EERE eXCHANGE: FAQs

Question 1: May multiple companies join together to submit a single joint application to this FOA?
Answer 1: Yes, multiple entities may join together in the form of a consortia to submit a joint application. Please see section III.A of the FOA for more information regarding the eligibility of Incorporated and Unincorporated Consortia.

Question 2: I am writing to inquire about the DE-FOA-0002680 concept paper requirements. Are we to provide an ROM or otherwise, any other requested funding information for the project? I do not see it mentioned in the Concept Paper requirements section.
Answer 2: Submission requirements are detailed in section IV.C.i. of the FOA.

Question 3: Our organization has tried to register with the System for Award Management (SAM) however the system appears to be down for several days now and their contact number appears to be incorrect or disconnected. Can you please assist with this? We cannot move forward with our registration as the next step required us to create an organization account with our SAM MPIN which we cannot obtain because their system is down.
Answer 3: Please coordinate with your IT department for these technical issues. SAM.gov appears to be working correctly. Additionally, the second page of the FOA has a link for SAM FAQs.

Question 4: The provided excel spreadsheet for the Budget justification only allows to input 3 Budget periods. However, based on the FOA awards can have up to 5 budget periods. Will an updated version of the spreadsheet will be posted?
Answer 4: This FOA calls for 3, 12 month budget periods.

Question 5: Can you let me know when the funding applications are due? Also, do you have a projection of what the average funding amounts will be and and the terms of the funding?
Answer 5: Per the title page of this FOA, Concept Papers are due 5/31/2022 and Full Applications 7/19/2022. See Section II.A.i. for estimated funding levels.

Question 6: For DE-FOA0002680 (Topic 1), are the team members and their percentages of effort written in stone once we submit a concept paper? In other words, can the team members and their percentage of effort change once we create the proposal?
Answer 6: Yes, team members and percentage of effort can change between Concept Paper and Full Application stages. However, the prime entity who submits the Concept Paper must also submit the Full Application.

Question 7: I am having trouble downloading this file. It says the pdf file is damaged. Please check or email me the file: DE-FOZ-0002680.
Answer 7: Please try either using a different web browser to open/download the document or download the document to your computer and then use the Adobe software on your computer to open the file locally.

Question 8: I was wondering if you had a concept paper template for this funding opportunity? Or if we should create our own using the guidelines in the solicitation?
Answer 8: There is not a required template for the concept papers. Please see Section IV.C.i. of the FOA for content and form of Concept Papers.

Question 9: We want to investigate the early stage feasibility of reusing, repurposing, and recycling the batteries from an environmental and safety perspective. Does it fall within the scope of this funding grant? We understood the contents need to be in a concept paper. However, it is not mentioned how many pages are allowed on a concept paper. Can you please help with these questions?
Answer 9: Please submit a concept paper detailing your concept for an encourge or discourage assesssment. Form and content for Concept Papers is specified in Section IV.C.i. of the FOA.

Question 10: • Within Topic Area 2, will EERE consider Concept Letters and Full Applications for DoE funding totaling less than $4M? • Within Topic Area 2, will EERE consider Concept Letters and Full Applications for projects with a period of performance other than 36 months? A second life energy storage system may take >>12 months years to commission, so a longer period of performance may be helpful to characterize and validate the performance of such a system over a 12+ month period • Could you provide more detail on the required "written assurance" of proposed cost share contributions in Full Applications? • Could you provide more detail on the "additional information and documentation" regarding cost share contributions which are required during award negotiations?
Answer 10: While there is no minimum on federal funding for either AOI in this FOA, the anticipated minimum award size is contained in Section II.A.i. of the FOA. This FOA calls for 3, 12 month budget periods. DOES does not define "written assurance", but this could be in the form of a commitment letter submitted at the time of application. For cost share, please review Section III.B. of the FOA.

Question 11: We are looking to apply for this funding and are working on the concept paper that is due at the end of May. On the EERE website we can't seem to find where we upload this document. When completed do we hand it into this e-mail?
Answer 11: This email is for Q&A only. Concept Papers and Full applications must be submitted through the EERE Exchange for consideration. Please utilize EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov for technical issues navigating the EERE exchange.

Question 12: 1) I was wondering if it would be possible to talk to a DOE rep on the phone who is working on DE-FOA-0002680 to ask a few questions as I am trying to determine what a suitable applicant is? 2) I am specifically curious if this FOA includes projects / technology which recycle/upcycle EV Batteries from damaged EVs for use in the conversion of ICE vehicles to EV, thereby extending the life of the EV battery prior to a premature end-of-life application?
Answer 12: Please submit a concept paper detailing your concept for an encourge or discourage assessment.

Question 13: I have a question related to Topic Area 2 - Second Use Scale-Up Demonstration Projects. On page 15, the FOA states “…second use applications outside of the automotive industry such as stationary energy storage systems.” So, if a battery is used in stationary EV charging station, will that application be considered as outside of the automotive industry and be eligible for the funding or not? Thank you very much for helping addressing the question.
Answer 13: Please submit a concept paper detailing your concept for an encourge or discourage assessment.

Question 14: “Applications must include a plan to use the new process, technology, or technique to produce a representative sample of the second use article for 3rd party national laboratory validation and characterization by the end of the period of performance.” Questions: • Should a national lab be identified/chosen as part of an applicant’s Concept Paper and Full Application? • Does the applicant need to develop and include a detailed testing plan (i.e. testing parameters, performance metrics, defined testing period, etc.) for the 3rd party national lab as part of its application? • Does the applicant need to allocate funding within the proposal budget (either requested federal funds and/or cost sharing) for the costs incurred by the national testing lab? • Should the applicant partner with one or more national labs prior to submitting an application in order to develop and propose relevant testing and validation tasks?
Answer 14: DOE will be responsible for action items and funding relating to 3rd party validation and characterization at national laboratories.

Question 15: The pdf download is not working correctly.
Answer 15: Please try either using a different web browser to open/download the document or download the document to your computer and then use the Adobe software on your computer to open the file locally.

Question 16: Company A and Company B are separate entities under Company C. Company B has the necessary account registration requirements in order to submit an application for the second life battery usage grant, but Company A does not. But there aren’t any obstacles to the mechanics of transferring funds between Company A and Company B. Questions: 1. Are there any lawful restrictions or terms of the grant to pass the funds from one entity to another? 2. Would having Company B as the grant requester make Company B technically responsible for any further follow-up activities such as subsequent reporting, etc.? (If so, what?) 3. Would receipt of a grant in Company B’s name cause any change to Company B’s status (e.g. to becoming a Federal supplier) or bring Company B under the jurisdiction of any regulations (labor, environmental, etc.) to which Company B would not already be subject?
Answer 16: Applicants must review 2 CFR 200 and 2 CFR 920 to fully understand all regulations. A pass-through entity is defined in the CFR as a "non-Federal entity that provides a subaward to a subrecipient to carry out part of a Federal program." While not expressly unallowable, it would be unusual for the prime to perform no work and act only as a pass through. If Company B is the prime applicant, then Company B is legally responsible for adherence to all of the terms and conditions of the resultant grant, including adherence to all applicable laws and regulations.

Question 17: 1. What portion of subcontracted development work can be performed on friendly foreign soil? – FOA-2680 2. Can engineering work completed by Canadian citizens in Canada or other similarly friendly nations be included in cost share? – FOA-2680
Answer 17: There is not a designated portion or percentage of work performed on foreign soil, nor is "friendly foreign soil" defined. Rather, please reference Foreign work requirements detailed in sections III.A.iv,IV.D.xiii,IV.D.xiv, and appendix C.

Question 18: Are the concept papers immediately released to the public domain? If not immediately, are they later released?
Answer 18: Concept Papers are not released to the general public.

Question 19: Would this FOA accept demonstration with 2nd HEV and PHEV packs?
Answer 19: Please submit a concept paper detailing your concept for an encourge or discourage assesssment. Form and content for Concept Papers is specified in Section IV.C.i. of the FOA.

Question 20: We are preparing a Concept Paper for this FOA. Can you please point us to the content and form requirements? The FOA sites a Section IV.C but I cannot find it in the documents I have.
Answer 20: Correct, Section IV.C of the FOA covers content and form of the concept papers. This is pages 30-31.

Question 21: Are all of the registrations required to submit a concept paper or only to submit a proposal? e.g. SAM takes 44 days to register on.
Answer 21: In order to submit a full application, an applicant must first submit a concept paper for consideration.

Question 22: We need to use existing property and equipment located at a project site for the proposed project scope of our submittal, and we are seeking confirmation on appropriate cost-sharing for budget justification purposes. FOA0002680 provides guidance to determine allowable cost sharing, including on p.89 excerpts from DOE Financial Assistance Rules 2 CFR Part 200 as amended by 2 CFR Part 910. (B)(1) of these rules pertain to how to value recipient’s property and equipment stating, “For real property or equipment used on the project, the cost principles authorize depreciation or use charges.” If the project requires use of existing property and equipment with a basis of $500,000, and the depreciation schedule for the assets in question is 10 years, if the property and equipment are used for the 3 year period of the project, would the cost sharing principles allow the recipient to claim 10% of the $500,000 value of the assets for each year of use, or $150,000 of total In-Kind contribution of this property and equipment? And as such, where cost-sharing requirements are 50%, would the $150,000 of In-Kind contribution be eligible for $75,000 reimbursement by DOE under program rules? Instructions in the ‘EERE_T_Budget Justification’ spreadsheet also appear to support this interpretation, stating in the Equipment worksheet instructions, “If existing equipment, provide a logical support for estimated value shown.”
Answer 22: If proposing the use of existing property and equipment under a project, it is acceptable to use a depreciation schedule to determine the value to the project of the in-kind contribution. DOE will not comment at this time on the acceptability of the scenario outlined in the question. However, an in-kind contribution is a non-cash contribution from a non-Federal participant and is not eligible for 50% reimbursement.

Question 23: We will be responding to DE-FOA-2680 and are in the process of writing the Concept Paper. Is there guidance as to the form and format of this document? The documents we have refer to this information but we have not been able to find it.
Answer 23: Please see Section IV.C of the FOA which covers content and form of the concept papers. This is pages 30-31.

Question 24: Kindly provide clarification in regard to Cost Sharing or Cost Matching for FOA 0002680: A- Will the FOA provide funding for an entire project or only partial funding. B- If only partial; what percentage will the FOA will the prime recipient be required to fund or “match”
Answer 24: Per section III.B.i. The prime recipient is legally responsible for the entire cost share to the project as a whole. Selected projects will be funded on a budget period basis, likely with the Recipient required to meet their cost share requirement on a budget period basis. Proceeding to subsequent budget periods is based upon several factors including meeting the go/no go requirements of each budget period.

Question 25: We are registering for the concept paper submission. I know the EV battery is the focus but can existing Li-ion Stationary Storage systems can be used: 1. as part of an EV battery sourced system 1. Reasoning: for larger projects, EV battery packs may be hard to source for the following reasons: 1. OEM car companies may decide to recycle EV battery packs rather than second-life because they are very concerned about being short on energy materials for new battery systems. (They don't want to do second-life for this reason alone) 2. Supply chain interruptions of new batteries and cells from overseas markets put more pressure to recycle existing EV battery packs. 2. Can Backup Stationary storage system batteries that were used in an EV system be reused for this FOA? (We know one situation does exist). 3. The realization is that there will be 1.4M Tonnes by the mid-2030s of reusable stationary storage li-on systems, 1. In the 3 years of the FOA schedule that Li-ion Statonary storage systems could be available to fill any gap created by EV manufactures may create in the market. 2. The FOA indicates that 2-4 Second-life Demonstration Projects at 4M min to $6M max will be awarded. 1. What if, the demonstration does not require such amounts of funding to demonstrate micro-grid to grid size second-life systems? 2. We have ROI numbers that show some systems could be under the $500K range. 3. Is our intent to show the ROI and system capacities need to meet specific business cases ROI needs using second-life 1. That many of these systems in aggregate could meet the $4M spend. 2. New Grid storage systems's batteries represent about 70% of the gross cost of the energy storage. 1. Inherent with second-life is the lower cost. In some cases in the market as much as 50% than new. (There are other non-technical mitigating circumstances that raise the cost - as cited above with the EV packs "coveted" for recycling over second-life. 3. As a lead in the project, are we free to buy other companies products, and services, without them having to register for the FOA, so long as the are within legal boundaries of sourcing in US and Canada? 1. If an unforeseen technical or business opportunity to use a new vendor during the FOA, in support of our efforts to deliver the project, is there a way if necessary for them to become a registered partner. 1. Examples, 1. A battery lab to test the systems that are more competitively priced than known at the onset of the FOA process 2. New battery testing equipment that was unknown at start of FOA
Answer 25: Please submit a concept paper detailing your concept for an encourge or discourage assesssment.

Question 26: 1.) Our SAM and grants.gov registration is in progress. In the event we are unable to complete our registration, is there an alternative method to submit our concept note? Is an email submission acceptable? 2.) As the lead entity, we have proposed partners that will provide services for various segments of our overall work process. Do we need to list the names of these proposed suppliers/partners or can we leave the name ambiguous for the sake of simplicity? Do we need to list partners if we do not have any active contracts in place? What do you recommend?
Answer 26: Please submit a concept paper by 5pm EST on 5/31/22 to be eligible to submit a full application with the information you have currently. With respect to UEI, for concept paper submission, please check the N/A(not applicable) box in exchange and include your UEI # with the full application.

Question 27: We are having issues with UEI validation. We had to issue an incident since we were not listed, but we were told by a representative at the Federal Service Desk that it may take up to 20 days for the validation process to complete.
Answer 27: Please submit a concept paper by 5pm EST on 5/31/22 to be eligible to submit a full application. With respect to UEI, for concept paper submission, please check the N/A(not applicable) box in exchange and include your UEI # with the full application.

Question 28: Support email instructed us to send this late submission request to you. We were working under the assumption that the 5 pm deadline was not time zone specific. We are PST. Please consider this concept Paper submission for topic area #1.
Answer 28: To submit a full application, applicants must first submit a concept paper. Unfortunately, the concept paper deadline under Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0002680 has passed and late submissions will not be considered. Please monitor https://www.grants.gov/ for upcoming opportunities that might be appropriate for your proposed idea.

Question 29: This is with regards to the following FOA DE-FOA-0002680: BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW (BIL) ELECTRIC DRIVE VEHICLE BATTERY RECYCLING AND SECOND LIFE APPLICATIONS We are a leading recycler and the only one to be able to recycle Lithium Ion batteries in the most environmentally safe and efficient manner. We are able to extract 100% of all elements present in the battery to produce battery grade materials that we supply to EV battery manufacturers. We are the only recycler in the world who is able to extract 100 graphite and lithium from batteries and sell it back. We have a plan to scale up our operations in the US. Issue We have Faced We have become aware of this opportunity earlier this week and were extremely keen to submit a concept note. However, when the team went through your FAQ which states that the submission requirements for the Concept Note are covered in the Section IV.C.i of the FOA, we downloaded the FOA but are unable to open it. It says that the document seems to be corrupted and cannot be repaired. We have tried to open it with both the Acrobat Reader and Preview. I was made aware of this challenge only now and I would therefore request you to kindly allow us to submit, given that the deadline for the concept note has passed. Kindly share the FOA document over email if possible and we will take no more than a day or two to make our submission post that.
Answer 29: To submit a full application, applicants must first submit a concept paper. Unfortunately, the concept paper deadline under Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0002680 has passed and late submissions will not be considered. Please monitor https://www.grants.gov/ for upcoming opportunities that might be appropriate for your proposed idea.

Question 30: When will decisions on Concept Papers be available?
Answer 30: It is anticipated that Concept Paper notifications will be made available on or around June 22, 2022.

Question 31: I am working with two companies on metals extraction R&D. They have each submitted concept papers to this FOA. After further discussions between the companies, it was concluded that teaming with the submission of a single full proposal would be much stronger and provide industry with a more complete solution. We are now planning a submission with one company being the prime and the second being a subrecipient. We will submit the proposal under the control number provided during the primes submission. Their submission would now include an expanded team, expanded scope of work and expanded budget, all of which is still within the guidelines outlined in FOA 2680, AoI 1. Please confirm that this is acceptable. Once teaming is finalized, we can cancel the one control number that will no longer be needed. Thank you.
Answer 31: Modified scope, budget, and teaming from concept paper to full application is permitted.

Question 32: I am looking to speak to a program manager in regard to our application.
Answer 32: DOE cannot enter into direct discussions with applicants. Questions must be submitted via email and both question and answers will be posted publicly for all applicants to view.

Question 33: In the technical volume requirements, it says to take into consideration all of the criteria mentioned in V.A.ii of the solicitation. I was wondering if the 15% weight given to Criterion 4: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Accessibility and Justice40; is scored based on the technical volume or the "Diversity Equity Inclusion, Accessibility Plan."
Answer 33: Criterion 4: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Accessibility and Justice40 (Weight 15%) applies to the content of the Diversity Equity Inclusion, Accessibility Plan.

Question 34: I understand that a UEI is not required for the submission of a Concept Paper. If the application for a UEI was requested but not yet issued due to Departmental delays , what will happen if it is not awarded by the deadline for submission of a full application?
Answer 34: If the UEI is not secured by the time the full application is to be submitted, the applicant can use “N/A” for the field in Exchange and proceed with submission.

Question 35: I just found the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Electric Drive Vehicle Battery Recycling and Second Life Applications information. I see that the deadline for Concept Papers was 5/31/2022 and the deadline for Full Applications is 7/19/2022. Is it possible to still be considered, or is it too late?
Answer 35: To submit a full application, applicants must first submit a concept paper. Unfortunately, the concept paper deadline under Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0002680 has passed and late submissions will not be considered. Please monitor https://www.grants.gov/ for upcoming opportunities that might be appropriate for your proposed idea.

Question 36: In the budget justification excel file, rows can be added but the equations are not copied and therefore the values are not being added up. For example, there are only 5 rows in the “Fringe” worksheet. A row can be added, but the total will not be calculated in column “D”. Same applies to some other worksheets such Travel, Equipment, etc. What’s your suggestion if more rows are needed? Can we sum up several items and include them in one row and clarify in comment sections?
Answer 36: In cases where there are not enough rows to list all items, please identify a grouping (i.e. Group A, B,...) for use in the budget justification table. Please provide a detailed listing of each group to in the rows and columns to the right of the table that describes the details and cost of each group.

Question 37: I am trying to find out more information about the Electric Drive Vehicle Battery Recycling and Second-Life Applications Program (as detailed in Section 40208 and Division J). I am interested in how much funding is allocated to what eligible entities and on what timeline it will be dispersed. My understanding is that the submission deadline is in July, but I am curious if there is any other pertinent information available as of yet.
Answer 37:

See Section II.A.i of the FOA for estimated funding. To submit a full application, applicants must first submit a concept paper. Unfortunately, the concept paper deadline under Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0002680 has passed and late submissions will not be considered. Please monitor https://www.grants.gov/ for upcoming opportunities that might be appropriate for your proposed idea.

Question 38: I am writing to clarify the rules regarding lobbying in the Funding Announcement for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Electric Drive Vehicle Battery Recycling and Second Life Applications (DE-FOA-0002680). The grant notice includes standard language prohibiting the use of Federal funds for lobbying activities, and requires the submission of a form (SF-LLL) to provide disclosure of lobbying activities. However, it includes further language that appears to restrict all lobbying activities related to the application for this grant, which we are unfamiliar with: “Prime recipients and subrecipients are required to complete and submit SF-LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” to ensure that non-federal funds have not been paid and will not be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence any of the following in connection with the application: • An officer or employee of any federal agency; • A Member of Congress; • An officer or employee of Congress; or • An employee of a Member of Congress.” Can you clarify the restrictions related to lobbying with non-Federal funds related to this grant?
Answer 38: The FOA instruction requiring completion and submission of the SF-LLL is for disclosure purposes, i.e., to inform DOE as to whether non-Federal funds have been or will be “. . . paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence any of the following in connection with the application: an officer or employee of any federal agency, A Member of Congress; An officer or employee of Congress; or An employee of a Member of Congress.” The SF-LLL is the standard disclosure reporting form for lobbying paid for with non-Federal funds, and it is consistent with the requirements of 31 USC §1352. It is required to be used by persons who request or receive a Federal cooperative agreement under the subject DE-FOA-0002678. DOE uses information reported on this form for general management of its financial assistance awards.

Question 39: We submitted a concept paper before the May 31st deadline for the above-referenced funding opportunity. We are interested in submitting a full proposal, but we were on standby until we received approval status or "encouraged" for our concept note. We have a couple of questions: 1.) Does your office have a deadline for responses to applicants who submitted concept notes? If so, when? 2.) Should we receive an update before submitting a full proposal?
Answer 39:

It is anticipated that Concept Paper notifications will be made available on or around June 22, 2022.

The full applications are due July 19th, 2022. Per the merit of the concept paper process, it is recommended to access the encourage/discourage determination prior to submitting a full application.

Question 40: The FOA states: Applicants will have approximately 30 days from receipt of the Concept Paper Encourage/Discourage notification to prepare and submit a Full Application. Regardless of the date the applicant receives the Encourage/Discourage notification, the submission deadline for the Full Application remains the date and time stated on the FOA cover page. Assuming the DOE issues Concept Paper notifications on or around June 22, 2022, the current July 19, 2022 submission deadline for full applications will only give about 27 days for responses. Does DOE plan on extending the submission deadline?
Answer 40: Thank you for the inquiry. At this time, there is no plan for an extension for the full application deadline. The timeline of 30 days is detailed as approximate.

Question 41: When I attempt to download the SF 424 Application for Federal Assistance, I get a message that I need a different version of Adobe. Is there something wrong with the file?
Answer 41: Your browser must be configured to open the pdf in Adobe, not in a browser tab. Adjust your settings accordingly. Please note that periodic Windows updates can modify this configuration on your computer.

Question 42: From prior EERE Exchange Q&A, we wanted to inquire if the same applies here: Q: Given that FFRDC “subrecipients” will need to provide a “DOE Work Proposal” and “Authorization from Cognizant Contracting Officer for the FFRDC”, please indicate whether they will need to additionally provide a 1) Budget Justification Workbook, 2) Letter of Commitment, or 3) SF-LLL Form, similar to other subrecipient entities? A: The budget justification, letter of commitment and SF-LLL are not required for FFRDCs. For the budget justification, Section IV.D.iii.x. of the FOA, in the Contractual tab applies only to the "Sub-recipient Name/Organization" companies following the FOA parameters. Regarding Letters of Commitment (for Cost Share) Appendix A.3. for this FOA prohibits FFRDCs from contributing cost share. Regarding the SF-LLL, FFRDCs are prohibited from lobbying so this form would not be applicable.
Answer 42: Please note that the Q&A in EERE Exchange differ for each FOA. For FOA 2680, FFRDC subrecipients are NOT required to provide a DOE Work Proposal but ARE required to provide the Authorization from Cognizant Contracting Officer for FFRDC. In addition, FFRDC subrecipients ARE required to submit the Budget Justification Workbook as well as any other application documents required of subrecipients (such as Letter of Commitment, etc).

Question 43: The links embedded on the website for this Application do not all seem to be working. We are trying to access the two following documents as provided in the DE-FOA-0002680: BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW (BIL) ELECTRIC DRIVE VEHICLE BATTERY RECYCLING AND SECOND LIFE APPLICATIONS Both documents are coming up as corrupt. Is there an additional link or can copies of these two documents be provided directly? • Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (Last Updated: 4/29/2022 09:14 AM ET) • SF424 (Last Updated: 4/29/2022 09:14 AM ET)
Answer 43: This issue has been checked and the documents download and open correctly. Your browser must be configured to open the pdf in Adobe, not in a browser tab. Adjust your settings accordingly. Please note that periodic Windows updates can modify this configuration on your computer.

Question 44: We have a UEI number, but the SAM registration was not finished yet due to some IRS changing address issue. We submitted request to change IRS address to our current physical location on June 3rd, but it is not update to date due to the short of hands at IRS. Therefore, the SAM registration may not be completed before the deadline. Under the circumstances having UEI number but not finishing SAM registration, will it prevent us from submitting full application? Besides, if we can submit full application, will it prevent DOE from reviewing the full application?
Answer 44: An application may be submitted without having completed the full SAM registration process and submittal must be done through the EERE Exchange website. If a UEI is not available at the time the application is submitted in EERE Exchange, the applicant may check the N/A box for that field in EERE Exchange and proceed with their submission.

Question 45: • Would you please confirm that any parties not designated the prime recipient in a unincorporated consortia are considered subrecipients? • For an unincorporated consortia, which documents need to be submitted by both parties, which should be submitted by the prime recipient only, and which should be submitted by the subrecipient only? • Will the funding be divided evenly among the three budget periods or will it be allocated based on budget and need? • We wanted to confirm that costs incurred after selection but before completion of negotiations can be reimbursed with written approval from the Contracting Officer. • Are projects disqualified if they will be completed in less than 3 years? o Will there be any additional reporting requirements once the project has concluded if all goals are met in the first or second budget period?
Answer 45:

A. Correct - one member of the unincorporated consortia must hold the role of prime and remaining members are considered subrecipients.

B. For application documents, follow the same role designations.

C. Funding need not be divided equally among the budget periods - it should be allocated based on budget and need.

D. Pre-award costs could potentially be allowable - see Section IV. J.ii. of the FOA.

E. Completion in less than 3 years is not a disqualifying factor.

F. As stated in Section VI.B.xi of the FOA, reporting requirements are subject to change. The model cooperative agreement and Federal Reporting Rreporting Checking Checklist of BIL awards is not yet available for release.

Question 46: May you please clarify the cost share requirements for topic area 2? My understanding is the minimum cost share allowed is 50%. Meaning, if we request funding of $4M, we have to at least provide a $2M cost share.
Answer 46: This is correct.

Question 47: WHAT IS THE EXPECTED DATE TO RELEASE THE DECISION ON THE CONCEPT PAPER FOR DE-FOA-0002680?
Answer 47: It is anticipated that Concept Paper notifications will be made available on or around June 22, 2022.

Question 48: I am writing to inquire if a timeline has been set for when the concept paper decisions will be made.
Answer 48: It is anticipated that Concept Paper notifications will be made available on or around June 22, 2022.

Question 49: 1. Does completing the Budget Justification Workbook fulfill the applicant's requirement to "provide written assurance of their proposed cost share contributions in their Full Application" as required by Section III.B.v? -- If not, where should this be addressed? 2. Please clarify what contact information is to be provided as part of the resumes (required in Section IV.D.iii), given that per Section V.III.P, "applicants must screen resumes to ensure that they do not contain PII such as personal addresses, personal landline/cell phone numbers, and personal emails." 3. Please confirm that where a Government-provided template uses a typeface or point size different than the 12-point Calibri specified in Section IV.A, it is acceptable to use the template's font/size. For example: -- The Statement of Project Objectives (SOPO) Template uses 12-point Times New Roman. -- The Budget Justification Worksheet uses 10-point Arial. -- The Locations of Work Template uses 11-point Arial. -- The Summary Slide Template uses 10-point Arial for text and 7-point Arial for the Project Cost Table. 4. Please confirm that headers and footers may use 10-point Calibri (instead of 12-point) for administrative information such as page numbers, company name, and FOA number.
Answer 49:

1. Written assurance of the proposed cost share contributions may be done via a Letter of Commitment.

2. No personal contact information is required in a resume. Business Contact Information is permitted.

3. It is acceptable to use the typeface/point-size in any Government-provided template. The SOPO template provided in Exchange has been changed to Calibri 12-point. However, the DOE will accept a SOPO in either Times New Roman or Calibri, as long as a 12-point font is used.

4. Header and footer font sizes are not differentiated from the body text size. Only references/ footnotes/ endnotes are permitted to be 10 point Calibri.

Question 50: The chart outlining the Full Application components for DE-FOA-0002680 Section IV.D.i. ("Full Application Requirements") (pg. 32) establishes that the page limit for Resumes is 1 per resume. However, FOA Section IV.D.iii. ("Resumes") reads: "Applicants are required to submit two-page resumes for the Principal Investigator and all Senior/Key Personnel." Please confirm the correct page limit per resume.
Answer 50: Resume page limit has been updated via Amendment 000002 as 2 pages.

Question 51: In the FOA, it mentions that the page limit of SOPO is 7, while in the SOPO template, it mentions that the SOPO page limit is 10. I am wondering which page limit number should we use.
Answer 51: SOPO limit has been updated via Amendment 000002 as 7 pages.

Question 52: From prior EERE Exchange Q&A, we wanted to inquire if the same applies here: Q: Given that FFRDC as “subrecipients” provide an “Authorization from Cognizant Contracting Officer for the FFRDC” and are usually not eligible to cost share or lobby, please indicate whether they will need to provide a 1) Letter of Commitment, or 2) SF-LLL Form, similar to other subrecipient entities?
Answer 52: An FFRDC is considered a subrecipient and should therefore provide all applicable application files as other 'traditional' subrecipients, including the SF -LLL and Letters of Commitment.

Question 53: Would you be so kind to clear up some confusion regarding the disclosure for lobbying? Per pages 54/55 of the FOA, the link for the disclosure document references sf-424, not SF-LLL. Assuming this is a mistake – and form SF-LLL is to be used – but please confirm. Others may have the same question. FOA pages 54/55: Recipients and subrecipients are required to complete and submit SF-LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” (https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-individual-family.html) to ensure that non-federal funds have not been paid and will not be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence.....
Answer 53:

The SF-LLL is part of what grants.gov classifies as the "forms family". The SF-LLL, along with other documents, is available at this link: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-individual-family.html

Question 54: Please confirm page limit for SOPO. The FOA states 7 pages while the word document itself states 10 pages.
Answer 54: SOPO limit has been updated via Amendment 000002 as 7 pages.

Question 55: Per below from FOA – is there supposed to be a word document template to access? FOA Page 45 and 46” xix. Data Management Plan Applicants are required to submit a DMP with their Full Application. An applicant may select one of the template Data Management Plans (DMP) listed below.
Answer 55: The text listed as "Option 1" or "Option 2" is considered the DMP "template". See pg. 45 of the FOA (Section IV.D. xix). Using either set of text (Option 1 or Option 2) is an acceptable submission for a DMP or alternatively, an applicant can write their own.

Question 56: Should only one Environmental Questionnaire be included per project, or should an environmental questionnaire form be collected from each participating institution for the project?
Answer 56: All locations and their respective activities should be listed on one EQ.

Question 57: Questions on the Content of DE-FOA-0002680 1. Does completing the Budget Justification Workbook fulfill the applicant's requirement to "provide written assurance of their proposed cost share contributions in their Full Application" as required by Section III.B.v? -- If not, where should this be addressed? 2. Please clarify what contact information is to be provided as part of the resumes (required in Section IV.D.iii), given that per Section V.III.P, "applicants must screen resumes to ensure that they do not contain PII such as personal addresses, personal landline/cell phone numbers, and personal emails." 3. Please confirm that where a Government-provided template uses a typeface or point size different than the 12-point Calibri specified in Section IV.A, it is acceptable to use the template's font/size. For example: -- The Statement of Project Objectives (SOPO) Template uses 12-point Times New Roman. -- The Budget Justification Worksheet uses 10-point Arial. -- The Locations of Work Template uses 11-point Arial. -- The Summary Slide Template uses 10-point Arial for text and 7-point Arial for the Project Cost Table. 4. Please confirm that headers and footers may use 10-point Calibri (instead of 12-point) for administrative information such as page numbers, company name, and FOA number. 5. Section IV.J.ix states, "Applicants shall provide written assurance acknowledging the DBA requirements for the award or project and confirming that all of the laborers and mechanics performing construction, alteration, or repair work on projects in excess of $2000 funded directly by or assisted in whole or in part by and through funding under the award are paid or will be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on projects of a character similar in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with Subchapter IV of Chapter 31 of Title 40, United States Code (Davis-Bacon Act)." Where in the application are we to provide this written assurance? 6. Will the Government clarify what is meant by the "Institute" in the content for a Foreign Entity Participation Waiver Request, which requires "proposed type of involvement with the Institute"? 7. Please confirm that while a Table of Contents may be included within the 30 pages of the Technical Volume, it is not required. 8. Please clarify the maximum number of pages allowed for each resume. The table on p. 32 says resumes are 1 page each, but p. 38 says two-page resumes are required. 9. Please clarify the maximum number of pages allowed for the Statement of Project Objectives. The table on p. 32 says this file is 7 pages, but p. 67 and the separate SOPO template both say it must not exceed 10 pages. 10. Section IV.D.ix identifies requirements for the Summary Slide that are not included in the Summary Slide Template: a technology summary and any key graphics (illustrations, charts, and/or tables). -- Are applicants permitted to modify the Summary Slide Template to include these items from Section IV.D.ix? -- Given space constraints, what does the Government intend for the slide to contain in terms of key graphics -- just a list of key graphics provided in the Full Application? 11. Section IV.D.ii states that the Technical Volume must address the Merit Review Criteria as discussed in Section V.A.ii. of the FOA. Please confirm that this pertains to Criteria 1, 2, and 3 only, and that Criterion 4 is addressed in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility Plan. 12. For Government-provided templates that do not include a space for the Control Number in the header, are applicants required to modify the header to include the Control Number?
Answer 57:

1. Written assurance of the proposed cost share contributions may be done via a Letter of Commitment.

2. No personal contact information is required in a resume. Business Contact Information is permitted.

3. It is acceptable to use the typeface/point-size in any Government-provided template. The SOPO template provided in Exchange has been changed to Calibri 12-point. However, the DOE will accept a SOPO in either Times New Roman or Calibri, as long as a 12-point font is used.

4. Header and footer font sizes are not differentiated from the body text size. Only references/ footnotes/ endnotes are permitted to be 10 point Calibri.

5. There is no prescribed place in the FOA. This could be submitted as a Letter of Commitment.

6.See Amendment 000001 - the word “institute” was changed to “Applicant”.

7.A Table of Contents is not required. If a Table of Contents is included, it will count towards the total page count of the technical volume.

8.See Amendment 000002 – this was clarified as 2 pages per resume.

9.See Amendment 000002 – this was clarified as 7 pages per SOPO.

10.The wording in the Summary Slide is essentially the same as what is in the FOA. Regarding the graphic, the actual graphic would be used, providing there is room on the slide.

11.Criterion 4 will be evaluated by review of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Plan.

12.Applicants are not required to modify the government provided documents to include a header.

Question 58: When we submitted our concept paper, a clerical error was introduced. When asked the amount of our request to DOE, the figure of $3,000,000 was entered. The correct amount was $4,000,000, with an equal sum for match funding. Is there a way this can be changed in the data in our cover sheet?
Answer 58: There is no need to go back and revise your concept paper submittal. If you elect to submit a full application, please ensure that the correct values are noted.

Question 59: In the FOA, it mentions that the page limit of SOPO is 7, while in the SOPO template, it mentions that the SOPO page limit is 10. I am wondering which page limit number should we use.
Answer 59: The SOPO template has been updated to 7 pages to correspond with the FOA. See Amendment 000002.

Question 60: Our project will require using an EPC contractor that will not be selected for several months. However, based on experience from previous projects, we are able to estimate costs with a high degree of certainty. Our EPC costs will be substantially higher than the $250,000 threshold for subrecipient filing. Are we able to estimate costs for this application without filling out a separate subrecipient budget spreadsheet for the EPC component? If so, do these costs need to be itemized or can they be grouped into a single EPC line item? Do we need to provide a separate LOC once the contractor is selected?
Answer 60: Prepare your application using your best estimate for the EPC costs - itemize if possible, otherwise group into a single line. If selected for negotiations leading to award, additional information would be required to confirm the EPC subrecipient costs and participation.

Question 61: My company has partnered with a manufacturer of EV chargers from Level 2 to DC. We have been currently testing, and working to deploy them for residential use. We are testing our commercial units; which will be ready to ship soon. I looked over the Funding Opportunity (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Electric Drive Vehicle Battery Recycling and Second Life Applications). I was not able to get a download of the application to submit. My goal would be to partner with the DOE to deploy our chargers in public areas, work with several partner candidates on recycling initiatives, continue our research on battery technology, and other areas of interest. We have the technical capability, and commercial capacity with our chargers to be deployed at different venues, and locations. What we are looking for is funding to get this done. We are also nearing completion on our next generation of chargers that will offset energy costs and offer contingency support to restore household power supply if need be. Please let me know what is possible, as we are also looking to join state initiatives as well across the country for partnership.
Answer 61: In order to submit a full application, an applicant must first submit a concept paper for consideration. Unfortunately, the concept paper submittal deadline for this funding opportunity announcement has passed. Please review the EERE Exchange website for other potential opportunities.

Question 62: Where there is not a current federally approved rate agreement negotiated and available, does the entity preparing the Budget Justification form need to submit an indirect rate proposal in the format provided at https://www.energy.gov/eere/funding/eere-funding-application-and-management-forms along with their full application, or can the indirect rate proposal be submitted during award negotiations?
Answer 62: If an indirect rate proposal is available now, submit it with the application. If it is not available, it can be submitted later if selected for negotiations leading to award.

Question 63: On page 5 of the Environmental Questionnaire the text boxes do not wrap in each box. There was a corrected form uploaded to a recent DOE FOA-0002678. Please upload a new one that provides the correct heading.
Answer 63: The updated EQ has been made available for download for this FOA.

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