Question 1:
Could you please review my abstract and tell me if I am eligible to apply?
Answer 1:
As stated in the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), DOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential Applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted. The decision whether to submit an application in response to this FOA lies solely with the Applicant.
Question 2:
I’m most interested in Topic A, and I’m wondering if a Public Utility Commission would be an eligible applicant?
Answer 2:
The DOE cannot determine if a Potential Applicant is eligible or not. Therefore, please see the FOA, Section III - Eligibility Information, A. Eligible Applicants for more information.
Question 3:
Under B will the awardee only be responsible for the research to discover what will make this doable or actually work with them
Answer 3:
Please refer to pages 20, and 21 of the FOA. Research and feasibility studies are necessary under this FOA, but are not sufficient.
Question 4:
Can the 25% of the 6 million for B be contributed as hours worked etc...?
Answer 4:
Please refer to Appendix B – Cost Share Information.
Question 5:
On page 36 of the FOA, it states, “If an applicant submits more than one Concept Paper or Full Application, DOE will only consider the last timely submission for evaluation.” Is an applicant considered to be an individual or an institution? I am wondering if our university can submit more than one concept paper or application? Or is the limitation only on the individual investigators?
Answer 5:
Individuals are eligible Applicants according to the FOA (page 30) and may apply in their individual capacity. The university as an Applicant may submit one Concept Paper/Full Application and only one. If two individuals/ PIs would like to submit through one institution they may apply in the same Application.
Question 6:
Is Topic B in this FOA open to all utilities and energy providers -- investor-owned, municipally-owned, rural electric co-ops or other public or non-profit energy providers?
Answer 6:
As outlined in Section III (Eligibility Information) of the FOA, there are no eligibility restrictions based on the ownership structure of a utility company. It is important to consult the Merit Review criteria in Section V (Application Review Information) to make sure that the proposed project is in line with the overall FOA goals and objectives for this topic area.
Question 7:
Must applicants be electric utilities?
Answer 7:
No. As outlined in Section III (Eligibility Information) of the FOA, electric utilities are not the only eligible entity. However, Topics A and B support activities most commonly performed by electric utilities. It is important to consult the Merit Review criteria in Section V (Application Review Information) in light of details provided in pages 17 through 23 of the FOA in order to make sure that the proposed project is in line with the overall FOA goals and objectives.
Question 8:
Do the new PV systems proposed by applicants for deployment under Topic B have to be interconnected to the grid in front of the meter, or can a PV asset be designed for distributed generation behind the meter?
Answer 8:
The FOA has no restrictions on the types of PV systems proposed by applicants. These assets may be an aggregation of rooftop mounted systems behind the meter, in front of the meter, ground mounted solar farms, or any combination preferred by the applicant. Applicants have a high degree of flexibly in planning and deploying their PV assets provided that technical assistance and organizational capacity building efforts address the technical, financial and operational skill sets required to plan, own, operate all these planned PV assets.
Question 9:
What does DOE mean by the term "Technical Assistance" in Topic B? What activities will DOE fund?
Answer 9:
Details are provided in pages 20 through 23 of the FOA. Applicants should focus on at least three of the four Action Areas described in the FOA and deliver the outcomes described by for Topic B. To allow technical assistance beneficiaries and providers a great deal of flexibility in realizing desired goals, Topic B of this FOA sets measurable goals and targets but it does not require a specific approach. It is important to consult the Merit Review criteria in Section V (Application Review Information) in light of provided details in order to make sure that the proposed project is in line with the overall FOA goals and objectives.
Question 10:
Can the planned PV deployments be aggregated from smaller installations to reach the required "utility-scale" sized installation? Must deployments be single arrays of larger and larger size?
Answer 10:
The FOA has no restrictions on the types of PV systems proposed by applicants. PV assets may be phased installations of one single large array or an aggregation of small PV systems.
Question 11:
Will DOE assist in applicant's costs for structuring financing? Purchasing PV equipment for the installation? Labor and installation costs?
Answer 11:
As described in page 21 of the FOA: “Funding under this FOA cannot be used for the purchase of hardware components or installation labor, nor for issuing or auctioning power purchase agreements (PPAs) for third-party solicitations.” The funding for technical assistance provided by DOE under theis FOA is to help qualifying entities gain expertise, develop and adapt standardized solutions and practices for planning, owning, deploying, operating, and managing utility scale PV systems.
Question 12:
For Topic B, do you expect applicants IN THE CONCEPT PAPER to fully describe their plans for the PV deployments, for example, including feasibility studies and committed technical assistance partners?
Answer 12:
Applicants who plan to own, deploy, manage and operate PV systems, but who have not completed partnering agreements and PV acquisition processes, or who have not yet finalized necessary agreements may submit concept papers. DOE will apply the Merit Review criteria described in Section V (Application Review Information) inwhen "encouraging" or "discouraging" more detailed applications from the submitted concept papers.
Question 13:
Is this solicitation specific to utilities? Does an electric distribution utility have to apply for topic 1 and/or 2?
Answer 13:
No. As outlined in Section III (Eligibility Information) of the FOA, electric utilities are not the only eligible entity. 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.
Question 14:
Is an Abstract required for a Concept Paper for the SUNRISE FOA?
Answer 14:
No, an Abstract is not required for a Concept Paper. If the General Tab of the application on the EERE Exchange platform requires an abstract, then please input "Not Applicable" or input the title of your project.
Question 15:
What is the maximum length of Technology/Methodology Description in Project Description Narrative for DOE SUNRISE FOA Concept Paper.
Answer 15:
Applicants may present the following six elements sequentially: “Name and contact information,” “Potential partners,” “Selected topic(s)/subtopic(s),” “Project title,” “DOE funding requested per topic/subtopic,” and “Budget Summary – Topic B only.”
Applicants should NOT exceed 4 pages for the Technology/Methodology Description section of the Project Description Narrative even if other elements combined use up less than six pages.
Question 16:
Are applicants required to include technical milestones, deliverables, or both in the 10-page Project Description Narrative of the concept paper?
Answer 16:
Content requirements for the Concept paper start on page 37 of the FOA. As outlined in the FOA, DOE will evaluate a Concept Paper based on the Concept Paper criteria which includes the extent to which an applicant defines technical milestones and deliverables clearly.
Question 17:
Did DOE extend the deadline for Concept Papers?
Answer 17:
Yes, visit EERE Exchange platform for the latest FOA document (https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/#FoaId5c1bc91c-c0fd-410c-a424-b54b864c380d)
Question 18:
Could you clarify what “utility scale PV” refers to? We are interested in a scale of up to 2MW per system. Is this range of interest to DOE under this solicitation?
Answer 18:
For Topic B, the FOA sets funding thresholds based on total size of planned PV deployments (see page 23 of the FOA). The minimum total size of planned PV deployments is 1.5MW. There are no set thresholds for Topics A-1 and A-2.
Question 19:
Please clarify if more than one application for the same or different topics are allowed by the same organization.
Answer 19:
More than one application for the same or different topics by the same organization is NOT permitted. Applicants can address multiple topics in a single application. Pages 11 and 36 of the FOA state, "Applicants may apply for multiple Topic areas using a single Concept Paper and a single Full Application.
Question 20:
Our proposal deals with both A1 and A2 but in the Concept paper submission menu I could only select one of the two. How can I go about specifying both?
Answer 20:
Another option has been added to the Concept paper submission menu in eXCHANGE that allows an Applicant to select both Topics A1 and A2.
Question 21:
The cost-share calculation in p. 82 of the revised FOA specifies cost sharing of 20% for R&D and 0% for Outreach. However, the rules listed in p. 11 only list a uniform 50% for Task A. Please clarify.
Answer 21:
The cost-share calculation in p. 82 of the revised FOA as stated provides a general example of how the cost share calculations are performed. The applicable cost share requirements for this FOA are provided in Section III.B on page 33. Topics A-1 and Topic A-2 are neither R&D nor Outreach. They are both topics that involve actual implementation of the developed plans/software/hardware for utility planning/operations, at a utility power system. Therefore, the cost share requirement for Topics A-1 and A-2 is a minimum of 50%.
Question 22:
What is the total DOE Award Amount for Topic A-2? Will the total award amount of $4M-6M include A-1 and A-2? What is the ceiling of a Topic A-1 or Topic A-2 project?
Answer 22:
Please see Section II.B (page 29) of the FOA for estimated DOE funding and maximum/minimum award size information.
Question 23:
Our concept paper to DE-FOA-0000865 will fall under both topics A-1 and A-2, which is allowed by the FOA (last paragraph of page 12). On the “General” tab, the “Topic” drop-down list only allows the selection of one topic. How do we indicate the concept paper addresses both A-1 and A-2?
Answer 23:
Another option has been added to the “Topic” drop-down list in eXCHANGE that allows an Applicant to select both Topics A1 and A2.
Question 24:
One of the investigators at our institution will be submitting a concept paper in response to DE-FOA-0000865. He has an individual account with eere-exchange, and so does our office, the Office of Research and Sponsored Program. ORSP will be the point of contact. Who should be the submitter?
Answer 24:
Individuals are eligible to apply as prime or subrecipient. However, as stated on page 3 of the FOA, “Submission of an application and supplemental information under this FOA through electronic systems used by the Department of Energy, including EERE Exchange, constitutes the authorized representative’s approval and electronic signature.” Whoever submits the application must be authorized to submit on behalf of an organization.
Question 25:
Can you assist me in pulling down the full application for the FOA?
Answer 25:
As stated on page 8 of the FOA, “Concept Papers, Full Applications, and Replies to Reviewer Comments must be submitted through EERE Exchange at https://eere-Exchange.energy.gov, EERE’s online application portal. EERE will not review or consider applications submitted through other means.” Registration requirements are listed on pages 2-3 of the FOA. All required application forms are available on the EERE website at: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaId5c1bc91c-c0fd-410c-a424-b54b864c380d.
Question 26:
The FOA makes it clear local governments may apply. We are a Public Works dept. that wants to build a large solar project on top of our closed landfill. Can we be a lead applicant under Topic B? And, if so, please elaborate on what activities we can apply for that would actually assist us in developing the project. We already have a Feasibility Study that says our proposed project is feasible. So, we are trying to figure out if, and if so how, applying for a grant under this FOA can further getting our project actually developed.
Answer 26:
A local government may apply as a lead applicant for Topic B. Under this topic DOE will help provide technical assistance for cost-effective accelerated solar deployment by optimizing standardized solutions and best practices in non-hardware balance of system cost areas. Activities supported under this topic are detailed in pages 20 through 23 of the FOA. DOE will not make merit determinations for projects to be undertaken by potential Applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted. It is important to consult the Merit Review criteria in Section V (Application Review Information) in light of the provided details (e.g. pages 20 through 23) in order to make sure that the proposed project is in line with the FOA objectives.
Question 27:
Where can I find the recorded webinar?
Answer 27:
The webinar Power Point presentation is currently posted at: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaId5c1bc91c-c0fd-410c-a424-b54b864c380d.
Question 28:
How firm are the anticipated funding maximums and minimums per project listed in the FOA? May a respondent request more or less than these amounts?
Answer 28:
The approximate maximum and minimum federal share for any one individual award made under this this FOA are set forth in the table found in Section II.B (page 29).
Question 29:
May a letter of partner participation be added to the Concept Paper document if the total document length is still 10 pages or less?
Answer 29:
A letter of partner participation may be added to the Concept Paper if the total document length is still 10 pages or less; however, a partner participation letter is not required for the Concept Paper. As stated in Section IV.D.2 of the FOA (page 38), the description of potential partners is limited to 1 page. Applicants can use the 2 page addendum to “…describe succinctly the qualifications, experience, and capabilities of the proposed Project Team.
Question 30:
There does not seem to be a stipulation on the cost sharing amount between partners? Of the cost sharing total is there a minimum amount to how much each cost sharing partner must provide to the project?
Answer 30:
As stated in Section III.B (page 33) of the FOA, “Each Project Team is free to determine how much each Project Team member will contribute towards the cost share requirement. The amount contributed by individual Project Team members may vary, as long as the cost share requirement for the project as a whole is met.
Question 31:
In the section 4D-2 in the Technology/Methodology description consisting of: (1-4 pages) Is the number of pages a maximum? If the total pages are 10 or less can the Technology/Methodology section be longer than 4 pages?
Answer 31:
Please see Q&A #15. Applicants should NOT exceed 4 pages for the Technology/Methodology Description section of the Project Description Narrative even if other elements combined use up less than six pages.
Question 32:
We are just local government public works trying to get a large solar project developed, and trying to understand what could we actually propose to do that qualifies for the funding and accomplishes something valuable with the grant money that furthers the development of our proposed project. Pgs 20-22 are confusing as it often refers to just utilities applying, when FOA says local governments/others can apply, and it also uses language that doesn’t really say anything specific that a normal person could understand – what can we actually propose to do as a local government non-utility applicant? Will the grant pay to help us find funding/investors for the project? To design the project or only certain aspects of the project? To do and/or pay for the studies local utilities require to evaluate system impacts/interconnections? We do not have the funding but we have the land and desire to build at least a 3 MW solar plant, even if we have to do it in 75 kW and/or 100 kW increments (our state community solar project incentives, maximum net metering limit). What if it does pay to design the project, but then we can’t find funding/investors to construct all or some of the project (if built in stages), do we have to give money back used to design it? We don’t have market partnering stakeholders such as the ones listed on pg. 21, but would the grant money help us pay to try to acquire such partnering stakeholders? It is very difficult to understand what we can actually propose to do/get. Is there someone I can actually talk to, to learn more?
Answer 32:
The purpose of this FOA is to enable entities to develop long-term strategic plans that integrate high levels of renewable energy generation; to ensure reliable real-time power system operations under high renewable penetration; and to provide technical assistance for capacity-building activities regarding utility-scale photovoltaic planning and installation. If the FOA objectives and activities do not align with a potential applicant's goals or projects, then regardless of eligibility provisions, this FOA may not be the appropriate funding opportunity for such goals or projects. DOE cannot advise potential applicants on the merit of their projects, budget allocations, and funded activities prior to full application submission. As stated in section VII (page 66) of the FOA, “DOE personnel are prohibited from communicating (in writing or otherwise) with Applicants regarding the FOA except through the established question and answer process…”
Question 34:
In the Full Application Content Requirements section of the SUNRISE FOA, the chart listing “Supplementary Documents” instructs applicants to save the SF-424A with the file name “Control#_LeadOrganization_SF242A.” Are we correct in understanding that this was a typographical error and that the file name should read “Control#_LeadOrganization_SF424A?”
Answer 34:
You are correct. This is a typo and the file name should read “Control#_LeadOrganization_SF424A.”
Question 35:
In the Full Application Content Requirements section of the SUNRISE FOA, Paragraph 10, “Letters of Commitment,” states in the second-to-last sentence:
“Letters of Commitment from parties participating in the project, exclusive of vendors, who will not be contributing cost share, but will be integral to the success of the project.”
This sentence appears to have been inadvertently cut off at the end. Did it meant to indicate that such letters would be accepted but not required? If this sentence is not complete, please post the complete sentence.
Answer 35:
The referenced phrase gives an example of acceptable commitment letters that an applicant may include in their Full Application.
Question 36:
In the Full Application Content Requirements section of the SUNRISE FOA, the chart on pp. 40-41 calls for the Technical Volume to include 10 components, including a 5-page (maximum) “Technical Milestones and Deliverables,” and that these 10 elements should be saved as one file named “Control#_LeadOrganization_Technical Volume.” The instructions detailing the specific requirements of the Milestones/Deliverables section, however, instructs: “The completed milestones should be submitted as a standalone addition to the applicant’s technical volume.” Are we required to save the Milestones/Deliverables section as part of a single file named “Control#_LeadOrganization_Technical Volume” and thus submit it as part of the Technical Volume and thus NOT as a “stand-alone?”
Answer 36:
For the Full Application, please submit the Milestones/Deliverables as a stand-alone section of a single file named “Control#_LeadOrganization_Technical Volume". This section should not exceed 5 pages.
Question 37:
Appendix C, p. 84 of the FOA lists "Open Source software" requirements for Topic areas for which open source distribution is required. However, we don't see such requirements listed under any of the tasks. In our proposal responding to Topic A we plan a computer model as a deliverable. The model will be mainly comprised of free software but one part of it would have to be purchased from a vendor at a modest cost (e.g., $2,000). Also the vendor sells only the executive code, not the source code.
Please clarify if the "open source software" requirements apply to topic A of this FOAA and, if they do, if the stated modest cost for an executive code is allowed.
Answer 37:
Open source is not a requirement to any of the topics in the FOA. However, any tool, including software, that is developed with EERE funding should be disseminated as broadly as possible. Therefore, open source is encouraged when it would best support the dissemination of the software.
Question 38:
On page 46 of the amended SUNRISE FOA, DE-FOA-0000865, under Sec. IV.E.2.3., Statement of Project Objectives [for full applications], the instruction states: “The Statement of Project Objectives should provide a clear and concise state of the project goals and expected outcomes. . . . Save the [SOPO] in a single file titled “ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_SOPO.” EERE Exchange provides a sample SOPO and a SOPO Instructions Revised which show the SOPO as a Word document. The SOPO Instructions Revised, however, state that an addendum, the Project Management Plan, is also required, which the FOA does not mention. EERE Exchange offers PMP Instructions and a sample, “Project_Management_Plan_Example.xls”, which is an Excel spreadsheet. Does the FOA thus require applicants to complete both the SOPO (a Word document) and the Project Management Plan (an Excel spreadsheet) and save them as a single pdf file titled “ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_SOPO” where both are 8.5 x 11 inches?
Answer 38:
The Project Management Plan as referenced in the SOPO instructions is not required. The SOPO instructions have been modified accordingly.
Question 44:
(1) Is it possible to change the leading organization from one company in the Concept Paper stage to another company in the Full Proposal stage while still using the same control number for Full Application?
(2) In the concept paper stage, our anticipated PV deployment was 7MW. That number has changed to over 20MW. Can we increase our requested funding (of course with simultaneous increase of cost share)?
Answer 44:
(1) Yes, another company may take over as the Lead Organization as long as the other company meets the requirements of an eligible applicant.
(2) Per the FOA, “Applicants do not receive an award until award negotiations are complete and the Contracting Officer executes the funding agreement.” Therefore, please submit the budget necessary for your project, and if selected, they projected will be awarded after negotiations.
Question 45:
Just wondering if we can submit for DE-FOA-0000865 even though we didn’t submit a concept paper? We haven’t had time to even look for grant funds until today, so we didn’t submit. Our collaborator has extensive experience in installing solar panels and “smart” controls, and we want to expand solar to low-income and middle-income households with a lease-purchase program and install some solar farms.
Answer 45:
As stated in the Funding Opportunity Announcement, “Each Applicant must submit a Concept Paper and a Full Application by the stated deadlines.” Thus, without a Concept Paper, a Full Application cannot be submitted. However, the Department of Energy encourages all potential applicants to visit regularly the two web sites that host future funding opportunity announcements, EERE eXCHANGE, at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/, and Grants.gov, at http://www.grants.gov/.
Question 46:
Under the SUNRISE Topic B FOA instructions, there’s been some confusion about whether a Project Management Plan (PMP) is required with the application as part of the SOPO. There appear to have been several more than one version of the SOPO instructions posted on EERE Exchange, including one labeled “revised” that calls for a PMP. However, the version currently on the EERE Web site says:
“If selected for negotiations leading to an award, applicants will be required to submit a project management plan (PMP) as an addendum to the SOPO. The PMP is a Gantt-chart-like summary of the SOPO technical work plan that includes additional information about the work timeline, identifies the points of contact for each task and projects dates for completion of milestones. A template of the PMP will be provided to applicants selected for negotiations leading to an award.”
Would you kindly inform applicants as to whether or not a PMP is required with the application as part of the SOPO?
Answer 46:
As answered in question #38, a Project Management Plan is not required with the application as part of the Statement of Project Objective.
Question 47:
(1) Our project team comprises multiple institutions, as well as individuals, with complementary attributes - including physical assets, areas of expertise, and capabilities. With regard to the Performance Team section, should the focus be on both the organizational, as well as individual team member attributes or just individual team member attributes?
(2) Although our project comprises multiple institutions, there will be a single PI. As such, is it necessary to complete the Multiple Investigator Projects section?
(3) Can we expect that the proposal will be reviewed in its entirety by all reviewers, or should certain sections be written in a standalone manner because different sections will be reviewed by different individuals?
Answer 47:
Question (1) As stated in the FOA, page 45, DOE requires that Applicants supply two separate components to the Full Application:
(1) A "Management Plan" as one component of the Full Application that describes the roles and tasks to be delivered by each distinct organizational member of the Project Team; and,
(2) a "Coordination and Management Plan" that describes how each Principal Investigator and the Key Personnel at that PIs organization will coordinate Project Deliverables as a project team, among multiple organizational partners.
Question (2) Applicants are not required to complete the Multiple Investigator Projects section if the proposed project will be led by a single Principal Investigator. A "Management Plan" is required, as described in the FOA, page 45.
Question (3) Merit Reviewers will receive and score the entire Application, including appendices, Strategic Plan, budget summary (as applicable), and all other required components listed on pages 7-8 of the FOA, for SUNRISE Topics A1, A2 and B. In cases in which DOE receives many dozens or hundreds of Applications, DOE will still assign a minimum of three Merit Reviewers to read and score each Application, though no Merit Reviewer will read and score more than 15 Full Applications. After reading and scoring all assigned Applications individually, Merit Reviewers will meet as a panel to discuss scoring and normalize potentially disparate reviews.
Question 48:
The total size of PV for our proposed project at an airport is 20MW, out of which 7MW is scheduled to be deployed now. For the other 13MW, our proposed DOE project is intended to establish a detailed plan on its financing, siting, design, planning, permitting, installation, interconnection, operation, and maintenance. The proposed plan will show how the cost can be reduced to a targeted level. However, due to the size of the planned PV deployment, the 13MW may not be actually implemented and deployed at the airport within the given period of the DOE project. In other words, the airport is planning to install the remaining 13 MW, and will solicit deployment funds based on the outcome of our DOE study. Is this acceptable as the outcome of our project? Is this FOA about actual deployment or can a plan for a large deployment be considered as a viable option?
Answer 48:
Funding under Topic B is designed to provide technical assistance to realize cost reductions based on actual deployments. It exclusively support three main activities described in pages 20-21.
In addition, pages 22-24 describe requirements and expected deliverables. Please review this material in details and consult the merit criteria described in pages 56-58 to make sure that the proposed project aligns with this FOA’s expected outcomes.
Question 49:
It would be nice if the letters of support and commitment could be addressed to a specific individual. Is there a Program Manager or other person’s name to whom the letters of commitment can be addressed?
Answer 49:
Letters of support and commitment may be addressed to DE-FOA-0000865 Contracting Officer.
Question 50:
For the completion of form SF-424 Item number 13 requires the use of the Competition Identification Number/Title. From reviewing the FAQ and other sources it is not obvious if this number applies to DE-FOA-0000865. Can you clarify? If required, where can the number be located?
Answer 50:
The instruction for the 424, state this field is only completed if applicable. It is not applicable to this Funding Opportunity. Please leave the field blank.
Question 51:
1. We were encouraged to submit a full proposal; can we add a partner (nat lab) who was not named in the Concept paper?
2. Can we name collaborators from DOE FFRDCs who are listed as sub-recipients as co-PIs or should we use a different title for them?
Answer 51:
(1) Yes, you may add a partner that was not named in your Concept Paper.
(2) The Principal Investigator must be with the Prime Recipient. A Co-Principal Investigator may be with a sub-recipient, (FFRDC, or not).
Question 52:
We would like to review the contract (collaboration agreement?) we would sign with DOE for the SUNRISE program if we win a project. Could you please make it available?
Answer 52:
While all awards are individually negotiated, the template for standard terms and conditions used for most awards can be found at:
http://energy.gov/management/downloads/special-terms-and-conditions-use-most-grants-and-cooperative-agreements
Question 53:
The “Statement of Project Objectives instructions” available for SunShot Initiative FOA-0000865 applicants has a slightly different format within the provided example than that found in than the applicant “required template” found on the EERE forms page document PMC134_1-SOPO). Which format is acceptable?
Answer 53:
Please use the format labeled, “Statement of Project Objectives Instructions” that is attached to the FOA.
Question 54:
Within the Statement_of_Project_Objectives instructions, the length of the Technical Work Plan is listed as a required 3-5 pages in length. Also included are 1 page for the title page and 1 page for the Title Page. This implies the length may be 7 pages.
However, the DE-FOA-0000865-SUNRISE-Amendment_003-1.docx instructions clearly state that the SOPO may not exceed 5 pages (listed on page 7 within the Full Application section of the table).
May the SOPO exceed 5 pages?
Answer 54:
The title page will not count in the 3-5 pages of the technical work plan.
Question 55:
Our Strategy Narrative includes a 4 page long Bibliography- Can the Bibliography pages be excluded from the 20-page maximum page limitation?
Answer 55:
The bibliography is considered a part of the narrative, and therefore must meet the 20-page maximum limitation.
Question 56:
Section a. Personnel, should all salaries, including amounts that are going to be cost shared be included here?
For example
The PI is requesting one (1) month of salary paid for by DOE
The PI is committing an additional two (2) months of his efforts to the project.
Q. 1 In the personnel tab would I show three (3) months of PI salary?
Q. 2 In addition to showing three months of salary in the personnel section, would I also show two (2) months of PI salary in the cost share section?
Q. 3 Do I need to identify which personnel costs will, be paid from DOE funding and which ones will be cost share to the project?
Q. 4 Is it correct that all University personnel who have a salary cost share commitment are listed twice, both under personnel and under cost share?
**
Section d. Equipment
Q. 5. This projects requires the purchase of a dedicated server with specific upgrades - the quotes are around $10,000.
Do I need to specify if this will come from the DOE funding or if it will be paid from a $70,000 cash cost-share commitment from the local power company?
**
Q. 6. Should all other cost share commitments, such as contribution of services, be included in the Section f. Contractual?
**
Q. 7. On the Cost share tab, should “Total Project Cost” include (instructions and summary’ E!26) include both monies requested from DOE and all cost share commitments?
Answer 56:
Each cost category should have the total amount budgeted for that category, regardless of it being funded by DOE or non-DOE funds. The Cost Share tab may include some of these cost again, if they are being used as cost share. Thus:
Q. 1. Yes
Q. 2. Yes
Q 3. List all personnel costs in the Personnel Tab. List all cost share in the Cost Share tab.
Q. 4. Yes
Q. 5. Please enter the cost under the Equipment tab, and if this is a part of your cost share, enter the amount of cost share in the Cost Share tab as well. This will result in some of the same information being entered twice in the budget justification.
Q. 6. The Contractual tab should include all costs for vendors and sub-recipients. The Cost Share tab should include all sources of funding for the non-DOE cost share.
Q. 7. Yes, the total project cost, including both DOE and non-DOE funds should be listed under Total Project Cost.
Question 57:
FFRDC is required to do a FWP. The FWP requests B&R# and Operations Office Program Manager. Can you supply me with the B&R# and Headquarters/Operations Office Program Manager’s name?
Answer 57:
FFRDC’s are encouraged to contact the Contracting Officer who oversees their M & O contract for this requested information.
Question 58:
A FFRDC will be a subawardee for a total of $50K. Is any other form required besides the FWP?
Answer 58:
As stated in the Required Documents Checklist of the FOA, a Budget (i.e. a Field Work Proposal) and a letter of authorization from the cognizant DOE Contracting Officer for FFRDC, are required.
Question 59:
When will the reviewer comments be available?
Answer 59:
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.