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["INSTRUCTIONS"]
[1,"All questions pertaining to this funding opportunity announcement should be emailed to XX@ee.doe.gov. "]
[2,"All questions pertaining to EERE Exchange should be emailed to EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov. Include FOA name and number in subject line."]
[3,"All questions and answers pertaining to this FOA will be posted on EERE Exchange within this spreadsheet."]
[4,"DOE will attempt to respond to a question within 3 business days, unless a similar question and answer has already been posted in this spreadsheet. "]
[5,"All questions should be submitted not later than 3 business days prior to the application due date. Questions submitted after this date will not be answered."]
[6,"Questions are assigned a number in accordance with when they are reviewed by DOE.  "]
[7,"Questions are assigned a topic area by DOE when reviewed."]
[]
["TIPS"]
[1,"Applicants may sort questions and answers in the question tabs of this spreadhseet by selecting the drop-down box arrow on the column headers and selecting any of the listed attributes."]
[2,"Applicants may search for questions and/or keywords by holding CTRL+F on the keyboard and typing in a phrase or keyword."]

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["ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTION AND ANSWER LOG"]
["DE-FOA-0001225 - SUNSHOT TECHNOLOGY TO MARKET (INCUBATOR ROUND 10, SOLARMAT ROUND 3, SUNPATH ROUND 2)"]
["Question #","Date Submitted","Topic","Question","Answer"]
[]
[null,"2015-05-31","Application Reviews","While replying to reviewer comments, how do we know if we are conforming to page limits?  Will our comment responses be standalone or embedded within the original Technical Narrative?\n\nIf we were already at the page limit for a section, does that mean we must delete portions of the existing narrative to fit in our responses?\n\nOr do you mean comments alone can have the same section length as the original submission?\n","The Reply to Reviewers Comments is a standalone document, separate from any files submitted in the Full Application. The content and form of the Reply is discussed in Section IV.F of the FOA and the submission process in Section IV.A. If an Applicant opts to reply, they need only submit their Reply to Reviewer Comments."]
[1,"2015-04-27","Application Content/Format","We are ready to submit an application under the SunShot FOA (due in two days), but I need to know - do I have to manually sign each form (such as SF-424 and SF-LLL) or can I just digitally sign the pdf versions?","You may digitally sign the PDF."]
[2,"2015-04-27","Due Dates","I am working with a solar development company and we missed the deadline to submit this year. Is there going to be another program next year?","Unfortunately, EERE cannot provide information on upcoming funding opportunities before those FOAs are posted to the public at large.  Please monitor EERE Exchange or Grants.gov for funding opportunities that meet your needs."]
[3,"2015-04-27","Application Content/Format","In the FOA, you have the following note unfer Budget Justification: \"Note: project awarded in this funding program will have only one budget period; funding should not be separated into multiple budget periods.\" But, you have 3 budget periods on the worksheet. And, in a previous question in the FAQ, you discuss these budget periods. It is unclear how many periods there should be. ","These projects will have only one budget period."]
[4,"2015-04-26","Application Content/Format","In the FOA document it states the an \"example Performance Metrics Table\" can be downloaded from the exchange website. At the website, under the section for \"View Required Application Documents\" there is no document with a Performance Metrics Table.\n\nThere is a document with a Deliverable Table. Is this the format that we should use for the Performance Metrics Table?","An example Performance Metrics Table is provided in Appendix D."]
[5,"2015-04-24","Application Content/Format","I am going through the Required Documents Checklist for our Full Application to FOA 0001225, and there are spots listed for the Technical Volume and Project Narrative, but they both seem to have the same sections. Are these the same sections, are they separate?","The Technical Volume and the Project Narrative are the same document."]
[6,"2015-04-24","Application Content/Format","Our project period is 12 months, so we plan to have 4 budget periods.  \nBut the EERE 159 budget justification spreadsheet only shows 3 budget \nperiods on tab a.\n \nOn the \"Instructions and Summary\" tab, under item 7 in the instructions \nit says \"consult your EERE contact before adding additional budget \nperiod rows or columns.\"\n \nI believe I've added the columns for budget period 4 correctly.  Do I \nneed to send it to someone for checking?\n","No.  If you are selected for award negotiations, you will be assigned an EERE contact at that time.  However, projects awarded in this funding program will have only one budget period; funding should not be separated into multiple budget periods. "]
[7,"2015-04-24","Application Content/Format","I spoke with the DOE Exchange Help desk. They suggested contacting you here to see if it would be possible to re-enable the option to submit additional Letters of Support as part of the full application, either as an additional field or as \"Other Files\"? ","Include letters of support in the Technical Volume file."]
[8,"2015-04-23","Application Content/Format","We have been able to secure additional letters of support since the Concept Paper application for the Full Application. Can we submit these additional letters of support as part of our Commercialization Plan, Technical Volume, or elsewhere in the application, that were not submitted in the Concept Paper?","Yes.  Include letters of support in the Technical Volume.  Letters of support do not count towards the page limit."]
[9,"2015-04-22","Application Content/Format","Please clarify if the Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Form (SF-LLL) is required if no money will go towards lobbying activities/lobbyists, the summary table does not have an “if applicable” caveat.","Indicate N/A and sign the form."]
[10,"2015-04-22","Application Content/Format","Regarding SF-424, please point me to a document that will help me answer the questions below. I’ve looked on the link provided for the Certifications and Assurances document, but didn’t find anything relevant.\n1.        4. Applicant Identifier, I’m assuming that’s us?\n2.        5a. Federal Identity Identifier, is that Department of Energy?\n3.        5b. Federal Award Identifier, is that DE-FOA-0001225\n4.       10. Name of Federal Agency, I’m assuming is Department of Energy?\n5.       11. Catalog of Federal Assistance Number: ??\n6.       CFDA title ??\n7.       13. 14 are optional is that correct?\n8.       17. Project Start Date?\n9.       19. What do we check?\n","1.       Enter your control number from EERE Exchange\n2.       Leave blank\n3.       Leave blank\n4.       Department of Energy\n5.       81.087\n6.       Renewable Energy Research and Development\n7.       For 13 write: DE-FOA-0001225, SunShot Technology to Market (Incubator Round 10, SolarMaT Round 3, SUNPATH Round 2).  #14 is not applicable to this FOA\n8.       October 1st\n9.       Visit https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc to determine the applicable choice"]
[11,"2015-04-21","Application Content/Format","We have not engaged in any lobbying activities.  If the disclosure of lobbying activities form is mandatory, should we leave boxes 10a and b blank or indicate N/A or what?\n","Indicate N/A and sign the form."]
[12,"2015-04-21","Application Content/Format","For the 1-page resumes and letters of recommendation to be included as an appendix to the technical volume, should they be a separate file or tacked onto the .doc or .pdf technical volume file?","Include resumes and letters of support in the same file.  Resumes and letters of support do not count towards the page limit of the Technical Volume."]
[13,"2015-04-21","Application Content/Format","Can you provide any guidance on what a typical indirect cost rate is for a small for-profit company?  We have not negotiated a rate with the federal government, and are unsure what to assume at this stage in the process.","Per 2 CFR 200.414(f), any non-Federal entity that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate, except for those non-Federal entities described in Appendix VII to Part 200—States and Local Government and Indian Tribe Indirect Cost Proposals, paragraph D.1.b, may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely.   As described in §200.403 Factors affecting allowability of costs, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs, but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology once elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the non-Federal entity may apply to do at any time."]
[14,"2015-04-21","Application Content/Format","The FOA document indicates August 2015 for EERE selection notification and August-September 2015 for Expected Timeframe for Award Negotiations. What should we assume as a “start date” for the project in the SF-424 form as well as the Deliverable Table?","Assume an October 1st start date."]
[15,"2015-04-21","Application Content/Format","In submitting EERE 159 with a prime and a sub-recipient is it correct to submit two EERE159’s, one for the prime recipient's budget and one for the sub recipients budget and the two combined will total the requested amount on the proposal?   That means there is no EERE 159 form with the combined budgets.","Yes, it is correct to submit two budgets, one for the prime, one for the subrecipient.  HOWEVER, the Prime's budget should be the combined budget.  For example, if the total project costs are $750K, and the subrecipient is performing $250K of that work, the subrecipient costs would appear as \"Sub Name - $250K\" on the Contractual tab of the Prime's budget.  The remaining $500K of the Prime's work would appear on the Personnel, Fringe, Travel, Equipment, etc. tabs of the budget."]
[16,"2015-04-20","Allowable Costs","We are currently developing our full application for the FOA: DE-FOA-0001225 and have a question about the indirect rate to be used.  Is there a blanket direct rate for Incubator projects or is this something that we will need to develop on our own?","Applicants who do not already have a federally approved indrect rate agreement are expected to develop their own indirect rate.  If selected for award negotiations, you will have the opportunity to negotiate the rate with DOE.\n\nPer 2 CFR 200.414(f), any non-Federal entity that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate, except for those non-Federal entities described in Appendix VII to Part 200—States and Local Government and Indian Tribe Indirect Cost Proposals, paragraph D.1.b, may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely.   As described in §200.403 Factors affecting allowability of costs, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs, but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology once elected must be used consistently for all Federal awards until such time as a non-Federal entity chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the non-Federal entity may apply to do at any time."]
[17,"2015-04-20","Due Dates","I am wondering, if you are planning to extend the deadline for full application submission like you did for concept papers. Could you, please, let me know? ","At this time, EERE does not anticipate extending the Full Application deadline."]
[18,"2015-04-16","Team Members","Our team is in the process of putting together the full application, and would like to know if it’s possible to switch the prime and sub-recipient designations for our two organizations.","Yes, you  may switch prime and sub-recipient designations, however, the new prime must meet the eligibility requirements of the FOA.\n\nPlease contact EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov for assistance in changing the proposal owner in Exchange."]
[19,"2015-04-15","Application Content/Format","I have a quick question. Is there any issue with submitting a Letter of Support from an elected official.\n\ni.e. in support of the project as it pertains to improving the area over which the elected official presides. \n\nI wanted to double check, as the last thing that we want is to violate any lobbying agreements.\n","You may submit a Letter of Support from an elected official, however, you may not engage in lobbying activities to obtain such a letter."]
[20,"2015-04-15","Allowable Costs","May a founder of the company waive all or part of his his salary as a way to provide some of the cost share?","Under 2 CFR 200.306, volunteer labor hours are not allowed as cost share if it is performed by direct employees, executives, or owners of companies.  Only third-party in-kind volunteer labor will be accepted as cost share.\n\nHowever, salary paid to the founder of the company (not waived) may be counted as cost share if it is allocable to the project."]
[21,"2015-04-15","Allowable Costs","Page 59 of the FOA says, \"pre-award costs cannot be incurred prior to the Selection Official signing the Selection Statement and Analysis.\"  If we are selected for an award, how soon after that date would the Selection Official sign the Selection Statement and Analysis?","The Selection Official will sign the Selection Statement and Analysis before selectees are notified of their selection."]
[22,"2015-04-15","Allowable Costs","Since some of the work that contributes to the baseline capability (metric 1) may have occurred before the award was negotiated, may pre-award costs that would be incurred within a 90 day period immediately preceding the effective date of the award be included in the budget? ","Yes, pre-award costs may be included in the Full Application budget, however, if selected for award negotiation, you will need to request Contracting Officer approval for those pre-award costs during the course of negotiations."]
[23,"2015-04-14","Application Reviews","In response to reviewer comments from the concept paper and other stakeholder feedback, we will be changing our proposal contents. How much is the proposal in the full application allowed to differ from what was proposed in the concept paper?  ","It is the responsibility of the applicant to determine how to address reviewer comments in the full proposal."]
[24,"2015-04-14","Application Content/Format","How much qualification/identification of third party expert vendors (for support services like legal & accounting) is required for the full application submittals?  They may be a significant cost component of the project, but cannot be retained until funding is secured. Is a quote required, or can typical industry rates be used? Must a specific vendor be identified?  If so, can they be changed to a comparable vendor after an award is received?","Yes, you may use industry rates in the full application.  No, a specific vendor does not need to be identified.  If you are selected for award negotiation, you will be asked to provide a quote and vendor name at that time."]
[25,"2015-04-14","Application Reviews","The EERE 159 Detailed Budget Justification spreadsheet states “If you have any questions, please ask your EERE contact” or “If questions exist, consult with your DOE contact.” Will we be assigned a contact at DOE who can help with questions regarding preparation of the Full Application, or is this only applicable to subsequent EERE 159 submittals by awardees?","If you are selected for award negotiation, you will be assigned an EERE contact at that time.  No DOE assistance will be provided during the preparation of the Full Application."]
[26,"2015-04-14","Application Content/Format","In section IV.D.2 of the Funding Opportunity Announcement (DE-FOA-0001225), it says that the Technical Volume must be submitted in .doc or .docx format. Later in the same paragraph, the guidelines state “Save the Technical Volume in a single PDF file using the following convention for the title:  ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_TechnicalVolume.”  Please clarify whether the Technical Volume should be submitted in .doc/.docx or pdf format?","Both formats will be accepted."]
[27,"2015-04-14","Allowable Costs","Is hourly billing of contractors/consultants submitted to DOE as a straight pass-through on the f. Contractual tab?","Yes, any third party contractor/consultant costs should appear on the Contractual tab."]
[28,"2015-04-14","Allowable Costs","Is indirect cost reimbursement required?  Is it typical?","Indirect cost reimbursement is not required, however, it is typically included in most awards.  If you do not have a federally approved indirect rate agreement, you will have the opportunity to negotiate one with DOE if selected for award negotiations.  "]
[29,"2015-04-10","Application Content/Format","Do the subrecepients need to send a SF424 as well or only the main recipient?","Only the Prime Recipient needs to submit an SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance form."]
[30,"2015-04-08","Technical Topics","In the presentation regarding the full proposal, there are examples of acceptable and non acceptable metrics for hardware related proposals. \n\nIf, for example, corrosion resistance is an acceptable metric for a project, how would you like that metric to be presented if a \"report\" is not acceptable.\n\nFor example, if we make a prototype and test it, presumably you want to see documentation that the prototype was built and tested.  How do we provide that information to you if not in a report with pictures and data.  Would you want the actual prototypes sent to you?  For purposes of further testing and evaluation, this would not not be efficient. \n","Milestones, metrics, and deliverables are distinct measures of project performance. Milestones are not necessarily achieved by completion of an activity, but rather demonstration of a new or improved ability. Metrics are quantifiable parameters that are associated with the milestone (e.g., targeted value for corrosion resistance or cell efficiency). Deliverables are the physical transfer of information to prove milestone completion. A report is an acceptable deliverable, but an unacceptable metric. \n\nFor example, if you are measuring efficiency, what is your efficiency goal? It is not adequate to just state you will measure efficiency with no quantifiable number. Specific values must be tied to each metric. If selected for negotiation, DOE and the potential awardee will determine how the metric will be verified by an independent third party. Reports by the potential awardee stating results will not be considered independent verification.\n"]
[31,"2015-04-07","Team Members","What amount paid to a subawardee triggers the need for a separate subaward budget justification for that subawardee? The FOA itself indicates $250K or 25% of total work effort (page 54), but one of the budget spreadsheet templates indicated $100K. Please confirm which amount is correct, $100K or $250K. ","The threshold is $250K or 25% of total work effort."]
[32,"2015-04-06","Application Reviews","Having recently received an \"encouraged\" response from your team, we have begun working on our full application.  I have two questions related to our submission: 1) what percentage of \"encouraged\" applicants ultimately receive funding, and 2) are there sample successful applications that we can review.","Unfortunately, DOE cannot disclose that information."]
[33,"2015-04-06","U.S. Manufacturing Plan","Please confirm that Tier2S 'Manufacturing and Commercialization Plan' does not include a requirement for domestic manufacture. ","The Applicant is expected to discuss how IP developed or reduced to practice under this award will benefit the U.S. Further, the U.S. Manufacturing Plan represents the applicant’s measurable commitment to support U.S. manufacturing from the results of its award."]
[34,"2015-04-03","Cost Sharing","This solar product the creator and the production company is in Europe .. we are trying to get this production set up in the US for the north and south American markets.  So... if we wish for the creator to be responsible for the share amount but the other team members are not... how do we properly list this?","The Prime Recipient is solely responsible for managing cost share contributions by the Project Team. This responsibility includes enforcing any cost share obligation assumed by Project Team members in subawards or related agreements.  Although 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. \n\nThe Prime Recipient’s cost share obligation is expressed in the Assistance Agreement as a static amount in U.S. dollars (cost share amount) and as a percentage of the Total Project Cost (cost share percentage). If the funding agreement is terminated prior to the end of the project period, the Prime Recipient is required to contribute at least the cost share percentage of total expenditures incurred through the date of termination.\n"]
[35,"2015-04-03",null,"How are we taxed on this award?","That question is outside the scope of this FOA.  Please speak with your accountant."]
[36,"2015-04-03","Cost Sharing","We do not understand the share portion... 20-50% of our share... how do we show proof of this? ","Applicants are required to provide written assurance of their proposed cost share contributions in their Full Applications.  One such assurance is your signature on the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance.\n\nUpon selection for award negotiations, Applicants are required to provide additional information and documentation regarding their cost share contributions. Please refer to Appendix B of the FOA for guidance on the requisite cost share information and documentation.\n"]
[37,"2015-04-03","Application Content/Format","Is there a mandatory final deliverable percentage breakup for the performance metric table?  There was a 30% mandatory breakup for final deliverable in a previous program we do not see that in the FOA and would like to confirm that a different percentage is allowed this time.","There is no minimum amount tied to the final milestone stated in the FOA but the percentage indicated in the milestones table must be indicative of the actual expense to complete it. The value assigned to each deliverable will be negotiated with DOE should the applicant be selected for award negotiation."]
[38,"2015-04-03","Application Reviews","Is there a person with whom I could discuss the comments of our Concept Paper?\n\nDespite our discouraged response, we received mostly positive comments.\n\nI believe we could address those lack of clarity in our concept paper in a full application, but would like to speak with someone in the review process before investing resources in developing an application.  \n","Unfortunately, no.  This is a competitive process, and DOE cannot provide an unfair advantage to one applicant.\n\nAn applicant who receives a “discouraged” notification may still submit a Full Application. EERE will review all compliant and responsive 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."]
[39,"2015-04-03","Webinar","We missed the sunshot tech to market incubator round 10 webinar on Wed. 4/1 ...\n\nWill you have another webinar?  \n","Please review the webinar #2 slides and script, which are posted to EERE Exchange.  DOE does not anticipate holding another webinar."]
[40,"2015-04-01","Application Content/Format","We received a comment on our concept paper suggesting that we apply for Tier 1 rather than the Tier 0 we proposed in the concept paper. Can we change Tiers in the full proposal, and, if so, can the funding request change? ","Yes, if you change to a new tier, ensure your budget conforms with the new tier's budget requirements."]
[41,"2015-03-31","Application Content/Format","Our concept paper received a \"discourage\" because the reviewers felt it should have been Tier 1 and not Tier 4. Can we still submit a full application under the Tier 1 program (Sunshot) and address the reviewers concerns?","An applicant who receives a “discouraged” notification may still submit a Full Application. EERE will review all compliant and responsive 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."]
[42,"2015-03-31","Application Content/Format","One of the comments on our concept paper suggested that a Tier 1 application might be more appropriate for our full application, even though our concept paper was written to a Tier 0 application.  Can we change Tiers in the full application? ","Yes, you may change tiers in the Full Application."]
[43,"2015-03-25","Due Dates","We were not aware of your program and would very much like to participate in your incubator round 10.  Would you please advise if we can quickly catch up in order to submit our full application by April 22?","Unfortunately, no.  Applicants must have submitted a Concept Paper by the due date in order to be eligible to submit a Full Application.  Please monitor EERE Exchange and www.Grants.gov for future funding opportunities."]
[44,"2015-03-24","Due Dates","Can you provide an update on the timing of the concept paper response and the full application submission deadline (currently 4/22/2015)?  Since the concept paper deadline was extended by a week, can we expect the final submission deadline to be extended?","Concept Paper responses will be posted to Exchange soon.  You will receive an email when the response is ready to view in Exchange.\n\nAt this time, EERE does not anticipate extending the Full Application deadline."]
[45,"2015-03-18","Application Content/Format","Please clarify what you mean by \"Lead Organization Percent Effort\".  I can understand how the Lead Organization/Prime Recipient is legally responsible for 20% of the Total Project Cost, and is responsible for dispersing or using the remaining 80% of the Total Project Cost which is the Grant monies.  With this disbursement/use responsibility, I don't understand how the Prime Recipient is not incurring at least 80% of the effort/expenditures.   I did not see a further breakdown or example showing how the percent effort numbers are to be determined in comparison to the overall responsibility of the Prime Recipient.  I did not enter 80% because, I thought, this percent effort might have to do with just work within my organization.\n\nIn III.C Required Documents Checklist for Concept Paper Submission, subsection 1.ii., states \"indicate they will meet minimum cost share requirements for their Tier (Section I.A) and that the Primary Awardee will incur a minimum of 60% of award costs (Section III.A)\", and subsection 2 Documents for Submission states in the Checklist, \"60% of funds spent by the prime applicant?\"  The three terms, \"effort\", \"incur\" and \"spent\" have different meanings, and are not specific enough, as the Prime Recipient is ultimately legally responsible for disbursing and/or managing grant monies.","Lead Organization Percent Effort means the Prime Applicant must spend 60% of the total award costs on their own company costs.  For example, on a project with $100K total project costs, the Prime would have to spend $60K on personnel, fringe, travel, supplies, equipment or indirect costs to meet the 60% requirement.  The remaining $40K could be spend on vendors, subcontractors or subrecipients (shown on the Contractual tab of the budget justification).\n\nUsing the 80% DOE Share / 20% Cost Share in the same example, the Prime Applicant is responsible for bringing $20K to the table.  This $20K could be cash from the Prime, or split between the Prime and Subrecipients (for example, $10K cash from the Prime and $10K cash from the subrecipients).  The Prime is still responsible for spending $60K on their own company costs, so they could use $50K DOE funds to pay for personnel, fringe, travel, supplies, equipment or indirect costs and $10K of their own funds to pay for any of those items.  In this example, the remaining $30K DOE funds and $10K cost share could pay for vendors, subcontractors or subrecipients."]
[46,"2015-03-08","Allowable Costs","1)  On Tab B (Personnel), what if the project’s staff is salaried and not paid by the hour?  The Tab B seems to only accommodate hourly staff.\n\n2)  On Tab J (Cost Share), the instructions indicate that “fee or profit are not allowed as cost share.”  Does that conflict with the FOA text on page 28 that states, “If the Recipient earns program income during the project period as a result of this Award, the Recipient may use the program income to meet its cost sharing requirement?”  We know that if there is ever a conflict that the FOA text is the ruling authority.  However, it is not clear if the Budget Justification instructions on Tab J is part of the FOA text.  Please advise.\n","1)  Please estimate the number of hours or percentage of time the salaried employees will work on the project and derive the hourly rate using 2,080 work hours per year.  For example, an employee making $80,000 has a derived hourly rate of $38.46 per hour.\n\n2) If you are selected for award negotiations, the Contracting Officer will make a determination on your proposed Program Income.  For guidance, please review 2 CFR 200.80 (copied below) and also located at: http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=53b748911fc13382811ade0d4ecd4368&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_180\n\nProgram income means gross income earned by the non-Federal entity that is directly generated by a supported activity or earned as a result of the Federal award during the period of performance except as provided in §200.307 paragraph (f). (See §200.77 Period of performance.) Program income includes but is not limited to income from fees for services performed, the use or rental or real or personal property acquired under Federal awards, the sale of commodities or items fabricated under a Federal award, license fees and royalties on patents and copyrights, and principal and interest on loans made with Federal award funds. Interest earned on advances of Federal funds is not program income. Except as otherwise provided in Federal statutes, regulations, or the terms and conditions of the Federal award, program income does not include rebates, credits, discounts, and interest earned on any of them. See also §200.407 Prior written approval (prior approval). See also 35 U.S.C. 200-212 “Disposition of Rights in Educational Awards” applies to inventions made under Federal awards. "]
[47,"2015-03-05","Application Content/Format","In the FOA, you mention specifically a required Performance metrics table and that it is available in the required documents section on the exchange website.  On the website, you find only a Deliverables table that looks a bit like the description of what you want in the FOA, but not exactly.  Can you confirm that the template on eere (Deliverables Table) is what you'd like us to use?  Or can you post the Performance Metrics table on the exchange website? ","An example Performance Metrics Table is provided in Appendix D of the FOA document. "]
[48,"2015-03-03","Registration Requirements","I am have been having challenges getting Registered with FedConnect over the past few days as my SAM registration is still pending although it has been submitted successfully as well.  I would like to respectfully request that my Concept Paper still be accepted while the SAM verification and then FedConnect is being processed over the immediate short-term time-frame.","Please ensure that registration requirements are complete by the time of Full Application submission."]
[49,"2015-03-03","Cost Sharing","We did not understand the share portion... 20-50% of our share... how do we show proof of this?  If our share is for instance 100,000 and request 400k of help.  We've already spent this amount alone and then some on patent protection, setting up our core business, prototypes... does all this count as our % if the action has already taken place or is it future action of cash into the funding pot. ","Those costs would not be allowable as cost share because you incurred the costs prior to being selected for award negotiations.  With approval from the Contracting Officer, the earliest date for allowable cost share is the date the Selection Official signs the Selection Statement."]
[50,"2015-03-03","Due Dates","We did not get concept papers in on time and we would like to know if there will be opportunity in the future for Sunshot round 10 solar incubator help... and if so when?  ","Unfortunately, EERE cannot provide information on upcoming funding opportunities before those FOAs are posted to the public at large.  Please monitor EERE Exchange or Grants.gov for funding opportunities that meet your needs."]
[51,"2015-03-03","Due Dates","We did not submit the concept paper.\nCan we submit full application by Apr 22 deadline?\n","Unfortunately, no.  Applicants must have submitted a Concept Paper by 3:00PM Eastern on March 3, 2015 to be eligible to submit a Full Application. "]
[52,"2015-02-27","Eligibility","For project teams, Section II.A seems to indicate that designating a for-profit business as a prime recipient incurring 60% of costs meets the led by for-profit requirement.  Per modified section II.A.1, if an individual applies as a prime recipient what is the qualification for led by for-profit?  Would there be an individual and a for-profit prime recipient?  Can a for-profit subrecipient be considered to lead the project team?  Would the individual prime recipient be required to incur 60% of costs?","An individual may be part of a Project Team which is led by a for-profit entity.  The for-profit entity must serve as the prime recipient."]
[53,"2015-02-27","Intellectual Property","For the concept paper there are some discrepancies between the FOA and the webinar information as to (1) whether confidential information should be enclosed in single or double brackets and (2) header and footer wording.  Will confidentiality be maintained no matter which format is used?  Is there a preferred format that needs to be followed to ensure confidentiality is maintained?","Any proprietary information must be clearly marked in the application according to the instructions in Section VIII.E of the FOA."]
[54,"2015-02-24","Webinar","Is a recording of the webinar available?","No, however, the slides, script and Q&A from the webinar are available for download on EERE Exchange."]
[55,"2015-02-24","Registration Requirements","I sent in a letter of Intent on time and got a control number.  This morning, I inputted to the concept paper, and got yet another control number indicating a second letter of intent submission which is beyond the time.  Which control number would you like us to use?  The original, or the most recent? ","Either one is acceptable.  The letter of intent was optional."]
[56,"2015-02-24","Allowable Costs","1. For employee compensation, do the allowable costs include benefits and overhead?\n2. Can equipment be charged to the grant for a Tier IV application?  If yes, is it lease, rent or depreciation or the total cost of the equipment?\n","1.  Yes, however, if selected for negotiation the applicant must provide (or negotiate) a rate agreement to substantiate the benefit and overhead rates.\n2.  If you purchase the equipment for the grant, you may charge the acquisition cost.  Lease cost is also allowable.  Rent or depreciate costs are allowable as part of your indirect rate (if you do not already have a federally approved rate agreement, you will have the opportunity to negotiation one if selected for award negotiations). "]
[57,"2015-02-24","Team Members","Is it possible to change the identity of the Prime Applicant after the Concept Paper is submitted?   For example: can the Prime Applicant and a subcontractor switch roles?\n","Yes.  Please contact EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov for technical assistance on how to make this change in the system."]
[58,"2015-02-24","Technical Topics","I noticed in the documents and in the webinar slides, water heating and HVAC projects are not applicable. I wanted to know if co- generation solar technology like an integrated solar module for PV + water heating, is it applicable ?","As stated in Section I.C of the FOA, there are four goals for the EERE Solar Energy Technologies Office. These all relate to the delivery of electrons to the grid. The cost of heat generated for hot water applications should not be included in the $/W values, but applications which integrate PV with solar thermal are eligible."]
[59,"2015-02-23","Application Content/Format","We are a sub-recipient on one of the concepts for DE-FOA-0001225.   Should we be included on Page 1 under Company Name?  For example:\n\n     Company Name:  Prime Recipient    xyz Inc.\n                                    Sub-Receipient     [[Name redacted]]\n \nAlso should sub-receipeint key team members bios be included in the paper?\n","Yes.  \"Company name (and sub-applicants if applicable)\" are a mandatory element of the Concept Paper Cover Page.\n\nThe Concept Paper should include a description of the project's key team members and why they are well suited to accomplish the project.  It is up to the Applicant to decide to what degree the sub-recipient team members should be described in the concept paper.  Please read Section V.A.1 of the FOA, specifically \"Criterion 2: Project Feasibility and Team\"."]
[60,"2015-02-23","Application Content/Format","I am trying to assess the requirements for the Concept Paper and access information that was available n the webinar. Can you provide direction please.","For Concept Paper requirements, download the FOA document from EERE Exchange and reference Section IV.C.\n\nFor Webinar information, download the Webinar #1 Slides and Script from EERE Exchange."]
[61,"2015-02-23","Application Content/Format","I am not clear whether the Concept Paper should be 4 pages INCLUDING the \nperformance metrics table or WITHOUT the table. \n","The page limit for the Project Description of the Concept Paper includes all content, including, but not limited to, text, graphs, tables, citations, pictures, etc."]
[62,"2015-02-23","Due Dates","I submitted a letter of intent to DE-FOA-0001225 on February 15, 2015.  I received acknowledgement and assignment of a Concept Paper control number.  \n\nHowever, I note that the FOA deadline for the letter of intent was 2/13/2015.  Nonetheless, I received the email indicating that my letter of intent had \"been successfully submitted.\"\n\nMy concept paper is due 2/24 (tomorrow).   Please confirm that my letter of intent submission is considered timely so that I know whether to immediately proceed on my Concept Letter.\n","The Letter of Intent was optional.  Yes, you may proceed on the Concept Paper."]
[63,"2015-02-23","Application Content/Format","I just heard about the SunShot grant, and am eager to submit a proposal during the Concept Paper deadline. \n\nI just want to be completely clear, however, that all that is needed during this deadline is the one page slide deck with the summary information, and everything must fit onto that one slide?","No, the summary slide is only one component of the Concept Paper submission.  For Concept Paper requirements, download the FOA document from EERE Exchange and reference Section IV.C."]
[64,"2015-02-21","Team Members","We'd like to partner with SunShot participants. Is there a teaming page or a list of participants? How can we find SunShot participants?","Each applicant is responsible for forming their own teams, however,  listings of previous SunShot awardees under the Technology to Market program are available at the following links: \n1.  http://energy.gov/eere/sunshot/past-sunshot-incubator-projects\n2.  http://energy.gov/eere/sunshot/current-sunshot-incubator-projects\n3.  http://energy.gov/eere/sunshot/solar-manufacturing-technology\n4.  http://energy.gov/eere/sunshot/solar-manufacturing-technology-2\n5.  http://energy.gov/eere/sunshot/scaling-nascent-photovoltaics-home"]
[65,"2015-02-20","Team Members","When submitting our concept paper, I was asked about team members and key participants. Our company will be the only party receiving the grant money, and will be responsible for the project execution, but we may hire sub-contractors to develop different elements of the project. \nShall I include these sub contractors as team members?\n\nCan we change our list of team members in the future? We may decide to go with other sub contractors for the development of these particular items (these items do not require a speciality that only a specific company has, but are more general web developments).\n","Only list team members that are substantive contributors to the project.  Subcontractors who provide general goods or services are not considered team members.\n\nYes, you may change your list of team members between the Concept Paper and the Full Application."]
[66,"2015-02-20","Technical Topics","We recently developed a modification to our catalysis technology that allows us to use 100% of the energy from solar PV cells to desalinate salt water and or reuse waste water back to potable water for drinking purposes.  Would this platform meet the requirements of this FOA? \n","As stated in section I.D, Areas Specifically Not of Interest: \"6. Products or solutions for systems which do not tie to the grid (i.e. wholly off-grid applications and portable power).\"\n\nThis innovation would fall into this category as it is not providing electrons to the grid.\n\n"]
[67,"2015-02-20","Due Dates","Is it still possible to submit a concept paper for the current grant cycle, even if we did not participate in the LOI round?","Yes, the letters of intent were optional.  You may submit a Concept Paper up until the due date listed on EERE Exchange."]
[68,"2015-02-19","Application Content/Format","I am in the process of completing a concept paper for the SunShot Initiative. As part of the Mission section of the paper, you write that we must present the extent to which our project will enable the achievement of SETO goals as described in areas of interest Section 1.C. Do you know where I can find Section 1.C?","Section I.C refers to that section of the FOA document, which is available for download on EERE Exchange, under \"FOA Documents\" (the same place you downloaded this Q&A document)."]
[69,"2015-02-19","Application Content/Format","I am having a little trouble finding the summary slide template. The FOA states that it can be found at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov. However, I cannot seem to find it. Do you mind pointing me in the right direction?","1.  Go to: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/default.aspx#FoaIdd2010635-ccc6-41bc-b363-45d59850fb37\n2.  Click on \"View Required Application Documents\", which is about 2/3rds from the bottom of the listing for DE-FOA-0001225.\n3.  Click on \"Summary_Slide_Template\" to download the summary slide."]
[70,"2015-02-19","Allowable Costs","1. We need to specify our control number on the application. What is the control number ? and how do we get one? \n\n2. What is eligible for cost sharing? Namely, what can we get refunded for? \nFor example: can we ask for refund on office (rent/utility bills), salaries (based on employee’s working % of time on this DOE funded project), 3rd party developers (contracted by us), software costs, Monthly service/on-going fees?\n\n3. What are the allowable submittal changes: which changes will be allowed between the concept paper that we will be submitting on February(2/24) and the full application that we will be submitting in April?\nIn particular:\n- can we change the asked amount in April? Can we ask more than what we will be asking now (in February)? Less? \n- Scope of work: Can we change the scope of work? Can we add items? Remove items?\n\n4. For awardees: What will be the amount of time between providing funds and receiving reimbursement? Are reimbursements tied to milestones OR is it at the end of the fiscal year? \n","1.  A control number will be issued by EERE Exchange when an Applicant begins the concept paper submission process.  The format is \"1225-XXXX\" and it will appear at the top of your online concept paper form, above the tabs.\n\n2.  Cost share provided by for-profit entities on DOE awards is subject to the Cost Principles contained in 48 CFR 31.2 (Contracts with Commercial Organizations).  DOE personnel will review the applicant's elements of cost share in detail If selected for award negotiation.  Generally, salaries, contractor costs and software purchase costs are allowable as cost share.  Rent/utility bills and monthly service/on-going fees would usually be classified as an indirect cost.  Indirect costs are also allowable as cost share if the applicant has a Federally approved indirect cost rate agreement.  If selected for award negotiation, an applicant without a rate agreement will have the opportunity to negotiation one with DOE.  \n\n3.  Yes, you may change the budget request or some elements of the scope between the Concept Paper and the Full Application.\n\n4. Reimbursements will be tied to milestones.  Generally, DOE will provide reimbursement within 30 calendar days of receiving a proper invoice request."]
[71,"2015-02-18","Team Members","We are submitting a concept paper on the 2/24 submission date. We wanted to check whether we are allowed to submit with co-principal investigators, two persons in total?  In other words, are we allowed  to name two individuals as the principal investigators, in one proposal?","You must select one Principal Investigator from the Prime Applicant organization.  Any co-PIs may be subrecipients."]
[72,"2015-02-18","Eligibility","I'm an independent PV researcher and I've invented and patented several disruptive PV technologies. I own 6 US patents and I don't have any registered entity besides my sole proprietorship bgopto.com, currently inactive.\n\nI'd like to participate in FOA-0001225 and I'm working on concept letters. I consider my inventions breakthroughs, but I don't have any business or financial resources to build them.\nAM I ELIGIBLE for the program?\n","As stated in Section III of the FOA, only for-profit entities are eligible to apply as the Prime Applicant. "]
[73,"2015-02-18","Application Content/Format","There are a couple of summary slide templates we found online. Can you let us know which one is the proper one, or guide us to the proper one if neither one is correct?","On the EERE Exchange description of this FOA, click the \"View Required Application Documents\" link to download the correct Summary Slide template."]
[74,"2015-02-18","Application Reviews","Are reviewers government employees, or can they also include private sector business people? If the latter, are any measures taken to prevent conflicts of interest, such as review of information by competitors?","Reviewers are required to protect the confidentiality of all information obtained as a result of their participation in this evaluation.  Prior to participating in the evaluation and selection process, all persons involved must read and sign the Conflict of Interest and Nondisclosure Acknowledgement (COI/NDA) form.  Non-Federal reviewers are subject to the terms of their signed COI/NDA forms. These persons must immediately notify the FOA Manager of any circumstances that could be an actual conflict of interest or any circumstances that might give the appearance of a conflict of interest.  Additional information is available in the DOE Merit Review Guide, located at: http://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2013/07/f2/Merit%20Review%20Guide%20FINAL%20JULY%202013.pdf"]
[75,"2015-02-17","Eligibility","It is not clear whether universities and other publicly-funded educational institutions are eligible to be sub-recipients for the DE-FOA-0001225. We know that a for-profit has to be 60% of the funds but we weren’t sure whether universities were allowed to apply. We assumed no, as they are funded by the government, but they were not mentioned in the eligibility criteria at all.","Universities and other publicly-funded education institutions are eligible as subrecipients.  On 2/23, EERE modified the FOA to include these entities in the eligibility language."]
[76,"2015-02-17","Due Dates","I see that there was a deadline for submitting a letter of intent for this grant.  Is there any chance that we might still be able to submit an LOI even after the deadline?","No, however, Letters of Intent were optional.  Failing to submit a LOI will not affect your application."]
[77,"2015-02-17","Application Content/Format","I have question on document titled 'Letters of Support'. I understand concept paper and found summary slide template on the website. But couldn't get details about Letters of Support. Can you explain what needs to be included in Letters of Support file? Is it about how non federal funding will be guaranteed?","Letters of support are optional in the Concept Paper stage.  They are an opportunity for the applicant to show DOE that external entities or partners recommend or endorse the proposed project.  They do not include a financial commitment.  There is no template, however, the maximum length per letter is 1 page."]
[78,"2015-02-17","Eligibility","My company, which would serve as Prime Recipient, and a company we intend to team with have both received previous individual SunShot Tier 2S awards. The FOA says on page 35, \"... applicants that previously received an award under the SunShot Incubator Program, SolarMat, or SUNPATH are not permitted to repeat a Tier.\"  Under what circumstances are our companies eligible or ineligible for SunShot 10 Tier 2S awards? Are we eligible if the concept creates a new service not previously funded?","Applicants are not permitted to repeat the same tier to develop products or solutions for which they have already been awarded to do so. If the proposal will result in the development of a new product, they may submit into the same Tier."]
[79,"2015-02-16","Eligibility","I am creating a new company in order to submit a full application granted my concept paper is deemed fully compliant.  Is it acceptable to submit my concept paper before my company has been fully incorporated by the state as long as it is completed before the full application is due?","Yes."]
[80,"2015-02-16","Application Content/Format","I would like to know the meaning of “PI NAME” in Summary-Slide-Template”.  ","\"PI Name\" refers to the name of the Principal Investigator on the project.  This person should be an employee of the Prime Applicant's organization and the the lead technical point of contact on the project."]
[81,"2015-02-16","Application Content/Format","I'm trying to submit my/the Concept Paper for FOA0001225.  I see no 'button' to upload my cover page. I do find some 'tabs' on the website with required information which might be equivalent, but can't tell if this is to replace the cover page or if a cover page is simply not required or should be included as part of the Concept Paper upload, ie 5 pages instead of 4.\n","Include the cover page as part of the Concept Paper upload.  The file may be a maximum of 5 pages: 1 page for the cover page and a maximum of 4 pages of content."]
[82,"2015-02-16","Eligibility","It is my understanding based on the webinar slides and the FAQ that not-for-profit universities are not eligible for this opportunity.  Can you please advise what opportunities, similar to this in nature, are available through DOE EERE?  ","Unfortunately, EERE cannot provide information on upcoming funding opportunities before those FOAs are posted to the public at large.  Please monitor EERE Exchange or Grants.gov for funding opportunities that meet your needs."]
[83,"2015-02-16","Eligibility","I was wondering if public universities would be able to be the “lead organization” for concept papers submitted to INCUBATOR ROUND 10.","No, a university may not be the prime recipient or lead organization on an award."]
[84,"2015-02-15","Intellectual Property","Was this provision (quoted in full below) included in previous Rounds of the SunShot Solar Incubator, or is it new for Round 10?\n\n\"The award will include the terms of the government licenses. Specifically, the award will contain the following government license for the subject inventions: “With respect to any subject invention in which the Recipient retains title, the Federal Government shall have a non-exclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable, paid-up license to practice or have practiced for or on behalf of the U.S. the subject invention throughout the world.” In addition to a government purpose license for any subject invention under award, the government will also have a license to any copyrighted software developed under the award. The award will contain the following license: “For such copyrighted data, including computer software, the Recipient grants to the Government, and others acting on its behalf, a paid-up nonexclusive, irrevocable worldwide license in such copyrighted data to reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies to the public, and perform publicly and display publicly, by or on behalf of the Government.” While the Solar Program will retain the right to request any data, including software, generated under the awards, it does not intend to take possession of or request delivery of any software developed under the awards. In the event software developed under an award was delivered to DOE, an awardee may mark the software as protected. As will be set forth in the awards, an awardee may mark software a “protected data” and DOE will agree not to disclose, publish or disseminate outside the Government for 5-years.\"\n","The quoted provision has applied to the previous rounds of the SunShot Solar Incubator."]
[85,"2015-02-15","Application Content/Format","1. Where can I find the downloadable mandatory summary slide (p47) ?\n\n2. Is a performance metrics table required in the concept paper or not and is there a downloadable template ?\n\n3. Could I clarify that foreign entities/individuals with no current \"team\" (US or other) can submit a compliant concept paper on the premise that an encouraged concept paper will significantly facilitate US partnering and subsequent specification of a team in a full application ? \n","1.  Click on \"View Required Application Documents\".\n\n2.  The Concept Paper must include a \"High-level vision for performance metrics. Describe what will be produced, when it will be produced, and how it will be verified. Start by defining the baseline capability and end project performance metric in quantifiable/verifiable terms. Then fill in interim performance metrics. (This will be closely reviewed so consider this carefully and use numbers).\"  No, there is not a template.\n\n3.  The applicant must meet all eligibility requirements when submitting the Full Application.  A foreign entity must either: a) designate in the Full Application a subsidiary or affiliate incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a State or territory of the United States to be the Prime Recipient, or b) submit a waiver request to EERE as part of its Full Application."]
[86,"2015-02-14","Due Dates","I have prepared a Letter of Intent indicating my intention to submit a proposal under the DE-FOA-0001225. Will you accept a late submission?\n","Letters of Intent were optional.  Please ensure that you submit a Concept Paper by the date and time listed in Exchange if you wish to submit a Full Application."]
[87,"2015-02-13","Due Dates","Is it too late to submit my letter of intent ?","Yes, however, Letters of Intent were optional.  Failing to submit a LOI will not affect your application."]
[88,"2015-02-13","Webinar","Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend the webinar due to a prior commitment.  Is there a recording available, or would it be possible to get a copy of the presentation that was reviewed?","The slides and script from the webinar are posted on EERE Exchange."]
[89,"2015-02-13","Technical Topics","Does the development of a commercial metrology infrastructure and private organization, that supports the photovoltaic industry, fall within the boundaries of this FOA?","As stated in Section I.C: This funding program is OPEN to any for-profit business product or solution which directly and significantly impacts at least one of the following SETO goals:\n\n1. Achieve the SunShot Initiative goal ahead of the 2020 cost target of $0.06/kWh, or beyond.\n2. Expand domestic solar manufacturing and supply chain value to be commensurate with the level of domestic deployment.\n3. Expand the domestic market for solar to be a significant fraction (tens of percents) of our nation's electricity generating capacity.\n4. Enable the integration of hundreds of GW of solar on the nation's grid.\n\nThe Applicant must prove their product or service will impact any of the above goals. It is incumbent upon the applicant to describe how their proposed technology, a product or service, is innovative and can meet SunShot’s aggressive goals (Section V.A). Evolutionary advancements of undifferentiated technology and/or organizations that require continual federal support are not of interest to this FOA (Section I.D).\n"]
[90,"2015-02-13","Webinar","Although I previously registered for the Concept Paper Informational \nWebinar, I was not able to actually attend the Webinar due to an \nunexpected schedule conflict.  Is the Webinar archived so I could visit \nit now?\n","The slides and script from the webinar are posted on EERE Exchange."]
[91,"2015-02-13","Webinar","Please let me know where to find the Q & A responses from yesterday’s Sunshot 10 webinair.","The Webinar #1 Q&A is posted on EERE Exchange."]
[92,"2015-02-12","Eligibility","Can you confirm if existing (December 2014) SunShot Catalyst business innovation contest winners are considered by the DOE to be at a certain technology readiness level - (i.e. pre 1S) or later as this relates directly to our ability to apply for different award levels in the new FOA","Regardless of any other awards from the Solar Energy Technologies Office, DOE or other entities, it is incumbent upon the applicant to determine the proper tier for them to apply for."]
[93,"2015-02-12","Application Content/Format","To Whom, or where, do we submit the Letter of Intent for Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number:  DE-FOA-0001225?","Letters of Intent must be submitted via EERE Exchange."]
[94,"2015-02-12","Webinar","Will the Webinar be recorded for later viewing?","The slides and script from the webinar are posted on EERE Exchange."]
[95,"2015-02-12","Technical Topics","1. Are innovative, disruptive, high through-put, thin-film PV semiconductor deposition technologies considered to be an Area of Programmatic Interest under this FOA  [DE-FOA-0001225] ?\n\n2. For Tier 0: - Accelerate transition from a proof-of-concept of all critical components to an early stage functional prototype, can the prototype be a lab scale system?\n","1. These awards are meant for for-profit entities (Section III.A) to develop commercial products which will not need continued government support (Section I.D). Assuming the applicant and product meet the above criteria and the product does not fall in area specifically not of interest (Section I.D), then it would be responsive. \n\n2. Yes."]
[96,"2015-02-12","Application Content/Format","While the different programs are being combined for this FOA, will the SunShot submissions and project management resemble SunShot 8 or will it be a whole new application type and process?","The submission process and project management will be the same as for Incubator 8."]
[97,"2015-02-12","Intellectual Property","Can you please amplify what an applicant must so ensure that proprietary software is not distributed by the government.  ","See Section VIII.M and VIII.N of the FOA.  Software that the applicant developed prior to applying to the FOA will not be distributed by the government.  Software that the applicant develops during the award, however, may be protected from public disclosure for up to five years after the data is generated.\n\nAny proprietary information must be clearly marked in the application according to the instructions in Section VIII.E of the FOA."]
[98,"2015-02-12","Application Content/Format","I just participated in the online webinar for this FOA. I have 3 questions:\nFirst, on the EERE-exchange.energy.gov website, the FOA # ends with \"1266\" (DE-FOA-0001266) but when I click on the \"Notice of Intent to Issue FOA\" link shown under the \"FOA Documents\" section (see screenshot below for reference), the document (see attached for reference) references a different FOA # ending in \"1225\" and \"828.\"\nWhat is the FOA number that we should use to submit this application under?\n\nSecondly, in the webinar, it was stated very clearly that the awardees would have to provide no less than 60% of the cost share. However, in the attached Notice, it states that the awardee's must cover 20 - 50% cost share. Which number (or range of numbers) will be in the final FOA for cost share?\n\nFinally, when will the final FOA be published on the eere-exchange.energy.gov website? I don't recall seeing a date when that will be made available. Presumably, applicants will have access to that before the submission deadline for the concept paper, correct? Since the concept paper deadline is 2 weeks away, I'd like to start reading the FOA as soon as possible.\n","1.  The FOA is posted on EERE Exchange under FOA number DE-FOA-0001225.  Please apply under this number.\n\n2.  The information in the FOA (DE-FOA-0001225) supersedes the information in the Notice of Intent.  The final FOA requires that the for-profit business designated as the Prime Recipient must incur at least 60% of expenditures under the project, as measured by the Total Project Cost.\n\n3.  The FOA is already publised on EERE Exchange.\n"]
[99,"2015-02-12","Cost Sharing","Your Funding opportunity webpage mentions, for example, Tier 3 \"50% cost share, up to $4M in funding, up to 24 month project periods\".  Does this mean that the max DOE portion is $2M, and the resulting project is at least $4M, or does this mean that the max. DOE portion is $4M, and the resulting project would then need to be at least $8M?","The max DOE portion for Tier 3 is $4M, which would require cost share of $4M for total project costs of $8M."]
[100,"2015-02-11","Eligibility","Can a University (state) be allowed to lead any of the three programs, in particular the Incubator and SolarMat3.","No, a university may not be the prime recipient or lead organization on an award."]
[101,"2015-02-11","Technical Topics","If we wanted to purpose a tier 0 application for the transition of a thermal-electrical energy storage system proof of concept into early stage functional prototype, would this be accepted?","Provided the solution does not fall in an area not of programmatic interest (Section I.D) it would be eligible."]
[102,"2015-02-10","Technical Topics","1) We have a formulation/process that could be used to replace an existing material in a thin film solar module. This formulation/process is suitable for reel-to-reel production and offers both cost reduction and barrier properties (increased life of module). Would this possibly be considered responsive to FOA1225? \n\n2) Would the above formulation/process be considered responsive if had a subcontractor with the capability to create and test a prototype?\n","1) These awards are meant for for-profit entities (Section III.A) to develop commercial products which will not need continued government support (Section I.D). Assuming the applicant and product meet the above criteria and the product does not fall in area specifically not of interest (Section I.D), then it would be responsive. \n\n2) It is incumbent upon the applicant to determine their project team and how they will create their proposed product or service."]
[103,"2015-02-06","Application Content/Format","1.       Does a competing entity need a DnB #?\n2.       Historically how much data is required to support operational alpha capability?\n3.       Can a company compete for different Sunshot awards annually?\n4.       What supporting information would you like to see in an LOI submission?  \n","1.  No, however, it is strongly recommended that potential applicants register to all systems specified in the FOA as soon as possible. \n2.  It is incumbent upon the applicant to determine how much data is needed to support the claims in their application as they are best acquainted with their product.\n3.  Yes, subject to the elibility requirements of each specific FOA.\n4.  LOIs must be submitted through EERE Exchange.  See section IV.B.1 of the FOA for content requirements."]
[104,"2015-02-06","Technical Topics","Is this FOA specific to electricity-generating solar technologies or does it cover solar thermal (e.g. solar hot water) as well?  The statement in the Annoucement that \"This funding program seeks to fund for-profit entities to develop products and solutions which will further reduce the price of solar energy and de-risk the integration of solar energy to the electricity grid” makes it sound PV-specific.","As stated in Section I.C of the FOA, there are four goals for the EERE Solar Energy Technologies Office. These all relate to the delivery of electrons to the grid. The cost of heat generated for hot water applications should not be included in the $/W values, but applications which integrate PV with solar thermal are eligible."]
[105,"2015-02-04","Eligibility","The FOA excludes funding for Concentrated Solar Power.  Does this exclude CPV and other technologies like multiple internal refraction, reflective surfaces, non-imaging optics, etc. as they apply to PV?","Those technologies, as they relate to PV electricity generation, are covered in this Funding Opportunity Announcement."]
[106,"2015-02-04","Eligibility","We are a startup company based in Toronto, Canada, developing new PV materials and device technology. We are in discussions with USA-based companies about collaboration and partnership. We plan to incorporate in the USA, in order to carry out work at or nearby the labs of our partner company in California. Do we need to have already incorporated in the USA at the time of LOI submission? At the time of the concept paper submission? At the time of the full application submission?","You must be incorporated at the time of Full Application submission."]
[107,"2015-02-03","Eligibility","Our company is developing an innovative photovoltaic thermal product.  I read in the FOA in the areas not of interest  \"Concentrating Solar Power and/or HVAC and water heating applications.\". Can you please tell me if that area of not interest includes photovoltaic thermal?","As stated in Section I.C of the FOA, there are four goals for the EERE Solar Energy Technologies Office. These all relate to the delivery of electrons to the grid. The cost of heat generated for hot water applications should not be included in the $/W values, but applications which integrate PV with solar thermal are eligible."]
[108,"2015-02-03","Webinar","I recently signed up for the \"sunshot technology to market funding\" webinar, however,I am not a solar technology producer.  I am a graduate student in city and regional planning looking for ways to include renewable energy into economic development activities in rust belt cities. Additionally, I am also working on an independent projects that implements solar photovoltaic as an adaptive reuse element and may be a platform for testing emerging technologies.  My question to you is can provide a little more insight on the topics that are being covered during the Feb 12 webinar, specifically land acquisition/facilities?","The purpose of this webinar is to give applicants a chance to ask questions about the FOA process generally.  It is geared towards people applying to the FOA, not general solar information."]
[109,"2015-02-02","Eligibility","We are formally incorporated as a 501(c)(3), but we are a revenue-generating social enterprise that reinvests back into the communities with which we work, and we operate with a business model. We have active partnerships with two leading for-profit solar developers. \n\nCould you please let us know if revenue-generating nonprofits are eligible to apply for the funding opportunity?","As stated in Section III of the FOA, only for-profit entities are eligible to apply as the Prime Applicant.  However, if your for-profit partner were to apply as the Prime Applicant, a non-profit entity could participate as a subrecipient on the application."]
[110,"2015-02-01","Eligibility","I do not understand why developmental work being performed in CSP technology will not be funded through the SunShot program. Our company has had great success using off-the-shelf technology, now we require funding to develop our patent pending technology. Please provide an explanation of why CSP is not being considered for this program.\n","Thank you for your interest. SunShot supports CSP in many other Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs). All possible concepts cannot be covered in a single FOA. Note that universities and national labs are not eligible to apply to the subject FOA; development by these groups is covered in other funding opportunities as well.\n\nPlease continue to monitor EERE Exchange for funding opportunities relevant to CSP.\n"]
[111,"Round 9 Incubator FOA","Eligibility","In reviewing the FOA for SunShot Technology to Market, I noticed that solar water heating is an area specifically NOT of interest.  What about solar cogeneration systems that produce both heat and electricity?  If these systems are allowed, is it acceptable to use the heat energy generated as part of the $/W cost-value calculations?  It is understood that heat on average is worth about 1/4 as much as electricity, so the value of heat output would be weighted accordingly by a factor of 0.25.","As stated in Section I.C of the FOA, there are four goals for the EERE Solar Energy Technologies Office. These all relate to the delivery of electrons to the grid. The cost of heat generated for hot water applications should not be included in the $/W values, but applications which integrate PV with solar thermal are eligible."]
[112,"Round 9 Incubator FOA","Eligibility","Am I correct in saying in order for one's project to be eligible for funding as a Phase 0, one's progress must be at level TRL 3 readiness level?","To be eligible to apply under Tier 0 the applicant must have achieved Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3, described as the following:\nAnalytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof of concept.  Active R&D is initiated.  This includes analytical studies and laboratory studies to physically validate analytical predictions of separate elements of the technology.  Examples include components that are not yet integrated or representative."]
[113,"Round 9 Incubator FOA","Eligibility","Am I eligible to apply to the SunShot Technology to Market Funding Opportunity Announcement as a foreign student, only in possession of a J-1 exchange student visa for the duration of my exchange? Furthermore, would staying abroad for a year due to finalizing of studies be possible, after potential acquisition of the grant? ","As stated in Section III.A of the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) only for-profit businesses are eligible to apply as standalone applicants. In addition, only Project Teams led by for-profit businesses are eligible to apply for funding.  Please refer to Section III.A of the FOA for eligibility requirements."]
[114,"Round 9 Incubator FOA","Eligibility","Is this program only for Solar PV related projects? What about solar thermal or hot water systems? If not, will future programs incorporate this important additional solar industry? Can you point me to another grant program that might consider breakthrough technology in the solar thermal arena? ","Please refer to sections I.C Areas of Programmatic Interest & I.D Areas Specifically Not of Interest."]
[115,"Round 9 Incubator FOA","Eligibility","1)     In section IV.D.10 of the funding announcement it states that all work must be carried out in the US. Does this preclude any expenditures to a foreign sub-contractor / vendor? \n2)     In-kind contribution We are a start-up and as such we do not yet draw salary. Can the equivalent salary expense be considered to be in-kind contribution? \n3)     Sub-contractors Are sub-contractors considered to be team partners who must submit application papers or just passive vendors? ","1)      Per Section III.A.3 of the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), if a foreign entity applies for funding as a prime recipient, it must designate in the Full Application a subsidiary or affiliate incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a State or territory of the United States to be the prime recipient.  The Full Application must state the nature of the corporate relationship between the foreign entity and domestic subsidiary or affiliate.  Foreign entities may request a waiver of this requirement in the Full Application.  If you would like to request a waiver see Section VIII.I. \n2)      Yes, salaries can be considered in-kind contributions (see Section III.B).\n3)      Please refer to Section IV.D, Content and Form of Full Application, for the requirements on the full applications.\n"]
[116,"Round 9 Incubator FOA","Eligibility","Is a technology that has been developed, yet never sold, is eligible to apply under this FOA? This technology is patented, and has successful field trials, yet ran out of funds before any units were sold. It could use some updating to take advantage of newer materials availability.","As stated in Section I.C of the FOA: \"This funding program is OPEN to any for-profit business product or solution which directly and significantly impacts at least one of the following SETO goals:\n\n1. Achieve the SunShot Initiative goal ahead of the 2020 cost target of $0.06/kWh, or beyond.\n2. Expand domestic solar manufacturing and supply chain value to be commensurate with the level of domestic deployment.\n3. Expand the domestic market for solar to be a significant fraction (tens of percents) of our nation's electricity generating capacity.\n4. Enable the integration of hundreds of GW of solar on the nation's grid.”\n"]
[117,"Round 9 Incubator FOA","Eligibility","We are currently a start-up based in Canada but are going to start the process of incorporating in the United States.  Do we have to be formally incorporated in the United States by the first deadline of February 24, 2015 for the initial concept paper to be eligible? ","No, however, the applicant must meet all eligibility requirements when submitting the full application."]
[118,"Round 9 Incubator FOA","Allowable Costs","The FOA mentions about equipment purchase as eligible expense but nothing is mentioned about software. Are software licensing/purchasing costs allowable under this program? ","In general, the purchase of software/licensing is allowable in accordance with the Federal Cost Principles that govern the entity type. Please refer to Section IV.I for information on funding restrictions.  "]
[119,"Round 9 Incubator FOA","Allowable Costs","We would like to use a subcontractor for this proposal which is stated to have an allowable percentage of up to 40%. Can a subcontractor use that money to purchase equipment that is integral to the proposed work? ","In general the purchase of equipment by subrecipients is allowable in accordance to the applicable Federal Cost Principles that govern the entity type.  However, please note that any equipment with fair market value greater than $5,000 at the end of the project is subject to DOE disposition instructions during award closeout.  Please refer to Section IV.I for information on funding restrictions.  "]
[120,"Round 9 Incubator FOA","Team Members","Is an applicant, for purposes of filing a final application, bound to the exact team members and percentages listed in the concept paper (assuming the lead team member remains above 60%)? In other words, can the team members change or be adjusted between the time that a concept paper is filed and the time that a final application is filed? ","Yes, the team members can change from the concept paper to the final application, however, eligibility requirements as specified in Section III.A of the FOA must be met."]
[121,"Round 9 Incubator FOA","Application Content/Format","How detailed cost information do you require for the concept paper? ","Applicants should supply enough cost information to allow someone who knows the solar industry to clearly see and understand the cost reduction potential of the product or service."]
[122,"Round 2 SolarMat","Cost Sharing","How do we have to demonstrate that we are able to meet the cost share requirement? ","All applications must meet the minimum cost share requirements. Applicants certify that the information presented in the application is accurate.  It is at the Contracting Officer's discretion to request supporting documentation to verify that an applicant is able to meet the required cost share."]
[123,"Round 2 SolarMat","Technical Topics","Does the TRL apply to the manufacturing process or equipment or does it have to apply to the product being manufactured? ","The least technically mature aspect of the technology (product, process, equipment, etc.) must meet the Technical Readiness Level (TRL) entrance requirement for a Topic Area. "]
[124,"Round 1 SolarMat","Eligibility","Would an innovative (low cost $0.50/watt, high performance 34% module efficiency) concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) system be responsive to this FOA?","Yes."]
[125,"Round 1 SolarMat","Registration Requirements","Is it critical that registration to all entities (Grants.gov, SAM, etc…) be made prior to the submission of the concept paper? ","No, however, it is strongly recommended that potential applicants register to all systems specified in the FOA as soon as possible.  EERE will not extend the submission deadline for Applicants that fail to submit required information and documents due to server/connection congestion."]
[126,"Round 1 SolarMat","Cost Sharing","When cost-sharing, when does the award recipient need to confirm the cash is available? For example, we’d like to apply for $5M but cannot guarantee the total cash on hand at the time of the award. Is it okay to assume we’d raise or allocate a portion of the matching funds over the course of the award? ","If selected for an award, cost share must be met on an invoice basis.  FOA Applicants are required to provide written assurance of their proposed cost share contributions in their Full Applications.  Upon selection for award negotiations, Applicants are required to provide additional information and documentation regarding their cost share contributions. Please refer to Appendix B of the FOA for guidance on the requisite cost share information and documentation."]
[127,"Round 1 SolarMat","Application Content/Format","The concept paper requires a control number. I cannot find reference to a control number anywhere. Pls advise. ","Concept Papers must be submitted via EERE Exchange at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/. A control number will be issued when an Applicant begins the concept paper submission process. This control number must be included with the Full Application documents, as described in Section IV.D of the FOA."]
[128,"Round 1 SolarMat","Application Content/Format","Is the submission of a concept paper mandatory? ","Yes.  Only applicants who have submitted a compliant Concept Paper will be eligible to submit a Full Application.   Concept Papers must be submitted via EERE Exchange at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/. Applicants that fail to submit a concept paper will be deemed not responsive and will not be eligible to submit a full application.  "]
[129,"Round 1 SolarMat","Intellectual Property","Does the DOE intend to grant Protected Data Rights to awardees? Also, does the DOE intend to issue a class patent waiver? ","Yes, DOE intends to grant 5 year data protection under this FOA and also intends to issue a class patent waiver for recipients under this FOA."]

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