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["INSTRUCTIONS"]
[1,"All questions pertaining to this funding opportunity announcement should be emailed to CCPilotsFOA@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-FOA0002206 - Connected Communities"]
["Question #","Date Submitted","Topic","Question","Answer"]
[1,"2020-10-13","Other","Where can we find the \"teaming partner list\" referred to in: https://www.energy.gov/articles/us-department-energy-provides-65-million-connected-communities-buildings-powered-transform","The teaming list is available here: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/#FoaIdd7e1815d-72e9-4a2c-a728-76e39db8704a. The teaming list can also be found in the documents section of this announcement. "]
[2,"2020-10-13","Due Dates","The deadline for concept paper submission is 2/17/2021 which is just 2 weeks prior to the deadline for full application submission on 3/3/2021.  This seems quite unusual as this would not leave enough time for a concept paper feedback loop.  Is the timeline of 2/17/2021 for concept paper submission in error?  If not, will feedback be given earlier for concept papers that are submitted well before the 2/17/2021 deadline?","Concept papers are being accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis starting this week. Please submit your concept paper as soon as possible. As described on the first page of the FOA they will be reviewed and an encourage or discourage notification will be sent to you with in one week of submission. The last possible date to submit is Feb 17th, however we do not recommend waiting until the deadline. Please read the concept paper sections of the FOA document for more information.\n\nUPDATE: DOE is considering an extension for the Concept Paper and Full Application deadline. Please keep checking the FOA announcement in Exchange for exact dates. "]
[3,"2020-10-14","Eligibility","If the island communities and commercial businesses in the U.S Freely Associated States of the republics of Palau and the Marshall islands and the Federated States of Micronesia  eligible for the subject connected communities FOA?","Please see section III.A starting on page 20 of the FOA document. US state, local and tribal entities are eligible to apply. Please see 2 CFR 200.90 for the definition of a State. If your community is not listed here then you can apply as a foreign entity and submit a waiver, please see Appendix C of the FOA for more information on submitting a waiver."]
[4,"2020-10-14","Eligibility","Can different participants from one university submit the proposal as prime/subrecipient or is each university only allowed to submit one proposal?","An entity may submit more than one Concept Paper and Full Application to this FOA, provided that each application describes a unique, scientifically distinct project and provided that an eligible Concept Paper was submitted for each Full Application. "]
[5,"2020-10-14","Application Content/Format","It is not clear whether GEB and DER (PV, EV) together are required for a proposed project or whether GEB alone would be sufficient.","Please see Table 1 in the FOA. \nEach project must provide a significant and quantifiable amount of building load flexibility that provides shed, shift, and/or modulation grid services while maintaining comfort and performance. \nEach project must include, in addition to demand response and energy efficiency, at least two other types of DERs (such as PV, electric vehicles, electrical or thermal energy storage, etc.) that support emissions reduction, demand flexibility, affordability, and resiliency. These may be building level installations or community scale installations."]
[6,"2020-10-14","Other","What is the process to be added to the teaming list?","For more information on the teaming list, please see section I.C. on page 18 of the FOA document."]
[{"$f":"A9+1","v":7},"2020-10-14","Intellectual Property","Looking at Section xvii on page 41 of the FOA, titled Open Source Software Distribution Plan.  Does this mean that software and control algorithms developed as part of this funding must be made open-source at the completion of the project?  Is the open-sourcing of the learnings/work a requirement for receiving funding under this FOA?   If so, how much must be open-sourced and can portions of the work be kept as proprietary or exclusively licensed to the project team for product development and differentiation?","The Open Source Software Distribution Plan (OSSDP) is required for applications where open source distribution is required.  The OSSDP must describe how the recipient plans to distribute software produced under the FOA according to the guidance in FOA Appendix D.\n\nIf a recipient proposes to make only certain software components available under an open source license, the recipient should provide its proposal in the OSSDP and address how the proposed hybrid or tiered distribution plan would further the goals of the FOA, for example, in response to elements 2-4 in Appendix D.\n\nDOE will review the proposed OSSDP before award.  The DOE-approved OSSDP and the intellectual property provisions of the award will address the final open source requirements under a specific award. Please see the applicable intellectual property provisions referenced in the FOA. Please see sections, VI.B.x on page 65, and VIII.M on page 73, of the FOA document.\n\nPlease see question #17 in this document for more clarification"]
[8,"2020-10-16","Other","What is the expected TRL level of proposed solutions?","Although the FOA does not specify a technology readiness level, the objective of this FOA is demonstrating the ability of groups of buildings and DERs to modify load. Technologies at higher TRLs, that are ready for field demonstration, are expected"]
[9,"2020-10-16","Eligibility","Are publicly-traded companies prohibited from participating in a Connected Community project?","Please see section III.A.ii starting on page 22 of the FOA document. For-profit entities, educational institutions, and nonprofits that are incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a particular state or territory of the United States and have a physical location for business operations in the United States are eligible to apply for funding as a prime recipient or subrecipient."]
[10,"2020-10-16","Concept Paper","We would like to learn more about the Concept Paper feedback process. Will Concept Paper submissions be kept private or will they be released publicly? How comprehensive will the feedback be? Any more general information on the Concept Paper review process would be appreciated. ","Yes, feedback will be given based off of the review criteria found in section V.A.i on page 52 of the FOA document. Concept paper submissions will only be viewed by federal and LBNL staff who have signed NDAs. Please also see section VI.A.ii. starting on page 58 regarding concept paper notifications."]
[11,"2020-10-16","Concept Paper","In regards for the Connected Communities FOA, after the Concept paper is submitted, will there be a feedback portion to the concept paper that we should be aware of? We’d like to submit a Concept paper in a reasonable amount of time to receive feedback if given and modify our proposal per the feedback.","Yes, feedback will be given based off of the review criteria found in section V.A.i on page 52 of the FOA document. Please also see section VI.A.ii. starting on page 58 regarding concept paper notifications."]
[12,"2020-10-20","Labs/FFRDCs","Are FFRDCs, as subrecipients only, required to submit SFLLLs? ","No, as a subrecipient, FFRDC's are not required to submit a SF-LLL."]
[13,"2020-10-21","Technical Topics","Is it possible to integrate fuel cells into the mix of DER's used on the connected communities? Natural gas or hydrogen fuel cells?","Yes a fuel cell may be used as a DER using either natural gas or hydrogen as long as it meets the other objectives of the FOA. "]
[14,"2020-10-21","Other","In the FOA document page 23, there is a reference to only small share of funding that could be applicable to capital improvements.  Could it be possible to understand what the minimum would be allowed, in term of % of project cost?  Additionally, up to what percent would be allowed upon further articulation of need and consideration? ","The Building Technologies Office will fund capital improvements, but ideally applicants will leverage equipment or funding from partners for energy efficient equipment that is installed in buildings. A limited amount of funding may be needed to close a gap. Please refer to the last paragraph in Section I.B on page 18 of the FOA.\n\nStarting on page 36 of Section IV.C.ii the FOA states that the applicant should discuss the impact that DOE funding would have on the proposed project. Applicants should specifically explain how DOE funding, relative to prior, current, or anticipated funding from other public and private sources, is necessary to achieve the project objectives."]
[15,"2020-10-21","Other","On p.2 (“Objective”) of FOA DE-FOA-0002206, it states that, “Individual projects can include new construction, retrofits of existing building, residential, commercial, mixed use, campuses, and appropriate DERs.” Yet, on p.18 (“Applications Specifically Not of Interest”) it states, “Applications proposing only the construction of new buildings or major grid upgrades,” will not be reviewed or considered by DOE. This appears to be a contradiction in the FOA requirements. Please clarify, are projects that meet all FOA requirements for connected communities in only newly constructed buildings acceptable for review and consideration?","The demonstration project may occur in new buildings however DOE funds may not be used for construction of new buildings or major grid upgrades. DOE funds may be used to strategically deploy energy efficiency and demand flexibility in already planned new construction to achieve the objective of this FOA."]
[16,"2020-10-22","Other","Page 11 of the FOA states, “Energy efficient buildings should be used as a foundational resource to the greatest extent possible in project communities.  Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply high performance building principles to build and/or retrofit new and existing buildings”.  Page 12 of the FOA further states, “Each project must: significantly improve the energy efficiency performance of buildings in the community over an appropriate baseline”, and page 13 states, “Projects are encouraged to: Improve energy efficiency by more than 30% over the baseline …”   On the other hand, page 18 of the FOA states, “A small share of funding may be applied to capital improvements that increase energy efficiency …”   If an applicant has a large portfolio of buildings that it can include in the program to generate grid flexibility, could DOE please clarify the extent of energy efficiency improvements it expects to see across the portfolio, given DOE’s preference not to use substantial funding to support those improvements?","Please see the answer to question #14"]
[17,"2020-10-28","Intellectual Property","Following up on Question 7 in the FOA Q&A documentation from the EERE website.  \n\nIn Appendix D – Open Source Software: the FOA states “Applicants that are applying to one or more Topic Areas for which open source software distribution is required must submit a plan describing how software produced under this FOA will be distributed.” \n\nI was not able to find any language in the FOA to know what Topic Areas require Open Source Software Distribution and which do not.  Can you provide context around which projects will not require the Open Source software distribution; i.e. if a project and its core partners plans to commercialize the learning and developments created from the FOA, will the software be required to be put Open Source?  \n\nThis example seems to be exempt from the Open Source requirement based on other sections of the FOA referenced in the answer to Question 7, and sections XI on page 66 and J on page 71.\n\n","There will be an amendment to the FOA within the next couple weeks revising the Open Source Software Plan requirement. The FOA will be amended to say that applicants are encouraged but not required to make any software developed under an award open source to improve scalability and increase replication. An open source software plan is required for those applicants who choose to make any portion, or all of their software open source."]
[18,"2020-10-29","Other","Is there a technical project manager identified for the FOA","The FOA Manager for DE-FOA0002206 Connect Communities is Dale Hoffmeyer. All questions must be submitted to the FOA email (CCPilotsFOA@ee.doe.gov) and all answers will be posted to this spreadsheet."]
[19,"2020-10-30","Other","May I call and speak with staff re questions we have regarding our concept paper application for FOA-0002206?","DOE personnel are prohibited from having conversations with applicants regarding a funding opportunity while the funding opportunity is open.  All questions must be submitted to the FOA email (CCPilotsFOA@ee.doe.gov) and all answers will be posted to this spreadsheet."]
[20,"2020-10-30","Cost Sharing","The FOA describes in B. iii. Cost Share Types & Allowability that 3rd party entities can provide cost share. If encouraged to submit a full appliation, how does one distinguish cost share coming from a 3rd party that does not have a role in performing the scope of work? Would you want this outlined in separate sections? For example, if they provide supplies would I list their cost share on the supplies tab?","In your example, yes, if the 3rd party is contributing supplies as cost share it must be listed in the supplies tab and cost share tab of the budget justification workbook. Cost share will be reviewed and evaluated if selected for award negotiations.  Please see the following sections of the FOA document: III.B starting on page 24 and Appendix A on page 77.\n\nIn addition, you can submit a full application even if you receive a discourage notification from your concept paper submission."]
[21,"2020-11-04","Eligibility","Our team would like to propose a grid connected multifamily mixed use project with a large central battery. Technically, the project is a single building. However, the project includes 300+ dwelling units and retail space. Based on this information, would this project be eligible to apply for the FOA?","Please see Section I.D of the FOA, Applications Specifically Not of Interest.  Applications that do not include multiple buildings are not of interest."]
[22,"2020-11-04","Cost Sharing","For occupied and unoccupied buildings that are part of a connected communities project, and are monitored to quantify a change in electricity load profile resulting from grid integration, can a rental or lease value for the building be counted as cost share?","Please see Appendix A, paragraph 4 on page 80 of the FOA document, valuing property donated by third parties. For more detail please see regulation 2 CFR 200.465 Rental Costs of Real Property and Equipment, which can be found on ecfr.gov.\n\nCost share will be reviewed and evaluated if selected for award negotiations. \n"]
[23,"2020-11-05","Webinar","How do I register for the informational webinar about the Connected Communities program on November 10?","The link to the informational webinar can be found in the description section of the FOA listing in Exchange. You can also register using this link: https://doe.webex.com/doe/onstage/g.php?MTID=e79d137a47d21fdde524f723b98c55b77"]
[24,"2020-11-09","Cost Sharing","Can you please specify or defined the term \"existing equipment\"? More precisely, if a (sub-)recipient installed certain hardware (e.g., solar panels, light installations, or similar) one year ago and uses that hardware during the project. Can the recipient calculate the hardware costs and the installation costs from last year into the cost-sharing? If not, what is a typical example?","Please see the answer to question #22"]
[25,"2020-11-10","Webinar","Will the informational webinar be made available?","A recording of the webinar is provided as a link under the descripition section of the FOA announcement. Also, a copy of the presentation has been uploaded to the Documents section."]
[26,"2020-11-10","Other","It was stated that new construction is not part of this FOA. So to confirm  - a project looking to build a new residential all electric, microgrid neighborhood wouldn't be able to apply since they are looking at new construction? ","Please see the answer to question #15"]
[27,"2020-11-10","Concept Paper","It is mentioned in the FOA that you will send encourage/discourage notification one week from submission of the concept paper. You also mentioned Concept Papers can be submitted on a rolling basis. Does this mean if an applicant submits the Concept Paper, for example on 01 Dec 2020, they will receive encourage/discourage notification on or before 08 Dec 2020. Or the notification will come one week after 2/17/2021, the deadline for Concept Paper submission. ","As described on the first page of the FOA, concept papers will be reviewed and an encourage or discourage notification will be sent to you with in one week of submission. Please also see the answer to question #2."]
[28,"2020-11-10","Registration Requirements","Do only Prime respondents need to register through the EERE Exchange and obtain a control number, or do all respondents that are parties to a proposal need to register?","Yes, only the prime applicant should register and submit the proposal in EERE Exchange. "]
[29,"2020-11-10","Eligibility","Is funding for a white paper a viable consideration?","The application process will include two phases: a Concept Paper phase and a Full Application phase. Please see section IV.B of the FOA for Content and Form of the Concept Paper. \nEERE makes an independent assessment of each Concept Paper based on the criteria in Section V.A.i. of the FOA. EERE will encourage a subset of applicants to submit Full Applications. Other applicants will be discouraged from submitting a Full Application. 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. For this to be effective applicants are encouraged to submit their concept papers as early as possible.\n\nWe would also encourage interested parties to participate in the teaming list to share their expertise as a project partner. For more information on the teaming list, please see section I.C. on page 18 of the FOA document."]
[30,"2020-11-11","Due Dates","May I submit a concept paper for this grant? I just saw this opportunity and would like to submit a grant application if possible. ","Please see page 1 of the FOA document for submission deadlines. The deadline for submitting a Concept Paper is 2/17/2021."]
[31,"2020-11-11","Eligibility","Can the Prime Recipient and a subrecipient exchange roles following the submission of the Concept Paper? In other words, can a subrecipient become Prime and the Prime become a subrecipient for the submission of the Full Application?","Yes, the prime can be changed up until full application submittal however the project objective from the concept paper must be consistent with the full application files. To change the prime click on the Control Number in the My Submissions page to open the Full Application Details page and scrolling down to the Share Permissions section. There you can switch the prime. If you need further assistance please contact Exchange: EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov"]
[32,"2020-11-11","Other","On page 77 of the Connected Communities FOA it states in item 4 that \"fee or profit, including foregone fee or profit, are not allowable as project costs (including cost share) under any resulting award\".  Does this apply to prime contractors and their services as well as to subcontractors?","The prime awardee and subrecipient(s) as defined by 2 CFR 200.93 cannot charge profit to the award. However, vendors or contractors as defined by 2 CFR 200.23 and 2 CFR 200.22 can charge profit to the award. To determine which entities should be a subrecipient vs contractor, please see 2 CFR 200.330 Subrecipient and Contractor Determinations."]
[33,"2020-11-10","Other","Is there a minimum or maximum number of buildings that are preferred? ","The FOA does not specify a minimum or maximum number of buildings. Table 1 lists all of the required categories and identifies the aspects that are required and the ones that are encouraged of the connected community projects proposed in response to this FOA. Please see FOA Section I.D. Applications Specifically Not of Interest.  Applications that do not include multiple buildings are not of interest.\n\nPlease also see FOA Section V.A. Technical Review Criteria for a list of the criteria used to evaluate Concept Papers and Full Applications. "]
[34,"2020-11-10","Eligibility","1.       Are 501(c)12 organizations eligible to apply?\n2.       Are RUS (Rural Utility Service) borrowers eligible to apply?","Please see the answer to question #9.\n\nNonprofit organizations described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995 are not eligible to apply for funding."]
[35,"2020-11-10","Eligibility","Can federal funds be used to purchase and install new DERs and/or retrofit current buildings? If so, what percentage of the total funding can be used for the new installations/building retrofits?","Please see the answer to question #14 and #15."]
[36,"2020-11-12","Cost Sharing","If utility partners offer discounts to their customers for agreeing to install and using energy efficiency technologies, such as smart meters and smart appliances, and/or to access renewable energy sources through DERs installed by the project — either through discount programs already established or special discounts created for the project — is that forgone revenue considered a cost share contribution by the utility?","Please see the answer to quesiton #22"]
[37,"2020-11-12","Eligibility","May these (allowable costs) include the full cost of materials and installation of solar panels on individual buildings? Fuel cells? largescale batteries? EV charging stations serving employees and customers at inducommercial buildings?","Please see the answers to quesitons #13, 14, and 15"]
[38,"2020-11-12","Eligibility","Does this include office buildings, factory buildings, distribution facilities; does the required distribution facility component of a project involving an industrial park include the shipping of products from factories or must that requirement be met by a distribution service facility, e.g. Fedex or USPS?","There is no required distribution facility component. Please see page 8 of the FOA document for a list of examples of the types of buildings that could be included, but is not limited to in anyway. "]
[{"$f":"A41+1","v":39},"2020-11-12","Other","Must letters of commitment be included in the full proposal from all owners of participating single-family homes and townhomes but only from owners of apartment or condominium buildings?","Letters of commitment are not required for the full application from all owners of participating single-family homes and townhomes or from owners of apartment or condominium buildings, however please review the requirement for a recruitment and retention plan for connected community participants noted in Table 1 on page 14. "]
[40,"2020-11-12","Concept Paper","For a concept paper submission, does the project team have to be fully flushed out or is it acceptable to identify a range of teaming partners?","The project team can be changed up until full application submittal, however the project objective from the concept paper must be consistent with the full application files."]
[41,"2020-11-12","Application Content/Format","What is the award language around working with vendors? For instance, if a vendor (as encouraged to have on this FOA) is a CoPI or subrecipient but then our Procurement Office mandates the vendors item must be sent for bid it is possible that the bid could be won by a non-participating partner/stakeholder of the proposal. How should this best be addressed?","For information regarding whether to classify an entity as a subrecipent (subaward) or vendor (contractor), please see 2 CFR 200.331 Subrecipient and Contractor Determinations. Applicants must follow their own internal procurement policy, and that policy must also conform to the procurement standards identified in 2 CFR 200.317 through 200.327. "]
[42,"2020-11-14","Other","Is an active SAM account needed to submit the concept paper? ","No, an active SAM account is not required to submit the concept paper but will be needed to submit a full application."]
[43,"2020-11-16","Cost Sharing","Our project includes a potential partnership with an energy-provider utility. As part of our submission, is it allowable to include cost share from the utility that is subject to regulatory approval (i.e., may not be available at the time of submission)?","Per section III.B Cost Sharing, the required minimum amount of cost share for projects funded under this FOA is 30% of total project costs. \n\nFurther, in section III.B.i, it states “the cost share requirement applies to the project as a whole, including work performed by members of the project team other than the prime recipient, the prime recipient is legally responsible for paying the entire cost share.” Therefore, if the prime is unable to commit to the required cost share, the prime must include cost share commitment letters with the application (section IV.C.iv page 41) from their project partners verifying (section III.B.iii, first paragraph) that the required cost share will be met. \n"]
[44,"2020-11-17","Technical Topics","Within Section IV.B.I it states, \"Each Concept Paper must be limited to a single concept or technology. Unrelated concepts and technologies should not be consolidated into a single Concept Paper\" can you please provide clarification? Does \"One Concept or Technology\" represent One technology stack (a suite of multiple technologies) that is used to provide One solution or does the BTO only want to review/comment on the principle technology used in any one solution?\n\nIf it is the latter, can you clarify e.g. if you are a SW application developer, for the purpose of the concept paper, how does one describe/include the HW, Signal Transmission, etc. technology needed to execute the \"solution\"? \n\nIn an appendix or simply refer to the other technology as 'other' tech will be deployed, etc.\n\nAlso, if the technology stack is considered 1 concept, for the purposes of the Full App submission, does a submitter include the cost for the entire stack as one value or do we break-out the cost into each of the technology components?\n\n","Yes, a single concept or technology approach for the connected community project. We anticipate a connected community project may use multiple EE and DF technologies to meet the objectives of the FOA. Each project must include, in addition to demand response and energy efficiency, at least two other types of DERS.\n\nSee page 35-41 in the FOA for content requirements for the full Application technical volume. Specifically, the Technical Description in the Full Application should contain the benefits to the distribution network, the utility, building and DER owners, building occupants both in terms of resource and fuel cost savings as well as non-energy benefits such as productivity enhancements, health and safety improvements, asset value increases, etc. and the benefits to the broader society (e.g. public health, environment, economic development and job impacts, etc.) provided by the proposed community project\n"]
[45,"2020-11-17","Webinar","I’m interested in learning more about the DE-FOA-0002206 Connected Communities Funding Opportunity Announcement and just saw that there was an informational webinar hosted on November 10. Is there was a recording of the webinar that could be shared with me?","A recording of the webinar is provided as a link under the descripition section of the FOA announcement on https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/. Also, a copy of the presentation has been uploaded to the Documents section."]
[46,"2020-11-23","Other","Is there still the potential to join a teaming list prior to the concept paper deadline in February?","Yes, there is still time to be added to the teaming list. For more information on the teaming list, please see section I.C. on page 18 of the FOA document."]
[47,"2020-11-24","Concept Paper","Regarding Section IV. B. i. Concept Paper Content Requirements:\n“Each Concept Paper must be limited to a single concept or technology. Unrelated concepts and technologies should not be consolidated into a single Concept Paper.” Can you please elaborate on the definition of “technology” in this context? Is it referring to the high-level controls and aggregation platform? Otherwise, in practice there could be different technologies for each DER and Building Automation System and it would be difficult to achieve the goals of this FOA without employing multiple technologies\n","Each concept paper must cover a single concept. Multiple technologies with in that concept are expected to meet the requirements of the FOA. See question 44."]
[48,"2020-11-24","Concept Paper","What is meant by the “The impact that EERE funding would have on the proposed project”? Is this a question of regarding the overall benefits of the project, or is it more about the breakdown of how the grant funding would be utilized? ","The overall benefits of the project with EERE funding. In other words, how will the project be successful with EERE funding? And what would be the impact to the project if EERE funding was not received? "]
[49,"2020-11-24","Concept Paper","“Applicants may provide graphs, charts, or other data to supplement their Technology Description.” Can these figures go in separate annex pages that don’t count towards the “4 pages maximum limit”? ","Per section IV.B.i of the FOA, the Concept Paper can be a maximum of seven pages which include the Cover Page (1 page), Technical Description and Impacts (4 pages), and the Addendum (2 pages). The Addendum section states that graphs, charts and other data should be included in this section."]
[50,"2020-11-24","Concept Paper","Should a summary of the budget be included in the concept paper? ","Per section IV.B.i, a budget summary is not required in the concept paper submission and will not have any weight towards being encouraged or discouraged. The concept paper is meant to focus on the technology and other factors listed in this section."]
[51,"2020-11-24","Concept Paper","If Concept Paper is discouraged, will EERE provide any explanation? Is re-submission of a revised Concept Paper allowed","If a concept paper is discouraged applicants will receive brief comments on why the paper was discouraged. Resubmitting is allowed if a concept paper is discouraged, however per section IV.B.i “An applicant who receives a discouraged notification may still submit a Full Application”."]
[52,"2020-11-24","Other","Can selectees receive payment for eligible expenses incurred between Award date and Contract Execution date?","The award date and contract execution date are the same. Applicants are awarded when the cooperative agreement is executed. Please review section IV.I.ii Pre-Award Costs of the FOA. Selectees may be reimbursed for eligible incurred costs if requested during award negotiations and approved by the Contracting Officer. Award negotiations occur between the selection date and cooperative agreement execution date. If pre-award costs are approved, they can only be reimbursed after the cooperative agreement is executed and invoiced within the first budget period of the agreement. PLEASE NOTE: Pre-award expenditures are made at the selectee’s risk. EERE is not obligated to reimburse costs: (1) in the absence of appropriations; (2) if an award is not made; or (3) if an award is made for a lesser amount than the selectee anticipated."]
[53,"2020-11-24","Cost Sharing","If the applicant owns DER assets installed/commissioned in the CC prior to the submission of this FOA application, can the CAPEX depreciation of these assets and O&M expenses over the 3 to 5yr Period of Performance count towards the 30% cost-share requirement?","Please see Appendix A, paragraph 4 on page 80 of the FOA document, valuing property donated by third parties. For more detail please see regulation 2 CFR 200.465 Rental Costs of Real Property and Equipment, which can be found on ecfr.gov.\n\nCost share will be reviewed and evaluated if selected for award negotiations. \n"]
[54,"2020-11-24","Other","Can you please share a list of examples (relevant to this FOA vs generic) highlighting the types of expenses that are allowed vs non-allowed? ","Please see section IV.I.i of the FOA document and refer to FAR Part 31 for for-profit entities and 2 CFR 200 Subpart E for all other non-federal entities. If a non-profit or other non-profit non-federal entity please also see the lists of General Provisions for Selected Items of Cost starting at 2 CFR 200.420-476."]
[55,"2020-11-24","Other","Is the purchase of a fleet of electric vehicles (that will be part of the CC demonstration) an allowable expense? ","The overall desired outcome from this FOA is to demonstrate, through a portfolio of diverse projects, the ability of groups of buildings and DERs to provide cost effective grid services through demand flexibility and efficiency that maximize use of renewable resources and reduce emissions, while maintaining (if not enhancing) occupant satisfaction and productivity. It is not envisioned that this FOA would subsidized the purchase electric vehicles. "]
[56,"2020-11-24","Other","Do the buildings in the CC need to have their own individual utility meter/account? \n\nOr, in the case of a large campus, would it be acceptable if there are multiple buildings behind one utility master-meter/account?  \n\nFor clarity, the DERs would still be metered per the utility requirements and buildings may likely have customer owned sub-meters, but not separate utility accounts.","No, each does not need their own utility account, however, in order to measure quantity and “quality” of actual load change and or energy services, it is anticipated that all buildings will be equipped with interval metering infrastructure and analytics, and analogous infrastructure on the grid side. \n\nYes, it is acceptable if there are multiple buildings behind one utility master-meter/account.\n\nEither is acceptable."]
[57,"2020-12-02","Cost Sharing","I have a question on the budget that individual proposals can request for this FOA.\nThe FOA says: \" Individual awards may vary between $3 million and $7 million, but DOE reserves the right to adjust these amounts depending on the applications submitted.\"\n\nMy question is: does this amount of $3 million to $7 million include the cost share, or it is just the federal grant proportion of the project?\n","This amount is the federal funding portion for new awards under this FOA. Please seen section II.A.i Estimated Funding. EERE may issue one, multiple, or no awards. Individual awards may vary between $3 million and $7 million, but DOE reserves the right to adjust these amounts depending on the applications submitted. "]
[58,"2020-12-02","Concept Paper","Is there an example concept paper available to review? ","A concept paper example is not available. Please see section IV.B.i. Concept Paper Content Requirements, in the FOA document. "]
[59,"2020-12-02","Other","Are we allowed to outsource FOA administrative and project management tasks to consulting firms with expertise in DOE grants?  As a technology company we do not have the expertise nor the bandwidth to handle the administrative lift needed to ensure all the necessary documentation.","Yes, however if your project is selected for negotiations, your company must have a written procurement policy that complies with sections 2 CFR 200.318-327. In this case, any consulting firms selected to assist in administrative and project management tasks must be chosen by following the selectee’s federally compliant procurement policy."]
[60,"2020-12-02","Other","Have you considered compiling a list of Prime’s who are interested in submitting FOA’s and letting partners submit requests directly to the Prime?  Vetting primes takes a lot of time and this format may allow for more time to be spent on solidifying stronger concepts.  I know that a Prime could in theory be added to the Teaming List but some segmentation based on role may make this a little easier to naviagate.","DOE does not identify potential prime applicants. It is at the Prime’s discretion who they choose to engage in business arrangements. Please leverage the teaming list to the greatest extent possible. "]
[61,"2020-12-02","Webinar","Where can I find a schedule/timeline of calls & webinars on the foa below? \nDE-FOA-0002206: CONNECTED COMMUNITIES\n","A list of pertinent dates and webinar schedule can be found on the first page of the FOA document. \n\nA recording of the webinar is provided as a link under the descripition section of the FOA announcement in Exchange. Also, a copy of the presentation has been uploaded to the Documents section."]
[62,"2020-12-08","Eligibility","Is the lead organization required to have more than 50% of TPC? Would it be allowed, for example, for the lead to have 40%, partner B and C to have 30% each.","The FOA does not require a certain percentage of total project costs for the prime or subrecipients. The example you provided would be acceptable for an application. "]
[63,"2020-12-08","Eligibility","Will utility incentives (to builders and customers) specific to the DERs included in this project be considered allowable costs?","Questions regarding whether specific project costs are allowable/unallowable cannot be answered at this time. Please see answer to question 54.\n\nAll proposed project costs will be evaluated for allowability if selected for award negotiations. "]
[64,"2020-12-11","Due Dates","I was interested in learning the deadline for the Concept Paper for the Connected Communities FOA. ","A list of submission dates and deadlines can be found on the first page of the FOA document."]
[65,"2020-12-14","Eligibility","If our concept papers get selected for the next round of detail application proposal.  Do our projects need to be Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) compliant?","If selected for award negotiations, the selectee’s accounting system must comply with cost accounting standards (CAS) contained in 48 CFR part 30 and must follow the appropriate Cost Principles contained in 48 CFR part 31."]
[66,"2020-12-14","Application Content/Format","This question is in regards to   C.  Content and Form of the Full Application then ix. Summary Slide on page 42. On page 42 the required PowerPoint slide is to have the following information\n\n•     A project summary; \n•     A description of the project’s impact; \n•     Proposed project baseline and improvement goals for energy efficiency and energy flexibility; \n•     Any key graphics (illustrations, charts and/or tables); \n•     The project’s key idea/takeaway; \n• Project title, prime recipient, Principal Investigator, and Key Participant information; and \n•     Requested EERE funds and proposed applicant cost share. \n \nOn page 33 under i. Full Application Content Requirements it states that the Summary Slide (Microsoft PowerPoint format. 1 page limit)\n \nIs it really possible to put all the above information on one page, what is the page limit? \n","Yes, applicants are required to provide a single PowerPoint slide summarizing the proposed project. Please see section IV.C.ix. of the FOA document for a full list of requirements. "]
[67,"2020-12-14","Other","Can you please confirm-- is it required that my company’s registration with sam.gov be complete before we can submit a concept paper for the Connected Communities grant?  (Sam.gov’s help desk had a different answer than EERE’s help desk, so I wanted to confirm.)\n\nIf so, where do we enter the “SAMS number” during the concept paper submission process?  Or is our completed registration something you’d be checking for on the back end, without my company explicitly stating its SAMS number?\n","Please see the answer to question #42."]
[68,"2020-12-15","Cost Sharing","For cost share types and allowability, I was unable to find any material in the FOA about lease-financing or PPA's. Would something like a PPA be allowable as a contribution to the cost share for this funding?","Please see the answer to question #53"]
[69,"2020-12-15","Technical Topics","I have a question regarding the note below on page 13 of the FOA. Could you please help me understand if the “more than 30%” can be calculated over a period of time and whether it includes societal benefits of energy efficiency. \n\nProjects are encouraged to:\n     -  Improve energy efficiency by more than 30% over the baseline while meeting   objectives and maintaining occupant comfort, building performance, and economic viability.\n\n \n\n","The note referenced on page 13 is related to energy efficiency, a Critical Aspects for Proposed Projects in Table 1.\nEach project must: significantly improve the energy efficiency performance of buildings in the community over an appropriate baseline.\nProjects are encouraged to: improve energy efficiency by more than 30% over the baseline while meeting objectives and maintaining occupant comfort, building performance, and economic viability.\n\n“More than 30%” refers to improving the energy efficiency performance of buildings in the community over an appropriate baseline. Please see Appendix H for guidance on project evaluation. Primary analysis methods include:\nMeter-based (existing buildings) and/or versus-code (new construction) analysis of energy savings. \n"]
[70,"2020-12-15","Concept Paper","We are interested in responding to the Department of Energy's Connected Communities FOA. We have received conflicting feedback about this FAO and how the categories should be addressed. Does EERE prefer respondents to submit a single paper addressing as many sub categories as possible within a single paper. In contrast, we were planning to submit multiple papers each addressing a single category.\n\nIf you could please clarify how respondents should submit papers if they are interested in multiple categories for this project. \n","Table 1 lists all of the required categories and identifies the aspects that are required and the ones that are encouraged of the connected community projects proposed in response to this FOA. Concept papers are expected to propose a connected community project that addresses all the required categories in Table 1. We anticipate a connected community project may use multiple EE and DF technologies to meet the objectives of the FOA. Do not submit a separate concept paper for each of the required categories in Table 1.\n\nPlease see question 44.\n"]
[{"$f":"A73+1","v":71},"2020-12-15","Eligibility","1. Can one person (or entity) be a part of the team in more than one proposal submission (with different primes, of course). \n\n2. As a follow up to question 1 - if a person (or entity) is a prime in one submission, can they be a team member on another / multiple submissions? \n","An entity can be a team member to more than one proposal submission. It is up to the prime entity to choose team members."]
[72,"2020-12-16","Other","In the FOA it only mentions indirect costs in passing but does not outline at what rate they may be covered in the grant. Is it whatever the institution's federally negotiated rate is or is there a cap? ","If the applicant has a federally approved rate agreement, the rate must be applied uniformally across all Federal awards and budgeted as such in the application. Indirect rate caps or indirect cost caps cannot be placed on federally approved indirect rate agreements for federally funded projects."]
[73,"2020-12-16","Other","The FOA states that: \"Individual awards may vary between $3 million and $7 million, but DOE reserves the right to adjust these amounts depending on the applications submitted.\"  Does this mean that the minimum award is $3 million?  If there was a promising project that could be successfully undertaken for less than the $3 million threshold would it be eligible for award?  ","There is not a minimum award amount because DOE reserves the right to adjust the estimated award amounts listed in the FOA depending on the applications submitted. "]
[74,"2020-12-17","Webinar","The Webinar video for connected communities is not working","The video begins at 00:00:08. Before that you will receive a message saying that there is no content available. The link has been tested by multiple users in both Chrome and Explorer and was working.\n\nThe transcript of the webinar has been uploaded with the powerpoint slides.  Please see the Documents section of the FOA announcement.\n"]
[75,"2020-12-17","Cost Sharing","\n1.\tRegarding Section III.B, Cost Sharing, can improvements made to buildings to facilitate the installation/use of the project equipment be considered an allowable cost?\n \n2.\tRegarding Section III.B, Cost Sharing, can the value of building be included as an allowable cost?\n\n3.\tRegarding Section III.B.vi Cost Share Payment, can a portion of the cost share be deferred for longer than a quarter (i.e. up to one year)?","Please see the answer to question #53"]
[76,"2020-12-18","Other","Is there a person I can speak directly with?","DOE personnel are prohibited from having conversations with applicants regarding a funding opportunity while the funding opportunity is open.  All questions must be submitted to the FOA email (CCPilotsFOA@ee.doe.gov) and all answers will be posted to this spreadsheet."]
[77,"2020-12-18","Application Content/Format","On the cover page, if we only use a half page to address what is in the description of the FOA (project title, technical and business points of contact…), can we use the remaining space for narrative or graphics for the technical description?","The Technical Description and Impacts section is 4 pages maxium and Addendum is 2 pages maximum. Please refer to the table in section IV.B.i. for the page limits for each section."]
[78,"2020-12-21","Cost Sharing","Do energy efficiency space and water heating equipment, residential solar, storage and EV charging equipment costs that a project team member pays for and installs count towards the cost share?","Please see the answer to question #53"]
[79,"2020-12-22","Application Content/Format","I am new to EERE, I only registered as a response to this Notice of Funding Opportunity. I am trying to find the application and budget forms as well as any other forms that DOE has established for submission of an application.\n\nI log onto the site and go through the links to the pages, but thus far I have only been able to find the Concept Paper format. I am hoping that someone can help me navigate this site more effectively.","Please review section IV. Application and Submission Information, in the FOA document which can be found in the documents section of this posting. The application process will include two phases:  a Concept Paper phase and a Full Application phase. Full applications will not be accepted without the submission of a Concept Paper. \n\nThe \"Required Application Documents\" section of this posting will provide you with some of the templates required for submitting a full application. You will want to reivew these along wtih the Full Application requirements that are listed in the FOA document. \n "]
[80,"2021-01-04","Other","Who is the FOA manager for the Connected Communities FOA?","The FOA Manager for DE-FOA0002206 Connect Communities is Dale Hoffmeyer. All questions must be submitted to the FOA email (CCPilotsFOA@ee.doe.gov) and all answers will be posted to this spreadsheet."]
[81,"2021-01-06","Concept Paper","We are in the process of submitting our concept paper for the DE-FOA-0002206 Connected Communities. After logging into the EERE Exchange I noticed that there is no place to upload the concept paper document, as a file. I only see a text box named as Abstract with a 4000 character limit. Can you please help understand if this is where the concept paper should be copied and pasted? If so, how can I set up a cover page and a separate addendum?","When applicants to the subject FOA login to the EERE Funding Opportunity Exchange website and click the “Apply” button the website opens “Concept Paper Details” page.  Applicants provide some basic information about their submission by completing the data fields on the form.  When the applicant clicks the “Create Concept Paper” button located at the bottom of the form the website will create the Concept Paper submission record, assign it a Control Number and prepopulate the Concept Paper submission record with the information provided on the initial “Concept Paper Details” page.  Applicants can upload their Concept Paper document on the Upload and Submit tab of the Concept Paper submission record."]
[82,"2021-01-06","Cost Sharing","EERE has a requirement that large businesses provide a statutory minimum cost share of 20% for R&D efforts and 50% for Demonstration efforts in order to obtain a patent waiver. The FOA states that there is a 30% cost share requirement for a Demonstration project, but the obligatory cost share requirement are not specified for blended R&D and Demonstration projects. Can you share if blended efforts would require the 20% or 30% cost share requirement?","Because the Connected Communities FOA received a blanket cost share reduction form 50% to 30%, the minimum requirement for the entire project is 30%, regardless of any blended efforts and would have no impact on patent waivers. "]
[83,"2021-01-07","Other","During an internal meeting to discuss next steps, the reviewers comments were shared, and the PIs were trying to determine how to address any issues raised during the review. \n\nI am more used to working with the National Science Foundation, and once we review posted FAQs, if we still have questions or concerns, the next step is to discuss our questions with a program director prior to submission. \n\nDoes the DoE allow this for Connected Communities? If so, may I please have the contact information for the Program Director or the personnel who has the authority to respond to questions for DE-FOA-0002206? ","DOE personnel are prohibited from having conversations with applicants regarding a funding opportunity while the funding opportunity is open.  All questions must be submitted to the FOA email (CCPilotsFOA@ee.doe.gov) and all answers will be posted to this spreadsheet."]
[84,"2021-01-11","Registration Requirements","If a Prime Applicant has partnered with an outside firm to help them with the administration of the grant proposal and post-award (if awarded), can the outside firm submit the Concept Paper and full Application on behalf of the Prime? ","An outside entity may submit on behalf of the prime organization, however the entity uploading the concept paper and/or full application must have access to the prime organization’s EERE Exchange account.  If an outside entity uploads the concept paper and/or full application under their name then that entity will become the prime organization. The Principal Investigator and Business Contact must be from the prime organization."]
[85,"2021-01-11","Other","The EERE portal for the Concept Paper includes a tab to include include the cost and funds share totals. Can the values be approximate and refined in the full application?","Yes, values can be approximate and refined in the full application.\n\nAll costs will be reviewed and evaluated if selected for award negotiations. "]
[86,"2021-01-11","Technical Topics","On Page 13 of the FOA (19 of the PDF) it states that “… water heaters will be considered as a building technology contributing to flexible building loads and not as thermal energy storage. Thermal storage systems that would not otherwise be present in the building such as ice storage will be considered as an additional DER.”\n\nIn a situation where a water heating system, such as a commercial sized air-to-water heat pumps with thermal storage, would not otherwise be present count as a DER if they are operated in a way that is aligned with grid services?  ","Water heaters will be considered as a building technology contributing to flexible building loads and not count as a DER when the primary purpose of the thermal storage is to provide domestic hot water. "]
[87,"2021-01-19","Other","1.\tCan you please share a complete list of the reporting requirements for grant recipients, including timelines and required forms?\n2.\tCan you please share a complete set of procedures (and associated forms) for drafting/(receiving) the grant funds if DOE chooses to fund our proposal?","The requested information can be found here: https://www.energy.gov/eere/funding/eere-funding-application-and-management-forms"]
[88,"2021-01-20","Cost Sharing","As per CFR 200.306 \"(1) If the purpose of the Federal award is to assist the non-Federal entity in the acquisition of equipment, buildings or land, the aggregate value of the donated property may be claimed as cost sharing or matching. “\n\nDoes this mean that if the primary recipient is able to negotiate a discount for a DER asset (e.g., solar array/fuel cell) from a vendor for the purposes of this project that the discounted amount/donation can be claimed as cost share?","Per 2 CFR 200.436 Applicable Credits, any discounts must be credited to the Federal award and not counted as cost share. The credit must be in the form of either cost reduction or cash refund, as appropriate. "]
[89,"2021-01-21","Other","For cost recovery due to depreciation.  Do we need to use the same depreciation method for cost recovery as is used on the books of the entity that will own the asset?  For example, if the entity that owns the asset uses a straight line depreciation method, can we use an accelerated cost accounting method for cost recovery for the program?","Please refer to and read in its entirety 2 CFR 200.436 Depreciation"]
[90,"2021-01-23","Application Content/Format","Can you tell me, do all the resumes need to be in Times New Roman 12 font or larger?","Please refer to section IV. Application and Submission Information, the third bullet in that section outlines the full application page size and font requirments. "]
[91,"2021-01-24","Concept Paper","What are the requirements of FOA section l V. B .I.","Please review section IV. Application and Submission Information, in the FOA document which can be found in the documents section of this posting. The application process will include two phases:  a Concept Paper phase and a Full Application phase. Full applications will not be accepted without the submission of a Concept Paper. \n\nThe specific requirements for the concept paper begin on page 31 of the FOA document. "]
[92,"2021-01-26","Application Content/Format","I would like to review the complete FOA for the \"Connected Communities\" FOA (#0002206).  I may well be missing something, but I'm not finding the link for the full announcement under \"documents,\" or anywhere else in the synopsis (https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaId9d24afcd-e292-4ea2-a4d3-d36e2b9dd9c7).  Do I have to be registered as an Exchange User in order to access the actual details?  \n\nSpecifically, I want to look at the Concept Paper requirements to understand the requirements for that phase of the process.","The complete FOA document, Connected Communities - Mod 0002,  can be found in the documents section of this announcement. No, you do not need to be registered in Exchange to access any of the documents.\n\nPlease refer to section IV. Application and Submission Information for Concept Paper requirements. "]
[93,"2021-01-26","Application Content/Format","I have never applied for a grant before, and I am having trouble getting the needed information. Or the requirements for the grant. I would greatly appreciate any help you can provide thank you for your time and help. ","Please review the FOA document in its entirety for the requirements for this FOA."]
[94,"2021-01-26","Concept Paper","Is there a chance we can receive some more specific details (or talk briefly with somebody) regarding the concept paper weaknesses that resulted with a discouragement decision for the concept paper? ","DOE personnel are prohibited from having conversations with applicants regarding a funding opportunity while the funding opportunity is open. No additional information (strength/weakness) will be provided with the encourage/discourage notification.\n\nApplicants may submit a full application even if they receive a notification discouraging them from doing so. Please see VI.A.ii. on page 59 for more"]
[95,"2021-01-27","Other","Can you please confirm that the concept paper and full application should be submitted through EERE Exchange and not the EERE Program Information Center?","Yes, the concept paper and full application need to be submitted through EERE Exchange. "]
[96,"2021-01-27","Other","We are assembling our detailed project budget for the DOE CC FOA and we have some specific questions about what costs DOE will allow.\n\nWould it be possible to hold a phone call to discuss the details and nuances of our current project budget request?","DOE personnel are prohibited from having conversations with applicants regarding a funding opportunity while the funding opportunity is open.  All questions must be submitted to the FOA email (CCPilotsFOA@ee.doe.gov) and all answers will be posted to this spreadsheet."]
[97,"2021-01-27","Cost Sharing","Can energy performance contracts and power purchase agreements count towards cost share? If so, can the total expenditure be counted, or will it be limited to regular planned payments via the contract/agreement?","Given the limited information provided to DOE about the terms of the PPA or EPC and its structure, DOE is unable to make a decision on whether these cost could be allowable at this time.\n\nCost share will be reviewed and evaluated if selected for award negotiations.  "]
[98,"2021-01-28","Technical Topics","We understand the FOA's intent to \"provide a viable demonstration of the provision of grid services at a scale meaningful to participate in wholesale markets\". \n\nCan DOE please clarify if the demonstration scope of this funding should have an expected outcome during the period of performance to include participation in wholesale markets by becoming a market participant with an ISO (e.g., contract with the distribution utility and ISO) or the demonstration scope is primarily focused only demonstrating the type and scale of the grid services that a Connected Communities can provide to the grid (e.g., ISO, utility)? ","\nEach project must include the amount of load flexibility needed to provide a viable demonstration of the provision of grid services at a scale meaningful to participate in wholesale markets and/or at the distribution grid/level over multiple seasons. The scale of the grid service is the guiding factor, not necessarily registering for formal participation in an ISO."]
[99,"2021-01-28","Labs/FFRDCs","Question for DE-FOA-0002206, Connected Communities – \nOn page 21, the FOA indicates that FFRDCs are funded independently which I assume means they would be funded through Direct Distribution from DOE. However, on page 22 of the FOA, it also states that FFRDCs aside from LBNL are eligible to apply as a subrecipient.\n\n•\tOur University would specifically like FFRDCs to be funded through direct distribution, is this allowable?\n•\tIf it is not allowable, and the FFRDC submits as a subrecipient under us, are the WP and Authorization letter required?\n","Yes, FFRDCs are funded through Direct Distribution by DOE whether the Lab is the Prime or subrecipient. The FFRDC is required to submit a Work Plan and Authorization letter as part of this process and the FFRDC must be represented on the Primes budget under the FFRDC section."]
[100,"2021-01-28","Application Content/Format","\n1)  Which SF-424 Forms do we just need to submit as part of the Connected   Communities Full Proposal Submission? \n•\tSF-424A (Non-Construction Program)?\n•\tSF 424 Research & Related Budget? \n•\tOther?\n\n2)  And just to be clear, this will be a Cooperative Agreement, correct?","1) A blank SF424 can be found in the FOA posting on Exchange in the \"Required Application Documents\" section, then click \"View Required Application Documents\"\n\n2) Yes, please see section II. B. i. Cooperative Agreements in the FOA document."]
[101,"2021-01-29","Cost Sharing","Per the solicitation I can see that at least 30% Cost Share is required. Can you confirm if in the solicitation when it says, “Individual awards may vary between $3 million and $7 million…” this means the DOE will fund between $3-$7 million dollars and the 30% Cost Share is on top of that amount, or that including Cost Share total project costs should not exceed $7 million?","Please see the answer to quesiton #57"]
[102,"2021-01-29","Labs/FFRDCs","I am reaching out to ask if you require the budget justification from DOE labs independent of the budget they request?\nSpecifically, if NREL and PNNL need to provide budget justification or not.","A subrecipient budget justification is not required for FFRDCs. Please submit the authorization letter along with the field work proposal (FWP).  The FWP will suffice as the budget for the FFRDC."]
[{"$f":"A105+1","v":103},"2021-01-29","Concept Paper","I registered my company/project on the EERE site, and hit 'Create the Concept Paper'. Is there a way I can revise the abstract that was submitted?","Yes, any part of the sumbission can be revised until the applicant hits the 'Submit' button in Exchange, which begins the review process. If you need further assistance please contact Exchange: EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov"]
[104,"2021-02-02","Labs/FFRDCs","Would you please provide the DOE HQ point of contact that should be listed on our FWP?  This is a required field.","The Program Manager for the Building Technologies Office is currently Erika Gupta, 202-586-3152"]
[105,"2021-02-02","Application Content/Format","Are the prime recipient and subrecipients required to complete and submit SF-LLL forms if they are NOT engaged in any lobbying activities?","The SF-LLL must be completed by all applicants. If there are no lobbying activities then mark \"N/A\" in boxes 10a and 10b."]
[106,"2021-02-03","Other","One of our potential sub-recipients would like to know what will be publicized about the winners of the award and in which manner. I was able to find the attached screenshot about public release abstract. My questions:\n\n•\tHow will this abstract be publicized and shared with the public? \n•\tWill any additional info be shared with the public other than this abstract? If yes, what will also be shared and how?","After award selections are made, DOE will publicly announce the selected applicants and projects. Public announcements may include information about selected projects from the Summary/Abstract for Public Release document. \nFor example, on February 10, 2020 Department of Energy Announced up to $47.7 Million for Flexible Building Technologies, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), and Solid-State Lighting. https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/articles/department-energy-announces-477-million-flexible-building-technologies"]
[107,"2021-02-03","Foreign Entities/Work","Under Appendix C, Section 2, it is stated that \"all work under EERE funding agreements must be performed in the United States.\" \n•\tOne of our sub-recipients is incorporated in Canada and in the United States. \n•\tAll IP and construction for the project for this sub-recipient will be located in the United States. \n•\tThe management of the project for this sub-recipient will take place from Canada.\nDoes this kind of management-specific work require a foreign waiver? If so, what is the process for submitting this waiver?","A Foreign Work Waiver will need to be submitted as part of the application. Please review section IV.C.xiv \"Waiver Rquests: Foregn Entities and Foreign Work (if applicable)\" of the FOA document. Also, please review Appendix C starting on page 85  Performance of Work in the United States (Foreign Work Waiver), specifically the bullet points which detail the required information."]
[108,"2021-02-04","Application Content/Format","We are working on our Concept Paper submission for the Connected Communities FOA, and saw on the general EERE application requirements that we may need to submit a Letter of Intent prior to our Concept Paper submission. Is this a requirement for this specific FOA?","No, a Letter of Intent is not a requirment for this FOA. Please review section IV. Application and Submission Information in the FOA document which can be found in the documents section of this posting. The application process will include two phases:  a Concept Paper phase and a Full Application phase. Full applications will not be accepted without the submission of a Concept Paper. "]
[109,"2021-02-04","Cost Sharing","I’m reaching out with a question regarding the Connected Communities FOA. Regarding Cost Sharing, page 80, paragraph 4 (valuing property donated by third parties), where it states “the fair rental charges for land …may be allowed…” \n\nAre these the fair rental charges for the land over the anticipated life of the project (e.g. 20 years)?","Please see regulation 2 CFR 200.465 Rental Costs of Real Property and Equipment, which can be found on ecfr.gov.\n\nCost share will be reviewed and evaluated if selected for award negotiations. "]
[110,"2021-02-04","Application Content/Format","In regards to proposal preparation. When combining PDFs into a single document which may contain a signature (such as letters of commitment), is a PDF portfolio attachment acceptable? Or would DOE prefer to have flattened PDFs in a single PDF file?","Please see section IV.C.i of the FOA dcoument for Full Application Content Requirements. A single combined PDF file is preferred. "]
[111,"2021-02-04","Due Dates","We have been working with our client to submit the concept paper. However, due to the number of stakeholders involved the submission of concept paper has taken longer than anticipated. We are working hard and pushing as fast as possible to submit the concept paper ahead of the 2-17-2021 deadline and believe that the proposed project has great potential for DOE’s consideration. We understand that the DOE needs at least a week to respond to submitted concept papers. However, the Full Application is due on 3-3-2021. This would leave little time for us to incorporate any comments from the DOE in the Full Application (assuming the DOE provides us with a positive disposition). If we proceed with preparing the Full Application, the process would defeat the purpose of a Concept Paper disposition. \nIs there any chance that the Full Application deadline can be extended? We would request the deadline to be at least a month after all concept paper respondents receive DOE’s disposition in response to their Concept Paper.","No, there are currently no plans for extending the deadline for submitting the Full Application.\n\nThe process of accepting and reviewing concept papers on a rolling basis began in October. Please submit your concept paper as soon as possible. As described on the first page of the FOA they will be reviewed and an encourage or discourage notification will be sent to you with in one week of submission. The last possible date to submit is Feb 17th, however we do not recommend waiting until the deadline. \n\nUPDATE: DOE is considering an extension for the Concept Paper and Full Application deadline. Please keep checking the FOA announcement in Exchange for exact dates. "]
[112,"2021-02-05","Technical Topics","Regarding appropriate technology, from the text, initially it would seem the use of multiple technologies (e.g. photovoltaic, thermal mass, battery storage, etc.) is appropriate. \n\nOn page 3, the last paragraph states \n\n“A key part of this strategy includes utilizing efficient building design, operational strategies, and highly efficient, innovative building equipment coupled with smart technologies for building energy management.” \n\nTechnologies is plural in this passage. Indeed, the following figure (Figure 1) depicts the use of multiple technologies for a Grid-interactive Efficient Building. However, later on different language implies only the use of a single technology is appropriate for this FOA. \n\nOn page 31, under Concept Paper Content Requirements, it states “Each Concept Paper must be limited to a single concept or technology.”\n\nKindly please clarify if the use of multiple technologies is appropriate.","Please see the answer to question #44"]
[113,"2021-02-05","Eligibility","I am a US citizen and will lead the project if funded. I am hoping to include a co-pi who is a Chinese citizen on a work permit. He is currently a tenure track professor and in the process of getting the Green Card.\n\nMay I include this person?","Please refer to section VI.B.iii. Foreign National Access Under DOE Order 142.3A, \"Unclassified Foreign Visits and Assignments Program\". Please note this information \"may\" be required and also note the sentence in this section regarding any participants from State Sponsors of Terrorism. "]
[114,"2021-02-05","Eligibility","I’m writing to inquire about whether projects funded under DE‐FOA‐0002206 will have restrictions against participation by “non-US persons”.  This has caused major funding delays with another DOE project that some of our prospective PIs are working on. Thank you for any guidance you can offer.","Please see the anwer to question #113 above. "]
[115,"2021-02-05","Eligibility","We are a non-profit who will be applying for the CC grant.  (we have the Duns and Control number)\nWe have a couple of people in the non-profit who could serve as principal investigators, but maybe our best PI is in our Teaming organization.   \n1. Can that person serve as PI for our project? \n2. Or can the non-profit contract with that PI in the Teaming Organization to have him perform that function in the non-profit?   \n3. Can a person in the non-profit serve as co-PI?","Yes, there can be 2 co-PIs one from the prime and one from a teaming organization. "]
[116,"2021-02-05","Other","If some of the funds from a future award on FOA “DE-FOA-0002206 Connected Communities” were used to pay for some of the equipment to create a microgrid, and the microgrid is to be owned and operated by a utility that is a partner on the project, what are the guidelines for the utility paying back DOE for using the funds for the initial purchase?  .  For example, we have heard that if the utility keeps the assets  in service for 30 years and fully depreciate it to a cost of less than $5K, then the utility would not have to purchase the asset from the DOE for fair market value at the conclusion of the research period (the research period would be four years).  ","\nPlease review the following regualations:\n\nNon-profit 2 CFR 200.313 Equipment, specifically paragraph (f)(1-4), reading the whole regulation is recommended. \n\nFor-profit 2 CFR 910.360 Real Property and Equipment, specifically (g)(1-2), reading the whole regulation is recommended."]
[117,"2021-02-06","Due Dates","I've heard the deadline for the full application may be extended? Did this happen? And if so, what is the new deadline?","Please see the answer to quesiton #111"]
[118,"2021-02-07","Application Content/Format","I was wondering if you have any examples of past concept notes and past proposals you could send to me to assist me in the process. ","There are no templates or examples that DOE can provide for the concept paper. Please read section IV.B.i. Concept Paper Content Requirements starting on page 31 of the FOA document."]
[119,"2021-02-08","Application Content/Format","I have a question regarding the full proposal submission for DE-FOA-0002206.  In Section IV. Application and Submission Information, it says that the Full Application must conform to a set of requirements. It then goes on to say:\n•\tAll pages must be formatted to fit on 8.5 x 11 inch paper with margins not less than one inch on every side. Use Times New Roman typeface, a black font color, and a font size of 12 point or larger.\n•\tThe Control Number must be prominently displayed on the upper right corner of the header of every page. Page numbers must be included in the footer of every page.\n\nDoes this mean that every page in the submission must follow these requirements. It makes sense that the Technical Volume and Statement of Project Objectives will need to meet these requirements. However, some of the documents to be submitted are PDF forms or Excel budget spreadsheets. These requirements don't seem to make sense for these parts of the submission. And for the 1-page resumes, many people will already have a formatted resume; are you expecting us to reformat every resume and make sure every commitment letter meets the margin and font requirements listed above?  Do we need to make sure the control number is on the upper right corner of every document (letters of commitment, resumes, budget sheets, PowerPoint slide, etc.), or do these requirements just pertain to the Technical Volume and SOPO?  Please clarify.","Applicants are expected to make a reasonable effort to meet the Full Application Content Requirement as stated in Section IV. Application and Submission Information."]
[120,"2021-02-08","Other","I was hoping to talk to someone I am having trouble I am trying to submit app but I have the content of my proposals but I am having trouble submitting everything that is required can I just get the info needed for each thing in the proposals and let me just get an email that I can just send everything that I have and get someone to help me put the proposal in? ","DOE personnel are prohibited from having conversations with applicants regarding a funding opportunity while the funding opportunity is open.  All questions must be submitted to the FOA email (CCPilotsFOA@ee.doe.gov) and all answers will be posted to this spreadsheet.\n\nPlease see section IV. Application and Submission Information\n\nIf you have having difficulties uploading your documents into EERE Exchange, please contact: EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov"]
[121,"2021-02-08","Eligibility","For the referenced opportunity could you advise if the Marshall Islands' entities are eligible to apply. The DOE's programs do operate and are active in the Marshall Islands. But I wanted to check on this specific opportunity. I understand that SAM /CAGE registration would be required.  ","Please see section III.A starting on page 20 of the FOA document. US state, local and tribal entities are eligible to apply. Please see 2 CFR 200.90 for the definition of a State. If your community is not listed here then you can apply as a foreign entity and submit a waiver, please see Appendix C of the FOA for more information on submitting a waiver."]
[122,"2021-02-08","Other","Will the grant fund a full-time employee (salaries & benefits) hired specifically for the grant period of performance?  ","Yes, as long as the full-time employee is completing tasks as outlined in the Statement of Project Objectives. Please note that the Connected Communies FOA is for a Cooperative Agreement and not a grant."]
[123,"2021-02-08","Registration Requirements","Do we need a Duns number to submit a concept paper?","The DUNS number is required for the SF424 for the Full Application. A DUNS Number is not required at the Concept Paper phase. "]
[124,"2021-02-09","Application Content/Format","1) U.S. manufacturing plan. Section IV.C.xv on page 44 provides the US manufacturer commitments but no template is provided? Where to find a template for the U.S. manufacturing plan?\n\n2) On the FOA document - mod2, Section IV.C.xvii, page 46 it says that Applicants are encouraged but not required to make any software developed under an award open source to improve scalability and increase replication. But when I click on the Full Application Upload documents it asks for - Open Source Software Distribution Plan - \"Applicants are required to submit an Open Source Software Distribution Plan''. \nPlease clarify if applicants are required to submit an Open Source Software Distribution Plan? If yes, then any templates are available?","1) There is no template for the US Manufacturing Plan. The Plan must include the components specified in Section IV.C.xv.\n\n2) Please see the answers to questions #7 and #17"]
[125,"2021-02-09","Application Content/Format","I have a question regarding submission of the concept paper.  It indicates for the “Addendum” that the page limit is 2 pages maximum.  Is that 2 pages maximum per resume (per team member) or 2 pages total including all resumes  (team members)?  Info is located on p. 31-32of FOA regarding requirements for concept paper.  ","Please review the Addendum box on page 32 of section IV.B.i. Resumes are not required to be submitted until the Full Application stage. "]
[126,"2021-02-09","Technical Topics","1) As part of our project concept, we are considering building a microgrid through which the connected community of buildings and DERs will be controlled.  As an example, assume the microgrid were to cost $5M.  The microgrid is germane to the project concept and building control, and would not be built if not for this project.  If the project partners can cover $3.5M of the costs of the microgrid, can funds from DOE be used to cover the balance ($1.5M)?  If permissible, would use of the funds in such a manner be considered acceptable or not looked upon with favor?\n\n2) Can funding from the DOE be used to pay for the control upgrades? \n\n3) Can funding from the DOE be used to pay for the investment grade energy audit? \n\n4) As part of our project concept, we plan to perform a detailed design of energy improvements and controls for the buildings that will be part of our connected community. Can funding from the DOE be used to pay for the design work?  Could it be used to pay for installation of the new equipment or controls?\n","Please see the answers to quesitons #14, 37, 53, and 55\n\nPlease see page 18 of the FOA. Connected Community funding agreements are expected to support measurement and verification of technologies and approaches in real world settings, and analysis to capture and disseminate best practices. A small share of funding may be applied to capital improvements that increase energy efficiency and demand flexibility of buildings and the integration and optimization of these resources across multiple buildings and the grid. (Applicants which need to apply a higher share of funds to capital improvements to ensure a successful project will be considered upon full articulation of such need.) The intent of this FOA is not to subsidize the cost of construction of new buildings or major grid upgrades. See section IV. Funding Restrictions for information about allowable costs. Please also see page 19, Section D Applications Specifically Not of Interest. \n\nThe objective of this FOA is to select projects that will demonstrate how groups of buildings combined with other types of DERs, such as electric vehicle (EV) charging and photovoltaic (PV) generation, can reliably and cost-effectively serve as grid assets by strategically deploying efficiency and demand flexibility. Cost and business model to achieve economic viability at scale are important considerations. \n\nThe technical review criteria for Full Applications is on pages 53-55 and includes the reasonableness of the budget and spend plan for the proposed project and objectives."]
[127,"2021-02-10","Application Content/Format","I would like to confirm that the data management plan only needs to be submitted if the applicant is selected for award negotiations.","That is correct. Please refer to the submission chart on page 33-34 of section IV.C.i. for the Full Application Content Requirements. "]
[128,"2021-02-10","Webinar","I see there's a webinar, but it requires a password for access. How can I get that?","The password to the informational webinar can be found in the FOA announcement located on EERE Exchange: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaId9d24afcd-e292-4ea2-a4d3-d36e2b9dd9c7. The password is directly underneath the link to the webinar. Also, a copy of the presentation has been uploaded to the Documents section."]
[129,"2021-02-11","Registration Requirements","While we are confident in the content we submitted for this concept paper, we are not confident that all parties listed our \"account\" are appropriately tied together across all the various federal grant websites. We have had applications undergo major last-minute complications because the people on our projects did not have the right permissions across the various .gov websites (sam.gov, grants.gov, eere exchange, etc.). We need to know, well in advance, what technical issues we need to iron our for our full submittal. ","If you were able to successfully submit a concept paper, you will be able to submit a full application through EERE Exchange for this funding opportunity. If you are concerned about the permissions within each system, grants.gov, SAM and EERE Exchange have a helpdesk you can contact. Grants.gov: 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. SAM.gov: 866-606-8220. EERE Exchange: EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov "]
[130,"2021-02-11","Due Dates","Regarding the submission Deadline for Full Applications by 5:00pm ET 3/3/2021, could the EERE please grant at least a 6 week deadline extension to all applicants? Given the complexity of this FOA requirements and the challenges/delays all applicants are experiencing during COVID, 6 additional weeks would be a reasonable extension to ensure that  EERE receives high quality proposals.","There are currently no plans for extending the deadline for submitting the Full Application.\n\nUPDATE: DOE is considering an extension for the Concept Paper and Full Application deadline. Please keep checking the FOA announcement in Exchange for exact dates. "]
[131,"2021-02-11","Application Content/Format","On the “Instructions and Summary” tab, the instructions state that rows can be added to the spreadsheet. I would like to add rows to the sub-recipient section on the contractual page, but the spreadsheet appears to be locked. How do I go about adding rows to this section?","Select the spredsheet that you would like to revise, click \"Review\" on the menu bar, select \"Unprotect Sheet\", you should now be able to revise the spreadsheet. "]
[132,"2021-02-11","Cost Sharing","On page 30 of the current DE-FOA-0002206 solicitation, the cost share percentage is listed as “must be at least 30% of the total allowable costs for demonstration projects”. \n\nWe noted that Appendix B (pg 88) lists other minimum cost share percentages for other task types (R&D, Outreach). Is Appendix B solely intended to be a example of cost share calculations?  Or do these other minimum cost share percentages apply if our proposed project will have a mix of task types (R&D, Demonstration, Outreach)?\n\nIs DE-FOA-0002206 restricted only to demonstration projects?  Or may a project be proposed that would include a mix of R&D and demonstration? ","Please see the answer to question #82."]
[133,"2021-02-12","Due Dates","We noticed the due date for concept application has been set for next week on February 17th, is there any way we could have an extension to properly assemble a compelling concept package to apply for the grant? ","DOE does not have plans to extend the deadline for concept papers. The process of accepting and reviewing concept papers on a rolling basis began in October. Please submit your concept paper as soon as possible. As described on the first page of the FOA they will be reviewed and an encourage or discourage notification will be sent to you with in one week of submission. The last possible date to submit is Feb 17th, however we do not recommend waiting until the deadline. \n\nUPDATE: DOE is considering an extension for the Concept Paper and Full Application deadline. Please keep checking the FOA announcement in Exchange for exact dates. "]
[134,"2021-02-12","Application Content/Format","Under Section VIII. Other Information, Section J, it states that DOE has issued a class waiver that applies to this FOA.  Can this be provided or is it available somewhere for applicants to review?","The class waiver can be viewed here: https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2018/04/f50/W%28C%292016-004_Redacted.pdf"]
[135,"2021-02-15","Due Dates","Our group of organizations based here in Texas is planning to submit a concept paper to the \"DE-FOA-0002206: CONNECTED COMMUNITIES” due February 17th. Right now we have power outages, everything is short down in a state of emergency. \n\nI would like to appeal to you for an extension of the submission date so that our teams can have a fair chance at submission. ","Please see the answer to quesiton #133"]
[136,"2021-02-16","Cost Sharing","In Section IV.C.x Subrecipient Budget Justification, it says: \"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).\"\n\nDoes this $250,000 threshold and 25% of total work effort include cost share, or does it just apply to grant funds?  If a subrecipient is receiving less than $250,000 in grant funds, but is providing cost share such that the sum of the grant funds and the cost share are greater than $250,000 (or 25% of total work effort), does the recipient need to submit a budget justification? What if a partner is receiving no grant funds, but is providing in-kind cost share for the use of facilities that exceeds $250,000, does that partner need to submit a budget justification? Finally, does the type of cost share make any difference?  For example, what if a partner is receiving no grant funds, but is providing in-kind cost share in the form of labor that exceeds $250,000, does that partner need to submit a budget justification?","A separate budget justification is required for any subrecipients that are proposing work estimated to be more than $250,000 or 25% of total award costs. There is no distinction between federal funds and cost share funds.  "]
[137,"2021-02-16","Cost Sharing","1) The prime recipient cost share for each billing period must always reflect the overall cost share ratio negotiated by the parties-then  (i.e., the total amount of cost sharing on each invoice  when considered  cumulatively with previous invoices must reflect at a minimum, the cost sharing percentage negotiated. )\n\nDOES THIS MEAN THAT THE COST SHARING PARTNERS TOGETHER MUST PROVIDE IN ACTUAL SPENDING AT 30% OF THE SUPPORT PROMISED FOR EACH INVOICE?  \n\nFOR EXAMPLE, IN A GROUP OF THREE INVOICES FOR A BILLING PERIOD, CAN THE PARTNERS PROVIDE, 5, 10 AND THEN 15 % OF THE INVOICES TO TOTAL 30%, OR DOES IT HAVE TO BE 30% ON EACH INVOICE?\n\n2) Then in the 3rd sentence, it seems to say that the Prime Recipient “will be required to provide project cost share at a percentage commensurate with the FFRDC costs, on a budget period basis, resulting in a higher interim invoicing cost share ratio that the total award ratio.\n\nOUR QUESTION:  DOES THIS MEAN THAT IF THE FFRD IS  PROVIDED WITH FUNDING FROM DOE THAT IS HIGHER THAN  BUDGETED, THAT THE COST SHARE PERCENT OF ACTUAL SPENDING MUST INCREASE COMMENSURATELY (AT THE SAME RATE)? \n\nIs it possible to provide an example?  ","1) In this example, the total amount of overall costshare (including all 3 partners) must be at least equal to 30% for each invoice submitted by the Prime, so that the cumulative cost share of funds spent remains at 30%.\n\n2) Yes, if the amount of FFRDC provided is higher than originally budgeted, the cost share percentage would also have to increase to reflect the overall minimum cost share requirements.\n\n EERE $ / %\t                         FFRDC $ / %               Recipient Cost Share         Total Est. Costs\n$660,000 / 66%\t              $40,000 / 4%\t              $300,000 /30%\t                    $1,000,000\n \n\nRecipient Invoicing            Total Est. Costs                      Recipient Invoicing\nCost Share ($)                        Less FFRDC $                                Cost Share %\n$300,000                                 $660,000                                          45%\n"]
[138,"2021-02-16","Concept Paper","Can DOE please define \"effort\" for the Lead Organization and Team Members as requested through the EERE Funding Opportunity Exchange website when submitting concept papers (total budget, total spend, labor only, etc.)? \n\nAdditionally, are Team Members limited to the Prime Recipient and Subrecipients, or does Team Members also include all parties listed in the concept paper including partners, contractors, labs, etc.?","Please review Section IV. B. Content and Form of the Concept Paper for the full requirements for submitting a concept paper. A budget is not required until the Application phase. \n\nTeam members include any entity that participates toward the outcome of the proposed project."]
[139,"2021-02-16","Due Dates","We are interested to submit a concept paper to connected communities FOA 2206 but we have power and internet outage since Monday (Feb 15, 2021) due to extreme cold weather in Texas (as you maybe aware from the news). In view of this national unexpected disaster in southern and midwestern states, can you please extend the deadline for concept paper, which is due tomorrow!? ","Please see the answer to quesiton #133"]
[140,"2021-02-17","Concept Paper","We are in the process of submitting our Concept Paper today in response to (FOA) Number: DE-FOA-0002206.\n\nCan you please provide us guidance with the procedure/link to the Concept Paper submission.","Please login to the EERE Funding Opportunity Exchange website (https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaId9d24afcd-e292-4ea2-a4d3-d36e2b9dd9c7) and locate the subject FOA. Click the “Apply” button, the website opens “Concept Paper Details” page.  Applicants provide some basic information about their submission by completing the data fields on the form.  When the applicant clicks the “Create Concept Paper” button located at the bottom of the form the website will create the Concept Paper submission record, assign it a Control Number and prepopulate the Concept Paper submission record with the information provided on the initial “Concept Paper Details” page.  Applicants can upload their Concept Paper document on the Upload and Submit tab of the Concept Paper submission record."]
[141,"2021-02-16","Application Content/Format","I have a question regarding the lobbying form (SF-LLL) required for the application. Will you provide guidance on how to complete this form? \nApplicant and project partners have not and will not use any federal or non-federal funds  to influence in connection with this application, and thus it is unclear who they should provide as the “lobbying registrant” and “individual performing services” since no such services are being provided in connection with this application and FOA. "," The SF-LLL must be completed by all applicants. If there are no lobbying activities then mark \"N/A\" in boxes 10a and 10b."]
[142,"2021-02-17","Application Content/Format","Does this FOA accept letters of support?","All subrecipients should submit letters of support, especially if they are committing cost share. Please see section IV.C.iv. Letter of Commitment in the FOA document. "]
[143,"2021-02-18","Eligibility","We have decided to transfer the prime recipient of the project to another organization. My organization is now a sub-recipient. If I need to officially make this change with the DOE prior to submitting documents, how do I officially change it? ","The prime can be changed up until full application submittal however the project objective from the concept paper must be consistent with the full application files. To change the prime click on the Control Number in the My Submissions page to open the Full Application Details page and scrolling down to the Share Permissions section. There you can switch the prime. If you need further assistance please contact Exchange: EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov"]
[144,"2021-02-18","Due Dates","Can DOE issue an extension for DE-FOA-0002206 submission deadlines?","DOE is considering an extension for the Concept Paper and Full Application deadline. Please keep checking the FOA announcement in Exchange for exact dates. "]
[145,"2021-02-18","Application Content/Format","Within table 1 of the FOA_mod-002 (pg. 16) it highlights that all full application submissions must provide detail on \"Outreach\". \n\nThe table identifies the stakeholders that are needed to be included; however, in the rest of the FOA there is no further description on the matter; such as:\n•\twhat is required to be submitted   \n•\twhat activities need to be performed\n•\tdates these activities need to be completed by\n•\tetc.\nCan you please shed insight on this?","Applicants need to propose a communications plan to educate relevant industries, public officials, professionals, the public and stakeholders regarding the project’s approach, implementation and value. Please see page 40 of Section IV. C. iii. Under Workplan and Market Transformation Plan. The Market Transformation Plan is specifically relevant."]
[146,"2021-02-18","Due Dates","We have been working on Concept Papers since the RFI was released in May of 2020 and all interested parties were eagerly awaiting the official FOA release in August 2020 to understand the final FOA details. The FOA was finally released in October of 2020 and significant effort has been required to harvest information and obtain approvals from multiple stakeholders to develop the concept paper for submission by the deadline. Confirmation of interest and approvals for the concept paper phase has been very challenging to achieve in these past five months given the circus of competing deadlines, COVID-19 health and safety priorities, and the mix of stakeholders to obtain concept paper commitments from. The deadline for the application phase is even more challenging in order to obtain funding letters of commitments with approvals from a mix of stakeholders and the level of detail required by the application. Therefore, more time is required to complete the application process and we kindly request DOE consider an application deadline extension. \n\nWill DOE at a minimum consider an extension of at least five weeks, to April 7th for the application deadline? ","Please see the answer to question #144"]
[147,"2021-02-18","Due Dates","Hi, I was wondering if there are any plans to push back the submission deadline given what was going on in TX this past week. ","Please see the answer to quesiton #144"]
[148,"2021-02-19","Eligibility","Is it permissioned to recruit two or more creditable partners at this late date to replace them? If so, what formalities must be done to do that? We have waiting in the wings several well known potential contributors to this effort, but we would have to know immediately so we can start with them, potentially today, since there is such a short time remaining. ","Please see the answer to quesiton #142"]
[149,"2021-02-19","Application Content/Format","I wanted to clarify, if we have a 3rd party that is not a subrecipient do we have to spell out their tasks and budget within the SOPO and Budget Excel? \n\nIf not, how do we articulate their role? \n\nCan a Letter of Commitment suffice?","If the 3rd party will be paid with federal funds through the cooperative agreement and/or contributing cost share to the project then they must be included in the budget and those tasks outlined in the SOPO. A letter of commitment will be required as well. If the 3rd party is not being paid through the cooperative agreement nor contributing cost share, then the entity does not need to be listed in the budget or SOPO. If the 3rd party is contributing pro bono, and you would like to include their participation in the project, those tasks can still be mentioned in the SOPO and a letter of commitment is sufficient confirming their contributions."]
[150,"2021-02-19","Application Content/Format","The budget justification workbook does not permit inserting rows in tabs a through j, as the instructions permitted.  The version that is posted appears to be in a locked format.  Please check and send/post a version that will permit inserting rows.","Select the spredsheet that you would like to revise, click \"Review\" on the menu bar, select \"Unprotect Sheet\", you should now be able to revise the spreadsheet. "]
[151,"2021-02-21","Application Content/Format","I have a  new question about the Budget Justification worksheet.  It is possible to add another budgeting period to the spreadsheet?  It currently includes only three;  is that the requirement?  If we wanted to  include period 4, would we just post that on a second budget justification spreadsheet containing only one period? ","In the required Application Documents section of the FOA announcement on Exchange includes a Budget Justification with 5 budget periods (Budget_Justification_(5_BPs) ). Please use this document, leaving one of the budget periods blank."]
[152,"2021-02-21","Other","Are the proposed Connected Communities projects considered to be RD&D projects or non-RD&D projects by DOE?","Please see the answers to questions #8 and #15"]
[153,"2021-02-21","Application Content/Format","The FOA says: \"EERE anticipates making awards that will run up to 36-60 months in length, comprised of one or more budget periods.\"  With regard to Go/NoGo decision points it says: \"At a minimum, each project must have at least one project-wide Go/No-Go decision point for each budget period (12 to 18-month period) of the project.\"\n\nWe are planning to propose a 5 year project that will have 3 budget periods. The first two will be 18 months in length, and the last budget period will be 24 months. We plan to have Go/NoGo decision points after each of the first two 18 month budget periods. Activities in the third 24 month budget period will include data collection, performance monitoring and evaluation, and knowledge transfer and reporting. Is 18 months the maximum length of a budget period, or will a final budget period of 24 months be acceptable?","The maxium length for 1 budget period is 18 months. In this example you'll need at least 4 budget periods. Please see the answer to question #151."]
[154,"2021-02-21","Concept Paper","Your decision says \"I am welcome to correct the compliance errors and resubmit (your) concept paper under a different control number.\" I see my error.\n\nHow do I resubmit under a different control number?","The deadline for Concept Paper submisson has been extended. You can now go into Exchange and submit your concept paper under a different control number. "]
[155,"2021-02-21","Concept Paper","Hello, I was told that we could resubmit, but I need a new control number. I don't see how to obtain another control number since it is past the deadline? ","Please see the answer to question #154"]
[156,"2021-02-21","Due Dates","Regarding the DOE connected communities FOA, we are partnering with a Texas utility company.  Due to the recent winter storm, the utility company will not be able to get all required document ready by the deadline of March 3rd since they are burdened with recovery efforts and follow up items.   Is it possible that we submit the application package without utility’s letter and forms on March 3rd?  ","The deadline for Full Application submission has been extened until March 17, 2021. "]
[157,"2021-02-21","Application Content/Format","I would like to ask: is the US manufacturing plan required only if/when the proposal is accepted for funding?","The US Manufacturing plan is required as part of  the full application submission. Please see section IV.C.i. Full Application Content Requirements"]
[158,"2021-02-22","Webinar","In attempting to submit our Concept Paper for the Connected Communities Grant Opportunity (DE-FOA-0002206) back on the 17th, it wasn’t clear where we were to submit the paper via the EERE Exchange platform. So we submitted the paper via email to eere-exchangesupport@hq.doe.gov. The EERE Exchange Support team advised that we should reach out to this email address to request late submission acceptance. Please find the attached concept paper. We would appreciate the opportunity to apply for this grant and thank you in advance for your consideration. If a late acceptance submittal is acceptable, can you please advise how best to proceed?","Submission through the mailbox will not be reviewed. Please see the answer to question #140 for submission guidance. The deadline for Concept Paper submisson has been extended until March 3, 2021. "]
[159,"2021-02-22","Concept Paper","As per FOA, we were expecting a feedback within 7 calendar days but a decision has not been made on it yet. Do you have any idea when comments may be available?","Thank you for your patience. EERE is diligently working to review Concept Papers that have been submitted. Encourage/Discourage notifications will be posted as soon as available. Please note that the due date for Full Applications has been extended 2 weeks."]
[160,"2021-02-22","Application Content/Format","Would you be able to point me to any additional information in how you are defining “key participant” for the Connected Communities FOA?","Key Participant is a member of the project team that will be responsible for leading or completing key aspects of the project."]
[161,"2021-02-22","Cost Sharing","If, as a direct result of the Connected Communities project, buildings that are not directly participating in the project leverage the innovations made possible by DOE funding and realize energy savings within the time frame of the proposed project, can we count their bill savings as cost share? ","No, only costs expended for the project can count toward cost share and those costs must be listed in the project budget. Please refer to section III.B. Cost Sharing, in the FOA document."]
[162,"2021-02-22","Other","If we have co-PI's, one in the applicant organization and one in a partner organization, can the co-PI in the partner organization be an independent contractor? ","The PI is the researcher, scientist or other individual designated by the recipient to direct the research and development aspects of the project. If the applicant organization designates 2 PIs, one of them can be from a partnering organization and an independent contractor."]
[163,"2021-02-23","Concept Paper","I need to resubmit my concept paper under a new Control Number. Can you help me?","The deadline for Concept Paper submisson has been extended. You can now go into Exchange and submit your concept paper under a different control number. Concept papers will need to resubmitted before the March 3, 2021 due date."]
[164,"2021-02-24","Concept Paper","Does DOE allow the value of land donated for a development that would be subject of the connected communities activities to be counted as cost share? ","Please see the answer to question #88"]
[165,"2021-02-25","Concept Paper","We submitted our concept paper on 2/17, but have yet to get any feedback or an encourage/discourage notice.","Please see the answer to quesiton #159"]
[166,"2021-02-25","Application Reviews","I'm reaching out to see if there are any updates on when concept paper encourage / discourage decisions will be announced. ","Please see the answer to quesiton #159"]
[167,"2021-02-25","Application Content/Format","Our institution is prepping a full application to the Connected Communities program (DE-FOA-0002206). \n\nWe have a question about formatting on the SOPO. \n--The SOPO Word template is in Calibri; yet, the solicitation indicates that the “Full Application” should be in Times New Roman 12. \n--Should we use the SOPO template fonts, or use the overall guidance below? \n\np. 29 – 30: \nThe Concept Paper, Full Application, and Reply to Reviewer Comments must conform to the following requirements:\n• Each must be submitted in Adobe PDF format unless stated otherwise;\n• Each must be written in English;\n•All pages must be formatted to fit on 8.5 x 11 inch paper with margins not less than one inch on every side. Use Times New Roman typeface, a black font color, and a font size of 12 point or larger (except in figures or tables, which may be 10 point font). A symbol font may be used to insert Greek letters or special characters, but the font size requirement still applies. 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;","Please use the guidance as stated in section IV. Application and Submission Information for the FOA document."]
[{"$f":"A170+1","v":168},"2021-02-25","Other","We are uncertain whether the proposal should be for one city/community or multiple communities?\n\nWhen can we expect to get feedback on our Concept Paper? We are excited to prepare the full application.","The FOA states that a “Connected Community” is a group of grid-interactive efficient buildings with diverse, flexible end use equipment and other distributed energy resources that collectively work to maximize building, community, and grid efficiency. Applicants may propose one or multiple Connected Communities.\n\nPlease see the answer to question #159"]
[169,"2021-02-25","Concept Paper","I am reaching out to request a status update on our submission of a concept paper in consideration of the DOE Connected Communities funding opportunity,\n\nAs the full application deadline is approaching (March 3rd), a timely update as to whether our concept paper received a positive appraisal to proceed would be most helpful and appreciated.","Please see the answer to question #159"]
[170,"2021-02-25","Application Content/Format","In reviewing both the budget justification file as well as the requirements within 2 CFR 200, it appears that the project team is unable to charge a profit on the actual labor / personnel costs for this program. Is that correct? Can you please advise whether there are any acceptable means of project team members earning a profit on this grant program?","Per 2 CFR 200.400(g) “The non-Federal entity may not earn or keep any profit resulting from Federal financial assistance,” If awarded, this regulation will flow down to any subrecipient listed on the project. A subrecipient is an entity, usually but not limited to non-Federal entities, that receives a subaward from a pass-through entity to carry out part of a Federal award. This definition does not include vendors or contractors, as they are not subject to the terms and conditions of the award and can charge profit to the project. To determine which entities classify as a subrecipient or vendor/contractor please see 2 CFR 200.331 Subrecipient and contractor determinations. "]
[171,"2021-02-25","Application Content/Format","Which of these proposal forms are required for the prime, subrecipient and contractors? SAM Registiration & DUNS, Budget for DOE/NNSA FFRDC (if applicable), Authorization for non-DOE/NNSA or DOE/NNSA FFRDCs (if applicable), Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, SF-424, Budget Justification Workbook, Sub-recipient Budget Justification, US Manufacturing Plan","SAM & DUNS – Required for prime recipient and subrecipients regardless if over the $250K or 25% total project cost threshold.\n\nBudget for DOE/NNSA FFRDC – Only required to be submitted if there is participation from a DOE FFRDC. This should be in the form of a field work proposal as opposed to the budget justification workbook.\n\nAuthorization for non-DOE/NNSA or DOE/NNSA FFRDCs - Required as part of the application if an FFRDC is being used on the award\n\nDisclosure of Lobbying Activities - Applicants are required to complete and submit the SF-LLL regardless if they are involved in lobbying activities or not. \n\nSF-424 - Prime recipients are required to fill out the Applicaiton for Federal Assistance in accordance with the instructions on the form.\n\nBudget Justification Workbook - Prime recipients must complete each tab of the Budget Justification Workbook for the project as a whole, including all work to be performed by the prime recipient and its subrecipients and contractors.\n\nSub-recipient Budget Justification - 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). \n\nUS Manufacturing Plan - Required as part of the application. The Plan must include the components specified in Section IV.C.xv."]
[172,"2021-02-26","Application Content/Format","When it comes to grant applications by applicants, is a letter of support from a utility sufficient to make a distinction in an individual proposal? If so, are there specifics that DOE application reviewers would like to see? ","A letter of support from a partner is intended as evidence that the applicant has a relationship with the entity and the entities level of commitment to participate in the proposed project if selected.\n\nBecause of the objective of this FOA, projects are encouraged to include representation of grid resources/assets (e.g. electric utility, efficiency utility, community choice aggregator), building owners or related market actors (e.g. home builder, building owner, developer, building manager, engineering firm), technology manufacturers and vendors, state or local governments, Clean Cities coalitions (if applicable), and researchers (e.g. national lab, university, consulting firm). Projects are also encouraged to directly support corporate, utility, state, or local emission reduction goals where applicable.\n\nFull applications will be reviewed according the criteria found in Section V.A.ii of the FOA. Criterion 3: Team and Resources, is weighted 20% of the total score."]
[173,"2021-02-26","Concept Paper","We recently received a 'Discourage' on our Concept Paper for the Connected Communities Grant.  While we received five comments they are all at a mostly high level and could be interpreted in different ways. Because we believe our project continues to represent a great opportunity, we wanted to gain further information about the shortcomings in our current Concept Paper and put in a different proposal for a later grant.   \n\nWould it be possible to set up a phone call or zoom with the reviewer or another reader of our concept paper? It would guide us on future applications.","If a concept paper is discouraged applicants will receive brief comments on why the paper was discouraged. Resubmitting a concept paper before the deadline is allowed, however per section IV.B.i “An applicant who receives a discouraged notification may still submit a Full Application”.\n\nDOE personnel are prohibited from having conversations with applicants regarding a funding opportunity while the funding opportunity is open.\n"]
[174,"2021-02-26","Concept Paper","I know that the Q&A would not provide feedback on concept papers, but I was curious if there would be a separate process for debriefing concept papers and obtaining feedback from USDOE.","Please see the answer to question #173"]
[175,"2021-02-26","Application Content/Format","Is there a power point template (with DOE/BTO/other logos) which should be used for the full application? ","There is not a power point template for the full application. Please see section IV.C.ix. of the FOA document for a full list of requirements. "]
[176,"2021-02-27","Application Content/Format","If the Prime Recipient does not have any lobbying activities to report on the SF-LLL form, do we leave most sections blank and just have it signed?","Please see the answer to question #105"]
[177,"2021-02-27","Application Content/Format","Does the Prime compile all subrecipients information into one master budget juatification workbook (file)? \n\nIf so, how do we add additional rows to a given worksheet; if necessary?","Yes, all subrecipient information should be recorded in the Prime's budget justification. To add rows, select the spredsheet that you would like to revise, click \"Review\" on the menu bar, select \"Unprotect Sheet\", you should now be able to revise the spreadsheet. "]
[178,"2021-02-28","Concept Paper","We submitted our concept paper but we saw the deadline has been extended to March 3rd. Will we get a encourage/discourage answer only after March 3rd? Or should we have heard back from you to see if we should proceed with the full application process?","Please see the answer to question #159"]
[179,"2021-03-01","Labs/FFRDCs","I’m working for a national lab, and partner in a CC proposal. It is not clear to me if a national lab and as partner in this proposal, should also provide a separate SF-424 and the SF-LLL form, separately from the prime.","Please see the answers to questions #12 and #102"]
[180,"2021-03-01","Cost Sharing","Does cost share has to happen every year, or the cost share requirement can be satisfied first 2/3 years?","Please see section III.B.vi. Cost Share Payment of the FOA document. \n\nCost share will be reviewed and evaluated if selected for award negotiations. "]
[181,"2021-03-01","Application Content/Format","I am emailing about resume attachments for FOA DE-FOA-0002206. Is there a template to use for the 1 page attachment? Or specific requirements or sections that should be represented within the resume?","All available templates can be found in the Required Application Documents section in the FOA announcement in Exchange. Please see section IV.C.i of the FOA dcoument for Full Application Content Requirements."]
[182,"2021-03-01","Other","It is not clear from the FOA whether the National Coordinator will provide the detailed evaluation metric and evaluation survey for individual project, or the project team will need to develop such metrics and survey with the assistances from LBNL. Will LBNL provide the evaluation procedure, method, metrics, etc., and the project team will just follow the procedure and directly use the metrics?  Please clarify. ","The National Coordinator will support project level evaluation by providing an evaluation protocol, assistance to implement the protocol, measurement plan review, targeted quality assurance and control reviews, and review of evaluation report results. The selectees will be expected to collaborate with LBNL on the evaluation scope, working with LBNL’s standardized evaluation protocol as a starting point. Refer to Appendix H for details, including further definition of the division of labor between the applicant and the National Coordinator."]
[183,"2021-03-01","Due Dates","Our group of organizations based here in Texas is planning to submit a full application to the \"DE-FOA-0002206: CONNECTED COMMUNITIES” due March 17th. We are all only just recovering from the power outages that crippled work statewide a little over a week ago. \n\nI would like to appeal to you for an extension of the full application submission date so that our teams can have a fair chance at submission. ","The FOA has been modified to extend the deadline for full applications to March 17th. It will not be extended further."]
[184,"2021-03-01","Application Content/Format","Can we sign the PDF “fill in” forms by typing in our signature, or must we print and sign these?","The documents that require a signature, must be signed by an Authorized Representative of the organization. The forms can be signed either electronically or by hand. "]
[185,"2021-03-02","Due Dates","We see that the new due dates have changed within:\n\n1. DE-FOA-0002206 Mod 0003 - pdf (only downloadable)\n2. EERE Exchange under \"Submission Deadlines\" at the bottom of the Connected Communities program description text box\n\nHowever, the old dates are still showing in:\n\n3. The key date table on this page: Funding Opportunities Announcement: Connected Communities\nAnd\n4. Our PI is seeing the old dates within EERE exchange in the application form. We are just concerned that this might affect whether or not our full proposal submission makes it through Exchange correctly? ","Thank you for bringing this to our attention. The EERE funding oportunities page will be updated shortly. \n\nWe have confirmed with EERE Exchange that the Concept Paper and Full Application submission deadlines on the EERE Funding Opportunity Exchange website are correct. If you are seeing the old submission dates, you may need to refresh the web page (The PIC may be looking at a cached version of the page).  Or to open a different web browser to visit the EERE Funding Opportunity Exchange website."]
[186,"2021-03-02","Other","Does my organization need a Sam's number to submit a concept paper for Connected Communities Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number: DE-FOA-0002206?\n\nI know we need one to submit the final proposal, but what about just to submit the concept paper?","Please see the answer to question #42."]
[187,"2021-03-02","Application Content/Format","In the “Technical Qualifications and Resources” section of the Technical Volume, could you explain the intent of the “Communication plans” as requested in the subsection “For multi-organizational or multi-investigator projects, succinctly describe” (p.41 of Mod_0003). Are you asking how communication will be handled between project team members, how project activities/status will be communicated to the DOE, how communication of project outcomes will be handled with the larger industry, or something else / all of the above?","The intent of the coummunication plan as described in the Technical Qualification and Resources sesction is to describe how the applicant plans to maintain lines of communication between project team members for efficient and productive project management."]
[188,"2021-03-02","Cost Sharing","The FOA has limited information regarding the third party partner designation. Please respond to the following four questions.\n\n1. Where are the expenses and cost-share for a third party partner included in the budget justification sheet? Should we include the expenses in the Vendor portion of the f. Contractual tab and include the cost share in the j.Cost Share tab?\n\n2. Can a project partner that is designated as a third party and is primarily providing cost share also receive federal funds? We will have partners for which the bulk of the relationship will be their voluntary cost-share, but they may receive some federal funds for efficiency or load flexibility measures that are required for the project. They will not be involved with carrying out the project work scope and are not expected to be a subrecipient.\n\n3. Is the prime recipient required to perform any monitoring activities of third party partners?\n\n4. Is there a limit on the amount of cost share that a third party partner can provide?","1. Subrecipient expenses are recorded in the upper portion of the f. Contractual tab and the Vendor/Contractor expenses are recorded in the middle section of the same tab. Cost share contributions must be will need to recorded in the j. Cost Share tab. \n\n2. A 3rd party, whether they are a subrecipient or vendor/contractor, can receive federal funds as long as the 3rd party is contributing towards the project outlined in the SOPO. If the 3rd party will be paid with federal funds through the cooperative agreement and/or contributing cost share to the project then they must be included in the budget and those tasks outlined in the SOPO. If the 3rd party is contributing cost share to the project, a letter of commitment will be required and that entity must be considered a subrecipient. Regardless of the amount of involvement, if a 3rd party contributes cost share we must consider them a subrecipient because those funds (even non-federal funds) are contributed to a federal project and therefore has the same color of money. The terms and conditions of the award will flow down to all subrecipients (not vendors/contractors) and must abide by the terms and conditions and subsequent regulations of 2 CFR 200 for non-profit and 2 CFR 910 for for-profit 3rd party entiies. If the 3rd party is not being paid through the cooperative agreement nor contributing cost share, then the entity does not need to be listed in the budget. or SOPO. Their work can still be mentioned in the SOPO but not necessary to add them to the budget.\n\n3. Yes, the prime recipient is accountable for all aspects of the project including monitoring 3rd party partners to ensure their contributions are following the tasks outlined in the SOPO. DOE will have “substantial involvement” throughout the lifetime of the project, so we can provide assistance wherever needed. For more information on substantial involvement please see FOA section VI.B.ix Statement of Substantial Involvement.\n\n4. There is no limit on the amount of cost share a third party can provide. "]
[189,"2021-03-03","Application Content/Format","The CC FOA reads: “The Summary Slide template requires the following information: …”\nWe will adhere to the required content as detailed in section section IV.C.ix \nHowever, previous FOAs included a Summary Slide template. This one does not have one in the templates provided in the “REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS” section of the EERE website.\nShould we provide the content in listed in section section IV.C.ix in a generic PowerPoint slide? \nIf yes, can it be in 16:9 format?\nInstead, if there is a template, where can we find it?","There is no summary slide template available for this FOA. The summary slide must include all the information listed in section IV.C.ix of the FOA document in a generic PowerPoint slide. Yes, the slide can be in a 16:9 format. "]
[190,"2021-03-03","Other","Who holds title to real property or equipment purchased with federal grant funds at the end of a demonstration project? \nIs real property or equipment acquired in whole or in part with federal grant funds for a demonstration project the property of the grantee? ","Acquisition and disposition of real property or equipment, acquired with federal grant funding, is addressed in 2 CFR 910.360 for for-profit entities, and 200.311 and 200.313 for all other entity types. "]
[191,"2021-03-03","Application Content/Format","Does a subrecipient that is a state agency need to submit an SF-LLL form?","Yes, all subrecipients (not vendors/contractors) must submit an SF-LLL form."]
[192,"2021-03-03","Application Content/Format","I reviewed question #7, #17 and #124 and read mod 003 of the FOA, and I understand that the Open Source Software Distribution Plan is now encouraged, but not required. However, the submission system has a * character next to this file submission, and the language says “Applicants are required to submit an Open Source Software Distribution Plan as part of their Full Application.” Can you please clarify, if it is only encouraged, do we have to submit a PDF file with some explanation? Or will the system be updated to not include this submission file as a requirement?","The Exchange system has been updated to make this document optional and the language in Exchange has been updated to reflect the Open Source Software Distribution Plan section in the FOA."]
[193,"2021-03-04","Other","In Section IV.I.vi Equipment and Supplies, it states, “Property disposition will be required at the end of a project if the current fair market value of property exceeds $5,000. For-profit entity disposition requirements are set forth at 2 CFR 910.360.” and 2 CFR 910.360 g.1.iii states, “The recipient may elect to retain title, without further obligation to the Federal Government, by compensating the Federal Government for that percentage of the current fair market value of the real property or equipment that is attributable to the Federal participation in the project.”\nWe are concerned that the property disposition requirements of the FOA mean that, after the project term, the Prime Applicant/Recipient will either have to remove large, integrated, functioning DER assets or incur significant costs in order to retain ownership of those DER assets. Since in many cases the assets will have a useful life of 20 years or more is the intent of the FOA to have the Prime Applicant/Recipient compensate the government for the fair market value after the FOA project completion date, e.g. 60 months?\n \nFurther, please clarify the outcome in the event of the scenario below:\n \nScenario: The Prime Applicant/Recipient is a for-profit entity; the project term is 5 years; as part of the project the Prime purchases a fuel cell; the fuel cell has a 15 year operating life.\n \nOutcome: In order to retain ownership of the fuel cell after 5 years, must the Prime compensate the Federal Government? If they must pay, how do you determine “the percentage of the current fair market value of the….equipment that is attributable to the Federal participation in the project?”\n","Please open this cell to read the full answer:\n\nIn this scenario for a for-profit entity, and after the project period has ended, any equipment with a Fair Market Value (FMV) over $5000 that was used for the project must be accounted for and go through disposition. \n\nPer the IRS, Fair Market Value (FMV) is the price that property would sell for on the open market. It is the price that would be agreed on between a willing buyer and a willing seller, with neither being required to act, and both having reasonable knowledge of the relevant facts. There is no single formula that always applies when determining the value of property. You must consider all the facts and circumstances connected with the property/equipment, such as its desirability, use, and scarcity. Please see more information on determining FMV at: https://www.irs.gov/publications/p561\n\nOnce the FMV has been determined, in this scenario DOE would be entitled to the percentage of the Federal participation for the project. In the case, and with all Connected Communities projects, the DOE share is 70%. So, if the FMV of the equipment at the end of the project is $10,000 and the for-profit elects to sell or continue using the piece of equipment, DOE would be entitled to receive $7,000. \n\nThe for-profit entity also has the option of transferring the piece(s) of equipment to another Federally sponsored project. In this case, the for-profit entity would not compensate DOE/EERE for its fair share of the FMV and the entity could then use the piece(s) of equipment for the new Federally sponsored project. Disposition rules would still apply at the end of the new Federally sponsored project but in most cases the FMV would decrease further. \n\nAlternatively, the for-profit recipient can purchase the piece(s) of equipment outside of the project budget with their own funds and subject to negotiations may approve reasonable use fee, or operating cost depending on the situation.\n\nThis regulation regarding disposition and compensating DOE for the equipment, 2 CFR 910.360, only applies to for-profit awardees. For all other entity types (non-profit, university, state/local government, etc), please see 2 CFR 200.313. Compensating DOE for a percentage of FMV only applies if the equipment is sold to another entity"]
[194,"2021-03-04","Concept Paper","On behalf of my project team, I am writing to ask when we might be able to receive reviewer feedback on our Concept Paper.  I recognize that since a full proposal submission was discouraged, encouraged submissions would receive priority for provision of feedback.  \n\nWe do look forward to receiving any information that can be provided as we hope to better target a future project and opportunity.  Will the feedback be provided via email or via the EERE Exchange system?   ","Thank you for your patience. EERE is diligently working to review Concept Papers that have been submitted. Encourage/Discourage notifications will be posted as soon as available. Please note that the due date for Full Applications has been extended 2 weeks. All responses will be throgh the EERE Exchange system. "]
[195,"2021-03-04","Application Content/Format","We are following up on question #126.\n\nPlease clarify the following:\nIs the purchase and installation of a DER asset/equipment (e.g., fuel cell, battery, solar PV array) considered a “capital improvement”? \n\nPlease answer the question below assuming the following scenario:\n•\tThe project is being undertaken to create a connected community encompassing multiple residential buildings, a number of DERs and associated controls\n•\tThe project would not be undertaken without DOE funding\n•\tThe total project costs (including purchase and installation of DERs and measurement and verification of project results) will total $10M\n•\tDER asset (e.g., fuel cell, battery, etc.) purchase and installation will make up $7M of total project costs\n\nQuestion:  Will the $7M for DER asset purchase and installation be considered allowable costs, such that the DOE will provide 70% of the $7MM? Or per page 18 of the FOA, \"The intent of this FOA is not to subsidize the cost of construction of new buildings or major grid upgrades.\" and the purchase of these DER assets would constitute a \"major grid upgrade”?  ","Please see 2 CFR § 200.1 for definitions for Capital Assets and Capital Expenditures.\n\nConnected Community funding agreements are expected to support measurement and verification of technologies and approaches in real world settings, and analysis to capture and disseminate best practices. A small share of funding may be applied to capital improvements that increase energy efficiency and demand flexibility of buildings and the integration and optimization of these resources across multiple buildings and the grid. The preponderance of funding should be focused toward demonstrating how groups of buildings combined with other types of DERs, can reliably and cost-effectively serve as grid assets by strategically deploying building energy efficiency and demand flexibility. Systems of energy assets contained in buildings, homes and other parts of a defined community deliver enhanced benefits and efficiency to their respective owners. Integration that allows for the exchange of services between community members that result in optimizations, and between the community and the grid deliver additional benefits. This integration likely requires a balanced set of technologies and stakeholders, and unbalanced investments may be an indicator that the full set of FOA objectives are not reflected in the project."]
[196,"2021-03-05","Labs/FFRDCs","One of our subrecipients is a FFRDC (DOE national Lab). Do they need to provide SF-LLL form? ","Please see the answer to question #12"]
[197,"2021-03-05","Other","I was wondering if there are any prevailing wage requirements associated with DE-FOA-0002206?","No, there are no prevailing wage requirements associated with this FOA."]
[198,"2021-03-05","Other","To who should the Commitment Letter be addressed to?  (the lead, DOE, does it matter?)","Please address the letter(s) to Dale Hoffmeyer."]
[199,"2021-03-05","Application Content/Format","The FOA states in terms of the Gantt Chart (or similar):\nThe applicant should provide a schedule for the entire project, including task and subtask durations, milestones, and Go/No-Go decision points.\n\nIf listing all of the items in the gantt chart puts the Technical Volume over the required page limit can we condense the gantt chart to accommodate page limit restrictions? Does the BTO have a preferred way to condense it?","The Workplan should include a summary of the Project Objectives, Technical Scope, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), Milestones, Go/No-Go Decision Points, and Project Schedule. The FOA Project Schedule (Gantt Chart or similar) should be consistent with the detailed SOPO (a separate document), but does not need to include the same level of detail or every sub task. The FOA Project Schedule is intended to concisely communicate the steps to complete the project. Applicants may provide a high-level chronological list of key tasks, milestones and Go/No-Go Decisions and their duration."]
[200,"2021-03-07","Other","I recently realized that I missed the window for the Connected Communities grant opportunity, but we do have interest in pursuing more microgrid projects in southwest Colorado in the future.\n\nIs there an email list or something along those lines I can be added to in order to make sure I'm informed about future opportunities related to funding for microgrids?","There isn't an email distribution list available. Please visit the following website to stay informed about future solicitations and funding opportunities: http://netl.doe.gov/business/solicitations\n\nAlso visit the Office of Energy website on The Role of Microgrids in Helping to Advace the Nation's Energy System: https://www.energy.gov/oe/activities/technology-development/grid-modernization-and-smart-grid/role-microgrids-helping"]
[201,"2021-03-07","Other","If budget justification and SOPO are submitted in a 3 Budget Period (BP) format, can it be changed/re-submitted as a 5 BP after award (during contract  negotiations)?","It is possible to to change from 3 budget periods to 5 budget periods as long as no additional federal share is being proposed during negotiations. "]
[202,"2021-03-07","Other","If the host site and/or the lead organization providing cost-share is required to abide by procurement policies and/or procurement laws that require a competitive bidding process for selection of equipment vendors, subcontracts, materials, labor, software, services and/or other purchases above a small threshold (e.g. $10,000)… can the vendors for these items be left blank in the application materials in order to comply?\nCompetitive bidding requirements are very common. At the same time, it’s not feasible to complete an RFP process during the full grant application submission period. What is the DOE’s general guidance on this situation? Can you provide any examples/references from previous programs?","The vendors/subcontractors can be left as TBD in the budget justification, but a short description of their role should be included. DOE is not in the position to inform applicants on how to conduct procurement of third party entities. Please review the applicable procurement regulations in their entirety: 2 CFR 200.318 – 322."]
[203,"2021-03-08","Application Content/Format","We are working on finalizing our full application for FOA 2206.  I just have some questions on form SF-LLL:\n\n1)\tIf we don’t have/pay/use any registered lobbyists, do we still need to submit this form (and just leave 10 a & b blank)?  Or shouldn’t submit it at all?\n2)\tDo any sub-recipients need to submit SF-LLL or just the prime?  And for subrecipients: same as above: do they need to submit it no matter what or just if they have a registered lobbyist that they use/pay?","Please see the answers to questions #105 and #191"]
[204,"2021-03-09","Application Content/Format","\n1.\tIs the recipient able to contract new vendors that were not listed on their full application? Similarly, can the recipient select different vendors at a later time instead of ones who were listed on their application? \n2.\tThe U.S Manufacturing Plan is required. We do not have specific details of who will be the manufacturer and where although can make some broad assumptions on this. How specific should the plan be?\n3.\tOur Letter of Commitments are all addressed to our PI instead of Dale Hoffmeyer, is this acceptable? \n4.\tMay we hire highly skilled foreign workers on H-1B visas or other work visas for Connected Community projects? \n5.\tHow do we correct an error in our Concept Paper after the decision was ‘encouraged’? ","1. Vendors can be changed during the negotiation process if the application is selected for award.\n2. The Plan must include the components specified in Section IV.C.xv of the FOA document.\n3. Letters addressed to the PI on the application is acceptable.\n4. Please refer to section VI.B.iii. Foreign National Access Under DOE Order 142.3A, \"Unclassified Foreign Visits and Assignments Program\". Please note this information \"may\" be required and also note the sentence in this section regarding any participants from State Sponsors of Terrorism.\n5. The concept paper phase of the FOA ended on March 3rd, and DOE is not accepting revised concept papers. Even if your concept paper was discouraged you can still submit a full application."]
[205,"2021-03-09","Other","If we receive a note of discouragement, it is clear we can still submit a full proposal.  Since we submitted the Concept Paper, we have been working on aligning better with the program objectives and we would like to know if our Proposal will be reviewed with a “fresh set of eyes.”","An applicant who receives a “discouraged” notification may still submit a Full Application. EERE will review all eligible Full Applications. \n\nBy 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."]
[206,"2021-03-09","Application Content/Format","1. Each project must have at least one milestone per quarter for the duration of the project. This means that projects on a five year timeline will have at least 1.67x more milestones to include in the SOPO. Can the SOPO page limit be increased for projects that are on a five year timeline?\n\n2. Can the Milestone Summary table in the SOPO be 10 point font?\nFOA main section IV. (page 30) notes that tables can be 10pt font in the full application. However, IV.C.v Statement of Proposed Objectives notes that the SOPO “...must not exceed 10 pages…with font not smaller than 12 point.”","1. Please see section IV.C.i. Full Application Requirements. The page limit for The Statement of Project Objectves is 10 pages. \n\n2. The font size of entries in the Milestone Summary Table of the SOPO template are set at 10 point font. "]
[207,"2021-03-09","Application Content/Format","The prime applicant does have lobbyists – but none of the funds from the award will be used for lobbying. Do we still need to name the lobbyists in the SF-LLL lobbying disclosure form? And if no, then we just just leave sections 10 and 11 of the form blank, and fill out / sign the rest?","Per section IV.C.xiii of the FOA, “Prime recipients and subrecipients are required to complete and submit SF-LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” to ensure that non-federal funds have not been paid and will not be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence any of the following in connection with the application:…” If no lobbying was performed in connection with the application then the relevant boxes identifying the lobbyer can be marked N/A."]
[208,"2021-03-09","Application Content/Format","Another lobbying (Form SF-LLL) question: It is not clear who is meant in 10b.  Is it the individual performing the lobbying services (and if so, how is this different than 10a?) or do you mean an individual at the reporting entity who will be performing services under the grant if awarded?  Or maybe 10a is supposed to be a lobbying firm name? and 10b the individual?  But if that’s the case, why a first and last name for 10a?  Clarification would be greatly appreciated.","Please read the instructions page on the SF-LLL form. \n10. (a) Enter the full name, address, city, State and zip code of the lobbying registrant under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 engaged by the reporting entity identified in item 4 to influence the covered Federal action.\n       (b) Enter the full names of the individual(s) performing services, and include full address if different from 10(a). Enter Last Name, First Name, and Middle Initial (MI)."]
[209,"2021-03-10","Other","Is the maximum amount of Federal Funds $7M, or is the total project cost (including cost share) limited to $7M? This is regarding Connected Communities DE-FOA-0002206","Please see the answer to question #57."]
[210,"2021-03-10","Eligibility","I was wondering if Funding Number: DE-FOA-0002206 has been closed to new applicates?\nI saw that the submission deadline for concepts closed on March 3rd, 2021, but the Submission of full Applications is still open. ","Please review section IV. Application and Submission Information, in the FOA document which can be found in the documents section of this posting. The application process will include two phases:  a Concept Paper phase and a Full Application phase. Full applications will not be accepted without the submission of a Concept Paper. "]
[211,"2021-03-10","Other","I just discovered the Solar Energies Technology Grant.  I would have attended the informational meeting had I known.  Do you offer any grants that assist with the purchase costs for portable electric charging stations and electric vehicles for small communities?","Please see all open funding opportunities found here: https://www.energy.gov/eere/funding/eere-funding-opportunities.\n"]
[212,"2021-03-11","Application Content/Format","Is a Table of Contents required in the Technical Volume? The FOA language is inconsistent here. Could you please clarify.","Please refer to the chart in section IV.C.ii. Tehnical Volume on page 35 of the FOA document for a list of content requirements. A Table of Contents can be included but is not required. "]
[213,"2021-03-11","Due Dates","Our team is working diligently to meet the application deadline posted of March 17th.  Specifically, we continue to add details to our implementation plan as we collaborate with potential partners. We appreciate the extension already granted, but would benefit from any additional form of extension you may grant on the full application deadline.  Would the DOE consider an extension for this FOA application deadline?","The FOA has been modified to extend the deadline for full applications to March 17th. It will not be extended further."]
[214,"2021-03-11","Application Content/Format","We're putting in an application for DE-FOA-0002206 and are not sure if this topic area requires an open source software distribution plan.","Please see section IV.C.xvii. Open Source Software Distribution Plan. An Open Source Software Distribution Plan is required for those applicants who choose to make any portion, or all of their software open source as part of their Full Application. "]
[215,"2021-03-12","Due Dates","While we have a lot of content prepared, we wanted to check-in and see if it was possible to consider an extension to the application due-date which now falls ~one week after feedback came in on the final rounds of concept papers.","Please see the answer to question #213"]
[216,"2021-03-12","Eligibility","Must the Principal Investigator be an employee of the applicant organization (i.e., the Prime Recipient), or can the PI be an employee of a subrecipient instead?","The Principle Investigator can be an employee of a subrecipient, but the Business Contact needs to employeed by the Prime Recipient. "]
[217,"2021-03-12","Application Content/Format","I have a PI submitting a proposal in response to this solicitation, however we have more sub-recipients than the budget justification workbook allows.  Is it acceptable to populate the “Vendor” section of the Contractual tab with the sub-recipient overflow?","To add rows to the subrecipient section of the Contractual tab, select the spredsheet that you would like to revise, click \"Review\" on the menu bar, select \"Unprotect Sheet\", you should now be able to revise the spreadsheet. "]
[218,"2021-03-12","Cost Sharing","We are proposing to work with local utilities to pilot a connected communities technology.  The local utilities are not requesting federal funds, all their effort will be contributed as a cost share. I understand how to enter their cost share contribution on tab j. However, do I also need to enter their incurred expenses on tab f of the prime recipient's budget justification worksheet?  And if so, do I enter them as a vendor or subrecipient, given that they are not requesting any funds?  Or, do I enter their incurred expenses on tabs a through h.? Or, do I not enter their incurred expenses at all (which would have the result of making cell C17 on the \"Instructions and Summary\" tab much smaller than what we are requesting in cell G34).","If an entity is contributing cost share, they must be considered a subrecipient of the project even if they are not receiving federal funds. Any cost share contributed to the project must follow the cost principles of the CFR (all entities except for-profit: 2 CFR 200 Subpart E or for profit entities: 48 CFR 31.2). If the subrecipient’s contribution is greater than $250K or 25% of total project costs then they must submit their own budget justification workbook as part of the application. If the subrecipient’s contribution is less than these thresholds, then the subrecipient’s amount only needs to be listed in tab f and tab j of the prime applicant’s budget justification workbook. "]
[219,"2021-03-13","Application Content/Format","In the FOA in section IV.F it states: \nEach applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or federal awarding agency that is excepted from those requirements under 2 CFR §25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the federal awarding agency under 2 CFR §25.110(d)) is required to: (1) Be registered in the SAM at https://www.sam.gov before submitting its application; (2) provide a valid DUNS number in its application; and (3) continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a federal awarding agency. \n\nCan you please clarify:\n1.\tDoes this refer to both Prime and sub-recipients needing to have the SAM number? \n2.\tIf we have \"registered\" but are awaiting the issuance of our SAM # (currently we are receiving a notice that it is taking longer than usual -- 15 business days --) does that still satisfy the requirement in IV.F? \nReason for clarity is because in the second half of section IV.F it states:\nDOE may not make a federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time DOE is ready to make a federal award, the DOE will determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a federal award to another applicant.  \n\nThis insinuates, in terms of this FOA, that a party has to comply by either 07.15.2021 or 09.30.2021 (not necessarily the submission deadline 03.17.2021). ","1. A SAM number is required for prime recipient and subrecipients regardless if over the $250K or 25% total project cost threshold.\n\n2. The requirement to have a SAM number will be be satisfied as long as the prime recipient and subrecipients have applied for a SAM number at the time the application is submitted"]
[220,"2021-03-14","Application Content/Format","Reading the instructions for the SF-LLL form, it indicates that Field #11, Field Name = \"Signature\" and Field Name = \"Date\" will be \"Completed by Grants.gov upon submission.\"  We interpret these instructions to mean that these fields are supposed to be left blank.  Is that correct?  Please advise.","The certifying official is required to sign and date the form, print his/her name, title, and telephone number."]
[221,"2021-03-15","Application Content/Format","We are submitting a full application for DE-FOA-0002206. The prime recipient submitted for and received an active SAM registration on March 1 per the original application deadline. However, it was only made clear in the FAQ log on 2/25 that subrecipients also needed an active SAM registration. Two of our subs are still working on processing their SAMs, although we are trying to expedite the process. \n\nWhen is it imperative that the subrecipients have active registrations? We are trying our best, but all systems seem to be delayed right now.","Please see the answer to question #219"]
[222,"2021-03-15","Application Content/Format","I am uploading our full application package for DE-FOA-0002206 Connected Communities but am running into trouble when I have multiple documents. \n\n1.\tI have SF-LLL forms for my firm as prime and our two subrecipients. EERE only allows 1 file upload and I cannot combine the files into a single multi-page file. How do I upload the other two forms?\n\n2.\tI have our indirect rate calculation to attach to our budget justification. Since I cannot upload multiple files, I added it as a new tab to our budget justification spreadsheet. Please let me know if this is acceptable. \n\n3.\tPlease confirm that when I attach a spreadsheet to the SF-424 PDF form that it automatically uploads the spreadsheet as well. The additional sheet contains answers to #14. Areas Affected by Project and #16b. Congressional Districts of Program/Project. ","1. You can now upload up to 4 SF-LLL forms into EERE Exchange.\n\n2. The indirect rate calculation is not a required document for the application, however adding another tab to the budget justification is acceptable. \n\n3. This is something we cannot confirm at this time. If you are able to open the embedded documents in the SF-424 then we assume the upload is successful. "]
[223,"2021-03-17","Application Content/Format","Are public universities required to submit an SF-LLL form at all?\nIs SF-LLL required for a public university even if only providing cost-share, but not receiving any funds from the DOE?","Yes, all subrecipients (not vendors/contractors) must submit an SF-LLL form."]
[224,"2021-03-17","Application Content/Format","When uploading the “fill in” SF-424 form with embedded/attached files for questions 14 (Areas Affected by Project) and 16.b. (Congressional Districts of Program/Project), it is unclear whether the form was properly uploaded with the embedded/attached files: if I try to open the uploaded SF-424 from EERE Exchange, it will not properly open the file for viewing. Using another approach: if I print the completed SF-424 with embedded files to a PDF and then upload it to EERE Exchange, then I can properly view it by opening it on the EERE Exchange site. However, the embedded files are no longer visible. This is the case no matter how many times I remove and re-upload the SF-424 in the two different formats. There does not appear to be an ideal resolution, since the “fill in” SF-424 with embedded files is not visible, and the ‘flattened’ SF-424 PDF is visible but the embedded files are not. What is the resolution?","This is something we cannot confirm at this time. If you are able to open the embedded documents in the SF-424 then we assume the upload is successful. "]
[225,"2021-03-17","Application Content/Format","I am in the process of uploading our proposal documents to the EERE portal site for the above referenced funding opportunity. The site is only allowing 5 sub-recipient budget justifications to be loaded.  We have 7 sub-recipients.  Is there a way to over ride this limit of 5? Can we upload the extra 2 sub-recipient budget justification elsewhere?","You can now upload up to 10 subrecipient budgets into EEERE Exchange."]
[226,"2021-03-17","Other","Good afternoon, we'd like to submit our proposal, however the “Apply” button is missing. Please advise, thanks!","Please make sure you are logged into the EERE Exchange website. If you still having problems, please contact the EERE Exchange helpdesk: EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov  "]
[227,"2021-03-17","Due Dates","Do you anticipate an extensions or receipt of submissions beyond today, March 17, 2021?","The FOA has been modified to extend the deadline for full applications to March 17th. It will not be extended further."]
[228,"2021-03-17","Eligibility","Our Team was in the process of submitting a Full Application and we just discovered our Concept Paper was deemed to be Non-Compliant.  We were unaware of this issue and we were proceeding along the path that we had an active Control Number, and we could submit the Full Application.  \n\nWe have prepared a Full Application and your Portal does not allow us to submit the application.  Because we were unaware of the circumstances above, it is our hope you will accept what we have assembled and give your consideration to our project.","Please review section III.C.i. Compliance Criteria in the FOA Document, specifically the first bullet point in #2. Full applications are deemed compliant if: The applicant submitted a compliant Concept Paper. DOE is unable to review any applications that are not submitted through EERE Exchange."]
[229,"2021-08-11","Other","Per FOA DE-FOA-0002206, the expected date for selection notification was 7/15.  Does DOE have an updated timeline on applicants will be notified of award selection?","Selections are now anticipated to be announced in mid-September"]

{"sheet":"Admin Pick List","index":2,"n_rows":17,"n_cols":1,"rows_kept":17,"cut":false,"hidden":true,"merged":[]}
["Pick List"]
[]
["Registration Requirements"]
["Webinar"]
["Concept Paper"]
["Eligibility"]
["Labs/FFRDCs"]
["Foreign Entities/Work"]
["Cost Sharing"]
["Due Dates"]
["Application Content/Format"]
["Intellectual Property"]
["Data Management"]
["Other"]
["U.S. Manufacturing Plan"]
["Application Reviews"]
["Technical Topics"]