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["INSTRUCTIONS"]
[1,"All questions pertaining to this funding opportunity announcement should be emailed to SETO.OPTIMA.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-FOA0003331 - Solar Technologies’ Rapid Integration and Validation for Energy Systems (STRIVES)"]
["Question #","Date Submitted","Topic","Question","Answer"]
[1,"2024-05-28","Eligibility","Can a private small company in Egypt apply for this  funding opportunity?","Please see Section III.A.ii. of the FOA document for Foreign Entity Eligibility Information. Please also see Appendices C and D for further guidance."]
[2,"2024-05-28","Eligibility","Can you give me a grant to me please?","The FOA is a Competitive Selection through an application process. Please see the FOA document for further information on this process. Document located here: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/FileContent.aspx?FileID=bcb44df4-942d-458b-b498-82430c641c1d"]
[3,"2024-05-29","Eligibility","I am not interested in these competitions, I am more interested in the direct funding opportunities. Is this possible?","This mailbox is specifically for questions in regard to DE-FOA-0003331, which is competitive."]
[4,"2024-05-30","Eligibility","Could you explain more about this grant? who is eligible for this?","Please see Section III. Eligibility Information on the FOA document for more information."]
[5,"2024-06-02","Eligibility","Can you help invest in a solar systems company in in Mozambique?","Please see Section III.A.ii. of the FOA document for Foreign Entity Eligibility Information. Please also see Appendices C and D for further guidance."]
[6,"2024-06-03","Eligibility","I am seeking a grant to launch my program and create a great investment opportunity and able to launch more solar farms throughout the US and Globally. Can you help?","This mailbox is specifically for questions in regard to DE-FOA-0003331."]
[7,"2024-06-03","Teaming Partner List","The DOE announcement of DE-FOA-0003331 indicates that there will be a teaming list on EERE; however, when I go to the teaming list on EERE the FOA is not an option in the drop down list. Please let me know if this is an error or if the teaming list will be available soon.","The Teaming List functionality is now live in Exchange. Once logged in to Exchange (https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/) navigate to the \"Teaming Partner List on the left side margin. From the drop down select TPL-0000053: Topic Information for Teaming Partners List Associated with Funding Opportunity DE-FOA-0003331. a \"Submit Entry to Teaming Partner List\" button will now appear."]
[8,"2024-06-06","Registration Requirements","I was trying to apply for DE-FOA-0003382: notice of intent to issue FY24 vehicle technologies office batteries & electrification funding opportunity announcement DE-FOA-0003383. But it wont allow me I own a mobile ev charging station based of out los angeles. is it possible to get a contact number or email for someone that could help me with this issue?)","This mailbox is only used for questions to DE-FOA-0003331. For any Exchange support while applying please send an email to EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov."]
[9,"2024-06-11","Webinar","Was the June 10th Webinar recorded, and will it be provided for viewing? If yes, where will it be uploaded? ","The recorded webinar is located here: https://doe.webex.com/recordingservice/sites/doe/recording/playback/ecf4a2eb0978103dac571a9d7e531583 Password: 3kMrMMev"]
[10,"2024-06-11","Intellectual Property","We are unable to download or view the Standard IP Provisions 2023 10-2 Set Number listed first on the page to which the FOA directs us for more information on IP; is it hosted or viewable anywhere else? ","Please turn off any pop up blockers, as well as try another web browser to open the link. "]
[11,"2024-06-11","Intellectual Property"," Which Set Number on that guidance page (https://www.energy.gov/gc/standard-intellectual-property-ip-provisions-financial-assistance-awards) should a non-profit potential awardee refer to in order to understand how software developed with STRIVE funds would be constrained?","For a domestic non-profit, the appropriate IP clause sets are GNP-821-US, when the non-profit does not elect for data protection under the award, and GDNP-821-US, when the non-profit does elect for data protection under the award."]
[12,"2024-06-13","Technical Topics","Mind clarifying whether software for DSOs will be eligible? If a technology helps to fill a capability gap experienced by active DSOs & we could show it applied to a field demonstration (but is not a DSO itself), would that be eligible?\n","Please read the FOA document carefully as DSO definition is provided for the context of the FOA. In addition, it is encouraged to pay attention to the “Applications not of interest” section for Topic 1. Topic 1 is seeking to develop and demonstrate new distribution systems operator (DSO) models. "]
[13,"2024-06-17","Cost Sharing","Can data sharing be considered as cost share?","No. Please see Section III.B.iii. Cost Share Types and Allowability, and IV.J.i Allowable Costs in the FOA document."]
[14,"2024-06-17","Foreign Entities/Work","Can foreign entities participate in an application as a 3rd party (not receiving funding but providing cost share) without submitting a waiver request? ","No. Please see Section III.A.ii. Foreign Entities. "]
[15,"2024-06-17","Application Content/Format","Page 21 of FOA indicates that utility partnership is a requirement for topic area 1. Can a community choice aggregator fulfill this requirement, or would that entity be considered a ‘non-traditional energy provider’?","Please  see section I. B. i.- Project Requirements from the FOA document.\nSpecifically, \n4. Projects will conduct field demonstration of the proposed DSO model. This includes the following: \no Must have a demonstration period of at least 3 months and take place during the season with the peak sun hours for the field demonstration location. \no Must include the participation of a distribution grid operator—either vertically integrated or regulated distribution utility. The distribution utility will be able to interact with the balancing authority and/or ISO in its region. "]
[16,"2024-06-18","Application Content/Format","Does this FOA only apply to software and modeling?  ","Please read carefully the FOA requirement section under I. B. i.  Topic 1 requires a field demonstration of the DSO model and related technologies. "]
[17,"2024-06-19","Other","I am wondering if there is anyone available to discuss a few application elements for this year’s STRIVE opportunity. ","No. EERE personnel are prohibited from communicating (in writing or otherwise) with applicants regarding the FOA except through the established question and answer process. See Section VII. Questions. Agency Contacts of the FOA for more details."]
[18,"2024-06-19","Concept Paper","A Lead Organization recently submitted an encouraged Concept Paper for DE-FOA-0003331 with us as a member of the Project Team. Can we submit a full application based on this concept paper but as the lead organization instead of the subrecipient?","Please check to make sure you are referencing the correct FOA. The Concept Paper deadline for this FOA (DE-FOA-0003331 STRIVES) has not yet passed and therefor none have received an encourage/discourage rating. Because the deadline has not yet passed there is still time to edit/resubmit a Concept Paper. "]
[19,"2024-06-21","Webinar","I have a stakeholder interested in STRIVES and to familiarize myself with it better, I'd like to review the webinar from June 10. Can I have access to that recording?","The recorded webinar is located here: https://doe.webex.com/recordingservice/sites/doe/recording/playback/ecf4a2eb0978103dac571a9d7e531583 Password: 3kMrMMev"]
[20,"2024-06-15","Technical Topics","Please clarify the meaning of the following sentences: \n•\t“DSO models should enable financial market products to incentivize distribution network services, upgrades, and maintenance.” (page 14). \n•\t“A list of potential DSO market products that incentivize investments for infrastructure upgrades and deployment of new technologies.” (page 19)\nSpecifically, is the term “market products” in the sentences above referring to grid services provided by DER, or to something else? If the latter, please explain.","Please look at the references cited across the FOA document for more information on specific Terminology. Specifically, see page 16 of the FOA under section I.B.i.- Emerging Challenges and Problem Statement."]
[21,"2024-06-15","Technical Topics","Please define the term “merchant microgrid” as used in this FOA.","These could be third party owned/operated microgrid that provide services to customers in a utility territory. The microgrids are neither operated by the customer or by the utility. They are like Independent Power Producers or energy service companies (ESCOs)."]
[22,"2024-06-15","Technical Topics","For grid services, the primary focus of this FOA appears to be on distribution services provided by DER to the DSO. Please confirm whether wholesale market services provided by DER to the ISO/RTO must, may, or should be considered for demonstrations funded under this FOA, or if applicants should concentrate their efforts solely on distribution services.","This is part of the design, and applicants should describe services provided by the DSO model. "]
[23,"2024-06-15","Technical Topics","It appears that each project funded under this FOA should initially research multiple DSO models, but eventually focus on demonstrating only one DSO model. Please confirm. If so, which metrics should be considered to select a DSO model for demonstration?","Please  see section I. B. i.- Project Requirements from the FOA document."]
[24,"2024-06-15","Concept Paper","Are applicants expected to describe in their Concept Papers the DSO model they intend to focus on during the demonstration phase of their project? This seems inconsistent with the requirement that projects funded under this FOA review and compare multiple DSO models, and then select one for demonstration based on the outcomes of that comparative analysis (considering these outcomes are presumably not known upfront).","Please see section V. A i. Concept Papers from the FOA for review criteria.\n The concept paper may describe the approach to DSO model selection, DSO model and demonstration approach as described in the FOA topic 1 project requirements. "]
[25,"2024-06-15","Technical Topics","Can projects work with multiple utility partners, each utility focusing on demonstrating a particular subset of DSO functions? Or is each project funded under this FOA expected to work with a single utility partner for the demonstration phase of the project?","Please  see section I. B. i.- Project Requirements from the FOA document.\nSpecifically, \n4. Projects will conduct field demonstration of the proposed DSO model. This includes the following: \no Must have a demonstration period of at least 3 months and take place during the season with the peak sun hours for the field demonstration location. \no Must include the participation of a distribution grid operator—either vertically integrated or regulated distribution utility. The distribution utility will be able to interact with the balancing authority and/or ISO in its region. "]
[26,"2024-06-15","Technical Topics","Can DOE funds be used to incentivize customer participation in field demonstrations conducted under this FOA? ","The use of funds depends on the activities to incentivize customers participation. This should be clearly stated in the concept paper. "]
[27,"2024-06-15","Other","The following sentence is found on page 20: “Must be scalable with increasing penetration levels of distributed solar PV plus BESS capacity relative to present-day distribution system peak load, from 50% up until 100% is reached.”\nAssuming an illustrative ratio of PV+BESS capacity to present-day peak load equal to 0.2, would “50%” in that sentence correspond to a ratio of 0.2 x (1+50%) = 0.3, and “100%” correspond to a ratio of 0.2 x (1+100%) = 0.4 ? Please confirm that this is the correct way to interpret that sentence.","This requirement means that the ratio should be 50% as a present-day baseline, and increase to 100%. The design should show very high penetration levels. This requirement is for HIL simulation, that may have a real feeder that has 50% PV+BESS and up to 100% PV+BESS penetration. The actual field demonstration may have lower penetration levels depending on selection of site demonstration "]
[28,"2024-07-11","Concept Paper","My organization is looking to submit a concept paper for DE-FOA-0003331 but we are determining the structure of the project team. If we submit the concept paper as the prime applicant, can we switch the prime applicant to another eligible entity for the full application, using the same control number?   ","The EERE Funding Opportunity Exchange website allows applicants to change the Lead Organization and teaming organizations in the Full Application phase of the submission process."]
[29,"2024-07-11","Cost Sharing","We would like to request a letter of intended commitment from as organization, and I need some clarification on their financial contributions. Specifically, do they need to provide a cost-share for the demonstration activity based on the 50% cost-share requirement outlined in the FOA? Could you please confirm whether they will need to make any additional payments or financial contributions for collaborating with us on this project, aside from their support for the project demonstration?","Please see Section III.B. i., ii., iii., and v. of the FOA.\nCost share must be verifiable upon submission of the Full Application. \nEach project team is free to determine how best to allocate the cost share requirement among the team members. The amount contributed by individual project team members may vary, as long as the cost share requirement for the entire project is met. \nCost share may be provided by the prime recipient, subrecipients, or third parties (entities that do not have a role in performing the scope of work)."]
[30,"2024-07-13","Webinar","I’m unable to access the webinar recording for STRIVES - can you provide a link or information?","The recorded webinar is located here: https://doe.webex.com/recordingservice/sites/doe/recording/playback/ecf4a2eb0978103dac571a9d7e531583 Password: 3kMrMMev"]
[31,"2024-07-16","Due Dates","We are writing to check whether you have a plan to postpone the concept paper submission deadline for organizations located in the Greater Houston area. Hurricane Beryl has caused substantial damage to our area and due to the prolonged power/internet outage, it was challenging for us to work on the concept paper during the past 2 weeks. Therefore, it would be greatly appreciated if you could extend the submission deadline for those who have been adversely impacted by the Beryl.","No, the deadline is 7/25/2024 at 5:00PM Eastern Time. "]
[32,"2024-07-22","Technical Topics","The STRIVES FOA for Topic One emphasizes the need for a large enough distribution network demonstration to enable a meaningful assessment. Could you please clarify the minimum/maximum size requirement for the distribution network in a funded project?","Please see Section I. B. Topic 1, under Project Requirements. Special attention should be paid to item number 4 under the project requirement sections “Projects will conduct field demonstration of the proposed DSO model. This includes the following…” "]
[33,"2024-07-22","Due Dates","I am working with a team planning on submitting a concept paper for the STRIVES FOA and the IT issues impacting Microsoft computers last week have made it hard for some member so our team to collaborate and contribute. Would it be possible to extend the submission deadline?","No, the deadline is 7/25/2024 at 5:00PM Eastern Time. "]
[34,"2024-07-23","Eligibility","Our understanding is that we are going to submit our concept paper first. Do we need to fill out any other info?","Concept Papers must have been submitted by the deadline of 7/25/2024 at 5:00PM ET to https://eere-eXCHANGE.energy.gov;\nSee Section III.C. Compliance Criteria for more information. "]
[35,"2024-07-26","Application Content/Format","Our submitted Concept Paper was over the page limit, can you accept the attached version that meets the requirement instead?","No, the submitted concept paper is final. Concept Papers will be reviewed as stated in the FOA Section IV.C. Content and Form on the Concept Paper. Any information past the page limit will not be considered in the review phase."]
[36,"2024-07-31","Eligibility","We did not obtain a control number before the deadline, can we still apply?","Concept Papers must have been submitted by the deadline of 7/25/2024 at 5:00PM ET to https://eere-eXCHANGE.energy.gov;\nSee Section III.C. Compliance Criteria for more information. "]
[37,"2024-08-16","Eligibility","We did not submit a concept paper. Does our collaboration not submitting a concept paper preclude us from applying to this FOA?","Concept Papers must have been submitted by the deadline of 7/25/2024 at 5:00PM ET to https://eere-eXCHANGE.energy.gov;\nSee Section III.C. Compliance Criteria for more information. "]
[38,"2024-08-18","Eligibility","Hi, I have attached a project that I would like to develop. I would like to know if this project qualifies for this grant (attached).","Concept Papers must have been submitted by the deadline of 7/25/2024 at 5:00PM ET to https://eere-eXCHANGE.energy.gov;\nSee Section III.C. Compliance Criteria for more information. "]
[39,"2024-08-23","Eligibility","Are you ineligible to submit a full application if you did not submit a concept paper?","Concept Papers must have been submitted by the deadline of 7/25/2024 at 5:00PM ET to https://eere-eXCHANGE.energy.gov in order to be eligible to submit a Full Application;\nSee Section III.C. Compliance Criteria for more information. "]
[40,"2024-08-26","Other","I am interested in speaking with someone about the funding/research opportunity described in DE-FOA-0003331. ","DOE Personnel are prohibited from communicating directly with applicants. All question and answers will be posted to this Q&A spreadsheet."]
[41,"2024-09-06","Eligibility","Would DOE be willing to make an exception and receive a late Concept Paper Application?","Concept Papers must have been submitted by the deadline of 7/25/2024 at 5:00PM ET to https://eere-eXCHANGE.energy.gov;\nSee Section III.C. Compliance Criteria for more information. "]
[42,"2024-09-17","Application Content/Format","When submitting a Full Application, can we change the PI from the original submitted on the Concept Paper? Should this be noted on the Full application?","Yes, this is allowable. Please reference the new PI in the all applicable application documents. "]
[43,"2024-09-24","Foreign Entities/Work","Can a Canadian company be listed as a project partner and contribute Cost Share to the project?"," Please see Section III.A.ii. of the FOA document for Foreign Entity Eligibility Information. Please also see Appendices C and D for further guidance."]
[44,"2024-10-01","Eligibility","My company is looking to apply for the STRIVES program, but I believe we would need to fill out a BABA waiver. Could someone help me with this submission and tell me where to start?","Concept Papers must have been submitted by the deadline of 7/25/2024 at 5:00PM ET to https://eere-eXCHANGE.energy.gov;\nSee Section III.C. Compliance Criteria for more information. "]
[45,"2024-10-14","Eligibility","I am hoping to apply to this grant. Can I submit an application?","Concept Papers must have been submitted by the deadline of 7/25/2024 at 5:00PM ET to https://eere-eXCHANGE.energy.gov;\nSee Section III.C. Compliance Criteria for more information. "]
[46,"2024-10-15","Due Dates","Is there a chance this FOA deadline will be extended due to the hurrican issues? ","The deadline for Full Applications has been extended to 10/25/24 at 5:00PM ET. Please see FOA document in Exchange for further inforamtion. "]
[47,"2024-10-18","Cost Sharing","I am having dificulty adding outreach and demonstration funds to the Exchange inputs. This project has 20% and 50% cost share requirements and is filled out correctly on the budget justification. However Exchange does not have the function to sperate this so it appreas as if I'm not meeting the cost share requirements. ","If the budget justification is submitted with the application corectly, that is what will be used during the Tencial Merit Review. If Excahnge is populating an average cost share between the two requirements, this will be acceptable. "]
[48,"2024-10-23","Application Content/Format","When I uploaded a required application document to Exchange, in the correct naming convention, the system changed the title to a generic file name. Can I change this? ","As long as the document is correctly uploaded to Excahnge, we will accept the generic title. "]

{"sheet":"Admin Pick List","index":2,"n_rows":18,"n_cols":1,"rows_kept":18,"cut":false,"hidden":false,"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"]
["Teaming Partner List"]