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["INSTRUCTIONS"]
[1,"All questions pertaining to this funding opportunity announcement should be emailed to XX@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-FOA-0001400 - SUNSHOT TECHNOLOGY TO MARKET (INCUBATOR ROUND 11, SOLARMAT ROUND 4)"]
["Question #","Date Submitted","Topic","Question","Answer"]
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[null,"2016-01-28","Application Content/Format","How should performance metrics be composed?  Numbered list with business and technical metrics separated or a single line narative?","Either method is acceptable.  Applicants should identify metrics as Business or Technical in either method."]
[null,"2016-01-27","Application Content/Format","In the Full Application checklist you have \"Other Sources of Funding \nDisclosure (no page limit) MANDATORY\" - is this only regarding this grant \nproposal? Is there a form to complete for this? How should it be uploaded?\n","There is no specific form to complete for this but applicants are requested to provide a list of all external funding sources for your organization relevant to the proposed work.  All funding from governmental entities should be included.  The \"Other Sources of Funding\" disclosure can be appended to the Project Narrative and will NOT count toward the 26 page limit."]
[77,"2016-01-25","Application Content/Format","In regards to the spending justification, what are the 3 budget periods? If I'm planning on doing a 24 month project, do I just split that into 3?","Incubator awards will only be one budget period and should not be separated into multiple budget periods.\nFor SolarMat Round 4, EERE may establish more than one budget period for each award and fund only the initial budget period(s). Project continuation will be contingent upon satisfactory performance and go/no-go decision review. At the go/no-go decision points, EERE will evaluate project performance, project schedule adherence, meeting milestone objectives, compliance with reporting requirements, and overall contribution to the program goals and objectives. As a result of this evaluation, EERE will make a determination to continue the project, re-direct the project, or discontinue funding the project. The budget periods should be split into appropriate go/no-go decision points."]
[76,"2016-01-21","Application Content/Format","In FOA (section: “2. Technical Volume”, page: 46) when describing Technical Volume, it includes US Manufacturing Plan section. In the EERE Exchange portal, “Upload and Submit” part, there are 2 (mandatory) files to submit that (to my understanding) relates to the US Manufacturing Plan: (1) Technical Volume and (2) U.S. Manufacturing Plan. Would that mean we have to submit twice the same information? That is, US Manufacturing Plan within the Technical Volume doc and a separate document regarding U.S. Manufacturing Plan?","Please include the US Manufacturing Plan as part of the Technical Volume.  Please DO NOT upload it as a separate document in Exchange.  We are working to get this error in EERE-Exchange corrected."]
[75,"2016-01-21","Cost Sharing","Can employees of the awardee organization or of the recipient organization volunteer their professional hours and have that counted as cost sharing?","As per DOE’s interpretation of 2CFR200.306, prime recipients may not volunteer their time to be counted as cost sharing on a Federal Financial Assistance project."]
[74,"2016-01-18","Cost Sharing","What is considered “assurance” of cost share contribution that would be required with the full application? Is a letter stating funds are available sufficient?","Inclusion of cost share in the prime applicant's budget constitutes written assurance of cost share."]
[73,"2016-01-18","Application Content/Format","The Performance metric table in the appendix of the FOA is different than the Deliverable Table provided on EERE exchange website beneath \"required documents\" for the FOA. Which one is to be used in submission? Are both acceptable?","Either format is acceptable, but given the importance of the performance metrics, they must be clearly presented. "]
[72,"2016-01-19","Technical Topics","When submitting our Concept Paper, we originally applied for a Tier 3 level of funding, however in reviewing the tiers we think that Tier 2S may be more appropriate.  While we have a hardware solution, we are not a manufacturing solution. Rather we are ready for our beta launch and full commercialization. \nMy question is two part:\n1) Does Tier 2S require a software component?  It is not included  in the description under IA of the FOA, but I did read that it may be a requirement somewhere else in the document, and;\n2) How do we go about changing the Tier we are applying for at the Full Application stage?","It is incumbent upon the applicant to determine the tier in which their project best fits. \nTo your following questions:\n1) As stated on page 5 of the FOA, Tier 2S is meant to “Transition alpha capability through beta launch to full commercialization”. This capability need not be entirely, or exclusively, software and should address a non-hardware (“soft”) cost of a solar energy system.\n2) At time of submission the applicant should mark the application as the tier they are submitting into in EERE Exchange if possible AND they should also make their Tier clear on the cover page of their application. Pending review and selection, the tier could be adjusted during award negotiation if deemed necessary."]
[71,"2016-01-14","Technical Topics","If I have received an “encouraged to submit full application” regarding a concept paper that was to tier S1, can I submit a full application for tier S2 instead of tier S1?","It is incumbent upon the applicant to determine the tier in which their project best fits. Pending review and selection, the tier could be adjusted during award negotiation if deemed necessary."]
[70,"2016-01-13","Eligibility","We are in the process of updating our corporate structure, which won't change our personnel but may result in a change in our company name and corporate structure. If the company that submitted the concept paper is a different corporate entity from the company submitting the full proposal, or the company changes in the time between full application submittal and funding decision, will that in any way disqualify the proposal or will SETO be able to enter into negotiations with the new entity as long as the new entity meets the FOA requirements?  ","This should not cause any problems as described, however, nexus between organizations and ability to complete a novation must be determined on a case by case basis."]
[69,"2016-01-12","Allowable Costs","When we complete our budget, do we include actual costs that we pay our employees or do we include use our consulting rates for the calculation?\nAlso-For our Cost Share-The same question applies. Do we include actual costs or use our consulting rates for calculation.","Please review 2CFR200 regarding fee and profit.  \"The non-Federal entity may not earn or keep any profit resulting from Federal financial assistance, unless explicitly authorized by the terms and conditions of the Federal award.\"  Therefore, only actual costs should be included in the budget."]
[68,"2016-01-12","Eligibility","1.) Since reviewer comments may have more to do with lack of detail than lack of interest, can we take it that “Discouraged” does not always mean strictly a “lack of programmatic interest”, but, may also mean “insufficient detail to evaluate”?\n\n2.) Do the Concept Paper reviewers also have a role in the Full Proposal review and decision process?  \n\n3.) Are Concept Paper reviewers comments or final determination made available or used in the Full Proposal review and decision process?\n","1) It is the applicant's responsibility to interpret reviewer comments and choose to apply or not to apply to the FOA. 2) Concept Paper reviewers may participate in the Full Application review process. 3) Full Applications are reviewed as free standing documents separate from the concept paper submissions and reviews."]
[67,"2016-01-06","Team Members","Does payment for outsourced certification testing count as prime recipient expenditures?","If the testing is an \"off the shelf\" service that would be generally available outside of the context of this project then yes, it would be included in the prime recipient expenditure."]
[66,"2016-01-06","Cost Sharing","Can SBA loans or other loans be used for cost-sharing?  \nCan salary deferrals, or stock-purchase or options in lieu of cash, be used for cost-sharing?","Please refer to 2CFR200.306 Cost Sharing or matching for allowable cost share contributions."]
[65,"2016-01-06","Application Content/Format","How critical are letters of support to the evaluation process?","Letters of Support are optional. It is up to the applicant to determine if they should include letters with their application.  Please review FOA Section V.A.2 \"Technical Review Criteria\" for more information regarding the evaluation criteria for full applications."]
[64,"2016-01-06","U.S. Manufacturing Plan","Do we need to sumbit a US Manufacturing plan for a hardware if we are planning on partnering with an existing manufacturer?","Yes. A US Manufacturing Plan is needed for all proposed hardware awards regardless of potential team members, collaborators or contractors. Please see FOA Section IV.D.2 for additional information regarding US Manufacturing Plans."]
[63,"2016-01-06","Allowable Costs","How do I account for my own salary when applying for reimbursement? I've been told that I should have my company pay me and then submit that record for reimbursement but won't that force me to pay taxes twice?","Please consult with your accountant and IRS code.  Grants and Cooperative Agreements are handled differently than general revenue."]
[62,"2016-01-06","Allowable Costs","Am I expected to be fully employed in this project for the duration of the funding timeframe?","It is up to the applicant to determine the proper amount of their time that is needed to execute on the objectives of the project."]
[61,"2016-01-06","Eligibility","Has a discouraged concept paper ever resulted in a successful application?","Yes. Applicants who have been discouraged have received awards in the past. It is up the applicant to determine if they should submit a full application. By discouraging the submission of a Full Application, EERE intends to convey its lack of programmatic interest in the proposed project in an effort to save the Applicant the time and expense of preparing an application that is unlikely to be selected for award negotiations. "]
[60,"2016-01-06","Team Members","I am currently a team of one. Does that hurt my application an any material way?","Criterion related to the project team can be found under “Criterion 2” in Section V.A.1 \"Technical Review Criteria\" of the FOA"]
[59,"2016-01-06","Eligibility","My company is not yet incorporated and therefore does not have a DUNS number. Is incorporation a requirement of the process?","Please refer to FOA Section VI.C.1. A DUNS number is not needed to submit an application but will be needed should the applicant be selected for award."]
[58,"2016-01-06","Cost Sharing","What if we do not have the funds \"on hand\" as of the time of application to meet the cost share requirements","Applicants are required to provide written assurance of their proposed cost share contributions in their Full Applications and to certify that they will meet the cost share requiremnt on the milestone by milestone basis.\n\nUpon selection for award negotiations, Applicants are required to provide additional information and documentation regarding their cost share contributions.  Failure to provide the agreed upon cost share may result in termination of an award."]
[57,"2016-01-06","Application Reviews","We received a \"Discouraged\" response, but reviewer response included that our area of focus was very important. The slide today said that Discouraged means that our area of focus is not one that is of programmatic interest. Which direction should we go by?","It is up to the applicant to determine if they would like to spend the time and effort to submit a full application based on the \"discouraged\" concept paper. "]
[56,"2016-01-06","Application Reviews","Can you give a ballpark figure on number of \"encouraged\"? Or approximate % of \"encouraged\" that you expect will ultimately be selected?","These numbers are considered procurement sensitive by EERE and not divulged to the public.  As per the FOA Section II.A.a, \"EERE anticipates making approximately 15-30 awards under this funding program.  EERE may issue awards in one, multiple, or none of the award tiers described in Section I.A.\""]
[55,"2016-01-06","Eligibility","We have just come out with an even better idea after submission of concept paper. Can we change content (approach, even subject) in our full paper submission?","The Full Application should be substantially similar to the Concept Paper submitted."]
[54,"2015-12-29","Application Reviews","Will reviewer comments regarding Concept Papers be made available to applicants?","Reviewer comments for the Concept Paper stage of the application process for the SunShot Technology to Market Funding Opportunity (DE-FOA-0001400) have been posted to EERE Exchange along with the Encourage/Discourage decisions."]
[53,"2015-12-10","Application Content/Format","\n1) The FOA states, that \"Prime Recipients and Subrecipients are required to complete and submit SF-LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” (http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/grants/sflllin.pdf) if any non-Federal funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence any of the following in connection with your application.\"  If no funds will be used in the above referenced way, do we still submit Form SF-LLL?\n\n2) If in the process of completing the full proposal, we realize that the total budget will be different from what we estimated in the concept paper, is this change ok?\n","1) Yes, please submit an SF-LLL and just mark it as N/A.    2) Budget changes from the concept paper to the full proposal are permitted."]
[52,"2015-12-04","Application Content/Format","We would like to design and build a piece of equipment as part of our subcontract.  As sub, we will contribute at least 50% of the costs.  We understand from other agreements we’ve had with the DOE that the DOE owns the property until closeout, at which time disposition of the equipment is determined.  In several situations we’ve been able to keep the equipment, without reimbursement to DOE, as long as we continue to use it for the purpose it was intended.  In this case, our intention is to develop advanced materials and use this equipment for research purposes, application development, for manufacturing technology transfer to solar cell and module manufacturers as well as make it commercially available through third-party equipment manufacturers.  At closeout, will we be required to reimburse DOE for this prototype equipment that we’d like to continue to use after the agreement?","Equipment acquired and developed under an award is subject to the regulations as set forth in 2CFR200.313.  Applicants should consult with their legal counsel regarding interpretation of federal rules and regulations."]
[51,"2015-12-11","Technical Topics","Paragraph 1. on page 11 says that \"This funding program seeks to fund...Radical breakthroughs that result in disruptive industry solutions\"\nHowever, page 17 says that  \"Areas Specifically Not of Interest, Continued:  Products or solutions for systems which do not tie to the grid (i.e. wholly off-grid applications and portable power).\nMy application involves PV technology that has the potential to radically change the landscape with its development and I think that the exclusion of off-grid (\"negawatt\") technologies is disruptive to grid-tied technologies.\n","It is the goal of the sunshot initiative to reduce the cost of solar energy generated electrons on the grid. It is up to the applicant to determine the product suitability to help attain this goal and make the case for how their product will address the goal if they believe their idea is relevant."]
[50,"2015-11-23","Allowable Costs","I submitted my”Concept paper” before the deadline on Nov 18th. Can I expect to hear back a preliminary approval or disapproval of my project’s match to the FOA’s motivation goals? This knowledge could have a significant effect on fulfilling the future FOA’s application requirements. \n\n         Can I start receiving the 20% share of monies from my partners before the funding of the FOA starts? If yes, what kinds of documentation do I need to have to prove these monies are part of this FOA?\n","Applicants will receive a notification from EERE Exchange or the SunShotT2M email address when reviewer comments are available.\n\nPlease review Section IV.I.2 of the FOA for information on pre-award costs."]
[49,"2015-11-18","Due Dates","We noticed the funding opportunity recently, however, and we saw yesterday that the deadline was today.  Can you let us know whether we could turn in a concept paper later this week, or whether there is another funding opportunity in the next few months?","Unfortunately, no.  As stated in the FOA, Applicants must have submitted a Concept Paper by 3:00 pm ET on 11/18/2015 to be eligible to submit a Full Application.  DOE cannot comment on future funding opportunities.  Please monitor www.Grants.gov and www.EERE-Exchange.energy.gov for funding opportunities that fit your needs."]
[48,"2015-11-18","Application Reviews","I submitted our Concept Paper for the SunShot DE-FOA-0001400, but I believe one of our [document name redacted] might not have attached properly.  Can you accept the correct version via email?","DOE will review the version of the Concept Paper documents submitted on EERE Exchange.  As stated in the FOA, EERE will not review or consider applications submitted through other means.  If there are elements you wish to correct or re-upload, please do so in the Full Application submission."]
[47,"2015-11-18","Registration Requirements","Can you please send me the name of person and email address where I should submit the concept paper ?","As stated in the FOA, Applicants must register and submit application materials through EERE Exchange at https://eere-Exchange.energy.gov, EERE’s online application portal.  However, please note Applicants must have submitted a Concept Paper by 3:00 pm ET on 11/18/2015 to be eligible to submit a Full Application."]
[46,"2015-11-17","Team Members","I understand that I should provide info for Subrecipients in the Team Member section of the online submission page, but how about key Subcontractors that will be receiving > 5% of project funds.  We consider them part of our Team, but I'm not sure whether they should be mentioned or whether we should detail the amount of funds going to them.","The \"Team Members\" section of Exchange determines whether you meet the requirement that the for-profit business designated as the Prime Recipient must incur at least 60% of expenditures under the project, as measured by the Total Project Cost. Expenditures incurred for the use of facilities including laboratories, and fees paid to vendors by the Prime Recipient counts towards the Prime Recipient’s expenditure under the award.  If the subcontractors you mentioned are considered vendors (according to the description above), you do not need to list them.\n\nYou will detail the budget aspects of these subcontractors in the Full Application stage (see Sections IV.D.4 and IV.D.V of the FOA)."]
[45,"2015-11-16","Application Content/Format","The Project Description does not include explicit mention of a Performance Metrics Table. It seems to state that only an initial discussion of performance metrics should be given:\n\no (Mandatory) High-level vision for performance metrics. Describe what will be produced, when it will be produced, and how it will be verified. Start by defining the baseline capability and end project performance metric in quantifiable/verifiable terms. Then fill in interim performance metrics. (This will be closely reviewed so consider this carefully and use numbers)\n\n Does this need to be provided in table format? Or can an this be provided in a paragraph format?\n","Either format is acceptable for the Concept Paper, but given the importance of the performance metrics, they must be clearly presented.  As stated in the FOA, addressing the scoring criteria should be your primary objective, therefore draft your application to address the criteria."]
[44,"2015-11-16","Team Members","It is not clear to us on DE-FOA-0001400 regarding multiple PI's if it is referring to the team members or if the lead organization can list more than one PI.  Would appreciate some clarification on this.","Yes, the lead organization can list more than one PI in the application, however, if you are selected for award negotiation, you must designate a primary PI to be listed on the award documentation."]
[43,"2015-11-16","Application Content/Format","Can you please tell me if the cover letter is supposed to be a separate document apart from the concept paper or is it to be included as the 1st page of the concept paper.  \n \nThe cover letter is a one page document and the concept paper is a four page document,by adding the cover letter to the 1st page the document is now 5 pages.  \n","The cover page should be the first page of the concept paper.  The concept paper may be a total of five pages: one page for the cover page and four pages of project description."]
[42,"2015-11-13","Eligibility","I understand that a single applicant cannot submit more than one application in response to FOA-1400, however, can a single applicant submit more than one concept paper?","Multiple concept papers are acceptable; however only one full application per tier will be accepted.  You may submit multiple full applications if the submissions are in different tiers."]
[41,"2015-11-12","Technical Topics","If applying for a Soft cost Tier 2S, and it is discovered through further analysis between the concept paper and the full application that the software can only make it to “alpha capability and early customer trials” in the time originally estimated, would your project be automatically downgraded to a Tier 1S?  Would this depend on the breadth of the software platform itself?","Please make a best attempt effort to submit your application into the correct tier. It is beholden on the applicant to truthfully present their technology’s capabilities. Pending review and selection, the tier could be adjusted during award negotiation if deemed necessary."]
[40,"2015-11-11","Technical Topics","Can you clarify DOE’s definition of proof of concept, alpha capability, beta launch, and full commercialization? ","Please make a best attempt effort to submit your application into the correct tier given the descriptions of those terms in the FOA document. It is beholden on the applicant to truthfully present their technology’s capabilities."]
[39,"2015-11-11","Eligibility","I'm inquiring about the eligibility for the latest Technology to Market program.  \n\nDoes this include new customer acquisition?\n","Yes, technologies/platforms/business models that facilitate solar customer acquisition are within the scope of the FOA (see page 22)."]
[38,"2015-11-11","Technical Topics","It appears we are left struggling to bring new solar thermal technologies to market with no Federal or DOE assistance. When will that change?","Unfortunately, DOE cannot comment on future funding opportunities.  Please monitor www.Grants.gov and www.EERE-Exchange.energy.gov for funding opportunities that fit your needs."]
[37,"2015-11-10","Eligibility","Can a more efficient and economical biomass to energy technology be of interest to this program? Is biomass included in the Sunshot Technology to Market solicitation? ","No.  As stated in Section I.C of the FOA, there are four goals for the EERE Solar Energy Technologies Office. These all relate to the delivery of electrons to the grid.  However, EERE has a dedicated BioEnergy program that releases funding opportunity announcements (FOAs).  Please search the EERE Exchange website for FOAs specific to biomass."]
[36,"2015-11-10","Eligibility","My question is if we would qualify for Tier 2S: 50% cost sharing, with the work that we are doing. If we would only potentially qualify for 20% cost sharing, I frankly think that it may not be worth the time spent on it for us. Happy to receive your thoughts on this.\n\nWe are focusing on [content redacted].","As stated in Section III.G of the FOA, EERE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this funding program must be submitted. The decision whether to submit an application in response to this FOA lies solely with the applicant.\n\nPlease note, 50% cost share and 20% cost share refer to the money the applicant brings to the table.  In the lower tiers (20% cost share), DOE provides more money than the applicant.  In the higher tiers (50% cost share), DOE and the applicant provide equal dollar amounts."]
[35,"2015-11-09","Application Content/Format","At the bottom of page 53 in the FOA for DE-FOA-0001400 it is stated that “In both the concept paper and full application the applicant will be asked to provide a Performance Metrics table”. However, in the check list for the Concept Paper on page 32-33, and in the Concept Paper Requirements on page 40-41, there is no mention of needing to include a Performance Metrics table. Can someone please advise as to whether or not a Performance Metrics table is required for the Concept Paper submission?","The Performance Metrics table is mandatory. It is part of the Project Description (4 pg maximum) as described on page 41."]
[34,"2015-11-09","Application Content/Format","Are there any examples of winning concept papers available? Just trying to get a sense for what they do and do not cover. ","Unfortunately, DOE cannot release that information.  Please read Section V.A.1 of the FOA for the Technical Review Criteria on which your concept paper will be rated."]
[33,"2015-11-06",null,"How we locate the above DR-FOA-0004700?","Go to www.EERE-Exchange.Energy.Gov, search for \"1400\" and then click on the link called \"Read this document to learn how to apply to this funding opportunity\"."]
[32,"2015-11-06","Cost Sharing","We are applying for $2 million. We are a for-profit company. Within the company, there would be at least 5 people working on this. There is no one outside of the company which we are partnering with. Would we need to provide $1 million (50%) or do we have to provide 60%?\n\nThe other question I have is on the name. For the concept paper, do we type the actual title of the Concept Paper at the end of the name or do we just type the word Concept Paper?\n","Cost share is determined based on total project costs.  If your total project costs are $2M, you would provide $1M and DOE would provide $1M.  If your total project costs are $4M, you would provide $2M and DOE would provide $2M. \n\nFor the document title of the Concept Paper (ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_Concept Paper), just type the words Concept Paper, not the actual title."]
[31,"2015-11-06","Application Content/Format","Q1:\nFor a concept paper, is it required to supply a signed version by the CEO of the applicant company? And how about a full version? \n\nQ2: For a foreign sub-applicant, when is a waiver needed for work executed outside the USA? What is the content of such a waiver?\n","1.  The only document that requires signature is the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance.  This document is required in the Full Application, but not the Concept Paper.\n\n2.  See Appendix F of the FOA for waiver content."]
[30,"2015-11-05","Team Members","The webinar stated that for this FOA (0001400), the DOE will be an active partner in the project.\nShould we list the DOE as a partner organization in our Summary and Concept papers?\nWhom should we put down as our contact person at the DOE for our proposed project?   \n","No, you do not need to include DOE as a partner organization in the Summary and Concept Paper.  "]
[29,"2015-11-04","Eligibility","At first we thought eligibility included Small Business, but now we see on the form that Small Business do not qualify.  What is the answer?","Section III.A.2 of the FOA states: \"For-profit entities that are incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a particular State or territory of the United States are eligible to apply for funding as a Prime Recipient or Subrecipient.\"  If your small business meets this eligibility requirement, you may apply."]
[28,"2015-11-04","Application Content/Format","1.  I'm an indie author and, though my earnings are microscopic, I do file my income taxes like a business using1040 schedule C. I haven't 'filed' as a business but I have filed my taxes like a business for the last 4 years. Not sure that makes me counts as a business, but even if it does it is an unrelated business, stretching the spirit of the definition of the word.\n\n2.  I basically have a small lathe and hand tools, but that's it. Even if I am successful at building a proof of concept (I'm close already without any funding at all, its shockingly cheap) I would never be able to take it much beyond a working/testable small prototype. I have no technical ability to take it beyond that. WOULD I still qualify even though I can NOT go to stage 3? \n\nKeep in mind, I have no ability to go beyond a proof of concept prototype and DO NOT want to go to jail for fraud by saying that I do have the ability to go beyond prototype stage.\n","1.  This question is beyond the scope of this FOA.  Please consult an accountant or a lawyer for further guidance.\n\n2. Please refer to Section II.B.2 of the FOA, which states: \"DOE understands that businesses often do not own all of the equipment that is required to construct a full-scale prototype towards pilot-scale production. Owning equipment is not a prerequisite for participation in this funding program.  Recipients are encouraged to leverage the capabilities of Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and Government-Owned Government-Operated laboratories (GOGOs) and use them as team partners. FFRDCs and GOGOs can provide access to equipment for testing and characterization in a variety of settings. Applicants are encouraged to consider FFRDC and GOGO capabilities which could be useful in their proposed work effort.\""]
[27,"2015-11-04","Team Members","Page 25: What's the difference between standalone applicants and project teams?","A Standalone Applicant is an Applicant that applies for funding on its own, not as part of a Project Team.  All the funding would go to this one applicant, with no subrecipient partners.  \n\nA Project Team is a group of organizations and/or individuals led by a for-profit business.  The majority of the costs must be incurred by the lead organization (minimum of 60%), however, the budget will also include subrecipient partners."]
[26,"2015-11-04","Cost Sharing","Page 5 says cost share is 50% but another page says cost share is 60%. Which one is right?","Required cost share is either 20% or 50%, depending on Tier.  If a project team applies, the for-profit entity leading the team must incur 60% of the Total Project Costs and the team members can incur a cumulative 40% of Total Project Costs.  For example, on a project with $100K total project costs, the lead applicant would have to spend $60K on personnel, fringe, travel, supplies, equipment or indirect costs to meet the 60% requirement.  The remaining $40K could be spent by the project team members (shown on the Contractual tab of the budget justification).\n\nUsing the 50% DOE Share / 50% Cost Share in the same example, the Prime Applicant is responsible for bringing $50K to the table.  This $50K could be cash from the Prime, or split between the Prime and Subrecipients (for example, $40K cash from the Prime and $10K cash from the subrecipient team members)  The Prime is still responsible for spending $60K on their own company costs, so they could use $40K DOE funds to pay for personnel, fringe, travel, supplies, equipment or indirect costs and $20K of their own funds to pay for any of those items.  In this example, the remaining $10K DOE funds, $20K cash from the Prime and $10K cash from the team members could pay team member costs."]
[25,"2015-11-04","Application Content/Format","What can be the title of the concept paper? We have it as [redacted].\n\nWhat can be the summary slide title? We have [redacted].\n\nDoes the graphic for the summary slide have to fit within the yellow box exactly? (on the bottom left)\n","ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_Concept Paper\n\nControlNumber_LeadOrganization_Slide\n\nNo, the graphic does not need to fit exactly."]
[24,"2015-11-04","Due Dates","Page 42 says we must start final paper within 30 days of receiving comments on concept paper. However, the final paper isn't due until next February. Can you explain when the actual due date is?","The full application is due 02/03/2016 at 3:00pm ET."]
[23,"2015-11-05","Technical Topics","Your web site mentions angel investors, are any of these investors interested in solar thermal or they all PV investors?","DOE cannot make that determination.   You would need to reach out to the investors directly."]
[22,"2015-11-04","Cost Sharing","We are preparing a proposal that has both hardware and software development aspects so it is related to both Tier 1 and Tier 2S. The cost-share requirement is 20% on the first and 50% on the second. Could we request for the 20% to apply to the whole proposal?","Please see Appendix C of the FOA for an example of how to calculate blended cost share."]
[21,"2015-11-04","Technical Topics","I am writing with a question regarding the SunShot T2M FOA. In particular, are non-photovoltaic technologies available for funding? [Our company] is currently developing [content redacted]. We have cost share available, but because this is the first time such a commercial demonstration has been done, finding funding partners has proven difficult. \n\nIs this a project that is appropriate for the FOA?\n","It is the applicant's responsibility to read the FOA to determine whether their technology is an appropriate fit."]
[20,"2015-11-04","Technical Topics","Does this funding include solar thermal, or is specific for photovoltaic only?","As stated in Section I.C of the FOA, there are four goals for the EERE Solar Energy Technologies Office. These all relate to the delivery of electrons to the grid. The cost of heat generated for hot water applications should not be included in the $/W values, but applications which integrate PV with solar thermal are eligible."]
[19,"2015-11-03","Due Dates","I am preparing materials for the 11/18 Concept Paper submission for SUNSHOT TECHNOLOGY TO MARKET 2 \"INCUBATOR 11, SOLARMAT 4”. I thought I read that the letter of intent was an optional first step, but am concerned I have now missed the deadline of yesterday!\n\nCan someone please confirm if the LOI is required to move forward in the process?\n","The Letter of Intent was optional.  Please ensure you submit a concept paper by 11/18/2015, 3:00pm ET."]
[18,"2015-11-03","Technical Topics","1. Does this solicitation include batteries, which can slash the cost of selling solar-produced electricity on a dispatchable basis?\n2. Since we are fully occupied developing that battery, we don't have the bandwidth to submit a concept letter or application for our related solar technology concept, which [content redacted]. We are planning to do that after we commercialize the battery technology we are developing. Do you foresee subsequent rounds (5 plus) for Tier 3?\n","1.  Batteries can be part of a technology solution that could fit within the scope of this solicitation, but make sure to read the section, “Applications Specifically Not of Interest,” which states, “SETO is not able to fund storage materials research.”\n2.  DOE cannot comment on future funding opportunities."]
[17,"2015-11-03","Application Content/Format","I downloaded the Power Point slide \"Summary Slide Template\".  I assume this is the template for the cover page. However this template is in the landscape format.  Do you want the whole concept paper submitted in the landscape format?  \n\nShould I convert this slide into a portrait format then add my 4 content pages?\n","The summary slide is a separate required document.  It is not the Concept Paper cover page.  Please refer to Sections IV.C and IV.D of the FOA."]
[16,"2015-10-31","Registration Requirements","It appears we need a control number at the top of our concept paper.  How do we get that number before we submit? ","When you click the \"Apply\" button on the FOA description, EERE Exchange will generate a Control Number for you.  The format will be 1400-XXXX."]
[15,"2015-10-30","Eligibility","We would like to apply for SunShot T2M funds, but we are just in the process of forming an incorporation and we are not sure how much time it is going to take. In order to be eligible, do we need to be incorporated at the time of the Concept Paper or is that OK if we incorporate later (but before funds are attributed)?","No, you do not need to be incorporated at the time of Concept Paper, however, you should include proof that you are in the process of incorporating.  "]
[14,"2015-10-30","Foreign Entities/Work","Do you have any other restrictions on using foreign subcontractors and suppliers? Assuming “60% Prime Recipient expenditures” rule is satisfied.","Please refer to the \"Performance of Work in the US\" sections of the FOA, specifically, Section IV.D.10 and Appendix F."]
[13,"2015-10-30","Technical Topics","In the FOA, Tier 1 is defined as “Accelerate transition of an early stage functional prototype to a lab made, manufacturing- and commercially-relevant prototype whose full functionality has been proven in all possible commercial use cases”. Is an early stage functional prototype required for Tier 1?  If we believe we can deliver manufacturing- and commercially-relevant prototype at the end of project without such a prototype, is it OK to apply for Tier 1 directly?","It is up to the applicant to decide which tier it is most appropriate to apply into based on the descriptions in the funding announcement."]
[12,"2015-10-29","Registration Requirements","I'm an ordinary citizen, not a startup/business/lab, and it looks like from the sample forms that ordinary citizens are excluded from sun shot funds, is that the case?","If you form a one-person small business you would be eligible to apply for this FOA as the prime recipient.  Please visit the US Small Business Administration website for more information on how to do this.  https://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/starting-managing-business/starting-business/choose-your-business-stru\n\nAnother option would be to partner with an existing business as part of the project team, as described in Section III.A.1 of the FOA.\n"]
[11,"2015-10-28",null,"Please list all the winners on the previous Sunshot offering in 2015 DE FOA 0001225.","A full list is available here: http://energy.gov/eere/sunshot/sunshot-technology-market-incubator-10-solarmat-3-sunpath-2 "]
[10,"2015-10-28","Webinar","What is the link for the informational webinar for the concept paper?  ","The webinar link was posted on EERE Exchange.  If you were not able to attend, please download the webinar script and slides from EERE Exchange."]
[9,"2015-10-27","Registration Requirements","I'm a private citizen, not a company with a research lab and have zero background in the field, but I've invented [content redacted].\n\nHow do I submit it?\n","Please read the FOA for information on how to submit a concept paper and full application."]
[8,"2015-10-22","Application Content/Format","The FOA specifies max levels of funding for each Tier; for example tier 2S “up to $2M in funding”. Please confirm or correct my understanding  that the stated $ amount refers to DOE funding only, and not to the total project cost that includes the cost-share.","Correct, the maximum level of funding refers to DOE funding. For $2M DOE funding, you would need to provide 50% cost share, for a total project cost of $4M."]
[7,"2015-10-20","Team Members","I am a woman owned high tech company that super polishes metals to extremely high reflectance.  I had some parts tested by NREL many years ago and was told I should team with an established solar concentrator manufacturer and NREL could assist in making an introduction.  Unfortunately, the woman researcher who had responded became ill and left NREL.\n\nI would like to turn in a concept paper for Tier 0 but would also like to team with other companies.  Is there someone that you could steer me towards to talk to about this? \n","Please contact NREL directly.  For more information, visit: http://www.nrel.gov/workingwithus/partnership-opportunities.html "]
[6,"2015-10-13","Cost Sharing","Can you clarifty the “cost share “ concept and provide an example so that I can better understand what is meant? \n\nFor instance, if you indicate cost share 20%, does that mean that  the DOE will provide up to 80% of the funds and the entrepreneur 20%, or vice versa, or something else? ","Please see Appendix B and Appendix C of the FOA for detailed examples of cost share.  Yes, 20% cost share means DOE pays 80% of the total project costs and the applicant pays 20% of the total project costs."]
[5,"2015-09-30","Foreign Entities/Work","Will it be possible for foregn entrepreneures to participate in the bid for funding a project with location in [content redacted].\n \nHave you at any time in the past provided funding opportunities to foreign entrepreneurs?\n","To apply to this FOA, foreign entities must submit a waiver request to EERE as part of the Full Application. The waiver request must include the following information:\n\n• Entity name;\n• Country of incorporation;\n• Description of the work to be performed by the entity for whom the waiver is being requested; and\n• Countries where the work will be performed.\n\nIn the waiver request, the Applicant must demonstrate to the satisfaction of EERE that it would further the purposes of this FOA and is otherwise in the interests of EERE to have a foreign entity serve as the Prime Recipient. The Contracting Officer may require additional information before considering the waiver request.  See Section III.A.3 of the FOA for details.\n"]
[4,"2015-09-26","Eligibility","We are currently a SunShot Catalyst awardee in Cohort 2, developing [content redacted]. \n\nAre we eligible for these larger Incubation awards as well? I didn't see anything in the documentation that said we would be excluded, but I wanted to double check before we put forward our letter of intent and concept paper. We will be able to meet either the Tier 1 or Tier 2 cost matching requirements. \n","This is a separate funding opportunity from the Catalyst program. Taking part in Catalyst does not prevent you from applying to this funding opportunity."]
[3,"2015-09-25","Eligibility","We were able to bring [our product] to a regional market with private funds, but are looking to the SunShot Incubator as a way to expand our program nationally. Based on our background, value to solar, and expansion plans, should we submit and attempt to receive a SunShot Incubator award? If so, does Tier 1S still apply to us since we are technically already in our early customer trials? How then would the 50% cost share work for Tier 2S?","It is up to the applicant to decide which tier it is most appropriate to apply into based on the descriptions in the funding announcement."]
[2,"2015-09-22","Application Content/Format","I have a few questions about the recently announced FOA and whether my idea will qualify under this grant opportunity.  My goal is to [content redacted].","Unfortunately, the SunShot Technology to Market program is competitive and discussions with DOE regarding prospective applications, while the announcement is open, are prohibited.  DOE cannot predetermine the suitability or viability of proposed projects in advance of the merit review process.  It is up to prospective applicants to review the requirements of the FOA and assess the merits of their proposed project to determine whether or not to apply."]
[1,"2015-09-22","Eligibility","I am interested in applying for the Sunshot Tech to Market grant, but I have never applied for a grant before. How would I know if I qualify? I'm not sure what is classified as “For profit organizations other than small businesses - Small businesses - Individuals”.","Please review Section III.A of the FOA which states, \"Only for-profit entities are eligible to apply for funding as Standalone Applicants\" and \"Only project teams led by for-profit businesses are eligible to apply for funding.\"\n"]

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