opportunity application and the SF-424 form.

• Helpful resources and tips:

• SAM.gov new registration: https://sam.gov/entity-registration

• SAM entity registration video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJju__0bNCY&t=63s

• For assistance with SAM registration, contact an APEX Accelerator organization near you: https://www.apexaccelerators.us

• Submission Instructions

• Applicants must apply for this funding opportunity at www.grants.gov. No hard copy, fax or emailed applications will be accepted.

• An online Grants.gov account is required to view, create and submit a grant application package. The point of contact for an application will need to create an account using the same email address as used in the SAM.gov registration.

• An applicant’s Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) obtained during the SAM registration must be added to their Grants.gov profile.

• Apply by using the Workspace function in Grants.gov. Workspace is the standard way for organizations or individuals to apply for federal grants in Grants.gov. Workspace allows a grant team to simultaneously access and edit forms within an application.

• Note that the Community Wood application form (FS-1500-0051) combined with appendices must be uploaded as an attachment under the “Project Narrative Attachment Form” in the Grants.gov Workspace.

• Helpful resources:

• Grants.gov Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-faqs

• For assistance related to Grants.gov registration and accessing the forms, contact the Grants.gov helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov.

D. Submission Dates and Times

• Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time (EST), Wednesday, April 22, 2026 with NO EXCEPTIONS.

• Intergovernmental Review

• This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs”.

VII. APPLICATION REVIEW

• Responsiveness Review

• Incomplete submissions will disqualify an application from the review process. Late or emailed, faxed, or mailed proposals will not be accepted.

• Evaluation Criteria

Each proposal will be evaluated based on its ability to meet the following criteria with a maximum potential of 100 total points.

• Project Description (20 points total)

• Project is well defined, budget and timeline are reasonable, and project has high likelihood for success. (15 points)

• Reporting requirements are addressed. (5 points)

• Project Impact (40 points total)

• Project improves forest health and stimulates local economies. Impacts are well defined, realistic, and include assumptions. (15 points)

• Project will create demand for low-value wood, low-quality wood, industrial residues, or timber in areas of the country in need of forest restoration. (15 points)

• Project supports an existing or new sawmill, community wood energy system installation, or forest products business located in a geographic area with an average annual unemployment rate that is more than one percent higher than the national average unemployment rate in calendar year 2024. (10 points)

• Technical Criteria (25 points total)

• Project uses advanced technologies associated with a community wood energy system or innovative wood product facility. (15 points)

• Proposal presents sufficiently detailed information to address the Technical Criteria listed in Part 1.D of the Application (e.g., energy efficiency, cost effectiveness, best available commercial technology, displacement of fossil fuels, etc.). (10 points)

• Qualifications of Staff, Organization, and Partners (15 points)

• Team member(s) qualifications, experience, and past performance are relevant to the project. (15 points)

• Review and Selection Process

• Proposals will be evaluated based on whether they meet the program intent and the program requirements as identified in the “Review Criteria” section of this Notice of Funding Opportunity. Proposals that do not meet program requirements will not be included in the national review process.

• The national review process includes:

• Review and prioritization by Forest Service regional leadership

• Evaluation scoring by the national technical review panel based on the evaluation criteria described in this Notice of Funding Opportunity

• Review and prioritization by national Forest Service and program leadership

• Responses and feedback from the national review process will be considered when selecting projects for award.

• In addition, the Forest Service may consider performance and status of previous or ongoing Wood Innovations grants and other Federal grants and awards in making awards under this program and authority.

• The Agency also reserves the right to consider Community Wood proposals for other Wood Innovations funding programs after the application deadline.

• Risk Review

Prior to making a Federal award, the Federal agency is required to review eligibility information for applicants and financial integrity information for applicants available in OMB-designated databases per the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 (Pub. L. 116-117), the “Do Not Pay Initiative” (31 U.S.C. 3354), and 41 U.S.C. 2313.

Before making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000), the Federal agency must review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the responsibility/qualification records available in SAM.gov (see 41 U.S.C. 2313).

• Applicants can review and comment on any information in the responsibility and qualification records available in SAM.gov. Before making decisions in the risk review required by 2 CFR § 200.206 the Federal agency will consider any comments by the applicant, along with information available in the responsibility/qualification records in SAM.gov.

• The Forest Service will also consider the following items when evaluating project risk:

• Financial stability. The applicant's record of effectively managing financial risks, assets, and resources.

• Management systems and standards. Quality of management systems and ability to meet the management standards prescribed in this part.

• History of performance. The applicant's record of managing previous and current Federal awards, including compliance with reporting requirements and conformance to the terms and conditions of Federal awards, if applicable.

• Audit reports and findings. Reports and findings from audits performed under subpart F or the reports and findings of any other available audits, if applicable.

• Ability to effectively implement requirements. The applicant's ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements imposed on recipients of Federal awards.

VIII. AWARD NOTICES

• Award of Funding Notice:

• The USDA Forest Service will notify all applicants via email about the success of their application.

• The notification of award is not an authorization to begin project performance. The executed Federal award is the authorizing document.

• If pre-award costs are allowed, approval will be provided by Forest Service program staff, but performance initiation is done at the applicant’s own risk.

• Project costs and expenses incurred prior to the award announcement date will not be reimbursable with Forest Service funds.

• Awarded applicants must have an active SAM.gov registration before announcement and when finalizing award agreements.

• Recipients and subrecipients of Forest Service Federal financial assistance must comply with the Forest Service and USDA General Terms and Conditions for Federal Awards. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review these terms and conditions. Additional agency and/or program conditions may also be included in awards.

IX. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

• Progress and Financial Reports:

• Quarterly or semi-annual interim financial reports (Form SF-425) and progress reports are required for awarded projects. Submission instructions and templates for submitting these reports will be provided as part of the execution of the grant agreement.

• In addition to project accomplishments, progress reports must include the following quantified information as it occurs, if as applicable. For any information that is not available/applicable, progress reports should note why such information is not available/applicable.

• Increase in production or processing capacity, product recovery, product value added, increase in timber utilization, and/or other production improvements.

• Impact to markets for wood raw materials.

• Increase in utilization and adoption of wood products.

• Increase in energy production and/or energy cost savings.

• Jobs retained or created.

• List and patents resulting from projects, if applicable.

• Additional reporting requirements are included in 2 CFR § 180.335, § 180.350, and Appendix XII.

X. OTHER INFORMATION

• Confidentiality:

• Materials submitted to the Forest Service, such as funded grant applications and progress reports, are subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Upon request, the Forest Service may be obligated to disclose such records. However, documents or portions of documents will be protected if they satisfy the requirements of one or more FOIA exemptions.

• FOIA Exemption 4 protects commercial and financial information that constitutes a trade secret, or whose release would cause competitive harm to the organization that provided the information.

• FOIA Exemption 6 protects information whose release “would reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.”

• In the event that the Forest Service receives a FOIA request seeking information provided by your organization, Executive Order 12600 requires the Forest Service to consult with you regarding the potential release of this information. When assembling your application, you may wish to highlight any information that constitutes a trade secret, whose release would cause you competitive harm, or whose release would impact personal privacy. For more information about the FOIA and its exemptions, please consult the Department of Justice Guide to the Freedom of Information Act.

• Contacts for Assistance:

• SAM.gov entity registration:

• SAM Help Desk https://sam.gov/help

• SAM assistance for Federal applicants (APEX Accelerators): https://www.apexaccelerators.us/#/service-area-locator

• Grants.gov registration and functions:

• All questions regarding Grants.gov technical assistance must be directed to Applicant Support. Applicants may also call the 24/7 toll-free support number 1-800-518-4726 or email support@grants.gov.

• For questions related to the Application development process and Wood Innovations program goals:

• Wood Innovations Coordinators by state: https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/energy-forest-products/wood-innovation-contacts

• Wood Innovations Program website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/energy-forest-products/wood-innovation.

• Past Wood Innovations awarded projects, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/energy-forest-products/wood-innovation/grants

• Program email: sm.fs.wood.innovations@usda.gov