About the Program

• Overview
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• About the Program
• To Apply
• Selection Criteria
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The ecoENERGY for Alternative Fuels program (ecoEAF) objectives are to increase alternative fuel stakeholder awareness and access to information on the benefits of alternative fuel options, specifically the use of natural gas in transportation, in an effort to increase natural gas use that could result in both fuel savings for fleet owners and greenhouse gas emission reductions.

To fulfill these objectives, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is seeking to establish three local support networks (hubs) that in conjunction with a network of other public and private sector organizations, will support education and outreach activities related to increasing the use of natural gas in medium- and heavy-duty fleets. These activities focus on providing reliable information and assisting fleets who are interested in adopting natural gas vehicles and equipment. These efforts will complement an alternative fuels website that is similarly dedicated to providing reliable information, education and outreach activities.

Timeframe for Funding

The timeframe for funding support under this Program is up to a maximum period of four (4) fiscal years (until March 31, 2016). Until a written contribution agreement is signed by both parties, no commitment or obligation exists on the part of NRCan to make a financial contribution to any project.

Eligible Recipients

Eligible recipients are: for-profit and non-profit organizations legally incorporated or registered in Canada, including electrical and gas utilities, industry associations and research associations; Canadian academic institutions; and Canadian provincial, territorial and regional and municipal governments and their departments and agencies.

The applicant must demonstrate that they have the necessary experience in delivering reliable information, education and outreach activities.

The applicants for the hub serving the Francophone market must have the capacity to deliver on all activities in both official languages.

Non-Eligible Recipients

Non-eligible recipients are: members (including past members) and their organization of the Education and Outreach Working Group and the Natural Gas Roadmap Implementation Committee.

Non-eligible recipients can be a partner / collaborator to projects however, they cannot be a consultant/ contractor (or sub-contractor).

Project Location

It is anticipated that three hubs will be established as a result of this request for proposal. At least one project will be located in eastern Canada (Ontario, Québec and New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador) and a second in western Canada (Territories, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba). A third hub will be established in Canada to serve the Francophone market. It is expected that the hub be physically located in a French speaking region to effectively deliver the services to a Francophone Market. Based on the 2006 Census from Statistics Canada, these regions include: Québec, New Brunswick (North and South East), and Ontario (East and North).

Funding

Financial support for projects is constrained by the total amount available. Total funding available is $705,000 over four (4) years (until March 31^st 2016) subject to the appropriations of Parliament.

Two hubs will be funded under the ecoEAF program. A third hub will be funded by ecoEAF (at 20%) and the Market Development Incentive Payments Fund (at 80%).

Stacking of Assistance

Prior to signing a contribution agreement, a proponent will be required to disclose all sources of funding on individual projects, including contributions from other federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal governments and industry sources.

The maximum amount payable by the ecoEAF program will be up to 50% of total project costs. Total contributions from all levels of government (federal, provincial/territorial and municipal governments) will not exceed 75% of total project costs.

Maximum Amount Payable per Project

The maximum amount payable for a project is $235,000 with total annual payments limited to the amount in the following table.

	2012-2013	2013-2014	2014-2015	2015-2016
Total	$25,000	$70,000	$70,000	$70,000

The proponent’s contribution, and that of its partner(s), may be partially in the form of cash or eligible and verifiable in-kind support, provided that is directly attributable to the project.