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["INSTRUCTIONS"]
[1,"All questions pertaining to this funding opportunity announcement should be emailed to EDGE@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 spreadsheet 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-FOA-0001880 / Efficient Drilling for Geothermal Energy"]
["Question #","Date Submitted","Topic","Question","Answer"]
[1,"2018-04-24","Application Content/Format","Congratulations on the announcement of your new program! I am curious if you will accept proposals with drilling applied to ground source heat pumps. We believe there is a big opportunity for beneficial electrification. ","REVISED ANSWER:  Yes, we will accept applications with drilling applied to ground source heat pumps. Based on Modification 0001 to the FOA, conditions typical for ground source heat pumps are specifically included in this FOA’s definition of geothermal conditions.  The Geothermal Technologies Office acknowledges that ground source heat pumps have the opportunity to play a substantive role in the residential and commercial heating and cooling sector, but the EDGE FOA DE-EE-FOA0001880 has focused on the challenges of drilling in the conditions described above.  "]
[2,"2018-04-24","Webinar","What is the link for the webinar? ","A link to the webinar has been added to the summary for this FOA in EERE Exchange. Registration is not required. You should use the link to join the webinar on the date and time listed on EERE Exchange."]
[3,"2018-04-24","Webinar","If we don’t attend the webinar, can we download and listen to it later?","Yes. A recording of the webinar, as well as slides and a transcript of the webinar, will be added to the EERE Exchange website shortly after the webinar is held. "]
[4,"2018-04-24","Application Content/Format","What is the method of participating in this FOA?","Section IV.A of the FOA document contains a detailed description of the application process. "]
[5,"2018-04-24","Application Content/Format","Can an applicant submit two different proposals, (for example one for topic 1 and one for topic 2)?","Yes, an Applicant may submit more than one Full Application to this FOA, provided that each application describes a unique, scientifically distinct project, and provided that an eligible Concept Paper was submitted for each Full Application."]
[6,"2018-04-26","Technical Topics","From the latest drilling-related RFP regarding applications not of interest: “Applications that do not address drilling in geothermal conditions, where geothermal conditions are defined as temperatures higher than 200°C, pressures higher than 150 MPa, in hard, abrasive, basement rock with crystalline lithologies.”\nThat excludes lots of places in the US temperature-wise. We never drill at those temperatures because the wellbore is cooled by drilling fluids, and most regulatory agencies will not let you exceed ~65C return temperatures. 150 MPa is a crazy deep well or super high mud weight. Average frack gradient is 0.7 psi ft; at 1psi/ft, 150MPa is >20000’. 150MPa is >50000’ column of water.                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Any idea about where these “geothermal conditions” are coming from? Do they mean something other than the examples I mention above?\n","Based on some of the concerns identified in this question, a modification has been made to the FOA to update the definition of geothermal conditions.  Geothermal conditions are now defined as the geology with elevated temperature and lithology typical of domestic geothermal resources of interest to one or more of GTO’s subprograms (Hydrothermal, EGS, and Low-Temperature) and also includes conditions typical for ground source heat pumps."]
[7,"2018-05-01","Webinar","How do I attend the Webinar on May 2 at 2 pm (EDT)?","A link to the webinar has been added to the summary for this FOA in EERE Exchange. Registration is not required. You should use the link to join the webinar on the date and time listed on EERE Exchange."]
[8,"2018-05-01","Cost Sharing","If a University applies for to the Funding Opportunity Announcement can the University provide the cost share match of 20% or does it have to be from another sponsor?","The 20% cost share required for all Topic areas can be provided by the prime applicant or by sub-recipients of the project.  A University can provide the 20% cost share.  Cost share can also be provided by interested parties or sponsors.  See part III.B. Cost sharing, in the Funding Opportunity Announcement for further guidance.  "]
[9,"2018-05-01","Application Reviews","We have a consortium that will be submitting under Topic area 3, and are interested in what types of individuals (in terms of professional/educational background) DOE would consider to be well qualified for the Principle Investigator position under that particular topic area? ","The Geothermal Technologies Office does not have any specific criteria regarding the necessary professional or educational background for an individual to be considered well qualified for the Principle Investigator (PI) position under that any topic areas.  We refer you to sections IV.C and IV.D.ii of the FOA document which describe the content and form of the Concept Paper and Technical Volume of the Full Application, respectively. These sections detail the type of information that applicants are should contain regarding the PI and project team. Additionally, we refer you to section V.A which describes the technical review criteria and includes sub-criteria on how the qualifications, relevant experience, and capabilities of the PI and project team will be evaluated in both the concept paper and full application reviews."]
[10,"2018-05-02","Technical Topics","The document states \"entity would only be eligible for award under this FOA if the proposed activities substantially expand upon or differ from currently existing activities.\" What about drilling activities that may be existing in the oil and gas industry?","For a drilling activity that already exists in the oil and gas industry to be deemed responsive to this FOA, there must be specific barrier as to why that drilling activity is not currently deployed for geothermal drilling. Furthermore, if the entity is already addressing that specific barrier with a specific solution, then the entity could not apply with a proposal to continue those activities.\n\nA proposed project that would address such a barrier may be deemed responsive if the Concept Paper and Full Application clearly describe how the new approach to the drilling activity is unique and innovative; the current state-of-the-art for that drilling activity in oil and gas, including key shortcomings, limitations, and challenges;  and how the proposed technology will overcome the shortcomings, limitations, and challenges to be applied for geothermal drilling. We refer you to Sections IV.C.i and IV.D.i of the FOA for a full description of the content requirement for the Concept Paper and Full Application, respectively. \n"]
[11,"2018-05-02","Application Content/Format","Is it required to submit the cost share document when submitting the concept paper?","Applicants are required to provide written assurance of their proposed cost share contributions in their Full Applications, not with the concept paper."]
[12,"2018-05-02","Eligibility","Would Sandvik be eligible to apply as a subcontractor?","Please refer to Section III. Eligibility Information of the Funding Opportunity Announcement to determine whether an Organization is eligible for application.  EERE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted. The decision whether to submit an application in response to this FOA lies solely with the applicant."]
[13,"2018-05-03","Foreign Entities/Work","Regarding eligibility, on page 14, it outlines that Foreign Entities are eligible for funding under this FOA.  We understand that the Foreign Entity would require collaboration with a Prime Recipient that is incorporated in the US.   But on page 35, xii. Waiver Requests, #2 states that all work much be performed in the US.  We want to confirm that a collaboration between a US small business and foreign research institution is eligible to apply, with part of the work being done outside the US?  ","Please refer to Appendix C of the Funding Opportunity Announcement for directions regarding waivers for Foreign entity participation as well as waivers for work performed outside of the United States.  Overall, a waiver request may be approved if it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of EERE that it would further the purposes of this FOA and is otherwise in the economic interests of the United States to perform work outside of the United States."]
[14,"2018-05-11","Technical Topics","Regarding topic 2 of this FOA, is designing a new high performance lubricant for drill bits an acceptable proposal ? ","Topic Area 2 seeks applications that will develop new technologies that increase performance qualifiers during geothermal well drilling, and/or applications that develop methodologies that will allow geothermal wells to be drilled more efficiently with existing technologies. High performance lubricants for drill bits are not listed in Applications Specifically Not of Interest (section I.C), so GTO may consider such an application.  The applicant should make use of the concept paper and full application to describe the relevance of the proposed project to the goals and objectives of the FOA."]
[15,"2018-05-11","Technical Topics","Will there be drilling expenses allowed as part of the research in Topic 1 or 2 of DE-FOA-0001880: Efficient Drilling for Geothermal Energy? If yes, could it be in sedimentary formations?","Drilling expenses may be considered allowable for Topic Areas 1 and 2 under this FOA. Since these Topic Areas are for early stage research and development in geothermal drilling technologies, any proposed scope that includes drilling activities must be shown to be necessary to achieve the goals and objectives of the FOA and must not be solely a demonstration of a novel geothermal drilling technology.  Sedimentary formations may be considered as long as they are shown to fall within the definition of geothermal conditions described in Section I.C of the FOA."]
[16,"2018-05-11","Application Content/Format","The FOA says on Concept paper, 2 pages maximum for Technology Description, but, 3 page maximum for Addendum. I thought that could be a typo, so please confirm if the above is correct.","We confirm that this is not a typo; the Concept Paper's Technology Description Section is limited to 2 pages maximum and the Addendum Section is limited to 3 pages maximum."]
[17,"2018-05-15","Technical Topics","Are you looking for efficient drilling for shallow bore holes of 100’ - 250’ or for deeper boreholes? Also, will the boreholes be used for putting in geothermal plastic loops or direct water loops?","We do not restrict applications based on the depth or completion of the wellbore so long as the drilling is in geothermal conditions.  See section I.C of the FOA for the definition of geothermal conditions."]
[18,"2018-05-21","Application Content/Format","We are currently in the process of preparing a Concept Paper for Topic 3 of FOA-1880. Looking at the Template for the Concept Paper, it seems challenging to fit some parts of the Innovative Partnership Model into the guide. For example, elements such as \"technology's target level of performance\" or \"key technical risks\" don't necessarily apply to a business model innovation. \n\nShould we adhere to these bullets as a guide, but assume that each reference to \"technology\" should be interpreted as \"partnership model\" or is there a preferred guide or template specifically for Topic Area 3? \n\nFurther, should we make attempts to quantify the \"target level of performance\" and other factors more in-line with traditional technology development, or can we assume that these areas do not apply? I am looking to ensure we will not be discounted for some of the interpretations we make adapting the template to the unique focus of Topic Area 3.","For the Concept Paper and Application content requirements, we will accept the interpretation of the term \"technology\" as referring to the relevant details of the proposed innovation.  For topic area 3, that can include new partnership, technology transfer, or business models as described in section 1.B of the FOA document.\n\nThe \"target level of performance\" should quantify the relevant expected outcomes from the proposed project in terms that are appropriate for the innovation.  The information provided in the concept paper will be used to evaluate the ability of the proposed work to clearly meet the objectives stated in the FOA."]
[19,"2018-05-22","Application Content/Format","Could you please provide some guidance on the terms Vendor, Subrecepient and Key Participant? We have a partner organization that will be doing significant work with us (10-20% of funds), but will not be providing any cost share. What should we categorize them as? If they are a Vendor, is it still acceptable to list them and their bios as a Key Participant?","Please refer to the Funding Opportunity announcement Section III. B. iii. Cost Share Types and Allowability as well as DOE Assistance Regulations, 2 CFR part 200,   §200.330   Subrecipient and contractor determinations for further guidance."]
[20,"2018-05-23","Foreign Entities/Work","We are the private high-tech company based in Slovak republic, European Union. According to Eligibility Criteria, Foreign Entities are eligible to submit the proposal along with the waiver to perform the activities outside of the US. My question would be, if that is necessary to submit also along with the Concept Paper?","Waivers should be held until submittal of full applications, once the organization receives encouragement from the Agency and after the Concept Paper stage. "]
[21,"2018-05-23","Application Content/Format","Is there a template for submission of the Concept Paper or shall we create one according to your instructions described in the manual?","Please refer to the Funding Opportunity Announcement, Section C. C. Content and Form of the Concept Paper.  There is not a template for the Concept Paper, please follow the explicit guidelines as lined out in the FOA. "]
[22,"2018-05-23","Application Content/Format","On page 22 of DE-FOA-0001880 is says the Control Number must be prominently displayed on the upper right corner of the header of every page of the Concept Paper.\n\nTo obtain the Control Number (per page 22) one must log into EERE, apply for the FOA, complete the “Concept Paper Details” page, click the “Create Concept Paper” button, and then a Control Number will be assigned by EERE Exchange.\n\nI cannot put the Control Number on the Concept Paper if I don’t have it ahead of time.\n\nAlso, page 22 says the Concept Paper must be submitted in Adobe PDF format. Where on the EERE exchange is this done? I don’t see a place where it says, “attach file”.","Once issued a control number through exchange, please add it to the Concept Paper as a word document.  Once the \"Create Concept Paper\" option is selected in Exchange you will be able to upload a PDF file with the control number saved on the document. "]
[23,"2018-05-25","Eligibility","I saw that previously funded drilling projects are not eligible to apply for funding from the EDGE FOA. I just wanted to check in to understand of this. If I had a previous funding from EERE for a drilling project am I ineligible to apply for funding under EDGE? ","Section II.A.iii of the FOA indicates \"EERE will accept only new applications under this FOA. EERE will not consider applications for renewals of existing EERE-funded awards through this FOA.\"  However, existing awardees (from both Financial Assistant and DOE National Laboratory Annual Operating Plan) are not restricted from applying as long as the proposed project is not a renewal.  The proposed project under EDGE could build upon previously funded activities but would need to have a scope that is entirely new.  In the Concept Paper and Application such applicants should include a description of how the project is unique and innovative as well as list the previous work completed and prior results."]
[24,"2018-05-26","Cost Sharing","Regarding topics 1 and 2, is the $2M the maximum award for the DOE share or is the maximum project cost including the cost share? In other words, can the total project cost (including DOE part and cost-share) be $2.5M?","The individual award ranges listed in section I.B and II.A.i of the FOA are the Federal funding amount.\n\nYour example for Topic Areas 1 or 2 is correct that the maximum federal share for an individual project would be $2,000,000. Such a project would require $500,000 non-federal cost share resulting in a total project cost of $2,500,000.\n\nInformation on cost sharing is available in Section III.B of the FOA and appendices A and B include additional information and example calculations.   "]
[25,"2018-05-29","Application Content/Format","One of the tabs for the Concept Paper is “Funds and Costs.” Do we need to include a funding amount for a Concept Paper? If so, can we estimate it now, and adjust it at the time of submitting the full application?","The Concept Paper does not require funding and cost information as it is reviewed specifically for impact and the technical merit towards the purpose of the Funding Opportunity Announcement.  "]
[26,"2018-05-31","Application Content/Format","When will applicants be notified as to whether their Concept Paper topic has been accepted or denied?  When should applicants start preparing the full application? ","Applicants that submitted a concept paper will be notified between June 15th - June 19th.  The submission date for full applications is July 16, 2018.  Applicants should consider the requirements for full application, the timeframe and available resources when considering when to start the full application.  "]
[27,"2018-06-18","Application Content/Format","Is it possible to provide direct links to the SOPO and PMP sample or templates that are required for the full application? Is a PMP required with the SOPO or is it going to be require as an addendum later?","The SOPO template is available at https://www.energy.gov/eere/funding/eere-funding-application-and-management-forms under \"Negotiating Forms\" labeled \"Statement of Project Objectives (SOPO), EERE 303.\"  A separate Project Management Plan (PMP) is not required to be submitted with the full application, rather project management should be covered in the Technical Volume's Workplan and Market Transformation Plan.  All requirements for the full application are discussed in the section IV.D of the FOA document."]
[28,"2018-06-25","Application Content/Format","What is the page limit for the \"technical volume\" of the full proposal?","\"The Technical Volume to the Full Application may not be more than 20 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\" within Section IV.D.ii. - Technical Volume, of the FOA. "]
[29,"2018-06-25","Application Content/Format","Is it possible for an applicant to apply as a single entity at this stage and add strategic partner(s)/sub recipients at a later date? ","In order for  DOE to provide a comprehensive review, and to be evaluated as part of the technical review criterion, it is expected that the project team is chosen by the Full Application submission."]
[30,"2018-06-25","Application Content/Format","Should the Technical Volume, SOPO and Public Summary be single or double spaced ? What is the minimum font size of the technical volume (12 or 11) ?","There is no requirement of either single or double spaced documents.  However, please refer to Section IV.D. - Content and Form of the Full Application, for what is required on each Full Applications document for page length, size, and content.   Fonts should be no smaller than 12 point. "]
[31,"2018-06-25","Application Content/Format","How should we budget for communications and meetings with DOE? ","According to Section B. - Awardees selected under Topic Area 3, will be required to convene quarterly meetings of a new geothermal drilling community of practice with all awardees of this FOA to facilitate partnership development within the geothermal community. The DOE anticipates that most of the quarterly community of practice meetings will be held remotely; however, applicants should budget for travel to one meeting annually at a domestic location that is yet to be determined. In addition to this, communications and meetings with DOE should be outlined in the applicants Budget Justification in applicable cost categories, such as Personnel and Travel.  There is no set amount of money set aside for communications and meetings, since each project is different. "]
[32,"2018-06-25","Eligibility","Is it possible to submit a joint multi-institution proposals where each institution prepares and manages its own budget but all submit the same proposal describing all their collaborative activity?","Every Full Application must have a designated Prime Recipient in order to enter into a Cooperative Agreement with the DOE.  However, if applying as a Consortia, it must designate one member of the consortium to serve as the Prime Recipient/consortium representative. The Prime Recipient/consortium representative must be incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a State or territory of the United States. The eligibility of the consortium will be determined by the eligibility of the Prime Recipient/consortium representative under Section III.A of the FOA."]
[33,"2018-06-28","Application Content/Format","The Funding Opportunity Announcement references \"Prime Recipient or Subrecipients, contractors or vendors\" it is not clear how a Subrecipient would differ from a contractor. Can two entities apply as joint recipients with one entity taking the Prime Recipient role?","Please refer to the 2 CFR 200 for further guidance on Subrecipient versus Contractor/vendor.  If two entities will have joint responsibilities in the proposed project it is more likely that the entity which is not the Prime recipient will be a Subrecipient and not a Contractor/vendor.  Contractor/vendors in any given project only provide the Prime recipient with an “off the shelf” good or service and are not involved in the project. "]
[34,"2018-07-02","Application Content/Format","Can an applicant change the lead PI in the full application from what was indicated in the concept paper?","Yes, the applicant should provide the most up to date information for the proposed project in the full application.  Changes from the concept paper are allowed, but it is not recommended to change the initial project proposal in regards to the Topic area as this is the section in the concept paper that was given merit in the review. "]
[35,"2018-07-05","Cost Sharing","If data is used as cost share on one project, is it ineligible to be used as cost share on another project even if the data is being used for a completely different purpose? If the source is the same but the outcomes are different, is it considered the same as far as data value and can only be used for one project? Or can we allocate the value between the projects? Or send some streams to one project and another different stream to the other? What is the rule on this?","Based on the information provided, there appears to have no cash or fair-market value associated with the data.  Therefore, it appears to be unallowable according to 2CFR200.360 - Cost Sharing.   However, if selected for award negotiations we will review and evaluate all proposed cost share and make a final determination at that time."]
[36,"2018-07-06","Application Content/Format","Can we do the final testings in the lab at simulated temperature and conditions of the geothermal wells or shall we do a field (pilot) demonstration in the field as the deliverable of the project ?","Field or pilot demonstrations are not allowed as part of a project for the EDGE FOA as they do not qualify as early-stage R&D.  Both laboratory and field testing can be included in the project at the discretion of the applicant. "]
[37,"2018-07-07","Application Content/Format","If we don’t have any lobbying activity in the past and do not intend to do any lobbying in the future, are we still supposed to fill out the SF-LLL form ? if so, what shall be written in block 10? ","Yes, according to Section IV.D.xi, the SF-LLL is a required document for submission.  If your company doesn’t do any lobbying activities, Block 10 can be filled with \"Not Applicable\".  "]
[38,"2018-07-09","Application Content/Format","Is it required to identify every vendor at this stage of the application or is it possible to leave vendor names blank or TBI (to be identified) until design details can be completed as part of the project? ","Please do complete as much detail regarding the purpose and cost basis for work completed by vendors or subrecipients.  If the vendor or subrecipient has not been identified please compete all fields in the budget justification and use \"To Be Determined\" (TBD) for the name of the vendor or subrecipient. "]
[39,"2018-07-09","Eligibility","Where can interested parties find the list of all active awardee under the Geothermal Technologies Program?","The most current list of selected projects under the Geothermal Technologies Program can be found at the site: https://www.energy.gov/eere/geothermal/downloads/gto-peer-review-2017."]
[40,"2018-07-10","Intellectual Property","In reviewing the documents to be uploaded as part of the Full Application, there isn't a “box” for the Intellectual Property Management Plan or Petition for Advance Waiver of Patent Rights.\nShould this be part of the Technical Volume? \n\n","The complete Intellectual Property Management Plan and/or Petition for Advance Waiver of Patent Rights will be submitted and reviewed after the application is reviewed and accepted for award negotiation.  Please do mention in the Technical Volumes Workplan and Market Transformation Plan of the application but only briefly as the details will be negotiated if selected.  "]
[" "]

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