NOTICES
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Pennsylvania Malt and Brewed Beverage Industry Promotion Board; Grant Solicitation and Application Procedures
[49 Pa.B. 3095]
[Saturday, June 15, 2019]1. Introduction. The Pennsylvania Malt and Brewed Beverage Industry Promotion Board (Board) annually, or more frequently as the availability of funds permits, solicits proposals for grants to conduct promotion, marketing and research projects to increase the quality, profitability, production and sale of malt and brewed beverages produced in this Commonwealth. The Board was established by section 446.1 of the Liquor Code (47 P.S. § 4-446.1). The Board makes recommendations for the awarding of grants by the Liquor Control Board from funds provided through the Liquor Code (47 P.S. §§ 1-101—10-1001). This notice establishes the procedures by which grant applications will be solicited and reviewed, and grants awarded.
2. Grant Solicitation. The Board will be accepting grant applications for the purposes, in the form and according to the schedule set forth herein for not less than 30 days beginning on the date of publication of this notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Additional publication and dissemination of this notice shall be made as determined by the Board and may include directly to State universities and State-supported universities located in this Commonwealth, universities with colleges of agricultural science located in this Commonwealth and individuals or entities who have requested notification from the Department of Agriculture or the Board of grant availability. The funding priorities of particular interest in this round are education and training, as well as a Statewide marketing plan.
3. Process Overview. The Board will employ the review process described as follows to select projects to recommend to the Liquor Control Board for the making of a grant. In the event of a recommendation to the Liquor Control Board to make and fund a grant, the decision as to whether to award a grant will be made by the Liquor Control Board. If the Liquor Control Board approves the grant recommendation, the terms and conditions of the grant will be governed by a grant agreement between the Liquor Control Board and the applicant, which shall be tendered to the applicant for execution by the Board on behalf of the Liquor Control Board, returnable in no more than 30 days.
4. Concept Paper and Application Deadlines.
a. Concept Paper. Interested applicants must deliver a one-page concept paper, plus a one-page draft budget, by e-mail by Friday, August 2, 2019, to chariley@pa.gov.
b. Application. Applicants whose concept papers are approved by the Board will be invited to submit a Project Proposal and Grant Application, in the form set forth in paragraph 6 of this notice, to the Board by 4 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2019. Proposals should be sent electronically to chariley@pa.gov and 12 copies must be hand-delivered or sent by United States Mail and postmarked on or before the same date. Applications should be addressed and delivered to the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Market Development, Attn: Agricultural Commodity Board Grant Program, 2301 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9408.
c. Presentations. The Board may request applicants participate in person or by conference call to provide a brief 3-minute to 5-minute presentation of their proposal, followed by questions, at their next scheduled meeting on Wednesday, October 30, 2019, at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held in Room 202, Agriculture Building, 2301 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA. In-person attendance of applicants is not required.
5. Format of the Concept Paper. The concept paper shall include:
a. Organization/Business Type. List the applicant's organization/business type.
b. Organization/Business Information. List the organization/business name along with the contact information and the amount of grant funds the entity is requesting.
c. Project Coordinator/Qualifications. Identify the person who will be directing the proposed project and clearly state their qualifications.
d. Organization History. Indicate whether the organization has previously received Malt and Brewed Beverage Industry Promotion Board or agriculture-related grant funds.
e. Area of Focus. Select a funding priority from paragraph 13 of this notice.
f. Project Purpose. In one or two paragraphs, clearly state the specific issue, problem, interest or need, and how the project will address it. Explain why the project is important and timely.
g. Estimated Timeline. State the estimated timeline for the proposed project.
h. Expected Measurable Outcomes. What are the goals and objectives of the project? How do the objectives support the goals? Goals are long-term broad visions and may take time to achieve. Objectives are significant steps that must be completed to achieve the goal. Objective statements should focus on the outcome, rather than the methods used. Each goal should have one or more objectives. Describe at least one distinct, quantifiable and measurable outcome that directly and meaningfully supports the project's purpose. Typically, outcomes are those measures that are quantifiable, measure direct benefit and are documented through data or information collection.
i. Preliminary Project Work Plan. List the major tasks of the proposed project.
j. Draft Budget. State the budget for the proposed project using the categories from paragraph 6.f. If a project is selected to submit a proposal, more detailed budget information will be required.
6. Format of the Project Proposal and Grant Application. The project proposal and grant application shall be formatted as follows:
a. Cover Page, titled Pennsylvania Malt and Brewed Beverage Industry Promotion Board—Project Proposal and Grant Application, providing: the title of the proposed project; the name and address of the applicant; the name, address, telephone number and e-mail address of the applicant's principal contact person for matters relating to the application; and the total maximum grant amount sought for the proposed project or program.
b. Section 1, titled Linkage to Funding Priorities, addressing: how the project will support one of the funding priorities established by the Board which are listed in paragraph 12; the geographic area of this Commonwealth where impact will occur; and the intended impact created by the project and who will benefit.
c. Section 2, titled Statement of Purpose, addressing: the purpose for which the grant funds would be utilized; how the project links, supports and benefits beer in this Commonwealth; the specific details of the proposed project, with an emphasis on innovation, including what is new or different about this project that will enhance success; and the staffing and resources required for project completion.
d. Section 3, titled Methodology and Evaluation, addressing: the type of project (promotion, marketing, outreach, research, tech transfer, and the like); the methodology to be employed, including an evaluation component; the expected impact and outcomes; a qualitative or quantitative estimate of economic impacts (direct, indirect, induced); and the sectors of the industry that will receive this benefit.
e. Section 4, titled Statement of Need, addressing: the need for the grant funds sought; any other partners or partner organizations that will be involved with the project; and any noncash resources that will be committed to the project and the sources thereof.
f. Section 5, titled Budget, presenting a detailed budget for the proposed project or program, including any other matching funds and the value of any noncash resources that will be included in the project.
i. Personnel—Includes employed personnel. Those employed elsewhere should be listed as subcontractors or consultants in the Contractual cost category. Identify the total for all Specialty Crop Block Grant Program—Farm Bill funded personnel.
ii. Fringe Benefits—Provide the rate of fringe benefits for each project participant's salary. Identify the total for all funded fringe benefits.
iii. Travel—Calculate the costs for travel by considering destinations, number of trips, days traveling, transportation costs, estimated lodging and meal costs, and estimated mileage rate.
iv. Supplies—This could be anything from office supplies and software to education or field supplies.
v. Contractual—If contractual work will be involved with carrying out the work of the project, identify the total contractual expenses. When determining the total cost for this category, include the fees for the professional services, travel costs, lodging expenses, indirect costs and any other related contractual expenses.
vi. Other—This category includes fees for conferences or meetings, facility and equipment rental costs, lodging and meal expenses, communication costs, speaker fees, publication costs and data collection.
g. Section 6, titled Industry Support, addressing: the extent of support, participation and funding from this Commonwealth's beer industry, including associations or organizations, or both, that may represent the industry or government agencies with an interest in the project outcome; any letters of support should be attached.
7. Scoring of Applications. The Board will evaluate each complete and timely-filed project proposal and grant application received in accordance with a 100-point scale as set forth in Addendum 1.
8. Scores. Upon completion of evaluations, the Board will prepare a record of each complete and timely-filed project proposal and grant application received, and the numerical score assigned to each. In the event of one or more recommendations to the Liquor Control Board to make and fund a grant, the Board will transmit to the Liquor Control Board the project proposal and grant application along with the score assigned by the Board and any other information deemed relevant by the Board or requested by the Liquor Control Board. Request will be made by the Board that the Liquor Control Board respond to all recommendations for grant approval within 30 days.
9. Term of Grants. Applications should be submitted for projects beginning no later than June 30, 2020. Anticipated completion dates will be dictated by the project scope and parameters and may exceed 12 months from the beginning if the project warrants. Private sector parties are encouraged to apply if their project will have a positive macro impact on the industry. The Board may recommend that the Liquor Control Board approve grant funding for multiyear projects or extensions of ongoing projects, if applicable, if the Board identifies that a multiyear term or a project extension advances the overall grant project's objectives. Requests for extensions of ongoing projects shall be applied for, evaluated and processed in accordance with all the requirements of this notice. Progress reports are to be delivered by e-mail to chariley@pa.gov no later than October 1 and April 1 every year for the duration of the project, or as requested by the Board. Final reports and invoice should be submitted within 90 days of contract end date.
10. Notice of Award. Applicants shall be notified by e-mail of the decision on their grant applications by the Board.
11. Grant Agreement. With the mailed grant award notice, the Board will provide applicants with a grant agreement for execution and return within 30 days. The Board will obtain the required signature on the grant agreements, including the Liquor Control Board, and any other required Commonwealth entities, and return a copy to the applicant. Unless otherwise stated in the executed grant agreement, no grant agreement is effective, and work should not begin until all required signatures have been applied to the grant agreement. Among the terms of the grant agreement shall be a requirement that the grant recipient provide the Board full and complete access to all records relating to the performance of the project and submit information as the Board may require.
12. Cost-Reimbursement Grant. Unless stated otherwise in the executed grant agreement, payment of all grant funds will occur on a reimbursement basis only and no funds will be included in any grant award for indirect costs.
13. Funding Priorities. In accordance with paragraph 5.b., the Board has identified the following funding priorities, listed in no particular order. The name given to each priority area is not intended to limit the intended scope and creative thought applied by applicants in developing projects that serve the purposes articulated in this notice.
a. Agriculture: Projects are sought that will lead to the expansion, through means including cultivation, value added manufacturing and research, of beer industry-related raw material produced or grown, or both in this Commonwealth. Some examples of desired project scope include:
i. Research and development that will increase the production, quality or yield, or both, of Pennsylvania-produced raw agricultural commodities (hops, barley, and the like) used by the beer industry.
ii. Research that will identify growing conditions for hop production and evaluate each of this Commonwealth's 67 counties on the criteria.
iii. Outreach and support to encourage existing agricultural producers to consider hop production.
iv. Matching funds for small Commonwealth-based start-up businesses or ventures focused on agricultural related cultivation (hops and barley) or value-added manufacturing of beer related raw materials (malting).
v. Tourism: Projects are sought from organizations interested in marketing and integrating this Commonwealth's beer industry into new or existing regional and Statewide tourism initiatives, such as:
vi. Development of beer tourism and beer trails (using and expanding upon the ''Bourbon Trails'' model).
vii. Regional integration of breweries and brewery visitation with existing attractions, destinations and the regional hospitality industry.
b. D Retailer Outreach: Projects are sought that will assist D license holders in efforts to change existing business models and remain viable, competitive and profitable within the parameters of the new Liquor Code, including providing consultation, training and business plan development to interested D retailers to assist them in transforming their business models based on recent changes to the Liquor Code. The proposer should illustrate the ability to:
i. Understand, interpret and transfer knowledge related to the current Liquor Code.
ii. Understand both the new opportunities as well as the threats presented to retailers as a result of recent changes to the Liquor Code.
iii. Have working knowledge of the beer industry retail trade and practices, the constraints on the industry, SOPs, financial models, and the like.
iv. Identify and document best practices within this Commonwealth's retail beer industry (D license holders) regarding layout and design (shelf space, lighting, signage), hours of operation and staff models, promotions and displays, value added merchandise, and best practices in urban, suburban and rural markets.
v. In conjunction with existing industry stakeholders, like the Malt Beverage Distributors Association (MBDA), develop guidelines, standards and communicate best practices in a user-friendly format, as well as offer training and outreach conferences in appropriate locations throughout this Commonwealth.
vi. In conjunction with existing industry stakeholders like the MBDA, the project may include efforts to create special grants or business loans made available to retailers to implement new business models.
c. Beer Industry Research: The Board seeks research and the development of quantitative data on the beer industry in this Commonwealth, such as:
i. Research that will identify and map the size and impacts of this Commonwealth's macro beer industry (production, wholesale and retail) identifying direct, indirect, induced impacts.
ii. Research that will identify the upstream and downstream economic opportunities related to this Commonwealth's beer industry.
iii. Research that can measure the economic impacts on this Commonwealth's beer industry of recent changes to the Liquor Code.
iv. Research that will offer guidance on public policy and best practices to benefit the beer industry in this Commonwealth and improve regulatory efficiency.
d. Technical Assistance, Support and Research and Development: Projects are sought that will advance best practices, technology transfer, research and development, workforce development and training in this Commonwealth's brewing industry. The Board is interested in funding projects that will: increase beer knowledge/science; advance best practices in brewing; provide education/training opportunities related to beer production, quality, packaging, marketing and sales; and promote innovation in the brewing and manufacturing processes. Examples could include:
i. Engagement of consultants, speakers and subject matter experts for industry related training, presentations or problem solving in conjunction with conferences, technical work groups and association members.
ii. Research and development projects on relevant topics concerning brewing and manufacturing processes.
iii. Customized training/education in areas related to: differing levels of brewery, wholesale and retail management; sales and marketing; brewery—wholesaler relationships; beer market best practices; and industry recognized certifications.
e. Innovation: The Board will consider projects that do not fall into any of the other funding priorities but nevertheless offer unique approaches to supporting and promoting Pennsylvania beer. The Board believes that innovation is the driving force behind the growth and success of this Commonwealth's beer industry. This category of funding is designed for projects and initiatives that demonstrate new thinking, ideas and approaches to promoting Pennsylvania beer—and do not fit into any other category.
Addendum 1 to Grant Solicitation Announcement and Application Procedures
Section Title Evaluation Criteria Points Feasibility • To what extent can the Purpose be accomplished with the funds requested?
• Is there enough non-cash capacity to fulfill the objectives of the project?
• Are the proposed outcomes and impacts in proportion to the grant request?
• Can the project be completed within the timeline established?
• Are the outcomes proposed realistic?
10 Linkages to PA's Beer Industry • Is there a compelling link to PA's Beer Industry?
• How quickly will the industry benefit from project outcomes?
10 Innovation • Does the proposal offer a ''new approach'' in supporting PA Beer?
• Will the project offer or create any new competitive advantages?
• Do the project outcomes offer new and unique benefits to the industry?
• What components of the project are sustainable once completed?
20 Expected Impacts & Outcomes • Will the project raise the visibility of PA Beer?
• Will the impacts and outcomes offer long-term benefits?
• Do they provide solutions to current industry challenges?
• How will the impacts and outcomes ultimately strengthen PA's beer industry?
• How much of the industry will benefit from the project?
20 Economic Benefits Generated • Does the project create jobs?
• Does the project save money for the industry?
• Will it strengthen the economic viability of the industry and how?
• Does the project support and promote intrastate and/or interstate tourism?
20 Methodology & Evaluation • Can the methodology produce the desired outcomes?
• Does the evaluation component measure the right outcomes?
• Can the methodology produce stated economic benefits and can the evaluation accurately measure so benefits?
10 Industry Support • Is there strong industry support for this project?
• Are there any matching funds or leveraged resources?
10 RUSSELL C. REDDING,
Secretary
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 19-896. Filed for public inspection June 14, 2019, 9:00 a.m.]
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