by Adam Voight Adam Voight

Document Purpose

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to solicit vendor information, qualifications, approach, and cost for Roeslein Alternative Energy to evaluate potential vendors to become partners for the Horizon II Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities Grant.

This document includes a profile of the business need, scope, and response guidelines.

 

Document Intent and Disclaimer

This RFP is made with the intent to identify a firm (the “Contractor”) to deliver results as described in the subsequent sections. RAE will rely on the contractor’s representations to be truthful and as described.

This RFP is not an offer to contract. RAE assumes no responsibility for Vendors’ cost to respond to this RFP. RAE has no obligation to buy or issue solicitation to any contractor because of this RFP. All responses become the property of RAE.

If RAE amends the RFP, copies of such amendments will be sent to all firms selected for this RFP.

 

RAE Overview

Roeslein Alternative Energy (RAE) was founded in 2012 as an operator and developer of renewable energy production facilities that convert agricultural and industrial wastes, along with renewable biomass feedstocks, into renewable natural gas and sustainable co-products.

RAE engages in these business operations with a focus on sustainability and environmental improvement. Rudi Roeslein’s vision is to restore 30 million acres of grasslands on marginal lands throughout the Midwest in 30 years. Beyond that, we hope to use this as a model to restore

hundreds of millions of acres of grasslands around the globe.

A rapidly growing population is causing an incredible amount of stress on our landscapes. At Roeslein Alternative Energy, we have a market-based solution to the competing demands of the need for both sustainable agriculture and renewable energy.

When land not naturally suited for agriculture is used to raise corn or soybeans; erosion, soil degradation, and water problems emerge. Ironically, the quest for additional energy often finds prime agricultural acres raising crops for fuel, rather than food. But, there is an alternative that restores balance. It creates a new sustainable energy industry, manages livestock and land resources, while delivering healthier soil, cleaner water, and healthier wildlife habitat.

The solution is anaerobic digestion, which naturally breaks down organic matter in an oxygen-free environment. A byproduct is methane-rich biogas which can be converted to renewable natural gas. The remaining solids can be used as natural fertilizer and the water for irrigation.

Roeslein Alternative Energy works to preserve our lands for the future and to show individual landowners and society as a whole we can collaboratively discover and implement alternative agriculture and energy solutions.

 

Project Context

A partnership of 13 public and private entities led by Roeslein Alternative Energy (RAE) finalized an

$80 million grant from the federal government’s first pool of funds from the U.S.D.A’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program. The funding will be used in a five-year pilot project in Iowa and Missouri called ‘Horizon II’ to demonstrate a “Climate-Smart Future for Corn, Soybean, Livestock, and Renewable Natural Gas Production.”

The Horizon II project will enhance climate-smart markets, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve carbon sequestration in the production of corn, soybean, pork, and beef commodities.

Horizon II will also create new opportunities for small and underserved producers while benefiting soil health, clean water, flood control, and habitats for native wildlife.

RAE seeks a partner who also has the experience collecting field data necessary, quantifying and providing environmental outcome compensation, sampling, and field verification.

 

To access the full RFP, download HERE.

Read the full Notice of Grant and Award Agreement HERE.

Find a Map of the project area HERE.