This RFI solicits feedback from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and other stakeholders on BTO’s opaque envelope program and its future directions and priorities. To clarify these, BTO has developed a report that is structured around five key areas of technology R&D. The report identifies current envelope characteristics, R&D opportunities, integration approaches, and implementation pathways. BTO is requesting feedback on each of these areas. BTO is also requesting feedback on planned technical objectives, technical targets, tools, overall R&D activities, and estimates of program impacts.
This RFI is not a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA); therefore, EERE is not accepting applications at this time. EERE may issue a FOA in the future based on or related to the content and responses to this RFI; however, EERE may also elect not to issue a FOA. There is no guarantee that a FOA will be issued as a result of this RFI. Responding to this RFI does not provide any advantage or disadvantage to potential applicants if EERE chooses to issue a FOA regarding the subject matter. Final details, including the anticipated award size, quantity, and timing of EERE funded awards, will be subject to Congressional appropriations and direction.
Responses to this RFI must be submitted electronically to BTO_Envelope_RDO@ee.doe.gov no later than 5:00pm (ET) on July 20, 2020. Responses must be provided as attachments to an email. It is recommended that attachments with file sizes exceeding 25MB be compressed (i.e., zipped) to ensure message delivery. Responses must be provided as a Microsoft Word (.docx) attachment to the email, and no more than 10 pages in length, 12 point font, 1 inch margins. Only electronic responses will be accepted.