Question 1:
We wish to apply for the DOE opportunity for funding and wish to get guidance on application, application forms and submission process.
Answer 1:
Plug and Play is a Request for Information (RFI) only, therefore, there is no application process associated with the Plug and Play RFI at this time. Rather, respondents are asked to comment on the questions provided in the RFI document. Respondents are also encouraged to comment on the value of issuing a Plug and Play Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), as well as their organization’s anticipated interest in participating in such an opportunity. Based on feedback from the RFI, DOE may issue a FOA, may issue a FOA that is significantly different than the FOA described, or DOE may issue no FOA at all. If DOE decides to issue a Plug and Play FOA, guidance on the application, necessary forms, and submission process will be included in the FOA document.
If DOE decides to issue a Plug and Play FOA, the application forms and submission process will be similar to other DOE FOAs. To review typical application information prior to a Plug and Play FOA being issued, please visit the Exchange website (www.eere-exchange.energy.gov) and download some of the FOA documents that are currently posted. The “Content and Form of Applications” section will provide information on typical application forms and processes.
Question 2:
This is our first time interacting with the DOE, so I would like to get a quick understanding of the Process as we have a product that we believe has the potential to become a key part of the Plug & Play PV system.
1. My understanding is that at this time you are only requesting information (RFI)– Please confirm
2. What do we need to do to make sure that when a FOA is issued our company will be notified?
3. Is the FOA a general invitation to all respondents of the RFI, or is it only the selected ones who responded to the RFI
4. Can the non-respondents to the RFI also apply for the funding?
Answer 2:
1. Your understanding is correct. DOE is only requesting information at this time. Any information obtained as a result of this RFI is intended to be used by the Government on a non-attribution basis for program planning and procurement strategy development.
2. To receive automatic notifications when a DOE FOA is issued, please visit www.Grants.gov and register for notifications. Email subscriptions can be set up on Grants.gov in the “For Applicants” section by clicking “Find Grant Opportunities” then clicking “Email Subscriptions”.
3. Whether an entity responds to the RFI has no bearing on their eligibility to apply for a Plug and Play FOA, if DOE decides to issue such a FOA.
4. Yes. If DOE decides to issue a Plug and Play FOA, the FOA will be open to all potential applicants, regardless of whether they submitted a response to the RFI.
Question 3:
I was interested in talking to someone about the information being requested for submission. Please let me know who I could speak with.
Answer 3:
Plug and Play is a Request for Information (RFI) only, therefore, there is no application process associated with the Plug and Play RFI at this time. Rather, respondents are asked to comment on the questions provided in the RFI document. All responses to this RFI must be delivered electronically in Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) format as an attachment to an email sent to the following email address: PlugandPlayRFI@go.doe.gov. If DOE issues a FOA, it will be a competitive solicitation, therefore private discussions with DOE personnel, either before the announcement is issued or while the announcement is open, are prohibited.
To receive an automatic notification if DOE does issue a Plug and Play FOA, please visit www.Grants.gov and register for notifications. Email subscriptions can be set up on Grants.gov in the “For Applicants” section by clicking “Find Grant Opportunities” then clicking “Email Subscriptions”.
Question 4:
1. Does this RFI have anything to do with the application for the funding or are you just gathering our thoughts via the 18 questions.
2. Does our involvement with this RFI have any effect on our application process for the funding down the road.
3. Are you looking for a single company to provide a complete plug & play system or are you looking for several companies to provide the various components that form a plug and play system.
4. Is the funding already secured or is this RFI process a part of securing the funding.
Answer 4:
1. Any information obtained as a result of this Request for Information (RFI) is intended to be used by the Government on a non-attribution basis for program planning and procurement strategy development. If DOE decides to issue a funding opportunity announcement (FOA), whether an entity responded to the RFI will have no bearing on the entity’s eligibility to submit an application for funding.
2. No, an entity’s involvement with the RFI will not have an effect on the application process.
3. In general, DOE is not expecting any one company to provide a complete plug and play system, but a collaboration of many companies who provide the various components of a plug and play system with standardized interfaces.
4. Unfortunately the only information we can provide to you is that which is already publicly available. DOE representatives are not able to disclose future Funding Opportunities or plans. The Fiscal Year 2012 budget of the United States Government is available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/Overview. Please visit the Department of Energy Document for more information on the budget for the Department of Energy.