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["ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTION AND ANSWER LOG"]
["DE-FOA-0001824 Building America Industry Partnerships for High Performance Housing Innovation – 2018"]
["Question #","Date Submitted","Topic","Question","Answer"]
[1,"2018-05-10","Eligibility","For the purposes of this FOA, do \"residential Buildings\" include multi-family dwellings, or are applications geared to only single-family residential properties?","This FOA is NOT restricted to single family homes. For Topics 1 & 2, we are very interested in multi-family buildings projects, as well as research findings that are applicable to both single family and multi-family buildings.","Link"]
[2,"2018-05-11","Application Content/Format","The description online describes that a company may apply for multiple topics, but need multiple applications for topics 1 and 2.  The description says nothing about Topic 3 at this time.  Does this mean an application can contain Topics 1 and 3, or 2 and 3, just not 1 and 2 together, or does Topic 3 have to be within its own application as well?","See FOA Section III.F. Limitation on Number of Letters of Intent and Full Applications Eligible for Review."]
[3,"2018-05-14","Webinar","Will there be a recording of this webinar available? ","The slide deck, as well as, a copy of the transcript from the FOA Webinar will be uploaded to EERE-Exchange.energy.gov as soon as available."]
[4,"2018-05-14","Eligibility","Can I submit a proposal under this FOA that is pending under the BA program from 2017?","Yes. See FOA Section III.3 Compliance Criteria and Section IV Application Process in  order for your application to be compliant."]
[5,"2018-05-15","Technical Topics","Is Topic 2, part B in the DE‐FOA‐0001824 limited to looking for proposals that consider the impact for optimal com for systems for low load homes? or is DOE looking for impact more broadly across all residential home types? \n\n","Comfort solutions developed and/or enabled by this research should be applicable to, but is not limited to, low load homes. We are interested in applications of the research findings more broadly to all homes, as applicable. As such, the research is not required to be conducted in low load homes, but applicants must explain how the proposed project will impact low load homes."]
[6,"2018-05-16","Technical Topics","How does one get a copy of the BTO Home Improvement Catalyst literature review report titled: Installation Practices and Impact of Performance Faults in Residential HVAC Systems?","The draft report is referenced on FOA page 3 in footnote number One. The draft report has not been published. Preliminary findings can be found at this link: https://rpsc.energy.gov/sites/default/files/publication/C-1589_Systematic_Lit_Review_Prelim_Findings.pdf"]
[7,"2018-05-17","Eligibility","Does the submission limitation for Topic 2 apply to the topic as a whole, or to the specific topics called out in items A and B.? In other words, can my organization submit one application for 2A and one application for 2B?"," No, however one Topic 2 application that addresses elements of both subtopics A & B is acceptable, where a compelling case for the integration of the two subtopics is made. "]
[8,"2018-05-17","Technical Topics","I have a question about the following paragraph found on PDF page 10 of the DOE FOA 1824.\n\n\"Support for states validating key energy efficiency measures and implementation of their codes through baseline field studies. A study of this\ntype must adhere to the previously established DOE single‐family residential methodology to ensure consistency and comparability to previous research\nin this area. BECP has a particular research interest in states that have not had the means to conduct a recent study, including home rule states (i.e.,\nstate which adopt codes locally as opposed to a statewide basis).\"\n\nThe link to the methodology is not live so I'm not sure where to find it. Also, can you provide additional information on the 8 states where the methodology was piloted previously?\nWas Colorado included?\n","The methodology link is: https://www.energycodes.gov/compliance/energy-code-field-studies."]
[9,"2018-05-18","Eligibility","We have a question about the Limitation on Number of Letters of Intents and Full Applications (page 19 – 22 of the FOA). What are the number of letter of intents an applicant can send in? We’re particularly questioning the wording on page 22, Letter C. Content and Form of the Letter of Intent. Could you please clarify?","Per FOA Section III.F. Limitation on Number of Letters of Intent and Full Applications Eligible for Review, an applicant may submit only one letter of intent/application per topic area."]
[10,"2018-05-20","Technical Topics","Regarding this Funding Opportunity Announcement, I would like a clarification of whether this grant addresses new concepts, a panel of pre-selected issues, a continuation or follow up of presentations that began in 2013, 2014 and beyond and/or modification of any of the aforementioned items? Are the pertinent issues or questions listed anywhere or is a new proposal acceptable?","See FOA Section I.B. Topic Areas and Section II.A.iii . New Applications Only   "]
[11,"2018-05-21","Technical Topics","1) Question 1: For Topic 3d, what is meant by “building energy code verification”? Does it mean (or include) “compliance verification”, i.e., tools and software for verifying that a building design complies with an energy code? \n2) Question 2: Is it possible to revise the title and abstract after the deadline of May 25, or should the title and abstract in the Full Application exactly match the title and abstract submitted in the Letter of Intent?\n","1)  Yes, 'verification' is in reference to code compliance and enforcement activities.                                                                  2)  The title and abstract can be changed prior to the Full Application Deadline.  Please note that the Control Number must remain the same from the Letter of Intent through the Full Application deadline.  "]
[12,"2018-05-21","Eligibility; technical topics; cost share","1) Is a 501 (c)(6) trade organization eligible to apply?  In particular if they are engaged in lobbying activities at the state level (no federal lobbying)?  In the announcement section III.a.ii it states \"Nonprofit organizations described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995, are not eligible to apply for funding.\" We wanted to confirm eligibility prior to submitting.\n\n2)  For topic 3 \"Gap analysis for building industry standard practices\" does DOE prefer a deep dive within one state, or a broader look across states?\n\n3) Cost share - should we include how we will meet this in the LOI, or should this be saved for later on if we are invited to apply fully?\n","1) See FOA Section III. Eligibility Information.  EERE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted. The decision whether to submit an application in response to this FOA lies solely with the applicant.\n\n2)  The DOE Field Study Methodology for single-family residential buildings is based on a state-by/state approach. The Methodology is designed to produce statistically representative results for a single states. Please review the approach outlined at https://www.energycodes.gov/compliance/energy-code-field-studies.\n\n3)  See FOA Section IV.C. Content and Form of the Letter of Intent.  Letters of Intent will be used by EERE to plan for the merit review process.  There will be no encourage/discourage notification.  Also see, Section III.C. Compliance Criteria.  Letter of intent are deemed compliant if:  the applicant entered all required information and clicked the “Create Submission” button in EERE Exchange by the deadline stated in the FOA.\n"]
[13,"2018-05-22","Application Content/Format","I have a question regarding the requirements for the Letter of Intent in response to DE-FOA-0001824.  On page 22 of the FOA, regarding content and form of the letter of intent, it includes a request for information about the project team (principal investigator, team members and key participants).  When I reviewed the submission information on the exchange, there was no place for these specific items.  Do we include them in the abstract portion?  Is that included in the 4000 characters and additional to the 200 words allotted for the abstract itself?","Yes, the team members and key participants can be included in the abstract portion in Exchange, but the 4000 character limit cannot be exceeded."]
[14,"2018-05-22","Application Content/Format","I completed the LOI in the Exchange and got a response back indicating the LOI details for this FOA…\"Your LOI has been completed.  You have now entered the Full Application stage of the submission process.  Click below to continue with your Full Application submission.”  I checked the status of in My Submissions and status says Not Submitted.  I can't tell if my LOI submission actually was submitted or not.  The system says it has been completed but I'm not sure if it has been submitted.  Can you clarify for me?","This  message indicates the letter of intent was successfully completed and you are able to begin submitting the full application.  Be sure to use the same control number that was assigned to the letter of intent. "]
[15,"2018-05-22","Application Content/Format","In a previous question someone asked if the team members can be included in the LOI Abstract. The response stated that they could be, but can you clarify if that is required? Or is that at our discretion?","See FOA Section IV.C. Content and Form of the Letter of Intent for the required information."]
[16,"2018-05-23","Application Content/Format","Can an applicant submit more than one Letter of Intent per Topic Area?  Instructions (III.F. on page 19) clearly state that an applicant can only submit one Full Proposal but appears silent on the Letter of Intent.  And it is clear that a Letter of Intent does not commit the applicant to completing a Full Proposal.\"","Per FOA Section III.F. Limitation on Number of Letters of Intent and Full Applications Eligible for Review, an applicant may submit only one letter of intent/application per topic area.  Also see FOA Section IV.C. Content and Form of the Letter of Intent, \"The letters will not be used for down-selection purposes, and do not commit an applicant to submit an application\". "]
[17,"2019-05-24","Eligibility","We mistakenly submitted two letters of intent instead of one in response to DE-FOA-0001824-High Performance Housing Innovation - 2018. Please only process the second.","See FOA Section III.F. Limitation on Number of Letters of Intent and Full Applications Eligible for Review.  \"If an applicant submits more than one Full Application to the same topic area, EERE will only consider the last timely submission for evaluation.\" "]
[18,"2018-05-24","Technical Topics","Does item 1 (Baseline In-situ Fault Analysis in Residential Comfort Systems) and the second topic in item 2-B (Develop and validate innovative quality installation approaches and field measurement tools….)) focus only on analyzing and studying/detecting installation quality issues during or just after installing HVAC system (i.e. technician wrongly put low charge to the system or chosen wrong indoor air flow setting) and not on fault that occurs slowly over time past installation (i.e. system loses charges over time), or simply both?                           Moreover, is it fair to say that item 1 is about analyzing installation quality issues while the second topic in item 2-B is about how to detect these installation quality issues ?   ","1. Both. We are interested in better understanding HVAC faults of any kind, then supporting R&D to develop technologies that reliably detect and correct the HVAC system faults that waste energy in homes.\n2. Generally, yes. More specifically, Topic 1 is about research to understand the prevalence and severity of HVAC system faults in typical homes. Topic 2, bullet 2 is about developing and/or validating technologies and approaches designed to identify and correct faults, preferably automatically and without significant additional costs to HVAC technicians or homeowners.\n"]
[19,"2018-05-23","Application Content/Format","We submitted an LOI for DE-FOA-0001824; however, we must withdraw as we will be unable to complete the application process in a timely manner.","See FOA Section III.C. Compliance Criteria. \" Letters of Intent and Full Applications must meet all Compliance criteria listed below or they will be considered noncompliant. EERE will not review or consider noncompliant submissions,\". "]
[null,"2018-05-23","Application Content/Format","I noted on the SF424 that I downloaded from the EERE Exchange Website several fields normally found were not represented.  Were these omissions intentional?","No, this was not intentional.  The correct SF-424 form has been uploaded and is now available on  Exchange"]
[20,"2018-05-25","Application Content/Format","The EERE 335 Budget Justification on the EERE website has an Expiration Date of 02/28/2018.  I was wondering if this is the correct form or where I could find the more up to date form?","Please use the EERE 335 Budget Justification form on the website."]
[21,"2018-05-29","Letter of Intent","Questions regarding compliancy of letter of intent.","If your Letter of Intent is deemed compliant according to Section III.i.C.1. of the FOA, the applicant will have an opportunity to include any important information in the Full Application phase."]
[22,"2018-05-30","Technical Topics","Does DOE anticipate funding projects which respond to other Building America Research-to-Market Plan objectives as described under the Optimal Comfort Systems for Low-Load Homes section of this document?","DOE will select for funding compliant proposals that best meet the Topic 2 evaluation criteria. These may include proposals that respond to any objective described in the Optimal Comfort Systems for Low-Load Homes Roadmap section of the Building America Research-to-Market Plan. The roadmap objectives listed in the FOA are of particular interest to DOE because they are among the greatest remaining challenges, but they are not the only remaining challenges facing the HVAC industry."]
[23,"2018-05-30","Technical Topics","Could you please clarify the specific definition of 'construction cost' in relation to FOA funding?  For example, could the materials and construction of a mock-up HVAC system built in the lab for testing and validation be funded by the FOA?  If a mock-up of the proposed HVAC system was installed in an existing building for real world performance analysis, could the cost of materials and installation of the HVAC system be funded by the FOA?","The costs for materials to build the HVAC systems in the examples provided would potentially be allowed under this FOA.  The FOA would not cover the materials and costs related to constructing the building or home in which an HVAC system could be installed. Please note in Section IV.J.iv. – Recipients are required to obtain written authorization from the Contraction Officer before incurring any major construction cost. "]
[24,"2018-05-31","Application Content/Format","There are several mentions of a page limit related to the Technical Volume; however, the FOA does not appear to state a Technical Volume page limit for any of the topics. Is there a limit to this component of the full application?","Yes.  See FOA, Section IV. Application and Submission Information, D. Content and Form of Full Application, ii. Technical Volume."]
[25,"2018-05-31","Application Content/Format","Can we submit an application even though we did not submit a letter of intent to apply? ","No.  See FOA cover page and Section IV. A. Application Process."]
[26,"2018-06-04","Application Content/Format","Can letters of commitment be longer than one page?","Yes.  Letters of commitment from subrecipients and cost share partners may be longer than one page if needed.  See FOA, Section IV. Application and Submission Information, D. Content and Form of Full Application, ii. Technical Volume pages 24-36."]
[27,"2018-06-04","Cost Sharing","1.  Can a prime recipient use a fixed amount/unit price agreement as a payment mechanism to a sub-recipient?  If a fixed amount/unit price agreement is permissible, is there are threshold not to exceed for the fixed amount?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 2.  What is the prevailing guidance for the cost share requirement, the FOA or the CFDA description?  ","1.  Before determining the type of agreement, the recipient must determine whether the role of the party receiving funds is a subrecipient or contractor.  This information can be found in 2 CFR 200.330.  Once the role is determined, then the type of agreement can be determined.  If all the requirements are met, the recipient may request approval to issue a fixed amount award.  This approval cannot be given prior to selection for an award.  The recipient would need to make a request in writing to the Contracting Officer and explain the details and reasoning for the request.\n\nThe maximum amount of a fixed award is the Simplified Acquisition Threshold.\n \n2.  The Department of Energy cost sharing requirements are established by the Energy Policy Act of 2005.\n"]
[28,"2018-06-05","Application Content/Format","Would the DOE consider extending the deadline for submission of Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number: DE‐FOA‐0001824?  We are still working on cost share commitments from utility partners, but getting the commitments in writing, with a specific dollar amount associated is taking longer.","At this time, an extension to the application deadline is not being considered as there is a short timeline in which to select and negotiate awards.  However, please keep in mind the recipient is ultimately responsible for the cost share.  It is possible to revise the budget with the sources of cost share during the negotiation stage."]
[29,"2018-06-05","Application Content/Format","I have been trying to apply for this grant for my organization on grant.gov, but the ‘apply’ button is gray and will not allow us to apply online.","Per the notice in grants.gov and the FOA document, applications are accepted only through EERE Exchange at: https://eere-Exchange.energy.gov, EERE's online application portal. "]
[30,"2018-06-06","Due Dates","How do I stay ahead of the deadlines? Is there an email list I can join?","Funding Opportunities are listed on EERE Exchange (https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/default.aspx) and on Grants.gov. "]
[31,"2018-06-06","Application Content/Format","If the Prime applicant is a non-FFRDC entity and their sub is a FFRDC, \nwill the sub have to submit a Field Work Proposal (FWP) in addition to \nthe Letter of Authorization (from cognizant FFRDC Contracting Officer), \nor is the Authorization Letter all that is needed?\n","See FOA, Section IV.D.ix. Budget for DOE/NNSA FFRDC (if applicable)"]
[32,"2018-06-06","Application Content/Format","Is the DOE EERE Exchange Portal available on the weekends to submit proposals?","Yes, the system is usually available 24/7 with the exception of occassional outages for updates."]
[33,"2018-06-06","Funding","Do you know if the following grant opportunity will be available in 2019?  If so, when will the notice be published next year?","The Building America program has issued FOA since 2014.  However, whether a FOA is issued next year depends on multiple factors, including the availability of funding.  Potential Applicants are advised to monitor Grants.gov and EERE-Exchange.energy.gov for future Funding Opportunity Announcements."]
[34,"2018-06-07","Application Content/Format","Do I need to submit a separate copy of the Technical Volume even though I am submitting the SOPO?","Yes.  See FOA, Section IV. Application and Submission Information, D. Content and Form of Full Application, i. Full Application Content Requirement & ii. Technical Volume."]
[35,"2018-06-07","Application Content/Format","Is the font size of the Technical Volume limited to 12 point or higher, like the SOPO?","Yes.  See Section IV. A. Application Process."]
[36,"2018-06-07","Application Content/Format","If applicants do not have any lobbying activities to disclose, how should they go about filling out this form? Are we able to submit a letter stating we do not lobby instead of the form?","Per the FOA, Section D. xi. SF-LLL, this is a required form. If the organization does not have lobbying activities to report, state none in the applicable sections.  "]
[37,"2018-06-07","Eligibility","Would this grant opportunity apply to new residential building? Specifically new from the ground up?","See FOA. Section I. B. and C. and Section III Eligibility Information.  Also see question 23 above.","Link"]
[38,"2018-06-07","Application Content/Format","The required forms for this application doesn’t include the SF 424A/SF 424B Budget Information – Non Construction Program?  Was this intentional or was it something that was overlooked in the FOA guidance?","The Budget Justification Workbook EERE 335 form, which is  included in the Required Application Documents for download, is the required budget format per the FOA.  See Section IV. D. v. of the FOA document."]
[39,"2018-06-07","Application Content/Format","Is it necessary to submit the SOPO in the format provided or a simple pdf will do ?","See FOA Section IV. D. iii. Statement of Project Objectives."]
[40,"2018-06-07","FOA Exception","Can I still apply even though the deadline forsubmitting a Letter of Intent has passed?","At this time, extensions to the letter of intent/application deadlines are not being considered as there is a short timeline in which to select and negotiate awards.  "]
[41,"2018-06-09","Cost Sharing","In completing the EERE_335 form on tab J, we noticed there is a requirement to get approval to claim unrecovered indirect costs.  Is it possible for us to obtain this approval?  ","Approval is not granted at application.  Should your application be seleced for award negotiation, approval would be given at that time."]
[42,"2018-06-08","Application Content/Format","We are preparing the required EERE 335 Budget Spreadsheet and are experiencing difficulty with the calculations and figures appearing on the Instructions and Summary tab. ","See FOA, Appendix A for the proper calcuation of cost share."]
[42,"2018-08-06","Application Reviews","I am writing to inquire about the status of our application for FOA# DE-FOA-0001824. The original FOA listed July 2018 as the expected time frame for selection notification, yet the eere-exchange website lists our submission as not yet having a decision available. Is there an updated timeframe for selection?","Applications are still under review, but at this time there is no definitive date as to when selections will be made.  Once selections are made all applicants will be notified."]
[null,"2018-12-17","Application Reviews","Application Review Status Update","Applications are still under review, but at this time there is no definitive date as to when selections will be made.  Once selections are made all applicants will be notified."]

{"sheet":"INSTRUCTIONS & TIPS","index":1,"n_rows":12,"n_cols":2,"rows_kept":12,"cut":false,"hidden":false,"merged":[[0,0,0,1],[9,0,9,1]]}
["INSTRUCTIONS"]
[1,"All questions pertaining to this funding opportunity announcement should be emailed to:  BTOResidentialBuildingsFOA@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."]

{"sheet":"Admin Pick List","index":2,"n_rows":18,"n_cols":1,"rows_kept":18,"cut":false,"hidden":true,"merged":[]}
["Pick List"]
[]
["Registration Requirements"]
["Webinar"]
["Eligibility"]
["Labs/FFRDCs"]
["Funding"]
["Foreign Entities/Work"]
["Cost Sharing"]
["Due Dates"]
["Application Content/Format"]
["Intellectual Property"]
["Data Management"]
["Non-FOA Related"]
["U.S. Manufacturing Plan"]
["Application Reviews"]
["Technical Topics"]
["Concept Paper Content/Format"]