Questions and Answers: Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program (FY 2014/15)

The question and answer period is now closed for this grant cycle. All questions and answers are posted on this site.

Questions about the Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program application were accepted in writing only, no later than July 22, 2014 for Phase 1. Questions for Phase 2 applicants were accepted in writing only from September 15, 2014 to October 15, 2014. Similar or related questions were grouped together or reworded for clarity and responded to as one question. General | Eligibility | Funding | Application

General

  1. My husband and I are interested in a recycling program his coworkers told him about, but we’re not sure how to get started or if we are considering the correct application. We are interested in the program where we would be running a portable recycle center (like NexCycle here in Fresno, CA) for aluminum, plastic and glass beverage cans/bottles. Can you please send us more information on the project and how we can apply? Private businesses and individuals are not eligible to apply for this grant. However, private businesses and individuals in collaboration with any eligible applicant, as identified on Page 4 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions, are permitted to apply. Costs for establishing a recycling center are not eligible for reimbursement under the current Beverage Container Recycling Grant cycle. Please see our page on becoming a certified operator if you are interested in starting a recycling center. Refer to ineligible costs on Page 6 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions.
  2. Could you please clarify “eligible applicants” for the just-released BCR grants program? The website homepage states, “Eligible applicants for this program include individuals, government entities, businesses and nonprofit organizations.” Under the heading “Overview” in the “Grant Application and Instructions,” the “Eligible Applicants” do not include individuals or businesses? Our website has been updated. Please refer to Page 4 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions regarding eligible applicants.
  3. I would like to know more about receiving an application for Grants. Please e-mail any information to our e-mail. You are welcome to join the BCRG Listserv if you are interested in receiving beverage container grant information in the future.
  4. Is this a Beverage Container Recycling Grant or Payment Program? (The City of Burbank also participates in the Used Oil Payment Program and CalRecycle requested that the City Resolution use the term Payment Program and not grant.) I am preparing a Resolution for the above mentioned program and want to make sure I use the correct language. The Beverage Container Recycling Grant is a competitive grant, and is separate from CalRecycle’s annual payment programs, including the City/County Payment Program and the Used Oil Payment Program. Please refer to specific grant programs you are applying for on your Resolution. Please refer to Resolution Examples.
  5. I received an application for Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program Fiscal Year 2014/15 and 2015/16. Will this program replace the previous Beverage Container Recycling program that was based on population and called “City County Payment Program funding” that we received annually? Or is this an additional source of funding for the Beverage Container Program? The Beverage Container Recycling Grant and City County Payment Program remain separate and distinct programs. Please refer to our Beverage Container Grants Webpage for more information.
  6. Can you please define “Cluster bins”? We are looking into getting recycling started/improved at our county parks but would like to have matching trash and recycling bins. Can the grant be used to buy clusters of trash/recycling bins that are co-installed on a single pole to ensure twinning of trash and recycling? Cluster bins are multi-sort recycling bins that include sections for recycling, trash, composting, etc. They are allowable as long as there is a section that includes the collection and recycling of beverage containers. These bins must be permanently bound to each other.
  7. We have a single stream recycling program on our campus. Since Waste Management sorts our pickups at their facility, could we still apply for this grant? We do not get a detailed itemized tonnage report from Waste Management just an amount per month. Your hauler does not play a role in whether or not you are eligible to apply/be awarded for a Beverage Container Recycling Grant. The eligibility requirements for this grant program are on Page 4 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions. However, reporting is a deliverable for this grant, and reporting California Redemption Value weights is a requirement in this deliverable. This requirement should be considered when applying for this grant.
  8. We just received a Beverage Grant check this week. Am I correct in understanding that was from my co-workers application she submitted last year? The check you received might be for the City/County Payment Program, which also provides opportunities for beverage container recycling, but is separate and distinct from the Beverage Container Recycling Program. You should see City/County Payment Program denoted on the check. Please refer to our grants webpage.
  9. I see this current application is due July 31st, but I will be unable to get the resolution through to our City Council before that date. Is there any way to extend that part of the process? Only a Draft Resolution (or Letter of Commitment for applicants not subject to a governing body) is required by July 31, 2014. Please refer to Pages 2 and 10 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions regarding the Draft Resolution submission date.
  10. I did find the application and I also found the document that gives the details as to how to fill out each section. I’m still confused by what to enter in the Detail Tab for the dollar amount. For individual grant awards, the minimum allowed is $50,000 and the maximum allowed is $250,000. It is up to each applicant to decide how much funding to request. Please refer to Page 5 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions.
  11. I would like more information on how I can get a grant for the Beverage Container Recycling business. I would appreciate any assistance necessary to proceed with this process. Costs for establishing a recycling center are not eligible for reimbursement under the current Beverage Container Recycling Grant cycle. Please see our page on becoming a certified operator if you are interested in starting a recycling center. Please refer to the section on ineligible costs on Page 6 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions.
  12. I noticed grant funds will be awarded in February of 2015. However, the grant cycle is scheduled for June 2017-June 2018. Does that mean funds awarded could not be used in 2015 and the project must wait until 2017? What is the difference between the grant cycle and the grant being awarded? The timeline in the Application Guidelines and Instructions references two grant cycles: Fiscal Year (FY) 2014/15 and FY 2015/16. We are awarding grants for both cycles based on this application process. The tentative date for award is February 2015. Grantees awarded a FY 2014/15 grant can expect to receive a Notice to Proceed on or before June 30, 2015. Grantees awarded a FY 2015/16 grant can expect to receive a Notice to Proceed after July 1, 2015. Please refer to the timeline on Page 4 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions.
  13. Do we need to own the project sites? We manage a number of sites that are owned by other entities. No, this grant does not require you to own the site where your project will be completed.
  14. What happens to any income generated by the program? For example, the funds that are received for turning in recyclables: Can these be put back into our recycling program, or are they deducted from the value of the grant? The applicant/grantee decides what to do with the revenues generated from the grant. Income generated from the grant is not deducted from the value of the grant.
  15. If applying as a Unified School District, is the Board of Trustees our governing body? Yes. Other school districts may use a different title but the governing body for a school district is generally a board.
  16. I’m interested in finding out more about how to get a beverage container grant. I am new to the industry and I’m trying to open a recycling center. Costs for establishing a recycling center are not eligible for reimbursement under the current Beverage Container Recycling Grant cycle. Please see our page on becoming a certified operator if you are interested in starting a recycling center. Refer to ineligible costs on Page 6 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions.

Eligibility

  1. Our organization meets the eligibility requirement for the upcoming Beverage Container Recycling Grants competition, and we plan to submit an application by the July 29, 2014 deadline. We are a current Beverage Container Recycling Grants recipient, and have previously received Beverage Container Recycling Grants awards for projects we have successfully completed. Will our status as a previous recipient of Beverage Container Recycling Grants make it less likely for us to be awarded in the upcoming grant round? In other words, will reviewers favor applicants who have never received a previous Beverage Container Recycling Grants award? Applicants with current Beverage Container Recycling Grants are eligible and welcome to apply for the 2014/15 grant cycle. During the scoring of Phase 2, an application will receive bonus points if the applicant did not receive a Beverage Container Recycling Grant in the 23rd, 24th, and 25th grant cycles (FYs 2011/12, 2012/13, and 2013/14).
  2. Could you please clarify “eligible applicants” for the just-released Beverage Container Recycling grants program? The website homepage states, “Eligible applicants for this program include individuals, government entities, businesses and nonprofit organizations.” Under the heading “Overview” in the “Grant Application and Instructions,” the “Eligible Applicants” do not include individuals or businesses? Private businesses and individuals are not eligible to apply for this grant. Eligible applicants are included on Page 4 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions. However, private businesses and individuals in collaboration with any eligible applicant, as identified on Page 4 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions, are permitted to apply. Our website has been updated.
  3. Our glass sorting machine needs to be replaced. We are working to increase the amount of beverage container glass we collect and our current equipment would does have the capacity to handle much more volume. Would this be an eligible grant project? Purchase of equipment related to beverage container recycling is an eligible cost. Refer to Page 6 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions for more specific information on ineligible costs.
  4. We are in the process of preparing a grant application for the Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program and in reading the Eligible Applicants details, we noticed that under non-profit organizations you have a note indicating the exception of private schools (page 4 of the guidelines). We are a private university and have been a very successful recipient of this program before (back in 2009). Since last grant, the needs have significantly increased and we would like to correct the problem of excessive contamination on main campus and regional centers. Would you be so kind to clarify if you consider our institution eligible to apply under non-profit organizations criteria and if not, would there be a possibility to make an exception given the previous track record and the significant impact this grant could make not only in one location but multiple regional campuses. Private colleges and universities are eligible if they are non-profit organizations registered with the federal government under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3), (c)(4), (c)(6), or (c)(10). The “except private schools” language refers to private elementary and secondary schools. Previously funded grant projects will not be considered as a basis for applicant eligibility. Please see Page 4 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions, for additional information.
  5. This is certainly a disappointing response to my question (below) about grant eligibility. It seems arbitrary and exclusive. From my professional experience, I am certain many socially conscious private businesses produce results equal to or better than nonprofits.

    Original Question: Could you please clarify “eligible applicants” for the just-released Beverage Container Recycling grants program? The website homepage states, “Eligible applicants for this program include individuals, government entities, businesses and nonprofit organizations.” Under the heading “Overview” in the “Grant Application and Instructions,” the “Eligible Applicants” do not include individuals or businesses?

    Response to original question: Private businesses and individuals are not eligible to apply for this grant. Eligible applicants are included on Page 4 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions. However, private businesses and individuals in collaboration with any eligible applicant, as identified on Page 4 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions, are permitted to apply. Our website has been updated.

    CalRecycle identified a need for a more focused eligible applicant pool in the Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program to ensure consistency with California’s Mandatory Commercial Recycling law. Please refer to Page 4 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions for additional information.

  6. We have a group of residences composed of multi-family and single family homes in hard to reach areas. Since most of these residents do not provide their own beverage container recycling bins (or more often, cannot afford extra recycling bins), we have an extremely low recycling rate in this set of homes. We would like a project to provide them with blue recycling bins (32 gallon style). Would this item be eligible for the project? Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, multi-family dwellings (five units or more). A project does not become ineligible because it contains single family homes, as long as the applicant and project meet the applicant eligibility and project eligibility requirements on Pages 4 and 5 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions. Purchase of equipment related to beverage container recycling is an eligible cost. Please refer to eligible costs on Page 6 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions.
  7. I am interested in applying for the Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program and am wondering if a program that places recycling containers in indoor city offices and facilities for city staff and the public would be eligible for this grant? Programs that place beverage container recycling containers in indoor city offices and facilities for city staff and the public would be eligible for this grant, as long as the beverage containers are being recycled. Please note, CalRecycle offers Recycling Starter Kits, which are tall black bins that may meet your needs. The amount of Recycling Starter Kit bins you can receive are limited. You can contact Cyndy Paulsen by email at Cyndy.Paulsen@CalRecycle.ca.gov regarding the starter kits.
  8. Please clarify. On Page 5 under ELIGIBLE PROJECTS, there is a bullet for “Outreach and education (multi-family).” On Page 6 under ELIGIBLE COSTS, a bullet states “Education and outreach promoting beverage container recycling may be included as part of the Mandatory Commercial Recycling Plan (MCRP) for local jurisdiction applicants.” Is the second sentence meant to intentionally restrict education and outreach to the MCRP in local jurisdictions. Is an application to develop a regional or statewide campaign for California Redemption Value (CRV) recycling eligible as well? Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, outreach materials that help communities meet their Mandatory Commercial Recycling requirements. The second sentence is not meant to restrict education and outreach to Mandatory Commercial Recycling. An applicant is welcome to apply for this grant if they intend to develop a regional or statewide campaign for CRV recycling.
  9. Would theme parks be eligible under the Outreach and Education projects–to promote recycling education to our guests? Private businesses and individuals are not eligible to apply for this grant. Eligible applicants are included on Page 4 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions. However, if you meet the eligibility requirements, education material promoting beverage container recycling would be an allowable expense.
  10. According to the grant guidelines, eligible projects include, but are not limited to, multi-family dwellings, schools, outreach, community events, and parks/recreational areas. When inputting sites in the Grants Management System, however, the required “Site Type” drop-down menu only includes those five categories. Is the program restricted to these site types, or could an “Other” category be added to capture eligible project site types not listed? CalRecycle has updated the application to include “Other” as a Site Type option. You may select “Other” as the Site Type, if needed.
  11. The site for the primary funding is our Material Recovery Facility. None of the options in the drop-down box on the “Sites” tab apply. However, the focus of funding this equipment is to allow us to actively work on recycling beverage containers generated by bars and restaurants within the City. Since entering site information is required, what should I enter in that section? Enter the site information for the Material Recovery Facility in the Site tab and select “Other” as the Site Type. CalRecycle has updated the application to include “Other” as a Site Type option.
  12. My question is about eligible projects and the specific sites that are parts of these projects. The project for which we are requesting funding involves recycling education and outreach at schools as well as the funding of recycling infrastructure in recreational parks and downtown area. Are recycling bins for the downtown area fundable under this grant or is there any conflict with this type of area? Downtown areas are not on your eligibility list and I wanted to make sure before including this in our application. Beverage container recycling education and outreach materials related to the project are eligible expenses. Purchase of equipment related to beverage container recycling is an eligible cost. Please refer to eligible costs on Page 6 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions. Downtown areas are an eligible site location for this grant.
  13. Is there a point difference between applying as a school district or as a non-profit? No. See the Phase One Concept Scoring Criteria located in Grant Management System Resource Documents under the Summary tab.
  14. We are an ELEMENTARY School District and serve students in grades K-8: are only K-12 school districts eligible to apply? All public school districts that fit within the K-12 scope are eligible to apply, including Elementary (K-8) districts and High School (9-12) districts.

Funding

  1. Under eligible expenses, would a utility cart which is motorized (electric) be eligible? The proposal would be located at the County Fairgrounds which is a large site with multiple beverage recycling bins and a utility cart which is motorized (electric) would assist janitorial staff as a service cart in collecting recycling throughout the Fairgrounds and bringing them back to the staging area. Purchase of equipment related to beverage container recycling is an eligible cost. Please refer to eligible costs on Page 6 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions for eligible costs.
  2. Under eligible expenses, is the baler only eligible if the municipality is operating its own Material Recovery Facility? Purchase of equipment related to beverage container recycling is an eligible cost. Please refer to eligible costs on Page 6 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions for eligible costs.
  3. Could grant funds be used to offer a free admission ticket to the fair (up to 1,000 tickets) to residents that bring a bag of beverage containers to a registered recycler in the community? Grant funds would be used to buy tickets and pay for the advertising of the free ticket promotion. No. Free admission tickets are considered swag/promotional items and are not an eligible expense.
  4. This question was asked to me by a few of the jurisdictions we service. Can funds be used to do anti-scavenging & awareness programs where beverage containers are removed from recycling bins? Beverage container recycling education and outreach campaigns related to the project are eligible expenses. Please refer to eligible costs on Page 6 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions for eligible costs.
  5. Would this grant allow for the purchase of Big Belly Solar recycling/trash receptacles? Yes, if it is a combined beverage container recycling and trash bin unit. Unattached trash receptacles are not eligible expenses.
  6. Is this grant funded in dollar amounts (to be spent on recycling containers of the grantees choice) or are actual recycle containers awarded? If there is a selection of containers to choose from, please indicate where to access the options. A specific dollar amount is awarded in this competitive grant. When considering options in vendors who sell/manufacture recycling containers and/or bins, an applicant should consider the project scope and costs. An applicant may research specific vendors online via Google, Yahoo, etc.
  7. In years past, funding could also be used for ‘Litter Prevention and Clean up.’ Is this still the case? As long as beverage containers are being recycled, this activity would be eligible under this grant.
  8. We are interested in purchasing dual trash/recycling receptacles to replace our trash receptacles. Would this be an eligible expense? Dual trash/recycling bins that include sections for recycling, trash, composting, etc. are allowable as long as there is a section that includes the collection and recycling of beverage containers. These bins must be permanently bound to each other. This grant can be used to replace existing infrastructure.
  9. If we use some of the funds to pay students who are emptying the recycling bins, can we just pay them in gift cards, or do we have to use authorized checks? No, gift cards are considered swag/promotional items and are not an eligible expense. Any personnel expenditures to be reimbursed with grant funds must be computed based on actual time spent on grant-related activities and on the actual salary or equivalent hourly wage the employee is paid.

Application

  1. Our current grant runs through June 2016 when our final report is due. Should we submit in the current 2014/15 application cycle knowing that we already have a grant during this time frame? Should we wait to submit a continuation of our grant in the 2015/16 application process? According to the guidelines, it seems that we should submit now for the 2015/16 grant cycle if we hope to receive continued funding?
    The FY 2013-2014 cycle is separate and distinct from the current cycle. Grantees can run two different grants simultaneously for the Beverage Container Recycling Grant. Each grant will have different grant term dates and separate budgets. Previous applicants or grantees are permitted to apply in this cycle. Current grantees cannot extend the current grant term by applying for a new grant.
  2. A July 2 announcement of a grant with a July 31 application deadline requires an unusually short turnaround. Many jurisdictions, including my own, require approval of elected officials for grant requests, and many elected officials, including my own, take the month of July off. For regional grants, where cooperation of a number of different jurisdictions are required, this is probably impossible. This seems unduly hasty. Why the rush?
    Please note that this grant has a two-phase process which differs from a one-phase process. Only a draft Resolution (or Letter of Commitment for applicants not subject to a governing body) is required by July 31, 2014. Please refer to Pages 2 and 10 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions regarding the draft Resolution submission date.
  3. The Letter of Designation that I will complete needs an address for the Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program in Sacramento. Can you provide the address?
    You may address the letter to CalRecycle, 1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
  4. I’ve taken over the position of Program Coordinator, however my predecessor has applied each year for the Beverage Container Recycling Grant for our city. I’m unsure as to whether or not I need to have her name removed (she no longer works here). I’ve managed to log in to the Grants Management System, but unlike with the Used Oil Payment Program application, I’m having a hard time finding the actual application for the beverage grant?
    Each Beverage Container Recycling Grant cycle is unique. You must submit a new application for each cycle. Please refer to our Beverage Container Recycling Grants home page.
    If you are referring to the City/County Payment Program, which is the annual payment program and is separate and distinct from the Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program, you must update the City/County Annual Payment and Reporting System. Please refer to the fiscal year 2013/14 City/County Payment Program home page for instruction.
  5. The Application Certification has a “Grant Funds Requested” space and a “Budget” area. Since this is a 2 phase grant application can those two categories be left blank for completion in phase 2? This was a fast turnaround from announcement to phase 1 due date and accurate budgets may be difficult to come by in such a crunch.
    No, the grant funds requested and budget must be entered and submitted as part of the application.
  6. We have over 2,800 multi-family dwelling sites in our city. Our intentions with the RBC 26 funds request are to expand and enhance our existing outreach programs which currently address the K-12 schools and community centers that surround these multi-family dwellings. Because our existing programs are so broad based and cover the entire city, do we have to list all of the multi-family complexes and/or schools that we intend to further work with? (We can provide all the names and addresses if necessary)
    No, it is not necessary to list all 2,800 sites on the Sites tab. However, we need to know how many of your sites fall into each site type category (i.e. Multi-family, College/University, K-12 school districts, Community Events, Parks/Recreational Areas, and Entertainment/Hospitality). Complete the Sites tab with a Site Name, Site Type, County, and include a brief summary in the Description box.
  7. I was wondering what underserved communities entails in terms of the narrative proposal under the bonus points. Are there specific metrics in determining underserved?
    Areas without established beverage container recycling infrastructure or with limited beverage container recycling opportunities available may be considered underserved areas.
    There are no specific metrics for determining underserved areas. However, the Narrative Proposal must include a detailed explanation of why the area or location is underserved. Identify gaps and barriers in the current infrastructure that have contributed to the lack of recycling opportunities.
  8. The Narrative Proposal includes Budget and Work Plan categories with room to write up to 2,500 characters and a checkbox for uploading the specific documents for each. Are both required? Meaning, is an actual write up still required or advised if an applicant is utilizing the Budget and Work Plan documents that shall be uploaded into the GMS application?
    The Narrative Proposal, Budget, and Work Plan are all required application documents. Each section of the Narrative Proposal must have a response, limited to 2,500 characters.
    The Budget and Work Plan document are required to be completed and uploaded in the Grant Management System. The Budget and Work Plan fields in the Narrative Proposal document allow the applicant to identify, explain, and justify specific information listed in the Budget or Work Plan documents, providing clarity and detail related to the grant project.
    The Narrative Proposal, Budget, and Work Plan application documents will be reviewed, evaluated, and scored by the CalRecycle review panel.
  9. May we add to, or change, the sites that we indicated in Phase 1? One of my originally intended sites may not need collection assistance after all.
    No, you may not add additional sites or substitute different sites for the sites indicated in Phase 1. If a site must be removed, include a note in the Narrative Proposal indicating that the site will not be participating.
  10. Could CalRecycle allow us to submit the Phase 2 application with the staff report and resolution for Council’s consideration, with a future date on which the item will not be considered by our City Council?
    If not, would there be some other approach acceptable to CalRecycle? Please let me know if there is an allowance for submittal without Council approval of the Resolution that would be acceptable to CalRecycle and not disqualify the City from consideration for the grant.
    Unfortunately, CalRecycle will not be able to accommodate any requests for extensions. The required Phase 2 documents must be uploaded no later than 11:59 p.m. on October 28, 2014.
  11. The city has been approved for Phase 2 of the Beverage Container Recycle Grant and will be submitting a final application this month. I have a question regarding the Budget and Work Plan sections of the narrative proposal. For both the Budget and the Work Plan, each applicant is supposed to submit a completed document based on the template provided by CalRecycle. Is a 2,500 character limit written document meant to be submitted for these sections as well?For the budget portion of the application, the instructions say, “include letter of support identifying financial contributions.” Do we simply include these letters as supporting documentation that we upload like other documents, then cite these letters in our written narrative sections?
    The Narrative Proposal, Budget, and Work Plan are all required application documents. Each section of the Narrative Proposal must have a response, limited to 2,500 characters. The Budget and Work Plan documents are required to be completed and uploaded in the Grant Management System.
    The Budget and Work Plan fields in the Narrative Proposal document allow the applicant to identify, explain, and justify specific information listed in the Budget or Work Plan documents, providing clarity and detail related to the grant project. The Narrative Proposal, Budget, and Work Plan application documents will be reviewed, evaluated, and scored by the CalRecycle review panel.
    Letters of Support should be uploaded to the Documents tab of your application. Choose “other” as the document type. Use the Document Description section to provide more detail if necessary.
  12. Our organization discussed the grant program and Phase 2 application, we have come up with some different ideas on how to implement our beverage recycling program which would require changes both in the scope of our grant proposal, as well as changes in our budgeted funding request.
    Is our Phase 2 application required to match our Phase 1 narrative and budget, or can there be changes based on our organization’s shifting priorities?
    In Phase 2, applicants are not allowed to change the project listed previously in Phase 1. Phase 2 allows the applicant to elaborate on the details of your proposed project submitted in Phase 1. The invitation to continue to Phase 2 is based on the evaluation team reviewing and considering the initial Narrative Concept in Phase 1. Any change to the original project submitted may result in disqualification. You can withdraw your application completely and apply for the next cycle in 2016-2017 or stay with the original Phase 1 Narrative Concept submitted.
  13. According to the Phase 2 Narrative Proposal, “Partnerships are evidenced by letters and/or other signed documents.” Are there any guidelines or specific requirements for how these documents should be formatted and submitted?
    Letters of Support should be uploaded to the Documents tab of your application. Choose “other” as the document type. We do not have any guidelines or specific requirement for these documents.
  14. As we prepare our Phase 2 section of the Beverage Container Recycling Grant application, are applicants allowed to adjust the budget they originally proposed in Phase 1?For instance, if hypothetically we proposed a Phase 1 application with a total budget amount of $75,000 broken down into $25,000 for personnel, $25,000 for equipment, and $25,000 for admin, could we stay within that original $75,000 but change it around if our needs have since changed?
    No, adjustments are not allowed. The budget items in Phase 2 must be the same items listed in Phase 1.
  15. We originally proposed Big Belly Solar stations for schools and staff to manage them, but the schools would rather have something more simple they can manage themselves and less susceptible to vandalism. Therefore, we’d obviously stay within our original anticipated budget amounts, but change the product and quantities.
    In Phase 2, applicants are not allowed to change the project listed previously in Phase 1. Phase 2 allows the applicant to elaborate on the details of the proposed project submitted in Phase 1. The invitation to continue to Phase 2 is based on the evaluation team reviewing and considering the initial Narrative Concept in Phase 1. Any change to the original project submitted may result in disqualification. You can withdraw your application completely and apply for the next cycle in 2016/2017 or stay with the original Phase 1 Narrative Concept submitted.
  16. I have questions about several documents and they are listed below.
    • Letters of Designation: Who in the organization are these to come from? If the signature is the same as the designator would this form be required as a phase 2 document?
      A Letter of Designation is required ONLY when the authorized Signature Authority delegates his/her authority to another person. First, the approved Resolution must indicate the Signature Authority’s ability to delegate or designate his/her authority. Second, the letter must be uploaded prior to the Designee’s exercise of his/her authority. See pages 14-15 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions or the Resolution and Letter Examples webpage.
    • What are the Joint Powers of Agreement? Are these to be provided by the corporation’s board?
      A Joint Powers Authority is an entity permitted under the law, whereby two or more local government entities may jointly act. A Joint Powers Authority may submit a grant application as an individual applicant. The Joint Powers Agreement is a contract between the local governments to exercise jointly powers they hold in common. Only Joint Powers Authorities are required to submit a Joint Powers Agreement.
    • The city has a contract with a recycle company already in place, since I am required by our city to use this company, will you still need additional bids? Or will the company’s budget be sufficient?
      Generally, competitive bids are required when goods or services are obtained, as described in the Procedures and Requirements,  page 5. Failure to comply with competitive bid requirements may result in CalRecycle disallowing reimbursement of some portion or all of the related costs. The competitive bid requirement may be waived upon grantee certification that due to the unique nature of the goods or services a sole source purchase is justified. Depending on the circumstances, a city’s existing exclusive agreement for recycling collection might be sufficient sole source justification.
    • We do not have an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing and Practices Policy (EPPP) in place today. Is it better for us to put one in place and download it with the submission, or will the EPPP Notification be sufficient, with the EPPP to become part of the work plan instead?
      Any applicant who does not have an EPPP Policy in place when it submits its application must adopt one and upload the EPPP Notification by the due date of October 28, 2014, or the application will be disqualified. Do not upload a copy of your actual policy. See pages 7 and 13 of the Application Guidelines and Instructions.
  17. For Phase 2 of the Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program we are asked to submit a number of forms. Some forms are provided but others are not. Where are these additional forms found? Here are the forms that do not appear: Draft Resolution, Joint Powers Agreement, and Letter of Designation.
    The Draft Resolution and Letter of Designation are documents an applicant prepares ONLY if applicable to their application. More information about these documents can be found in the Application Guidelines and Instructions.  A Joint Powers Agreement is only applicable to applicants who are Joint Powers Authorities and is not a form provided by CalRecycle.
  18. In the Sustainability, Budget, Work Plan and Quality criteria sections letters of partner support are mentioned. Do we upload the same letter, for each relevant section, if our partner is committed in more than one area? For example if a particular Department dedicates staff to collecting beverage containers, during the term of the grant and forever thereafter, would we upload the same letter to the budget, sustainability, work plan and proposal and partnership sections assuming that the letter addressed all three topics? OR, if we upload the letter once, in say the proposal and partnership section, do we refer to that section, where relevant?
    Letters of support or partnership should be uploaded to the Documents tab of your application. Choose a Document Title and then choose “other” as the document type. Upload each letter only once. Use the Document Description section to provide more detail if necessary.

Related Links

For more information, visit Beverage Container Recycling Home