AFG 2007 Question

[36Vollie]

Hi everyone. We just got our 10Q's for the 2007 AFG. We requested a Polaris Ranger outfitted for grass, brush, field fires, etc. Here is the deal. Our total requested can to just over $26000. In our 10Q email, they said they are going to allow (1) ATV at $17,000 and fund the other requested equipment. We broke down what was to be spend on the ATV, skid unit, acc., and trailer. We put a dollar amount of just over $12000 for the ATV. So, did I read the email right. Sounds to me that they want to allow us $17000 instead of $12000 for the ATV and fund our other requests also. The email never mentioned anything about reduction, just the dollar amount change. Would it be a good idea to call and find out that the heck is going on??

Thanks.

[WJVaughn]

Always call if in doubt. Saves getting yelled at later

[36Vollie]

Can you appeal the grant? How long does that take? We specifically put down line item costs and then the total project cost. They want to reduce to $17,000. It was $26000. We put the line item costs as follows:

ATV: $12,000
Pump unit from Terrator: $6181
Lights, radio, hose, etc: $2000
Trailer: $5000.

I mean I spelled out what the prices where and justified it. $17,000 isn't enough to buy the Ranger and pump unit. Is there some kind of cap on ATV's. I am awaiting a return email and phone call to get this straightened out.

[onebugle]

You have the ability to challange the reduction. What you are doing is correct...phone call and email. You want to find out the reasoning for the reduction and make your case why you need the additional funding. It has been done in the past and has been successful. The worst case is that they will stand behind their reduction, but you at least gave it a shot.

[br2211]

can somebody help me I am very new to this and I was wondering what the 1199 is and what the ten questions are about.

[br2211]

I was wondering if anybody could help me out I am very new to this and I wanted to know what the 1199 is and what the ten questions are about.

[36Vollie]

Okay grant gurus I need your help. We FINALLY got somewhere, alittle bit I guess. But now I'm a little stressed! I think we were one of the firsts to get out updated 1199A and 10q's. Well through all of this reduction stuff we finally replied to our 10q's and asked then to possibly reconsider the reduction, but if not we will be happy with the $17,000. Well, they pulled our 07 1199A update number from our previous 04 grant. What the H*LL! We called the reps again and they said they are going to review the grant again and they will let us know the outcome. So does this mean it gets thrown into the loop with all the other grants again and our possiblity of getting the grant is slime now. I mean, we never declined the grant, just wanted clarification as the 10q's were not. If at all possible I would like to get in an email conversation with some of the grant guru's on this forum. Thanks!

[LVFD301]

Can you appeal the grant? How long does that take? We specifically put down line item costs and then the total project cost. They want to reduce to $17,000. It was $26000. We put the line item costs as follows:

ATV: $12,000
Pump unit from Terrator: $6181
Lights, radio, hose, etc: $2000
Trailer: $5000.

I mean I spelled out what the prices where and justified it. $17,000 isn't enough to buy the Ranger and pump unit. Is there some kind of cap on ATV's. I am awaiting a return email and phone call to get this straightened out.

I got to ask... What kind of trailer is this? Seems a lot just to pull around
an ATV... Just wondering what your plan is.

[36Vollie]

I got to ask... What kind of trailer is this? Seems a lot just to pull around
an ATV... Just wondering what your plan is.

We priced out aluminum trailers. It was suggested that we go with a 14-16' trailer for the 6x6. $5000 was on the highest quote, not really the one we would go with though.

[neiowa]

I just successfully appealed the reduction on our planned tanker pumper. I did NOT return the 10Q until got the answer I wanted. Discussed with the grant specialist what the problem was and he gave me the phone # of "the guy who decides how much". Is problem there was this guy said he forgot to add on the additional equipment line. Might check that.

[k3twpfire]

36vollie -

Send me a private message with your email address so I can contact you.

[36Vollie]

I just successfully appealed the reduction on our planned tanker pumper. I did NOT return the 10Q until got the answer I wanted. Discussed with the grant specialist what the problem was and he gave me the phone # of "the guy who decides how much". Is problem there was this guy said he forgot to add on the additional equipment line. Might check that.

neiowa,

I'm from Iowa too. New Hampton. I'm going to send you a PM with my info. We got no where with the people we talked with.

[36Vollie]

It just kind of baffles me how unhelpful our reps have been.

[neiowa]

We may well have the same guy, I think they are assigned my state. Our problem is takes forever to get a response. Multiple emails with no response (other that an read rcpt), multiple phone msg with no response. Took 5 weeks to work thru appeal of reduction (while sitting patiently).

[mitchkrat]

I hate waiting too - but from what I have been able to see the staffing is pretty lean and they have had more programs such as safer added to them which means more work with the same # of people.

[36Vollie]

So in your honest opinion, what does it mean when you have the 2007 grant ref. number in an old grant, get the 10 questions and then 3 weeks later the 2007 ref number is gone because we asked for clarification on the dollar amount?

[ktb9780]

Vollie36 the price on the Rnaner seems a little high right now considering Polaris has them reduced and advertised at retail now for $8,000 for the 4 x 4, which is down almost $2000 form what they were last year. That may be part of the problem is that they are checking on that price rather closely. The trailer seems high also. If I were you I would be out right now checking again on current priciing and have lower numbers available if and when they do call so that you don't have to delay on giving them an answer. This is also the only ammunition that you will have avialable to "fight" a reduction so you need to have those figures ready to go. To get to the higher ups to inquire further about your 1199a disappearing contact me via emal ( kurtb@chiefsupply.com )and I can put you in touch with the right person to get the question answered for you.

[onebugle]

A little advice.... If you get reduced on the amount, take it! We send and called to ask for clarification on the reduction once we got our 10 questions. One week later, our 2007 reference number was gone from our 2004 award!! Sent an email and they said since we didn't accept the reduction, our grant processing was going to be suspended! Asking for clarification and declining the reduction are TWO different things in my book!

Any time there is a reduction notice that you do not agree with, you have the right to appeal it. Appeal first, return the q's after the final outcome. The issue is that you answered the questions first refusing the reduction, hence the process was suspended. Contact the Grant Management Specialist on the bottom of the question page and plead your case; that you made a mistake and hopefully they will reconsider.

[36Vollie]

Onebugle,

We had to email. There was no phone number on the bottom to discuss the amount. The grant specialist forwarded our email right to the top of the food chain.

[foresttruck]

Received 1099 update with 2007 award ref# and 10??? how long does it take to receive award?