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.