Frequently Asked Questions

Select a FOA to view questions and answers for the specific funding opportunity. Alternatively select "Non-FOA related items" to view system FAQ items.

Question 1: I am working with several companies to prepare for the upcoming FOAs issued by DOE last week (0002680; 0002678). I wanted to check in to see if you have the following graphics in high-resolution format (i.e. jpeg).
Answer 1:

Requests for graphics can be submitted to vto@ee.doe.gov.
Question 2: Is the processing of petrochemical waste for the recovery of vanadium for use in vanadium flow batteries qualify under areas of interest 3, 4, or 5?
Answer 2:

Based on the definitions in the BIL, the term ‘‘battery material’’ means the raw and processed form of a mineral, metal, chemical, or other material used in an advanced battery component. (Sec 40207 (a)(3)). The term ‘‘advanced battery component’’ includes materials, enhancements, enclosures, anodes, cathodes, electrolytes, cells, and other associated technologies that comprise an advanced battery. (Sec 40207 (a)(2)(A)). The term ‘‘advanced battery’’ means a battery that consists of a battery cell that can be integrated into a module, pack, or system to be used in energy storage applications, including electric vehicles and the electric grid. (Sec 40207 (a)(1)). The FOA will contain more information regarding materials of interest.

 
Question 3: Areas of interest 6 through 12 all specifically reference lithium ion battery manufacturing. Are non-lithium batteries available for any funding under the program? If not, why not, or will there be a separate FOA for non-lithium energy storage solutions? Please register us for future announcements and updates related to this FOA.
Answer 3:

In the NOI, AOI 12 does not specifically reference lithium ion battery manufacturing. Proposals for next generation technologies under this topic could possibly include non-lithium ion based batteries.  The FOA will have the specifics.


It is recommended that you register in grants.gov under Assistance Listing number 81.086 for future updates.

 
Question 4: 1. What is the definition of “precursor materials” with respect to this FOA? Is it NiMnCo(OH)2 or something different?
Answer 4:

1. Battery grade precursor materials include any processed materials that meet manufacturing specifications to directly supply the production and manufacturing of components for batteries. 

Question 5: finds you well. I have a few questions regarding the recently announced Funding Opportunity Announcement concerning battery material processing and manufacturing (DE-FOA-0002678). We will be assisting a US company prepare an application in response to the final FOA and are looking for any available guidance from EERE. For example, can you direct us to templates and/or model submissions that best capture what EERE looks for when reviewing FOA applications? Similarly, is there a publicly accessible repository of previously filed responses to EERE FOAs that we can review? Finally, can you tell us if a list of the applicants applying for DE-FOA-0002678 will be made public and if so when is that likely to occur?
Answer 5:

DOE does not provide a general application template.  However, certain forms / templates are provided as part of the application process and will be made available to applicants on EXCHANGE.  Details of the application process and requirements will be included in the FOA.

DOE does not maintain a publicly accessible data base of applications nor does DOE make the list of applicants public.
Question 6: " 1. At what stage in development must a project be in order to be eligible to receive grant funding under Section 40207(c) (“Battery Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program”)? A. Will EERE consider providing grant funding to projects that are already in development or underway? B. If DOE intends to include consideration of projects that are underway, what criteria will EERE use to consider if a project is too far along to be eligible to receive funding? 2. Will grant applications for the Battery Manufacturing and Recycling Grant program (Section 40207(c)) be assessed on an individual project basis? A. Will an entity be eligible for multiple awards? B. If EERE evaluates each project individually, will it factor in the efforts of the company outside the scope of the particular project to satisfy the “priority considerations,” and “other considerations” listed in Section 40207(c). 3. How does DOE understand the direction in the statute to give “priority consideration” to certain kinds of entities? A. Is it correct to assume that “priority consideration” does not mean exclusive consideration? B. Will DOE give a specific weight in its selection criteria to such priority considerations? 4. Will entities that are incorporated in the United States but are owned by foreign parent companies be considered “located” in the United States or “owned by a United States Entity” per the “Priority Considerations” listed in Section 40207(c)(3)(C)(i)(I) and (II)? 5. Please explain what it means to “deploy North American-owned intellectual property and content,” in Section 40207(c)(3)(C)(i)(III). 6. Please explain how EERE will assess the “Priority Consideration” that entities will not use “will not use battery material supplied by or originating from a foreign entity of concern,” Section 40207(c)(3)(C)(i)(V)(aa). A. Will this consideration be weighted in proportion to the volume of material originating from a foreign entity of concern? 7. If a parent entity is applying for multiple grants, should it create separate registrations for each applicant entity on the EERE Exchange and other required registrations on page 8 of the NOI? Or should the parent entity only register itself? 8. Please explain how EERE will implement guidance and requirements from the Justice40 Initiative into the evaluation process. A. Is it correct to assume that projects located near “disadvantaged communities” that will either draw employ employees from “disadvantaged communities” collaborate with businesses and entities in “disadvantaged communities” be deemed to satisfy the Justice 40 requirements?"
Answer 6:

1.A. The Department of Energy (DOE) will not make determinations regarding any application proposed for future submission to the funding opportunity announcement (FOA).

 

Each application that is compliant with the eligibility criteria and submitted in response to requirements set forth in each individual area of interest (AOI) will be evaluated in accordance with the merit review process and criteria described in the FOA.

 

1.B. The Department of Energy (DOE) will not make determinations regarding any application proposed for future submission to the funding opportunity announcement (FOA).

 

Each application that is compliant with the eligibility criteria and submitted in response to requirements set forth in each individual area of interest (AOI) will be evaluated in accordance with the merit review process and criteria described in the FOA.

 

2. Each application that is compliant with the eligibility criteria and submitted in response to requirements set forth in each individual area of interest (AOI) will be evaluated in accordance with the merit review process and criteria described in the FOA.

2.A. Each application that is compliant with the eligibility criteria and submitted in response to requirements set forth in each individual area of interest (AOI) will be evaluated in accordance with the merit review process and criteria described in the FOA. The eligibility requirements set forth in the FOA will not restrict the ability of an applicant from submitting to multiple AOIs.

 

2.B. The Department of Energy (DOE) will not make determinations regarding any application proposed for future submission to the funding opportunity announcement (FOA).

 

Each application that is compliant with the eligibility criteria and submitted in response to requirements set forth in each individual area of interest (AOI) will be evaluated in accordance with the merit review process and criteria described in the FOA.

 

3.The “priority considerations” and “other considerations” identified in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of November 15, 2021, Section 40207(c) will be reflected within the text of the requirements, merit review criteria, and program policy factors set forth in the FOA.

 

Each application that is compliant with the eligibility criteria and submitted in response to requirements set forth in each individual area of interest (AOI) will be evaluated in accordance with the merit review process and criteria described in the FOA.

 

3.A. The “priority considerations” and “other considerations” identified in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of November 15, 2021, Section 40207(c) will be reflected within the text of the requirements, merit review criteria, and program policy factors set forth in the FOA.

 

Each application that is compliant with the eligibility criteria and submitted in response to requirements set forth in each individual area of interest (AOI) will be evaluated in accordance with the merit review process and criteria described in the FOA.

 

3.B. The “priority considerations” and “other considerations” identified in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of November 15, 2021, Section 40207(c) will be reflected within the text of the requirements, merit review criteria, and program policy factors set forth in the FOA.

Each application that is compliant with the eligibility criteria and submitted in response to requirements set forth in each individual area of interest (AOI) will be evaluated in accordance with the merit review process and criteria described in the FOA.

 

4. The Department of Energy (DOE) will not make determinations regarding any applications proposed for submission to the funding opportunity announcement (FOA).

 

Each application that is compliant with the eligibility criteria and submitted in response to requirements set forth in each individual area of interest (AOI) will be evaluated in accordance with the merit review process and criteria described in the FOA.

 

The “priority considerations” and “other considerations” identified in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of November 15, 2021, Section 40207(c) will be reflected within the text of the requirements, merit review criteria, and program policy factors set forth in the FOA.

 

5. The “priority considerations” and “other considerations” identified in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of November 15, 2021, Section 40207(c) will be reflected within the text of the requirements, merit review criteria, and program policy factors set forth in the FOA.

 

6. Each application that is compliant with the eligibility criteria and submitted in response to requirements set forth in each individual area of interest (AOI) will be evaluated in accordance with the merit review process and criteria described in the FOA.

 

The “priority considerations” and “other considerations” identified in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of November 15, 2021, Section 40207(c) will be reflected within the text of the requirements, merit review criteria, and program policy factors set forth in the FOA.

 

6.A.  Each application that is compliant with the eligibility criteria and submitted in response to requirements set forth in each individual area of interest (AOI) will be evaluated in accordance with the merit review process and criteria described in the FOA.

 

The “priority considerations” and “other considerations” identified in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of November 15, 2021, Section 40207(c) will be reflected within the text of the requirements, merit review criteria, and program policy factors set forth in the FOA.

              

7. The registration and account creation instructions provided in the Notice of Internet (NOI) are for the “Applicant” planned for each application submission.

 

8.A.  The requirements for the Justice40 Initiative will be reflected within the text of the requirements, merit review criteria, and program policy factors set forth in the FOA.

Each application that is compliant with the eligibility criteria and submitted in response to requirements set forth in each individual area of interest (AOI) will be evaluated in accordance with the merit review process and criteria described in the FOA.

 
Question 7: 1. In order to receive a grant, is it possible to apply fully as one company, or do we need a group of companies as a consortium? 2. Do you have an idea of when the full application information would be available?
Answer 7:

  1. Please wait for the FOA regarding teaming arrangement requirements.

 

  1. EERE plans to issue the FOA on or about April-May 2022 via the EERE Exchange website https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/. If Applicants wish to receive official notifications and information from EERE regarding this FOA, they should register in EERE Exchange. When the FOA is released, applications will be accepted only through EERE Exchange.

 
Question 8: I’m reaching out in reference to the grant posting listed in the subject line. It is titled “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Battery Materials Processing and Battery Manufacturing Funding Opportunity Announcement.” In the guidebook published by the White House, there are two funding opportunities listed as “Battery Manufacturing and Recycling grants” and “Battery Materials Processing grants.” Is this funding opportunity referencing both of these programs?
Answer 8:

Yes.  This NOI (DE-FOA-0002677) posted in EXCHANGE describes the FOA (DE-FOA-0002678) that will be directed to Battery Materials Processing and Battery Manufacturing.

 
Question 9: 1. What can we expect in regards to timing and application requirements for formal applications (link for reference: DE-FOA-0002677 Documents); 2. What role does the “Teaming Partner List” play, as we may be interested in adding our company to the list.
Answer 9:

1.   it is anticipated that the FOA will be released in April / May.  Applications requirements will be listed in the FOA.

2.DOE is compiling a Teaming Partner List to facilitate the formation of new project teams for this potential FOA. The Teaming Partner List allows organizations who may wish to participate on an application to express their interest to other applicants and to explore potential partnerships.  Additional information is in the NOI DE-FOA-0002677.

 
Question 10: How do we become registered on the partners list?
Answer 10:

TEAMING PARTNER LIST: DOE is compiling a Teaming Partner List to facilitate the formation of new project teams for this potential FOA. The Teaming Partner List allows organizations who may wish to participate on an application to express their interest to other applicants and to explore potential partnerships.
• Updates to the Teaming Partner List will be available in the EERE Exchange website. The Teaming Partner List will be regularly updated to reflect new teaming partners who have provided their organization’s teaming partner information.
• SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: Any organization that would like to be included on this list should submit the following information: Organization Name, Contact Name, Contact Address, Contact Email, Contact Phone, Organization Type, Area of Technical Expertise, Brief Description of Capabilities, and Area of Interest. Interested parties should email the information to DE-FOA-0002678@netl.doe.gov with the subject line “Teaming Partner Information.”
• DISCLAIMER: By submitting a request to be included on the Teaming Partner List, the requesting organization consents to the publication of the above-referenced information. By enabling and publishing the Teaming Partner List, DOE is not endorsing, sponsoring, or otherwise evaluating the qualifications of the individuals and organizations that are self-identifying themselves for placement on this Teaming Partner List. DOE will not pay for the provision of any information, nor will it compensate any applicants or requesting organizations for the development of such information.

 
Question 11: I registered for the listening session and received the link to listen, but no information on how to submit a three minute video. My understanding is that even if submitted too late to be included in the March 16,17 sessions, all videos submitted will be considered.
Answer 11:

Organizers of the Li-Bridge workshop set Thursday, March 17 as the deadline for video submissions to be considered for inclusion on a post-event webpage. However, due to continued interest, Li-Bridge will extend the deadline to Monday, March 21. U.S. companies interested in battery manufacturing are encouraged to submit short videos summarizing their technology, future plans, challenges, and workforce needs. Videos should not exceed 3 minutes.

 

Video Upload Instructions can be found here: https://anl.app.box.com/file/924563698555 .

 

These presentations will aid Li-Bridge in disseminating information on the important challenges and opportunities for industry in establishing domestic manufacturing. Li-Bridge reserves the right to exclude submitted videos if a submission exceeds 3 minutes or is determined inappropriate for the workshop. 

 
Question 12: I would like to be added to the DOE EERE Funding Opportunity Exchange to receive notice when the VTO releases its FOA for DE-FOA-0002677.
Answer 12:

If Applicants wish to receive official notifications and
information from EERE regarding this FOA, they should register in EERE Exchange. When the
FOA is released, applications will be accepted only through EERE Exchange.  The EERE Exchange website is
https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/.

 
Question 13: How can I find the teaming partners list?
Answer 13:

You can find the Team List on EERE Exchange - under NOI  DE-FOA-0002677 at this link https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaId0596def9-c1cc-478d-aa4f-14b472864eba .  Click on Teaming Partner List.