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["INSTRUCTIONS"]
[1,"All questions pertaining to this funding opportunity announcement should be emailed to ​​jointFY23TCF@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-LC-0000020 - FY23 AMMTO/IEDO/BTO Joint TCF Lab Call for Reducing Embodied Carbon and Operational Energy Across the Built Environment"]
["Question #","Date Submitted","Topic","Question","Answer"]
[1,"2023-04-19","Funding","Are DOE funds allowed to go to non-lab partners through subcontracts?","All partnerships between the labs and outside partners must comply with individual lab requirements under their management and operating (M&O) contracts (for example, subcontracts could be acceptable if compliant with the M&O contracts from the lab)."]
[2,"2023-04-19","CRADA","Are CRADA’s required between all partners or are they optional?","All partnerships between the labs and outside partners must comply with individual lab requirements under their management and operating (M&O) contracts. CRADAs are the preferred method although some other sufficiently described specific agreement type (e.g., licensing the technology) could be acceptable. The CRADA is usually the agreement of choice when: \n• the partner is an active participant in the research effort,\n• there is a requirement to designate information as CRADA-protected information, or\n• there is sharing of intellectual property rights."]
[3,"2023-04-20","Industry Partners","The lab call DE-LC-0000020 requires the inclusion of a domestic industry partner. Could you elaborate on the exact definition of ‘domestic industry partner’? Is it sufficient to be a legal entity registered and based in the US, or does also the parent company (in case of international corporations such as Clariant) need to be registered and based in the US?","All partnerships between the labs and outside partners must comply with individual lab requirements under their management and operating (M&O) contracts (for example, a foreign-owned parent company with a U.S. registered subsidiary could be sufficient)."]
[4,"2023-04-20","Cost Sharing","Regarding cost-share requirements we understood that a 50% cost-share will be required for projects funded under topics 1-4. Furthermore, only DOE and NNSA National Labs will be eligible for funding. Does this require that the industry partners need to come up with the 50% cost-share?","Funds for cost share can come from any non-federal source."]
[5,"2023-04-20","Topic 5/LEEP","I am writing to request clarification on Topic 5 for the LEEP program. Are we interpreting correctly that the purpose of this topic is to fund peer labs (such as Sandia) to participate with LBNL, ANL, ORNL, or NREL in the LEEP program on an individual technology project—e.g. a national lab receiving funding from another national lab? It seems to us that typically LEEP funds commercial entities to work with the national labs, so we just wanted some clarity on this. Also, if the proposals are focused on a specific technology, can you explain why consideration of multiple scenarios in the proposal would be required?","Enabling additional labs to participate in LEEP is one potential application of Topic 5 funds.  The IP being developed does not need to come from the same national lab at which the innovator would be embedded.  Applicants would need to provide details in how the said inter-lab relationship would be handled.  The multiple scenarios account for IP ownership distribution.  As stated in the lab call:\n\"1) all relevant IP being commercialized through the LEEP project is owned by one or more national laboratories, in which case project activities and funding will be specified through an AOP; and \n2) some portion of relevant IP being commercialized through the LEEP project is owned by an outside entity, in which case a CRADA between the national lab and the innovator’s associated start-up for completing the project as part of LEEP will be required. ...\""]
[6,"2023-04-20","Topic 5/LEEP","We don’t understand the supplemental project funds. Is the intended application here for labs to develop and administer their own technology maturation mechanism via the LEEP program (becoming another node lab)? Or is it providing additional funding for previous LEEP technologies/projects, or similar tech mat projects from other funding mechanisms? I would appreciate as much explanation as you can provide of both AOIs.","The 2nd AOI under Topic 5 would be for creating an application and selection process for technology maturation and/or commercialization projects that existing innovators would do at the labs.  These projects would not need to be limited to the labs at which the innovators are embedded and multi-office collaboration would be possible.  "]
[7,"2023-04-28","Topic 5/LEEP","If a project gets funded under Topic 5, will the fellows be required to quit their Lab or faculty position to start the company in order to get into the LEEP program? Do they have to apply to the LEEP program and be accepted as well? How would that work?","In order to participate in LEEP as a fellow, 80% of their time is required to participate in the program.  Furthermore, conflicts of interest likely prohibit a person from being employed by the national lab and being on the leadership of a business actively involved in a CRADA with the lab."]
[8,"2023-05-02","Labs/FFRDCs","On page 20 of the Lab Call, the requirements call for “Authorization from Cognizant Contracting Officer”. Lab Calls have previously not required this document since the nature of a Lab Call allows only FFRDC Laboratories to respond as Prime Applicants. Is this required or is this a mistake carried over from the FOA process?","The Authorization from Cognizant Contracting Officer requirement is not applicable to this lab call."]
[9,"2023-05-05","Webinar","Please advise how to register for the Webinar on NATIONAL LABORATORY CALL FOR REDUCING EMBODIED CARBON AND OPERATIONAL ENERGY ACROSS THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT on May 10th, 2023.","The webinar has been pushed back until Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023 at 2:00 pm ET to give applicants more time to sign up. Please register for the webinar using the following registration link: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_c9_wJkQtQrGABxaXgjJ5Tg"]
[10,"2023-05-08","Webinar","What is the link to the webinar on Wednesday? I don't see it in the Exchange or the FOA document.","The webinar has been pushed back until Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023 at 2:00 pm ET to give applicants more time to sign up. Please register for the webinar using the following registration link: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_c9_wJkQtQrGABxaXgjJ5Tg"]
[11,"2023-05-08","Webinar","Would you please guide me how to sign up for DE-LC-0000020 webinar on May 10th, 2023; 1:00 PM EST?","The webinar has been pushed back until Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023 at 2:00 pm ET to give applicants more time to sign up. Please register for the webinar using the following registration link: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_c9_wJkQtQrGABxaXgjJ5Tg"]
[12,"2023-05-08","Webinar","The Joint TCF webinar is scheduled for this Wednesday, May 10th. I am unable to find the link in Exchange or in the solicitation document. Can you please send me the webinar link, or let me know where I can find it?","The webinar has been pushed back until Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023 at 2:00 pm ET to give applicants more time to sign up. Please register for the webinar using the following registration link: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_c9_wJkQtQrGABxaXgjJ5Tg"]
[13,"2023-05-11","Topic 5/LEEP","Under topic #5: Los Alamos/LANL seems to be left out of the LEEP opportunity, even though we do have an established LEEP program?  \nOr is that b/c our LEEP is a NM-LEEP, and maybe not sanctioned by DOE HQ?   \n\nCan you offer any insight in this regard, as we have been managing a LEEP initiative for 2 years now; and am curious why we would not be included in this opportunity?","All DOE/National Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA) National Laboratories/Sites, are eligible to submit proposals as prime awardees, unless specified otherwise. Topic 5 does not restrict which DOE labs may submit proposals."]
[14,"2023-05-16","Topic 5/LEEP","Can you please define “two fellowships” in this sentence: “Project can include funds for a maximum of two fellowships to fund the innovator’s time executing the project and for lab staff time and resources to promote the promising energy technology toward commercialization.”","A single fellowship, as per how LEEP currently exists, is a paid 2 year fellowship for one person involved in the leadership of the associated start-up that participates in the program.  The \"innovator\" selected for participating in LEEP receives the fellowship. Current fellowship implementation is managed by ORISE, NREL, or Activate, depending on the specific LEEP node."]
[15,"2023-05-16","Topic 5/LEEP","Can you please define “innovator” referred to in that same sentence? Understanding that in a) the intent is NOT to fund existing LEEP innovators. ","The \"innovator\" is the person involved in the leadership of the associated start-up selected to participate in LEEP and is the same individual receiving the fellowship.  As per the lab call language for Topic 5 AOI a: \"These projects do not include support for and TCF funds cannot be used for existing fellows\"."]
[16,"2023-05-16","Topic 5/LEEP","Is it correct that in Section a)2), the tech is jointly developed IP but the award would only be allowed for use on lab resources (equipment, labor) and none of the funding could transfer to the associated external partner/entrepreneur or sub-contractor?","As per the lab call language for Topic 5, Base Project AOI a)2): “TCF funds can only be used to fund the national lab and cannot be used to fund the innovator’s associated start-up company.” DOE funds for these awards can be split if desired, either a portion or all funding going directly to the national labs for work performed at the national lab, or directly to ORISE for fellowship(s) to fund the innovator’s time executing the project. Funding from ORISE is intended to fund the innovator."]
[17,"2023-05-16","Topic 5/LEEP","Because there is limited (10%) funding for program management, if a lab PI were to receive this award, it is correct to understand that they would officially be a LEEP participant in the associated Node but they would not go through the current application and down-selection processes? Further would they not participate in most associated Node offerings (networking, mentorship, community engagement, trainings, etc.)? ","The fellowship conditions for base project awards in LEEP require an 80% time commitment from the innovator in the program. Lab PI participation in the R&D project activities is not generally considered program management and is generally considered to be covered by the funds allocated for R&D. For Topic 5 AOI b: the 10% limitation on TCF funds is for executing the process of generating, reviewing, selecting, and awarding funds for supplemental projects."]
[18,"2023-05-17","Industry Partners","I wanted clarification on the requirement of a \"domestic industry partner\" for cost sharing. Does it have to be a US company (with possible operations outside the US) or does the US company have to have US-based manufacturing as well?","All partnerships between the labs and outside partners must comply with individual lab requirements under their management and operating (M&O) contracts. Please discuss with the lab TTO POCs listed in Appendix D of the lab call document for this information."]
[19,"2023-05-17","Teaming","We are interested in joining the Teaming Partner List. Please advise the best way to do so.","Please see Section I.B.iii. Teaming Partner List of the Lab Call document. \"Any organization that would like to be included on this list should submit the following information to the lab call email box (jointFY23TCF@ee.doe.gov) with the subject line “FY23 IEDO/AMMTO/BTO Joint TCF Lab Call: Teaming Partner Information”:\n• Organization Name\n• Contact Name\n• Contact Email\n• Contact Phone # \n• Contact Website/Social Media\n• Organization Type\n• Lab Call Topic Area(s) of Interest\n• Area of Technical Expertise (bulleted list)\n• Brief Description of Capabilities\n• Description of Need in a Teaming Partner\n• Optional DEI Strengths/Best Practices\n• Optional Demonstration/Field Validation Site Offering. Please include Quantity of Properties, Location of Properties, Property Type, Climate Zone(s), Area of Interest, and Any Additional Notes.\""]
[20,"2023-05-23","Teaming","We recently completed BTO's IMPEL program at LBL. We're a startup translating technology into the market, starting with our own deep tech. Is there a place for us to register so that innovators in labs can find us as a potential partner for commercializing their tech innovations?","You can be added to the Teaming Partner List. Please see Section I.B.iii. Teaming Partner List of the Lab Call document submit the requested information to the lab call email box (jointFY23TCF@ee.doe.gov) with the subject line “FY23 IEDO/AMMTO/BTO Joint TCF Lab Call: Teaming Partner Information” to be added to the Teaming Partner List\n\nWe also recommend that you reach out to each of the existing LEEP nodes. More information can be found if you visit each of the links for the four national lab nodes provided towards the bottom of the following LEEP webpage:\nhttps://www.energy.gov/eere/ammto/lab-embedded-entrepreneurship-program"]
[21,"2023-05-23","Teaming","As a nonprofit focusing on decarbonizing the built environment with experience working with national labs such as ORNL and LBNL, we are interested in discussing teaming arrangements with labs for this opportunity. Is there a published teaming list for us to add our name to? Is there a designated contact at each national lab we can reach out to, to discuss this opportunity? ","Please see Section I.B.iii. Teaming Partner List of the Lab Call document submit the requested information to the lab call email box (jointFY23TCF@ee.doe.gov) with the subject line “FY23 IEDO/AMMTO/BTO Joint TCF Lab Call: Teaming Partner Information” to be added to the Teaming Partner List. Please see Appendix D: TCF Points of Contact at DOE National Lab TTOs of the Lab Call Document for a list of designated contacts at each national lab."]
[22,"2023-05-23","Topic 5/LEEP","For Topic 5, it is stated that the fellowships will be funded by ORISE. Should the innovator fellowship costs be included in the budget of the $750,000 or is that not included. ","The fellowships will be implemented through ORISE but not funded by ORISE. The innovator fellowship costs should be included in the budget of the $750,000."]
[23,"2023-05-23","Topic 5/LEEP","Does one apply to each of the 4 labs separately for the research fellowship or is there a common application for all 4 labs?","Currently, there is no common application for all four LEEP nodes."]
[24,"2023-05-23","Topic 5/LEEP","How is IP handled in this scenario between the innovator and the lab? This would be a question regardless of whether the innovator was selected for fellowship or not, i.e. if the innovation is shared as part of the application process, how is its confidentiality protected? Next, as the innovation is worked on as part of the program in case the fellowship is awarded, then how is the innovation progress handled from an IP perspective?","IP terms are governed by the agreement between the lab and the partner (e.g., the CRADA). Please discuss with the lab TTO POCs listed in Appendix D of the lab call document for assistance."]
[25,"2023-05-23","Topic 5/LEEP","I went through the SBIR application process a year ago but failed to receive funding. Does this preclude me from applying to LEEP?","No, this will not preclude you from applying to the LEEP program."]
[26,"2023-05-23","Topic 5/LEEP","Where do I find information on the application process for LEEP?","Please see the below link for the LEEP program webpage. You can find more information on the application process and apply through each of the links for the four national lab nodes provided towards the bottom of the webpage.\nhttps://www.energy.gov/eere/ammto/lab-embedded-entrepreneurship-program"]
[27,"2023-05-30","Technical Topics","Please clarify the technologies that DOE is interested in for Topic 2A in the TCF laboratory Call.\n\n• Please clarify that this topic area is focused on hardware and not software. Would a software solution with a hardware component qualify?\n• Is topic are 2a focused on hardware improvements to individual components (microelectronic processors, sensors, and controls?)\n• Are larger-scale solution systems excluded from this topic area.  An example of solution system is a connected lighting system or a plug load management system. Or is this rather again component focused?","• Yes, a combination of hardware and software is appropriate, but the hardware must be a significant portion of the innovation and critical to the operation.\n• While Topic 2a is focused on hardware improvements of components, this is not the exclusive focus. Innovations that address multiple components/system of components are approriate under this topic.\n• No, large-scale solution systems are not excluded from this topic area. IEDO's collaboration in this lab call should serve as encouragement to innovate at the industrial scale if appropriate."]
[28,"2023-05-31","Technical Topics","This reflective insulation product adds efficiency to existing fenestration systems. Is there a place for such a technology in this program? ","Given the information provided, your proposed project could possibly fall under Topic 1. Please refer to the topic area description in the Lab Call document for more information about the objectives of the topic. DOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this Lab Call must be submitted. The decision whether to submit an application in response to this Lab Call lies solely with the applicant."]
[29,"2023-06-05","Topic 5/LEEP","The LC document says “All proposals must include a domestic industry partner” on page 10. Is it also applicable to Topic 5 although Topic 5 does not request cost-share and leverages LEEP programs?","Projects awarded under Topic 5 should include a domestic industry partner. The innovator's associated start-up company will be considered the domestic industry partner."]

{"sheet":"Admin Pick List","index":2,"n_rows":22,"n_cols":1,"rows_kept":22,"cut":false,"hidden":true,"merged":[]}
["Pick List"]
[]
["Registration Requirements"]
["Webinar"]
["Concept Paper"]
["Eligibility"]
["Labs/FFRDCs"]
["Foreign Entities/Work"]
["Cost Sharing"]
["Due Dates"]
["Application Content/Format"]
["Intellectual Property"]
["Data Management"]
["Other"]
["U.S. Manufacturing Plan"]
["Application Reviews"]
["Technical Topics"]
["Funding"]
["Industry Partners"]
["CRADA"]
["Topic 5/LEEP"]
["Teaming"]