Frequently Asked Questions

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

Question 1: 1)Do you want to find a new concept? 2)Is it a new process or material? 3)What happens when I show a new path and this is successful? 4)DOE cooperates with the big energy corporations on this issue. Are these enterprises the beneficiaries?
Answer 1:

1) This is not a Research and Develpoment FOA. It is a FOA for the analyses of hydrogen production pathways looking to evaluate the most promising technology paths toward achieving $2 to $4 per gallon gasoline equivalent (gge) of hydrogen fuel or less by 2020. The analyses will utilize the Hydrogen Analysis (H2A)  model (The H2A Distributed and Central Production Models3.0 can be found at www.hydrogen.energy.gov/h2a_production.html) to determine status improvements resulting from technology advancements, cost as a function of production volume, illustrate uncertainties in the cost estimates with error bars, and show potential for cost reductions based on sensitivity analyses for different production pathways.

2)H2A is not a process or material for hydrogen production; it is an analyses tool. Please see link and documentation on the H2A model which can be found in the FOA.

3)This FOA is not asking applicants to discover new pathways for H2 production, but to perform analyses on H2 production pathways.

4)The results of the analyses will be made public, therefore, the DOE and public will benefit from the results of the analyses performed by the recipient.

 
Question 2: Is what we have to offer within the scope of this Funding Opportunity?
Answer 2:

This is not a Research and Development FOA. It is a FOA for the analyses of hydrogen production pathways looking to evaluate the most promising technology paths toward achieving $2 to $4 per gallon gasoline equivalent (gge) of hydrogen fuel or less by 2020. The analyses will utilize the Hydrogen Analysis (H2A)  model (The H2A Distributed and Central Production Models 3.0 can be found at www.hydrogen.energy.gov/h2a_production.html) to determine status improvements resulting from technology advancements, cost as a function of production volume, illustrate uncertainties in the cost estimates with error bars, and show potential for cost reductions based on sensitivity analyses for different production pathways.

Please refer to the FOA, as it outlines the scope and purpose. 
Question 3: The FOA states that the Administration has requested up to $1,000,000 in FY13 for this work and that budgets for future budget periods are contingent on funds availability. Does this mean that the awards are up to $1,000,000 per year for 3-4 years or is it a total of up to $1,000,000 spread out over 3-4years (or $250,000 to $330,000 per year).
Answer 3:

The maximum Federal amount for an individual award made under this announcement is $1,000,000, which would be spread out over the project period of the award.
Question 4: Are we allowed to and/or encouraged to propose techno-economic analysis or modelling efforts beyond and in addition to the sensitivity analysis and tornado plots?
Answer 4: Yes, the applicant may propose additional techno-economic analysis or modeling efforts beyond what is specifically called out  in the Scope of the FOA. At a minimum, all analyses should be both in addition to and consistent with the H2A analyses called for in the FOA.
Question 5: Can you please provide the name (and phone number, if possible) of the contracting officer for this solicitation?
Answer 5:

By emailing the FOA0000748@go.doe.gov, your question reaches a team of individuals, which includes the Contracting Officer.  In order to ensure that applicants are all given the same information and that no one is given an unfair advantage, DOE cannot respond to questions received outside of this mailbox.  Please also keep in mind that all questions and answers related to this FOA will be posted on EERE Exchange at: https://eereexchange.energy.gov/. 
Question 6: We are required to provide a separate budget for each year in addition to a cumulative budget. However, we are also required to design the project with two distinct budget periods, as stated on page 7 of the FOA. If we are to demonstrate our budget on an annual basis (3-4 separate budgets for each year) in addition to providing two separate budget periods around each "go/no-go decision point," as well as a cumulative budget, can you please clarify how this should be done within the template of the SF 424A Excel form?
Answer 6:

Applicants should fill out one column per budget period(phase) not for each year of the project.

 

 
Question 7: Will DOE provide the most up-to-date version (if newer than the version available on the website) of the H2A model for analysis/performance of the award under this RFP? Will DOE provide any necessary data/assumptions needed for the setup and use of the H2A model?
Answer 7:

Basic assumptions are included in all the H2A documentation accessible through the following sites.

http://www.hydrogen.energy.gov/h2a_analysis.html

http://www.hydrogen.energy.gov/h2a_production.html

DOE will work closely with the awardee on all additional data  inputs and assumptions (beyond the basic assumptions in H2A)  needed to use the model to evaluate specific pathways. 
Question 8: Our region/proposal team has been adversely impacted by the recent weather event in the Northeast (Sandy), and continue to have resource issues for the preparation/submission of our proposal as a result. Does DOE plan to extend the submission due date for this FOA as a result of the storm impacts? If possible, can a request be made to extend the submission due date?
Answer 8: The FOA close date has been extended to 11/13/2012.  Please see Amendment 001 to the FOA.
Question 9: Q1: Is this grant for submission of new, or emerging technologies and funding to advance or bring to market these technologies, or is it a research type grant that provides analysis of technologies already identified by EERE and requesting feedback from the energy community? In otherwords, what specifically is this grant for? Q2: The due date is Nov. 8, 2012. Is a full application required or are you accepting pre-applications at this time?
Answer 9:

A1: Please see the answers to previously asked questions.
A2:The FOA close date has been extended to 11/13/2012.  Please see Amendment 001 to the FOA.  Only applications will be accepted.
Question 10: Over the last week our team's ability to respond to this FOA was greatly hindered by hurricane Sandy. Many of our team members' offices were closed and some still do not have power. We would like to know if it is possible to extend the submission deadline because of these circumstances.
Answer 10:

The FOA close date has been extended to 11/13/2012.  Please see Amendment 001 to the FOA.

 
Question 11: I have an idea for a way to produce hydrogen using renewable energy and eliminating the need for compressors, thereby reducing energy losses in the production phase. Would the Hydrogen Pathway Analyses be a good fit or do you know of a grant funding source that may be a good place to submit a proposal. Thank you for your time and any advice that you may be able to give.
Answer 11:

Thank you for your interest in the requirements of the Department of Energy.  The Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) posted at the EERE eXCHANGE website is comprehensive and designed to allow prospective applicants to assess their proposed projects versus the requirements and criteria of the FOA.  We cannot predetermine the suitability or viability of a proposal in advance of the merit review process.  It is up to prospective applicants to review the requirements of the FOA and assess the merits of their proposed project to determine whether to submit an application.  We appreciate your continued pursuit of renewable energy research and development and look forward to assisting you in future inquiries.