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["INSTRUCTIONS"]
[1,"All questions pertaining to this funding opportunity announcement should be emailed to FCTOFOA@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-FOA0002022 - Fiscal Year 2019 H2@Scale Funding Opportunity Announcement"]
["Question #","Date Submitted","Topic","Topic Area","Question","Answer"]
[1,"2019-03-05","Foreign Entities/Work","All","Are European companies (all foreign entities) allowed to apply?","Yes. Please review Section III.A.iii \"Foreign Entities\" as well as Appendix B of the FOA."]
[2,"2019-03-05","Eligibility","All","Are there any limitations on the number of concept papers or full proposals that a single investigator can be listed on as a co-PI or PI?","No. See Section III.G of the FOA. Note that applications should describe unique, scientifically distinct projects. While, multiple awards are possible, DOE is unlikely to fund redundant work. If a single entity is submitting more than one application, each Concept Paper/Full Application must have its own Control Number."]
[3,"2019-03-04","Eligibility","All","I have an alternative to hydrogen storage. […] Does this concept fall under your funding?","The FOA is comprehensive and designed to allow prospective applicants to assess their proposed projects versus the requirements and criteria of the FOA.  The Department of Energy cannot predetermine the suitability or viability of a proposal in advance of the merit review process.  It is up to prospective applicants to review the requirements of the FOA and assess the merits of their proposed project to determine whether to submit an application.  "]
[4,"2019-03-07","Due Dates","3: H2@Scale Pilot","Do you still accept business entries on the Topic 3 Teaming Partner list?","Per the Topic 3 Teaming Arrangements section of the FOA: “The Teaming Partner List will be updated at least weekly until the close of the Full Application period, to reflect new Teaming Partners who have provided their information. Any organization that would like to be included on this list should submit the following information to FCTOFOA@ee.doe.gov, with the subject line “Teaming Partner Information”: Organization Name, Contact Name, Contact Address, Contact Email, Contact Phone, Organization Type, Area of Technical Expertise, and Brief Description of Capabilities.”    "]
[5,"2019-03-08","Eligibility","All","My company is developing a reactor that will produce $1.5/gge H2 (as produced) at commercialization. […] Our technology does not fit within the Topic Areas of the FOA even though we could fulfill the objectives of the H2@Scale program. Please advise how we should proceed.","See Question 3 above. Additionally, see Section I.C. \"Applications Specifically Not of Interest\". While applications that fall outside the technical parameters of the FOA will be deemed nonresponsive, a process exists for submission of self-generated unsolicited proposals. Further information is available at the website linked in the FOA."]
[6,"2019-03-08","Application Content/Format","2A: Advanced Water Splitting Materials(HydroGEN)","Do we need to identify all the HydroGen nodes/supernodes and receive some kind of support letter for the concept paper?","Letters of support are not required from the HydroGEN labs as the labs will work with selected projects pending negotiations and DOE approval. The FOA topic states “…applications should clearly identify the specific HydroGEN capabilities they would like to utilize”. Applicants are encouraged to visit the HydroGEN website (https://www.h2awsm.org/) to identify consortium nodes that would benefit their project. However, if selected for award negotiations, there will be an opportunity during award negotiations to consider other capabilities not identified in the application process. "]
[7,"2019-03-08","Labs/FFRDCs","2A: Advanced Water Splitting Materials(HydroGEN)","Concerning the nodes, I would like to approach [...] from LANL. However, he is not listed as one of the capability experts. Am I allowed to engage him as a substitute for a node on this project? If he expresses interest to work with us on this project, what steps should I instruct him to take that will be compliant with the AWSM procedures?","The HydroGEN consortium, established by EERE/FCTO under the DOE’s EMN, comprises six core national laboratories: the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) - lead, Sandia National Laboratory (SNL), Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), and Savanah River National Laboratory (SRNL). For topic 2A, collaborations with Labs outside the HydroGEN Core Labs should be treated as subcontracts with the proposed scope and budget included in the application. "]
[8,"2019-03-11","Technical Topics","2A: Advanced Water Splitting Materials(HydroGEN)","Topic 2a includes Low Temperature Electrolysis (LTE) and High Temperature Electrolysis (HTE), however temperature ranges for either are not defined.  While LTE typically refers to PEM temperatures (~80C) and HTE typically refers to SO temperatures (~ 700C – 800C), the materials and temperature are not defined in FOA DE-FOA-0002022.  Is there interest in intermediate temperature electrolysis from 200 – 500 C, and do those systems fit into this FOA?  Would they be considered LTE or HTE? \n\nWhat are the temperature ranges for respective Low Temperature Electrolysis (LTE) and High Temperature Electrolysis (HTE)? ","Electrolysis technologies operating in the 200°C-500°C temperature range are of interest. For this FOA, technologies operating above 200°C are classified as high temperature electrolysis and below 200°C are classified as low temperature electrolysis."]
[9,"2019-03-11","Application Reviews","2B: Affordable Biological H2","Does this topic only cover direct hydrogen production via microbial processes  or also include in-direct hydrogen production via microbial processes? For example, bio-gas (CH4+CO2) can be produced from biowastes via microbial processes and then converted into hydrogen via a compact low-cost reactor so that the overall H2 production cost can be fairly low. Does such kind of technical approach fit to the topic scope?","This topic is focused on direct hydrogen production via microbial processes  and does not include in-direct hydrogen production via microbial processes to intermediates followed by further conversion processes to hydrogen."]
[10,"2019-03-12","Application Content/Format","All","Does the FCTO have an NDA template available to facilitate exchanging technical information between partners for the proposal preparation?","EERE does not provide an NDA template – it is the recipient’s responsibility to develop NDAs with their team members if needed.  However, the FOA does include links to the standard NDA used by lab-based consortia (i.e. HyMARC, H-Mat, HydroGEN) required of all awardees selected to work with those consortia.  "]
[11,"2019-03-12","Cost Sharing","All","Assuming 50% of the project cost will be funded by DOE with the remaining 50% covered by project partner cost share, would any physical assets produced from the project (electrolyers, H2 fueling stations, H2 fuel cells, etc.) be able to be used commercially by the project team after the project has ended or would full ownership/control of all assets need to be returned to the DOE? If some asset ownership needs to be returned to the DOE, would only 50% of the value of the assets (following depreciation) need to be given back to the DOE if the project team kept all assets for commercial use after the project ends? Can the handover/management of assets be negotiated with DOE in the project contract?","Subject to the conditions provided in 2 CFR  200.313, title to equipment (property) acquired under a Federal award will conditionally vest upon acquisition with the non-Federal entity.  The non-Federal entity cannot encumber this property and must follow the requirements of 2 CFR  200.313 before disposing of the property.\nA state must use equipment acquired under a Federal award by the state in accordance with state laws and procedures.\nEquipment must be used by the non-Federal entity in the program or project for which it was acquired as long as it is needed, whether or not the project or program continues to be supported by the Federal award. When no longer needed for the originally authorized purpose, the equipment may be used by programs supported by DOE in the priority order specified in 2 CFR 200.313(c)(1)(i) and (ii).\nManagement requirements, including inventory and control systems, for equipment are provided in 2 CFR 200.313(d).\nWhen equipment acquired under a Federal award is no longer needed, the non-Federal entity must obtain disposition instructions from DOE or pass-through entity.\nDisposition will be made as follows: (1) items of equipment with a current fair market value of $5,000 or less may be retained, sold, or otherwise disposed of with no further obligation to DOE; (2) Non-Federal entity may retain title or sell the equipment after compensating DOE as described in 2 CFR 200.313(e)(2); or (3) transfer title to DOE or to an eligible third party as specified in 2 CFR 200.313(e)(3).\nSee 2 CFR 200.313 for additional requirements pertaining to equipment acquired under a Federal award.  Also see 2 CFR 910.360 for additional requirements for equipment for For-Profit recipients. See also 2 CFR 200.439 Equipment and other capital expenditures. "]
[12,"2019-03-12","Eligibility","3: H2@Scale Pilot","Would Puerto Rico be an acceptable region to deploy a pilot project under this topic?","There are no regional restrictions specified in the FOA. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.90 defines Puerto Rico as a State. A Foreign Work Waiver would not be required."]
[13,"2019-03-12","Cost Sharing","All","I want to know whether Cost Sharing is required or not because we are institutions of higher education and Non-Profits. \nIf it does apply to us, is it mandatory? I wonder if I can receive a guidance for possibly submitting a request for a cost share waiver.  ","Cost share is required for all applicants. DOE's financial assistance regulations have not been amended to implement the \"Short-Term Cost-Share Pilot Program\". Additionally, a FOA wide cost share waiver is not in effect for this FOA. Individual applicants cannot apply for a cost share waiver. "]
[14,"2019-03-13","Eligibility","3: H2@Scale Pilot","Can a municipal utility owned by the citizens of  a city be a lead on Topic 3 of this FOA?","No. Projects under Topic 3 must be “industry-led\".  Per Section III.B of the FOA, “Only industry (for-profit) applicants are eligible to apply as prime recipients to Topic 3 in this FOA; however, all entities are eligible to participate as subrecipients.”  Per the Topic 3 Teaming Arrangements section, an effective application will include multi-disciplinary teams across the entire energy production to end-use value chain.  Any organization that would like to be included on the Topic 3 Teaming Partner List should submit the following information to FCTOFOA@ee.doe.gov, with the subject line “Teaming Partner Information”: Organization Name, Contact Name, Contact Address, Contact Email, Contact Phone, Organization Type, Area of Technical Expertise, and Brief Description of Capabilities."]
[15,"2019-03-13","Technical Topics","2B: Affordable Biological H2","Topic 2B says “Hybrid Systems” will qualify for this proposal. Could you please elaborate on what this Hybrid system might consist of? It just says systems to maximize the hydrogen production.\nJust as an example, any other hydrogen producing technology in tandem with microbial hydrogen production qualifies for this?","The majority of the hydrogen production (> 50%) and focus of the project should be on microbial processes for hydrogen production, but other process steps coupled with this could be part of the “hybrid system” and part of the project scope."]
[16,"2019-03-14","Technical Topics","All","Topics 2A, 2B, and 2C target a \"long-term high-volume hydrogen production cost goal of <$2/gge.\" Does that cost include compression or liquefaction of the hydrogen? ","The long-term high-volume hydrogen production cost goal of < $2/gge should include the complete system hydrogen production cost for purified, 300 psi compressed gas as laid out in the Hydrogen Production Chapter of the MYRDD. Liquefaction, additional compression, delivery costs etc. are not included. "]
[17,"2019-03-15","Application Content/Format","All","When submitting a concept paper with an over-target proposal Page 34 of the FOA document explains that “A high-level summary of proposed over-target activities should also be included in the Concept Paper,” but page 52 of the FOA where the concept paper requirements are outlined, does not indicate where the high-level summary should be included. Where should over-target summaries be placed in the Concept Paper? Is the page limit increased if an over-target summary is included?","It is up to the applicant to determine how best to propose the concept paper so that it best addresses the requirements of the FOA and the topic area in question. The high-level summary of proposed over-target activities may be included in either the Technical Description or the Addendum. The page limits are unchanged."]
[18,"2019-03-16","Technical Topics","2D: Reversible Fuel Cell Component","Is there a minimum number of cells in the stack for topic 2D?  Would a single 1 KW cell meet the requirements?   How about a 2 cell “stack”?","The 1 kW reversible fuel cell stack must consist of at least 2 cells."]
[19,"2019-03-18","Cost Sharing","All","Regarding “Statement of Substantial Involvement” on p.6 & p.82, refer section  VI B. ix  –  Please provide the regulation or statute that provides this authority to a federal entity to share the control of a project especially when the cost-share is 50% (or more) under topic 3. As a private industry that is vested in this technology, the cost to bring the technology to market is significantly higher for the business entity than the cost-share from DOE.","Substantial Involvement between a Federal awarding agency and a recipient is the defining feature of a Cooperative Agreement. Cooperative Agreements are a legal instrument defined in 2 CFR 200.24. See [http://energy.gov/gc/standard-intellectual-property-ip-provisions-financial-assistance-awards] for Intellectual Property provisions applicable to various types of recipients."]
[20,"2019-03-18","Application Content/Format","1B: H‐Mat Materials Compatibility Consortium R&D ","Concept paper for topic 1B of DE FOA-0002022.  The question we have is whether the concept paper should focus on: a) a single subject and investigate it from multiple directions or b) multiple subjects.  For instance, is it advisable that we focus on a single material that will impact strength, toughness, and cost or focus on multiple materials for pressure vessels and investigate relevant challenges? ","Each concept paper should reflect the work that would be proposed in one proposal.  To that end, if your proposal concept is to explore multiple materials, please write your concept paper accordingly.  Alternatively, if you intend to explore one material, please write your proposal to that end.  You are welcome to submit multiple concept papers to receive feedback on both approaches."]
[21,"2019-03-19","Application Content/Format","All","Can the summary be on the cover page?  ","Concept Papers must conform to the requirements, as detailed in Section IV.C.i of the FOA. Page limits will be enforced for each section."]
[22,"2019-03-19","Cost Sharing","All","Section F.i.4 states that the applicant’s cost share is based on the total cost of the project.  Is cost share required for work that is performed by the Energy Materials Network node capability services at the core FFRDC’s?","Proposed budgets should not include funds associated with EMN resources. Cost share is not required for these capability services."]
[23,"2019-03-19","Cost Sharing","3: H2@Scale Pilot","Does the over target activities funding that is available under topic 3 require the same 50% cost share?","Applicants should plan on providing 50% cost share for over-target funding activities."]
[24,"2019-03-19","Cost Sharing","3: H2@Scale Pilot","Can the topic 3 over target funding be used to fulfill part of the 50% cost share required by the award recipient?","No. Over-Target funding would be additional federal funding and would require additional non-federal cost share."]
[25,"2019-03-19","Eligibility","All","I own two companies.  Would a proposal where one company leads, but the second company also does part of the work be a problem given the conflict of interest?","Review the Procurement Standards of 2 CFR 200. Sections 200.317 through 200.326. If selected for award, any conflicts of interest will be disclosed and mitigated in negotiations."]
[26,"2019-03-19","Technical Topics","2A: Advanced Water Splitting Materials(HydroGEN)","How do I identify the people that I am proposing to interact with?  Do I just say the LTE supernode or provide specific names?","EERE encourages applicants to familiarize themselves with HydroGEN node capabilities through the  https://www.h2awsm.org/capabilities website.  Applicants interested in further engaging with HydroGEN nodes should first contact the h2awsm@nrel.gov email address with questions about using specific nodes, or requests for information on types of nodes most relevant to a given research pathway.  Relevant node and contact information will be provided through an email reply.  EERE encourages applicants preparing proposals to list by priority the HydroGEN nodes they would like to leverage with the understanding that the applicant is to perform the majority of the research effort, and that depending on DOE resources and the level of availability of each consortium node, EERE may de-scope or negotiate this list during award negotiation. "]
[27,"2019-03-20","Technical Topics","2D: Reversible Fuel Cell Component","Topic 2A states on page 20: \"While applications should clearly identify the specific HydroGEN capabilities they would like to utilize, applicants should not include the cost of using HydroGEN nodes in their proposed budget or provide a detailed explanation of the HydroGEN scope of work. DOE will provide access to nodes in HydroGEN at no cost to the selected projects based on award negotiations. EERE encourages applicants to list by priority the HydroGEN nodes they would like to leverage with the understanding that the applicant is to perform the majority of the research effort. Depending on DOE resources and the level of availability of each consortium node, EERE may de-scope or negotiate this list during award negotiation.\"\n\nIt would help to clarify if a similar opportunity exists not just for Topic 2A, but also for Topic 2D.  It would help to understand if Teams can be assembled for Topic 2D that rely on the HydroGEN capabilities, with DOE covering these HydroGEN node costs directly in a similar manner to that described for Topic 2A.","For Topic 2D, DOE will NOT cover HydroGEN node costs directly in a similar manner to that described for Topic 2A.  The costs for utilization of any national lab resources (e.g. as a subcontractor) for applications submitted to Topic 2D will need to be included in the budget submitted and will be included in the maximum total DOE funding of $2,000,000 per project for this topic."]
[28,"2019-03-19","Application Content/Format","All","Regarding the concept paper page limits: it says on page 52 that “Applicants may provide graphs, charts, or other data to supplement their Technology Description.” Would this be in addition to the 3-page technical description and 1-page Addendum on the project team?  ","Applicants may provide graphs, charts, or other data to supplement their Technology Description within the 1-page Addendum. The 1-page Addendum is in addition to the 3-page technical description. "]
[29,"2019-03-20","Eligibility","All","We would like to apply for the FOA H2@scale FOA (Topic Area 2C) with a “University” as the primary institution (recipient) a “For-Profit” as subrecipient.  My question is whether we can apply through these two entities?","See FOA Section III.A. “Eligible Applicants” and FOA Section III.B. “Ineligible Applicants” for Eligibility Information.   "]
[30,"2019-03-19","Application Content/Format","All","It would help to clarify if the U.S. DOE national lab consortium \"node\" participants should be listed in the concept paper on the cover page (page 1) under \"names of all team member organizations\".","No, the nodes should not be included on the concept paper cover page under team member organizations."]
[31,"2019-03-19","Application Content/Format","All","Please clarify if the U.S. DOE national lab consortium \"node\" participants should be discussed in the concept paper in the Addendum (page 5) under \"capabilities of the proposed Project Team\".  On page 52, the call for proposals lists several bullet points under \"Addendum\", such as \"Whether the Principal Investigator (PI) and Project Team have the skill and expertise needed to successfully execute the project plan.\"  For the purpose of addressing these bullet points, should the applicant's response in the Concept Paper also include the skill and expertise, capabilities, etc. of the U.S. DOE national lab consortium \"node\" participants?","EERE encourages applicants preparing proposals to list by priority the HydroGEN nodes they would like to leverage with the understanding that the applicant is to perform the majority of the research effort, and that depending on DOE resources and the level of availability of each consortium node, EERE may de-scope or negotiate this list during award negotiation. This list can be provided in the 3 page body of the concept paper or the addendum. The applicant only needs to include the name of the node to identify which ones they would like to utilize as the skill, expertise, capabilities are described on the webpage. "]
[32,"2019-03-21","Technical Topics","3: H2@Scale Pilot","For Topic 3, specifically as it relates to Figure 4 on page 28 of the FOA, is steam methane reforming of natural gas provided by a grid an eligible H2 production technology assuming integration with H2 distribution (storage, delivery, etc.) and end-use in one of the many target applications that the FOA describes (fuel cells, datacenters, iron reduction, etc.)? Or, if reforming is the process of choice for H2 production, does it need to be for a waste hydrocarbon source like biogas or landfill gas to be considered eligible?","Natural gas reforming is an eligible production option. However, since steam methane reforming (SMR) is a commercial technology, applicants that include it in their proposal are encouraged to incorporate advancements to the current state-of-the-art, and/or ensure that it is integrated with other systems in an innovative manner, as described on p. 29 of the FOA."]
[33,"2019-03-22","Eligibility","3: H2@Scale Pilot","Is there any way a non-for-profit Industry (large Municipal Utility)…would be eligible to lead Topic 3? On page 43 of the RFP it states that iii. Non-Industry Applicants, Only industry (for-profit) applicants are eligible to apply as prime recipients to Topic 3 in this FOA; however, all entities are eligible to participate as subrecipients. Does this mean an electric utility is not eligible?","In the context of this FOA Topic 3, “industry applicant” refers specifically to for-profit entities (per Section III.B of the FOA). All other entities are able to participate on applications as subrecipients. EERE is compiling a Teaming Partner List to facilitate the widest possible national participation in the formation of applicant teams for Topic 3. Any organization that would like to be included on this list should submit the following information to FCTOFOA@ee.doe.gov, with the subject line “Teaming Partner Information”: Organization Name, Contact Name, Contact Address, Contact Email, Contact Phone, Organization Type, Area of Technical Expertise, and Brief Description of Capabilities. Organizations that have submitted this information are listed  in the Teaming Partner List that is available on EERE Exchange at https://eere-Exchange.energy.gov under FOA DE-FOA-0002022."]
[34,"2019-03-25","Application Content/Format","All","I am trying to figure out the template for the concept paper. Can you point me to a template, or the concept paper requirements.","On the Exchange FOA landing page, the \"Required Application Documents\" section includes the following templates for Full Applications: \nSF-424; SOPO; Budget Justification; Summary Slide; SF-LLL.  \nThe remainder of the full application submission requirements and the Concept Paper do not have templates/forms and must conform to the requirements of the FOA, including page limits and formatting. See Sections IV.A - D of the FOA for content requirements and formatting."]
[35,"2019-03-25","Eligibility","All","We would like to submit a Concept Paper on a unique proposed solution for a hydrogen safety sensor.  Please advise if we should submit to Topic 1 or Topic 2?","See answer to Questions 3 above. If a single entity is submitting more than one application, each Concept Paper/Full Application must have its own Control Number."]
[36,"2019-03-24","Eligibility","All","I am writing to clarify which concepts will be considered responsive to the Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0002022 topic 2C: co-production of H2 and value-added byproducts.  \nWould … be considered a responsive application to this FOA if it can produce H2 at the target of $2/gge?","See response to Q&A number 3: The FOA posted at EERE eXCHANGE is comprehensive and designed to allow prospective applicants to assess their proposed projects versus the requirements and criteria of the FOA.  The Department of Energy cannot predetermine the suitability or viability of a proposal in advance of the merit review process.  It is up to prospective applicants to review the requirements of the FOA and assess the merits of their proposed project to determine whether to submit an application.  The referenced FOA documents are only available through the EERE eXCHANGE website at: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/ "]
[37,"2019-03-26","Eligibility","All","We would like to submit a proposal for DE-FOA-0002022 that complements a proposal we are participating in for a grant from the Canadian government.  Are there any restrictions on proposals that complement/overlap funding from other opportunities?","There are no restrictions at the proposal/application stage. However, if selected for negotiation of an award, applicants will be required to disclose potential overlap with other applications.  "]
[38,"2019-03-26","Application Content/Format","All","I am wondering if there is a template we should follow for the Concept Paper; and where I can download it?","There is not a template for the Concept Paper.  See Section IV.C of the FOA for Concept Paper content requirements.  "]
[39,"2019-03-26","Eligibility","3: H2@Scale Pilot","I have a partner organization in the UK … that was wondering how they can co-write or help us out with this Topic #3. Can they participate with my company here in the US? or are they discouraged because they aren't located in the States?","A foreign entity may receive funding as a subrecipient.  See Section III (Eligibility Information) and Section IV.k.iii (Performance of Work in the United States) of the FOA for additional information."]
[40,"2019-03-24","Technical Topics","All","If we plan to include one or more capability nodes we wish to use in our concept paper, are we allowed to communicate about the content of our concept paper with the HydroGEN network, and National Labs who are members of it?","See response to Q&A #26: EERE encourages applicants to familiarize themselves with HydroGEN node capabilities through the  https://www.h2awsm.org/capabilities website.  Applicants interested in further engaging with HydroGEN nodes should first contact the h2awsm@nrel.gov email address with questions about using specific nodes, or requests for information on types of nodes most relevant to a given research pathway.  Relevant node and contact information will be provided through an email reply.  EERE encourages applicants preparing proposals to list by priority the HydroGEN nodes they would like to leverage with the understanding that the applicant is to perform the majority of the research effort, and that depending on DOE resources and the level of availability of each consortium node, EERE may de-scope or negotiate this list during award negotiation."]
[41,"2019-03-28","Application Content/Format","All","In the EERE Concept Paper Submissions website under the TEAM MEMBERS tab you ask “Please list each organization that you will be teamed with to perform the proposed research and development project. The contact information for the lead technical point of contact at each organization is required. The Total Percent Effort of the Project is comprised of the percentage of the project performed by the lead organization and all team member percentages.” Does this include any HydroGEN consortium members we think we might like to use as part of our proposed R&D project?","See response to Q&A number 30: No, the nodes should not be included on the concept paper cover page under team member organizations."]
[42,"2019-03-29","Eligibility","All","I want to submit a concept paper to the recent FOA-0002022 call. We have found an efficient and cost-effective ... However, I did not see anything similar in the currently funded projects. could you give us any suggestions on which topic areas our project might fit into better?","See response to Q&A number 3:  The FOA posted at EERE eXCHANGE is comprehensive and designed to allow prospective applicants to assess their proposed projects versus the requirements and criteria of the FOA.  The Department of Energy cannot predetermine the suitability or viability of a proposal in advance of the merit review process.  It is up to prospective applicants to review the requirements of the FOA and assess the merits of their proposed project to determine whether to submit an application.  The referenced FOA documents are only available through the EERE eXCHANGE website at: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/"]
[43,"2019-03-29","Application Content/Format","All","The FOA says: “References must be included as footnotes or endnotes in a font size of 10 or larger. Footnotes and endnotes are counted toward the maximum page requirement”, without designating a section. Does the page count on this topic refer to a specific question. I currently have references on the Addendum section, which has a 1 page limit. On that page, within the 1-pg limit of that section, I succinctly address the questions of that section, include 1 figure and the references for the concept paper. Or do the references have to be included in the Technical Description and Impacts section3- page limit? ","The instructions regarding references applies to all applicant submissions.  Any footnotes and endnotes are counted toward the maximum page requirement specified for each submission. Concept Paper references may be included in either the Technical Description or Addendum."]
[44,"2019-03-29","Application Content/Format","2A: Advanced Water Splitting Materials(HydroGEN)","I am applying to Topic 2A, which relies on the HydroGEN node consortium. Should I list the NREL nodes that I am participating with on the Team Member page of the application under “Other Organizations”?","See response to Q&A number 30: No, the nodes should not be included on the concept paper cover page under team member organizations. "]
[45,"2019-03-31","Cost Sharing","3: H2@Scale Pilot","Our project is likely to have multiple sites, to help evaluate business model aspects of different customers at the multiple sites. We intend the activities from both sites will meet the demonstration goals of Topic 3. If DOE funding is sought primarily for one of these sites, can our costs incurred for activities toward the project, but at the other site, be considered for cost-share?","For Topic 3, the cost share must be at least 50% of the total allowable costs (i.e., the sum of the Government share, including FFRDC costs if applicable, and the recipient share of allowable costs equals the total allowable cost of the project). The amount contributed by individual project team members (or sites) may vary, as long as the cost share requirement for the project as a whole is met."]
[46,"2019-04-01","Technical Topics","2C: Co-production of H2","Although 2C is not one of the Topics that expressly mentions being in collaboration with HydroGEN supernodes, we feel there are potential opportunities to collaborate with some of the nodes, specifically \"Techno-Economic Analysis of Hydrogen Production\", \"Ab Initio Modeling of Electrochemical Interfaces\", and \"Fabrication and Characterization of Electro-catalyst and Electrolyzer Components for Hydrogen Production\". Would it be appropriate to mention these nodes in the Concept Paper application? Also, regarding the budget, would part of the funding need to be allocated towards those nodes as a sub-contractor?","For Topic 2C, DOE will NOT cover HydroGEN node costs directly in a similar manner to that described for Topic 2A.  The costs for utilization of any national lab resources (e.g. as a subcontractor) for applications submitted to Topic 2C will need to be included in the budget submitted and will be included in the maximum total DOE funding of $1,000,000 per project for this topic."]
[47,"2019-04-01","Eligibility","All","Would EERE consider superheated steam plasma as a \"innovative hydrogen carrier\" under topic 1A? Does EERE consider any application outside of the 4 pathways not of interest?","The FOA is comprehensive and designed to allow prospective applicants to assess their proposed projects versus the requirements and criteria of the FOA.  The Department of Energy cannot predetermine the suitability or viability of a proposal in advance of the merit review process.  It is up to prospective applicants to review the requirements of the FOA, identify the applicable topic area, assess the merits of their proposed project, and determine whether to submit an application. "]
[48,"2019-04-01","Cost Sharing","All","A university will be the lead with a national lab as a team member. At the EERE website we’re asked to enter the project costs and the cost share, following the FOA’s formula on how to calculate the 20% cost share. Because the national laboratory will be funded directly by DOE should we advance to a full application and subsequent award, my question is: Are we to enter the University + FFRDC costs (total project costs) at the EERE website for the concept paper?","The total project cost, including the national laboratory (FFRDC) costs, should be entered in Exchange."]
[49,"2019-03-29","Eligibility","2B: Affordable Biological H2","For feedstock, the topic mentions biomass including wastes.  Are there specific feedstocks that are not of interest? On biomass side, are pyrolysates and hydrolysates derived from corn-stover acceptable? Additionally, is food waste acceptable? Finally, is industrial food/beverage high strength wastewater acceptable?","The FOA is comprehensive and designed to allow prospective applicants to assess their proposed projects versus the requirements and criteria of the FOA.  The feedstock options in question generally fall within the FOA topic parameters. Program interest can best be gauged through the Concept Paper stage of the FOA. Concept papers that are discouraged indicate a lack of programmatic interest in the proposed project with the intention of saving the applicant the time and expense of preparing an application that is unlikely to be selected for award negotiations. Further, applicants should refer to see Section I.C. \"Applications Specifically Not of Interest\" when assessing responsiveness of their proposed approach. While applications that fall outside the technical parameters of the FOA will be deemed nonresponsive, a process exists for submission of self-generated unsolicited proposals. Further information is available at the website linked in the FOA."]
[50,"2019-04-02","Technical Topics","2C: Co-production of H2","Regarding Topic Area 2C. It is mentioned in the description that the amount of H2 to be produced should be 1,000 kg per day (corresponding to 1 tonne per day) up to 100 tonnes per day. However, it is also mentioned that the for cost estimation that we should use a production rate of 1,000,000 tonnes per year (which corresponds to about 2,778 tonnes per day). With our technology we can produce up to a maximum of 30 tonnes of H2 per day without saturating the market with the sale of the byproduct. (In order words, for the cost determination, if we assume a production of 1,000,000 tonnes per year the market will be saturated with our value-added by-product). My question: Can we still apply even if we can only produce 30 tonnes of H2 per day?","You are eligible to apply and submit a Concept Paper; however, please note that for Topic Area 2C there is a clear emphasis on technologies applicable to a hydrogen production level of at least 1 million tonnes per year."]
[51,"2019-04-02","Application Content/Format","2B: Affordable Biological H2","We are interested in Topic 2B. Based on the FOA, we believe we should include a TEA component in the application. However, what about LCA? Is it also required? Or at least preferable to include? What is the criteria for the project goal from the LCA standpoint?","As stated in the FOA: “Applicants should consider the projected impact of the proposed innovation on hydrogen cost based on available techno-economic and lifecycle assessments and studies.” TEA and LCA components are not required in the application, but applicants should include a discussion of the projected impact of the innovation on the cost and benefits of hydrogen.  "]
[52,"2019-04-02","Application Content/Format","1B: H‐Mat Materials Compatibility Consortium R&D ","DE-FOA-0002022, topic 1-B, requires collaboration with an H-mat institution. When submitting a concept paper, should the collaborating H-mat institution be listed under the “team members” tab? Should it be listed as a 0% effort collaborator?","Under Topic 1B, Applicants must describe how they will collaborate with H-Mat in their proposal; however, the H-Mat core labs should NOT be included on the concept paper cover page under team member organizations."]
[53,"2019-04-02","Application Content/Format","2A: Advanced Water Splitting Materials(HydroGEN)","My university will be the lead with four national lab members as team members for HydroGEN consortium. Do I have to include the team members to: \n1) “Team Members” section in EERE concept paper application\n2) if “1” is yes, do I have to put “percent of project” in the “Organization Table”\n3) Also should I add the team members’ a) project costs, b) cost sharing in the EERE website to my project cost and my cost share? I am told that the rules for HydroGEN are different than FFRDC. Can you please clarify? ","For Topic 2A, the HydroGEN core labs should not be included on the concept paper cover page under team member organizations.  Per the FOA Topic 2A: \"While applications should clearly identify the specific HydroGEN capabilities they would like to utilize, applicants should not include the cost of using HydroGEN nodes in their proposed budget or provide a detailed explanation of the HydroGEN scope of work. DOE will provide access to nodes in HydroGEN at no cost to the selected projects based on award negotiations. EERE encourages applicants to list by priority the HydroGEN nodes they would like to leverage with the understanding that the applicant is to perform the majority of the research effort. Depending on DOE resources and the level of availability of each consortium node, EERE may de-scope or negotiate this list during award negotiation.\" Note: Any non-HydroGEN labs should be treated as sub-recipients, and included on team member list and in the project budget."]
[54,"2019-04-03","Eligibility","3: H2@Scale Pilot","We are wondering whether a project of this nature -- researching the novel integration, modification, enhancement, and co-functioning of multiple higher-TRL units, as opposed to low-TRL research on an individual novel technology -- would be considered responsive to this FOA. We believe the TRL of the integrated/unified system is low, although the TRL levels of the individual components are relatively high.","Topic 3 seeks applications to target innovative systems that integrate end-to-end elements of hydrogen production, storage and distribution, and dispensing pathway. As stated in the FOA, “Projects may include the use of multiple advanced technologies while focusing on innovative, efficient and viable integration of these technologies with other steps in the hydrogen fuel pathway. Systems integration R&D is a key component of the FOA topic and innovative integration R&D and demonstrations are a priority.”  See FOA Topic 3 description for additional information. Note: Concepts that can only generate incremental improvements in existing commercial processes (e.g., Haber Bosch or Fischer-Tropsch) are not of interest.\n\nThe FOA is comprehensive and designed to allow prospective applicants to assess their proposed projects versus the requirements and criteria of the FOA.  The Department of Energy cannot predetermine the suitability or viability of a proposal in advance of the merit review process.  It is up to prospective applicants to review the requirements of the FOA and assess the merits of their proposed project to determine whether to submit an application."]
[55,"2019-04-03","Application Content/Format","All","What would be the typical cost of an audit as mentioned in the latest H2@scale call text?","A Compliance/Single audit is performed by an independent auditor to audit financial statements, test internal controls, determine compliance with statute, regulation, and Terms and Conditions of selected federal awards, including an examination of project costs. Costs for audits are most typically included as an allocated indirect cost but are allowable as a direct cost, if applicable. Costs vary widely based on recipient type, size, auditor, and other factors. DOE does not perform these audits and cannot predetermine specific costs. If selected for award, budget negotiations may revise costs to reflect known variables."]
[56,"2019-04-03","Application Content/Format","All","Regarding the concept paper submission, it does not appear to require that the team indicate how the grant funding would be allocated to complete the project over its duration (example: 3 yr timeline with allocation of $1M to be distributed by X amount per phase).  However, on submitting the concept paper, it requests the member to submit the amount requested as well as states 20% to be funded through other means.  Should the concept paper include the financial considerations, how the funds will be distributed per project phase, and rationale (for example, as part of the performance targets discussion)?  I had initially interpreted performance targets to be strictly technical in nature and have not included any discussion on financials at this time. ","The Concept Paper Criterion states that applicants describe the impact that EERE funding would have on the proposed project within the Technical Description. EERE Exchange requires values for both “Federal Share (DOE)” and “Non-Federal Share” on the Funds and Costs tab in order to submit the Concept Paper. These values may be revised as full budgets are finalized in the Full Application phase."]
[57,"2019-04-03","Application Content/Format","All","For concept paper submission do we need to include budget and justification? If yes, does it count towards the 3-page limit or is it extra?","Budgets are not required for the concept paper. "]
[58,"2019-04-03","Application Content/Format","All","For concept submission, is it necessary to identify cost-sharing sources?","Cost sharing sources are not required with the Concept Paper. The Full Application does require letters of commitment and that cost share contributions and providers be specified in the project budget."]
[59,"2019-04-04","Application Content/Format","All","If the concept paper contains no proprietary information, do we need to include a statement on the cover page that none is contained? I noticed on page 52 that we should include \"any statements regarding confidentiality\", but should we note on the cover page that no confidential statements are contained?","A confidentiality statement is not required if it is not applicable."]
[60,"2019-04-04","Application Content/Format","All","In the Exchange system, there is a tab, Funds and Costs, requesting total budget information. Is this a cost we will be held to if invited for a full application? ","See answer to Question 56 above."]
[61,"2019-04-05","Foreign Entities/Work","All","Can a Canadian company be a subrecipient of grant funds when they participate as a primary project component provider?","Yes. A foreign entity may receive funding as a subrecipient. Review Section III.A.iii \"Foreign Entities\" as well as Appendix B. 2 \"Waiver for Performance of Work in the United States (Foreign Work Waiver)\""]
[62,"2019-04-17","Registration Requirements","All","We had an issue logging in to EERE Exchange.","Questions related to the registration process and use of the EERE Exchange website including any technical problems should be submitted to: \nEERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov.\nThe Exchange website's login screen has \"Forgot your Username?\" and \"Forgot your Password?\" links for user assistance."]
[63,"2019-04-24","Technical Topics","2D: Reversible Fuel Cell Component","Can you please clarify the requirements for the RFC prototype validation in Topic 2D?","Regarding Topic 2D, it is NOT sufficient to only demonstrate a >1 kW RFC stack in a stack test stand.  A RFC prototype system demonstration/validation aspect will be required in order to be selected for negotiation of an award.  The prototype system does not have to be a fully packaged, autonomous system; a breadboard system could be sufficient.  Ideally, as stated in the FOA, the proposal should “include an RFC prototype that is a complete system instrumented to allow for determination of system level parameters such as roundtrip system efficiency.”"]
[64,"2019-04-29","Application Reviews","All","We were discouraged from submitting a full proposal.  Would it be possible to receive a debriefing on this decision? \n\nWill the FCTO conduct the same review process (and the following selection procedure) on the Full Application with the discouraged Concept Paper as other Full Applications with encouraged Concept Papers?","Other than the encourage/discourage decision, no further feedback will be provided. There is not an opportunity for a debrief on specific concept papers. As stated in the FOA, an applicant who receives a “discouraged” notification may still submit a Full Application. EERE will review all eligible Full Applications. However, 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."]
[65,"2019-04-25","Application Content/Format","All","The FAO says the SOPO template is on the EERE website but I don't see it. Can you give me the location?","On the Exchange FOA landing page, the \"Required Application Documents\" section includes the following templates for Full Applications: \nSF-424; SOPO; Budget Justification; Summary Slide; SF-LLL.  \nThe remainder of the full application submission requirements and the Concept Paper do not have templates/forms and must conform to the requirements of the FOA, including page limits and formatting."]
[66,"2019-04-26","Application Content/Format","1B: H‐Mat Materials Compatibility Consortium R&D ","We are responding to Topic 1B, and will describe our plans to collaborate with an H-Mat lab in the proposal. Given that the H-Mat labs are funded separately, how should we account for their participation in milestones and go/no-go decision points? Should we design milestones and go/no-go decision points so that they are not dependent on performing a certain activity at an H-Mat lab?","Each awardee will gain access to up to $500,000 of resources at the H-Mat national labs. Applicants are encouraged to describe the collaboration desired within the scope of work in the proposal, including in milestones and go/no-go decision points. The final scope of the H-Mat labs will be negotiated after projects are awarded, but is not expected to change substantially from the collaboration outlined in an awardee’s proposal. However, since the H-Mat labs will be funded separately, applicants should not include their funding within the proposed budget."]
[67,"2019-04-29","Application Content/Format","All","The FFRDC Contractor Authorization letter that’s required should be addressed to whom, name and mailing address, please?","Address for Cost Share Commitment and FFRDC Authorization:\nDOE Contracting Officer\nGolden Field Office\n15013 Denver West Parkway\nGolden CO, 80401"]
[68,"2019-04-29","Application Content/Format","All","Once a concept paper has been accepted can we change the team to include additional team members as co-Pi and/or sub-awardees in the full proposal?","Yes, additional team members may be included as subrecipients in the Full Application."]
[69,"2019-04-30","Application Reviews","All","We received an encourage decision. Would it be possible to receive a debriefing on this decision? ","Other than the encourage/discourage decision, no further feedback will be provided. There is not an opportunity for a debrief on specific concept papers. EERE will review all eligible Full Applications. By encouraging the submission of a Full Application, EERE intends to convey its programmatic interest in the proposed project."]
[70,"2019-04-30","Technical Topics","2C: Co-production of H2","For Topic 2C, is there a specific TRL the proposal should target?","There is no specific TRL requirement for this topic, though it is expected that the applicants will propose R&D activities needed for demonstration and verification of the proposed technology."]
[71,"2019-04-30","Technical Topics","2C: Co-production of H2","For Topic 2C, Do we need to demonstrate a 1,000 kg/day capacity during the project or is it sufficient to show that our technology, as built and demonstrated for some lower scale capacity unit, would not have any barriers reaching that 1,000 kg/day value during the scale-up? ","There is no requirement in this topic to demonstrate operation of a 1000 kg/day production system. It is critical, though, to demonstrate how the proposed technology will balance the costs and the markets for co-produced hydrogen and carbon products. For this purpose the final scale of proposed technology application, when fully developed and deployed to at least 1 million tonnes of hydrogen produced per year through this technology, should be stated and a techno-economic analysis of the markets for hydrogen and carbon products should be presented, showing a clear pathway to <$2/gge for hydrogen production. "]
[72,"2019-05-06","Cost Sharing","All","If a prime intends to offer volunteer personnel hours as in kind cost share, can fringe and overhead be included?","There is no distinction under the cost principles between Federally funded costs and Cost Share.  Any allowable cost may also be used as Cost Share.  2 CFR 200.306 (c),states “Unrecovered indirect costs, including indirect costs on cost sharing or matching may be included as part of cost sharing or matching only with the prior approval of the Federal awarding agency...” EERE will approve unrecovered indirect costs as cost share.  All costs, whether Federally funded or Cost Share, must be included in the budget as Total Project Costs, and detailed in the appropriate section.  Specifically, all Cost Share items must also be included in the applicable budget cost category (Tabs a. thru i. of the Budget Justification). If selected for award, fringe and Indirect costs will need to be verified either with a negotiated rate agreement or a rate proposal submitted to DOE."]
[73,"2019-05-06","Cost Sharing","All","If land is provided as part of the cost share, how many years’ worth of value may be included? The potential life of the equipment, or only for the three year pilot program?","Only costs incurred during the period of performance of the project would be eligible to use as cost share. Depreciation, or alternatively, a Use Fee at Fair Market (Rental) Value are allowable project costs. Please review Section III.C.iii of the FOA as well as the following sections of the Code of Federal Regulations regarding Cost Share and equipment: 2 CFR 200.306, 2 CFR 200.313, and 2 CFR 910.360."]
[74,"2019-05-06","Application Content/Format","All","Can the SOPO and Summary/Abstract for Public Release contain graphics (images and charts) other than Milestone Table?","Graphics (images and charts) may be included in the SOPO and Summary/Abstract for Public Release, provided they fit within the page limits specified in the FOA (i.e. the SOPO, including the Milestone Table, must not exceed 10 pages, the project summary must not exceed 1 page)."]
[75,"2019-05-07","Application Content/Format","All","What can we put for the project start date? Can we put the start date as 1/1/2020?","The expected date for EERE Selection Notifications is August 2019, with award negotiations in the Fall 2019.  Therefore, it would be reasonable to specify a project start date of 1/1/2020.  The actual period of performance will be finalized during award negotiations."]
[76,"2019-05-07","Application Content/Format","1B: H‐Mat Materials Compatibility Consortium R&D ","Can you provide some guidance for us with regards to core HMat team’s inclusion in the full proposal?  Should core HMat team members be called out directly in the full proposal? e.g. resume’, expertise, %time … Should budget that FCTO will directly supply to the core HMat Labs be included in proposal or will this be dealt with separately if/when the project is accepted?","The technical work that is expected to be performed by the H-Mat laboratories should be described in the Technical Volume of the proposal. However, information about the H-Mat labs’ equipment, researchers’ resumes, and budgets are not needed. The budget for H-Mat labs should not be included in the applicant’s proposed budget, as described on page 15 of the FOA. All awardees will have access to up to $500,000 of resources within H-Mat. The detailed scope of work and budget for H-Mat activities will be finalized during negotiations."]
[77,"2019-05-07","Application Content/Format","All","I have few questions on the following: 1.      Budget and duration of the project   2.   Commercialization plan for TRL 5 and so on. Could you please let me know your contact details and available time for a 10-15 phone call?","Per Section VII of the FOA (Questions/Agency Contacts), EERE personnel are prohibited from communicating (in writing or otherwise) with applicants regarding the FOA except through the established question and answer process as described below. Specifically, questions regarding the content of this FOA must be submitted to: FCTOFOA@ee.doe.gov. Questions must be submitted not later than 3 business days prior to the application due date and time. Please note, feedback on individual concepts will not be provided through Q&A.  All questions and answers related to this FOA will be posted on EERE Exchange at: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov."]
[78,"2019-05-08","Technical Topics","2C: Co-production of H2","From Page 23, FOA 2022, Topic 2C:  \" EERE seeks applications for R&D of hydrogen production technologies demonstrating the potential to meet the FCTO cost goal of <$2/gge for hydrogen production (excluding delivery, compression, storage and dispensing) in a variety of thermochemical or electrochemical processes where sales of other co-produced chemicals of services can be used to lower the cost of hydrogen. \"  Is this a typo?  Should it say \"chemicals or services\" ?  Must services be \"sold\" in order to lower the cost of hydrogen, or will any \"hydrogen production technologies\" that \"lower the cost of hydrogen\" by providing service(s) to the entire hydrogen production system, to lower the total plant gate cost of hydrogen, be eligible for Topic 2C ?","Yes, this is a typo, the sentence should read: “… in a variety of thermochemical or electrochemical processes where sales of other co-produced chemicals OR services can be used to lower the cost of hydrogen.\" The topic specifically relates to the processes where hydrogen is co-produced together with some other value added product or service, with multiple examples provided in the topic description. Therefore, it is expected that the sales of the co-product or service will provide revenue that helps lower the cost of hydrogen. It is critical to demonstrate how the proposed technology will balance the costs and the markets for co-produced hydrogen and another product/service."]
[79,"2019-05-09","Cost Sharing","All","I have a question on the 20% cost sharing requirement.   That is, based on the Short-Term Cost-Share Pilot Program if the applicants are all from institutions of higher education or nonprofits, then for the pilot period of 2 years, until 9/27/20, we are exempt from the cost sharing requirement.\nAre you able to confirm that no cost sharing is required?","Section 108, “Short-Term Cost-Share Pilot Program” of the Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act (RIA), Pub. L. 115-246 provides the opportunity for DOE to exclude mandatory cost sharing without having to execute a cost share waiver for institutions of higher education and nonprofit institutions, as was previously required by section 988 of EPACT 2005.  DOE retains the discretion to require cost share above the statutory minimum. For this FOA, the cost share must be at least 20% of the total allowable costs for research and development projects, and 50% of the total allowable costs for demonstration and commercial application projects for all applicants to this FOA, including institutions of higher education and nonprofit institutions."]
[80,"2019-05-10","Application Content/Format","All","To whom should support letters for Full Applications be sent; how addressed?  To whom should commitment letters be sent; how addressed?  In both cases, how may these letters be included in the Full App?  Assembled as an Appendix to the Technical Volume, or as a separate .pdf ?","See Question 67 above for address.\n\nSee Section IV.D.ii of the FOA for content requirements of the Technical Volume.\n• Attach letters of commitment from all subrecipient/third party cost share providers as an appendix. Letters of commitment do not count towards the page limit.\n• Attach any letters of commitment from partners/end users as an appendix (1 page maximum per letter). Letters of commitment do not count towards the page limit. Letters of commitment are not necessary from core consortia members being leveraged in an application.\nThe FOA does not state a limit to the number of letters an applicant may submit."]
[81,"2019-05-10","Eligibility","All","Can a primary recipient contract with a sub-recipient (who has more experience with grant finance management) to perform the financial oversight responsibilities of a complex DOE funded development program led by the primary recipient?","Yes, however DOE does not have privity of contract with subrecipients. The Prime is legally responsible for management of the cooperative agreement (reporting, meeting cost share,etc.) \nFlow Down Requirements of an award: The Recipient agrees to apply the terms and conditions of an Award, as applicable, including the Intellectual Property Provisions, to all subrecipients (and subcontractors, as appropriate), as required by 2 CFR 200.101, and to require their strict compliance therewith.  Further, the Recipient must apply the Award terms as required by 2 CFR 200.326 to all subrecipients (and subcontractors, as appropriate), and to require their strict compliance therewith."]
[82,"2019-05-10","Application Content/Format","3: H2@Scale Pilot","How does a grant recipient qualify and receive funds that are available for program cost overruns? Our program needs to access additional funds potentially for solar, wind, and/or biogas power assets. Do these funds require cost share?","See Section I.B. - \"Topic 3 Over-target Activities\" of the FOA. Over-Target funding would be additional federal funding and would require additional non-federal cost share of 50% consistent with demonstration activities."]
[83,"2019-05-10","Cost Sharing","All","If a program receives other federal funds outside of the DOE agreement, do those funds increase the program cost share requirements in any way? If so, how?","Federal awards are managed independently and would not change cost share requirements. Note that any cost share on a Federal award may not be dublicativly included as a contribution on any other Federal award. Additionally, cost share may not come from Federal sources. The application should clearly delineate what activities/costs would be covered by the DOE Cooperative Agreement and what activities and costs would be covered outside of the DOE agreement"]
[84,"2019-05-10","Application Content/Format","All","1. Our program includes a need to develop and sign a power purchase agreement with a regional balancing authority. The required negotiations and contract approvals take more time than is allowed for an application to be submitted.  Are there exceptions for these negotiations to submit final contractual agreements with program component partners past the application deadline (a total of around 30 days is allowed to complete an application after approval of the concept paper, which is not enough time to conclude negotiations.). \n\n2. Is it acceptable to in DOE procedures to provide a letter of intent in lieu of a contract for a DOE grant application? If it is, what are those parameters – a binding letter of intent if all specs met, can we submit a non-binding LOI with a plan A, B, and C so as to mitigate risks.","Power purchase agreements or contracts do not need to be in place before the Full Application is submitted. Applicants may submit letters of commitment from partners/end users as an appendix to the Technical Volume."]
[85,"2019-05-10","Application Content/Format","2A: Advanced Water Splitting Materials(HydroGEN)","For FOA DE-FOA-0002022, Topic 2A, what is defined as a “Key Participant”? Does that include experts from the HydroGEN nodes? Or are these the people must be listed as Key Participants on the applicant?","“Key Participant” refers to the team member organizations. The HydroGEN nodes should not be listed as team member organizations. However, for Topic 2A, the Technical Volume should identify the HydroGEN nodes that the applicant would like to leverage with the understanding that the applicant is to perform the majority of the research effort, and that depending on DOE resources and the level of availability of each consortium node, EERE may de-scope or negotiate this list during award negotiation.  For more information, see response to Q&A#26."]
[86,"2019-05-10","Application Content/Format","All","Can citations be included as footnotes or endnotes? In the concept paper citations could be in 10 font. Is that also true for the full application?","Citations may be included as footnotes or endnotes.  The requirements listed in Section IV.A of the FOA apply to the Concept Paper, Full Application, and Reply to Reviewer Comments."]
[87,"2019-05-10","Application Content/Format","All","Can you please clarify if the titles need to be included with the citations?","Per Section IV.D.ii of the FOA, Applicants must provide sufficient citations and references to the primary research literature to justify the claims and approaches made in the Technical Volume."]
[88,"2019-05-12","Eligibility","All","A few Sub-Recipients on my H2@Scale proposal team have a proposal that is under review at NSF with similar scope to several of the aspects of our work proposed for this H2@Scale proposal. Is some small overlap in proposed work plan allowed at this stage that could then be altered during award negotiations should both proposals be funded?","See Response to Q&A#27: There are no restrictions at the proposal/application stage. However, if selected for negotiation of an award, applicants will be required to disclose potential overlap with other applications. "]
[89,"2019-05-12","Application Content/Format","All","I am the Prime Recipient on an H2@Scale proposal. It is common for my institution to include additional overhead indirect costs in our budget in order to manage sub-recipient award funding and reporting. Although each sub-recipient on this proposal must prepare and submit their own Budget Justification, will the entire award amount be administered through the Prime Recipient and if so, can the Prime Recipient include additional overhead indirect costs to manage the Sub-Recipient awards?","See Response to Q&A#81: Award administration salaries may be treated as either direct or indirect costs and remain consistent with how an applicant typically treats those costs. If selected for award, fringe and Indirect costs will need to be verified either with a negotiated rate agreement or a rate proposal submitted to DOE. "]
[90,"2019-05-12","Eligibility","3: H2@Scale Pilot","Topic 3, the prime recipient will form a new affiliate (limited liability company) to own and operate the demonstration project.  Does the new affiliate need to be formed in advance of submitting the application and identified as a subrecipient in the application?","For Topic 3, the Prime recipient must be an industry (for-profit) organization and lead on project (key project performer). Any affiliate arrangements do not need to be finalized during the application phase and can be negotiated with DOE if selected for award."]
[91,"2019-05-12","Application Content/Format","All","One of our team members is a small business whose owners do not take fixed salaries.  The owners will work on our project.  Do standard billing rates exist for budget and cost share purposes?","There are no standard billing rates. Billing rates for subrecipients/vendors must be at fair market value for similar work."]
[92,"2019-05-12","Application Content/Format","All","Are letters of commitment required from subrecipients who are project team members and are not providing cost share?","Letters of commitment must be provided from all subrecipients who are providing cost share and any other third party cost share providers as an appendix to the Technical Volume.  Applicants may also provide letters of intent for subrecipients not providing cost share."]
[93,"2019-05-12","Application Content/Format","All","Is the SF-424 required only for the prime recipient, or for subrecipients as well?","The SF-2424 Application for Federal Assistance is only required from the prime recipient."]
[94,"2019-05-12","Due Dates","All","I just found out about your H2@Scale funding opportunity.  I would like to know if we can still apply.","Only applicants who have submitted an eligible Concept Paper by 5:00pm ET on April 8, 2019 will be eligible to submit a Full Application."]
[95,"2019-05-14","Application Content/Format","All","An FFRDC must submit an authorization letter and a completed Work Plan that includes their budget, do they also need to have a separate Sub-Recipient Budget (EERE_335_Budget_Justification.xls)? Or can they just be included within the Recipient's Budget? Does it matter if they are in the project for more or less than $250,000?","A separate EERE 335 Budget Justification is NOT required for FFRDCs. Only the Authorization letter and Work Plan are required regardless of funding level."]
[96,"2019-05-15","Application Content/Format","All","In the provided form of SOPO, there is a slot for [Mod Number] above the title slot. What does ‘Mod Number’ mean? If it is not applicable for an initial submission, can I erase the slot?","The [Award Number] and [Mod Number] are not applicable to applications and may be erased. Note that the Exchange Control Number must be prominently displayed on the upper right corner of the header."]
[97,"2019-05-16","Application Content/Format","All","We would like to change the lead organization on our application under Topic 3.  What process do we need to go through to shift the lead applicant?  Do we need to change ownership of the Exchange account associated with the Concept Paper control number?","The EERE Exchange account associated with the Concept Paper control number does not need to be transferred to the new lead organization.  Within Exchange, Applicants may share their submissions with other team members / Exchange users using the Share Submission feature. Sharing a submission with another user will give that user access to edit, view submission decisions, and view reviewer comments for all stages of a FOA (Concept Paper and Full Application).  See the EERE eXCHANGE Applicant Guide located at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx for instructions.  Note: If there is a change to the lead organization listed on the Concept Paper, the Full Application must include documentation from both the transferor and the transferee that shows they both voluntarily agree to transfer the EERE Exchange control number and the concept paper.  This documentation must be included as an Appendix to the Technical Volume. "]
[98,"2019-05-16","Application Content/Format","All","For Topic 2A, the FOA eludes to some sort of downselect.  So, should the SOPO format include Phase II and III tasks or should they be left out as done in Example 2 of the Milestone Table Summary? Regardless of their inclusion in the SOPO, should Phase II and III tasks/milestones be discussed in the technical volume?","The Technical Volume and SOPO should include tasks and milestones for all phases of the project for Topic 2a for a full and complete review of the entire project."]
[99,"2019-05-17","Due Dates","All","Due to the teaming arrangements and complexity of the DE-FOA-0002022, time is needed to align the required documents, especially accurate budget information, from the team members, we respectfully request an extension to the second week of June.  ","Extensions to the Submission Deadline will not be granted.  Full Applications must be submitted by May 29, 2019 5:00pm ET.  "]
[100,"2019-05-17","Labs/FFRDCs","All","A university intends to submit a proposal to the solicitation DOE-FOA-0002022 under Topic 1A with a National Laboratory / Federal Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC) as a subrecipient. Page 48 of the FOA indicates that if our proposal is awarded, funds will most likely go directly to the FFRDC and not flow through the university. In addition, the prime recipient would be responsible for the cost share of the total project costs, including those funds that go directly to the FFRDC. Our question regards the structure of the university budget. The university would normally include a subrecipient in our budget to the sponsor and calculate indirect costs against the first $25,000 of that sub. Are we correct in our understanding that in this case (1) The FFRDC’s budget should be submitted separately via the field work proposal form and NOT be included in the university’s budget forms, (2) if awarded, DOE will fund the FFRDC directly via the field work proposal system, and (3) the university therefore will not be able to recover indirect costs against the FFRDC portion of the total project cost?","The FFRDC costs should be included in the Prime Recipient’s EERE 335 Budget Justification workbook under the Contractual worksheet.  However, if awarded, DOE will fund the FFRDC directly via the field work proposal system.  Therefore, the university will not be able to recover indirect costs against the FFRDC portion of the total project cost."]
[101,"2019-05-17","Application Content/Format","All","I have a question about Field 9 on the SF424 form, Type of Applicant: Our application is in response to FOA Topic 2A. Because HydroGEN nodes should not be listed as team member organizations, do we understand correctly that we will specify Type of Applicant 1 only and not provide information in Type of Applicant 2? Or should we specify * Other: HydroGEN nodes?","The SF424 Application for Federal Assistance should only specify the Type of Applicant for the Prime Applicant only. "]
[102,"2019-05-17","Application Content/Format","All","In the FOA, it was mentioned that, ‘Applicants must provide a separate budget justification for each subrecipient that is expected to perform work estimated to be more than $250,000 or 25 percent of the total work effort (whichever is less)’. By ‘total work effort’, do you mean the ‘Federal request+Cost share’, or just the ‘Federal request’? For example, if one of my subrecipients have the federal request < $250,000, but would be > $250,000 by adding the cost share. In this case, does he/she need to provide a separate budget justification?","A separate Budget Justification must be submitted for each subrecipient with a total proposed budget that exceeds either (1) $250,000 or (2) 25% of total award costs.  The $250,000 or 25% of the total work effort (whichever is less) refers to the total project cost, including both the Federal (DOE) and Non-Federal (cost share) portions."]
[103,"2019-05-20","Due Dates","All","It came to my attention recently that there is a federal grant program targeting our application, specifically Topic 2D - Reversible Fuel Cell Development and Validation. Unfortunately, it looks like we missed the initial concept submission deadline in April.  Is there a possibility to be given an exception to this?","See Response to Q&A #94: Only applicants who have submitted an eligible Concept Paper by 5:00pm ET on April 8, 2019 will be eligible to submit a Full Application."]
[104,"2019-05-21","Application Content/Format","All","How many days should be allocated for annual DOE Hydrogen Program Merit Review? How many days should be allocated for annual U.S. Drive Technical Team Meeting?","The annual DOE Hydrogen Program Merit Review and Peer Evaluation (AMR) meeting typically lasts 2.5-3 days and is held in Washington, D.C.  The U.S. DRIVE Technical Team Meetings typically last one day (locations TBD).  Applicants should allocate costs for attending the meetings and for travel to/from the meetings in their project budget."]
[105,"2019-05-21","Application Content/Format","All","Is it permissible to submit a Full Application that has a slightly altered title from what was submitted for the concept paper?","Yes, Applicants may revise the project title from what was submitted for the concept paper."]
[106,"2019-05-22","Application Content/Format","All","The budget form instructions #4 reads that the total budget presented on tabs a. through i. must include both Federal (DOE) and Non-Federal (cost share) portions. How do we distinguish between Federal and Non-Federal costs on tabs a. through i? For example, how do you distinguish between Federal and Non-Federal personnel costs on the personnel tab a? All of the figures entered on tab a. are populating the Federal column of the Instructions and Summary tab and the SF-424 Cost Categories tab. If these costs are also included in tab j. for cost share then those costs are added twice to the total. This leads to an incorrect calculation of cost share percentage on the Cost Share tab and an incorrect total for Federal vs Non-Federal costs on the Instructions and Summary tab and SF-424 Cost Categories tab.","Please ensure that the EERE 335 - Budget Justification template was downloaded from the \"Required Application Documents\" of the Exchange FOA landing page for DE-FOA-0002022, and that worksheet formulas have not been altered.\n\nItems entered into tab j. Cost Share should not double count costs but, conversely, subtract from the Federal Share on the Summary tab. \nLine item detail of cost share items in each tab (a. through i.) is not required as long as all costs are captured (Federal and Cost Share) within the Total Costs. For instance, a. Personnel could specify $100k total and j. Cost Share include 20% of Personnel costs. The net budget would be $80k Federal and $20k Cost Share, resulting in $100k Total Project Costs. "]
[107,"2019-05-22","Application Content/Format","All","Can additional team members be added/modified after Full Application is accepted? ","If selected for award, additional team members may be added during award negotiations on a case-by-case basis.  However, the total Federal funding allocated to a project is typically based on the Full Application."]
[108,"2019-05-23","Technical Topics","3: H2@Scale Pilot","For proposals under Topic 3 (H2@Scale Pilot), what aspects of cybersecurity should proposals address?","Per Topic 3 of the FOA, \"work scope should be included to assess potential cybersecurity threats or vulnerabilities and address cybersecurity challenges, particularly related to grid integrated systems and hydrogen safety.\""]
[109,"2019-05-24","Application Content/Format","1B: H‐Mat Materials Compatibility Consortium R&D ","Regarding Topic 1B, we will be collaborating with a core lab, we are aware they cannot receive any funding from this solicitation since they are part of the H-Mat consortium. How should we list them in our proposal-just state they are an unfunded team member/collaborator? Also, can you confirm we do not need to include a Letter of Collaboration from them?","See Q&A's 66 & 76 above for additional information. \nH-Mat labs should not be listed as team members but the proposal should identify the resources they would like to access (subject to award negotiations). Collaboration letters from Core FFRDC Consortium members are not required."]
[110,"2019-05-26","Application Content/Format","All","Several Forms, including SF-LLL and SF-424 have signature lines. Should these forms be printed, signed and scanned or is it acceptable to use a typed name in lieu of signature. ","A typed name, e-signature, or scanned document will all be accepted."]
[111,"2019-05-26","Application Content/Format","All","SF-LLL is specified as a required form. Is there an expected way to fill this form if no lobbying efforts have been made or are intended? Should I simply submit the form blank?","To indicate that the applicant does not engage in lobbying:\nBox 4: Entity Information\nBox 10a&b: None - N/A\nSign and date."]
[112,"2019-05-26","Application Content/Format","All","EERE 335 Budget Justification has fields for award number and award recipient. Should these be blank for an initial submission or should the control number be placed here?","The applicant name (or Subrecipient name) and Exchange Control Number should be included on the EERE 335 Budget Justification."]

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["Due Dates"]
["Application Content/Format"]
["Intellectual Property"]
["Data Management"]
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["Application Reviews"]
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