Applicability

Will the applicant implement at least ONE core National On Farm Energy practice?

1. YES — Points: 0
2. NO — Points: 0

Category

Is the Planned Land Unit (PLU) located in Rhode Island?

1. Yes — Points: 0
2. Otherwise — Points: 0

Program Questions 

1. Is the land permanently protected through a CONSERVATION EASEMENT, purchase of development rights or other mechanism?
   1. Yes — Points: 20
   2. Otherwise — Points: 0
2. If the participant self-certified as a Beginning Farmer Rancher (BFR), how many years have they been farming? Choose only ONE response:
   1. 0-3 — Points: 6
   2. 4-6 — Points: 8
   3. 7-10 — Points:10
   4. 0 — Points: 0
3. Did the participant self certify as a Veteran Farmer Rancher (VFR)?
   1. YES — Points: 10
   2. NO — Points: 0
4. Did the participant self certify as a Limited Resource Farmer Rancher (LFR)?
   1. YES — Points: 10
   2. NO — Points: 0
5. Did the participant self certify as a Socially Disadvantaged Farmer Rancher (SDFR)?
   1. YES — Points: 10
   2. NO — Points: 0
6. Does the participant have a written irrigation plan that meets NRCS practice standards & management criteria as identified in the Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG)?
   1. YES — Points: 45
   2. NO — Points: 0
7. Did the applicant apply for funding in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 but was previously NOT funded?
   1. Yes — Points: 50
   2. Not applicable — Points: 0
8. If this application is approved for funding, will this be the applicant's first EQIP contract?
   1. YES — Points: 45
   2. NOT APPLICABLE — Points: 0
9. Has the participant been in contract violation with a prior USDA NRCS Contract within the past 3 years?
   1. YES — Points: -25
   2. NO — Points: 0
10. Has the participant had a USDA NRCS Contract terminated within the past 3 years?
    1. YES — Points: -100
    2. NO — Points: 0

Resource Questions 

1. Are conservation practices planned on assessment PLUs identified for implementation in an active conservation activity plan, CEMA 228 - Agricultural Energy Management Plan or DIA 120 - Agricultural Energy Design Plan, developed by a Technical Service Provider (TSP) OR Will this application result on a CEMA 228 or DIA 120?
   1. YES — Points: 20
   2. Not Applicable — Points: 0
2. Does the client have a current energy audit, in compliance with ASABE S612 standard?
   1. YES — Points: 10
   2. Not Applicable — Points: 0
3. Review the application against an approved Energy Audit or equivalent:
   1. Does the EQIP schedule of operations include implementation of 1 - 25% of all recommendations listed in the energy audit? — Points: 5
   2. Does the EQIP schedule of operations include implementation of 26 - 50% of all recommendations listed in the energy audit?— Points: 10
   3. Does the EQIP schedule of operations include implementation of 51 - 75% of all recommendations listed in the energy audit?— Points: 15
   4. Does the EQIP schedule of operations include implementation of 76 - 100% of all recommendations listed in the energy audit?— Points: 25
   5. Not evaluated or Not applicable. — Points: 0
4. Will conservation practices planned on assessment PLUs reduce irrigation-related energy use and/or improve air quality?
   1. Yes, NRCS Conservation Practices, 533 - Pumping Plant (02N) or 372, Combustion System Improvement (02N), are being implemented — Points: 35
   2. Yes, NRCS Conservation Practices 441 - Micro Irrigation System is being planned to meet required CSAF FY24 narrative (02N) — Points: 5
   3. Yes, NRCS Conservation Practice 442 - Sprinkler Irrigation System is being planned to meet required CSAF FY24 narrative (02N) — Points: 5
   4. Yes, NRCS Conservation Practice 430, Irrigation Pipeline, is being planned to meet required CSAF FY24 narrative (01N) — Points: 10
   5. Not evaluated or Not Applicable — Points: 0
5. Will conservation practices planned on assessment PLUs reduce headquarters-based energy use?
   1. Yes, NRCS Conservation Practice 374 -Energy Efficient Agricultural Operation, 670 - Energy Efficient Lighting System, OR 672 - Energy Efficient Building Envelope to reduce headquarters energy use as identified in an ASABE S612 Type II Headquarters Energy Audit or equivalent — Points: 65
   2. Not evaluated or Not applicable. — Points: 0
6. Does the Conservation Plan include one or more conservation practices from the Climate-Smart Ag & Forestry Mitigation Activities List for FY2025? 
   [Planners can ONLY take Points for the following practices: 372 (02N - only stationary engine to electric motor replacement or repower), 374, 442 (02N 03N, 04N) , 430 (01N), 441 (02N), 533 (02N), 670, AND/OR 672.]
   1. 4+ CORE Climate practices are planned. — Points: 25
   2. 3 CORE Climate practices are planned. — Points: 15
   3. 2 CORE Climate practices are planned. — Points: 10
   4. 1 CORE Climate practices are planned. — Points: 5
   5. Not applicable — Points: 0