EERE Funding Opportunities

The Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) is issuing this lab call to solicit proposals for the Energy I-Corps (EIC) program. The goal of EIC is to train researchers at DOE National Laboratories, and DOE plants, and sites to identify market pathways for their technology. This call solicits proposals from DOE National Laboratory, plant, and site technology transfer offices to participate in EIC, for researchers to develop skills in commercialization, and to investigate the market potential for DOE-funded technologies at a critical juncture on the path toward commercialization.

DOE expects to select EIC projects in the following three topics:

Topic 1: EIC Pipeline Development - This topic seeks proposals for projects and programming that have the potential to directly increase participation in EIC Training Cohorts (Topic 2) in future EIC lab calls.

Topic 2: EIC Training Cohort (Cohort 22) - This topic seeks team applications to participate in EIC Cohort 22. Selected teams of researchers will participate in an intensive two-month, curriculum-based program to learn the principles of the business model canvas, define value proposition, and identify customer segments. Teams will develop hypotheses on these elements and interview at least 75 stakeholders as part of the customer discovery process to iterate on their business model canvas and to better understand the market’s adoption readiness of the lab technology.

Application *only for Topic 2* via MS Forms. Nothing needs to be submitted to EERE Exchange.

Link to Topic 2 Application Form: https://forms.office.com/g/acWiAQ76JK 

Topic 3: Post EIC - This Topic is an opportunity to continue advancing EIC Topic 2 technologies toward commercialization. The technology must 1) be from a DOE Laboratory or DOE plant or site AND 2) have gone through either EIC Training Cohort (Topic 2) or the U.S. National Science Foundation's Innovation Corps. EIC Training Cohort graduates and non-graduates can apply to this topic. However, non-graduates are limited to individuals who are employed by or have a contractual relationship with a DOE National Lab, DOE plant or site (e.g. Technology Transfer Office personnel).

The deadline to apply to all three topics is Friday, October 17, 2025 at 3:00 PM (ET)

The Office of Technology Transitions (OTT) is issuing this lab call to solicit proposals for the Energy I-Corps (EIC) program. The goal of EIC is to train researchers at DOE National Laboratories, and DOE plants, and sites to identify market pathways for their technology. This call solicits proposals from DOE National Laboratory, plant, and site technology transfer offices to participate in EIC, for researchers to develop skills in commercialization, and to investigate the market potential for DOE-funded technologies at a critical juncture on the path toward commercialization.

OTT expects to award up to $500K across Topics 1 and 3 in this instance of the EIC lab call, depending on FY25 appropriations. However, additional funding may be available based on proposals' alignment with DOE program office goals. Individual DOE program offices and partner agencies, including OTT, will review and assess relevant applications for possible selection and funding.

DOE expects to select EIC projects in the following three topics:

Topic 1: EIC Pipeline Development - This topic seeks proposals for projects and programming that have the potential to directly increase participation in EIC Training Cohorts (Topic 2) in future EIC lab calls.

Deadline - Friday, April 11, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. (ET)

Topic 2: EIC Training Cohort (Cohort 21) - This topic seeks team applications to participate in EIC Cohort 21. Selected teams of researchers will participate in an intensive two-month, curriculum-based program to learn the principles of the business model canvas, define value proposition, and identify customer segments. Teams will develop hypotheses on these elements and interview at least 75 stakeholders as part of the customer discovery process to iterate on their business model canvas and to better understand the market’s adoption readiness of the lab technology.

Application *only for Topic 2* via MS Forms. Nothing needs to be submitted to EERE Exchange.

Link: https://forms.office.com/g/SL4qKLhnmq

Deadline - Friday, April 11, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. (ET)

Topic 3: Post EIC - This Topic is an opportunity to continue advancing EIC Topic 2 technologies toward commercialization. The technology must 1) be from a DOE Laboratory or DOE plant or site AND 2) have gone through either EIC Training Cohort (Topic 2) or the U.S. National Science Foundation's Innovation Corps. EIC Training Cohort graduates and non-graduates can apply to this topic. However, non-graduates are limited to individuals who are employed by or have a contractual relationship with a DOE National Lab, DOE plant or site (e.g. Technology Transfer Office personnel).

Deadline - Friday, April 11, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. (ET)

The Office of Technology Transitions (OTT) is issuing this lab call to solicit proposals for the Energy I-Corps (EIC) program. The goal of EIC is to train researchers at DOE National Laboratories, and DOE plants, and sites to identify market pathways for their technology. This call solicits proposals from DOE National Laboratory, plant, and site technology transfer offices to participate in EIC, for researchers to develop skills in commercialization, and to investigate the market potential for DOE-funded technologies at a critical juncture on the path toward commercialization.

OTT expects to award up to $500K across Topics 1 and 3 in this instance of the EIC lab call, depending on FY25 appropriations. However, additional funding may be available based on proposals' alignment with DOE program office goals. Individual DOE program offices and partner agencies, including OTT, will review and assess relevant applications for possible selection and funding.

DOE expects to select EIC projects in the following three topics:

Topic 1: EIC Pipeline Development - This topic seeks proposals for projects and programming that have the potential to directly increase participation in EIC Training Cohorts (Topic 2) in future EIC lab calls.

Deadline - October 18, 2024; 3pm (ET)

Topic 2: EIC Training Cohort (Cohort 20) - This topic seeks team applications to participate in EIC Cohort 20. Selected teams of researchers will participate in an intensive two-month, curriculum-based program to learn the principles of the business model canvas, define value proposition, and identify customer segments. Teams will develop hypotheses on these elements and interview at least 75 stakeholders as part of the customer discovery process to iterate on their business model canvas and to better understand the market’s adoption readiness of the lab technology. Application *only for Topic 2* via MS Forms. Nothing needs to be submitted to EERE Exchange.

Link: https://forms.office.com/g/hvb2HKWGN2

Deadline - October 18, 2024; 3pm ET

Topic 3: Post EIC - This Topic is an opportunity to continue advancing EIC Topic 2 technologies toward commercialization. The technology must 1) be from a DOE Laboratory or DOE plant or site AND 2) have gone through either EIC Training Cohort (Topic 2) or the U.S. National Science Foundation's Innovation Corps. EIC Training Cohort graduates and non-graduates can apply to this topic. However, non-graduates are limited to individuals who are employed by or have a contractual relationship with a DOE National Lab, DOE plant or site (e.g. Technology Transfer Office personnel).

Deadline - October 18, 2024; 3pm (ET)

i. Topic Area 1: Scalable Concentrating Solar Collectors

This topic area solicits innovations to decrease the installed costs of solar collectors to $50/m² with high reliability and efficiency over a 30-year lifetime. Heliostat systems, line-focusing collectors, and other novel collector forms are of interest.

Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Automated robotic installation
• Communication and control systems
• Structures and facets
• Solar field analysis tools and standards
• Anti-soiling and cleaning technologies
• Wind and weather impact

ii. Topic Area 2: Scalable Supercritical Carbon Dioxide (sCO₂) Turbomachinery

SETO solicits proposals for RD&D to enable the deployment of sCO₂ turbomachinery for advanced CSP systems. Multiple heat engine and heat pump cycles are of interest to enable cost-effective CST plants coupled with thermal energy storage.

iii. Topic Area 3: Scalable Concentrating Solar-thermal Receivers and Reactors

This topic solicits proposals for novel solar receivers, solar reactors, and improvements to existing solar receiver concepts. Successful receiver or reactor technologies will support the deployment of CST systems that can impact the U.S. market. Targeted outcomes include:

• Development of a complete receiver subsystem with ≥10 MW_th capacity and ≥750 ⁰C outlet temperature that can be integrated and tested with a ≥10 MW_e sCO₂ power cycle.
• Development of a ≥1 MW_th reactor archetype that integrates solar thermal energy with industrial production of chemicals, cement, or minerals. Testing and integration of solar steam or heat with the product of industrial products for scaled up reactor use.
• Enabling near-term cost, reliability, and performance improvements of commercial CST receivers.
• De-risking receiver or reactor concepts to enable novel CST systems which can achieve broad commercial deployment.

The Office of Technology Transitions (OTT) is issuing this lab call to solicit proposals for the Energy I-Corps (EIC) program. The goal of EIC is to train researchers at DOE National Laboratories, and DOE plants, and sites to identify market pathways for their technology. This call solicits proposals from DOE National Laboratory, plant, and site technology transfer offices to participate in EIC, for researchers to develop skills in commercialization, and to investigate the market potential for DOE-funded technologies at a critical juncture on the path toward commercialization.

OTT expects to award up to $350K across Topics 1 and 3 in this instance of the EIC lab call. However, additional funding may be available based on proposals' alignment with DOE program office goals. Individual DOE program offices and partner agencies, including OTT, will review and assess relevant applications for possible selection and funding. 

DOE expects to select EIC projects in the following three topics:

Topic 1: EIC Pipeline Development - This topic seeks proposals for projects and programming that have the potential to directly increase participation in EIC Training Cohorts (Topic 2) in future EIC lab calls. Deadline - April 12, 2024; 3pm (ET)

Topic 2: EIC Training Cohort (Cohort 19) - This topic seeks team applications to participate in EIC Cohort 19. Selected teams of researchers will participate in an intensive two-month, curriculum-based program to learn the principles of the business model canvas, define value proposition, and identify customer segments. Teams will develop hypotheses on these elements and interview at least 75 stakeholders as part of the customer discovery process to iterate on their business model canvas and to better understand the market’s adoption readiness of the lab technology. Application *only for Topic 2* via MS Forms link:https://forms.microsoft.com/g/9SrM9yGY2F. Deadline - April 12, 2024; 3pm ET

Topic 3: Post EIC - This Topic is an opportunity to continue advancing EIC Topic 2 technologies toward commercialization. The technology must 1) be from a DOE Laboratory or DOE plant or site AND 2) have gone through either EIC Training Cohort (Topic 2) or the U.S. National Science Foundation's Innovation Corps. EIC Training Cohort graduates and non-graduates can apply to this topic. However, non-graduates are limited to individuals who are employed by or have a contractual relationship with a DOE National Lab, DOE plant or site (e.g. Technology Transfer Office personnel). Deadline - April 12, 2024; 3pm (ET)

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) intends to issue, on behalf of the Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO), a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) titled “Concentrating Solar Flux to Heat and Power.”

SETO anticipates that the FOA will seek RD&D projects in three topic areas. Technologies in each area may support a variety of concentrating solar-thermal (CST) forms including CSP, SIPH, and high-temperature solar-thermal reactors. Each topic area focuses on scaling and maturing impactful technologies for specified CST subsystems.

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is being issued by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's (EERE) Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO). The goals of this FOA are to advance manufacturing platform technologies in the following specific areas:

• Platforms for next generation battery manufacturing - focusing on manufacturability and scalability of critical battery components and system architectures as well as the role of machines for battery techonlogies (i.e., sodium-ion batteries (NIBs), flow batteries, and nanolayered films)
• Smart manufacturing platforms for battery production - developing innovative ways to revolutionize battery prouction by maximizing the benefits of smart manufacturing

This FOA will support activities to advance platform techonologies that enable flexible, scalable, and highly controllable battery manufacturing processes. Topics include:

1. Platforms for Next Generation Battery Manufacturing

     1.1 Processes and Machines for Sodium-ion Batteries

     1.2 Processes and Design for Manufacturability of Flow Batteries

     1.3 Scalable Manufacturing of Nanolayered Films for Energy Storage

2. Smart Manufacturing Platforms for Battery Production

The eXCHANGE system is currently designed to enforce hard deadlines for Concept Paper and Full Application submissions. The APPLY and SUBMIT buttons automatically disable at the defined submission deadlines. The intention of this design is to consistently enforce a standard deadline for all applicants.

Applicants that experience issues with submissions PRIOR to the FOA Deadline: In the event that an Applicant experiences technical difficulties with a submission, the Applicant should contact the eXCHANGE helpdesk for assistance (exchangehelp@hq.doe.gov). The eXCHANGE helpdesk and/or the EERE eXCHANGE System Administrators (eXCHANGE@ee.doe.gov) will assist the Applicant in resolving all issues.

Applicants that experience issues with submissions that result in a late submission: In the event that an Applicant experiences technical difficulties with a submission that results in a late submission, the Applicant should contact the eXCHANGE helpdesk for assistance (exchangehelp@hq.doe.gov). The eXCHANGE helpdesk and/or the EERE eXCHANGE System Administrators (eXCHANGE@ee.doe.gov) will assist the Applicant in resolving all issues (including finalizing the submission on behalf of, and with the Applicant's concurrence). DOE will only accept late applications when the Applicant has a) encountered technical difficulties beyond their control; b) has contacted the eXCHANGE helpdesk for assistance; and c) has submitted the application through eXCHANGE within 24 hours of the FOA's posted deadline.

Please see the full FOA in the DOCUMENTS section below.

The public comment period in response to this RFI has been extended to March 6, 2024.

This Request for Information (RFI) is soliciting feedback from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and other stakeholders on Part 1 of a draft National Definition for a Zero Emissions Building. Responses to this RFI will help to develop a definition that will provide a clear market signal and consistent target, backed by measurable data, that is intended to help move the building sector to zero emissions.President Biden has called for net-zero emissions, economy-wide, by 2050 and a 100% clean energy electricity sector by 2035. Within the building sector, the Biden Administration has set the goal to make zero emissions resilient new construction and retrofits common practice by 2030. Accomplishing these goals will require increasing efficiency, expanding clean energy capacity, and plugging both new and existing buildings into a grid that is rapidly becoming cleaner.

Developing a broadly accepted common definition of a zero emissions building, as well as a pathway for verification, is foundational to efforts by public and private entities to transition the building sector to zero emissions. The National Definition for a Zero Emissions Building will create a standardized, consistent, and measurable basis for zero emissions buildings. The definition will act as a framework, offering designers and operators multiple pathways to influence the design and operation of buildings, thereby reduce building sector emissions.

As is proposed currently, the definition of a zero emissions building is one that is:

1. Highly energy efficient,

2. Free of on-site emissions from energy use, and

3. Powered solely from clean energy

Part 1 of the draft definition in full, which includes details on the criteria above, is available here: https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/national-definition-zero-emissions-building. This RFI aims to gather more extensive insights on the definition. DOE will consider responses to this RFI before finalizing version 1.00 of Part 1 of the National Definition for a Zero Emissions Building.

Responses to this RFI must be submitted electronically to https://forms.office.com/g/Y0Ss3UFdL3, no later than 5:00 pm (ET) on March 6, 2024. This is solely a request for information and not a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). EERE is not accepting applications at this time.

To apply, please register with the American-Made Network online application portal, HeroX, at Energy Program for Innovation Clusters (EPIC) Round 3 | HeroX. Rules and required forms for Full Applications are available on the HeroX website.

EPIC Round 3 Overview:

The Energy Program for Innovation Clusters (EPIC) Round 3 is a $4 million to $9 million (pending FY24 appropriations) program to support incubators developing new programs that support energy entrepreneurs and startups.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE’s) Office of Technology Transitions (OTT) developed EPIC to encourage robust growth of regional energy innovation ecosystems across the United States. Innovation ecosystems, or clusters, increase the productivity of startups, drive the direction and pace of innovation, and stimulate the formation of new businesses, which further reinforces the cluster itself.

In this program, (DOE) seeks to fund organizations that aid in the development of new business ventures, including incubators, accelerators, co-working startup communities, or any other organizations that self-identify as advocates for innovation and entrepreneurship. DOE encourages these organizations to compete in EPIC.

This program consists of five components:

1. Phase 1 - Prize Competition: Competitors will design a minimum viable program (MVP) and demonstrate that they have a plan, access to the right networks, and the skills and expertise to successfully implement their MVP. It is expected that during Phase 1, competitors solicit and incorporate feedback from key stakeholders on their program design to ensure they can start implementing quickly in Phase 2.

Any non-governmental entity that meets the eligibility requirements can apply to Phase 1. Winners will each receive a $150,000 cash prize.

2. Phase 2 – Prize Competition Resulting in a Cooperative Agreement: Only winners of Phase 1 are eligible to compete in Phase 2. In Phase 2, competitors will begin implementation of their MVP and should move as quickly as possible from MVP planning and program design to implementation. It is expected that by the end of Phase 2, competitors have recruited startups, successfully implemented a portion of their MVP, can speak to progress toward the metrics proposed in Phase 1, and have developed a 3-year plan to transition from MVP to full program.

Winners of Phase 2 will enter directly into negotiations with OTT for a $1,000,000 multiyear cooperative agreement to scale their MVP.

3. Cooperative Agreement: The cooperative agreement will provide the winners of EPIC Phase 2 with a multiyear, stable source of funding - contingent on satisfactory performance of agreed upon goals - to scale the highest potential EPIC MVPs to support energy tech startups and grow their regional innovation ecosystems. All cooperative agreements will be governed by 2CFR200 and 2CFR910.

4. Startup Pitch Competitions: As part of EPIC, OTT and NREL will host at least two national pitch competitions for energy-related startups. The competing startups will be nominated by EPIC winners (past and present). Competing startups must be focused on hard-tech development. $105,000 is available to energy-related startups for each pitch competition.

5. Bonus Prizes: EPIC is intended to serve as a scalable and replicable framework for efficiently deploying support to incubators serving energy entrepreneurs and startups. At any time, DOE Technical Program Offices may leverage this framework by sponsoring one or more Bonus Prizes up to $600,000 in additional prizes. These Bonus Prizes may be added to any of the three previous categories (Prize Competition, Cooperative Agreement, or Startup Pitch Competition). At this time there are not any current Bonus Prizes, but they may be added at any point. Any updates will be posted on the HeroX page.

To apply, please register with the American-Made Network online application portal, HeroX, at Energy Program for Innovation Clusters (EPIC) Round 3 | HeroX. Rules and required forms for Full Applications are available on the HeroX website.

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) intends to issue, on behalf of the Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) and the Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO), a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) entitled "Marine Energy University Foundational R&D."

This FOA supports EERE’s goals of increasing energy affordability, domestic economic prosperity, and energy security while enhancing the reliability and resiliency of the U.S. power grid. To achieve these goals, WPTO and WETO will fund research related to marine energy renewable energy technologies under this FOA. Marine energy is inclusive of energy from waves, tides, currents, and/or ocean thermal gradients.

It is anticipated that the FOA may include the following Topic Areas:

1. Open-Source Marine Energy Converter (MEC) Test Platforms to Produce Open-Source Data
2. Sustainable & Scalable Offshore Wind, Marine Energy, and Aquaculture
3. Undergraduate Senior Design and/or Research Project Development
4. Open Topic

This notice of intent (NOI) is issued so that interested parties are aware of EERE’s intention to issue this FOA in the near term. All the information contained in this NOI is subject to change. EERE will not respond to questions concerning this NOI. Once the FOA has been released, EERE will provide an avenue for potential applicants to submit questions.

This is a Request for Information (RFI) issued by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of State and Community Energy Programs. The intent of this request is to inform DOE on best practices for the Home Energy Rebate programs to support durable market demand for installations that improve housing energy performance nationwide. The Home Energy Rebate programs are comprised of two provisions authorizing $8.8 billion in spending from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (Sec. 50121 and Sec. 50122 of Pub. L. 117-169). Responses to this RFI will be used to create program guidance that will assist states, territories, and Indian Tribes in designing, managing, and improving Home Energy Rebate programs. The goal is to collect information that will ultimately support states, territories, and Indian Tribes in creating Home Energy Rebate programs that effectively serve U.S. households with technology products and services that reduce energy bills, increase home comfort, improve indoor air quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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This is a Request for Information (RFI) only. DOE will not pay for information provided under this RFI and no project will be supported because of this RFI. This RFI is not accepting applications for financial assistance or financial incentives. DOE will consider responses to this RFI as it develops program guidance, expected to be issued as an Administrative and Legal Requirements Document (ALRD) in 2023.

This RFI is not a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA); therefore, DOE is not currently accepting applications. Responding to this RFI does not provide any advantage or disadvantage to applicants to future funding opportunities regarding the subject matter.

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Responses to this RFI may be submitted in two ways. DOE prefers responses that are submitted via this online form: https://forms.office.com/g/iuwKCbKpJK. The form includes response boxes for all 60 questions included in this RFI. Respondents may answer as many or as few questions as they wish. Using this online form will allow DOE to sort and compare responses by question, which will help agency staff to more easily analyze the responses to inform program guidance.

Responses may also be submitted by email to IRAHomeRebates@hq.doe.gov. Responses must be provided as a Microsoft Word (.docx) attachment to the email, with no more than 10 pages in length, 12-point font, 1-inch margins. It is recommended that attachments with file sizes exceeding 25MB be compressed (i.e., zipped) to ensure message delivery. If submitting responses via email, please identify the specific question number and topic area to which your response is directed, if applicable. Respondents may answer as many or as few questions as they wish.

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Please find the full RFI in the DOCUMENTS section below..

Modification 0001:

This modification updates section references under Section IV.F. In addition, an “Energy Justice Report” template has been provided in the Application Forms and Templates section below under this FOA posting, and referenced in sections IV.C and IV.D.vi of the FOA document.

_______________________________________________________________________

The Office of State and Community Energy Programs is issuing this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) titled Energy Improvements at Public K-12 School Facilities - Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) - Renew America's Schools.

The activities to be funded under this FOA support BIL section 40541 and the broader government-wide approach to support projects that enable replicable and scalable impacts, create innovative, sustaining partnerships, leverage funding and economies of scale, focus on disadvantaged communities, improve student, teacher, and occupant health, enrich learning and growth, assist schools that serve as community assets (e.g., neighborhood cooling centers or disaster recovery shelters), and are crafted thoughtfully within the context of public school facilities (e.g., procurement restraints, construction windows, etc.).

Topic Area 1 – High-Impact Energy Efficiency and Health Improvements

Proposals contemplated under this topic area will include energy improvements that result in direct reduction to school energy costs, increase energy efficiency, and lead to improvements in teacher and student health, including indoor air quality. Energy cost savings may be realized by reduced loads and/or by demand flexibility and demand response approaches.

Topic Area 2 - Innovative Energy Technology Packages

Proposals contemplated under this topic include innovative energy technology packages. Applicants may include any improvement, repair, or renovation to a school that incorporates two or more of the following energy improvements:

DOE expects to make a total of approximately $80,000,000 of federal funding available for new awards under this FOA, subject to the availability of appropriated funds. DOE anticipates making approximately 20-100 awards under this FOA. DOE may issue one, multiple, or no awards. Individual awards may vary between $500,000 and $15,000,000.

Link to Energy Justice Dashboard: https://energyjustice-schools.egs.anl.gov/

Link to Needs Assessment Tools: School Needs and Benefits Assessment Resources | Department of Energy

SCEP is compiling a “teaming” partner list to facilitate widespread participation in this initiative. This list allows organizations with expertise in the topic to express their interest to potential applicants and to explore potential partnerships. Please see the Teaming List section of the FOA document for more information.

The eXCHANGE system is currently designed to enforce hard deadlines for Concept Paper and Full Application submissions. The APPLY and SUBMIT buttons automatically disable at the defined submission deadlines. The intention of this design is to consistently enforce a standard deadline for all applicants.

Applicants that experience issues with submissions PRIOR to the FOA Deadline: In the event that an Applicant experiences technical difficulties with a submission, the Applicant should contact the eXCHANGE helpdesk for assistance (exchangehelp@hq.doe.gov). The eXCHANGE helpdesk and/or the EERE eXCHANGE System Administrators (eXCHANGE@ee.doe.gov) will assist the Applicant in resolving all issues.

Applicants that experience issues with submissions that result in a late submission: In the event that an Applicant experiences technical difficulties with a submission that results in a late submission, the Applicant should contact the eXCHANGE helpdesk for assistance (exchangehelp@hq.doe.gov). The eXCHANGE helpdesk and/or the EERE eXCHANGE System Administrators (eXCHANGE@ee.doe.gov) will assist the Applicant in resolving all issues (including finalizing the submission on behalf of, and with the Applicant's concurrence). DOE will only accept late applications when the Applicant has a) encountered technical difficulties beyond their control; b) has contacted the eXCHANGE helpdesk for assistance; and c) has submitted the application through eXCHANGE within 24 hours of the FOA's posted deadline.

Amendment 000002 - The purpose of this amendment is to modify Subtopic Area 2B Metrics to replace “reduction in variability” with “extension of performance”. And under the third bullet in Subtopic Area 2b Specific Requirements, replace “variability” with “duration”. See FOA DE-FOA-0002636/000002 for details.

Amendment 000001 - The purpose of this amendment is to modify Appendix G to correct an error to allow the following feedstocks for Topic Area 3: Syngas (derived from other allowable feedstocks). See FOA DE-FOA-0002636/000001 for details.

This FOA (Funding Opportunity Announcement) supports two priority areas in the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) research and development (R&D) portfolio. The first of these priority areas addresses new strategies for energy and resource recovery from waste streams. Waste streams including municipal solid waste, animal manure, wastewater residuals and other organic wastes have been identified as a key feedstock for the production of biofuels and bioproducts. These wastes represent significant environmental liabilities in the forms of fugitive methane emissions, air and water quality impacts, and odors, amongst others. These wastes also disproportionately are cited in disadvantaged communities leading to a multitude of health impacts on the surrounding populations. There are also significant costs associated with the management of these waste streams including treatment, hauling, and disposal or tipping fees. These economic factors make these waste streams an economic liability to the communities managing them but also a cost-advantaged feedstock for the production of biofuels and bioproducts.

The second priority area addressed by this FOA targets improved organisms and inorganic catalysts. BETO’s Conversion R&D Program has identified process robustness as a key challenge that must be addressed prior to scale-up. This includes the development of more robust organisms and catalytic processes for the conversion of sustainable feedstocks and intermediates into biofuels and bioproducts. Topic Area 2 of this FOA (including subtopics 2a and 2b) seeks technologies to improve the economic viability of microbial production processes by improving the productivity and robustness of the engineered microorganisms. Topic Area 3 focuses on inorganic catalyst development and investigating catalyst robustness and the mitigation of negative impacts or impurities found in bio-derived streams. Topic Areas 2 and 3 will ultimately improve the economics of sustainable biofuels production to realize cost goals of under $2.50/gallon by 2030 and to enable more processes that are capable of producing sustainable aviation fuel and meet the White House’s goal of reducing aviation emissions by 20% by 2030.

Topic Area 1: MSW Feedstock Technologies

Topic Area 2: Robust Microbial Cells

Topic Area 3: Robust Catalytic Processes

Topic Area 4: Community Scale Resource and Energy Recovery from Organic Wastes

Questions regarding the FOA must be submitted to FY22FeedstockConversionFOA@ee.doe.gov.

The eXCHANGE system is currently designed to enforce hard deadlines for Concept Paper and Full Application submissions. The APPLY and SUBMIT buttons automatically disable at the defined submission deadlines. The intention of this design is to consistently enforce a standard deadline for all applicants.

Applicants that experience issues with submissions PRIOR to the FOA Deadline: In the event that an Applicant experiences technical difficulties with a submission, the Applicant should contact the eXCHANGE helpdesk for assistance (exchangehelp@hq.doe.gov). The eXCHANGE helpdesk and/or the EERE eXCHANGE System Administrators (eXCHANGE@ee.doe.gov) will assist the Applicant in resolving all issues.

Applicants that experience issues with submissions that result in a late submission: In the event that an Applicant experiences technical difficulties with a submission that results in a late submission, the Applicant should contact the eXCHANGE helpdesk for assistance (exchangehelp@hq.doe.gov). The eXCHANGE helpdesk and/or the EERE eXCHANGE System Administrators (eXCHANGE@ee.doe.gov) will assist the Applicant in resolving all issues (including finalizing the submission on behalf of, and with the Applicant's concurrence). DOE will only accept late applications when the Applicant has a) encountered technical difficulties beyond their control; b) has contacted the eXCHANGE helpdesk for assistance; and c) has submitted the application through eXCHANGE within 24 hours of the FOA's posted deadline.

Please see the full FOA in the DOCUMENTS section below.

This Request for Information (RFI) is intended to inform the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity (ED) on enabling an inclusive and just entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem in climate and energy technologies. DOE seeks to understand the barriers to entry to DOE funding opportunities and other forms of assistance for first-time applicants, people and organizations from underrepresented communities, underserved and frontline communities, and from other non-traditional backgrounds, as well as understanding programmatic, operational, or other internal measures that DOE can implement to remove these barriers. Measures may encompass application support services for funding opportunities, incubation and acceleration services for entrepreneurship; and other measures to support a just and inclusive innovation ecosystem. This RFI is not aimed at policy recommendations that require changes in the law, but those that DOE can implement using its existing authorities. 

*******FULL APPLICATION DEADLINE UPDATE********

Due to several formatting issues with the required forms for the Full Application phase, USDA/DOE are extending the Full Application deadline to Friday, September 29^th, 2017. All documentation for the Full Application is due by 5:00 PM EDT on the new deadline. If there are fields that are locked or un-editable in any of the following documentation it will not negatively impact the overall application score. These forms include: SF-424, RR Budget, RR Subaward Budget, RR Personal Data, RR Key Person Expanded, RR Other Project Info, Performance Site, and NIFA Supplemental Info.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), announce that up to $9 million in funding will be made available through the Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) to increase the nation’s energy independence by supporting the development of bioenergy feedstocks, biofuels, and biobased products.

The projects funded through BRDI—a joint USDA and DOE program—will help develop economically and environmentally sustainable sources of renewable biomass, increase the availability of renewable fuels and biobased products, and diversify our energy portfolio. Both DOE and USDA have been given statutory authorities to support the development of a biomass-based industry in the United States, under the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (FCEA) and the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

USDA and DOE will make up to $9 million available through BRDI in Fiscal Year (FY) 2017. Applicants will be permitted to address any or all of the following three legislatively mandated technical areas: (A) feedstocks development, (B) biofuels and biobased products development, and (C) biofuels development analysis.

In support of these goals, USDA and DOE are soliciting applications from all interested parties, including for-profit entities, universities, nonprofits, and national laboratories. For FY 2017, DOE anticipates funding 1 to 6 awards, and USDA anticipates funding 3 to 14 awards. Awards are anticipated to range from $500,000 to $2 million per award. All DOE funding is subject to the availability of annual congressional appropriations.

Information on where to submit questions regarding the content of the announcement and where to submit questions regarding submission of applications is found in the full RFA posted on the EERE eXCHANGE website.

To apply to this RFA, Applicants must register with and submit application materials through EERE Exchange (this website), EERE’s online application portal.

The Exchange system enforces hard deadlines for Concept Paper and Full Application submissions. The APPLY and SUBMIT buttons automatically disable at the defined submission deadlines. The intention of this design is to consistently enforce a standard deadline for all applicants.

Applicants that experience issues with submissions PRIOR to the RFA Deadline:

In the event that an Applicant experiences technical difficulties with a submission PRIOR to the deadline, the Applicant should contact the eXCHANGE helpdesk for assistance (EERE‐ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov). The eXCHANGE helpdesk &/or the EERE Exchange System Administrators (Exchange@ee.doe.gov ) will assist the Applicant in resolving all issues.

Applicants that experience issues with submissions that result in a late submission:

In the event that an Applicant experiences technical difficulties with a submission that results in a late submission, the Applicant should contact the Exchange helpdesk for assistance (EERE‐ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov).

The eXCHANGE helpdesk &/or the EERE eXCHANGE System Administrators (eXCHANGE@ee.doe.gov) will assist the Applicant in resolving all issues (including finalizing the submission on behalf of and with the Applicant’s concurrence). DOE will only accept late applications when the Applicant has a) encountered technical difficulties beyond their control; b) has contacted the Exchange helpdesk for assistance, and c) has submitted the application through Exchange within 24 hours of the RFA’s posted deadline.

********UPDATE**********

EERE-DOE/USDA-NIFA is updating the Content and Form of Application Submission related to the following documentation: SF 424 R&R Cover Sheet, SF 424 R&R Project/Performance Site Location(s), R & R Other Project Information Form, R & R Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded), R & R Personal Data, SF 424 (R & R) Budget Fed & Non-Fed, and Supplemental Information Form. These forms are now combined into the form Blank SF 424 Editable Full File (posted below under "Required Application Documents"). This new file includes all the files previously listed, and has several links between the SF 424 and all preceding documents. This update should fix the documentation errors that many applicants have been experiencing.

NEW DUE DATE:  A modification 000004 to the FOA was issued February 14, 2017, changing the Full Application due date to 3 PM ET February 22, 2017. Please see the full Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Mod 000004 document in the "FOA DOCUMENTS" section below for complete application requirements.

Application file formats update: The Full Application Technical Volume and SF-424 Application now may be submitted in .PDF, .DOCX, or .DOC file formats.

FAQs and presentation slides from the Informational Webinars providing an overview of this FOA are available for download from the "FOA DOCUMENTS" section below. 

FOA OVERVIEW

To continue its work bolstering U.S. innovation and competitiveness in an evolving energy sector, the Technology-to-Market Program (Tech-to-Market) within the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is releasing this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA).

Tech-to-Market pilots and evaluates innovative, cross-cutting programs that eliminate common barriers preventing market exploration of clean energy technologies. Tech-to-Market works across two interrelated areas to achieve this mission: (1) Technical Community & Industry Collaboration, and (2) Lowering Barriers to Resource Access.

The Tech-to-Market Innovative Pathways FOA is seeking to surface new testable and scalable ways (mechanisms, approaches, models, and/or platforms) to address both areas above (Topics 1 and 2, respectively). This Funding Opportunity will fund implementation of innovative cross-cutting mechanisms that could alleviate some of the common structural challenges facing promising new energy technologies on the pathway to market. The two highlighted areas of interest for this FOA are (1) New models for Industry-startup partnerships under Topic 1, and (2) New investment models under Topic 2. However, Tech-to-Market will consider for funding any proposals that address the two Topics.

EERE’s intent is to pilot and evaluate new mechanisms, and position those that are successful for adoption by the private sector. These mechanisms are intended to augment existing Tech-to-Market efforts currently supported. This Funding Opportunity is not intended to fund individual technology solutions directly. Rather, it will fund approaches that address common barriers across the larger energy ecosystem and help create more efficient pathways to market for clean energy technologies. Overcoming these common barriers will help bolster U.S. leadership in energy innovation, capturing the associated economic benefits and ensuring affordable and reliable American energy.

Please see the full FOA document in the "FOA DOCUMENTS" section below for complete application requirements. NOTE:  The Full Application due date has been moved back to 3 PM ET February 22, 2017.

PLEASE NOTE:

11 October 2016:

NEW AMENDED NOTICE AND RECOMMENDED FORMS ARE NOW POSTED. APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED TO REVIEW AMENDED NOTICE AND NEW FORMS BEFORE SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS.

DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is putting the world-class resources of the national labs at your fingertips with the Small Business Vouchers (SBV) Pilot. During fiscal year 2016, EERE applied almost $14MM to new projects with 76 small businesses.

Now, EERE is announcing its first call for Small Business Vouchers in fiscal year 2017. EERE has pledged $12MM in new funding for this round, and one additional round during the fiscal year.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) enterprise of National Laboratories is an innovation powerhouse full of unique and advanced instruments as well as world class scientists, engineers and other professionals. The Small Business Vouchers (SBV) Pilot is a mechanism structured to allow small businesses engaged in the renewable energy and the energy efficiency sectors greater access to the vast capabilities and resources that exist at the DOE National Laboratories.

Through the SBV Pilot, eligible small businesses can tap into the reserve of National Laboratory intellectual and technical assets to overcome critical technology and commercialization challenges such as:

· Prototyping

· Materials characterization

· High performance computations

· Modeling and simulations

· Intermediate scaling to generate samples for potential customers

· Validation of technology performance

· Designing new ways to satisfy regulatory compliance

Modification 000002: Clarify expectations and procedure for Installed Capital Cost (ICC) and Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) analysis in Topic Area 1.

The overall objective of this FOA is to further the development of non-powered dams (NPD) and pumped storage hydropower (PSH) resources by reducing capital costs and deployment timelines. These objectives will be achieved by funding projects in two topic areas.

Projects awarded under Topic Area 1 will develop low-head, modular, and standard turbine/generation technologies for NPD applications that can reduce civil works activities and can operate over a range of flows.

Under Topic Area 2, recipients will prove the concept feasibility of innovative closed-loop PSH systems than can reduce development costs and timelines by applying concepts of modularity and creatively producing head differentials (e.g. pressurizing water using compressed air or weights).

The complete FOA can be accessed under the "Documents" heading below.

The FOA FAQs for this specific FOA can be accessed under the "Documents" heading below.

Required application forms and templates can be accessed under the "Required Application Documents" heading below.

DE-FOA-0001455 HydroNEXT Informational Webinar was held on Aug 2, 2016. The webinar presentation can be accessed under the "Documents" heading below.

Please note the "Submission Deadlines" below. The EERE Exchange system is designed to enforce hard deadlines for Concept Paper and Full Application submissions. The APPLY and SUBMIT buttons automatically disable at the defined submission deadlines. The intention of this design is to consistently enforce a standard deadline for all applicants. Applicants must submit a Concept Paper by the stated deadline in order to be eligible to submit a Full Application.

Applicants that experience issues with submissions PRIOR to the FOA Deadline:

The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit feedback from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and other stakeholders on issues related to the proposed modification to the accounting of renewable energy (RE) source energy. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) proposes to replace the “fossil-fuel equivalency” approach with the alternative “captured energy” approach described below. This would impact the site-to-source ratios used in analyses that inform EERE reports, standards, and evaluations. This methodological choice is important as renewable generation continues to grow and accounts for more significant portions of the nation’s electricity production. This is solely a Request for Information and not a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). EERE is not accepting applications, and no financial assistance is being provided. Please see the full RFI DE-FOA-0001512 “Accounting Conventions for Non-Combustible Renewable Energy” in the DOCUMENTS section below.

EERE seeks feedback on using an alternative methodology for calculating source energy from non-combustible renewable resources in analysis that informs EERE products, reports, and standards – such as the Home Energy Score. The current “fossil-fuel equivalency” approach uses the equivalent average heat rate of fossil fuels to convert renewable electricity to source energy (approximately 9,500 BTU/kWh), while the proposed “captured energy” approach would use the heat content of electricity (3,412 BTU/kWh). This proposed change would better represent the lack of fuels used in generating renewable electricity, and would result in a slightly lower site-to-source ratio than the current approach.

Responses to this RFI must be submitted electronically to EERE.Analysis@ee.doe.gov no later than 5:00pm (ET) on March 14, 2016. Responses must be provided as attachments to an email. It is recommended that attachments with file sizes exceeding 25MB be compressed (i.e., zipped) to ensure message delivery. Responses must be provided as a Microsoft Word (.docx) attachment to the email, and no more than 20 pages in length, 12 point font, 1 inch margins. Only electronic responses will be accepted.

Please identify your answers by responding to a specific question or topic if applicable. Respondents may answer as many or as few questions as they wish.

EERE will not respond to individual submissions or publish publicly a compendium of responses. A response to this RFI will not be viewed as a binding commitment to develop or pursue the project or ideas discussed.

Respondents are requested to provide the following information at the start of their response to this RFI:

Company / institution name;

Company / institution contact;

Contact's address, phone number, and e-mail address.

Please see the full RFI DE-FOA-0001512 document in the DOCUMENTS section below.

Modification 0002: The purpose of this modification is to revise the "Concept Paper Encourage/Discourage Notifications Sent" date on the cover page from 11/20/15 to 11/24/15.

Modification 0001: The purpose of this modification is to revise Section I.B. Background, to include information on the Teaming Partner List.

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to establish DOE's third Manufacturing Innovation Institute under the Clean Energy Manufacturing Initiative (CEMI). The purpose of CEMI is to strengthen U.S. clean energy manufacturing competitiveness and to increase U. S. manufacturing competitiveness across the board by boosting energy productivity and leveraging low-cost domestic energy resources as fuels and feedstocks. Within CEMI, DOE uses Manufacturing Innovation Institutes to develop energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies in areas where an industrial consortium for research, development and demonstration has been determined through public engagement, requests for information and analysis to have high potential to address a significant and potentially impactful advanced manufacturing opportunity. The opportunity to be addressed in this FOA is the research, development and demonstration of Smart Manufacturing technology to enable cost effective information and communication technologies for the real-time management and control of energy in manufacturing across the unit-process, facility, enterprise, and supply chain.

The Exchange system is currently designed to enforce hard deadlines for Full Application submissions. The APPLY and SUBMIT buttons automatically disable at the defined submission deadlines. The intention of this design is to consistently enforce a standard deadline for all applications.

Applicants that experience issues with submissions PRIOR to the FOA Deadline: In the event that an Applicant experiences technical difficulties with a submission, the Applicant should contact the Exchange helpdesk for assistance (EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov). The Exchange helpdesk &/or the EERE eXCHANGE System Administrators (EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov) will assist the Applicant in resolving all issues.

Please click "FOA FAQs" under the "FOA Documents" heading below for Questions and Answers specific to this FOA.

Informational Webinar: The Informational Webinar mentioned in the FOA was held on October 6, 2015 at 3:00PM Eastern Standard Time. The Webinar slides and a combination of the slides and transcript are both provided in the FOA Documents section below.

An audio version of the webinar can be accessed at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/3704049435054492673

Please note that the webinar audio begins at 5:05 on the recording.

Concentrating Optics for Lower Levelized Energy CosTS (COLLECTS) FOA seeks to further CSP system technologies by soliciting disruptive, transformative projects for the concentrating solar collectors in the CSP plant. These innovative projects will seek to surpass the targets set out in the SunShot Vision Study, enabling CSP to be cost-competitive with conventional forms of electric power generation. Projects will target the design and manufacturing of novel solar collectors with the ability to significantly reduce the solar field contribution to the overall LCOE of the CSP plant, and which have not been previously specifically targeted by CSP FOAs.

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To view questions and answers pertaining to this FOA, please find the DE-FOA-0001268 FOA FAQs document in the "FOA Documents" section below.

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The purpose of this Notice of Intent is to provide potential applicants advance notice that the Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO), on behalf of the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), intends to issue a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) entitled "Clean Energy Manufacturing Innovation Institute on Smart Manufacturing: Advanced Sensors, Controls, Platforms, and Modeling for Manufacturing" (DE-FOA-0001263).

This Notice is issued so that interested parties are aware of the EERE’s intention to issue this FOA in the near term. All of the information contained in this Notice is subject to change. EERE may issue a FOA as described herein, may issue a FOA that is significantly different than the FOA described herein, or DOE may not issue a FOA at all.

NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED THROUGH THIS NOTICE. Please do not submit questions or respond to this Notice of Intent. Prospective applicants to the FOA should begin developing partnerships, formulating ideas, and gathering data in anticipation of the issuance of this FOA. It is anticipated that this FOA will be posted to EERE eXCHANGE early in the year 2015.

The SunShot Initiative (SunShot) is a national collaborative effort to make solar energy cost-competitive with other forms of electricity by the end of the decade. The installed cost of solar photovoltaics (PV) has reduced significantly in recent years, spurring significant and accelerating deployment of PV systems.

With the anticipated proliferation of solar power at the centralized and distributed scales, the variability and uncertainty of the solar resource poses challenges for reliably integrating photovoltaics (PV) with electric power systems, both at the distribution and bulk system levels.

The goal of the Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, SHINES Funding Opportunity is to enable the development and demonstration of integrated, scalable, and cost-effective technologies for solar that incorporates energy storage and works seamlessly to meet both consumer needs and the needs of the electricity grid. Such an integrated solution should utilize smart inverters, and be capable of working with smart buildings, smart appliances, and utility communication and control systems. The solutions thus developed will enable widespread sustainable deployment of low-cost, flexible, and reliable PV generation, and provide for successful integration of PV power plants with the electric grid.

WEBINAR UPDATE:

The SHINES FOA Webinar on Thursday, November 13, 2014 had technical difficulties and has been rescheduled for November 18, 2014.  Please register at the link below.

https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/656418777

Title:      SHINES FOA

Date:     Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Time:     3:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements

PC-based attendees

Required: Windows® 8, 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server

Mac®-based attendees

Required: Mac OS® X 10.6 or newer

Mobile attendees

Required: iPhone®, iPad®, Android™ phone or Android tablet

Please note: the deadline to reply to reviewer comments has changed to April 11, 2015 at 5:00PM Eastern.

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Building upon the successful outcomes of the 2012 SunShot CSP R&D FOA, the CSP: Advanced Projects Offering Low LCOE Opportunities FOA seeks to further CSP system technologies by soliciting transformative projects for all of the components of a CSP plant. These innovative projects will seek to meet the targets set out in the SunShot Vision Study, enabling CSP to be cost-competitive with conventional forms of electric power generation. Projects will address challenges in every technical system of the plant, including solar collectors, receivers and heat transfer fluids, thermal energy storage, power cycles, as well as operations and maintenance, which have not been previously specifically targeted by CSP FOAs.

Informational Webinar: 10/10/2014 @ 3PM Eastern

Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/508346624

This is a Request for Information (RFI) only. Responses to the RFI will be treated as informational only and will not be viewed as a binding commitment for the respondent to develop or pursue the project or ideas discussed.

DESCRIPTION: The Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) seeks information on mid-Technology Readiness Level (TRL) research and development (R&D) needs, market challenges, supply chain challenges and shared facility needs in addressing advanced manufacturing development challenges impacting clean energy manufacturing.  AMO is particularly interested in the challenges associated with advanced manufacturing technology which might be overcome by pre-competitive collaborations conducted via a Clean Energy Manufacturing Innovation Institute. AMO recently completed a broad RFI on this topic area. The intent of this RFI is to narrow the focus of a possible Clean Energy Manufacturing Institute and invite discussion on a set of the following specific focus areas. The Topical/Technical Focus Areas under consideration in this RFI are:

•              Advanced Materials Manufacturing (AMM)

•              Advanced Sensing, Control, and Platforms for Manufacturing (ASCPM)

•              High-Efficiency Modular Chemical Processes (HEMCP)

•              High Value Roll-to-Roll Manufacturing (R2R)

The purpose of this RFI is to solicit feedback from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and other stakeholders on specific issues and topics related to the establishment of Clean Energy Manufacturing Innovation Institutes through specific Topical/Technical Focus Areas described herein.  AMO seeks information through this RFI to understand cross-cutting as well as specific manufacturing challenges that if addressed could provide the underlying motivation for the formation of a manufacturing innovation institute, consistent with the mission of the Department of Energy (DOE), the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and AMO.

Responses to this RFI must be submitted electronically to AMOGolden@ee.doe.gov  with a subject line “Response to RFI” no later than 5:00pm (EDT) on October 3, 2014. Any late responses will not be reviewed.  Responses must be provided as a Microsoft Word document (.docx or .doc) of no more than 8 pages in length, 12 point font, 1 inch margins as an attachment to an email. It is recommended that attachments with file sizes exceeding 25MB be compressed (i.e., zipped) to ensure message delivery. Submission of existing commercial documentation and product literature is NOT an acceptable response. Only electronic responses will be accepted.

Please note, the Full Application Document Required Files/Forms has been revised.

Please note, the application due date has been extended to July 12, 2013. 

The objective of this FOA is to develop and implement a variety of activities that deploy U.S. technical expertise in areas such as strategic and policy planning and analysis, energy market analysis, energy modeling, workforce development, and technical analysis to prime markets for increased use of energy efficient and renewable energy technologies in South Africa and Saudi Arabia. Benefits to the U.S. include potentially increased exports of domestic clean energy technologies and services in rapidly expanding markets, as well as access to data on clean energy policy and program successes and challenges that can inform U.S. national and subnational policy development. DOE anticipates providing two awards totalling $900k (one $450k award for activities in South Africa; one $450k award for activities in Saudi Arabia). The awardees will implement these activities over a period of up to three years to accomplish the goals of this funding opportunity. This FOA directly supports the goals of the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), International.

Please note, the application due date has been extended to July 12, 2013. 

The objective of this FOA is to develop and implement a variety of activities that deploy U.S. technical expertise in areas such as strategic and policy planning and analysis, energy market analysis, energy modeling, workforce development, and technical analysis to prime markets for increased use of energy efficient and renewable energy technologies in South Africa and Saudi Arabia. Benefits to the U.S. include potentially increased exports of domestic clean energy technologies and services in rapidly expanding markets, as well as access to data on clean energy policy and program successes and challenges that can inform U.S. national and subnational policy development. DOE anticipates providing two awards totalling $900k (one $450k award for activities in South Africa; one $450k award for activities in Saudi Arabia). The awardees will implement these activities over a period of up to three years to accomplish the goals of this funding opportunity. This FOA directly supports the goals of the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), International.

The Diversity in Science and Technology Advances National Clean Energy in Solar program (DISTANCE-Solar) contributes to a successful U.S. solar industry with SunShot (and beyond SunShot) science and technology research advances paired with the development of a diverse and innovative workforce. The long term desired outcomes of this program are to increase innovation in solar, with a greater diversity of innovative ideas being driven by greater representation from members of currently underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), spur new job creation in the U.S., and integrate more solar into the U.S. energy supply.  The near term goal of the program regarding workforce and underrepresented groups is to create a more diverse professional solar workforce, through students’ direct research participation and the exposure of more students to solar-related content in courses. The near term goal of the program regarding solar technology research is to contribute scientifically to technologies that can help achieve (or exceed) the SunShot Program objective to make solar energy cost-competitive with other forms of electricity by the end of the decade. At the intersection of the goals for diverse workforce and solar technology is the near term goal to build Minority Serving Institution (MSI) solar research capabilities. Individual or teams of primary investigators from MSIs can apply to this FOA with proposals that include 3 year projects describing an Education and Workforce Development Plan paired with a Solar Research Technical Plan. EERE anticipates providing, under DISTANCE-Solar, $1,500,000 -$3,000,000 total DOE funding over three years subject to the availability of annual appropriations. The total number of projects expected to be awarded under this FOA will be 2-4 projects. Cost share is encouraged, but not required for this program.

Eligibility for award is restricted to accredited, domestic colleges and universities defined as Minority Servicing Institutions (Section § 365(3) the Higher Education Act (HEA) (20 U.S.C. 1067k(3))). The list of accredited colleges and universities defined as Minority Serving Institutions can be found at: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/edlite-minorityinst-list-tab.html

 Webinars for Potential Applicants

Webinars have been arranged to provide an overview of the Diversity in Science and Technology Advances National Clean Energy in Solar program (DISTANCE-Solar) for potential applicants. Topics covered will include:

·         Eligibility requirements

·         Funding details

·         Application process

·         Evaluation criteria

These webinars are intended to help potential applicants understand the scope and purpose of this FOA, in order to increase the quality of applications received.  All webinars will be recorded and made available online at www.solar.energy.gov/sunshot/past_workshops.html for the duration of the application period.

Webinar Dates/Time 

·         Wednesday, February 27th, 2013,  2:00pm-3:00pm ET 

Please register at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/617448104

 ·         Tuesday, March 5th, 1:30pm-2:30pm ET

Please register at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/780554224

 Applicants will be able to submit questions on any topic related to the FOA up to three (3) business days prior to the webinar.  Relevant questions submitted prior to the deadline will be answered during the webinar and in writing, and will be posted to the Exchange website. Questions may be submitted to DistanceSolar@go.doe.gov with the subject line “Webinar Question.”

All webinars will be recorded and made available online at www.solar.energy.gov/sunshot/past_workshops.html for the duration of the application period.

It is anticipated the reviewer comments will be made available on June 13, 2013. Applicants will have two (2) business days from the time the comments are posted to prepare and submit a Reply to Reviewer Comments.  Therefore,  it is anticipated the due date for the Reply to Reviewer Comments is June 17, 2013.

Solar Utility Networks: Replicable Innovations in Solar Energy (SUNRISE)

The Solar Utility Networks: Replicable Innovations in Solar Energy (SUNRISE) Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is being issued by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to solicit applications for two (2) topic areas. Topic A is to enable utilities to develop long-term strategic plans that integrate high levels of renewable energy generation and ensure reliable real-time power systems operations under high renewable penetration. Topic B is to provide technical assistance for capacity-building activities regarding utility-scale photovoltaic planning and installation. The two (2) FOA topics are intended to support two types of entities: those that are experienced in solar PV resource management, interconnection, and deployment; and those that have little to no experience in photovoltalics (PV) deployment, management and interconnection. 

This FOA is part of the DOE SunShot Initiative and addresses the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) performance metric of increasing the viability and deployment of renewable energy technologies. Launched in 2011, the SunShot Initiative aims to make subsidy‐free solar energy cost‐competitive with conventional forms of energy by 2020.

Under this FOA, applicants are invited to propose work scope in either Topic A or Topic B or both to be reviewed and considered for award. Within Topic A, applicants can choose either A-1 or A-2 or both to address in their proposal to be reviewed and considered for award.  For a more detailed explanation for each topic area and a breakdown of each requirement, please see the FOA. 

Webinar Information:

 **When submitting your Letter of Intent please be sure that your team is in compliance with Section IV.B, Application and Submission Information of the FOA.  In addition please confirm your status is registering as submitted, so as to avoid any issues during the review process. **

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) SunShot Initiative seeks to fund Research, Development and Demonstrations (RD&D) to create highly disruptive Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) technologies that will meet the SunShot installed system cost target of 6 cents per kilowatt-hour (6¢/kWh) or lower by the end of this decade. Reaching this goal will make solar energy cost-competitive with conventional forms of electricity without subsidies and enable widespread deployment across the United States.  The CSP Heat Integration for Baseload Renewable Energy Development Funding Opportunity Announcement (CSP HIBRED FOA) intends to support advancement of the hybridization of CSP technologies with existing fossil fuel plants.  CSP hybridization is defined as thermal and or chemical energy from a CSP system being combined with the thermal and or chemical energy in a fossil fueled power generation system for the production of electricity. A goal of the CSP HIBRED FOA is to catalyze wider CSP hybrid deployment in the power industry.