Applications & Tools
To assist you in completing your application in a timely and complete manner, we have posted an application template and all necessary forms needed for your 9006 application below. We also have additional program references noted below.
Applicants should contact their state USDA Energy Coordinator early to review their proposed project for program eligibility, for application assistance and to learn about additional resources specific to your state and region.
Please note only projects that have completed the required environmental review process and demonstrated technical feasibility will be eligible for funding.
Application Resources
- Evaluation Criteria Scoring Guideline - Pay close attention to these scoring criteria to increase your application score to best win a grant. (PDF file.)
- Section 9006 (4280-B) regulations
- SBA Small Business Size Standards
- Application forms (lower on this page)
- Small Wind Sample Application - This application, written by the National Renewable Energy Lab, will give you some perspective on what the Section 9006 application process involves. We also have a small solar system sample application, which can be found under the Technical Requirements Worksheets near the bottom of this page.
- Consultants Directory - Find a renewable energy consultant or grant writer in your state using the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center's database.
Additional Tools
| Simplified Application | Full Application |
|---|---|
| Total eligible project costs are $200,000 or less (grant request $50,000 or less). | Total eligible project costs exceed $200,000 (grant request exceeds $50,000) |
| Simplified Application Template | Full Application Template |
| Simplified Application Checklist | Full Application Checklist |
The above templates and checklists were developed by the Iowa Rural Development office of the USDA.
Technical Requirements Worksheets - Simplified Application Only
The simplified application requires the submittal of special worksheets. Below please find technology-specific worksheets, written by the National Renewable Energy Lab, to help you to complete the 'technical report' of the application. Note, however, that the worksheets below pertain only to the simplified application.
| Energy efficiency | Solar Photovoltaic (PV) |
| Biomass energy | Solar thermal |
| Small wind |
A common mistake in completing worksheets, is not to provide sufficient information. Be sure to provide as much information as you can, using additional sheets if necessary.
More useful 9006 resources are provided on the Iowa Rural Development web site.
PDF files require Adobe Acrobat to read.
Forms for Section 9006 Grant Application
The forms listed below are required for 9006 applications. Each of the forms has detailed instructions included. Several of the below forms can be filled out on-line and printed. Please note that the data is lost when the file is closed.
In addition to the forms listed, include:
- A copy of a bank statement or a funding commitment letter from your outside funding source (bank, state grants or other).
- If your project involves interconnection to an electric utility, a copy of a power purchase agreement, interconnection agreement or letter of intent for an interconnection agreement
- A certification indicating any known relationship or association with any USDA employee.
SF 424, Application for Federal Assistance (.pdf file)
This is a standard form used by applicants as a required facesheet for applications submitted for Federal assistance.
SF 424C, Budget Information--Construction Programs (.pdf file)
This form is used for submitting detailed project budget information.
SF 424D, Assurances--Construction Programs (.pdf file)
This form requires only a signature verifying compliance with various Federal construction project standards.
AD 1047, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters- Primary Covered Transactions (.pdf file)
This form requires only a signature verifying that the applicant is not barred from doing business with the Federal government.
AD-1048, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion -Lower Tiered Covered Transactions (.pdf file)
AD 1049, Certification Regarding a Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (.pdf file)
This form requires only a signature verifying that the applicant operates a drug-free workplace.
RD 400-1, Equal Opportunity Agreement (.pdf file)
This form requires only a signature verifying that the applicant is an equal opportunity employer.
RD 400-4, Assurance Agreement (.pdf file)
This form requires only a signature providing assurance that the applicant will provide access to financial records and the project itself to USDA officials.
RD 1940-Q, Certification for Contracts, Grants and Loans(.pdf file)
This form requires only a signature verifying that no Federal funds have been or will be used to influence elected officials or other government employees. The form is only required if your grant request exceeds $100,000.
RD 1940-20, Request for Environmental Information (.pdf file)
This form is used to summarize the environmental impact of the proposed project.
SF LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (.pdf file)
This form is used to disclose of any lobbying activity performed on behalf of the applicant.
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