ENERGY SECTOR TRAINING GRANT AWARDS
GRANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
FOR EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS FOR
CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Introduction
The State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) Stimulus Program will provide up to
$6,000,000 to ensure that Texans have the expertise they need to obtain employment and
to ensure Texas has a skilled workforce to meet the growing demands in the energy
efficiency and renewable energy industries. This funding is provided through the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). SECO is operated within the Office
of the Comptroller of Public Accounts.
SECO may award grants to eligible public junior colleges or public technical institutes
(as defined in Section 61.003 of the Education Code) for the purchase of equipment
needed to train workers in the fields of energy efficiency, transportation efficiency and
renewable energy technologies.
More information can be obtained on SECO programs funded through ARRA at
www.SECOStimulus.org.
Eligibility
In order to apply for a grant, an institution must be a public junior college or public
technical institute as defined in Section 61.003 of the Education Code.
Only one application per public junior college or public technical institute as defined in
Section 61.003 of the Education Code will be accepted.
For the purposes of this program, the three lower division colleges in the Texas State
University System (Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College – Port Arthur,
and Lamar State College – Orange) are eligible to submit one application each.
For the purposes of this program, the four colleges within the Texas State Technical
College System (TSTC – Waco, TSTC – Harlingen, TSTC – Marshall, and TSTC – West
Texas) are eligible to submit one application each.
Project Time Line
The Estimated Project Time Line is as follows:
 Issuance of Request for Application
 Non-mandatory letters of Intent to Apply
 Submission of Questions
 Response to Questions Posted
thereafter as practical
 Application Deadline
 Grant Award Announcement
thereafter as practical
February 12, 2010
February 25, 2010
February 25, 2010
March 4, 2010, or as soon
March 19, 2010
April 16, 2010, or as soon
For general questions about these instructions or the application form, please submit
your question in writing to Robert Wood, Director of the Local Government Assistance
and Economic Development Division, at SECO@cpa.state.tx.us. Any other questions
must be submitted in writing by 2 p.m. CST, February 25, 2010. Questions not submitted
in writing by this deadline may not be answered. The official answers to submitted
questions will be posted on the Electronic State Business Daily at: http//esbd.cpa.state.tx
and the information contained therein becomes an official part of the application process.
General Guidelines
1. SECO is accepting applications for grants from eligible institutions through 2
p.m. CST, March 19, 2010.
2. Grant funds may be used for the purchase of equipment needed to train or educate
workers in the fields of energy efficiency, transportation efficiency and renewable
energy technologies, as detailed on Attachment A. Items not listed on Attachment
A may be eligible, however, please provide an attachment to the application with
an explanation as to how these items fit into the program.
3. Grant funds must be used for equipment in courses for credit or certification with an
anticipated enrollment of at least 10 students per program on an ongoing basis.
4. Grant funds must be used for equipment to train or educate workers in energy sector or
green jobs, as detailed below.
5. Grant applications may only include equipment for one area of program study that
supports a particular occupation or several closely related occupations. Applications will
be scored based on a single specified program or courses within a program; however,
grantees will be free to use the equipment for other programs or courses.
6. A program is an academic area of study leading to a specific license, certificate or degree,
and may be made up of multiple courses. A course is a unit of study typically denoted by
a specific course number and taught using a predetermined schedule and curriculum.
7. Grants may be awarded for a program or courses that are not currently offered. In some
cases, this may require approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board or
other entities. Grants may be awarded contingent on having all approvals in place within
60 days of the date of the award notification from SECO.
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8. Points will be given to dual enrollment programs that include courses with a
public high school. Evidence that the dual enrollment program utilizing the grant
funding is operational will be a condition of the grant contract.
9. Points will be given to applicants that have a formal arrangement to provide training and
education to military veterans that will be returning to the civilian workforce within the
next 12 months, or have returned to the civilian workforce within the past 12 months.
Evidence that the program utilizing the grant funding is operational will be a condition of
the grant contract.
10. There is a total of $6,000,000 available for this program. SECO anticipates awarding the
full $6,000,000 based on the applications due on or before March 19, 2010.
11. Minimum grant is $50,000 and maximum is $500,000.
12. Requests for grant funding for installation costs or infrastructure modification costs to
accommodate the equipment may not exceed 10% of the total grant funds requested.
13. Requests for grant funding for non-capital items may not exceed 10% of the total grant
funds requested. Grant applications may include both capital items and non-capital
items. Capital items are those with an expected usable life in the training program of at
least 5 years. Non-capital items include supplies, materials, hand tools and any items that
will be consumed, destroyed or otherwise depleted in the training program.
14. Indirect costs or administrative costs are not allowable for grant funding, or as match
funding.
15. Ninety percent of the funding is available after purchase of the approved items, funded on
a reimbursement basis to the institution. The final 10% is available after final closeout
documents are verified and approved by SECO.
16. Applications must be complete, including all attachments, and submitted by the deadline
to be considered. Faxes or electronic submissions will not be accepted.
17. SECO may request additional information at any time prior to awarding a grant in order
to effectively evaluate an application.
18. Applicants receiving preliminary acceptance for grant awards will be notified in writing
on or about April 16, 2010. Grant funds must be expended within a 12 month period
from the date a contract is executed, unless a different period is agreed upon by SECO.
Energy sector or green jobs
Energy sector or green industry workers will include construction, cost estimators,
financial analysts, computer technicians, manufacturing, engineers and many others – as
long as the jobs are related to energy conservation or increasing the supply of renewable
or clean energy sources.
Weatherization and building retrofits will provide the greatest number of green jobs. For
residential weatherization, most jobs require low- to-moderate skill preparation, while
jobs that include commercial and industrial retrofits may require a wider range of
educational and training needs. Common occupations in these areas include:
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Residential Weatherization
 Electricians
 Heating/Air Conditioning Installers
 Carpenters and Carpenter Helpers
 Construction Equipment Operators
 Roofers
 Insulation Workers
 Construction Managers, Inspectors and Auditors
Commercial and Industrial Retrofits
 Building Weatherization Occupations
 Electrical Engineers
 Mechanical Engineers
 Cogeneration Construction and Operation
 Measurement and Verification Technicians
 Energy Management Analysts
For renewable and sustainable energy occupations the distribution of required education
and training is more varied. While the majority of renewable energy occupations are in
manufacturing, there are also jobs associated with heavy construction, installation, and
operations and maintenance. For example, in the wind or solar energy sector, the
occupations vary from entry-level construction to advanced engineers.
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Jobs
 Environmental and Energy Engineers
 Iron and Steel Workers
 Machinists and Millwrights
 Wind Service Technicians
 Solar Service Technicians
 Construction Equipment Operators
 Nuclear Engineers and Nuclear Power Technicians
 Operators and Maintenance Technicians
 Industrial Production Managers and Technicians
Grant Application Delivery
Grant applications must be received in the SECO office no later than 2 pm CST on
March 19, 2010. Applicants must include one signed original and 4 copies of the
application and support documents.
Faxes or electronic submissions will not be accepted. Applications may be mailed to:
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Attn: State Energy Conservation Office (SECO),
Room #1110, PO Box 13528, Capitol Station, Austin, Texas 78711-3528;
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Or delivered to:
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Attn: State Energy Conservation Office (SECO),
11th Floor, Room #1110, 111 East 17th Street, Austin, Texas 78711.
Office hours at the CPA are 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
You may deliver applications (enter through the 17th Street entrance) during regular
office hours up to the final delivery time of 2pm CST on March 19, 2010. Applications
must be date stamped and initialed by SECO staff by the final delivery time.
Evaluation
Applications will be evaluated based on criteria established in the score sheet attached to
these guidelines. The applicant should complete the score sheet. SECO staff will review
the score sheets in determining final scores. Final scoring is the responsibility of SECO
and cannot be appealed.
Matching Funds
1. A minimum of 20% in matching funds are required. The amount and type of
matching funds may be considered in evaluating applications and awarding
grants. Only the following types of matching funds are acceptable:
o
o
o
o
o
Cash;
Equipment;
Materials;
Supplies; and
Personnel costs used directly in program delivery.
2. The matching funds must be expended on the same program for which the grant
funds are provided and valued in a manner acceptable or as determined by SECO.
3. Equipment, materials or supplies that are used as match should be of the same
type as are eligible for grant funding (see attachment A).
4. A minimum of 20% match is required (the match must equal 20% or may exceed
20% of the grant funding requested).
5. Match funding shall be contributed into the project at not less than the same rate
as the grant funds.
6. Restrictions on the source of matching funds are as follows.
a. Other federal funds may not be used for matching funds for this grant.
b. Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) funds (administered by the
Comptroller’s Office) may not be used as matching funds for this grant.
7. SECO will allow match funding that is expended after the grant deadline date of
March 19, 2010.
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Reporting Requirements
Applicant must comply with all SECO and ARRA reporting requirements.
Sample Contract
Applicants should carefully review the Sample contract on the Web site at
www.SECOStimulus.org. This is a sample of the contract that must be executed between
the organization receiving the grant and SECO prior to the distribution of any grant
funding.
Audit
SECO or a SECO designee may audit the grant recipient’s records.
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ATTACHMENT A: Equipment
Wind technician programs:
 35 foot wind turbines for training and demonstrations
 Safety equipment such as harnesses and climbing apparatus
 Training systems for hydraulics, pneumatics, piping systems, electro-fluid power,
electronic sensors, mechanical drives, electrical control circuits, industrial
electrical wiring, and programmable logic controllers
 Tools required to maintain the wind turbines and provide training
Solar program:
 Solar thermal collectors
 Solar heat transfer fluid
 Pumps
 Photovoltaic panels
 DC/AC grid-tied inverters
 Solar path finders
 site orientation software
 Meters
 Thin-film panels
 Tools
 Temperature sensors
 Charge controllers
 Circuit breakers
 Wiring/clamps/mounts/cable/brackets/flashing/pipe
 Surge arrestors
Green Building programs (including HVAC, lighting, and efficiency)
 Meters for indoor air quality, temperature, ventilation, and power
 Training systems for: heat pumps, AC and compressors, variable frequency
drives, ventilation, industrial AC controls, thermal expansion, fluid friction,
circulating pumps, safety devices, and circuits
 HVAC simulators
 Insulation
 Tools
 Solar screens
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




T5 and T8 lamps, fixtures, and electronic ballasts
Motion sensors
Screw-in CFLs
LED lighting
Ceramic metal halide lamps
Automotive programs for alternative fuel cars:
 Conversion kits for electric or alternative fuel vehicles
 Tools
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Attachment B: Application (you may attach additional sheets as necessary)
1. General Information
Part 1A: Applicant
Name of Public Community College or Technical School
Federal Tax ID
Application Date
Mailing Address Line -1
Mailing Address Line -1
City
State
County Name
THECB Region
Total Amount Requested
Zip Code
$
Part 1B: Chief Executive Officer
First Name
Initial
Last Name
Title
Telephone
Extension
Fax
Email Address
Part 1C : Applicant Primary Contact
First Name
Initial
Last Name
Title
Telephone
Extension
Fax
Email Address
Part 1D : Applicant Secondary Contact
First Name
Initial
Last Name
Title
Telephone
Extension
Fax
Email Address
Part 1E: Administrative Contact for Accounting
First Name
Initial
Mailing Address Line -1
Telephone
Extension
Last Name
Title
Mailing Address Line -1
City
Fax
Email Address
State
Zip Code
Part 1F: Signature and Certification by Applicant Chief Executive Officer
I certify that I am the Chief Executive Officer and that I have reviewed this application and that I will agree to abide by the
terms of the contract.
Signature
Printed Name and Title
Date
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2. Project Plan
Part 2: Project Plan Description
2A. Provide a brief plan overview including program or course(s) to be provided and the resulting degree or certifications
and the expected resulting occupations. If the program or course(s) will be taught in a county other than the county
in which the applicant’s principal office is located, please note where the instruction will be taught, and whether the
applicant has existing instructional facilities there.
2B. Provide the proposed number of students, by course, that will use the grant funded assets through 9-1-2014.
Period (semester, quarter, other)
(list each period below – ex:
“Fall ‘09”
Number of students
per period
Expected date of
graduation, certification,
etc
Expected degree, certificate,
license, etc
Total
n/a
n/a
2C. Provide a description of the internal financial controls that will be used to ensure that grant funds will only be used to
pay qualified expenses.
2D. When will the program or course be operational? Does the proposed course or program require any additional
approvals in order to be fully authorized? If so, please explain, including the estimated date of any necessary
approvals.
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Part 2: Project Plan Description
2E. Please complete the following information about the anticipated use of the grant funded equipment.
Course number
Title
Equipment list (summary only – a detailed list is
required below).
Anticipated
Enrollment in
Course (per
semester,
quarter, etc)
2F. If awarded, list the capital equipment that will be purchased with grant funding. Include the quantity to be
purchased and estimated per unit cost. List the items in priority order with the highest priority item listed first.
(A) Type of Capital Equipment
(B) Quantity to
(C) Estimated per Unit
(D) Total Cost
be Purchased
Cost
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Total Amount Requested:
2G. If awarded, list the type of non-capital items that will be purchased with grant funding. Include the quantity
to be purchased and estimated per unit cost. List the items in priority order with the highest priority item listed
first.
(E) Type of Capital Equipment
(F) Quantity to
(G) Estimated per Unit
(H) Total Cost
be Purchased
Cost
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Total Amount Requested:
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2H. Other expenses requested (installation, license fees, etc)
Please detail:
TOTAL AMOUNT REQUESTED (should match the Amount Requested in part 1A)
$_____________
2I. MATCHING FUNDS**
Cash
Amount
Source
Contact Info for source
Equipment
Description
Value
Source of valuation
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12
Match provider
Contact info for provider
Materials or Supplies
Description
Value
Source of valuation
Match provider
Contact info for provider
Match provider
Contact info for provider
Personnel (Costs directly attributable to the program)
Description
Value
TOTAL MATCHING FUNDS
Source of valuation
$
*Matching Funds are restrictive to the above categories
2J. Program or course(s):

The training will be in the following educational program:
____________________ CIP code _______________

The training is primarily directed at training workers in the following
occupation(s)
a)____________________ SOC code _______________
b)____________________ SOC code _______________

Based on the http://www.texasindustryprofiles.com/apps/win/ website, record
the mean wage in the state of Texas for workers in that occupation. If annual
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13
wages are not available through the Texas Industry Profiles, please complete
the anticipated wages for these occupations, and attach documentation
regarding the source of the information.
a) SOC code _______________ Mean annual wage____________
b) SOC code _______________ Mean annual wage ____________
Total number of students to be trained prior to September 1, 2014 is
estimated to be _______________________ (should match the answer in
2B of the “Project Plan”).
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Scoring:
Applicant should score section 4.1 through 4.9 to determine funding eligibility.
4.1 Existing programs – Will the equipment and materials purchased with grant funds be used in an education program
already in existence at the school? (15 points)
Program title:_____________________________
Type of degree, certification, etc:_____________________________________
Yes__________
No___________
Points__________________
Maximum of 15
4.2 Geographic diversity – Will the course serve a county with less than 20,000 population? (10 points). Will the course
serve a county with a population between 20,000 and 100,000? (5 points)
What is the population of the county in which the course(s) will be taught, as of the July 1, 2008, estimate found on this
website: http://quickfacts.census.gov/? If the course will be taught in more than one county, enter the information for the
least populated county.
County where the program will be administered:_____________________
Population: _____________________________
Is this less than 20,000? If so, score 10 points.
Is this from 20,000 to 100,000? If so, score 5 points.
Points________________________________
Maximum of 10
4.3. What percent of the grant request will be used for non-capital items? Use the formula below to calculate the
percentage and determine the points. (10 points)
a.
Grant funding requested for non-capital items $_____________________________________
b.
Grant funding requested for capital items $_____________________________________
c.
a/b = ____________________________
d.
Is “c” = .05 or less? If yes, score 10 points
Points________________________
Maximum of 10
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4.4 Is there a current letter (dated on or after 9-1-09) from the local workforce board stating need for a trained
workforce in the COG region where the course will be taught? (5 points)
Yes__________
No___________
Points__________________
Maximum of 5
4.5 Is there a letter (dated on or after 9-1-09) from a local company (with at least 25 employees) that employs workers in
the COG region being trained stating a need for additional employees in the occupations listed in this application? (5
points for each letter – up to 4 letters)
Employer name
Industry and Tax ID #
NAICS Code #
# of employees
1.
2.
3.
4.
Points________________________
Maximum of 20
4.6. Using the information below determine whether the county in which the course(s) will be taught has an unemployment
rate higher than the state average. Use this information to determine points.
Using this web site: http://www.tracer2.com/cgi/dataanalysis/AreaSelection.asp?tableName=Labforce , determine and record
the seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate for the county as of September, 2009.
a. _____________________________
b.
State unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted, as of September, 2009 = 8.3%
c.
Is” a” greater than 8.3? __________________________ (if yes, score 5 points)
d.
Is “a” greater than 10.3 (which is 125% of the state unemployment rate)? ______________________ (if yes, score an
additional 5 points)
Points________________________
Maximum of 10
4.7. Will the equipment be used in a program that offers dual enrollment credit with a local public high school? If “Yes,”
score 5 points.
Will the equipment be used in a program with a military institution to train soldiers who are or will be returning to the
civilian workforce? If “Yes,” score 5 points.
(If the answer to both questions is “yes”, claim a total of 10 points.)
Please name the high school and ISD:_________________________
Please name the military institution:_________________________
Attach a copy of the authorizing agreement that specifically describes the program our course that is the subject of this
application or a letter of commitment signed by the superintendent of the ISD and/or the base commander, as
appropriate. Points will not be given if the agreement or commitment letter does not specifically describe the
program, or if the letter is not signed by the superintendent or base commander.
Points________________________
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Maximum of 10
4.8. If the project has matching funds of at least 40% but less than 60%, score 5 points.
If the project has matching funds of 60% or more, score 5 additional points, for a maximum of 10 points.
a) Grant request = __________________
b) Matching funds = ___________________________
c) b/a = ____________________________
d) Is “c” greater than .4? (if so, score 5 points)
e) Is “c” greater than .6? (if so, score an additional 5 points, for a maximum of 10)
Points________________________
Maximum of 10
4.9. Will 50 percent of all match be from business (es) within the COG? (10 points)
a.
Match funding amount provided by private industry:_________________________
b.
Match funds = ___________________________
c.
a/b = ____________________________
d.
Is “c” greater than .5? (If so, score 10 points)
Points________________________
Maximum of 10
Total Points ________________________
Maximum of 100
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Attachment C
Score sheet (CPA use only)
Max
points
Question 4.1
15
Question 4.2
10
Question 4.3
10
Question 4.4
5
Question 4.5
20
Question 4.6
10
Question 4.7
10
Question 4.8
Question 4.9
Total
10
10
100
Final
points
(for
CPA
use)
Must have minimum of 25 points to be eligible for funding
Tie scores will be ranked according to the unemployment rate in the county where the
program will be administered (applicants located in areas with higher unemployment will
be given priority). If a tie remains, the secondary criteria for prioritizing will be the
poverty level in the county where the program will be administered (applicants located in
areas with higher poverty will be given priority).
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