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["INSTRUCTIONS"]
[1,"All questions pertaining to this funding opportunity announcement should be emailed to IEDOMultiTopicFOA@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-FOA0002997 - Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office (IEDO) FY23 Multi-Topic FOA"]
["Question #","Date Submitted","Topic","Question","Answer"]
[1,"2023-03-15","Eligibility","Our team has a question about the limitation on the number of concept papers and full applications. The FOA states that there is a limit to one lead submission per topic area, but what about Topic 3, which has two subtopics? Would two separate lead submissions for Topics 3a and 3b be considered?","Subtopics 3a and 3b are two distinct topics and DOE will allow concept papers and subsequent applications from one lead organization for both subtopics. "]
[2,"2023-03-15","Technical Topics","We have reviewed this FOA. We qualify to submit concept paper for topic 2 Low-carbon fuel utilization R&D. Under topic 2, there are three area of interests. Our strength matches well Area of Interest 3 – Low-Carbon-Input, Flexible CHP. The FOA states that this AOI is limited to CHP onsite generation. Our understanding is that AOI3 of topic 2 only supports proposals of Tier 2 for onsite system demonstration rather than Tier 1 for R&D. May you please clarify this?","Topic Area 2 AOI 3 seeks both Tier 1 and Tier 2 applications. "]
[3,"2023-03-15","Technical Topics","What’s the difference between this presently solicited DE-FOA-0002997 and recently solicited \nDE-FOA-0002804 ??","FOA 2997 contains new topic areas as well as revised areas of interest. For topic areas with substantially similar AOIs to FY22 FOA 2804, as stated in the FOA text: “applicants that responded to the FY22 FOA are strongly discouraged from resubmitting largely identical applications to those currently under review.”"]
[4,"2023-03-15","Concept Paper","I could not find the details being requested for the Topic #2 Concept Paper. \nCan you please help? ","All topic areas require the same details in the Concept Paper submission as outlined in section IV.C. Content and Form of the Concept Paper on page 66. The information for what Topic Area 2 requirements and areas of interest include begins on page 20 of the FOA document."]
[5,"2023-03-16","Other","Can you please send me the full package for DE-FOA-0002997 Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office FY23 Multi-Topic FOA? I was not able to view the synopsis on grants.gov.","You will find the full FOA document at the following link https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaId91b42212-f3d5-46d5-b5ce-203ed0d64971 "]
[6,"2023-03-16","Eligibility","I wanted to request a clarification on the limitations on the number of submissions from an entity to a topic area, specifically Topic Area 3. \n\nOn the EERE website it lists “Topic 3a” and “Topic 3b” but the FOA and the Energy.gov website lists these as Subtopics to Topic 3: Exploratory Cross-Sector R&D. \n\nI am looking for clarification if an Entity can submit one concept paper to each Subtopic or if the University would be limited to one concept in Topic 3 as a whole. \n\nThank you for your consideration.  ","As noted in question #1, Subtopics 3a and 3b are two distinct topics and DOE will allow concept papers and subsequent applications from one lead organization for both subtopics. "]
[7,"2023-03-16","Application Content/Format","Some EERE calls in the past would have a limit set at the AOI level.  This FOA currently has the limit set at the Topic area.  Is the intention to keep it as is or will you consider setting the limit at AOI level for those topics with AOI.","Per section III.F. Limitation on Number of Concept Papers and Full Applications Eligible for Review, on page 65, “An entity may only submit one Concept Paper and one Full Application for each topic area of this FOA.” There is no plan to change this limitation for this FOA."]
[8,"2023-03-16","Eligibility","I support limited submission opportunities for Stanford University and am seeking clarification on FOA DE-FOA-0002997.\n\nThe limitation on the number of concept papers and full applications eligible for review states: An entity may only submit one Concept Paper and one Full Application for each topic area of this FOA.\n\nDo Subtopics 3a and 3b count towards one topic area submission, or does each subtopic allow a separate submission?","As noted in question #1, Subtopics 3a and 3b are two distinct topics and DOE will allow concept papers and subsequent applications from one lead organization for both subtopics. "]
[9,"2023-03-16","Other","I am looking into an Inflation Reduction Act application for a wastewater treatment plant client aiming to use biogas from the digesters for heating purposes. I am wondering if this is the correct contact for the Advanced Energy Project Credit found on page 28 of the white house website IRA Act Guidebook. If you cannot help me find the application, I was hoping you could point me in the correct direction. The opportunity number on the Grant.gov website does not have an application opportunity available. The opportunity number is DE-FOA-0002997 and was just opened yesterday.  Please advise","DE-FOA-0002997 is the Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office (IEDO) FY23 Multi-Topic Funding opportunity announcement and the email address you sent your question to is for questions related to this funding opportunity. This funding opportunity is not related to the IRA and we have no visibility into other offices within DOE. Please continue searching grants.gov for more opportunities.  "]
[10,"2023-03-16","Application Content/Format","Under Section III.F, the FOA discusses Limitations on Number of Concept Papers and Full Applications Eligible for Review and identifies: “An entity may only submit one Concept Paper and one Full Application for each topic area of this FOA. If an entity submits more than one Concept Paper and one Full Application to the same topic area, EERE will request a determination from the applicant’s authorizing representative as to which application should be reviewed…” Is this the case that regardless of the number of Areas of Interest within a Topic Area that only 1 Prime Application per Topic Area may be submitted?","Correct, regardless if a topic area has multiple areas of interest, an entity may only submit one concept paper and one full application for each topic area of the FOA. "]
[11,"2023-03-20","Other","I am not able to access a Funding Opportunity Announcement document for the Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office (IEDO) FY23 Multi-Topic FOA (DE-FOA-0002997) on grants.gov.  Only a “Synopsis 2” is available there.  Is the FOA document describing the grant parameters available?  Please advise.  Thank you.","The FOA can be accessed at EERE eXCHANGE here: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaId91b42212-f3d5-46d5-b5ce-203ed0d64971"]
[12,"2023-03-20","Application Content/Format","Is it possible to submit for tier 1 and further along expand into a tier 2 submission?","No.  Applications selected from this FOA will be selected as either a Tier 1 project or a Tier 2 project with the objectives outlined in the Application."]
[13,"2023-03-20","Technical Topics","We are considering applying to IEDO FY2023, Topic 4 - Decarbonizing Chemicals. In this topic area, basic inorganic chemicals (NAICS 325180) including carbon black are referenced as chemicals of interest. However, synthetic graphite which is also a high-energy and high-carbon intensity product manufactured from fossil fuels is listed under a separate NAICS code (335991).  Is CO2 to graphite as a sustainable alternative to state of the art synthetic graphite produced from petroleum needle coke and coal tar pitch relevant to this topic?","Per section III.G of the FOA, DOE will not make eligibility determinations or provide guidance on which specific technologies or approaches are necessary to meet the objectives and criteria defined in the FOA. As described in FOA Section IV.C, Applicants will receive feedback on their concept paper to assist in their decision to submit a Full Application.  The decision to submit a concept paper and application lies solely with the Applicant."]
[14,"2023-03-21","Other","Will there be a teaming partner list?","There are no plans to host a teaming partner list."]
[15,"2023-03-21","Technical Topics","We are interested in responding to DE-FOA-0002997, Topic Area 2: Low-Carbon Fuels Utilization R&D, Area of Interest 3 – Low-Carbon-Input, Flexible CHP. Our concept technology is: using ammonia directly feed to a SOFC system to generate electricity and heat. The exhaust fuel from SOFC has diluted H2, the combustion of which can be controlled with lower temperature, thus expecting lower NOx formation. There is no CO2 emission. The electrical efficiency of the system is flexible and total efficiency of the system is about 90%.\nMay you please confirm if the office is interested in such application?","Please see answer to question #13."]
[16,"2023-03-17","Technical Topics","For Topic 5 – Decarbonizing Iron and Steel, is this limited to just iron and steel or are other high-value, high carbon footprint metals of interest such as nickel-based super alloys and/or reactive alloys? The production of nickel alloys targeted for use in the next generation power generation to increase efficiency, for example, can have a CO2 footprint of 13 MT-CO2/MT Ni-alloy (data from the Nickel Institute) vs 1.4 MT CO2/MT steel (data from IEA). So, although the specialty metals production is a fraction of the size of steel production, it emits an order of magnitude more CO2 per ton.","Applicants need to support how their project is responsive to the Topic Areas described in the FOA. The Topic Area 5 Technology Focus on page 40 of the FOA indicates: “Applicants under this topic should develop and achieve advances in technologies leading to commercial readiness of low-carbon or net-zero-carbon process technologies for the iron and steel industry.” Per section III.G of the FOA, DOE will not make eligibility determinations nor provide further guidance on which specific technologies or approaches are necessary to meet the objectives and criteria defined in the FOA. The decision to submit a concept paper and application lies solely with the Applicant."]
[17,"2023-03-21","Technical Topics","If carbon dioxide (CO2) is transformed and internally recycled among unit operations, will it be considered as CCUS by DOE?","Please see answer to question #13."]
[18,"2023-03-20","Technical Topics","I'm writing to inquire about a technical matter regarding the DE-FOA-0002864 funding opportunity. We believe that our flexible Combined Heat and Power (CHP) technology could be eligible for Topic 2 - Area of Interest 3. However, we noticed the following in the FOA:\nNot of interest in Topic 2: Applications focused on technologies or processes relevant to only a single subsector are not of interest for Topic 2. An example of\ncross-sectoral approaches for hydrogen combustion applications could be industries with similar high temperature heat needs and sensitivities to potential negative impacts of hydrogen combustion. DOE is not interested in funding applications in this topic focused on hydrogen production, storage, or transportation. Additionally, DOE is not interested in funding applications in this topic focused on carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS), onsite electricity generation, or the production of fuels/chemicals from byproducts or wastes.\nIs it correct to say that in this topic, the Department of Energy is interested in applications that not only generate electricity on-site, but also generate heat?","For Topic Area 2, Area of Interest 3, DOE is interested in applications that use co-generation to deliver both electricity and heat to industrial facilities. For Topic Area 2 Areas of Interest 1 and 2, DOE is interested in applications that deliver process heat. "]
[19,"2023-03-22","Other","Curious if there will be more detail on the following:\n\nTopic 2: Low-Carbon Fuels Utilization  R&D\nTopic 4: Decarbonizing Chemicals\nTopic 6: Decarbonizing Food & Beverage Products","The Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office (IEDO) FY23 Multi-Topic FOA has been posted to EERE Exchange in its entirety.  There will be no additional information provided."]
[20,"2023-03-23","Technical Topics","Throughout the FOA, and specifically in Topic 4, it says, “Applications must show potential for >85% reduction in carbon emissions of the unit operation, and it is encouraged that proposals also include energy intensity reduction >30%.”\n\nDoes that mean an 85% reduction in overall carbon emissions associated with the production of a chemical? In other words, would incremental process improvements not be eligible if they can’t reduce carbon emissions associated with a chemical by at least 85%?","At this stage, DOE will not provide guidance on which specific technologies or approaches are necessary to meet the objectives and criteria defined in the FOA. As described in FOA Section IV.C, Applicants will receive feedback on their concept paper to assist in their decision to submit a Full Application.  The decision to submit a concept paper lies solely with the Applicant."]
[21,"2023-03-23","Technical Topics","Does petroleum refining fit into topic area 4 (Decarbonizing Chemicals)  of the FOA? Thank you. ","At this stage, DOE will not provide guidance on which specific technologies or approaches are necessary to meet the objectives and criteria defined in the FOA. Please read Topic Area 4 thoroughly before submitting a concept paper. It specifically mentions “petrochemicals (NAICS50 325110)”. After receiving your encourage or discourage notice for the concept paper, this will signal if DOE is interested in the proposed concept."]
[22,"2023-03-23","Eligibility","I have a question about “Limitation on Number of Concept Papers and Full Applications Eligible for Review”. If one researcher/entity submits one proposal to Topic area 4 of the FOA as the PI/applicant, can he/she participate in another proposal as Co-PI/subrecipient to the same topic area?","Under Section III.F, the FOA discusses Limitations on Number of Concept Papers and Full Applications Eligible for Review and identifies: “An entity may only submit one Concept Paper and one Full Application for each topic area of this FOA.”  This restriction is specifically related to the applying entity, DOE does not put restrictions on individual researchers related to how many applications that researcher can participate in."]
[23,"2023-03-21","Technical Topics","The FOA states that AOI2 of Topic 7 seeks Tier 2 projects. Will this AOI also seek Tier 1 projects, or just focus on Tier 2 projects?","AOI 2 of Topic 7 only seeks Tier 2 projects given the focus on scale-up challenges."]
[24,"2023-03-26","Application Content/Format","I am writing with a query regarding: DE-FOA-0002997.\nUnder III. / A. / i., the scoping document states “To qualify as a domestic entity, the entity must be organized, chartered or incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a particular state or territory of the United States; have majority domestic ownership and control; and have a physical place of business in the United States.”\nI am writing to enquire as to whether we require a waiver or not: MCi Carbon LLC, is a wholly owned subsidiary of MCi Carbon Pty Ltd (an Australian corporation). MCi Carbon LLC was formed in the United States and has a physical place of business in the United States. \nGiven the above circumstances, are you please able to advise whether a waiver is required for us?","Since MCiCarbon LLC is wholly owned by an Australian company, it does not qualify as a domestic entity as it does not have majority ownership and control in the United States and would require a Waiver for Foreign Entity Participation and/or Foreign Work Waiver as part of the application."]
[25,"2023-03-23","Technical Topics","I am interested in submitting a concept paper for Topic Area 6: Decarbonizing Food and Beverage Manufacturing.\nI am wondering if the development of an alternative protein source (to replace meat or dairy) through a biomass fermentation process would be of interest to the DOE.","At this stage, DOE will not provide guidance on which specific technologies or approaches are necessary to meet the objectives and criteria defined in the FOA. As described in FOA Section IV.C, Applicants will receive feedback on their concept paper to assist in their decision to submit a Full Application.  The decision to submit a concept paper lies solely with the Applicant."]
[26,"2023-03-23","Technical Topics","The wastewater sector involves large electric loads and wastewater facilities are increasing becoming manufacturers of clean water, nutrients, bioplastics, etc. For Topic 3a, does their load flexibility count as \"industrial load flexibility\"? Topic 3a says: \"Applications focused on technologies or processes relevant to only a single subsector are not of interest for Subtopic 3a\", do other subsectors relevant to a technology have to be industrial as well?","Applications for topic 3a should address the potential to impact multiple industrial subsectors. As described in FOA Section IV.C, Applicants will receive feedback on their concept paper to assist in their decision to submit a Full Application.  The decision to submit a concept paper lies solely with the Applicant."]
[27,"2023-03-23","Technical Topics","Regarding Topic 6, many food and beverage processes utilize CO2 produced through burning of natural gas to separate carbon and hydrogen.  Please comment on whether replacement of that CO2 process with CO2 capture either direct air or from other industrial processes within the food or beverage production facility would be considered within scope for this topic.","Please refer to Section I. C. Applications Specifically Not of Interest.  Please also refer within Topic 6 to the text: “Not of interest in Topic 6: DOE is not interested in funding applications in this topic focused on CCUS, onsite electricity generation, or the production of fuels/chemicals from byproducts or wastes. Because many electric alternatives for process heating, cooling, and refrigeration (e.g., heaters, chillers, heat pumps) are presently available off-the-shelf on the commercial market, they are not of primary interest for Topic 6."]
[28,"2023-03-24","Technical Topics","Our team was wondering if you could clarify the definition of “subsector” in the FOA. For example, TA-1 requires that proposals submitted must address more than one subsector. Does the term “subsector” here mean different industrial subsector (Figure 1 of FOA) or different AOIs within TA-1?","In this FOA, a subsector refers to industrial operations manufacturing common products, generally classified at the 3-digit NAICS code level (e.g., NAICS 311 Food Manufacturing or NAICS 325 Chemicals Manufacturing), or where appropriate a 4-digit NAICS code (e.g., 3273 Cement and Concrete Product Manufacturing)."]
[29,"2023-03-24","Technical Topics","Can you please provide clarity on things not of interest for Topic 4 - \"In Topic 4, applications focused on production of alternative feedstocks, including projects exclusively focused on the capture of carbon dioxide. \"  Does this mean that projects that perform chemical separations and produce lower carbon intensity chemicals as part of the carbon capture process will not be of interest?","At this stage, DOE will not provide guidance on which specific technologies or approaches are necessary to meet the objectives and criteria defined in the FOA. Please read Topic Area 4 thoroughly before submitting a concept paper. After receiving your encourage or discourage notice for the concept paper, this will signal if DOE is interested in the proposed concept."]
[30,"2023-03-30","Concept Paper","We are looking at applying to this FOA and concept papers are due 4/17 – then full submissions are due 6/23.\nWhen would you know you passed the concept paper phase?  So you could start the full submission?","There is no pass/fail rating during the concept paper phase.  Sometime in early May, DOE will notify (through EERE Exchange) each Applicant that has submitted a concept paper if the concept is Encouraged or Discouraged to submit a Full Application.  Once applicants receive feedback on their concept paper, it is the Applicant’s decision whether or not to submit a Full Application.  An Applicant can start the Full Application process as soon as the Concept Paper phase closes. Please see Section VI.A.ii Concept Paper Notifications."]
[31,"2023-03-29","Eligibility","I am the president of a transportation company for senior citizens (65+) who are not 100% dependent on wheelchairs, while also offering non-exclusive contracts to government bodies and exclusive contracts to hospitals (for/nonprofits), retirement homes, assisted living community centers, etc. using only American manufactured electric vehicles. It's mission is to provide affordable, reliable transportation to senior citizens while also decreasing carbon emissions, decreasing government spending, decreasing budgets of those we have exclusive contracts with, and helping American manufactured vehicle companies expand their electric vehicle productions. And I was wondering if my company would be qualified to apply for this opportunity? If so, how should I proceed? ","Please review Sections I.A Background and Context and Section I.B Topic Areas in its entirety. At this stage, DOE will not provide guidance on which specific technologies or approaches are necessary to meet the objectives and criteria defined in the FOA. As described in FOA Section IV.C, Applicants will receive feedback on their concept paper to assist in their decision to submit a Full Application.  The decision to submit a concept paper lies solely with the Applicant."]
[32,"2023-03-28","Registration Requirements","I’d like to submit a concept paper for DE-FOA-0002997 but we’re working through setting up the structure for our LLC and warnings on the FOA suggest that I might not have a UEI in time (upto 24 days needed to get a UEI) for submitting the concept papers. It says:” Each applicant (unless the applicant is excepted from those requirements under 2 CFR 25.110) is required to: (1) Be registered in the SAM at https://www.sam.gov before submitting its application; ((2) provide a valid UEI number in its application.\nIt also says: “DOE may not make a federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable UEI and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time DOE is ready to make a federal award, the DOE will determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a federal award to another applicant.\nThis statement implies that the UEI is needed before an award.\nSo can I submit the concept paper without a UEI and then submit the full application with a UEI?","Any applicant can submit a Concept Paper for this FOA on 4/17/23 without having an established UEI.  Per section VI.B.i Registration Requirements, applicants are required to have a registered UEI by the time they submit their Full Application, which for this FOA is on 6/23/23."]
[33,"2023-03-28","Intellectual Property","I am writing with a question regarding IP ownership of IP developed on this program.  Would the IP be owned by DOE and public or could it be owned by the company developing the IP and kept proprietary? This was a question from a potential collaborator, and I want a clear understanding of it before I respond.\nAny information you could provide would be greatly appreciated.","Please refer to Section VI. B. ix. Intellectual Property Provisions.  In this section there is a link to DOE’s Standard Intellectual Property (IP) Provisions for Financial Assistance Awards."]
[34,"2023-03-27","Cost Sharing","We are planning to submit a proposal for the FOA referenced in the subject line. Per the Budget Justification Workbook linked in the FOA, cost share should not include IDC’s, however Section B. iii. Cost Share Types and Allowability includes indirect costs as allowable.\nTherefore, are IDC’s allowed to be included as the 20% included toward are Cost-share requirement? Please advise. ","Per section III. B. iii. Cost Share Types and Allowability, indirect costs may be used as cash contributions for cost share purposes. "]
[35,"2023-03-27","Technical Topics","We are developing an innovative and cost effective low-temperature heat-to-power conversion system.  Would such a system qualify for research funding under Topic Area 1 Decarbonizing Industrial Heat or Topic Area 3 Exploratory Cross Sector R&D or any other Topic Area of the Multi-Topic DE-FOA-0002997?","At this stage, DOE will not provide guidance on which specific technologies or approaches are necessary to meet the objectives and criteria defined in the FOA. As described in FOA Section IV.C, Applicants will receive feedback on their concept paper to assist in their decision to submit a Full Application.  The decision to submit a concept paper lies solely with the Applicant."]
[36,"2023-03-16","Technical Topics","We have a partner for a Topic 5 proposal that would like to propose a system larger than the 400 kg/day specified for AOI 1.  So long as we do not exceed the $10MM cap in federal funding, and have the required cost share, would submitting a proposal sized in excess of 400 kg/day be acceptable?","The implied limit of 400 kg/day is a scale that would be appropriate for the TRLs required and anticipated project funding levels. Applications significantly exceeding this scale would need to provide justification that the project would meet the objectives of the FOA."]
[37,"2023-03-27","Other","I see that carbon capture seems to be limited to chemicals or cement sectors in this FOA. Generally though, DOE sees value in glass/ceramics sectors as well. Curious, if DOE would be interested in applications that improve carbon capture processes on site at glass/ceramic facilities?","For the purposes of this FOA, DOE is not interested in applications focused solely on carbon capture. "]
[38,"2023-03-29","Technical Topics","I’ve been reviewing DE-FOA-0002997 and I wanted some clarification on Topic Area 2 - Low-Carbon Fuels Utilization R&D\nOn page 24 under “Not of interest in Topic 2:” it states “Additionally, DOE is not interested in funding applications in this topic focused on carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS), onsite electricity generation, or the production of fuels/chemicals from byproducts or wastes.”\nHowever, in the paragraph above this text in Area of Interest 3 - Low-Carbon-Input, Flexible CHP, last line it states – “This AOI is limited to CHP onsite generation”\nCan you please clarify the conflicting language. ","For the purposes of this FOA related to Topic 2, DOE is not interested in applications solely focused on onsite electricity generation.  For AOI 3 within Topic 2, a combined heat and power generation approach is required."]
[39,"2023-03-25","Technical Topics","Does AOI 1, Industrial Load flexibility, include design and development of batteries to permit flexible usage of electricity within industrial plants?","At this stage, DOE will not provide guidance on which specific technologies or approaches are necessary to meet the objectives and criteria defined in the FOA. As described in FOA Section IV.C, Applicants will receive feedback on their concept paper to assist in their decision to submit a Full Application.  The decision to submit a concept paper lies solely with the Applicant."]
[40,"2023-03-29","Technical Topics","We are considering submitting a proposal using a gas turbine in a CHP application and focusing on demonstrating high hydrogen combustion technology. Does this match Topic 2's Area of Interest 2 - Developing H2-Based Combustion Systems or is the intent more on industrial burners?","At this stage, DOE will not provide guidance on which specific technologies or approaches are necessary to meet the objectives and criteria defined in the FOA. As described in FOA Section IV.C, Applicants will receive feedback on their concept paper to assist in their decision to submit a Full Application.  The decision to submit a concept paper lies solely with the Applicant."]
[41,"2023-03-27","Concept Paper","I understand an institution may submit one concept paper per topic. For topic 3 with subtopics A and B, can UT submit one proposal only to topic 3, or one proposal to each subtopic 3a and 3b?","For the purposes of this FOA, an entity can submit a concept paper to both Topic 3a and Topic 3b."]
[42,"2023-03-28","Concept Paper","We have a technology that is at TRL 7 to produce a currently commercial bioplastic that would replace millions of tons of an existing petrochemical. While the current capacity of the bioplastic is less than 1 MMT, successful adoption of this technology to replace the petrochemical based  packaging (which has been proven at TRL-7 as well would have a greater impact than simply partial decarbonizing the petrochemical. Will you consider a concept paper if submitted?","At this stage, DOE will not provide guidance on which specific technologies or approaches are necessary to meet the objectives and criteria defined in the FOA. As described in FOA Section IV.C, Applicants will receive feedback on their concept paper to assist in their decision to submit a Full Application.  The decision to submit a concept paper lies solely with the Applicant."]
[43,"2023-03-27","Other","I see that carbon capture seems to be limited to chemicals or cement sectors in this FOA. Generally though, DOE sees value in glass/ceramics sectors as well. Curious, if DOE would be interested in applications that improve carbon capture processes on site at glass/ceramic facilities?","For the purposes of this FOA, DOE is not interested in projects focused solely on carbon capture. "]
[44,"2023-03-29","Technical Topics","With regard to the Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office (IEDO) FY23 Multi-Topic FOA, I was wondering for which Topics would CO2 transformation into chemicals and fuels otherwise made from fossil fuels would be considered?\nI have seen on page 12 in the “Topic Ares” section of the document that CCUS would be recognized for topics 4 to 7, but subsequently, in the “Applications Specifically Not of Interest” section page 52, that CCUS was not of interest for topics 4, 5, 6, etc.\nWe are developing super-efficient CO2 electrolyzers and were wondering if we could have a shot at Topics 2 and 5 particularly?","Please refer to Section I. C “Applications Specifically Not of Interest”.  For Topics 2 and 5, applications focused on carbon capture, utilization and storage are specifically not of interest for this FOA."]
[45,"2023-03-30","Cost Sharing","We are looking at Topic Area 7: Decarbonizing Cement and Concrete, Area of Interest 4. I have a question around applicable costs. In Phase 3, is the cost of operating the facility post-construction applicable for grant funding? If so, for what time period? ","Given the limited information provided, DOE is unable to make any determinations on allowable costs during an open FOA, please read the federal cost principles as set forth in 48 CFR Part 31 (for-profit entities) or 2 CFR 200 Subpart E (all other entity types). Allowable costs in the project budget will be assessed if selected for award negotiations. "]
[46,"2023-03-30","Concept Paper","I am writing my Concept paper and having trouble determining which Topic it fits into. It appears that Topic 4 is the only topic that allows for chemical production to be incorporated in any way; or is the core innovative technology the most important mode of sorting into topics? For instance, if the core technology is an innovation in thermal management that is cross-sector, but would be used in this grant in a process where chemicals are made, would it be Topic 4 or would it be Topic 3a? Topic 4 seems inherently centered on decarbonizing chemicals directly, while 3a is related to efficient thermal uses. Is that correct?","At this stage, DOE will not provide guidance on which specific technologies or approaches are necessary to meet the objectives and criteria defined in the FOA. As described in FOA Section IV.C, Applicants will receive feedback on their concept paper to assist in their decision to submit a Full Application.  The decision to submit a concept paper lies solely with the Applicant."]
[47,"2023-04-03","Concept Paper","The due date for a Concept Paper for the subject FOA is April 17, 2023. I would appreciate your response to the following questions:\n•\tShould the Concept Paper include a detailed or a summary budget?\n•\tWhen would we hear back from the US-DOE that our Concept Paper has been accepted?\nThank you for your assistance.","Please refer to Section IV. C. Content and Form of the Concept Paper to see the requirements for this FOA related to concept papers.  There is no pass/fail rating during the concept paper phase.  Sometime in May, DOE will notify (through EERE Exchange) each Applicant that has submitted a concept paper if the concept is Encouraged or Discouraged to submit a Full Application.  Once applicants are notified on their concept paper, it is the Applicant’s decision whether or not to submit a Full Application.  An Applicant can start to submit Full Application documents as soon as the Concept Paper phase closes. Please see Section VI.A.ii Concept Paper Notifications."]
[48,"2023-04-03","Cost Sharing","I am reading in other DOE proposals, for example DE-FOA-0002922 that \"institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations proposing R&D activities are exempt from the 20% cost share requirement.\" Please advise if/how this would apply this apply to Topic 3a R&D projects. \n\"Section 10725 of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act, P.L. 117-167 (Aug. 9, 2022) extends the cost share waiver pilot program enacted by Section 108 of the Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act, Public Law 115–246 (Innovation Act) and provides an exemption for institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations from the 20% cost share requirement for Research and Development activities.\"","For the purposes of DE-FOA-0002997, please refer to Section III. B. Cost Sharing for information on Cost Share for this FOA.  There is no Cost Share waiver applicable for DE-FOA-0002997."]
[49,"2023-04-04","Technical Topics","What is the expectation for TRL of technology in Topic 8 and the Tiers?","All AOIs for Topic 8 seek both Tier 1 and Tier 2 applications. Please refer to pg. 12 of the FOA for the TRL breakdown for Tier 1 and Tier 2 applications."]
[50,"2023-04-04","Other","On page 36 under Topic Area 4, basic organic chemicals (NAICS 325519), this NAICS number does not exist. Closest match is 325199. Please clarify.","Thank you for requesting clarification on this error.  The NAICS code listed for the basic organic chemicals, found on pg. 36 of this FOA, had an incorrect NAICS code.  The correct code is NAICS 325199."]
[51,"2023-04-04","Other","Could you please confirm that energy generated from biomass is considered CO2 neutral? ","For purposes of the carbon intensity metric, CO2 from biogenic sources could be considered as carbon-neutral. For completeness, biogenic CO2 emissions from the proposed process, relying on data from the Energy Information Administration, Environmental Protection Agency or other credible sources, would be beneficial to include in the application. Applicants should clearly state the approach or approaches employed in their analysis. "]
[52,"2023-03-31","Technical Topics","I have a question about DE-EE-0002997 Topic 2:\nWould the integration of renewable energy (solar, wind and biomass) with water electrolyzers for green hydrogen production fit under this topic? I mean hardware development to couple solar, wind and biomass systems with electrolyzers?","Please see the “Not of Interest in Topic 2” section: DOE is not interested in funding applications in this topic focused on hydrogen production, storage, or transportation."]
[53,"2023-04-03","Technical Topics","I have reviewed the FOA for DE FOA 0002997 and am interested in Topic 2 AOI 3. After reviewing the topic and subtopic carefully, as well as the links and references, I have a few questions related to AOI 3:\nWhat are acceptable or feedstocks of interests as Low-Carbon-Input (feedstock)?\nWould low cost process Heat energy,  >1500 F be of interest? \nWould the production of syngas with high hydrogen content (>40%) be of interest? \nAre there certain technologies of no interest in this FOA?","AOI 3 is seeking flexible combined heat and power approaches that utilize clean input sources such as H2, biofuels, or renewable resources (e.g., solar thermal, geothermal, or thermal energy storage). The proposed technologies should aim to enable both power and thermal energy generation for use at industrial sites, including for process heat energy. In order to see what technologies are not of interest for this FOA, please refer to Section I. C. Applications Specifically Not of Interest."]
[54,"2023-04-05","Eligibility","I am interested in submitting a concept paper for Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number: DE-FOA-0002997. I am currently a U.S. permanent resident, but my citizenship is still China. Am I eligible for receiving funds from this program?","Individuals are not allowed to receive funds under this FOA.  The university can submit a concept paper for this FOA. EERE makes an independent assessment of each Concept Paper based on the criteria in Section V.A.i. of the FOA. EERE will encourage/discourage applicants to submit Full Applications after the independent assessment. Please also see Section VI.B.iii Foreign National Participation for more information."]
[55,"2023-04-06","Application Content/Format","If invited for a full proposal, the Transparency of Foreign Connections will be required where \"Applicants must identify the following as they relate to the proposed recipientand subrecipients.\" (pgs. 82-83). Are the responses to all 13 questions required regardless of entity categorization and if there are no foreign connections with the Prime or the Subrecipient? ","The Transparency of Foreign Connections disclosure document is required when there is any foreign connection related to the prime applicant or any subrecipients on the award. If this section does not apply to prime applicant or any subrecipients then this document is not required in the application."]
[56,"2023-04-05","Technical Topics","I have a question about Topic 2 of the FOA. In the “Not of interest in Topic 2” paragraph on page 24, the FOA specifically mentions onsite electricity generation. However, on page 22 the FOA describes the benefit of CHP for onsite generation:\n“For onsite generation, CHP enables highly efficient use of fuels. “Flexible” CHP— CHP systems that allow the ratio of output heat to power to be modulated—can further provide support services to the grid. In industrial systems, these CHP systems can provide added value to facilities while allowing industrial users to meet unique operational needs. CHP systems installed at industrial sites can provide many of the same benefits as utility-owned peaking plants using distributed generation technologies.”\nFurthermore, on page 24, it specifies that Area of Interest 3 “is limited to CHP onsite generation.” However, onsite electricity generation is explicitly not of interest. Could we please be provided with a specific definition of “onsite generation”? Is there an existing application that can be used as an example?","Please refer to the answer to question #38"]
[57,"2023-04-06","Technical Topics","The thermal and electricity demands of biorefineries can be reduced in a number of ways, including: \nA. Installation of Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR), which upgrades waste heat typically lost to the plant’s cooling towers and reintroduces it into plant processes, while electrically powered centrifugal blowers act as heat pumps consuming about one-sixth of the energy recovered. MVR could be powered by:\n   a. Grid electricity.\n   b. Solid oxide fuel cells that produce power while creating a concentrated CO2 stream that can easily be geologically stored.\n   c. Any of the combined heat & power options below.\nB. Implementation of Combined Heat and Power utilizing a combustion turbine.\nC. Combined Heat and Power gas-fired internal combustion engines.\nD. Implementation of oxy-fired Combined Heat and Power technology that produces a concentrated CO2 stream that can easily be geologically stored.\nCan you please clarify potential eligibility of these strategies under Topic Areas 1, 2, and 3 (or others, if applicable), and which Areas of Interest may be applicable in particular?","At this stage, DOE will not provide guidance on which specific technologies or approaches are necessary to meet the objectives and criteria defined in the FOA. As described in FOA Section IV.C, Applicants will receive feedback on their concept paper to assist in their decision to submit a Full Application.  The decision to submit a concept paper lies solely with the Applicant."]
[58,"2023-04-06","Other","I am writing regarding the new FOA DE-FOA-0002997. It seems that this is a new cycle of the previous call DE-FOA-0002804. I still have a proposal in pending, for which Response to Reviewers was submitted on Feb 24, 2023. Do you know when we will know the outcome of this proposal? I wonder if I should submit a concept paper for the new call along this direction just in case we are not selected from the previous cycle.","Note on FY22 Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization FOA: Many of the Topics and Areas of Interest (AOIs) covered in this FOA are similar in scope to those included in DE-FOA-0002804 (Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization FOA, henceforth “FY22 FOA”). Full applications submitted to the FY22 FOA are currently under review. For topic areas within this FOA with substantially similar AOIs as the FY22 FOA, applicants that responded to the FY22 FOA are strongly discouraged from resubmitting largely identical applications to those currently under review.\nThis language can also be found on pg. 13 of the FOA."]
[59,"2023-04-05","Application Content/Format","I see a  federal funds budget request range of 1-5 million; would you consider proposals with a budget less than $ 1 million? Although we have ideas that need a higher budget to be materialized the cost requirement restricts our budget request.","Applications with proposed budgets below the indicated federal funding range listed for each topic area on pg. 54 should provide substantial justification that the project would meet the objectives of the FOA.  "]
[60,"2023-04-05","Application Content/Format","The phases are outlined at follows:\nPhase 1 – Research and Development\nPhase 2 – Design and Testing\nPhase 3 – Installation and Demonstration\nAm I correct in assuming that Phase 2 would allow for the procurement of equipment for a demonstration plant in the lead up to phase 3? I interpreted “testing” as the factory acceptance testing of equipment.\nFurthermore, in Phase 3, is the cost of commissioning and operating the facility post-construction for the purposes of demonstration applicable for grant funding? If so, for what time period? ","DOE will not provide guidance on which specific technologies or approaches are necessary to meet the objectives and criteria defined in the FOA. Please thoroughly review Section I. B. of the FOA related to Tier 2 projects.  Tier 2 applications with technology demonstration integrated into industrial operations must include a Phase 3 in their scope. It is up to the applicant to ensure this requirement is satisfied.  There is no requirement that budget periods must coincide with phases.  Aligning phases to budget periods is encouraged when feasible, particularly if the cost-sharing requirement differed for the phases involved."]
[61,"2023-04-09","Concept Paper","Please advise what forms should be prepared for submitting concept paper for DE-FOA-0002997.","Please refer to Section IV. C. Content and Form of the Concept Paper to see the requirements for this FOA related to concept papers. "]
[62,"2023-04-06","Registration Requirements","We intend to submit a concept paper for DE-FOA-0002997, but we are still in the process of setting up accounting systems that can comply with the requirements in 2 CFR Part 200, 2 CFR Part 910, and 2 CFR Part 170, among other U.S. Code sections.  At what point in time do our accounting systems have to be fully compliant?  Upon submission of a full application? Upon the date of grant award, if DOE accepts our application?  Is there the option to delay the date of the grant award if we need more time to complete setting up/verifying our accounting systems?","Please refer to Section IV. F. and G. of the FOA.  It is expected that each applicant have a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).  Additionally, if selected for award negotiations, the selectee must certify (form will be provided) that the accounting is compliant with federal regulations including GAAP. If the federally compliant accounting system is not in place during or after negotiations are complete, then the DOE grants officer can delay approving the award until the selectee confirms the accounting system is compliant. "]
[63,"2023-04-06","Other","Notwithstanding the discussion in the FOA on pp. 113-15 around submitting business confidential information in the application and grounds for disclosure by DOE or through the FOIA process, does DOE have a process by which applicants can apply for exemption 4 under FOIA or otherwise assert that certain information falls under exemption 4 in our view in the grant application, or in subsequent documentation provided to DOE or its contractors in the course of administering the grants?   ","The only guidance DOE can provide regarding sensitive business information at the application phase is as outlined in Section VIII.D Treatment of Application Information. If your organization plans on submitting sensitive, confidential, or proprietary information you may upload 2 copies of the concept paper in 1 pdf file. Per section VIII.D “The first copy should be marked, “non-confidential” with the information believed to be confidential deleted. The second copy should be marked “confidential” and must clearly and conspicuously identify the business sensitive, trade secrets, proprietary, or otherwise confidential information…”. These copies must be identical with exception to the confidential information in the second copy. Please follow the remaining guidelines in this section very carefully. "]
[64,"2023-04-06","Other","We respectfully request IEDO to update Topic 4 Technology Focus NAICS codes (page 36) to include per modification:\n• NAICS code reference revision addition: 325199 for all other organic chemicals \nfor consistency with FOA-0002804 Chemistry Topic Area. ","Thank you for your inquiry.  The FOA has been updated with Mod 0001 to fix this issue and the updated FOA has been released on Exchange as of 04/11/23."]
[65,"2023-04-11","Concept Paper","I wanted to inquire about what the intention and meaning is for section F of the FOA, where it states: \nLimitation on Number of Concept Papers and Full Applications Eligible for Review\nAn entity may only submit one Concept Paper and one Full Application for each topic area of this FOA. If an entity submits more than one Concept Paper and one Full Application to the same topic area, EERE will request a determination from the applicant’s authorizing representative as to which application should be reviewed. Any other submissions received listing the same entity as the applicant for the same topic area will not be 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 applicant on one Concept Paper and one Full Application for each topic area of this FOA.\nIs the intention that an \"entity\" is an entire company/university/institution applying for funding, or can it be interpreted as an individual PI. Meaning, is it possible at a university, that multiple PI's can submit concept papers for the same topic? Or is the university required to down-select to a single concept paper that would be submitted to DOE?\nAny clarity you can provide here would be extremely helpful.","The IEDO Team has posted Mod 0001 for DE-FOA-0002997 as of 04/11/23.  This modification updates specifically the language in question.  Changes include updating section III.F. on page 64, within Limitation on Number of CPs and full apps eligible for review, change language allowing for multiple CPs and applications to be submitted to the FOA by a single entity.”"]
[66,"2023-04-11","Concept Paper","The FOA states to submit the Concept Paper and Proposal Application via EERE eXCHANGE; however, is there an alternative way to submit Concept Papers?\nKern Energy does not have an Entity Administrator setup.  They submitted a trouble ticket on March 23rd with FSD to get an Entity Administrator established for their company, but FSD has not yet responded or resolved the issue. \nWith the deadline of 4/17 rapidly approaching, as the deadline for Concept Papers for DE-FOA-0002997, we're concerned that Kern will not be able to submit since they don't have an Entity Administrator established.  Please advise on the best course of action to submit.","EERE Exchange is the only method to submit a Concept Paper for DE-FOA-0002997.  If you are experiencing problems with EERE Exchange, please email EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov and include the FOA name and number in subject line."]
[67,"2023-04-11","Concept Paper","The Concept Paper instructions (pg 66-67) do not indicate that estimated budget should be included. Is that correct? Should I put on cover page, or submit without?","Per Section IV.C. i. Concept Paper Content Requirements, the Concept Paper must conform to the following content requirements: Cover Page, Technology Description, and Addendum.  No budget information is needed for a Concept Paper submission."]
[68,"2023-04-10","Technical Topics","We have a question on the Topic area 1. We are very interested in submitting Tier 2 proposal under Topic area 1. If we just scale up the technology and then integrate it into another application sector (e.g., cement) pilot plant, will it be considered as industrial operations? Do we need to go upto phase 3 or can we conclude in phase 2?","Applicants need to support how their project is responsive to the Topic Areas described in the FOA. DOE will not provide guidance on which specific technologies or approaches are necessary to meet the objectives and criteria defined in the FOA. Page 12 of the FOA discusses requirements for Tier 2 project scope – including that “Tier 2 projects should be organized into distinct phases and should include Phase 2 and/or Phase 3”, and “Tier 2 applications with technology demonstration integrated into industrial operations must include Phase 3”."]
[69,"2023-04-11","Other","We are interested in applying to this opportunity and have a specific question:\nDoes the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) have a specific market price for biogas? We are interested in applying our novel biocatalysis platform for sustainable production of methanol from biogas. Our technoeconomics depends on the price of this feedstock, and we are wondering if the DOE has a specific price point in mind for this sustainable carbon feedstock.","BETO does not have a specific market price for biogas. Please use this link to the BETO Waste-to-Energy webpage for more information on biogas opportunities:  \nhttps://www.energy.gov/eere/bioenergy/waste-energy"]
[70,"2023-04-12","Concept Paper","I had a quick question related to the application process. Since the concept papers are not a pass/fail requirement, are they required to apply or can we submit a full application by the deadline without the concept paper step?","Per Section IV. A. found on pg. 64, \"The application process will include two phases: a Concept Paper phase and a Full Application phase. Only applicants who have submitted an eligible Concept Paper will be eligible to submit a Full Application.\"  "]
[71,"2023-04-12","Concept Paper","Is the concept paper submission the same for submitting a full application? Not sure from the RFP how to submit the concept paper. We’d like to submit one for 02997 the Industrial and Decarbonization funding opportunity. ","Please refer to Section IV. Application and Submission Information.  Specifically, Section IV. C. Content and Form of the Concept Paper addresses how to submit a Concept Paper and Section IV. D. Content and Form of the Full Application addresses how to submit a Full Application."]
[72,"2023-04-12","Application Content/Format","This question is regarding the IEDO Multi-Topic FOA (Topic 7). Is it permissible for an applicant to add collaborators to a proposed project team between application phases? As in, can an applicant add collaborators to a full application after the concept paper is submitted and if a full application is requested?","Yes, it is permissible to add collaborators to an application at any point before submitting the Full Application."]
[73,"2023-04-12","Concept Paper","With the amendment to allow for multiple submissions under a topic area, would DOE EERE consider an extension to allow for the development of the teams and concepts to do so?","Unfortunately DE-FOA-0002997 is on a very aggressive timeline, and therefore no extension to the concept paper phase can be granted.  The Concept Paper phase will close at 04/17/2023 5:00 PM ET as scheduled."]
[74,"2023-04-12","Concept Paper","I am assisting an entity to apply for the FOA - DE-FOA-0002997: INDUSTRIAL EFFICIENCY AND DECARBONIZATION OFFICE (IEDO) FY23 MULTI-TOPIC FOA. \nOnce we hit the “apply” button and go to the page to submit the concept paper, the form prompts for an abstract.  \n1. Please advise if this abstract should also be included in the concept paper in any part such as the “technology description” which the FOA indicates is required for the concept paper.  \n2. Please advise whether graphics are allowed in the technology description. ","The abstract is a character-limited requirement of the submission form in Exchange.  Please refer to Section IV. C. i. Concept Paper Content Requirements to see what contents are required for a Concept Paper submission."]
[75,"2023-04-16","Application Content/Format","Can the postdoc research scientist (who has been a Principal Investigator endowed by the university) be a PI of this DOE project? In addition, my title will soon be promoted to Associate Research Scientist (before the result announcement of the project).","A postdoc research scientist can be the Principal Investigator on an application provided that person is qualified to manage the proposed project. Resumes will be evaluated as part of the application package. "]
[76,"2023-04-16","Application Content/Format","Can the complete team members list be updated in the full application stage? (which means after submitting the concept paper, we can still be able to continue seeking more relevant team members).","The team members list can be updated up until the Full Application deadline."]
[77,"2023-04-17","Technical Topics","Are industrial refrigerated food warehouses considered to be a part of the food processing industry? In other words, solutions to such refrigerated food warehouses under Topic Area 3a acceptable?","At this stage, DOE will not provide guidance on which specific technologies or approaches are necessary to meet the objectives and criteria defined in the FOA. As described in FOA Section IV.C, Applicants will receive feedback on their concept paper to assist in their decision to submit a Full Application. "]
[78,"2023-04-21","Eligibility","Do subrecipients of a grant need to have SAM and UEI number by the time of full application submission?","DOE only requires that the prime entity be fully registered in SAM by the time of the full application submission.  This provides each applicant leniency in pulling together potential project partners while compiling the full application.  If an application is selected for negotiations, all subrecipients (excluding vendors or contractors) must obtain a UEI before the award negotiation period is finished.  Due to the volume of UEI requests, it is best practice to have any subrecipients obtain a UEI as soon as possible."]
[79,"2023-04-24","Application Content/Format","With regard to the IEDO application, I am wondering what framework/ methodology you propose to calculate the GHG emissions of our proposed project?\nWould we have to conduct an LCA and have it certified as ISO-compliant before the application? If so, does it have to be a comparative LCA? Does it have to be certified? Is there a particular template?","Page 13 of the FOA states “Energy and GHG intensity analyses should be included, including a comparison of the current, commercially available state-of-the-art technology with the proposed advancement for both a unit level and national level if broadly implemented.” At this stage, DOE will not provide a template for greenhouse gas intensity analyses. Applicants should clearly state the approach employed in their analysis."]
[80,"2023-04-26","Concept Paper","We submitted a Concept Letter under this FOA. Page 100 of the FOA describes Concept Letter submittal.  It does not specify when the response on responsive/ non-responsive will be received.\nis there a timeline/ date on when (the date) such outcome is shared?","Due to the volume of concept papers received and the upcoming office-wide program review, there is an extended review period for the Concept Paper phase of this FOA.  The IEDO team plans on releasing the encourage/discourage decisions the week of May 22nd.  The IEDO team will not include comments provided from reviewers in the encourage/discourage notifications. Applicants may submit a Full Application even if they receive a notification discouraging them from doing so."]
[81,"2023-05-11","Concept Paper","I am wondering if you can share a projected date on which the concept paper review result will be shared for DE-FOA-0002997. Since the due of the full application is on June 23, I feel that the days we can work on the full proposal can be short. ","The FOA team is targeting the concept paper review notifications early the week of May 22nd."]
[82,"2023-05-12","Concept Paper","I wish to raise a concern re when the encourage/discourage notifications are due (now week of 5/22) vs. when the proposals are due (6/23).\nGiving applicants 1 month to pull together full proposals seems quite a short timeline.  Can DOE / IEDO consider moving out the 6/23 deadline to July?","Unfortunately DE-FOA-0002997 is on an aggressive timeline, and therefore no extension to the full application phase can be granted.  The Full Application phase will close at 06/23/2023 5:00 PM ET as scheduled."]
[83,"2023-05-15","Application Content/Format","Under the ‘Topic 4 Candidate Metrics and Targets’ section on page 38 of the FOA document, it says that the baseline configuration is applicant defined for the following metrics:  carbon intensity, energy consumption, process, and cost.  Does the baseline configuration have to be the same for all those 4 metrics?  Or, for example, is it possible to have a baseline configuration for the carbon intensity metric different than the baseline configuration for the energy consumption metric.","Applicants are expected to explicitly compare their proposed technology advancement to an existing state-of-the-art baseline, with justification as to why that technology is the appropriate baseline. If appropriate, different baselines can be used for different metrics/targets; in each case, justification should be provided as to why that baseline is appropriate."]
[84,"2023-05-15","Concept Paper","We have submitted an application for the Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office (IEDO) FY23 Multi-Topic FOA (DE-FOA-0002997). \nOur application is still “in review” and a decision is not yet available. Since the deadline for the full application is on the 23rd of June, could you kindly share when we should expect a decision on the concept paper submission? ","The FOA team is targeting the concept paper review notifications early the week of May 22nd."]
[85,"2023-05-15","Concept Paper","Given the concept paper encourage/discourage notices will come out the week of the 22nd May, will there be any extension to the deadline for full applications?","See answer to Question # 82"]
[86,"2023-05-15","Other","Is this a call with phases, i.e. if we are not awarded funding during this call, will it preclude us from applying to any subsequent related calls?","The IEDO FY23 Multi-Topic FOA DE-FOA-0002997 is a standalone FOA that does not include multiple phases.  Not being selected for award from this FOA will not preclude any applicant from future FOAs."]
[87,"2023-05-22","Other","My question is regarding the ability to change the lead organization on a team after a Concept Paper has been encouraged.  Is this possible?","When drafting a Full Application there can be a change in the lead organization for the proposed application as long as the new lead organization is an eligible entity per Section III.A of the FOA, and completes all the registration requirements per Section VI.B.i before the application is completed and uploaded to eXCHANGE. The new lead organization for the application must use the established control number and associated eXCHANGE profile creating during the Concept Paper phase. The proposed concept of the concept paper cannot change in the full application, only the lead organization. Please contact the eXCHANGE helpdesk EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov for instructions on how to transfer the application."]
[88,"2023-05-23","Application Content/Format","For Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number: DE-FOA-0002997, is it possible to add organizations and co-pis / senior personnel to the team after the concept paper has been submitted? ","See answer to Question # 72"]
[89,"2023-05-25","Other","I'm interested in applying for a Tier 1 project but would like to consider some Phase 2 elements toward the end of the project. Is that allowable for a Tier 1 project? Or does Tier 1 have to be exclusively Phase 1.","As noted on the Cover Page of the FOA, applicants must submit a concept paper by the listed date (4/17/2023 5:00 PM ET) to be eligible to submit a Full Application and be considered for funding. \nFull Applications should align to only one tier level and funding requirements as described in the FOA, but tier 1 proposals may contain elements of demonstration if appropriately justified. Any amounts provided at the concept paper stage are estimates and may not be as accurate as those provided in the full application."]
[90,"2023-05-24","Other","Is the SciENcv Certification Statement that is automatically appended to the Current and Pending PDF from SciENcv acceptable or does the Certification Statement language from the FOA need to be included?","The certification statement from the FOA text is required for the Current and Pending Support documentation."]
[91,"2023-05-24","Application Content/Format","Are FFRDC’s required to submit SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities?","FFRDCs are still considered to be a subrecipient/subaward and therefore required to complete the SF-LLL. FFRDCs do not have to complete the subrecipient budget justification, only the authorization letter and field work proposal. "]
[92,"2023-05-25","Application Content/Format","Do the subrecipients of an application team need to fill out the following forms?\n•\tCurrent and Pending Support\n•\tPotentially Duplicative Funding Notice\n•\tTransparency of Foreign Connections\n\nWe have industrial team members who will not receive any funding from DOE. They will only contribute in-kind contribution. Do they need to complete the following forms?\n•\tCurrent and Pending Support\n•\tPotentially Duplicative Funding Notice\n•\tSF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities","Sub-recipients that have any senior/key personnel involved with the application must provide Current and Pending Support, Potentially Duplicative Funding Notice, and Transparency of Foreign Connections. However, if the subrecipients have no potential for duplicative funding or any foreign connections then those two submissions are not required.\n\nRegarding team members who will not receive Federal funding: Any entity that is contributing cost share will be considered a subrecipient and therefore the same response to the first question applies."]
[93,"2023-05-25","Application Content/Format","We are applying for proposal DE-FOA-0002997, could you please email me the slide template, I could not find it in the “APPLICATION FORMS AND TEMPLATES” section EERE eXCHANGE: Funding Opportunity Exchange (energy.gov)","There is no template for the Summary Slide.  The file is required to be a single Microsoft PowerPoint file that includes all the required information requested in Section IV. D. xi. on pg. 75 of the FOA."]
[94,"2023-05-31","Application Content/Format","We are working on the full application for this FOA and have a couple questions regarding the application for federal assistance (SF-424).  Specifically sections 11 (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number and Title) and 13 (Competition Identification Number).  The instructions indicate these fields are pre-populated if using Grants.gov, but the link for this document on the EERE website did not pre-populate these fields.  Would you be able to point us in the right direction for where to find this information?","For Section 11 of the SF-424, the first field is 81.086 and the title field is Conservation Research and Development.  For Section 13, this field is not required and can be left blank."]
[95,"2023-05-31","Foreign Entities/Work","We had a question in reference to the FOA Eligibility information. Our company is incorporated in the United States and based here, with several primary office locations. Our parent company (100% ownership), however, is based in another country. Would we be eligible to apply as a domestic entity, or would a foreign waiver request be required?","Per Section III.A.i, and Appendix C, one of the criteria for entities to be considered domestic for this FOA is that they must have majority domestic ownership and control in the US.  Therefore a foreign waiver request is required when majority ownership is not domestic. Appendix C lists the information that must be included in a foreign entity waiver request."]
[96,"2023-05-31","Application Content/Format","Is there a template available for the technical volume for DE-FOA-0002997? I did not see one listed on the EERE Exchange website (see image below).","There is no template for the Technical Volume.  The file is required to be a single pdf file that may not be more than 25 pages, including the cover page, table of contents, and all citations, charts, graphs, maps, photos, or other graphics, and must include all of the information in the table in Section IV. D. ii. on pgs. 69-72 of the FOA."]
[97,"2023-05-31","Application Content/Format","I have a question on DE-FOA-0002997. What B&R code should a national lab use?","DOE does not provide guidance on B&R codes. If a national lab is selected for negotiation of an award, the funding will be provided through DOE’s Annual Operating Plan. "]
[98,"2023-05-31","Application Content/Format","1.\tAre there definitions/examples of what is “R&D” vs. “design and testing” vs. “installation and demonstration”?  \n\n2.\tDoes a Tier 2 project have to clearly go through sequential phases 1, 2, 3?  Or can different parts/activities of the project be considered Design and Testing vs. Installation and Demonstration, but happen out of sequence?","1. Like so much else in the FOA, it is up to the applicant to propose something reasonable and compelling. If it’s an otherwise good proposal but something is classified as “testing” that makes more sense as “R&D,” it’s something we can deal with in negotiations (if it needs to be dealt with at all – it would probably depend on how the phases are operationalized in the work plan).\n\n2. Applicants need to support how their project is responsive to the Topic Areas described in the FOA. DOE will not provide guidance on which specific technologies or approaches are necessary to meet the objectives and criteria defined in the FOA. For Tier 2 submissions, applicants are to propose the scope of work and objectives of each phase of the project based on the parameters indicated on page 12 of the FOA, including that “Tier 2 applications with technology demonstration integrated into industrial operations must include Phase 3”."]
[99,"2023-06-02","Application Content/Format","On page 76 of this call under D. xi., it states that FFRDC’s must provide a WP for their budget.  If the FFRDC budget is over $250K or 25%, is a Budget Justification file (referenced under D. x. also required to be submitted by the FFRDC?","For an FFRDC, the required Work Proposal (WP) is sufficient for the budget.  A separate Budget Justification file is not required for FFRDCs, even when a FFRDC’s budget is over $250K."]
[100,"2023-06-05","Other","I am in the process of writing my proposal as the Lead PI for  DE-FOA-0002997 which is due June 23. However, I will be starting to a new academic job in August, therefore, my affiliation will change. In the case of getting funded, can I have my funding sent to my new work place? ","EERE does have a process to transfer a selected project to a different entity.  The process involves the proposed transferor and transferee agreeing that the transferee has the capabilities to complete the required scope of work and must be approved by the EERE contracting officer and legal counsel."]
[101,"2023-06-05","Application Content/Format","We are working on the different components of the proposal and we realized that the addition of two potential team members (two additional organizations) could be beneficial for the project goal.\nI was wondering if the team can be expanded or must be the same as the concept paper.","Please see answer to question #76"]
[102,"2023-06-05","Application Content/Format","I am seeking clarification on a question around 2997, the IEDO Multi Topic FOA. Is the ‘pre-award information sheet’ due with the full application or due after receiving the award? ","The Pre-Award Information Sheet is not a required document during the application process.  This document must be submitted during the negotiation period if an application is selected for negotiation of an award. Please see section IV.D for full application requirements. "]
[103,"2023-06-06","Application Content/Format","We are preparing a proposal for an upcoming DOE proposal and wanted clarification on the Buy American provisions detailed in Appendix D. Our project includes a milk storage tank that I don’t believe rises to the definition of infrastructure detailed in the FOA. We are considering including the following statement in our technical proposal: \n\n“This project’s final goal is to build an electricity-free, low-carbon footprint, liter-scale milk refrigerator for local dairy product processing factories. Therefore, we expect that this project is not applicable to the requirement for infrastructure projects. Nevertheless, when available, we will prioritize USA-made sources for our purchase of the stainless-steel chamber, metalized polymer thin films, and the raw materials for thermosyphons and infrared-transparent windows. \"\n\nPlease confirm this is sufficient to fulfill the requirement. ","Per section III.G of the FOA, DOE will not provide guidance on which specific technologies or approaches are necessary to meet the objectives and criteria defined in the FOA. Specific project costs will be evaluated if selected for negotiation of an award. "]
[104,"2023-06-06","Application Content/Format","DE-FOA-0002997 outlines a new requirement: Transparency of Foreign Connections Requirement which is very detailed in the information it requires.  Does the DOE have a TFC template? If not, does the DOE have an example of how to assemble this information they can provide? This is a great deal of information especially in collecting this from subcontractors.","There is no template for the Transparency of Foreign Connections.  EERE does not have an example of how to assemble this information.  Please provide as much information as possible to the questions listed in Section IV. D. xvii."]
[105,"2023-06-06","Application Content/Format","If we need to submit a waiver for foreign entity participation for a subrecipient, does the subrecipient still have to provide all the information required on Section XVII, Transparency of Foreign Connections?","The Transparency of Foreign Connections is still required for sub-recipients even if a Waiver for Foreign Entity Participation is submitted."]
[106,"2023-06-06","Application Content/Format","How should we address the situation when the subrecipient is bound by confidentiality agreements that prevent them from disclosing the information needed to comply with Section XVI, Transparency of Foreign Connections? Can we provide a statement that the subrecipient is unable to provide information due to confidentiality agreements?","If the subrecipient cannot disclose the required information in Section IV.D.xvii, Transparency of Foreign Connections, then the subrecipient and the prime applicant will be non-compliant with the terms of the funding opportunity and the application may be disqualified from review. It may be necessary to find another project partner.\n"]
[107,"2023-06-06","Due Dates","Is there any possibility to have the deadline extended to August?","Please see answer to question # 73."]
[108,"2023-06-07","Other","I am reaching out regarding the Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonation Office Multi-Topic FOA. Will this program be re-run in 2024 or at any other time in the future? ","EERE cannot comment on future funding opportunities.  Please follow EERE News Blasts, Press Releases, and EERE eXCHANGE to find out about future funding opportunities. You can also sign up for alerts on grants.gov."]
[109,"2023-06-06","Application Content/Format","Are you allowed to make your budget phases under 1 year. Our intent is to do 3 phases 9 months each. Can you let us know if one is allowed to do a budget phase under 1 year? \nBudget Periods:\nBP Phase 1: 1/1/2024 (9mth)\nBP Phase 2: 9 months\nBP Phase 3: 9 months","Per Section II. A. ii., EERE anticipates making awards that will run from 24 months up to 36 months in length, comprised of two or more budget periods.  While not common, it is permissible to have a budget period under 12 months."]
[110,"2023-06-06","Application Content/Format","Can you let us know if a company can simultaneously have two different phases going on at once? Ie. still be working R&D (phase 1) with the 80/20 cost share, while also be working on the Installation and demonstration (phase 2) with a 50/50 cost share? Or are there hard transitions between the two. Just trying to find a source to give us some clarity around it. ","Each budget period of a potential project can only consist of one phase and therefore one required cost share amount per budget period. "]
[111,"2023-06-06","Application Content/Format","We are a small consulting business located (and incorporated) in the state of Florida.  Our area of consulting expertise is the shortage/flow/handling/processing of powder and granular materials.  As part of our consulting business, we have an in-house laboratory where we characterize our customers’ powder/granular material and then help them solve their material flow problems by redesigning either their product or process –or both.  We have a laboratory staff and a couple of degreed engineers (one with PE licensure) that help our customers design/re-design their products and/or processes.  We have several international clients (NONE governmental), although most of our clientele is from one or another of the 50 States.\n All this is background.  Here is are my questions regarding the FOA for this grant application:\n1.\tSince we are not a research institution, and we are not involved in any joint research activity or project with any other entity (either foreign or domestic) – do we need to submit a Current and Pending Support document? \n2.\tFor the same reason, do we need to submit a Transparency of Foreign Connections document?","Question 1: If your entity is not involved in any other research or demonstration activities, then a Current and Pending Support document is not required. However, the Current and Pending Support document is required to submit a full application so if there is nothing to disclose please state that and include the certification statement found in the Current and Pending Support section (IV.D.xvi.)\n\nQuestion 2: All recipients and subrecipients are required to submit a Transparency of Foreign Connections document, if they have something to disclose. If there is something to disclose and the subrecipient (or prime applicant) cannot disclose the required information in Section IV.D.xvii, Transparency of Foreign Connections, then the subrecipient and the prime applicant will be non-compliant with the terms of the funding opportunity and the application may be disqualified from review. It may be necessary to find another project partner."]
[112,"2023-06-06","Application Content/Format","I am writing to inquire about the application requirement within the DOE 2997 regarding completion of the Transparency of Foreign Connections questionnaire.\nSpecifically, could you please provide your definition of \"foreign connection\" in the title of the questionnaire, \"foreign affiliation\" in question #3 and \"related\" in question #9?","The Transparency of Foreign Connections section is designed for the proposed recipient and subrecipients of DOE funds to adequately and comprehensibly disclosure to DOE any relationship, i.e. connection and/or affiliation, that the proposed recipient and/or subrecipient may have with a foreign business entity, offshore entity, entity outside the United States, or foreign country of risk, as applicable and where detailed in this section and throughout the FOA. “Foreign” here means an entity, country, etc. that is not the United States. "]
[113,"2023-06-08","Application Content/Format","For the Potentially Duplicative Funding Notice requirement in FOA DE-0002997 do we need to report for federal awards on which our team members are key personnel or only those awards for which our listed team members are principal investigators or program directors? Subaward PIs?","The intent of this document is to ensure DOE does not fund duplicative projects. If anyone participating in the proposed project (prime or subrecipient) has a potentially duplicative project then it must be disclosed. "]
[114,"2023-06-08","Application Content/Format","We are working on a full proposal and we are wondering if we could propose a longer than 36 months project to allow sufficient time for a PhD candidate to learn and produce novel results. Any extension, for example to 3.5 years or 4 years will help the team effort.","If a longer project period is proposed DOE will consider the extension provided if it is well justified in the application. "]
[115,"2023-06-08","Application Content/Format","1.\tOn the Transparency of Foreign Connections, is an institution of higher education, domestic government entities, or US National Laboratories required to answer questions 1–13 on pages 82-83? Or are they not applicable?\n \n2. \tOn the transparency of foreign connections, does this apply to procurement contracts with companies? Or is this only for the prime and subrecipients?","1. Yes, all are required to answer if there is something to disclose\n \n2. Applicants must respond to all the questions in the Transparency of Foreign Connections section as they relate to the proposed recipient and subrecipients of DOE funds. Please note that there are other references to procurement related matters throughout the FOA. "]
[116,"2023-06-08","Other","How are subrecipients defined? Is that applicable to any contractor or only to subawards issued under the grant?","Please see definition of subrecipient and subaward in 2 CFR 200.1.\n\n1. Subrecipient \"means an entity, usually but not limited to non-Federal entities, that receives a subaward from a pass-through entity to carry out part of a Federal award; but does not include an individual that is a beneficiary of such award. A subrecipient may also be a recipient of other Federal awards directly from a Federal awarding agency.\"\n\n2. Subaward \"means an award provided by a pass-through entity to a subrecipient for the subrecipient to carry out part of a Federal award received by the pass-through entity. It does not include payments to a contractor or payments to an individual that is a beneficiary of a Federal program. A subaward may be provided through any form of legal agreement, including an agreement that the pass-through entity considers a contract.\"\n\nYou provided another question with no context, please elaborate."]
[117,"2023-06-08","Application Content/Format","Do the Work Phases need to be aligned with Budget Periods?\nFor example, can Budget Period 3 include 6 months of Design and Testing (Phase 2) followed by 6 months of Installation and Demonstration (Phase 3)?","Please see answer to question 110."]
[118,"2023-06-08","Technical Topics","One clarification regarding industrial partner: It says \"All applications in Topics/Subtopics 1, 2, 3a, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 (i.e., all except Subtopic 3b) are strongly encouraged to include an industry partner on the project team\".\n  \nWhat does including an industry partner mean?  Does the partner need to be a subrecipient of award ? Do they need to participate in some of the activities? OR  Is it okay to have a letter of support from an end user company that they would be interested in the technology, if it is successful? ","As stated on page 13 of the FOA, except for Subtopic 3b, all applications are strongly encouraged to include an industry partner on the project team. The term “Industry Partner” includes non-profit and for-profit entities engaged in production, processing, or equipment manufacturing in an industry relevant to the topic. There is no requirement that partners receive funding from DOE. Applicants must provide commitment letters from any entity, other than itself, which is providing cost share (cash or in-kind) to the project. If an entity is not providing cost share, a letter of commitment is not required. In addition, Criterion 3 (Team and Resources) on page 94 of the FOA indicates that the level of industrial participation will be considered during application evaluation."]
[119,"2023-06-09","Application Content/Format","We have a question regarding what can be considered as a Cost Share contribution.\n7. NOTE: A Recipient cannot claim \"unrecovered indirect costs\" as a Cost Share contribution, without prior approval. \n\nQuestion.  Who can we write to to seek approval for claiming \"unrecovered indirect costs\" as a Cost Share contribution? What type of justification do we need to provide for this request?","Applicants can include unrecovered indirect costs as cost share in the proposed budget. If selected for award negotiations the assigned grants officer will review the budget and determine if the cost share contribution is acceptable. No formal request is necessary."]
[120,"2023-06-09","Application Content/Format","We have partners who are providing cost share, however, no one with the partner organizations is being considered Key Personnel on the project team. In this scenario, would we need any documentation from them beyond a letter of commitment to the proposed cost share? E.g. Resume, Current & Pending Support, SF-LLL, Transparency of Foreign Connection, Potentially Duplicative Funding Notice. What defines an organization as a ‘subrecipient’?","With the limited information provided we can offer the following. \n\nFor the definition of a subrecipient, please see answer to question #116. If a third party is only contributing cash to the project as a payment to the prime or subrecipient then that entity would not be considered a subrecipient."]
[121,"2023-06-09","Labs/FFRDCs","Per FAQ answer #98: \"A separate Budget Justification file is not required for FFRDCs, even when a FFRDC’s budget is over $250K.\"\n\nHowever, the budget justification shows as required on EERE Exchange. To clarify, when the FFRDC is the prime applicant, is the FFRDC required to submit a budget justification file or is a WP sufficient? If no budget justification is required, could this please be resolved on EERE Exchange?","If the FFRDC is the prime applicant then a budget justification form is required along with all other required application documents. If a FFRDC is a subrecipent, then only the field work proposal and authorization letter is required.    "]
[122,"2023-06-11","Application Content/Format","(1)\tDoes the Transparency of Foreign Connections need to be signed by any administrator of the entity?\n(2)\tSeparate budget justification is required for subrecipient that is expected to perform work estimated to be more than $250,000. Does this $250,000 count federal funding only or include cost share? For example, if one company wants to provide $300,000 third party cost share, will they need to submit a budget justification form?","1. The Transparency of Foreign Connections document does not require a signature. \n\n2. The $250,000 threshold includes federal share and cost share. "]
[123,"2023-06-12","Application Content/Format","In relation to the Community Benefits Plan, we’d appreciate clarification in relation to the community locations affected by the project. Our proposal includes a development phase which is desk/office work in most cases, and a testing & demo phase at an industrial site. Usually, the development phase and testing place locations are very different. Our question is about the locations for the Community Benefits application, whether if efforts should be focused on the locations where the testing and demonstration will take place.","DOE cannot provide guidance on how to develop an applicant's Community Benefits Plan, please read Appendix H of the FOA document thoroughly. "]
[124,"2023-06-12","Application Content/Format","My question concerns the number of budget periods to propose.  Does DOE EERE specify this or are we free to choose how many budget periods to use?  The reason I ask is that we are proposing an R&D effort covering 30 months.  Is it possible or recommended to use only 2 budget periods?","Typically, budget periods are established on an annual basis. In some cases, shorter or longer budget\nperiods may be established for compelling programmatic or administrative reasons. Applicants can propose the number of budget periods as they'd like, however, if selected for award negotiations EERE may impose addtional budget periods based on the project and if more than 1 go/no go review should be included in the Statement of Project Objectives. Please see Section VI.B.xiii for more info. "]
[125,"2023-06-13","Other","We wish to change the lead recipient to ourselves instead of a sub-recipient.  I read the Q&A and followed the answer in #87.  We have a SAM UEI number, FedConnect, grant.gov and EERE eXchange logins. \n\nEverything in the encouraged concept paper, the partners, the scope, and the overall project remains the same.\nWe submitted the concept paper on behalf of our partner (who was the prime recipient, now sub-recipient), so we have control/access over the submission for the full application in the EERE portal.\nIs there anything else I need to do prior to the submission of the full application?","If you have full control of the application in Exchange and have completed all the registration requirements, then your entity can be considered the prime applicant provided that its an eligible entity per Section III.A. "]
[126,"2023-06-13","Application Reviews","We are attempting to obtain reviewers comments on our concept paper and they are not available","EERE will not be providing concept paper review comments, only encourage or discourage notifications. If you have been discouraged you may still submit a full application per Section VI.A.ii, and suggest you review the topic areas thoroughly. "]
[127,"2023-06-13","Eligibility","I understand that to qualify as a domestic entity the entity must “organized, chartered or incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a particular state or territory of the United States; have majority domestic ownership and control; and have a physical place of business in the United States.”  (FOA at 55)\n\nWould this guidance requirement be met if the entity’s parent is a US entity that 100% owns/controls, but the entity’s parent is a foreign entity that 100% owns/controls the intermediate US entity? ","It does not seem that this entity is a domestic entity as “domestic entity” (the definition in its entirety) is defined in the FOA."]
[128,"2023-06-13","Technical Topics","On page 12, it's mentioned that there are 3 phases: research and development, design and testing, and installation and demonstration.\n\nCan you clarify if phase 1 is actually meant to be research and design and if phase 2 is actually meant to be development and testing? We discussed that in order to do any testing, the product first needs to be designed.","As stated in Section I.B on page 12 of the FOA, for Tier 2 projects Phase 1 is Research and Development which is optional, and Phase 2 of the project is for design and testing. The design may overlap between Phase 1 and Phase 2."]
[129,"2023-06-14","Application Content/Format","Our proposal team would like some clarification on the Lobbying form, SF-LLL:\n\n1.\tIs the form to be submitted by the recipient ,sub-recipient, or both?\n2.\tDoes the form need to be submitted if there is no lobbying activity in connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement?\n3.\tis the form to be signed by the Principal Investigator, or by the authorized representative of the organization?","1. Both the prime any subrecipients must submit the SF-LLL.\n2. If there are no lobbying activities the prime and subrecipient can mark N/A in the appropriate boxes.\n3. The form must be signed by an authorized signatory representing the organization of the prime and subrecipient. "]
[130,"2023-06-14","Due Dates","Is there any possibility to extend the due date for full application? A 4-week time span is pretty aggressive to get a full proposal prepared.","We acknowledge the challenges with the FOA application timeline but are unable to extend the Full Application due date."]
[131,"2023-06-14","Other","Once an application has been submitted, can the legal entity listed as the applicant be changed or transferred to an affiliated entity? ","It is possible to process an \"Application Transfer\" however, depending on the situation this is very rare. If allowed, the new entity receiving the application must be an eligible entity per Section III.A of the FOA and complete the Registration Requirements per Section VI.B.i. In addition, the new entity cannot propose to change the content of the application."]
[132,"2023-06-14","Other","1. Can I add a Co-PI to the project and have the Co-PI submit the application?\n\n2. Can a PI serve as a Co-PI on another project for the same FOA, with different topics?","1. When you log on to Exchange, in the left hand menu please select \"Manuals\" from the list. Then under User Guides choose \"EERE_eXCHANGE_Applicant_Guide_2023_FOA_Submission\". In the table of contents you will find \"Share Access to Submissions with Other Users\".\n\n2. A PI can serve as Co-PI on another project from this FOA provided that the project tasks do not overlap in anyway. Please review the relevant sections in the FOA related to conflict of interest, current and pending support, and potentially duplicative funding."]
[133,"2023-06-15","Intellectual Property","As a large, foreign entity, with an establishment in the US, I was wondering if you could provide some further information around how IP, that is created during the project, will be owned and licensed. Furthermore, could you also provide further information around the role that a patent waiver could play?\n\nWe read the Intellectual Property Provisions (GLB-821-US), but were wondering what that actually means to us. ","Assuming foreign waivers would be approved (foreign entity participation and/or foreign work waiver per Appendix C), regarding IP rights, a foreign-owned entity would also need to apply for an Advanced Patent Waiver as described in Section VIII.J Title to Subject Inventions of the FOA.  If the waiver is approved, the applicant would be able to elect title to any subject inventions with the US government keeping an unlimited government purpose license to the subject invention. If selected for award negotiations, DOE can provide the Advanced Patent Waiver form that will need to be completed and submitted.  \n\nThe FOA contains additional information regarding IP rights in various sections such as Section VI.B.x (Subject Invention Utilization Reporting), Section VI.B.xi (Intellectual Property Provisions), Section VI.B.xx (U.S. Manufacturing Commitments), Section VI.B.xxii (Data Management Plan DMP),  Section VIII.K (Government Rights in Subject Inventions), Section VIII.L (Rights in Technical Data) and Section VIII.M (Copyright).\n\nIn general, DOE recommends that the applicant carefully review the requirements under the FOA and prepare any foreign or patent waiver requests in detail so that the DOE has the necessary information in order to make the appropriate determinations. "]
[134,"2023-06-16","Application Content/Format","Clarification appreciated in relation to project partners. We are working with several potential technology vendors, one will be selected during the initial phase of the project. Would it be feasible to incorporate this technology provider as subrecipient at a later stage of a project (e.g. budget period 2) which was originally identified as potential vendor (with no cost-share) in the full proposal application? If so, what would be the mechanism to incorporate this partner as subrecipient?","DOE cannot provide guidance on contracting mechanisms between project partners. The contracting mechanism is between the prime and any vendors and/or subrecipients. Please consult legal counsel for the best option. If selected for award negotiations it is possible to move a vendor to the subrecipient category if that entity is better suited as a subrecipient. Please review 2 CFR 200.331 Subrecipient and Contractor (vendor) Determinations. "]
[135,"2023-06-18","Technical Topics","We submitted a concept paper for topic 7 (area of interest 4) and has been encouraged for full application. The concept paper was for CO2 capture from an industrial point source to concrete but in the full application we want to capture CO2 from direct air capture to concrete as our technology works with both. Though some of the technical details and strategies will change, the ultimate goal is the same, which is the CO2 capture into concrete. It seems the area of interest 4 of Topic 7 allows for both point source and direct air capture. We wanted just to double check if this strategic change in acceptable for the full application?","Applicants need to support how their project is responsive to the Topic Areas described in the FOA. DOE will not provide guidance on which specific technologies or approaches are necessary to meet the objectives and criteria defined in the FOA. Large deviations from the concept paper stage should substantially justify continued responsiveness to the topic area description, including updated preliminary results and project management, if applicable. "]
[136,"2023-06-19","Other","I am applying for DE-FOA-0002997.  I will be attaching personal resumes.  Is there a page limit on the resumes that are attached to my application?","Per the FOA, there is a 3 page limit per CV. The number of CVs is unlimited."]
[137,"2023-06-19","Application Content/Format","You want all CPS forms to be in one document titled Contract_Prime_CPS.pdf , and yet when one puts in the individual CPS for each of the Co-PIs it merges fields and becomes improper.  Adobe recommends creating a Portfolio PDF, that contains each of the individual PDFs into one Portfolio PDF.  Is that desired, and/or acceptable. \n\nSame thing for the SF-LLL form, which actually doesn’t allow the file to become a part of another form.  Can this also be put into a Portfolio PDF for the Contract_Prime_SF-LLL.pdf form?","An Adobe portfolio or binder is allowable as long as it has .pdf file extension."]
[138,"2023-06-20","Due Dates","I understand that several teams have raised the concern for a too aggressive deadline of the full application. Given that it is summer and different parties who have a authorizes to sign/execute documents are in vacation or out of office,  we can not execute several documents from different parties by June 23, 2023. Can you possibly extend the deadline of full applications for only a week until June 30, 2023?","Please see answer to question 130."]
[139,"2023-06-20","Other","I am assisting a faculty member with his proposal. Please advise if the NSF current and pending form will suffice for the Separate Discloser Statement, or does this need to be a separate document. ","Per section IV, xvi. Current and Pending Support on page 81 of the FOA document, “If the NSF format is used, the individual must still include a signature, date, and a certification statement using the language included in the paragraph above.”  "]
[140,"2023-06-20","Other","We are working with an university on the IEDO multi topic FOA that is due on this Friday.  In this proposed project, we (a small business) are a subcontractor.  In our budget files, the detailed budget justification (EERE template) and NICRA form contain proprietary information so we would like to submit these two documents directly to DOE.\n\nIn this case, I’m wondering if you know which email address we can submit it to, or there’s some other way? And please just let me know if there is anything else we should include aside from the control number and the lead organization/PI info.","Subrecipients only need to submit a budget justification if they are requesting more than $250,000 or 25% of the total project costs. The subrecipient should not submit any forms directly to DOE until the Prime applicant has been selected for funding. At that time, the subrecipient can share confidential information directly with DOE.  The NICRA form is not needed during the application phase. The budget justification template can be submitted as a close estimate and (if selected) further refined during award negotiations to reflect the exact rates. Please note the total federal portion of the estimated budget cannot be increased after selection."]
[140,"2023-06-20","Other","One of our collaborating groups has proprietary information associated with their EERE Budget Justification Workbook and negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) and would like to send these pieces of the application materials into DOE directly. \n\nWould you please let us know how best to proceed with this process? Should they email it directly to this address referencing the full application number? Should any additional documentation accompany these documents just as a separate cover letter or other form?","Please see answer to question 140."]
[141,"2023-06-20","Intellectual Property","My office is currently reviewing an application that will be submitted under DE-FOA-0002997.  Please advise as to how to determine if the Intellectual Property Provisions are subject to the Special Data Statute.  Thank you in advance for any guidance you can provide.","Under DE-FOA-0002997 Section VIII.L Rights in Technical Data, “Protected Data” under special data statues is allowed for awards under this FOA.  Therefore, if selected for an award, the awardee could make a selection during contract negotiations in the DOE Pre-Award Information Sheet that it would like to protect data created under the award.  As a result, the IP terms and conditions for the award contract would include the special data statutes that allow protected data, as found, for example, in IP clause set GDNP-821-US.  "]
[142,"2023-06-21","Foreign Entities/Work","I had submitted to DE-FOA-0002945 back in April and the guidance in that solicitation was that universities were only required to complete 1, 2, and 9 and that it was required for all subs.\n \nIn the DE-FOA-0002997, there is no distinction between how the two (university vs. industry partner/company) answer the documents and that it is more of an if applicable document. Can you confirm this to be the understanding? The questions in the TFC that are not 1, 2, and 9, don’t apply to national labs or universities.","Applicants must provide the following as it relates to the proposed recipient and subrecipients. Include a separate disclosure for the applicant and each proposed subrecipient. U.S. National Laboratories, domestic government entities, and institutions of higher education are only required to respond to items 1, 2 and 9, and if applying to serve as the prime recipient, must provide complete responses for project team members that are not U.S. National Laboratories, domestic government entities, or institutions of higher education."]
[143,"2023-06-22","Intellectual Property","I’ve got a technical volume section with patent pending information in it. I made the necessary footnote and highlighted changes to denote the confidential information and made up a redacted version as well as described in the FOA. So now I have the required confidential and non-confidential versions. How do I submit the two different versions? \n\nAnd what about that warning that everything is assumed public on your website that I must accept before I can submit anything? Is there another way I can submit confidential information?","Please contact EERE-ExchangeSupport (eere-exchangesupport@hq.doe.gov) for assistance in uploading to the site. Documents marked confidential will not be released to the public."]
[144,"2023-06-22","Foreign Entities/Work","For the Transparency of Foreign Connections form, we have had conversations with Institutions of Higher Education (IHE).  Can we only provide responses to questions 1, 2, and 9. Is this acceptable? ","Applicants must provide the following as it relates to the proposed recipient and subrecipients. Include a separate disclosure for the applicant and each proposed subrecipient. U.S. National Laboratories, domestic government entities, and institutions of higher education are only required to respond to items 1, 2 and 9, and if applying to serve as the prime recipient, must provide complete responses for project team members that are not U.S. National Laboratories, domestic government entities, or institutions of higher education."]
[145,"2023-06-22","Technical Topics","Would zero-fugitive emission valves be something that would be applicable for this grant? ","As noted on the Cover Page of the FOA, applicants must submit a concept paper by the listed date (4/17/2023 5:00 PM ET) to be eligible to submit a Full Application and be considered for funding.  Once EERE publishes a funding opportunity, EERE staff may not answer questions relating to the funding opportunity. "]

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