The Questions and Answers period for the Beverage Container Recycling grant application is closed.
Questions about Phase 1 application were accepted from Sept. 1-Sept. 30, 2011.
Questions about Phase 2 application were accepted from Dec. 12, 2011-Jan. 9, 2012.
The following questions were submitted prior to the cut-off date and represent all questions submitted for the BCRG FY 2011/12 and 2012/13 grant cycles.
Phase 1 Application Questions | Phase 2 Application Questions
Phase 1 Application Questions
General | Eligibility | Funding
Phase1: General
Are the next cycles for program improvements or new programs?
The Beverage Container Recycling Grant (BCRG) program is for projects that implement new or enhance existing programs to provide convenient beverage container recycling opportunities in various locations statewide. Unfortunately, the use of grant funds to off-set operational cost is inappropriate use of BCRG funds. Grant funding should be related to the project start-up and not for on-going operation, salaries or maintenance costs.
Is my city certified by The Beverage Container Recycling Program or CalRecycle?
Recyclers and Processors working with California Beverage Containers and CRV are certified or registered with CalRecycle. If your city does not own or operate a recycling center or processing facility, this question does not apply. If you do or have in the past, you can contact the Division of Recycling, Certification Unit at 916-324-8598 for information.
How do I find out if my city ever had a certification denied, suspended, or revoked by CalRecycle?
Please contact the Division of Recycling, Certification Unit at 916-324-8598 for information.
What sort of documentation is required for signature authority to show as authorized in resolution or letter of commitment?
Applicants completing the Phase 1 Concept Application are only required to provide the authorized designee name (if applicable, as authorized in resolution, letter of commitment or letter of designation). This may include a City Manager or a Public Works Director.
If an applicant is planning on partnering with a large shopping mall and possibly some technology companies for outreach purposes. What sort of partnership agreement is needed?
Phase 1 Concept Application only need to identify any partner(s), their role(s) and/or financial commitment(s), if applicable, in implementing the project.
If an applicant is interested in replacing any existing commercial trash cans to increase recycling opportunities, are there any specifications regarding the type of outdoor recycling containers?
There are no set specific container type requirements for the collection of beverage containers.
Will the timeline and end date of our project, should it be funded, be affected by whether it is funded through the 2011/12 or 2012/13 fiscal year funds?
An applicant’s project will determine whether the project is funded from either the 2011/12 or 2012/13 fiscal year funds.
Is Concept Form same as the application (form 243 BCR)? If not, where can I find the Concept Form that is referenced in the Phase 1 Concept Requirements on page one of the grant solicitation?
The CalRecycle 243-BCR Form is the Phase 1 Concept Form that is due on October 10, 2011.
Does this grant supply large containers for storing recyclables?
The BCRG focus is on enhancing the collection of recycled beverage containers.
Is there a market development component in this grant offering? If not, will there be another announcement of a Market Development related grant?
Unfortunately, the BCRG does not have a Market Development component. Currently, there is no Market Development and Expansion Grant Solicitation in the near future.
Is CalRecycle grant application limited to the space provided on the application or can additional pages be added? Is there a word limit per response to each question?
There is no word limit per response. However, we encourage applicants to keep their responses brief and concise for the Phase 1 Concept Application. Refer to the Grant Solicitation for Phase 1 Concept Requirements.
Can an applicant submit more than one project idea on one application or should only focus on one?
Applicants should focus on one project per each submitted Phase 1 Concept application. Applicants who have more than one project ideas, can submit multiple Phase 1 Concept applications.
Is a jurisdiction allowed to have an Urban Conservation Corp (UCC) as a partner on this grant, or would they be a sub-contractor to the grant?
They would be a sub-contractor to the grant.
What if the UCC is also being utilized by another jurisdiction that applies for the same grant? Could they service both, assuming both jurisdictions were awarded?
Yes. The UCC, as a subcontractor for more than one jurisdiction, can service both.
What type of proof of organizational status and authority is required for a school district?
Proof of organizational status for a school district is not required. However, if CalRecycle funds an applicant’s proposal, an authorized designee with the appropriate authority to bind the school district to the grant agreement will be required.
There is a space on the application for Signature Authority Name and resulting contact information, and another space on the application for Authorized Designee Name and resulting contact information. Are two separate names required (i.e. Superintendent and Department head)? Or is that only if it’s required by a particular organization?
If the Signature Authority Name is the same as the Authorized Designee Name write “same” in the Designee Name space.
The grant requests to estimate the “number of CRV beverage containers” that will be recycled as a result of this project. Is there an accessible chart that will convert “pounds/tons” of CRV to an estimated “number” of CRV containers?
The current beverage containers per pound are posted on CalRecycle’s website.
Is there a standard allocation or method to use when trying to determine how much CRV would be diverted from landfills from a new recycling program?
It is the applicant’s responsibility to identify and provide the estimated number of CRV beverage containers that will be recycled as a result of their project.
What are the effective dates and the termination dates of the grant agreement for each fiscal year funding cycle?
Grant terms are typically one to two years. FY 2011/12 projects begin June 1, 2012 and FY 2012/13 projects begin July 1, 2012.
Is this the same grant solicitation as the Beverage Container Recycling Grant allocation to local governments?
The BCRG program and the City/County Payment Program are two separate programs.
Can an applicant remove the page one (1) cover sheet on the CalRecycle Phase 1 Concept Application to allow for more space to talk about concept?
The CalRecycle Phase 1 Concept Application must remain intact. Applicants should limit themselves to the two (2) double-sided pages and use the space provided to explain their project concept. “Proof of” documentation does not count towards the two (2) double-sided page limit.
The solicitation talks about submitting the concept proposal by the deadline of October 10th but does not say anything about Exhibits B-E. When do those need to be submitted?
Completed submission of Exhibits B-E is not required for Phase 1.
Can a cover letter and attachments be included in the grant paperwork in addition to the double-sided two pages?
Submitting a cover letter and/or additional attachments should not be included when submitting the Phase 1 Concept Application.
The Phase 1 Concept Requirements section states, “Provide a copy of your partnership agreement (if a partnership).” If an applicant is partnering with several organizations to add value to its proposed project, according to a previous response, an applicant does not need to have any type of letter or partnership agreement formalized for the Phase 1 Concept Application?
For the Phase 1 Concept Application, applicants only need to identify any partner(s), their role(s) and/or financial commitment(s), if applicable, in implementing the project. If applicants choose to submit a project concept in conjunction with another entity as a partner, applicants must provide a copy of their partnership agreement.
Are applications that propose to conduct activities at multiple sites or locations in California given preference over applications proposing activities at a single site?
CalRecycle reviews each concept and provides a “pass” or “fail” score based on the information provided by each applicant. No preferences are given throughout the entire application process.
Will applications that request funds for comprehensive programs that include costs for activities such as program design and assessment, marketing, and participant education be more competitive than applications that only include the purchase of new beverage recycling containers?
Applicants, who completely fill out their Phase 1 Concept application based on instructions and guidelines on the Solicitation, are likely to receive a “pass” score.
What documents are required to be submitted in Phase 1 besides the concept application?
Please refer to the application guidelines and requirements from the solicitation to view the required documents.
Can applicants request grant funds for a single project that has multiple locations in California?
Yes, applicants may request grant funds for a single project that has multiple locations in California.
What types of applicants are required to provide a signature authority name?
Usually, it is the Cities and Counties who are required to provide a signature authority name. Business and or organizations that do not have the authority to apply for the grant on their own, need to identify an authority name who can bind the applicant to a grant agreement.
Can supplemental visual material be provided in the Phase 1 Concept submittal (e.g., maps, photos, etc.), or is only narrative text allowed?
Supplemental visual material should not be included in the Phase 1 Concept Application.
Does submittal of the application or acceptance of grant funds require an official action by a jurisdiction’s governing body (e.g., City Council Resolution, etc.)?
Yes, if required by the jurisdiction.
We are in search for our new recycling sites that will provide consumers easier access to recycle beverage containers. We have found several ideal locations and are in the process of checking the zoning and talking to property management companies. What should we put in the “Project Address” field on the application form?
If no specific site is identifiable at this time, insert “pending site” in project address.
From the instructions on Grant Solicitation for Phase 1, we need 1 original copy of all 4 pages of the concept form, and 3 more copies on top of it?
Correct. Applicants should include one (1) original and three (3) copies of the Concept Form, and if applicable, any proof of documentation necessary as stated on page one in the Phase 1 Concept Requirements.
Just for safety, please kindly advise if we do mail out the application for Phase 1 on Oct 10th with post office’s stamp of proof, will that be considered late and get our application disqualified?
CalRecycle should receive all Phase 1 Concept Applications no later than 3:00 p.m. PDT, Monday, Oct. 10, 2011.
Two members own our Company and we have a Statement of Article. Do we need to provide a partnership agreement, in addition to our Statement of Article, even if we are in the same entity?
All applicants, if applicable, should provide all proof of organizational status and authority with their Phase 1 Concept application.
When reporting on the number of cans collected, does it need to be based strictly on weight measurements or is a visual bin volume estimating allowed?
CalRecycle asks applicants to provide the most accurate estimate of beverage containers recycled. If it is not feasible to obtain the number or weight of containers, data from waste audits could be used to estimate the amount of containers .
Are receipts from certified collections facilities required to demonstrate or verify collected weights and numbers of cans?
Applicants need only to provide an estimated number of CRV beverage containers that will be recycled as a result of this project.
Phase1: Eligibility
Can the applicants still participate in the 2011/12 and 2012/13 Beverage Container Recycling Grant Solicitation without a current curbside number permit?
Yes, anyone. Individuals, government entities, businesses, and non-profit organizations may apply for the Beverage Container Recycling Grant (BCRG).
Can applicants (jurisdictions, schools, businesses, etc.) include consultant services, related to project start-up and implementation, as an eligible program expense under the grant? Please provide definitions and/or examples of overhead and administrative costs.
Yes, applicants may include consultant services, related to the project start-up and implementation as eligible program expenses. Examples of ineligible costs include expenses needed to sustain the program such as salaries and benefits, rent, etc.
Can these funds be used to employ staff specifically to work at a designated location or only for equipment?
No, examples of ineligible costs would be expenses that are needed to sustain the program such as salaries and benefits, rent etc.
Can funds be used to fabricate a prototype piece of equipment?
Eligible projects are those that focus on implementing new or enhancing existing programs to provide convenient beverage container recycling opportunities in various locations statewide.
What, if any, are the restrictions to type and cost of equipment?
Projects must relate to the grant focus as indicated in the solicitation.
Will an applicant be able to include litter clean-up as part of this Beverage Container Recycling Grant?
Unfortunately, litter clean-up activities are not part of this BCRG focus. The BCRG is looking for projects that provide convenient beverage container recycling opportunities.
Can CalRecycle provide information regarding eligible projects or a link with information on previously funded projects? The solicitation states programs that provide convenient beverage container recycling opportunities, which I initially interpreted that the agency will only fund the purchase of recycling containers. However, my research has led me to believe that the agency may be open to funding recycling education programs, purchase of vehicles related to recycling, etc. Is that correct?
Eligible projects include those that provide convenient beverage container recycling opportunities in various locations statewide. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide a supporting narrative of what is necessary to implement their project.
If a jurisdiction is interested in replacing the aged litter cans placed throughout the city with the Big Belly System (litter/recycling stations). Can you please advise if this type of station would qualify within the scope of the grant?
Enhancing existing programs to provide convenient beverage container recycling opportunities is an eligible project for the BCRG program.
Would it be possible to request benches that are made of recycled bottles as part of a grant application (for a school or a public park site), or is the grant specifically to “provide convenient beverage container recycling opportunities” not related to the reuse of materials?
Unfortunately, the purchase of benches made from recycled bottles does not fall into the BCRG grant focus.
Would the purchase of a baler meet the requirements of the 2011/12 Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program, or is the money intended strictly for the purchase of bins?
All applicants should include and describe the resources required needed to provide convenient beverage container recycling locations. Please refer to the Grant Focus (page 1) and Phase 1 Concept Form (page 2) on the Solicitation.
We are an environmental education program that provides hands-on education opportunities to schools and communities. Would the per student/per person fees we charge the school or community be covered as a budget item in this grant in order to make this program free or at a minimal cost to the participant?
No, supplemental fees are not within the focus of this grant program. The BCRG program is seeking projects that implement new or enhance existing programs to provide convenient beverage container recycling opportunities.
Are compostable plates, cups, and containers eligible for the BCRG Program?
No, the BCRG focus is the collection of recycled beverage containers.
Can funds be requested for co-mingled recycling bins that will collect all recyclables including plastics, glass, metals, paper, cardboard and newspapers?
CalRecycle is seeking projects that provide convenient beverage container recycling opportunities in California. Beverage containers should be the main component; however, the Department will consider the recycling of other material types if they are part of a comprehensive program. Examples of comprehensive recycling programs include collection programs using cluster type recycling bins, curbside and multi-family collection programs.
Can funds from this grant be used to assist a business to install locks on their enclosures to prevent scavenging?
Eligible BCRG projects include projects that enhance existing programs to provide convenient beverage container recycling opportunities.
I want to establish a recycling facility outside of California and supply plastic feedstock to companies who utilize recycled plastic to manufacture products in California. Am I eligible for funding under the BCRG program?
CalRecycle is only seeking projects that implement new or enhance existing programs to provide convenient beverage container recycling opportunities in California.
Piggy-backing on the following question “If a jurisdiction is interested in replacing the aged litter cans placed throughout the city with the Big Belly System (litter/recycling stations). Can you please advise if this type of station would qualify within the scope of the grant?”, if the system is a combination of waste & recycling (Smart Grid for Waste & Recycling), is this an eligible project?
Eligible projects include those that enhance existing programs to provide convenient beverage container recycling opportunities in various locations statewide. Although a combination of waste and beverage container recycling is allowable, the focus of all submitted projects should be that of beverage container recycling. Refer to BCRG solicitation for additional information on eligible projects.
Would collection of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) cups for recycling be considered a beverage container eligible for the BCRG program?
Beverage Containers with California Redemption Value (CRV), are the eligible containers in the BCRG program
Can applicants use BCRG funds to expand a multi-family complex’s waste enclosure to allow space for recycling carts that target beverage containers as well as other co-mingled recycling?
Yes, applicants applying for projects that create opportunities to provide convenient beverage container recycling opportunities are eligible for the BCRG program.
Phase1: Funding
Does the 2011/12 and 2012/13 Beverage Container Recycling Grant solicitation replace the funds awarded through the City/County Payment Program? Will both funding sources still be available for fiscal year 2011/2012?
Both funding sources will be available for FY 2011/12. The 2011/12 and 2012/13 Beverage Container Recycling Grant solicitation does not replace the funds awarded through the City/County Payment Program. Applicants may be eligible and can apply for both.
Is there a maximum or minimum requested funding limit?
The BCRG has $750,000 available in the fiscal year 2011/12 and $1,500,000 available in the fiscal year 2012/13. There is no minimum limit on funding requested by an applicant.
The BCRG solicitation states that the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) is providing up to $750,000 in the fiscal year 2011/12 and $1,500,000 in the fiscal year 2012/13, does this mean that we need to apply for the two pots of funding separately?
CalRecycle combined the appropriations for FY 2011/12 ($750,000) and FY 2012/13 ($1,500,000) for a total funding availability of $2,250,000 for this solicitation. Applicants are only required to submit one concept application per project to be eligible for grant funding.
Are match funds required?
Match funds are not a requirement for the BCRG program.
Can the grant funding partially fund a bigger project. For example, if an applicant wants to do a school outreach project that included beverage container recycling education plus education about other recyclables, can the grant funds be used toward this project?
The BCRG grant funds can be used to fund portions of a larger project. Applicants can state they are including matching funds to make-up the difference in cost.
Phase 2 Application Questions
General | Eligibility | Funding
Phase2: General
For the purpose of completing the application documents accurately, does CalRecycle consider the “City/County Payment Program” to be a recycling grant?
CalRecycle’s City/County Payment Program is not considered a grant program.
Where on the application will the signature authority be signing? (There is no signature field) There is a reference on the checklist to an Application Certification. Is that a separate document?
The Signature Authority Name/Authorized Designee (field) can be found on Page 2 of the application. The Application Certification is not a separate document, rather it identifies the Signature Authority Name/Authorized Designee who can bind the organization to the grant agreement.
Will a Microsoft Word Document Phase 2 Application be made available where work can be saved? Current PDF application cannot be saved.
The application is only available with the PDF format provided. An applicant will be able to save the work in PDF file.
Phase 2 Application Format & Submittal guidelines require submission on the Phase 2 Proposal Application Form provided by CalRecycle. Is it your intent that we use attachments/exhibits to adequately respond to those questions with a short response area on the form provided, or will another version of the electronic application be provided with flexible fields to accommodate longer narrative when necessary?
Include attachments/exhibits to support your proposal. Responses on the Phase 2 Application Form should be concise and succinct. There will be no additional fields to accommodate a longer narrative. Please refer to the Solicitation for additional information.
Will Phase 2 Grant Application packets be accepted that are post-marked by USPS on January 17, 2012, but received by CalRecycle at a later date?
Yes. Mailed applications MUST be postmarked by January 17, 2012.
On Page 2 of the application, a Signature Authority Name space exist. Is a signature required? If so, who’s signature should be identified on the application form? Can it be the Primary Contact?
Signature Authority Name/Authorized Designee on Page 2 of the Proposal Application identifies the appropriate person/authority to bind the organization to the grant agreement, if funded. This may include a City Manager, or a Public Works Director. Signature can be included in the spaces provided as “Signature Authority Name” or “Authorized Designee.”
When completing the Phase 2 Proposal Application, should we assume that this will be read in conjunction with the previous application Phase 1 Concept Application? Do company names and abbreviations need to be re-established in the Phase 2 Proposal Application, as included in the Phase 1 Concept Application?
No. Phase 2 Proposal Form guidelines and Scoring Criteria are clearly identified on Pages 2-4 of the Solicitation. Ensure that all criteria are identified and included in the proposal. All company names and abbreviations in the Concept Application Form should be included in the proposal if relevant to the project.
We received a letter confirming the City of Arcadia was invited to submit a Phase 2 Proposal Application Form. Is it possible to obtain a copy of the letter?
Yes.
Is it sufficient to have our Board of Public Work’s resolution approved to negotiate before the application deadline…but not the Council action before the application deadline?
A Resolution is not required to be submitted by the Phase 2 application deadline. However, if your proposal is funded, a Resolution will be required before a grant agreement is executed. Effective dates of the grant agreement is 6/1/12 (FY 2011/12) and 7/1/12 (FY 2012/13).
The application states “For each position, include classification, hourly rate and total number of hours to be worked.” Do we need to include this information for partners that may receive grant funds to implement the project or is this intended for grantee staff only? The application provides only three lines. How do we include more than three classifications?
Applicants, who need more space than the three lines provided in the Personnel portion of the budget sheet, should footnote line items and reference the space provided on page 7 of the application form.
Are attached additional pages of text providing thorough and detailed responses permissible or not?
Applicants shall not add any additional pages of text to the application.
The Phase 2 instruction indicate the proposal form needs to be signed by “a person with authorization” to bind the grant. There is no signature block on the Phase 2 application form. Where/what should they sign?
Signature Authority Name/Authorized Designee on Page 2 of the Proposal Application identifies the appropriate person/authority to bind the organization to the grant agreement, if funded. This may include a City Manager, or a Public Works Director. Signature can be included in the spaces provided as “Signature Authority Name” or “Authorized Designee.”
Phase2: Eligibility
No questions received.
Phase2: Funding
To what extent does matching funds, direct or in-kind, strengthen a proposal? Are additional points awarded for matching funds?
Each proposal is reviewed on its individual merit. The budget included in the proposal identifying budgetary contributions and/or matching funds (other than CalRecycle funding) and cost savings derived from volunteers or in-kind services, is a component of the overall scoring criteria. Ensure the proposal includes ALL of the criteria specified on Page 4 of the Solicitation.
Are there any limitations for the use of BCRG funds to cover institutional indirect costs, which in some instances are known as finance and administrative costs or overhead costs?
Funds requested should be related to project start-up and not for on-going operation, salaries or maintenance costs. Overhead expenses and administrative costs are not allowed. Refer to Page 3, Budget, in the Solicitation.
Will applications that include a budget that requests BCRG funds to cover only direct costs be given preference over applications in which BCRG funds are requested to be used to cover both direct and indirect costs?
No. Please refer to Page 3, Budget, in the Solicitation for additional information.
Are there any specific items that are not allowed to be paid for through the grant?
Allowable expenditures are identified on Page 3 in the Solicitation.
Can costs associated with the grant be considered prior to the award of the grant, if they were made after the submission of the Concept proposal?
Costs associated outside of the grant agreement will not be reimbursed. Please refer to Page 3, Budget, in the Solicitation.
Is it necessary to collect 3 bids for equipment purchases when developing the budget for the Phase 2 Grant Application Form, and do bids need to be submitted with the Application? The concern is that our City bid solicitation process is time and labor intensive, and any bids obtained will be invalid by the time the grant period begins. Therefore, it is our hope that informal pricing research will be adequate for purposes of budget estimation.
No. Applicants are encouraged to consider obtaining a minimum of three (3) bids for products and services over $1,000 and to retain copies of all bids for review, if the grant is awarded.
We have been invited to complete a Phase 2 application for the BCRG program. In our Phase 1 application we included $49,875 for purchase towards project equipment. Is it possible to increase the dollar amount requested in the Phase 2 proposal?
The amount of funding requested in Phase 1 is the amount that will be considered throughout the process. Additional funds cannot be requested in Phase 2 Proposal. Please refer to Page 2 of the Solicitation.
I have established a grant amount in my Phase 1 Concept application. However, additional research into the purchase of grant funded materials has identified a lower cost alternative. May I submit a lower amount grant request in my Phase 2 application?
Yes.
In my Phase 1 Concept application, I did not identify certain in-kind and matching funds that would be directed to the grant project. May I now identify these in the Phase 2 application?
Yes.
If formal partnerships (i.e. no direct financial contribution to the project) are not part of the grant proposal, but leveraged resources from other organizations that will contribute to the success of the project are included, should these be reflected as an actual partnership with letters of commitment? Or are these considered “general letters of support” that do not increase points awarded? If this is the case, should these leveraged “partnerships” only be mentioned in the submittal without any type of information provided from the organizations?
Partnerships are evidenced by letters of commitment and/or other signed documents which explain the relationship and outline contributions. Please refer to Page 4, Scoring Criteria in the Solicitation.
If the grantee is entering into a formal agreement (contract) with partners to implement the project can the partner and contract amount be listed as an Operating Expense in the budget or do they need to be listed under Personnel?
Staff salaries being funded by CalRecycle grant funds should be listed under the Personnel portion of the budget sheet.
Can grant funds be used for personnel salaries to implement the project (i.e., coordination, meetings)?
Personnel salaries are eligible for funding ONLY if related to the project start-up.
Will increasing the amount of matching funds result in a negative review of the Phase II application?
Increasing the amount of matching funds in Phase II of the application process will not result in a negative review.
As a consultant, am I eligible for any grant funds if I develop a recycling plan for a client?
If your client’s project is funded and they enter into a formal agreement (contract) with you, the costs associated in developing a recycling plan (must be related to the proposal/project) should be included in the Budget Sheet. Refer to Page 3 of the Solicitation.
For our project, we looked at decreasing the amount of cement pads used under the receptacles, ensuring proper installation, before we received a new price quote. Would it be feasible for us to decrease the amount of cement pads which will allow for the cost increase of the recycling containers?
Yes. The amount of funding requested in Phase 1 is the amount that will be considered throughout the process. Additional funds cannot be requested in Phase 2 Proposal. Please refer to Page 2 of the Solicitation.