EERE eXCHANGE: FAQs

Question 1: Can a FFRDC be a Prime?
Answer 1: No. In accordance with Section III.A. of the FOA, an FFRDC is eligible to apply for funding as a Subrecipient, but is not eligible to apply for funding as a Prime Recipient.

Question 2: Is adding a company logo allowed on the Title Page of either the Concept Paper and/or the Full Application?
Answer 2: Yes.

Question 3: Is the Target Level of Performance the same as the Technology Readiness Level as defined in the EERE User Guide? If not, please explain the differences.
Answer 3: While the question requires more context to fully understand the meaning, generally speaking the target level of performance is not the same thing as the Technology Readiness Level. While a specific Technology Readiness level may contain specific performance level targets, the terms are not interchangeable.

Question 4: If a Notice of Intent was not submitted by an entity does that prevent an entity from then submitting an application under this FOA?
Answer 4: Potential applicants are not required to submit a Notice of Intent. The Notice of Intent was issued by the Government to inform the general populous that there may be a FOA released in the near future regarding a particular subject (in this case a Vehicle Technology Incubator). The purpose of the Notice of Intent is to allow potential applicants to begin pulling together their application resources.

Question 5: Does this FOA support the development of standards to support technology innovations that help meet VTO program goals?
Answer 5: Generally speaking, no. The intent of the incubator FOA is to be focused on research and development rather than standards development.

Question 6: How often are FOAs announced per year?
Answer 6: There is no set number of FOAs that are announced per year.

Question 7: Please expand upon the DOE not being interested in proposals that show incremental improvements to the areas outlined under this FOA. What if the proposal seeks to take a commercial product and make significant improvements to it such that the product has significantly more uses? Would that then be something of interest to the DOE under this FOA?
Answer 7: Applications focused on commercial hardware, technologies, products, and solutions along with applications focused on incremental improvements to existing technologies, products, or solutions are specifically not of interest. From the short description in this question it probably falls within the types of applications that are not of interest.

Question 8: FOA Section III.B does not discuss a 50% cost share requirement for demonstration projects; it only specifies 20% for all projects. Will the FOA be amended to include demonstration projects?
Answer 8: It is anticipated that only Research and Development project applications will be submitted under this award. Therefore, as noted in Section III.B. of the FOA, the minimum required amount of cost share that applicants must submit is 20%, with the exception of applicants who feel they meet the cost share waiver criterion (10% cost share requirement) that is outlined. An amendment to the FOA is not planned at this time.

Question 9: Is there a specific Technology Readiness Level (TRL) DOE is intending to cover under this FOA?
Answer 9: Specific Technology Readiness Levels have not been defined in this FOA. It is our expectation that due to the type of technologies. products, or solutions being sought, the Technology Readiness Levels will be in the lower ranges.

Question 10: Could you please elaborate on the areas of interest under this FOA?
Answer 10: This FOA does not have pre-defined areas of interest. Applications may propose in any technology area across the full range of technologies for which the Vehicle Technology Program has interest.

Question 11: Is a market transformation plan/commercialization plan required? What if an organization develops a model but has no plan for commercialization?
Answer 11: In accordance with Section IV.D.2. of the FOA, a Market Transformation Plan/Commercialization Plan should be submitted as part of the Technical Volume.

Question 12: Regarding cost share, is it acceptable to pay a larger fraction of cost share earlier in the project? For example, for in-kind cost share, could a Recipient provide a higher fraction of cost share in the first budget period of a project and a lower cost share fraction in a subsequent budget period provided that the total amount of Recipient cost share is still meeting the overall project requirements?
Answer 12: In accordance with Section III.B.7. of the FOA, the DOE Contracting Officer may approve cost sharing arrangements such as described in the question. These situations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Question 13: Are there topics of particular interest to the DOE or does this FOA cover the broad range of Vehicle Technologies?
Answer 13: In accordance with Section I.B. of the FOA, this FOA is open to a broad range of topics that support one or more of the overall Vehicle Technologies Office Program goals but are not represented in the current portfolio.

Question 14: Must the Prime Recipient effort be at least 60% of the total estimated project costs?
Answer 14: No. This statement was made in error during the informational webinar for DE-FOA-0001213. The only requirement with regards to effort performed by the Prime Recipient is for those entities who may qualify for cost share of only 10%. See Section III.B. for additional information.

Question 15: Could you please clarify if applicants can submit only 2 concept papers per technology area, or 2 concept papers from the entire organization?
Answer 15: This FOA does not have "technology areas." Applicants may submit up to two (2) Concept Papers and up to two (2) Full Applications for consideration under this FOA. If an applicant submits more than two (2) Concept Papers and two (2) Full Applications, EERE will only consider the last two (2) timely submissions for evaluation. Any other submissions received listing the same applicant will be considered non-compliant and not eligible for further consideration. This limitation does not prohibit an applicant from collaborating on other applications (e.g., as a potential Subrecipient or partner) so long as the entity is only listed as the Prime Applicant on up to two (2) Concept Papers and up to two (2) Full Applications submitted under this FOA.

Question 16: Where do we submit questions about the concept paper process?
Answer 16: Any and all questions concerning any and all parts of this FOA and the application process should be submitted via email to the email address for this FOA, which is DE-FOA-0001213@netl.doe.gov.

Question 17: On page 4 of the FOA, Paragraph C "Applications...Not of Interest" cites "Commercial hardware technologies, products, and solutions". Could you provide an example of what is meant by a commercial hardware technology?
Answer 17: Any technology, product, or solution that is currently commercially available.

Question 18: When will Concept Paper encourage/discourage notifications be made?
Answer 18: Notifications are anticipated to be sent out on or around March 2, 2015.

Question 19: Are you accepting proposals to grow feedstocks that can be used to produce gasoline substitutes?
Answer 19: The growing of feedstocks to produce gasoline substitutes is outside the scope of the Vehicle Technologies Program.

Question 20: Is aerodynamic drag reduction for light and heavy trucks of interest under this FOA?
Answer 20: Yes.

Question 21: Is the DUNS number necessary before the submission of an application or only necessary if the application is selected for award?
Answer 21: Yes. The DUNS number must be obtained by the applicant in order to participate in the application process.

Question 22: Do team members have to be finalized before submitting the concept paper? Can we add team members after the concept paper is submitted (i.e. to the full proposal)?
Answer 22: No. Team members can be added after the Concept Paper has been submitted but prior to the submittal of the Full Application.

Question 23: Is this FOA open to educational institutions and both large and small companies alike?
Answer 23: Yes. See Section III.A. for complete eligibility information.

Question 24: If the primary recipient is providing more than 50% effort is the minimum amount of cost share required reduced from 20% to 10%?
Answer 24: There is a Special Cost Share Waiver for Domestic Institutions of Higher Education, Domestic Nonprofit Entities or U.S. State, Local, or Tribal Entities that can reduce the required cost share from 20% to 10%. See complete details in Section III.B. of the FOA.

Question 25: Could you please elaborate on how an Applicant is supposed to distinguish a Research and Development Project from a Demonstration and Commercialization project? Doesn't every Research and Development project require some kind of commercialization strategy associated with it?
Answer 25: Generally speaking, Research and Development projects are those that fall in Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1 to 7 and Demonstration and Commercial Application projects are from TRL8 to TRL9. Since the Incubator FOA is seeking novel, non-incremental technologies, it is DOE's expectation that there will be few, if any, applications that propose Demonstration and Commercial Application projects. In accordance with Section IV.D.2. of the FOA, a Market Transformation Plan/Commercialization Plan should be submitted as part of the Technical Volume.

Question 26: Please elaborate on how an applicant can use volunteer work hours as cost share. What sort of verification document needs provided concerning this type of cost share?
Answer 26: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.306(e), volunteer services furnished by professional and technical personnel, consultants, and other skilled and unskilled labor may be counted as cost sharing or matching if the service is an integral and necessary part of an approved project or program. Rates for volunteer services must be consistent with those paid for similar work in the recipient's organization. In those markets in which the required skills are not found in the recipient organization, rates must be consistent with those paid for similar work in the labor market in which the recipient competes for the kind of services involved. In either case, paid fringe benefits that are reasonable, allowable, and allocable may be included in the valuation. A standard cost share letter of commitment will suffice for supporting documentation during the application process with the knowledge that additional, more in-depth documentation will be needed if the application is selected for award negotiation.

Question 27: Is the Principal Investigator (PI) required to be a full time employee of the prime recipient organization or can the PI be a part-time employee of the awardee organization?
Answer 27: There is no requirement under this FOA for the PI to be a full-time employee of the prime applicant.

Question 28: In general, how many proposals are usually submitted under an FOA and what is the success rate/selection rate?
Answer 28: That information is considered procurement-sensitive and will not be provided.

Question 29: What are the major differences between this FOA and the upcoming FY 2015 Vehicle Technologies Program Wide Funding Opportunity Announcement?
Answer 29: The Incubator FOA is open to proposals that aim to bring to market a novel, non-incremental technology that facilitates one or more of the overall VTO goals but are not represented in a significant way in the Offices' existing Multi-Year Program Plans (MYPPs) or current portfolios. The Program Wide FOA is open to proposals for technologies that are already represented in the Offices' existing Multi-Year Program Plans (MYPPs) or current portfolios.

Question 30: What would the cost share requirement for small businesses be?
Answer 30: Since it is anticipated that only Research and Development project applications will be submitted under this award, the minimum required amount of cost share that small businesses must submit is 20%, with the exception of applicants who feel they meet the cost share waiver criterion (10% cost share requirement) that is outlined in Section III.B. of the FOA.

Question 31: Is this FOA (DE-FOA-0001213) the follow-up to the Notice of Intent DE-FOA-0001254?
Answer 31: No. This FOA (DE-FOA-0001213) is the follow-up to the Notice of Intent DE-FOA-0001243.

Question 32: Does this FOA address heavy duty enabling technologies? If not, will there be a forthcoming FOA dedicated to enabling heavy duty technologies?
Answer 32: This FOA includes the full spectrum of technologies and non-hardware solutions relevant to efficient and environmentally-friendly transportation technologies that will enable America to use less petroleum. This includes heavy duty enabling technologies. We do not have any specific information concerning future FOAs at this time.

Question 33: Are profit organizations allowed to submit proposals?
Answer 33: Yes. See Section III.A. for complete details on eligibility.

Question 34: If three profit organizations sharing 1.5M USD (USD 500k each) and two universities sharing 500K (250k each), along with a national lab (sharing 1.2M USD), collaborate on a project together, what exactly would be each organizations cost share requirement under a Research and Development project under this FOA?
Answer 34: There is no requirement that each team partner provide a certain percentage of cost share under this FOA. The prime recipient is contractually responsible for providing the minimum awardee cost share.

Question 35: How does DOE define “novel, non-incremental technology”? Would a project with existing technology and new technology combined be considered novel?
Answer 35: DOE does not have an exact definition of novel, non-incremental technology and cannot nor will not provide a judgment on whether or not a proposed project is novel or non-incremental. Our recommendation is to submit a concept paper which will be evaluated in accordance with Section V.A.1. of the FOA.

Question 36: How does DOE define “not represented in a significant way in the Offices’ existing Multi-Year Program Plans or current portfolios”? Would a concept in a MYPPs or current portfolio be disqualified?
Answer 36: DOE does not have an exact definition of what it means to be "not represented in a significant way..." and will not provide a feedback on a proposed project. Our recommendation is to submit a concept paper which will be evaluated in accordance with Section V.A.1. of the FOA.

Question 37: Is there a way that I could watch/hear/view the webinar if I missed it?
Answer 37: The webinar is not available for viewing. However, questions asked during the webinar have been captured and, along with the answers, are posted in the FAQ's section of eXCHANGE for this FOA in eXCHANGE.

Question 38: If an applicant submitted a concept paper and/or a full proposal under the FY2014 Vehicle Technologies Incubator and was/was not selected for award are they eligible to submit their proposal under the FY2015 Vehicle Technologies Incubator FOA?
Answer 38: Yes. The FY2014 and FY2015 Vehicle Technologies Incubator FOAs are independent of one another. A successful or unsuccessful FY2014 proposal submission does not preclude anyone from applying under the FY2015 Vehicle Technologies Incubator.

Question 39: What would an example be of a "nonresponsive, therefore not to be reviewed or considered" project under the a) commercial hardware technologies, products and solutions; and b) incremental improvements to existing technologies, products or solutions, categories?
Answer 39: Please refer to the answers given in response to questions 17 & 35 in the Questions and Answers section of eXCHANGE for this FOA.

Question 40: FOA DE-FOA-0001213 states that "Applicants may submit up to two (2) Concept Papers and up to two (2) Full Applications for consideration under this FOA". Does the word “applicant” mean an individual PI or an institution?
Answer 40: This is an unrestricted, full and open competitive FOA. Anyone, whether individual or organization, with the exception of those entities specifically outlined under Section III.A. of the FOA as ineligible to apply, are eligible to apply under the FOA. The word "Applicant" is the legal entity who is holding the role of Prime Recipient. For example, a PI who works for an educational institution will have his/her application submitted by the educational institution under it's DUNS number. The educational institution, who is the Applicant/Prime Recipient, can only submit up to 2 Concept Papers.

Question 41: Can I apply under FOA DE-FOA-0001213 as an individual? If so, as an individual how do I obtain a DUNS number?
Answer 41: Yes, per Section III.A of the FOA, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are eligible to apply for funding as a Prime Recipient or Subrecipient under the FOA. To obtain a DUNS number please visit the following website: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform

Question 42: Is it possible to submit a concept paper and/or full application with an inactive SAM registration account?
Answer 42: ANSWER CORRECTED/CLARIFIED ON 02/04/2015 AS FOLLOWS: An active SAM registration is not needed to submit a concept paper. However, an active SAM registration is needed in order to submit a full application.

Question 43: Is it permissible to include a photograph or drawing within the Technology Description section of the Concept Paper?
Answer 43: While "drawings" is not specifically listed as allowed in the concept paper content description within the FOA, "drawings" are similar in nature to "charts, graphs and photographs" and are interpreted as being in that descriptor group and are therefore allowed. Applicants are reminded that the page limitation for the Technology Description section is two pages and the page limitation for the Addendum section is one page. Please refer to Section IV of the FOA titled "Application and Submission Information", parts A & C for additional details.

Question 44: Does the 100% Performance of Work in the United States requirement (located in Section IV) apply to cost-share being provided by industry partners as well as the Federal funds provided by the DOE or just to the Federal funding? Furthermore, if a foreign entity is providing cost-share will a waiver be required if the foreign entity's cost share contribution is located outside the U.S.?
Answer 44: While cash cost share can come from any source, all work (whether funded by Federal dollars or contributed as in-kind cost share) must be performed within the United States. If a compelling reason exists to waiver from this requirement, Section IV.I.3 of the FOA lists the necessary information that must be included by an Applicant requesting a waiver of the Performance of Work in the United States requirement.

Question 45: What is the percentage (%) of Federal funds and/or percentage (%) of total project funds that can go to an FFRDC under an award?
Answer 45: As an FFRDC is not eligible to be a Prime Recipient on an award stemming from this FOA, only a team member of a Prime Recipient, the maximum percentage % of total project funds that can go to an FFRDC is 49%.

Question 46: The FOA states the following: “Individual awards may vary between $500,000 or less to $3,000,000 or more”. Is it permissible to propose an effort for less than $500,000?
Answer 46: Yes. There is no limit, whether minimum or maximum, to the total project cost an applicant can propose under this FOA.

Question 47: The FOA states the following concerning cost-share requirements: "10% of Total Project Costs if 1) the prime recipient is a domestic institution of higher education; domestic nonprofit entity; FFRDC; or U.S. State, local, or tribal government entity; and 2) the prime recipient performs more than 50% of the project work, as measured by the Total Project Cost. 20% of Total Project Costs otherwise.” However, the FOA also states that "FFRDC's are not eligible to apply as a Prime Recipient". Can you clarify this contradiction as it relates to FFRDCs?
Answer 47: The definitive and overriding stipulation concerning whether FFRDCs can be a Prime Recipient is found within Section III.A. of the FOA, which states that a FFRDC is eligible to apply for funding as a Subrecipient, but is not eligible to apply for funding as a Prime Recipient.

Question 48: If an FFRDC is a team member can they provide the cost-share for the portion of their award, or does the prime-recipient need to provide all of the cost-share amount for the total project?
Answer 48: Yes, an FFRDC may provide cost share within a proposal submitted under this FOA. There is no requirement that each team partner provide a certain percentage of cost share under this FOA. The prime recipient is contractually responsible for providing the minimum awardee cost share.

Question 49: Should an applicant, teaming with a FFRDC, propose the total project amount exclusive or inclusive of the FFRDC's effort, seeing as how a FFRDC is to be paid separately by the DOE, per Section II.B.2 of the FOA)?
Answer 49: The Applicant should include the FFRDC's effort in their proposal as Total Project Costs consist of all of the funds needed to complete the effort proposed by the Applicant, including DOE funds (including direct funding of any FFRDC) plus all other funds that will be committed by the Applicant as Cost Sharing.

Question 50: At the time of Concept Paper submittal does an organization need to have registered a DUNS number? Or could that step be done before the full application is submitted instead?
Answer 50: A DUNS number is not needed to submit a concept paper. However, a DUNS number is needed in order to submit a full application.

Question 51: If we as a Foreign entity apply as the Prime Recipient does our subsidiary have to be incorporated already when we submit a Concept Paper under this FOA? Or could that step be completed before the full application is submitted?
Answer 51: A Prime Recipient's subsidiary need not be incorporated at the time of concept paper submittal. However, a Prime Recipient's subsidiary does need to be incorporated at the time of full application submittal.

Question 52: Can a Foreign entity submit a Concept Paper as a Prime Recipient but then change to a new Prime Recipient being a US domestic entity during the Full Application process?
Answer 52: No. As per Section IV.A of the FOA, only applicants who have submitted an eligible Concept Paper will be eligible to submit a Full Application. In this particular instance, the Foreign entity would need to submit the Full Application as they were the organization that submitted the Concept Paper.

Question 53: We are planning on submitting a concept paper for DE-FOA-0001213 and are in need of a Control Number for our submission. How is a control number obtained under this FOA?
Answer 53: As it concerns obtaining a Control Number under this FOA, per Section IV.A of the FOA, a control number will be issued when an Applicant begins the Exchange application process. This control number must be included with all Application documents, as described within the FOA.

Question 54: Under this FOA, if a FFRDC is being proposed as a team member must the Applicant obtain written authorization from the FFRDC sponsoring Federal agency and include said authorization with the Concept Paper submission?
Answer 54: Written authorization allowing the FFRDC to participate as a team member under a submitted proposal is not needed under the concept paper submission process. However, written authorization from the Federal sponsoring agency is needed in order to submit a full application.

Question 55: Is there a ballpark estimate for how long it takes to complete this type of application?
Answer 55: No.

Question 56: Is an Applicant permitted to compensate a consultant for services rendered to complete the FOA application process? Furthermore, is it allowable for the Applicant to pay said consultant a fee for their expertise and services? If so, is there a prohibition on certain types of fees? Would the consulting fee be a component of the "cost" portion of work proposed by the Applicant?
Answer 56: An Applicant may prepare the application in whatever manner chosen, including the use of consultant services. However, a fee for consulting and/or application preparation would not be considered an allowable cost under the project.

Question 57: How does an organization protect confidential information that they may need to disclose during the application process?
Answer 57: Information on how to protect any confidential information can be found in the following sections of the FOA: a) Section IV.D.2; b) Section IV.D.3; and c) Section VIII.D.

Question 58: Appendix B titled "Cost Share Information", specifically (B)(2) which concerns valuing services of others' employees states “If an employer other than the recipient furnishes the services of an employee, those services are valued at the employee's regular rate of pay, provided these services are for the same skill level for which the employee is normally paid. “ Was it the intent of the FOA to exclude the application of fringe and overhead to the regular rate of pay to value the services provided by other’s employees? If yes, please explain.
Answer 58: If an employer other than the recipient furnishes the services of an employee, those services are valued at the employee's regular rate of pay, provided these services are for the same skill level for which the employee is normally paid, to include the appropriate application of fringe and overhead (if applicable).

Question 59: What is the earliest start date a project could have theoretically if selected under this FOA?
Answer 59: As described within the FOA, it is anticipated that the expected time frame for award negotiations is from 07/29/2015-09/30/2015. Accordingly, the earliest a project could start given the preceding statement would be 10/01/2015.

Question 60: Is a Current and Pending funding document required to be submitted as part of the Full Application under this FOA?
Answer 60: No.

Question 61: If a potential applicant didn't submit a Concept Paper under this FOA is it still possible for an organization to submit a full application under this FOA?
Answer 61: No, as stated in Section IV.A of the FOA, only applicants who have submitted an eligible Concept Paper will be eligible to submit a Full Application.

Question 62: Regarding line 13 of the SF-424, is there a Competition Identification Number/Title? If so, what would it be?
Answer 62: The Competition Identification Number is the Full Application control number you were assigned during the Full Application Process. The Title is the title of your Full Application.

Question 63: Regarding the Environmental Questionnaire document that is part of the Full Application process, what would I put for the a) NEPA Control Number, b) Award Number, c) DOE Technology Office Point of Contact, and d) DOE Grant Management Specialist?
Answer 63: As it concerns the Environmental Questionnaire document, please only fill in the a) Project Title, b) Recipient, c) Other Participants, d) FOA Number, and e) FOA Title. The rest of the information in Section I will be filled out internally by DOE personnel.

Question 64: The FFRDC Contractor Authorization letter that’s required as part of the Full Application (if applicable) should be addressed to whom (name and mailing address)?
Answer 64: Please address the FFRDC Contractor Authorization letter to "DOE Contracting Officer" at 3610 Collins Ferry Road, PO Box 880, Morgantown, WV 26507-0880.

Question 65: Is a separate EERE 159 document for each proposed sub-recipient required?
Answer 65: As stated in the instructions (paragraph 2) of the EERE 159 document, tab 'f. Contractual', "For each sub-recipient with total project costs of $250,000 or more, a separate detailed budget justification form (i.e. a EERE 159 document) must be submitted".

Question 66: What, if any, information should go in Block 4 "Applicant Identifier" of the SF-424?
Answer 66: Block 4 "Applicant Identifier" of the SF-424 should consist of the Full Application control number given to the Applicant by the eXCHANGE system when completing their Full Application in eXCHANGE.

Question 67: The link to the "Sample Rate Proposal" contained within Tab "i. Indirect" of the Budget Justification Worksheet does not appear to be working. Please advise.
Answer 67: If you are in need of the "Sample Rate Proposal" document, please use the "Sample Indirect Rate Proposal - Pre-Award" document located at the following web address: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/financing/resources.html

Question 68: Regarding proposed cost-share, what is the minimum documentation level required for a compliant Full Application submittal? Is a Letter of Support required at the time of Full Application submittal?
Answer 68: A Full Application should clearly outline the amount of cost share being proposed, the source of the cost share, what the cost share consists of and how the value of the cost share was determined. As stated in the FOA in Section III.B.6. Cost Share Verification, "Applicants are required to provide written assurance of their proposed cost share contributions in their Full Applications. Upon selection for award negotiations, Applicants are required to provide additional information and documentation regarding their cost share contributions. Please refer to Appendix B of the FOA for guidance on the requisite cost share information and documentation." The minimum requirement for cost share verification under an Applicant's Full Application is the Applicant's written assurance that the proposed cost share contributions will be met during the course of an award, if selected. As stated in the FOA in Section IV.E. Post-Award Information Requests, "If selected for award, EERE reserves the right to request additional or clarifying information for any reason deemed necessary, including but not limited to: ...• Commitment Letters from Third Parties Contributing to Cost Share, if applicable." A Letter of Support could be asked for post-selection but is not required at the time of Full Application submittal.

Question 69: Regarding the Environmental Questionnaire (EQ), is a separate EQ required for each site the project's Statement of Project Objectives will be performed or is only a single EQ required for each Full Application submitted?
Answer 69: As stated in the FOA in Section IV.D.9. Environmental Questionnaire, "Applicants must complete an Environmental Questionnaire (EQ) for each geographic location where activities will be conducted for the project".

Question 70: Is fee/profit an allowable proposed cost under this FOA?
Answer 70: Fee is generally not an allowable cost under Financial Assistance awards. For specific instances where fee/profit may be an allowable cost under Financial Assistance awards, as well as all other concerns regarding the allowability of costs, whether reimbursed by the Federal government or proposed as cost-share, please refer to the following applicable Federal cost principles for more information: a) 2 CFR 220 for Educational Institutions; b) 2 CFR 225 for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments; c) 2 CFR 230 for Non Profit Organizations; and d) FAR Part 31 for For-Profit entities.

Question 71: Regarding Indirect Rate Proposals, is a Proposal required at the time of Full Application submittal?
Answer 71: As stated in the FOA in Section IV.E. Post-Award Information Requests, "If selected for award, EERE reserves the right to request additional or clarifying information for any reason deemed necessary, including but not limited to: ...• Indirect cost information." An Indirect Rate Proposal could be asked for post-selection but is not required at the time of Full Application submittal.

Question 72: Section V.A.2. Criterion 4 of the FOA references “Letters of Commitment by project participants and sufficiency of the commitments to successfully complete the project”. Which document are these letters associated with under the Full Application as there does not appear to be a separate upload point for such supporting documentation?
Answer 72: Section IV.D.2. of the FOA, under the "Technical Qualifications and Resources" section (of the Technical Volume), 7th bullet down, states "Attach any letters of support from partners/end users as an appendix (1 page maximum per letter). Letters of support do not count towards the page limit." The letters should be part of the Technical Volume.

Frequently Asked Questions