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["INSTRUCTIONS"]
[1,"All questions pertaining to this funding opportunity announcement should be emailed to SEEDS4-FOA@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-FOA0003226 - SEEDS4 FOA"]
["Question #","Date Submitted","Topic","Question","Answer"]
[1,"2023-12-18","Webinar","I missed today’s webinar explaining FOA number: DE-FOA-003226. \nI’m writing to ask whether a recording of the webinar might be made available.","The webinar recording and presentation slides are posted on eXCHANGE, https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/."]
[2,"2023-12-18","Technical Topics","The FOA document says that the goal of this FOA is research and reduction of soft costs, not the hardware costs. My question: whether this FOA does not support the hardware or capital costs of 1 MWac LSS?","Funds awarded through this FOA are intended to support social science research, not the construction of LSS infrastructure. Please review the FOA for more information on the kinds of applications that are of interest."]
[3,"2023-12-18","Eligibility","The FOA document says that this FOA supports the research on private land owned LSS facilities. My question is, whether this FOA does not support the research of LSS facilities on public or government or utility owned?","This FOA is primarily concerned with the siting process that takes place when LSS facilities are sited on private land. While a research project may propose to also study public land, projects that solely focus on the siting process for public land are not responsive. Utility-owned land may be private or public depending on the utility ownership structure."]
[4,"2023-12-18","Eligibility","On page 6 of the FOA, it states: \"This funding opportunity will support research on the social dimensions of siting LSS facilities that are 1 MW or larger and located on private land.\" How strict is the FOA about only focusing on private land? In other words, would a proposal focusing on public land development be ineligible?","Please refer to the answer for Question 3, above. Please refer Section III of the FOA document for Eligibility requirements for applicants and to section I.B. for Topic Areas of Interest."]
[5,"2023-12-19","Application Reviews","Will DOE provide encourage or discourage on concept papers?  The reason why I’m asking is because DOE typically allows 4 or more weeks for proposal development, therefore E/D would need to be provided two weeks after concept paper due date (before 2/15) according to the timeline","We will provide encourage/discourage decisions to applicants on the concept papers as soon as we are able."]
[6,"2023-12-20","Technical Topics","The fundamental question of this research inquiry perhaps is to obtain and establish data to confirm that we project and calculate that the ‘Agricultural Farming System’ that we envision will be able to generate 92 megawatts on 25 acres of land. Therefore we would appreciate any conversations regarding whether this funding is applicable to our considered collaborative interests,  going forward.","Please refer to FOA Sections I.A. and I.B for the goals and types of work covered. This funding opportunity is intended to support social science research on the social dimensions of siting LSS facilities. Awards under this FOA are expected to produce insights that improve LSS siting processes and outcomes for host communities and the solar industry. "]
[7,"2023-12-19","Technical Topics","Does the LSS referred to in the FOA include Building integrated solar? In other words, can the project assume solar exclusively deployed in urban setting and building integrated, or does LSS refer to land deployed large scale solar farms? If it does include the urban solar deployment, we would define 1 MW according to the area of the city/community covered based on aggregated grid cells.","Awards under this FOA should seek to improve our understanding of the social dimensions of large-scale ground-mounted solar siting."]
[8,"2023-12-24","Technical Topics","I have a property (approximately 20 acres) which I would like to develop into a solar farm.  We have done preliminary research and are looking at the potential of 3.5 to 5 MW generating capacity. \nThe location of this property fits into your guidelines for consideration. I believe that a solar farm would be the best use for this property.","Funds awarded through this FOA are intended to support social science research, not the construction of LSS infrastructure. Please review the FOA for more information on the kinds of applications that are of interest. All current SETO funding opportunities can be found at eere-exchange.energy.gov. "]
[9,"2024-01-02","Eligibility","Would our institution and partnership with DTE be eligible to apply for the current grant opportunity? As the message thread shows, we have been part of a Solar Farm project since the early 2010s.","See FOA Section I.B. Topic Areas of Interest, I.C. Applications Specifically Not of Interest, and Section III. A. Eligibility Information.  For all current SETO funding opportunities, please visit \neere-exchange.energy.gov"]
[10,"2024-01-02","Application Content/Format","The language describing the focus of the call differs considerably between Sections I and IV, which creates some ambiguity as to whether and how to develop a concept paper in response to this call. \n \nSection I Funding Opportunity Description (pp. 5-18) describes a focus on siting processes and siting outcomes for large-scale solar (LSS) installations. Yet at Section IV.C. Content and Form of the Concept Paper (p. 29), the text begins to focus heavily on technology. Could you please provide guidance on how to interpret the program’s intentions for this FOA? ","The use of the term “technology” in Section IV.C. is intended to be broad. Section I.A.ii. defines the technology space and strategic goals of this FOA.  This funding opportunity will support research on the social dimensions of siting large-scale solar facilities."]
[11,"2024-01-03","Technical Topics","I would like to request clarity on what is considered private land. In particular, Tribal lands are often held in trust by the federal government or, in some cases, owned in fee simple by the Tribe itself. However, these lands are used by Tribal members for private purposes under different land tenure systems, such as long-term leases. My question is, would Tribal lands be considered non-private and therefore non-responsive?","Projects including or focusing on the siting and permitting processes of LSS on tribal lands are considered responsive to this funding opportunity."]
[12,"2024-01-05","Concept Paper","I was wondering whether there is more information on the concept paper requirements? We are struggling to find any information other than the deadline.","Please see FOA section IV. C. Content and Form of the Concept Paper. Please note the answer to Question 10 above about the broad use of the term “technology” and please refer to FOA sections I.A.ii. and I.B. for topics of interest to this FOA."]
[13,"2024-01-05","Other"," I am working with a team at 3-4 other institutions, and we were hoping to put a proposal together. However, it was not clear to me whether this was possible or whether teams need to self-form based on the teams / institutions listed on the teaming partners page?","The Teaming Partner List allows organizations that may wish to participate on a project to express their interest to other applicants and explore potential partnerships. Applicants are not required to participate in the Teaming Partner List."]
[14,"2024-01-11","Concept Paper","On pg. 12 of the FOA it says that \"Projects must focus on at least one of the following areas of interest but can focus on multiple areas\" referring to the three interest areas of Community Acceptance and Opposition, Permitting and Land Use Planning Processes and Outcomes, and Community Impact Evaluation. However, on pg. 29 it states \"Each Concept Paper must be limited to a single concept or technology.\" Can you clarify whether it is okay to address more than one area of interest in the concept paper proposal? ","The note on page 29 means that concept papers should present a single proposal or project. As noted in page 12, however, that proposal may touch on multiple areas of interest. The use of the term “technology” in on page 29 is intended to be broad. This funding opportunity will support research on the social dimensions of siting large-scale solar facilities."]
[15,"2024-01-11","Concept Paper","On pg. 30 of the FOA, in the concept paper description, it asks for a technology description and the topics within that that the concept paper is asked to describe read a bit differently than the areas of interest described previously in the FOA. Can you confirm that the technology description, as described on pg. 30 is what we are supposed to include in the concept paper?","Page 30 describes the expected content of concept papers. The areas of interest (page 11) describe the technical scope of that expected content. Applicants should ensure that their concept paper both conforms to the application and submission content specified in Section IV (page 30) and addresses the technical scope outlined in Sec I.A (page 5) and I.B (page 11)."]
[16,"2024-01-12","Eligibility","I’m wondering if PIs can be a part of multiple proposals or if there is some limit. ","There is no limit to the number of proposals that a PI can be listed on."]
[17,"2024-01-18","Technical Topics","I was wondering to what extent DOE will consider proposals on the topic of barriers and opportunities related to interconnection of solar projects, either under Topic 3 or Topic 2.","Please reference FOA Section I.B. Topic Areas of Interest, I.C. Applications Specifically Not of Interest, and Section III. A. Eligibility Information."]
[18,"2024-01-18","Cost Sharing","I was wondering if there is further guidance on higher education institution cost share. Would higher education institutions (that are not listed as minority serving institutions) be subject to the 20% cost share or 10% as a domestic nonprofit entity?","For prime recipients that are public or private higher education institutions and not listed as minority-serving institutions, 20% cost share will be required for research and development awards. Prime recipients applying as domestic non-profit entities with an IRS Status of 501C3 (Other than Institution of Higher Education) will be eligible for the Cost Share Reduction Authorization under this FOA."]
[19,"2024-01-25","Application Content/Format","The EERE-Exchange Portal seems to require an abstract of up to 6000 characters, but no mention of this is made in the FOA (pg 29-30). Is an abstract required to accompany concept paper submission?"," An Abstract is not required for the consideration of your application, but it is required to populate the Abstract field on the Exchange application. You may add an abstract or a summary of the proposed project."]
[20,"2024-01-17","Technical Topics","Is this grant opportunity intended to research the citing barriers to the LSS grant we intend to implement or citing barriers to LSS in general irrespective of the implementation project? ","Please reference FOA Section I.B. Topic Areas of Interest, I.C. Applications Specifically Not of Interest, and Section III. A. Eligibility Information."]
[21,"2024-01-17","Application Content/Format","Is it possible to add a delegate when creating a new proposal for the SEEDS 4 FOA?","Please refer to FOA section IV. Application and Submission Information.  "]
[22,"2024-01-17","Eligibility","I'm in the process of recieving my CAGE number after getting my SAM and UEI registration in. However, due to some logistical hiccups, I might not have the CAGE number in hand by concept paper due date Can I submit without CAGE with the understanding that I'd need to have by the time funding was approved? ","See FOA section IV.G. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM)."]
[23,"2024-01-26","Cost Sharing","I was wondering if there is further guidance on higher education institution cost share. Would higher education institutions (that are not listed as minority serving institutions) be subject to the 20% cost share or 10% as a domestic nonprofit entity?","FFRDCs serving as prime recipients do not qualify for the Cost Share Reduction Determination. Please refer to FOA section I.B. for more information."]
[24,"2024-01-26","Application Content/Format","Is it possible for two institutions to co-lead a proposal, or is the institution submitting the application automatically considered the prime?","The Lead Organization and Lead Organization Points of Contact must be declared on the Concept Paper application form in Exchange. See FOA section IV. Application and Submission Information for more information."]
[25,"2024-01-26","Eligibility","Is it open for an Australian? ","Refer to FOA section III.A.ii. Foreign Entities. For waiver information, see Appendix C - Waiver Request For: 1. Foreign Entity Participation; and 2. Foreign Work."]
[26,"2024-01-29","Application Content/Format","More than one of our concept papers will potentially be eligible for that lower cost share requirement, but we cannot submit with a cost share below 20% in the exchange. Is there a way to update the form so that cost share minimum is 10% or optional?","We have solved this issue in Exchange. Please navigate to the Funds and Costs tab and check the box to certify that the application is eligible for a reduced cost share obligation. This should allow applicants to input the appropriate costs."]
[27,"2024-02-07","Application Content/Format","Regarding the C&P Support document, Is it possible to use the NSF C&P format in SciENcv, which includes a certification? If so, will an additional separate certification statement need to be signed that includes the exact language in the FOA? Or does the certification on the C&P from SciENcv satisfy this requirement?","The NSF Current and Pending Support template may be submitted for the required personnel reporting but an additional, separate certification statement using the exact language from the FOA will be required. The NSF certification does not satisfy the full requirement."]
[28,"2024-02-07","Application Reviews","Can you please advise me about when you expect to let concept paper applicants know if their submission is recommended for full proposal development?","The decision on each Concept Paper has been published. You can view your decision by logging into the eXCHANGE system, navigating to the My Submissions page, and clicking the control number link for your submission."]
[29,"2024-02-13","Labs/FFRDCs","Do FFRDCs need to submit a Budget Justification Workbook in addition to the Work Plan?","No, FFRDCs are not required to submit a Budget Justification Workbook."]
[30,"2024-02-14","Application Reviews","Our submission was discouraged. I was hoping you could provide some feedback on this recommendation. If possible, could you also explain the review process for concept papers?","Please refer to the feedback provided under the My Submissions page of eXCHANGE. See FOA sections V.A.i. Concept Paper Technical Review Criteria and VI.A.ii. Concept Paper Notifications. Please note, feedback on individual concepts will not be provided through Q&A."]
[31,"2024-02-14","Application Reviews","It appears the response to our concept paper was cut off when it was uploaded to the EERE Exchange System. The response has a heading called  “Overall Summary” and a few sentences that follow. Typically, there are a few more sections on strengths and weaknesses etc…","Each concept paper received feedback on strengths and weaknesses. Please try downloading the responses from eXCHANGE again. If the problem persists, please contact the EERE eXCHANGE helpdesk for assistance, EERE-eXCHANGESupport@hq.doe.gov."]
[32,"2024-02-15","Eligibility","We are looking at getting a system for a nonprofit organization and I was wondering if there’s a good time we could hop on a phone call in the next few days and get some more information on this seeds4 program.","The deadline for Concept Papers for this FOA has passed. Please see section IV.A. Application Process of the FOA for requirements to submit a Full Application.  For all current funding opportunities, please visit grants.gov or eere-exchange.energy.gov. "]
[33,"2024-02-29","Application Content/Format","The guidelines mention a Locations of Work template, but we cannot find the template. Can you provide the template or the direct link to it?","The Locations of Work template is now available under Application Forms and Templates on the FOA listing at eere-exchange.energy.gov."]
[34,"2024-02-29","Application Content/Format","The guidelines mention a Summary Slide template, but we cannot find the template. Can you provide the template or the direct link to it?","The Summary Slide template is now available under Application Forms and Templates on the FOA listing at eere-exchange.energy.gov."]
[35,"2024-02-29","Application Content/Format","Are references/citations included in the 15 page Technical Volume page limit?","Yes, citations are included in the Technical Volume page limit. Refer to FOA section IV.D.iii. Technical Volume."]
[36,"2024-02-29","Foreign Entities/Work","I am a US citizen and spent most of my life working in the US, but recently moved to a Canadian institution. I have a few questions about my eligibility as a subawardee as we work out our budget proposal, and I was wondering if it’s possible to schedule a quick phone call in the next day or so. Most importantly, I’d like to clarify if we can budget for personnel at a Canadian institution if we submit a foreign work waiver. ","Please refer to FOA section III.A.ii. Foreign Entities, IV.D.xv. Waiver Requests, and Appendix C. Waiver Requests for Foreign Entity Participation and Foreign Work. DOE does not communicate directly with applicants regarding their projects."]
[37,"2024-03-01","Cost Sharing","Are travel expenses incurred by prime or subrecipients necessary for the performance of the project allowable as cost share?","Please refer to FOA section III.B.iii. Cost Share Types and Allowability. Applicants are encouraged to refer to 2 CFR 200.306 as amended by 2 CFR 910.130 for additional cost sharing requirements."]
[38,"2024-03-12","Cost Sharing","I am hoping you can clarify the Cost Share Reduction Determination as we are receiving conflicting information here at our University. The reduction of the cost share requirement to 10% is applicable to non-profit Higher Education Institutions, correct? ","DOE has authorized a Cost Share Reduction Determination for this funding opportunity that reduces the recipient cost share requirement from 20% to 10% for projects in which one of the following groups is a prime recipient: (1) minority serving institution of higher education, (2) domestic nonprofit entity, or (3) U.S. state, local, or Tribal government entity. To qualify, these institutions must perform at least 50% of the budgeted work in the proposed project. For these institutions, cost share must be at least 10% of total project costs. The cost share must come from non-federal sources unless otherwise allowed by law.\n\nMinority Serving Institutions (MSIs), including Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Other Minority Institutions are educational entities recognized by the Office of Civil Rights (OCR), U.S. Department of Education, and identified on the OCR's Department of Education U.S. accredited postsecondary minorities’ institution list. See https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/edlite-minorityinst.html."]

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["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"]