Frequently Asked Questions

DOE’s SBIR Program is administered through the DOE Office of Science.  Specific questions regarding this Program would need to be directed to the SBIR/STTR Program itself.  Please see http://science.energy.gov/sbir/ for all information regarding the SBIR Program, including the phone number and e-mail address for any inquiries.

Thank you for your interest in the subject FOA.  Please see the Objectives section, in particular the detailed information for each of the Sub-Topics, of the FOA for a detailed summary of the eligible technologies that will be considered for funding under this FOA.  Specific to your question regarding building envelop technologies, under Subtopic 2.1, exterior attachments solutions are considered eligible.  Please note that all applications should address how the cost and performance targets outlined will be met.  Specific to your question regarding biomass-based heating systems, biomass-based systems are not a specific focus of this FOA.  Technologies suited for biomass-based systems are not explicitly excluded, but please note that any eligible technology under this FOA would need to meet the requirements as outlined in Section 1 of the FOA.   Additionally, applications whose focus is on the demonstration of current commercial technologies would not be considered eligible under this FOA.  Finally, please see http://www1.eere.energy.gov/biomass/contacts.html for the appropriate contacts in DOE’s Biomass Program.

Please note that DOE may amend this file in the future and will post any updates at:  https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/#e9d2ccef-cfe1-4aec-941d-5d91d23edf75

Files are saved in Microsoft Office 2007 format.  If you are having trouble downloading from the EERE eXCHANGE web site, please contact the help desk (EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov) for assistance.

Geothermal wells or energy piles would be considered eligible under subtopic 1.2.  Any applicant proposing a technology under this subtopic must clearly demonstrate how the targeted COP and payback period of 5 years can be realized as described in Section I of the FOA.

Please note that resistive heating is not generally considered an option for space heating and is more applicable for a back-up system. Applications will be considered if the applicant can demonstrate suitability for primary space heating applications and can deliver (or surpass) the required COP for the space.

The focus of this FOA is on development of new building envelope and HVAC technologies, rather than on methods for optimizing current commercial technologies.  DOE may have future opportunities in the sensors and controls areas.  DOE posts all of its FOA in Grants.gov, so please register there to get notices of upcoming opportunities.  You may also wish to use EERE’s Financial Opportunities widget, which can be downloaded at:  http://www1.eere.energy.gov/financing/, as we do sometimes post upcoming opportunity notices, as well.  Applicants eligible under DOE’s SBIR program may wish to review the current SBIR opportunity posted at:  http://www.science.energy.gov/~/media/sbir/pdf/docs/DOE_FY12_Phase_I_Release_3_Topics_2012_3512_1030am.pdf

DOE will not comment on a specific proposed approach outside of the review process outlined in the FOA.  DOE will provide clarifying information regarding items listed in the FOA.  Please note that the focus of this FOA is to support technology development projects in the areas of HVAC and building envelop solutions.  The FOA is not intended to focus on demonstration or deployment of current commercial technologies or technologies whose commercial viability has already been proven.  All applicants should review the subtopics as outlined in Section 1 of the FOA, including the target tables for each subtopic.

DOE will not comment on a specific proposed approach outside of the review process outlined in the FOA.  DOE will provide clarifying information regarding items listed in the FOA.  Please note that the focus of this FOA is to support technology development projects in the areas of HVAC and building envelop solutions.  The FOA is not intended to focus on demonstration or deployment of current commercial technologies or technologies whose commercial viability has already been proven, nor is it intended to support electricity generation or storage technologies.  All applicants should review the subtopics as outlined in Section 1 of the FOA, including the target tables for each subtopic.

This FOA is intended to support technology development projects in the areas of HVAC and building envelope solutions.  As outlined in Section 1 of the FOA, the specific areas of interest are High Performance Air Source Cold Climate Heat Pumps, Alternative Space-Heating Systems, Next-Generation Heat Exchangers for Electric Vapor-Compression Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners, High performance Thermal Insulation, Advanced Roof/Attic Solutions and Highly Insulating Windows.  As noted in the FOA, technology solutions should be suitable for residential and/or commercial buildings; an educational facility does fall within the category of commercial buildings.  Note that a technology solution does not have to be applicable to all residential or all commercial buildings, but it should have sufficient impact, such that it supports DOE’s goals for reducing energy consumption in the buildings sector.  Also, please note that applications must be submitted based on the subtopics listed in Section 1 of the FOA; if an applicant wishes to propose development of multiple technology areas, separate applications must be submitted for each subtopic.

As noted in Section 1 of the FOA, the high performance thermal insulation targets for appearance are <1” in thickness and aesthetically attractive if visible.   The <1” thickness reflects DOE’s interest in the development of cost effective, high performance insulation that is particularly appropriate for retrofit opportunities.  These technology solutions may be applicable to, for example, the insulation of existing wall cavities or as interior or exterior attachment solutions.   As noted in the FOA, the performance and cost targets are provided as a guide.  Applications that demonstrate significant potential impact outside of these targets will be considered; however, accompanying justification must include a convincing, credible and quantitative argument for how the technology will lead to the achievement of great energy savings at reasonable costs and how significant market penetration will be achieved.

The page limit only applies to the body of the Concept Paper.  The body is defined as the Abstract, Technical, Market and Performance Team Sections.  Applicants may include a separate cover page.  This cover page would not be included in the 3-page limit.  Note that any charts, figures or graphics are considered to be part of the body of the Concept Paper.  Applicant logos included on the cover page are not considered to be a chart, figure or graphic in the context of the 3-page limit.

The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (http://www.dsireusa.org/) has information on the various state and federal incentive and assistance programs.

As noted in Section IV.B of the FOA, Concept Papers should have a Market Section that includes an explanation of how the proposed technology will meet the cost or payback targets as described in Section I.  All calculations must be explained and supported with sources, where applicable. Payback period and cost premium calculations should include well defined baselines.

It is correct that current, commercial technologies cannot achieve the targets as presented in the FOA.  The purpose of this FOA is to develop new technologies that are capable of operating in cold climates while holding the COP's based on the targets shown in the table.

The application must be submitted by a single organization, but there is no restriction on the number of institutions that can partner with the prime applicant on their application.  Partnering institutions would be considered sub-recipients to the prime applicant. 

The ground coupled heat exchangers refers to Ground Source Heat Pump applications, other (Next-Generation) heat exchangers for Air Source Heat Pumps and air conditioners are covered under this subtopic.
An underground air tunnel would be considered responsive if it can replace the heat exchanger for a Heat pump/Air Conditioner and meets the specifications listed in the table under the subtopic 1.3.

No, solar heating systems are not the focus of this FOA; the requirements for such systems would have been different than is what is shown in the target tables.

DOE will not comment on a specific proposed approach outside of the review process outlined in the FOA.  DOE will provide clarifying information regarding items listed in the FOA.  Please note that the focus of this FOA is to support technology development projects in the areas of HVAC and building envelop solutions.  The FOA is not intended to focus on demonstration or deployment of current commercial technologies or technologies whose commercial viability has already been proven.  All applicants should review the subtopics as outlined in Section 1 of the FOA, including the target tables for each subtopic.

As provided in the FOA, foreign entities are not eligible to apply as the prime applicant.  However, foreign entities are eligible to apply as subrecipients to a domestic entity provided that, in aggregate, the foreign entities share not receive more than 20% of the total estimated DOE funding and must provide the cost share for their portion of the total project cost. So long as the entity is incorporated or formed under the laws of a State within the United States, DOE generally recognizes it as a domestic entity even if it is partially or wholly owned by a foreign entity.

The reference refers to the performance (physical) lifetime.

The benefits, shortcomings, limitations and challenges of the proposed technology should be discussed in the context of the current state of the art.

Please refer to Section 1 of the FOA, in particular the description of Subtopic 2.2 – Advanced Roof/Attic Solutions, for the scope of applications sought under this Announcement.  In particular, please refer to the target table, which outlines the cost and performance requirements that should be met by technologies proposed under this topic. 

As noted in the overall description of Topic 2, which applies to both subtopics, technologies that apply to retrofit and replacement applications are of particular interest, especially if they address barriers to retrofits of high efficiency equipment or materials. 

High performance blinds or similar technology would be considered eligible provided that applicants can demonstrate their ability to meet the cost and performance targets as outlined in the FOA.

Building envelope technologies that do not serve in an insulating capacity as measured by an R-value would not be considered eligible under this FOA.

DOE will not comment on a specific proposed approach outside of the review process outlined in the FOA.  DOE will provide clarifying information regarding items listed in the FOA.  All applicants should review the subtopics as outlined in Section 1 of the FOA, including the target tables for each subtopic.  Please see Section IV.B of the FOA regarding page and content limits for Concept Papers.

#1 Subtopic 1.1 is focused specifically on air-source heat pump technology.  Subtopic 1.2 is focused on electric- or natural gas-based alternative heating systems. 

#2 As noted in the FOA, the performance and cost targets for proposed technologies are shown in the tables.  All COP values shown for alternative space heating are, in fact, greater than 1 and also greater than the current state of the art based on fuel source.  In general, the assumption would be that the hot air requirement would be the same regardless of the climate temperature and would typically lie in the standard comfort zone as defined by ASHRAE.  Applicants should include their calculations and assumptions regarding the ability of the proposed technology to meet the COP targets as defined in Section 1 of the FOA, including their assumptions regarding performance degradation over the temperature range and the hot air temperature assumed for each target.  All proposed technologies should be able to demonstrate commercial viability, which includes the ability to conform with all regulatory requirements.

The FOA is intended for the development of advanced technologies that have the ability to achieve the cost and performance targets as outlined in section 1 of the FOA.

The purpose of this FOA is to support development of new, advanced technology.  Applications that propose to demonstrate already proven or commercial technology would not be considered eligible.

Yes, a for-profit company that is publicly traded is eligible for an award under this FOA.

All projects are generally expected to be initially TRL 3 or TRL 4 to be eligible for funding under the FOA.

To be considered eligible for funding under the Announcement, applicants must follow the registration instructions and submit the required documents as outlined in the FOA.  Applications submitted through other means, including DOE's unsolicited proposal process, will not be considered as part of this FOA.

The cover sheet of the Concept Paper must be marked as follows and identify the specific pages containing confidential, proprietary, or privileged information:
Notice of Restriction on Disclosure and Use of Data:
Pages [list applicable pages] of this document may contain confidential, proprietary, or privileged information that is exempt from public disclosure. Such information shall be used or disclosed only for evaluation purposes or in accordance with a financial assistance or loan agreement between the submitter and the Government. The Government may use or disclose any information that is not appropriately marked or otherwise restricted, regardless of source.
The header and footer of every page that contains confidential, proprietary, or privileged information must be marked as follows: “Contains Confidential, Proprietary, or Privileged Information Exempt from Public Disclosure.”
In addition, every line and paragraph containing proprietary, privileged, or trade secret information must be clearly marked with double brackets or highlighting.

All Concept Papers must be submitted through the EERE-Exchange system.  DOE will not accept Concept Papers by e-mail.  Instructions for how to submit a concept paper can be found at:  https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx.  Please see section IV.B of the FOA for the concept paper submission requirements, including the maximum page length and formatting requirements.  A detailed budget is not required as part of the concept paper submission, but will be required as part of a full application.  See Section IV.C for all full application requirements.  Finally, DOE will not comment on an individual application outside the formal review process as outlined in Section V of the FOA. 

The purpose of this FOA is to support research and development of advanced technologies.  It is not intended for demonstration or commercial deployment activities.

Please note that this FOA is not intended to be all-inclusive of all HVAC and building envelope technologies.  It is focused on some priority areas identified by the Department where research and development could have a broad impact.  Technologies not applicable to this FOA may be the subject of future FOAs.  Proposers may also elect to submit an application through DOE's unsolicited proposal process (http://www1.eere.energy.gov/financing/unsolicited_proposals.html)

Yes, it is acceptable if there is a change in prime applicant after the Concept Paper is submitted.  A Concept Paper submission can be shared and revised prior to submitting a full application.  Applicants are encouraged to indicate this possibility in their Concept Paper.

The required cost share shown on the form will remain at 20% regardless of whether the waiver applies.  Applicants should enter their proposed Federal and Cost share in the form and complete the certification. 

Yes, as separate reference page can be included and will not count towards the page limit.

DOE performed a system update that apparently  caused some control numbers to change.  If you have not yet completed your submission, please use the new control number for naming your submission documents.  DOE will not penalize any applicants whose control numbers do not match.  DOE apologizes for any inconvenience this may have caused.

No, the SF424 and other required forms do not need to be submitted with the Concept Paper.  These forms will be required as part of the Full Application.

Yes.

Yes, the material cost calculation is correct.  The target cost per square foot per R-value multiplied by the R-value equals the material cost target.

It is DOE’s intent to develop advanced technologies capable of meeting the performance and cost targets as outlined in Section 1 of the FOA.  Applicants should include their calculations and assumptions regarding the ability of the proposed technology to meet these targets, including their assumptions regarding capacity, performance degradation over the temperature range and the hot air temperature assumed for each target.

Applications under this announcement must be submitted to the EERE-Exchange website, not grants.gov.  In EERE-Exchange, you will  be prompted to create an abstract summary of your project.  This summary should not include proprietary information.  You will also be prompted to upload your Concept Paper.  Please see the FOA for instructions on marking proprietary data in your Concept Paper.

As noted in the FOA, DOE has granted a cost share waiver for recipients and subrecipients that are non-profit organizations (as defined in 10 CFR 600.3), institutions of higher education, U.S. National Laboratories, or U.S. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs).  Eligible entities as listed above are not required to provide a minimum cost share in their applications. If an application is comprised of a combination of members that are and are not eligible for the cost share waiver, only the portion of the budget attributed to the non-eligible member(s) must include the requisite cost share.  Applicants are not required to submit a formal request for waiver of the cost share.  Final eligibility and cost share will be determined during the award negotiation process. 

Yes, reviewers will be aware that a portion of the cost share requirement was waived consistent with the cost share waiver outlined in the FOA.

Yes, the entire budget for all 3 years should be entered in this field. 

No, DOE is still in the process of reviewing concept papers. DOE anticipates responses will be provided the week of May 13. Applicants will receive a notification from the exchange system when DOE has completed its review.

Yes, DOE anticipates that it will be extending the due date for Full Applications.  DOE will issue an amendment to the FOA with the revised due date once DOE has completed its review of all Concept Papers that were received.  DOE anticipates that eligible applicants will be given at least 30 calendar days to submit their full applications once they have been notified as to the results of the Concept Paper review.

No, they must have submitted a Concept Paper by the Concept Paper due date and time to be eligible to submit a full application under this Announcement.

DOE will make the results of the Concept Paper review available to applicants once DOE has completed the review of all Concept Papers that were submitted.  Applicants will receive an e-mail from the exchange system when DOE publishes the results.

Yes.  Because of the number of  Concept Paper submissions received by the Department, the Concept Paper review is taking longer than DOE had initially anticipated.  DOE wants to ensure that applicants have sufficient time to prepare their full applications after they receive feedback on their Concept Papers.  Once DOE completes its Concept Paper review and publishes those results for the applicants, DOE will amend the FOA with a new deadline for full applications.   DOE anticipates that applicants will have a minimum of 30 days to prepare their full applications.

Yes.  Due to the number of  Concept Paper submissions received by the Department, the Concept Paper review is taking longer than DOE had initially anticipated.  DOE anticipated concept paper feedback will be provided in the near future.  DOE will ensure that applicants have sufficient time to prepare their full applications after they receive feedback on their Concept Papers by amending the FOA with a new deadline for full applications.   DOE anticipates applicants will have a minimum of 30 days to prepare full applications.

Yes.  Due to the number of  Concept Paper submissions received by the Department, the Concept Paper review is taking longer than DOE had initially anticipated.  DOE anticipated concept paper feedback will be provided in the near future.  DOE will ensure that applicants have sufficient time to prepare their full applications after they receive feedback on their Concept Papers by amending the FOA with a new deadline for full applications.   DOE anticipates applicants will have a minimum of 30 days to prepare full applications.

Yes.  Due to the number of  Concept Paper submissions received by the Department, the Concept Paper review is taking longer than DOE had initially anticipated.  DOE anticipated concept paper feedback will be provided in the near future.  DOE will ensure that applicants have sufficient time to prepare their full applications after they receive feedback on their Concept Papers by amending the FOA with a new deadline for full applications.   DOE anticipates applicants will have a minimum of 30 days to prepare full applications.

Yes.  Due to the number of  Concept Paper submissions received by the Department, the Concept Paper review is taking longer than DOE had initially anticipated.  DOE anticipated concept paper feedback will be provided in the near future.  DOE will ensure that applicants have sufficient time to prepare their full applications after they receive feedback on their Concept Papers by amending the FOA with a new deadline for full applications.   DOE anticipates applicants will have a minimum of 30 days to prepare full applications.

Yes.  Due to the number of  Concept Paper submissions received by the Department, the Concept Paper review is taking longer than DOE had initially anticipated.  DOE anticipated concept paper feedback will be provided in the near future.  DOE will ensure that applicants have sufficient time to prepare their full applications after they receive feedback on their Concept Papers by amending the FOA with a new deadline for full applications.   DOE anticipates applicants will have a minimum of 30 days to prepare full applications.

The encourage/discourage notices have not been posted.  DOE anticipates that it will be extending the due date for Full Applications.  DOE will issue an amendment to the FOA with the revised due date once DOE has completed its review of all Concept Papers that were received.  DOE anticipates that eligible applicants will be given at least 30 calendar days to submit their full applications once they have been notified as to the results of the Concept Paper review.

The Full Application deadline is June 25, 2012 at 5 PM Eastern.   Please refer to Exchange for Amendment 001 to the FOA at  https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/ .

The Full Application due date is June 25, 2012, at 5PM eastern time.

The Full Application deadline is June 25, 2012 at 5 PM Eastern.   Please refer to Exchange for Amendment 001 to the FOA at  https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/ .

DOE does not share FOA statistics.

The requirement for early stage, TRL (Technology Readiness Level)  3 or TRL 4 research refers to entities that qualify for cost share waiver only.  This refers to the TRL at the time of application.

The requirement for early stage, TRL (Technology Readiness Level)  3 or TRL 4 research refers to entities that qualify for cost share waiver only.  This refers to the TRL at the time of application.

The Manufacturing Task Narrative (4 pages) is in addition to the 20 page limit for the project Narrative.  This allows for a 20 page Project Narrative plus an additional 4 page Manufacturing

Narrative.  This section is to be uploaded separately as specified on page 31.

Please ignore the word “or”, it is a typo.  The correct title of the file is: Control#_Organization_Subaward_SF424A.xls

The Letters of Commitment for cost sharing partners should not be included at the end of the Project Narrative file. The letters of commitment should be a separate file.  The file names that are allowable according are:  Control#_LeadOrganization_Appendix.pdf (please ignore the typo on the word “Contral”); or   Control#_Institution_Appendix.pdf.  The letters of commitment should be included with the other information, and should not be on their own as a stand-alone file.   The letters of commitment must be saved in the Appendix File including:   a. Literature cited; b. Two page biographical sketch for each key participant; c. Facilities and equipment; d. Current and pending funding; and Letters of Commitment.

Reviewer comments are not made available to any concept paper applicants since it is not possible for DOE to assure the same level of feedback is provided to each applicant.  The limited feedback provided to all encouraged, applicants levels the playing field and preserves process fairness.

Start Date August 1, 2012.   DOE anticipates making awards with a maximum duration of three (3) years.  Projects must be designed with three (3) distinct phases, with a formal go/no-go decision point between each phase.  Each phase must have a maximum duration of 12 months.

The encourage/discourage notices were posted May 24, 2012.  DOE extended the due date for the Full Applications, and the new due date is Monday, June 25, at 5 pm Eastern time.  The  DOE  issued an amendment to the FOA with the revised due date.  Please refer to the full text of the FOA under Amendment 001.

Applicants with a status of “Not Submitted”  did not receive an encourage/discourage notice because a Concept Paper was not  uploaded by the deadline.   Please check your submission status and whether your concept paper file was uploaded or not in Exchange. 

Reviewer comments are not made available to any concept paper applicants since it is not possible for DOE to assure the same level of feedback is provided to each applicant.  The limited feedback provided to each applicant levels the playing field and preserves process fairness.

DOE will evaluate the merits of each application relative to the criteria provided in the FOA.  The relative merits of the proposed technology will be used to determine the applications strengths and weaknesses.

Pre-award cost share would be negotiated with DOE if the potential applicant were selected for an award.   The proposed budget in the full application should show  cost share incurred on/after August 1, 2012 which is the expected start date of the awards according item #70 in the FAQ posted in  Exchange.

The SF424A for this FOA does not require functional or activity breakdown in Section A or Section B.    Lines 1-3 in Section A should be filled out for each of the three project years.   Under Section B, item 6, columns 1, 2 and 3, should be filled out for each of the three project years; and column 5 should be filled out for the entire project period.   

DOE will evaluate the merits of each application relative to the criteria provided in the FOA.  The relative merits of the proposed technology will be used to determine the application’s strengths and weaknesses.

Please use SF424 for the full application, and name the file “Control#_ LeadOrganization_ SF424.pdf”.   For the budget, use the SF424A Excel - Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs, and name the file Control#_LeadOrganization_SF424A.xls

In responding to the Work Plan section, please refer to the Work Plan: Illustrative Template on page 26, as it shows a timeline which is distinguished from the Approach section which does not  ask for a timeline.    Please note that the page numbers have been updated in Amendment 001.

1.  Please use SF424 for the full application and SF424A for the budget.  Please use the forms available on Exchange under “View Required Application Documents”.

2.  Both are correct.   SF424 Full Application requires the total project budget data on page 3, section 18.    For SF424A Excel Budget Information,   lines 1-3 in Section A should be filled out for each of the three project years.   Under Section B, item 6, columns 1, 2 and 3, should be filled out for each of the three project years; and column 5 should be filled out for the entire project period and should show the total project budget. 

3.      The full application is SF 424, and should be named “Control#_ LeadOrganization_ SF424.pdf”.   For the budget, use the SF424A Excel - Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs, and name the file Control#_LeadOrganization_SF424A.xls

In Field #9, choose “N” for other, and specify the type of applicant. Do not categorize the partners, the Type of Applicant in Field #9 pertains only to the prime applicant.

Please check the status of your concept paper in Exchange at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov.    If you cannot  access your status, please submit a ticket to the helpdesk at EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.

No, there is not a requirement for  approved  fringe and indirect rates when filling out the Budget Justification.  If an applicant were to be selected,  the requirements for rate proposals would be addressed after selection and prior to the award.

No, there is not a requirement for  the fringe and indirect rate model when filling out PMC 123.1  Budget Justification.  If an applicant were to be selected,  the requirements for rate proposals would be addressed after selection and prior to the award.

The requirement is three phases for projects of a shorter duration.

DOE would like to remind applicants that they are required to indicate a subtopic for the full application.  Each application must be limited to one subtopic.  The valid subtopics are: 

Subtopic 1.1: High Performance Air Source Cold Climate Heat Pumps; Subtopic 1.2: Alternative Space-Heating Systems; Subtopic 1.3: Next-Generation Heat Exchangers for Electric Vapor-Compression Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners; Subtopic 2.1: High performance thermal insulation; Subtopic 2.2: Advanced Roof/Attic Solutions; Subtopic 2.3: Highly insulating windows.

The SF424a needs to have project costs broken out by phase and cost category.  Separation of funding for the optional manufacturing task is not required on the SF424a.

“Internal sources of funding for the proposed work”  refers to cost share provided to the project.   “ Or related work that impinges on the proposed program” refers to work on the project critical path funded outside the project.  Disclosure of funding is required outside the Cost-Share if the funds are for work that impinges on the proposed program during the project period.   Funding contributed to the project that occurred prior to the start date of the project period (August 1, 2012) does not require disclosure.

1. This question and answer have been posted in Exchange in the FAQ.

2, 3, 5, 6 and 7.  The SF 424  includes instructions, please refer to these to complete the form

4. The  CDFA you refer to (81.087) is under the general FAQ, and is shown as a general example.    The correct CDFA for FOA 621 is  CDFA 81.086.  The cover page of the  FOA 621 is correct.

8.  This question and answer have been posted in Exchange in the FAQ.

The total dollars presented in the concept paper were simply a rough estimate of the work proposed and can be changed in the full application.  However, any changes must comply with anticipated award funding levels contained in the FOA.

Please refer to the FAQ in Exchange under FOA 621.  Other questions and answers have been posted in the FAQ which address your inquiry.

A concept paper was required to submit a full application for FOA 621.  If you did not submit a concept paper by the required deadline then  you would not have the required control number and submission number, and  you are not eligible to submit a full application.   If you are having technical problems with the Exchange website, please email the support team at:   EERE-ExchangeSupport (HQ) <eere-exchangesupport@ee.doe.gov>

1) The $5/ft2 is the maximum “Price” not Cost
2) Letters of commitment from non-cost sharing sub-recipients are not required.

The "technology areas" refer to the topic and sub-topic areas specified in the FOA.

1.   You are not required to put a cover page over your Full Application because SF424 serves this purpose.    Please note that various required documents have page limits as specified throughout the FOA. 
2.  Section V.3.g is a typo, the relevant section is IV.3.g, Work Plan,  on page 25.   The description for the Approach should align with the work plan table described in Section IV.3.g.
3.  The start date is August 1, 2012.
4.  The applicant should include sufficient fidelity in its planned activities to allow reviewers to adequately evaluate the approach.  Each applicant needs to employ an approach that it feels makes the best case with the greatest clarity.   If an applicant were to be selected for an award, Go/No-Go decision points and criteria will be negotiated and established with DOE after selection and  prior to the award.

4.  The applicant should include sufficient fidelity in its planned activities to allow reviewers to adequately evaluate the approach.  Each applicant needs to employ an approach that it feels makes the best case with the greatest clarity.   If an applicant were to be selected for an award, Go/No-Go decision points and criteria will be negotiated and established with DOE after selection and  prior to the award.

You are not required to put a cover page over your Full Application because SF424 serves this purpose. 

The FOA is referring to the  lifecycle of the product alone, and therefore lifecycle costs.

Section VIII(D) has the proper marking instructions in accordance with 10 CFR 600.15. 

This was answered in the FAQ #66 under FOA 621  in Exchange.   For questions regarding the submission of applications (such as uploading files, opening files, and submission of the application) please send emails to:   EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov
Please send questions about the FOA  content to btech@go.doe.gov

No to both questions.   Please fill out lines 1-3 in Section A for each of the three project years including cost share in column f, Non-Federal.   Under Section B, item 6, columns 1, 2 and 3, should be filled out for each of the three project years; and column 5 should be filled out for the entire project period and should show the total project budget. 

(a) The term foreign entity means any branch, partnership, group or sub-group, association, estate, trust, corporation or division of a corporation, or organization organized under the laws of a foreign state if either its principal place of business is outside the United States or its equity securities are primarily traded on one or more foreign exchanges.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, any branch, partnership, group or sub-group, association, estate, trust, corporation or division of a corporation, or organization that demonstrates that a majority of the equity interest in such entity is ultimately owned by U.S. nationals is not a foreign entity.

For questions regarding the submission of applications through EERE Exchange, all questions must be submitted at least 3 business days prior to each submission deadline to EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov.   For questions submitted within 3 days of the submission deadline, DOE does not guarantee a response.  Please keep a record of all contact you have with EERE Exchange Support to document  the date and time that you opened the ticket,  what you were doing with the date and time,  and describe the problem that you encountered.

Applicants are required to contribute cost share according to Section III B of the FOA which states that for those entities not eligible for a cost share waiver, the cost share must be at least 20% of the total allowable costs.  Applicants that  are eligible for the waiver still can contribute cost share voluntarily.  

Yes, the start date is August 1, 2012. No, do not use October 1, 2012 for the budget and project period.    DOE may negotiate a different start date with the awardees after the selection process has been completed.

No, entry of  MPIN is not required.   No, the SF424 application form does not need to be submitted by the AOR in CCR.  Yes, someone other than the AOR can submit the application.  Yes, your internal documentation is sufficient to designate an authorized party. 

Only those applicants who completed the Concept Paper submission prior to the deadline of 4/17/2012 at 5 PM ET are elgible to submit a Full Application to this funding opportunity.  The Apply but goes away after the Concept Paper deadline passes. 

If you did successfully submit a concept paper then the process would be to log into xchange, locate your concept paper in the My Submissions page, click on the control number and scroll down to the Concept paper response

The applicant can include a cover page that provides only identifying  per section VIII.D  to mark proprietary information and identify the specific pages containing confidential, proprietary, or privileged information, and it will not be counted toward the 20 page limit.  Inclusion of ANY project narrative information on the cover page will cause it to be counted toward the 20 page limit.

The applicant can include a cover page and table of contents that provides only identifying information  will not be counted toward the 20 page limit.  Inclusion of ANY project narrative information on the cover page or table of contents  will cause it to be counted toward the 20 page limit. 

The DOE Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency for North Carolina Residential Incentives is at link:   http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/homeowner.cfm?state=NC&re=1&ee=1

Please submit the application under the existing institution.  If selected then a revised application (budget etc.), evaluation of the new institution's capability to perform the work  will be required.

Grants.gov is your source to find federal grants at:  http://grants.gov/applicants/find_grant_opportunities.jsp.    The link to subscribe to the RSS feed for Grants.Gov is at:  http://grants.gov/help/rss.jsp.     For opportunities within DOE for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) go to link:  http://www1.eere.energy.gov/financing/business.html  (EERE opportunities are also posted on Grant.Gov).

It is anticipated that selection announcement for FOA 0621 will be September 15, 2012.

In the FOA, the full applications were due in late June, and the announcement of the selections was expected to be July 2012.    The FAQ in Exchange stated an anticipated start date of August 2012.   However, the start  date is now anticipated to be within the last quarter of CY2012. 

The public announcement of the selection can be found at:  http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/commercial/news_detail.html?news_id=18880
The list of selected projects can be found at:  http://www.eere.energy.gov/pdfs/building_envelope_hvac_foa_selection_projects_list.pdf

If you are an applicant or subcontractor for an applicant, and would like specific information, please provide the Exchange control number.  

The mailbox for the Building Envelope Technologies DE-FOA-0000621 is no longer being monitored and questions will no longer receive a reply.   Please refer to the following links to view the selections.  

The public announcement of the selections can be found at:  http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/commercial/news_detail.html?news_id=18880
The list of selected projects can be found at:  http://www.eere.energy.gov/pdfs/building_envelope_hvac_foa_selection_projects_list.pdf