Request

for Proposals for 2013 US Biochar Initiative (USBI) Conference

August 1, 2011 (modified) Introduction We are looking for any self-organized group, with a demonstrated interest in biochar and at least 5 members, located anywhere in the USA, to host the 2013 US Biochar Initiative (USBI) Conference. The selected group will be the primary organizers of the 2013 USBI Conference. The conference can be held anywhere in the United States including Alaska, Hawaii and Territories. Proposals must be received by the selection committee (ask_us@biochar-us.org) no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, March 16, 2012. Requirements and Selection Criteria We are proposing the conference be held in late summer or early fall 2013 but other dates may be considered. Proposers must specify exact dates. The location can be anywhere in the United States (including Alaska, Hawaii and Territories). Your proposal must show an exact location such as a University, municipal building, hotel or other location with assurance that the proposed dates are being held open until the proposal review team can return its decision on or before October 18, 2012. We suggest a planning number of 300 attendees with flexibility to accommodate a changing final number possibly as large as 350 or more. The majority of the two-page proposals should be focused on how your group is able to bring this major undertaking to a successful conclusion. Topics of interest include: time and resources of the proposing organization to plan and implement this conference; social and political advantages of the location; nearby biochar-related sites for field trip options; ease of travel for participants; and the ability to be healthy, clean and green. An appendix to the proposal should include two items: 1. brief biosketches of the organizers, and 2. a simple budget showing estimated costs and revenues for the total event and broken out on a per person basis. Selection will be based on the proposers responses to the above listed topics of interest. Support from USBI If selected your team will receive support from USBI in the following ways: 1. Seed funding for the conference to be paid upon selection and to be paid at completion of the Conference. Total support from USBI will not exceed $5,000.00 US dollars. 2. A conference planners guide including budget planning sheets, time-line suggestions, a directory of contacts, example letters, and suggested review processes.

3. Advice and support via telephone and email. 4. Cooperative reviewing of abstracts and establishing the program. 5. Cooperative solicitation of sponsorships Financial Responsibilities The hosting organization agrees to take on the financial responsibility for this event. Planning should be done to limit the cost of registration so that as many people as possible can attend the event. A best effort should be made to offer student rates, speaker discounts and assistance to those who need it. USBI will work jointly with the hosting organization to plan a budget based on our past experience and will seek scholarships and other support for attendees. Please send proposals to: ask_us@biochar-us.org Subject: 2013 USBI Conference Please use word documents (.doc or .docx - No PDFs). Limit the topic area response to two pages and the appendix to two pages for a total of four pages. Any questions? Contact Gloria Flora at gflora@biochar-us.org. Thanks to all who submit a proposal!