Deadline December 29, 2000
Ethanol Feasibility Study for the State of Maryland
The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) is currently soliciting proposals for the development of an ethanol production plant feasibility study. Responses to this solicitation must be mailed to be received no later than December 29, 2000 by 4:00 p.m. EST, at the following location:
Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board
53 Slama Road
Edgewater, MD 21037
RFP Information
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Overview
The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board has interest in the establishment of value-added opportunities for Maryland agriculture. One such value-added opportunity may be the establishment of an ethanol production industry in the state. Knowing that Maryland is a corn deficit state, the Board has a special interest in a study to look at alternative feedstocks with a special interest in barley. The economics of barley production has led to a decline in the acreage grown, however, barley has agronomic benefits so there is a desire to expand market opportunities for this crop. The feasibility of a multiple feedstock ethanol plant to include other crops such as wheat, corn, etc. is also of interest but not to the exclusion of barley. In order to fully quantify the benefits and risks that may be associated with such a venture, the Board of Directors of the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board has elected to fund a project feasibility study.
This solicitation is for the development of a feasibility study and if the results of this study indicate that it is prudent to proceed, then MGPUB intends to develop specifications for a larger, site specific, engineering based feasibility study.
Scope of Work
The investigator will study a broad base of elements to determine if an ethanol plant is feasible in Maryland and produce a final report of not more than 25 pages for the body of the report, plus any relevant attachments. The final report should, at a minimum, answer the following questions:
1. Does an ethanol plant make economic sense and can it be profitable?
2. What markets should it supply (ethanol and co-products)?
3. What are the optimal feedstocks or feedstock combinations (including barley)?
4. What markets exist locally/regionally for the by-products?
5. Is there adequate supply capability?
6. What size plant is feasible and should a wet or dry mill process be used?
7. What are the capital cost estimates consistent with the recommended plant size, production costs by major category and projected cash flow?
8. What federal, state or local incentives are available for this project?
9. Are there unique characteristics or market opportunities in certain regions of the state that make one more favorable than another?
Deliverable
The end product of this phase is a study report not to exceed 25 pages for the body of the report, plus any relevant attachments, containing a recommendation as to the feasibility of an ethanol plant in Maryland. The report will contain a summary written so as to be understood by the sponsoring grain farmers and include suggestions that may enhance the viability of the project should we proceed to the final engineering, finance and construction stage. The summary will also list the assumptions made that support your conclusion.
Proposal Requirements
The proposal shall be limited to 10 pages, single sided (in a font no smaller that Times New Roman Number 10), and mailed to be received no later than December 29, 2000 by 4:00 p.m. EST, at the following location:
Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board
53 Slama Road, Edgewater, MD 21037
Two hard copies should be sent along with an electronic version in Microsoft Word format on a floppy disk or CD Rom. The report shall contain at a minimum:
1. Name, address, phone, fax and email address.
2. Qualifications and experience of principal investigator/s. References would be beneficial.
3. A technical section and a cost section.
4. The technical component will include an introduction and the technical approach.
5. The cost section will include a fixed price to complete the work specified.
6. Given that the contract award is expected on or before February 1, 2001. Completion of the study should be no later than June 1, 2001.
Contact Information
Lynne Hoot, Executive Director
Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board
53 Slama Road, Edgewater, MD 21037
410-956-5771
All submissions will be held in strict confidence and notification of contract awards will be made following the MGPUB Board meeting on January 11-12, 2001. Authority to proceed will be given upon completion of final negotiations and funding procurement.