USDA Releases REAP Funds for FY2014 and FY2015
(December 29, 2014) The USDA released today a notice of solicitation of applications (NOSA) for the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP). This funding notice releases mandatory funding for both FY2014 and FY2015, as well as discretionary funding recently made available in the “Cromnibus.”
With two years of funding released at the same time, this NOSA sets a record for the largest REAP funding notice in program history, of $101.35 million. Program demand has decreased in recent years due to decreased program funding, so competition may be reduced. We will provide more information on the new rule as it becomes available, as well as updating program resources here.
The program rules have changed this year with the release of the final rule. The scoring of proposals has changed, which applicants will want to watch closely.
Following are deadlines under the NOSA:
| Application Type | Deadline |
| Small grant set aside ($20k and less), total pool is $20 million. | April 30, 2015 |
| First round of funding for all other grants and grant / loan guarantee combinations. | April 30, 2015 |
| All other grants, (including grants of $20k and less) | June 30, 2015. |
| Guaranteed loans | Continuously accepted and processed |
| Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants | February 12, 2015 |
The small grant set aside provides that 20% of all mandatory funds should be used for grants of $20,000 or less (total project cost up to $80,000). That means that there will be $20 million available for such small grants this year.
For the first time in years, funds will be available for Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants. (EA/REDA). The 2014 Farm Bill added Resource Conservation and Development districts as eligible recipients, along with rural electric cooperatives or public power agencies, tribes, and state or local governments. The total available EA/REDA funds are limited to 4% of 2015 mandatory funding, or $2 million.
Following are links to PDFs for key documents:
- Final rule for Section 9007, Rural Energy for America Program (PDF). This includes the discussion of comments. The actual rule, itself, begins on page 78255.
- Notice of Solicitation Of Applications (PDF), Funding notice for FY2014 and FY2015.