Frequently Asked Questions

Select a FOA to view questions and answers for the specific funding opportunity. Alternatively select "Non-FOA related items" to view system FAQ items.

Question 1: Can you please clarify whether a University can only submit one application or whether the one application limit refers to each faculty member?
Answer 1: As outlined in the Executive Summary, “Submission of Multiple Applications” and in Section III.F of the FOA “Applicants may only submit one Concept Paper and Full Application for each topic area of this FOA.” Applicants may partner with other organizations and propose to serve as a sub-recipient on more than one application but cannot serve as a Prime on more than one application per topic area.
Question 2: Are off-road vehicles allowable under this opportunity or is there a plan for an upcoming FOA that allows off-road vehicles?
Answer 2:

 As outlined in Section I.C. Applications Specifically Not of Interest:, Off-road applications, including marine or pre-commercial technologies related to the use of alternative fuels  will be deemed nonresponsive and will not be reviewed or considered:

 At this time, we are not aware of any upcoming opportunities for off-road alternative fuel vehicles.
Question 3: Do proposals have to be led by Clean Cities Coalitions?
Answer 3: No, as stated in the FOA, eligibility is not limited but teaming arrangements are strongly encouraged that may include one or more active designated Clean Cities Coalitions (http://www.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/progs/coalition_locations.php) and other partners with relevant experience and expertise.
Question 4: Is there a list of organizations looking to partner for this FOA?
Answer 4:

We have not identified nor will we maintain a list of organizations looking to partner, although as outlined in Section I.A. of the FOA document, teaming arrangements are recommended. 

Question 5: Are alternative fuel locomotives eligible under this program?
Answer 5: Locomotives would not be considered as a qualifying alternative fuel vehicle under this FOA, as they are considered off-road and therefore, as outlined in Section I.C. deemed “specifically not of interest.”  
Question 6: Does this grant program support projects relating to the production of alternative fuels? I am specifically interested in the production of LNG/CNG.
Answer 6: The intent of the FOA is not to directly support the production of alternative fuels.  Please review the Areas of Interest defined in the FOA document.
Question 7: Can in-kind costs be used to meet the cost share requirement?
Answer 7: Yes. As described in Section III.B.3 Cost Share Types and Allowability of the FOA, “Project Teams may provide cost share in the form of cash or in-kind contributions.”  This section further describes allowable cost share.  Appendices B and C of this FOA provide examples of cost share calculations. 
Question 8: Is AOI3 intended to fund Plans or actual Infrastucture?
Answer 8: AOI 3 projects are anticipated to include collaboration and participation with State and Local Governments to incorporate the use of Alternative Fuel Vehicles and alternative fuel infrastructure across multiple, city, state and regional emergency management and response entities into existing and future emergency preparedness plans.  A State's Emergency Preparedness Plan for example could be written or directed by the State Energy Office.
Question 9: Can I still submit an application if I did not submit a concept paper?
Answer 9: Unfortunately, as outlined in the Funding Opportunity Announcement, the Concept Paper is a requirement for submission of a full application.  Therefore, if you did not submit a concept paper, prior to the concept paper submission deadline, you are not eligible to submit a full application. 
Question 10: If my organization did not submit a concept paper, can we still partner with applicants that did?
Answer 10: As you stated, if you did not submit a concept paper you cannot submit a full application and therefore could not serve as the Prime Applicant on full applications.  However, there is no restriction on partnering with eligible applicants that have submitted  a concept paper.  A list of eligibile applicants will not be made available prior to the application due date.