EERE eXCHANGE: FAQs

Question 1: Would a non-profit organization qualify as a team member under the Prime Recipient or any FFRDC?
Answer 1:

A non-profit organization could partner with an eligible prime applicant.

Question 2: This is a question in regards to the eligibility of the grant. Specifically, why is it limited to two areas in the country? For example, why not the Atlanta Metro area… and for that matter, many others?
Answer 2: In accordance with Section III, restricted eligibility is based on guidance accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 (P.L. 112-74).

Question 3: Section 1.E. gives some examples of eligible technologies, and specifies: “heavy-duty on-road trucks that transport shipping containers of one or more twenty-foot-equivalent units and that are propelled by electric motors powered by batteries, fuel cells, overhead catenary wires, or hybrid-electric technologies that operate in all electric mode for a large portion of their duty cycle” Please confirm that non-road vehicles, such as port drayage trucks, fork trucks or similar, will also be considered eligible if fully electric.
Answer 3:

Port drayage trucks, fork trucks or similar, will also be considered eligible if they meet all of the requirements outlined in the Funding Opportunity Announcement, including that they operate in all-electric mode for a large portion of their duty cycle.

Question 4: The Funding Opportunity Announcement states: Regardless of whether an applicant proposes development and demonstration phases or only a demonstration phase, the effort funded through any award from this FOA will be considered to meet the criteria for Technology Readiness Level 8: TRL-8. Actual system/process completed and qualified through test and demonstration- Pre-commercial demonstration: End of system development. Full-scale system is fully integrated into operational environment with fully operational hardware and software systems. All functionality is tested in simulated and operational scenarios with demonstrated achievement of end-user specifications. Technology is ready to move from development to commercialization Does this mean that the technology should already be at TRL-8 in order to be eligible or that the project should ensure that the technology will reach TRL-8 by the end of the project/grant period?
Answer 4: The technology proposed must be at TRL-8 at the start of the demonstration phase.

Question 5: Press reports indicate that Funding Opportunity DE-FOA-0000669 for zero emission cargo transportation reads it is open to government and private companies, however it doesn’t really list private companies on the eligible applicants. Would a private for-profit company be eligible for this grant?
Answer 5: In accordance with Section III, eligibility for prime applicants is restricted. A for-profit private company could partner with an eligible prime applicant

Question 6: Can an actual Electric Vehicle supplier apply? If not, is it still viable to partner up with one of the local governments, ports, metropolitan transportation authorities, air pollution control districts, or combinations of those governments, authorities, districts, and entities.
Answer 6:

In accordance with Section III, restricted eligibility is based on guidance accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 (P.L. 112-74). Electric Vehicle (EV) suppliers cannot apply as a Prime Applicant but can apply in partnership with an eligible entity.

Question 7: Does funding apply to the infrastructure?
Answer 7: Yes, but only if infrastructure improvements are necessary for the advancement of the cargo electric transportation technologies or installation or operation of the proposed technology.

Question 8: Could a university partner with POLA or/and POLB for this grant opportunity
Answer 8: Yes, a University could partner with a Port of Los Angeles or Port of Long Beach.

Question 9: As a global container terminal operator that has a concession lease agreement with the port authority in order to operate the port itself, would we be eligible for a funding as prime applicant?
Answer 9: No. In accordance with Section III - Eligibility Information, eligibility for prime applicants is restricted to local governments, ports, metropolitan transportation authorities, air pollution control districts, or a combination of these entities. Any entity that operates a terminal through a contract, agreement, etc. with a local government, port authority, or other eligible non-profit entity is not eligible to apply as the prime.

Question 10: In the definition of Cargo, does it include the passengers?
Answer 10: No. Cargo means materials, supplies, freight boxes, containers, etc.

Question 11: Due to our internal engineering design process, we have to thoroughly test and demonstrate the capability of the new design in-house before we deliver it to the end user. Would NETL consider an application of a ZECT system with three-year development, internal demonstration and testing, and one-year external demonstration in a non-attainment area?
Answer 11:

No. In accordance with the FOA, Section I. Funding Opportunity Description, Part D. Project Phase, it states, “Within the Demonstration Phase, applicants shall demonstrate a Zero Emission Cargo Transport (ZECT) system for a minimum of two (2) years. Applicants will be expected to collect data under real world cargo transport conditions in the prime applicant’s 8-hour ozone nonattainment area.

If a development phase is proposed, it can overlap with the demonstration phase, but the justification for overlapping phases must be provided in the project narrative. If a development phase is proposed, its duration cannot exceed 1 year.”

Question 12: Would we (global container terminal operator) still be eligible if we would team up with a non-US OEM/partner?
Answer 12:

In accordance with Section F: Part I, the FOA states, “It is required that each applicant’s team include an

ETT manufacturer or supplier currently producing the technology in the United States. It is highly desired

that applications include commitments to manufacture and build the technology in the United States

subsequent to the technology development and demonstration effort.” Therefore, a non-U.S. company

could be the partner to an eligible prime entity as long as the technology is produced in the U.S.

Question 13: Would the funding apply to us (global container terminal operator) when we do demonstrations on heavy duty non-road terminal tractors/trucks?
Answer 13: Yes, an eligible prime entity could take this approach, if the technologies for the heavy duty non-road terminal tractors/trucks are those that meet the definition of electric transportation technologies (ETT) provided in Section 131(a)(3) of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA), P.L. 112-74 and that produce zero emissions from the transport vehicle (or other equipment which propels cargo) for all or large portions of their duty cycle.

Question 14: Do I understand correctly that the minimum project size needs to be USD $4 million? Based on 50% cost share and the award size floor being USD $2 million.
Answer 14: Yes, that is correct.

Question 15: May a private enterprise apply without a local government, port, metropolitan transportation authority, air pollution control districts, or combinations of those governments, authorities, districts, and entities? Or, as a private company, do we need to partner with one of these entities?
Answer 15:

No, a private enterprise may not apply as a Prime applicant. In accordance with Section III, eligibility for prime applicants is restricted. A for-profit private company could partner with an eligible prime applicant.

Question 16: Would a for-profit need to partner with a public entity (local governments, port, metropolitan transportation authority, air pollution control districts, or combinations of those governments, authorities, districts) in the geographical location of Los Angeles South Coast Air Basin non attainment area or the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria non attainment area?
Answer 16:

In accordance with Section III - Eligibility Information, Prime applicants (local governments, port, metropolitan transportation authority, air pollution control districts, or combinations of those governments, authorities, districts) must operate in and/or govern in the geographical location of the Los Angeles South Coast Air Basin or the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria non attainment area. However, a partner is not required to operate and/or govern within this nonattainment area.

Question 17: On page 5 section B-II, can you please clarify what it is meant by, “… a major ETT original equipment manufacturer or major supplier…” How is a major or minor company determined? I.E. – By market cap, market share, regional, locale, global market presence or specify any other metric used to determine major or minor ETT?
Answer 17:

An original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, manufactures products or components that are purchased by a company and retailed under that purchasing company's brand name with associated warranties and guarantees. The technologies within the scope of this funding opportunity announcement vary widely along with differing markets. Given the broad technology areas and the diverse markets, a major OEM would be considered to have been performing this function within a given market for at least one year."

Question 18: On Page 7 in the definition of TRL-8 it is stated that, “Technology is ready to move from development to commercialization…” What timeframe between development and commercialization would be expected or milestone completed prior to or during the project?
Answer 18: The technology proposed must be at TRL-8 at the start of the demonstration phase, as defined in the FOA on page 7. The demonstration phase should start immediately following any proposed development phase.

Question 19: Is it possible for a single entity to submit more than one application to the FOA for a single region?
Answer 19: Yes, an eligible applicant may submit more than one application to the FOA for a single region (which is limited to the Los Angeles South Coast Air Basin and Houston-Galveston-Brazoria non-attainment areas as described in Section 1 – Funding Opportunity Description, Part B. Restricted Eligibility). However, the eligible applicant should not submit duplicative applications for that region and all proposed projects must be in line with the technologies defined in Section 1 – Funding Opportunity Description, Part E. Eligible Technologies.

Question 20: Will an application qualify under this solicitation if the original equipment manufacturer and/or electric transportation technology supplier are not identified? The original equipment manufacturer and/or electric transportation technology supplier will be selected by the applicant during the project implementation period through a public solicitation process such as a Request for Proposal.
Answer 20:

As stated in the FOA "To be eligible, prime applicants must apply in partnership with a major ETT original equipment manufacturer or major supplier of ETT vehicle, system, or energy technology." The ETT OEM or supplier must be identified in the application.”

Question 21: With regards to the Detailed Budget Justification form, please define the “Budget Period”. Should it be based on a CY, Gov’t FY, 12 month periods from the start of the project, or ??? Thank you.
Answer 21:

By definition, a “Budget Period” is defined as an integral period of time which the project is divided into for budgeting/funding purposes. For this FOA, budget periods are typically twelve (12) months but due to the uniqueness of the FOA, it could be more or less. Therefore, there are no set parameters as budget periods could vary pending the structure of the applicant’s proposed project. However, please note that Budget Period One (1) funding will begin 10/1/2012 and budget periods should be structured accordingly.

Question 22: Can you please clarify the Lighting Efficiency Certification standards in regards to “facilities”. It is the understanding that only the facilities that are the facilities of the Prime Applicant are subject to this requirement. So if the majority of the development work is done at a partnering ETT OEM facility, then Lighting Efficiency Certification requirements will not apply to the Prime Applicant because the “majority of the work” will not be occurring at a Prime Applicant facility.
Answer 22:

You are correct. Only the facilities that are the facilities of the Prime Applicant are subject to the Lighting Efficiency Certification standards.

Question 23: Since fuel-cell powered auxiliary power units (APUs) for refrigerated trucks 1) Replace diesel fuel power for the APU, 2) Have only heat and water byproducts and 3) Reduce carbon dioxide emissions as well as NOx, SOx, CO, and HC emissions caused by the operation of diesel engines that power APUs, are fuel-cell powered APUs included as an eligible technology under DE-FOA-0000669?
Answer 23: As referenced in the FOA, “ZECT technologies are those that meet the definition of electric transportation technologies (ETT) provided in Section 131(a)(3) of Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA). Section 131(a)(3)(B) states that the term electric transportation technology also means “equipment relating to transportation or mobile sources of air pollution that use an electric motor to replace an internal combustion engine for all or part of the work of the equipment, including (i) corded electric equipment linked to transportation or mobile sources of air pollution; and (ii) electrification technologies at airports, ports, truck stops, and material-handling facilities.” If the proposed technology meets this definition it would be eligible.

Question 24: According to the following excerpt from DOE funding opportunity announcement,“Eligibility for prime applicants is restricted to local governments, ports, metropolitan transportation authorities, air pollution control districts, or combinations of those governments, authorities, districts, and entities,” Korean companies are not eligible for this grant opportunity?
Answer 24:

You are correct, Korean companies are not eligible for this Grant opportunity in accordance with the above mentioned eligibility requirements, as well as those defined in Section III. Eligibility Information, Part A: Eligible Applicant: #3, Prime applicants must operate in and.or govern areas of severe or extreme National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) 8-hour ozone nonattainment as defined by the EPA under the Clean Air Act: http://epa.gov/oaqps001/greenbk/gnc.html lists the five geographic areas that meet this criterion.

Question 25: Is there any way Korean companies can keep up with next opportunities on the same type of grant on the same project? Are there any notification system they can sign up for?
Answer 25: All DOE Funding Opportunities are posted at http://www.grants.gov. Once registered, you can enroll in the Grants Notification Subscription Services to receive notifications of announcements.

Question 26: Could you please provide clarification regarding the term “Cargo Transport Sector”? Does this limit the opportunity to “cargo” that arrives/departs via ship or rail, or can it include products, supplies, materials, etc., regardless of its weight, dimensions and content, that are manufactured and/or distributed within the target regions?
Answer 26: The application can include products, supplies, materials, regardless of their weight, dimensions and content, that are manufactured and/or distributed within the target regions as long as the application meets all FOA requirements; specifically restricted eligibility requirements and eligible technologies.

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