Question 1:
Will access to this opportunity be available through FedConnect to allow access to questions and answers related to the FOA?
Answer 1:
Per Section VII of the FOA document, “Questions/Agency Contacts”:
“All questions and answers related to this FOA will be posted on EERE Exchange at: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/ Please note that you must first select this specific FOA Number in order to view the questions and answers specific to this FOA. EERE will attempt to respond to a question within 3 business days, unless a similar question and answer has already been posted on the website.
Questions related to the registration process and use of the EERE Exchange website should be
submitted to: EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov”
Question 2:
DOE issued a notice of intent DE-FOA-0000897 with the same title as DE-FOA-0000848 and with a date for applications of Sept 1, 2013. Is this notice referring to DE-FOA-0000848, or is another funding opportunity to be expected?
Answer 2:
The Notice of Intent DE-EE0000897 refers only to Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0000848.
Per the information in Exchange and in the FOA document, the correct submission deadlines are:
Letters of Intent - 5/13/2013 11:59 PM ET
Applications – 6/3/2013 11:59 PM ET
Question 3:
I did not see any funding amount for this year. Is this a funded program? Is there a list of recent projects I can review?
Answer 3:
All available information on the Marine and Hydrokinetic System Performance Advancement FOA, including the FOA document, can be found on the EERE Exchange website at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/ Please go to the EERE Exchange website and choose DE-FOA-0000848 from the list of current announcements.
Please see Section II, Award Information, of the FOA document for information on funding.
Information on current Water Power Program projects can be found at http://www1.eere.energy.gov/water/research.html
Question 4:
We are currently considering applying for the funding opportunity for Marine and Hydrokinetic Systems DE-FOA-0000848.
The guidance states that it is possible for a foreign entity to apply (if it designates a USA subsidiary as primary recipient). Can you confirm which entity the application would need to be from?
I was trying to register our company via SAMs (as required in the guidance) and this does not seem to be possible. Is this correct?
Answer 4:
Per Section III of the FOA document, “Eligibility Information”, “If a foreign entity applies for funding as a prime recipient, it must designate in the Full Application a subsidiary or affiliate incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a State or territory of the United States to be the prime recipient.”
If you are unable to find answers to your questions about the SAM system by reviewing the available User Guide, please contact the Service Desk. You can find information on the User Guide as well as the Service Desk here - https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/
Question 7:
1. Section I(A) states, as studies show 82% of US MHK resource is wave power, that "...the [Water Power] Program's stategic investments will reflect greater emphasis on the developmentof wave energy technologies." Given only up to two awards in Topics 2 and 3, will they most likely go to wave power projects?
2. Section I(B) states, "This FOA will focus on improving the cost competitiveness of systems already in development." Is there a specific Technology Readiness Level that qualifies as 'in development' for this purpose?
Answer 7:
1. No. All MHK technologies within each topic area, independent of MHK resource (wave or current), will be evaluated based on the merit review criteria. Policy factors such as
· The level of technological diversity
· Alignment with the mission and goals of the Program
· Commercialization potential and/or relevance to multiple system applications
will be a consideration by the selection official across all topics. Please see Section V. of the FOA document.
2. An MHK system 'in development' refers to a system that has completed the 'proof of concept' stage by validating design predictions and system level functionality through sub-scale model testing.
Question 8:
We are considering submitting an application for funding via our Delaware entity under this award. The entity is incorporated in Delaware, but to date has remained ‘dormant’ and not yet filed Authorized to do Business forms in any state for tax purposes. Clearly if we are successful in the award and commence activity we will need to file one of these, but I wanted to check if this is a pre-requisite to submitting an application?
Answer 8:
Per Section III of the FOA document, “Eligibility Information”, “For-profit entities, educational institutions, and nonprofits that are incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a particular State or territory of the United States are eligible to apply for funding as a prime recipient or subrecipient.”
Question 9:
In SF-424 form:
field 8.f, what does organizational affiliation mean?
field 11, what is CFDA title?
field 13, what is competition identification number and title?
As for the proposal narrative section 1. does bibliography and references included in the limit of 23 pages? 2. for Merit Review Criterion Discussion, do we only have to discuss four criteria listed in section V.A. or we have to address each criterion (I-IV) and subcriterion listed in section V.B?
Answer 9:
Examples of organizational affiliation would be Engineering Department or Division of Research and Development.
The CFDA (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance) number is 81.087. The title is Renewable Energy Research and Development.
The competition identification number and title refers to the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). This FOA is DE-FOA-0000848 Marine and Hydrokinetic System Performance Advancement.
Per Section IV.C.3. of the FOA document, the Bibliography and References are part of the Project Narrative. "All the components of your Project Narrative must be within the Narrative page limit specified in paragraph 3."
Per Section IV.C.3. #2., DOE WILL EVALUATE AND CONSIDER ONLY THOSE APPLICATIONS THAT SEPARATELY ADDRESS EACH MERIT REVIEW CRITERION AND SUB-CRITERION.
Question 10:
1. As a prospective applicant developing an in-house, novel MHK turbine and sub-systems, we had a question on the definition of "existing MHK systems" outlined in the FOA. Are "existing MHK systems", defined as proprietary of non-proprietary by the FOA. If neither aforementioned criteria is applicable, what is the definition of "existing MHK systems".
2. Is an applicant eligible to submit a work plan to advance the performance of an MHK sub-system that is proprietary to the applicant, but still an experimental design. Or must advanced development of sub-systems be applied or integrated to non-proprietary systems.
3. "Basic lab and analysis testing has been performed" has been mentioned as a criteria for defining "existing MHK systems". We have performed a wind tunnel study-physical modeling, field lab wake flow analysis-physical modeling, and initial CFD and numerical analysis using various code. Although, the studies were done in the wind space, we are pursuing the water space with this design. Would the prior lab and numerical analysis in the wind space satisfy the "lab and analysis" testing for this MHK FOA.
Answer 10:
1. Data pertaining to existing MHK systems may be categorized as Limited Rights Data if it is data (other than computer software) developed at private expense that embody trade secrets or are commercial or financial and confidential or privileged. The terms and conditions of DOE financial assistance awards set forth the treatment of data first produced under an award, as well as Limited Rights Data, and may be found at 10 CFR 600.325 Appendix A.
2. MHK sub-systems and the MHK system targeted for integration can be proprietary.
3. Completion of 'basic analytical and laboratory studies' is the criteria for component technologies. At a minimum, existing MHK systems must have completed the 'proof of concept' stage by validating design predictions and system level functionality through sub-scale model testing in a water environment.
Question 11:
If our solution is an integrated system that addresses both topic areas 2 and 3 together, should we apply for one LOI or two separate ones? Look forward to your guidance.
Answer 11:
Per Section IV.B. of the FOA document, "Applicants may apply to more than one topic area; however, a separate Letter of Intent must be created [within Exchange] for each separate topic area."
Question 12:
In recent years we have gained significant experience with compliant mooring elements . . . . Would development of a grid-power scale version of this be something worth proposing for the Marine and Hydrokinetic Funding Opportunity Announcement?
Answer 12:
Please review the Topic Area Descriptions of the FOA to determine if your project meets the written objectives of the FOA.
See Section III - Eligibility Criteria, Subsection D, Questions Regarding Eligibility, which states, "DOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted. The decision whether to submit an application in response to this FOA lies solely with the applicant."
Question 13:
We are interested in this proposal call. We would propose a computer modeling system for tidal flow, to support and evaluate sitting, performance, potential environmental impact, etc. with aid of field work etc. I wonder if this can be a good fit to the call. Maybe I can provide a write up? If possible, it is appreciated if I call you and get to be clear on more issues. I am not familiar with DOE calls and proposal preparation.
Answer 13:
Please review the Topic Area Descriptions of the FOA to determine if your project meets the written objectives of the FOA. See Section III - Eligibility Criteria, Subsection D. Questions Regarding Eligibility, which states, "DOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted. The decision whether to submit an application in response to this FOA lies solely with the applicant." All potential applicants are encouraged to read the FOA carefully to determine if their project meets the FOA objectives.
Questions and answers related to Funding Opportunity Announcements can only be handled publically through the Exchange website.
Question 14:
What is the environmental questionnaire required for no. 11 for the application? It is not included among the required application documents.
Answer 14:
A link to the PMC 111.1 Environmental Questionnaire has been added to the Required Forms area.
Question 15:
I have been attempting to download an application to apply for a grant ( DE-FOA-0000848 ) for more than a month now. However, when I attempt to download an application on Grants.gov a message keeps coming that entity has not yet registered with Grants.gov . Also, I have not been able to prepare and send a letter of intent ! Please let me know what is going on, as it is extremely important I take care of these responsibilities on a timely basis.
Answer 15:
Per the Description of Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0000848, Marine and Hydrokinetic System Performance Advancement, originally posted in grants.gov on April 25, 2013, and found here http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=2hl7RJbQyG2hLc7YBVwZPV1yZLjxg3dkRp25QJHJ5GMm2Pzf8Ltr!780405525?oppId=231715&mode=VIEW),
“The full Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is posted on the EERE eXCHANGE website at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov. Letters of Intent and applications must be submitted through the EERE eXCHANGE website to be considered for award. The applicant must first register and create an account on the EERE eXCHANGE website. A User Guide for EERE eXCHANGE can be found on the website https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx after logging into the system. Information on where to submit questions regarding the content of the announcement and where to submit questions regarding submission of applications is found in the full FOA posted on the EERE eXCHANGE website.”
We are unable to accept any applications through Grants.gov. ALL Applications MUST be submitted through the EERE eXCHANGE website. The Application forms and instructions are available on the website. The deadline for submitting a Letter of Intent for this FOA through EERE eXCHANGE was 11:59 ET on May 13, 2013. We are not able to accept Letters of Intent beyond the published deadline. At this time, DOE will not accept full applications from an applicant unless a Letter of Intent was submitted to eXCHANGE before the deadline. See Section IV – APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION for Letter of Intent requirements.
Question 16:
Dear Sir, I am unable to find the Environmental Questionnaire required by Section IV, C, 11 of the FOA for 00848 and discussed in Section II, H. Subsection H references the DoE’s NEPA web site, but I cannot find that form on that site.
Answer 16:
The Environmental Questionnaire was added to the “Required Forms” area for FOA 848. Please go to https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaId904df88f-9f0b-4e0d-b773-1ce463277992
Question 17:
We have submitted the letter of intent for a specific Topic and once we have developed the content of the project, we realized that it fits much better in a different topic. Would it be possible to change Topics?
Answer 17:
It appears that your organization has met the LOI requirement, therefore your organization is eligible to submit a full application. At this time, DOE does not intend to eliminate potential applicants if they have misidentified the Topic Area they would like to apply to in their Letters of Intent.
Question 18:
Re: Form SF 424, are there instructions on filling out this form and if so where can I find them? What is the significance of the single asterisk besides many numbers - do these signify the only questions that must be answered and that the rest are voluntary? Q 4, what is the Applicant Identifier? Q.5.a. What is the Federal Identity Identifier? Q.5.b., what is the Federal Award Identifier? Q.16. re Congressional Districts, do we identify all in which any work in connection with the project will be performed?
Answer 18:
There are no written instructions for the SF-424.
Generally, asterisks within the SF-424 identify important items, but you should fill in all blanks that are applicable to you and/or that you have the information to complete.
You may leave these blank - 4. Applicant Identifier; 5a. Federal Entity Identifier; 5b. Federal Award Identifier.
Yes, you should identify in 16. any Congressional Districts in which project work would be performed.
Question 19:
I am writing to ask which environmental form is required as part of the application to the DOE Water Program FOA # 848. Attached are several forms that I found on the GFO website as well as general EERE website.
Any guidance you can share would be greatly appreciated.
Answer 19:
Please see PMC 111.1 in the list of the Required Application Documents by going to the EERE Exchange home page here - https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaId904df88f-9f0b-4e0d-b773-1ce463277992 – and selecting FOA 848 from the list. After locating FOA 848, click on “Required Application Documents.”
Question 20:
It [PMC 111.1] is listed as R&D Laboratory Environmental Impacts Questions. Is this also to be used by private companies allying under the FOA or just Labs that are applying?
Answer 20:
Per Section IV. C. of the FOA document, the Environmental Questionnaire is a required application form under FOA 848.
Question 21:
I wish to ask if it is still possible to submit an application for the grant?
Answer 21:
Per Section IV. B. of the FOA document, potential applicants were required to submit Letters of Intent by 11:59 PM ET on 5/13/2013. DOE can only accept applications from those entities that submitted Letters of Intent by the deadline.
Question 22:
Are the MHK wave harvesting systems planned to be anchored in shallow water (<200m deep) areas?
Do we need to consider the distance to shore as part of our solution?
Are there any regulatory restrictions on the physical size of a new wave energy harvester?
Answer 22:
This FOA is focused on system performance advancement through innovations in the components. It does not prescribe the MHK system application specifications such as the (a) range of deployment depths and (b) distance to shore targeted for the system. In addition, the FOA does not prescribe wave harvester physical dimensions based on regulatory restrictions.
Question 23:
Regarding all three topic areas for FOA-0000848, what is meant by “relevant” environment? Can this include an open water test, or can this include testing on an existing installed MHK device?
Answer 23:
A “relevant environment” is one that exposes the physical model to conditions that are similar to the ultimate deployment environment. Per this definition, testing to validate the physical model via "an open water test", or "testing on an existing installed MHK device", would be considered testing in a relevant environment. Please note that testing in a relevant environment is not a requirement. The FOA states that "testing of a physical model in a controlled or relevant environment is necessary".
Question 25:
We are preparing a submittal for FOA 0000848 and noticed that there are five Required Application Documents. In the Summary of Required Forms/Files it lists 15 items.
When we are ready to submit does it tell us when/where to upload, for instance, the Abstract, Narrative, Resumes, etc.? Do we upload in “Attach supporting documents as specified in agency instructions”
in the SF424?
Answer 25:
Please reference Section IV. C. of the FOA for all required documents, including the table of Summary of Required Forms/Files on page 27-28. The five required application documents shown have templates for the applicant to follow. The other required documents listed do not have templates and are left to applicant preference.
Please reference Section IV. H. of the FOA for the submission and registration process. When the required documents are ready to be submitted, please reference the Users' guide for applying to Department of Energy (DOE), Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s (EERE) Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOA) available in Exchange at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx. If there are issues uploading the documents, please email EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov for further help.
Question 26:
Are non-project specific costs (company costs) allowable under DOE regulations? Specifically, are General and Administrative Overhead costs excluded?
Answer 26:
Please see Section IV. C. 5 and 6 of the FOA document for Budget File information. See also Appendix C of the FOA document for links to the Cost Principles applicable to each organization type.
Question 27:
We noted Page 25 indicates that the waiver file(s) should be titled “ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_Waiver” for Foreign Entities Waiver and titled “ControlNumber_PerformanceofWork_Waiver” for the Performance of Work in the United States Waiver. The latter waiver, does not have the Lead Organization name in title, as do all other file names. We also notice that on Page 28, “Waiver Request: Foreign Entities and/or Performance of Work in the United States” notes the document file should be titled “ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_Institution_Waiver.” Might you be able to confirm file name for the Performance of Work Waiver that can be downloaded?
Answer 27:
Please label all file names as shown in the FOA document.
Question 28:
I have been keeping an eye on the referenced Notice of Intent I first discovered in a month ago. Are you able to comment on the anticipated date of release for the formal announcement?
Answer 28:
The full Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0000848 was posted to the EERE Exchange system on April 22, 2013-
https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/#FoaId904df88f-9f0b-4e0d-b773-1ce463277992
and a synopsis was posted to Grants.Gov on April 25, 2013-
http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=2hl7RJbQyG2hLc7YBVwZPV1yZLjxg3dkRp25QJHJ5GMm2Pzf8Ltr!780405525?oppId=231715&mode=VIEW
Please note that Letters of Intent were required to be submitted through the EERE Exchange system by May 13, 2013.