Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance

Background
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (the Agency) Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) announces the acceptance of grant, guaranteed loan, and combined grant and guaranteed loan applications under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The REAP program helps agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption and helps meet the Nation’s critical energy needs.

Grant Details
The purpose of the program is to provide competitive grants and guaranteed loans for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency improvements, feasibility studies, energy audits, and renewable energy development assistance. The maximum amount of grant assistance to an entity will not exceed $1,500,000 in a fiscal year. The Federal grant portion of a project utilizing Inflation Reduction Act funds cannot exceed 40 percent of total eligible project costs.

The Federal grant portion of a project utilizing Farm Bill funds or FY 2023 appropriated funds cannot exceed 25 percent of total eligible project costs.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include agricultural producers and rural small businesses. Applicants must meet specific requirements outlined in 7 CFR 4280.110 for RES/EEI grants, 7 CFR 4280.156 for EA/REDA grants, and 7 CFR 5001.315 for guaranteed loans.

Period of Performance
Applications for REAP may be submitted at any time throughout the year. The performance period for grants is up to 24 months.

Grant Value
The total approximate budget authority made available under this notice is $300,000,000 from various sources including the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Farm Bill) and the Inflation Reduction Act.

Place of Performance
Applicants are encouraged to contact their United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) State Energy Coordinator well in advance of the application deadline to discuss their project and ask any questions about the application process.