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["INSTRUCTIONS"]
[1,"All questions pertaining to this funding opportunity announcement should be emailed to SEEDSII-SES@ee.doe.gov."]
[2,"All questions pertaining to EERE Exchange should be emailed to EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov. Include FOA name and number in subject line."]
[3,"All questions and answers pertaining to this FOA will be posted on EERE Exchange within this spreadsheet."]
[4,"DOE will attempt to respond to a question within 3 business days, unless a similar question and answer has already been posted in this spreadsheet. "]
[5,"All questions should be submitted not later than 3 business days prior to the application due date. Questions submitted after this date will not be answered."]
[6,"Questions are assigned a number in accordance with when they are reviewed by DOE.  "]
[7,"Questions are assigned a topic area by DOE when reviewed."]
[]
["TIPS"]
[1,"Applicants may sort questions and answers in the question tabs of this spreadhseet by selecting the drop-down box arrow on the column headers and selecting any of the listed attributes."]
[2,"Applicants may search for questions and/or keywords by holding CTRL+F on the keyboard and typing in a phrase or keyword."]

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["ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTION AND ANSWER LOG"]
["DE-FOA0001496 - SOLAR ENERGY EVOLUTION AND DIFFUSION STUDIES II - STATE ENERGY STRATEGIES (SEEDSII-SES)"]
["Question #","Date Submitted","Topic","Question","Answer"]
[1,"2016-02-08","Application Content/Format","Has the FOA been released?  If so, can you please send me the appropriate link.","The Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) (DE-FOA-0001496) documents are only available through the EERE eXCHANGE system, and will not be provided by DOE personnel via any other means.  If you are having trouble accessing the FOA, please contact the EERE eXCHANGE help desk to resolve the issue(s), by e-mail at EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov.  "]
[2,"2016-02-10","Eligibility","We are considering a proposal for the FOA DE-FOA-0001496.  One question we have is whether or not a concept paper which includes proposal to undertake comparisons to policies, strategies and impacts in Canada in order to inform study of situation in various States is of interest and within the scope of the opportunity?","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.  "]
[3,"2016-02-11","Technical Topics","For Topic 2, is it possible to submit a proposal that involves several states that are not in the same region but are instead spread across different parts of the country?","It is acceptable to submit a proposal that involves multiple states that are not in the same region. "]
[4,"2016-02-12","Cost Sharing","On slide 3, the webinar presentation says, \"The cost share requirement Topic 1 and Topic 2 is 20%.\" On page 1, the FOA says, \"Cost Share is not required for Topic 1.\" I know that generally, the FOA is always correct, but would like to confirm. Which is correct?","See Section II.B. Cost Sharing. Cost share is not required for Topic 1. The cost share must be at least 20% for research and development projects submitted under Topic 2.  "]
[5,"2016-02-16","Technical Topics","Has a specification been written for the minimum content of a data set concerning a domestic solar energy project?  If so, can you provide the specification or suggested data for a solar  project?  ","There are no requirements for U.S. based data to be used under this FOA. "]
[6,"2016-02-16","Webinar","Can I get access to the Webinar Audio/Video of TOPIC 1: SEEDS II?","The SEEDS II - SES Webinar PowerPoint Presentation and Audio File are available on EERE Exchange under the FOA Documents Section. "]
[7,"2016-02-18","Eligibility","Can a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program focused on increasing solar deployment in the region be eligible for SEEDSII funding?  ","See Section III Eligibility Information of the FOA for specific information pertaining to eligibility criteria. "]
[8,"2016-02-18","Webinar","We are interested in this FOA but missed the webinar.  The provided webinar file plays video but no audio. Is it possible to upload a version that does or point to an alternate source?","Unfortunately, the audio for the webinar did not record. Please submit any questions about the webinar to the SEEDS II – SES mailbox."]
[9,"2016-02-25","Technical Topics","Would you be able to expand upon what \"project teams will create use-inspired research\" means?  ","“Use-inspired” refers to neither pure basic research, nor pure applied research/engineering, but a combination of both – the project should enhance foundational knowledge while also solving a societal problem – in this case, a problem that applies new or existing data relevant to solar technology evolution and diffusion. The results of these studies can be applied or theoretical."]
[11,"2016-02-25","Eligibility","I have pulled a team of people, and wondered if we could get some feedback on whether the topic appropriate (on target).  Can you provide any guidance related to topic appropriateness, or do I have to rely completely on the FOA language?","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.  DOE 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.  "]
[12,"2016-02-29","Eligibility","Are we allowed to consider additional technologies beyond PV that are complimentary to solar as part of a holistic look at the technologies that will be required to meet the an RE target for a state?    ","Applicants are encouraged to consider how solar electricity contributes to the overall energy portfolio of a state or region, but analytical work should focus primarily on the role of solar."]
[13,"2016-03-01","Cost Sharing","Are non-profit entities allowed to apply for a Cost Share Waiver under this FOA?","See Section II.B. Cost Sharing. Cost share is not required for Topic 1. The cost share must be at least 20% under Topic 2.  A cost share reduction will be not granted under this FOA. "]
[14,"2016-03-01","Application Content/Format","Can the Concept Paper be submitted as a single document or do the Concept Paper sections need to be submitted as separate documents?","A Concept Paper may be submitted on EERE Exchange as single document or as Separate Sections (i.e., Cover Page, Project Description, Addendum). Applicants that choose to submit a single document concept paper are precluded from submitting additional documents or files under the Separate Sections. Whether the Concept Paper is submitted as a single document or as separate sections, the maximum page limit for the Concept Paper is five pages. If Applicants exceed the maximum page lengths indicated in the FOA, EERE will review only the authorized number of pages and disregard any additional pages. See Section IV.C.1. in the FOA. "]
[15,"2016-03-01","Application Content/Format","\nPage 27 of the FOA gives requirements for the concept paper. Are these the minimum requirements or the strict requirements? Does the concept paper need to contain only two sections and only the elements that are listed? Does the concept paper need to show the amount of the grant that is asked by the applicant? Can the applicant attach any support letter?","The maximum page limit for the Concept Paper is five pages.  The Concept Paper should follow the content requirements as stated in Section IV.C.1. (page 27) of the FOA.  If Applicants exceed the maximum page lengths indicated in the FOA, EERE will review only the authorized number of pages and disregard any additional pages."]
[16,"2016-03-02","Eligibility","Can universities be the prime recipient under Topic 2 proposals?","See Section III.A.2. of the FOA for Eligibility Information for Domestic Entities. "]
[17,"2016-03-03","Application Content/Format","In the Addendum, would you prefer a narrative describing relevant experience/expertise or would you prefer CV-style?  ","Applicants may use their discretion on the type of format that is used in the Addendum; however, the Addendum section must conform to the content requirements as stated in the FOA.  "]
[18,"2016-03-04","Application Content/Format","Should I only include full contact information for the lead principal investigators and then just names of organizations (no contact information) for the rest of the team, or should I also include specific contact information for all team member organizations? ","Applicants must include the full contact information for the technical and business point of contact.  Applicants must include the names of all team member organizations, if applicable. Applicants have the discretion to provide specific contact information about team member organizations as part of their Concept Paper submittal. "]
[19,"2016-03-04","Application Content/Format","I understand the concept paper page limitations to mean 5 pages total, including the cover page, project description, addendum, and any references. Is this correct?  If so, does the cover page need to be a whole page or can I include the cover page information at the top of the first page of the Project Description to have more space for the project description?","The total page limit is 5 pages including the cover page, project description, addendum, and any references. Applicants can choose to have a separate cover page or include it at the top of the first page of the Project Description, but the Concept Paper can’t go over 5 pages. "]
[20,"2016-03-07","Registration Requirements","How do we determine the “control number” that is required on the application?","Applicants will receive a control number once the concept paper submission process has been initiated in EERE eXCHANGE."]
[21,"2016-03-15","Due Dates","Can you tell me when DOE will start notifying applicants for approved concept papers?","EERE expects to notify applicants of its determination to encourage or discourage the submission of a Full Application by March 28, 2016."]
[22,"2016-03-21","Application Content/Format","Can applicants add a supporting Topic Area concept to a full application proposal?","Each full application should focus on only one Topic Area."]
[23,"2016-03-29","Due Dates","When will concept paper notifications be available?","The results were published on April 1, 2016."]
[24,"2016-03-29","Application Content/Format","Under what circumstances could we be permitted to submit two full applications–one for each Topic Area–both based on the single concept paper we presented?","A compliant concept paper is a prerequisite for submitting a full application. If an applicant submitted a concept paper to the wrong Topic, reviewer comments were provided to indicate the correct Topic number. Please submit only one full application per concept paper corresponding to the correct Topic."]
[null,"2016-03-29","Application Content/Format","Within the Technical Volume, parts of the Workplan subsection on Project Management and the Technical Qualifications and Resources subsection ask for similar information related to project organization and roles, project management and integration among team members, and communications among multi-organizational projects.  How should the duplicative information be differentiated in the sections in light of Technical Volume length limitations?  Should one section reference the other or should the information be repeated? Please advise.","Applicants must conform to the Technical Volume content and form requirements, including maximum page lengths, as stated in the FOA. "]
[null,"2016-04-04","Application Content/Format","Will  the “Required Application Documents” for FOA 1496 be released on Exchange?","The application documents have been posted on the EERE Exchange website. You must be logged in to view the documents under the Full Application page."]
[null,"2016-04-04","Cost Sharing","What is the timeline for needing to secure the 20% match for this project?   If our proposal is approved, and we are still waiting to hear from other potential funders, can we discuss with DOE a reasonable timeframe that may extend a few months from the initial reward date?","See Section III.B.4. Cost Share Verification in the FOA."]
[null,"2016-04-04","Eligibility","Can we submit a full application?","Per Section IV.A. Application Process of the FOA, only applicants who have submitted an eligible Concept Paper will be eligible to submit a Full Application. EERE will not review or consider submissions submitted through means other than EERE Exchange, submissions submitted after the applicable deadline, and incomplete submissions."]
[null,"2016-04-04","Labs/FFRDCs","If a subcontractor is an FFRDC receiving more than $250K, will they be required to submit the Subaward Budget Justification (EERE 335) as well as the Field Work Proposal (FWP)?","The FFRDC will need to submit a FWP. If the total project funds are expected to be $250,000 or more an EERE 335 will need to be submitted as part of the full application submittal package. "]
[null,"2016-04-04","Labs/FFRDCs","Regarding the FWP, would it be possible for you to post the exact form required to satisfy that requirement? The link in the FOA directs one to an archived directive with sample forms, but no actual templates are provided. If this is the only document, please confirm if we should use that archived version or the current version located here: https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0412.1-BOrder-a-admchg1. Please also confirm that the sample two page form and one page high-level budget sheet are all that are required for submission.","The Field Work Proposal will be completed by the participating FFRDC. The FFRDC should be able to provide the currently approved FWP document. "]
[null,"2016-04-04","Application Content/Format","Where can I find the SOPO and Budget Justification templates?","The application documents have been posted on the EERE Exchange website. You must be logged in to view the documents under the Full Application page."]
[null,"2016-04-04","Application Content/Format","How many proposals were encouraged for topic I?","DOE does not disclose the number of applications received nor does DOE disclose the details of encourage/discourage notifications."]
[null,"2016-04-04","Application Content/Format","Are letters of support required for this proposal?","The FOA does not require letters of support but encourages applicants to provide such letters in order to strengthen their applications. For Topic 2, letters of support/commitment are strongly encouraged from teaming partners and key stakeholders. "]
[null,"2016-04-04","Eligibility","Of the 18 anticipated awards, will the 18 be split equally between the two topic areas? If not, how many awards will be made to each topic area?","The number of anticipated awards in the FOA is only an estimation. DOE will decide how many awards to make based on the merits of the proposed projects and DOE's portfolio needs. "]
[null,"2016-04-04","Application Content/Format","Is there an opportunity or a requirement to respond to reviewer comments received on our Concept Paper? Can you indicate the deadline for those comments, if so? ","There is no mechanism currently in place to allow applicants to provide replies to reviewer comments for the Concept Paper phase, however, applicants may use reviewer feedback to strengthen their Full Applications."]
[null,"2016-04-04","Webinar","Can you email these slides to participants?","The slides from the Full Application webinar presentation will be posted on EERE eXCHANGE on the SEEDSII-SES page following the presentation on April 4, 2016."]
[null,"2016-04-04","Application Content/Format","Were there any reviewer comments from the concept paper submissions?  Where can they be seen?","Concept Paper written review comments may be viewed on EERE eXCHANGE."]
[null,"2016-04-12","Webinar","How many proposals were encouraged for Topic I?","DOE does not disclose the number of applications received nor does DOE disclose the details of encourage/discourage notifications."]
[null,"2016-04-12","Webinar","Are letters of support required for this proposal?","The FOA does not require letters of support but encourages applicants to provide such letters in order to strengthen their applications. For Topic 2, letters of support/commitment are strongly encouraged from teaming partners and key stakeholders. "]
[null,"2016-04-12","Application Content/Format","The suggested project duration mentioned in the FOA was 3 years. Is it okay to submit a project for a smaller duration of 2 years? ","EERE anticipates making awards that will run up to 36 months in length. Proposed projects may be shorter than 3 years; however,  the minimum requirement is that each project must have at least one project-wide go/no-go decision point for each budget period (12 to 18-month period) of the project."]
[null,"2016-04-12","Labs/FFRDCs","If a non-FFRDC is the prime and an FFRDC is a sub recipient, will DOE pay the prime who then pays the FFRDC or will DOE pay the FFRDC directly?","The prime recipient will receive DOE funding. If a subrecipeint is an FFRDC, the Prime Recipient is responsible for initiating an agreement (e.g., Work for Others, CRADA, or TSA) with any FFRDC Project Team. "]
[null,"2016-04-12","Application Content/Format","In completing the EERE-335 budget forms for a Topic 2 proposal with a 3-year period of performance, are the Budget Periods Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, or Phase 1 (12-18 months) and Phase 2 (18-24 months)?","The Budget Periods are Years 1, 2, and 3."]
[null,"2016-04-26","Application Content/Format","When submitting a full proposal, is a table of contents required? Can the table of contents be placed on the cover page?","See Section IV.D. of the FOA for Content and Form of the Full Application. "]
[null,"2016-04-26","Application Content/Format","Is there a requirement on this grant application to make the application available to the State under the Executive Order 12372 Process?","This FOA is not subject to Executive Order 12372 – Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs."]
[null,"2016-04-26","Application Content/Format","In reference to DE-FOA-0001496, our subawardee has indicated they would like to in turn subaward some of the work to other partners, in essence create a sub-subawardee. My questions are: 1) Is this allowed? & 2) If so, would each sub-subawardee also be required to turn in an EERE Form 335? ","Subrecipients may have subrecipiants and/or vendors are part of their budget.  Applicants must provide a separate budget justification, EERE 335 (i.e., budget justification for each budget year and a cumulative budget) for each subawardee that is expected to perform work estimated to be more than $250,000 or 25 percent of the total work effort (whichever is less). The budget justification must include the same justification information described in the “Budget Justification.\" "]
[null,"2016-07-12","Due Dates","What is the expected date for EERE to announce selection notifications?","EERE expectes to announce selection notifications by the end of July 2016; however, notifications may be announced earlier."]
[]
[]
[null,null,null," "]

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["Pick List"]
[]
["Registration Requirements"]
["Webinar"]
["Eligibility"]
["Labs/FFRDCs"]
["Foreign Entities/Work"]
["Cost Sharing"]
["Due Dates"]
["Application Content/Format"]
["Intellectual Property"]
["Data Management"]
["U.S. Manufacturing Plan"]
["Application Reviews"]
["Technical Topics"]