Program Descriptions
Program Number
15.240
Title
Helium Resource Management
Federal Agency
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Authorization
Helium Privatization Act of 1996, 50 U.S.C 167, Public Law 104-273.
Status
Active
Objectives
To meet the requirements of the Helium Privatization Act of 1996, Section 8, a crude helium enrichment unit was designed, constructed, and is now operated to ensure that the U.S. Government can upgrade and deliver crude helium from an underground storage field, by upgrading the gas to pipeline quality, compressing the gas and transmitting via the governments conservation pipeline which supplies helium to Private Helium plants located along the governments pipeline. Private plants refine the helium, supply private industry, government agencies and research projects. To pay back the helium debt, the cost that was incurred by purchasing the helium, and to ensure that the U.S. Government can redeliver crude helium into the conservation pipeline system in order to meet private and Government customer needs, as defined in the Helium Privatization Act.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants (Cooperative Agreements).
Uses and Use Restrictions
Projects are limited to entities that have a direct involvement with the implementation of the Helium Privatization Act and projects related to the elimination of the Helium Debt.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Public nonprofit institution/organization, Other public institution/organization, and Profit organization.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Anyone/general public.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Coordinate cooperative project proposals with the Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Office for more information and requirements. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
A Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance, Standard Form 424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs, Standard Form 424B, Assurances for Non-Construction Programs, and a written proposal should be submitted through http://Grants.gov or via hardcopy to the project office and include: a title, objectives, timeframe, and a budget breakdown as specified in the funding opportunity announcement. No State plan is required with this application.
Award Procedure
Projects are reviewed at the Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Office. Final approvals rest with the State Director.
Deadlines
The deadline will be published in the http://Grants.gov announcement for each project.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Awards are anticipated within 90 days or less after the announcement closes. Further information will be available for the project at the time the funding opportunity announcement is posted on http://www.grants.gov and may be obtained by contacting the point of contact listed in the funding opportunity announcement.
Appeals
None. Final award decisions are not subject to appeal. The Bureau of Land Management will provide all unsuccessful applicants with information on why their proposal was not selected for award.
Renewals
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula matching requirements.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Projects are awarded for a one to five year period and funded on a year-by-year basis. Continuing funding will be re-evaluated each year based on performance, merit, and funding availability.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Recipients of funding are required to submit quarterly financial status reports using Standard Form 269, Financial Status Report, and quarterly, semi-annual, or annual performance reports 30 days following the end of the reporting period. Final performance and financial status reports are due 120 days after the end date of grant performance.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance $500,000 (for fiscal years ending December 1, 2003) or more a year in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 (for fiscal years ending after December 1, 2003) a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
Recipients shall maintain project records in accordance with 43 CFR 12.953.
Financial Information
Account Identification
14-1108-0-1-302.
Obligations
FY 07 $6,900,000; FY 08 est $6,900,000; and FY 09 est $6,900,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Past partnership projects range between $714,600 and $6,129,800. Average amount is $3,400,000 or less.
Program Accomplishments
Through a partnership the Bureau of Land Management, Helium Operation, now delivers crude helium from an underground storage field, by upgrading the gas to pipeline quality, compressing the gas and transmitting through the governments conservation pipeline which supplies helium to private helium plants located along the government's pipeline. Private plants refine the helium, and supply private industry, government agencies and research projects. The helium sold is used to pay back the helium debt to ensure that the U.S. Government can redeliver crude helium into the conservation pipeline.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Information can be found at the website listed below.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Office, Division of Minerals, 1474 Rodeo Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505.
Headquarters Office
Tim Spisak, Group Manager, Fluid Minerals, Bureau of Land Management, (WO-300), 1849 C St. N.W., 501-LS, Washington, DC 20240, Telephone: (202) 452-5061.
Web Site Address
http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/fo/amarillo_field_office.html
Related Programs
None.
Examples of Funded Projects
Construction of a compressor station and the Crude Helium Enrichment Unit with Partners that upgrades and delivers crude helium from an underground storage field, by upgrading the gas to pipeline quality, compressing the gas and transmitting via the governments conservation pipeline which supplies helium to private helium plants located along the governments pipeline. Private plants refine the helium and supply private industry, government agencies and research projects.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
General criteria used to select assistance proposals are based on their direct relationship to helium projects and a balanced review including relevance to program objectives, merit and cost effectiveness.
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