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["INSTRUCTIONS"]
[1,"All questions pertaining to this funding opportunity announcement should be emailed under the DE-FOA-0002946 - FY23 Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) Conversion R&D submit questions link at FY23conversionFOA@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."]
[3,"Applicants who are unable to open pdf documents are advised that it could be due to an error with the user's web browser or the user's Adobe software.  We recommend closing your web browser and then opening a different web browser to navigate to the Exchange website to open/download the document.\" If that doesn't work, please contact the Exchange Help Desk at the web address provided on the FOA in Exchange. "]

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["ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTION AND ANSWER LOG"]
["DE-FOA-0002946 - FY23 Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) Conversion Research and Development FOA"]
["Question #","Date Submitted","Topic","Question","Answer"]
[1,"2023-03-21","Other","General Information","1. Please check the Instructions & Tips tab for instructions and tips related to this FOA.\n2. DE-FOA-0002946 is a competitive solicitation and private discussions, while the announcement is open, are prohibited. All questions regarding this FOA must be submitted via email to FY23conversionFOA@ee.doe.gov no later than three business days prior to the application due date.  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.\n3. The FOA and application documents are available through the DOE EERE Funding Opportunity eXCHANGE website at: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/default.aspx. Click on the FOA number to access the documents.\n4. EERE will not make eligibility determinations prior to submission of applications (see Section III.G. of the FOA). "]
[2,"2023-03-21","Other","General Information: Teaming List","The URL link to the Teaming List has been added to the general description of the FOA. Please visit https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/ and select this specific FOA number to locate the URL."]
[3,"2023-03-21","Technical Topics","In your FOA, you state “Processes targeting the production of protein or biomass as an end product are not of interest”. We are targeting a pure peptide produced from a biocatalyst [redacted] as a direct fertilizer replacement for NH3 Haber Bosch synthesis [redacted]. Is this of interest? ","We aren’t interested in projects that generate any proteins targeting food and  feed markets, or enzyme production for feedstock deconstruction; however those that aim at engineering a route toward a specific peptide or amino acid-derived product that could be applicable in the chemicals market would be in scope."]
[4,"2023-03-22","Technical Topics","You use the term \"biocatalyst\", and I would like to know if that includes the use of whole cells?  In other words, does fermentation fall under the use of \"biocatalysts\" as defined by BETO in this FOA?","Yes, “biocatalyst” in this instance does include whole cell fermentation, as well as the use of materials isolated from cells such enzymes and cofactors."]
[5,"2023-03-22","Foreign Entities/Work","From [University] [Country]. I would like to make enquiry on the eligibility of institutions not base in the United States participating in the project.","See Section III.A.ii. in the FOA for eligibility requirements for foreign entities which includes a waiver requirement. Instructions for Foreign Entity Participation Waiver Requests are in Section IV.D.xiv. and Appendix C."]
[6,"2023-03-23","Application Content/Format","I'd love to learn more about this opportunity but don't see the full docs on grants.gov? I'm working on a project that could be a great fit, essentially [redacted], so already pretty closely aligned with topic 1. If there's an opportunity to talk to the program manager I'd appreciate the opportunity.","The FOA and application documents are available through the DOE EERE Funding Opportunity eXCHANGE website at: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/default.aspx. Click on the FOA number to access the documents. A link to eXCHANGE has been added to grants.gov. Regarding your question about talking to the program manager, DE-FOA-0002946 is a competitive solicitation and private discussions, while the announcement is open, are prohibited. All questions regarding this FOA must be submitted via email to FY23conversionFOA@ee.doe.gov. "]
[7,"2023-03-24","Eligibility","I've been through about a dozen web pages trying to figure out how I get our company [redacted] noticed as a candidate for inclusion in your Topic 1. We have a process [redacted].  We are seeking funding for building a pilot system [redacted]s. How do I apply for government funding?","This question falls outside of the purpose and scope of the FOA. "]
[8,"2023-03-24","Other","If I can apply to carry out the studies for the Hydrogen production project","This question falls outside of the purpose and scope of the FOA. "]
[9,"2023-03-28","Technical Topics","Would a proposal aiming at developing an innovative biocatalytic route to utilize renewable electricity and CO2 waste gas to produce, in a scalable manner, methanol as a fuel and C1 building block be responsive, if the objective is to move the technology from TRL 1 to 4-5? In other words, is there a specific TRL target for proposal that would be responsive to this FOA?","A biocatalytic route to use renewable electricity to biologically convert CO2 and waste gas to a product does fit within the scope of Topic Area 2, as long as (1) the end product is a chemical, not a fuel, that provides GHG reduction potential compared to the non-renewable incumbent per topic area requirements and (2) the process has a path for near term commercialization. There is no specific TRL requirement for this work, but the applicants must be able to describe a path to commercial feasibility and deployment."]
[10,"2023-03-29","Labs/FFRDCs","Given that FFRDC “subrecipients” will need to provide a “DOE Work Proposal” and “Authorization from Cognizant Contracting Officer for the FFRDC”, please indicate whether they will need to additionally provide a 1) Budget Justification Workbook, 2) Letter of Commitment, and/or 3) SF-LLL Form, similar to other subrecipient entities?","The budget justification, letter of commitment and SF-LLL are not required for FFRDC's. For the budget justification, Section IV.D.xi. of the FOA, in the Contractual tab applies only to the \"Sub-recipient Name/Organization\" companies following the FOA parameters. Regarding Letters of Commitment (for Cost Share) Appendix A.3. for this FOA prohibits FFRDCs from contributing cost share. Regarding the SF-LLL, FFRDCs are prohibited from lobbying so this form would not be applicable."]
[11,"2023-03-29","Technical Topics","Why is hemp not included in the list of botanicals suitable for biofuel?","Correction to Appendix from G to H: Please refer to Appendix H for details on acceptable feedstocks."]
[12,"2023-03-30","Eligibility","We are planning to team with a partner scale-up facility to do prepilot process development.\n1) Is the partner considered a subcontractor to the grant awardee or direct awardee?\n2) If subcontractor, can they be considered part of the cost share?\n3) How does this arrangement change if the partner is a for-profit entity vs. an FFRDC?","1) See Section III.A. in the FOA for eligibility information. There can be only one prime applicant.\n2) See FOA Section III.B. Cost Sharing and Section III.B.ii.\n3) See FOA Section III.B. Cost Sharing."]
[13,"2023-03-30","Technical Topics","1. For topics 1 and 2a and 2b, what Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) are eligible for funding for Topics 1, 2a, and 2b? \n2. Topic 1: Is it necessary to employ [the envisioned fuel production process] in order to validate the efficacy of syngas cleanup technology for production of SAF, renewable diesel or marine fuels? Can the [envisioned fuel production process] be used for production of other products such as ethanol or butanol not SAF, renewable diesel or marine fuels?\n2. For topic 2a: Would the production of hydrogen and liquid fuels from waste materials and lignocellulosic biomass be considered for funding under this topic2a?","1. There is no specific TRL requirement for this work, but the applicants must be able to describe a path to commercial feasibility and deployment.\n2. See Section I.B.i of the FOA: Applications must present convincing evidence that the proposed gasification/syngas cleanup technology can achieve the specified syngas cleanup and conditioning requirements, reduce costs, improve efficiency, reduce water use where applicable, and could operate reliably and produce cost effective transportation fuels such as SAF, renewable diesel and marine fuels.\n2. Topic Area 2a targets efforts which convert feedstocks into chemicals that displace their incumbent fossil-derived counterparts and achieve at least a 70% GHG reduction. Fuels and hydrogen generation do not fall within that scope. "]
[14,"2023-03-30","Technical Topics","Does syngas cleanup have (to) focus on removal of specific species such as sulfur, tars, NOx, particulate? or all or any of them is acceptable?","Known contaminants that impact syngas cleanup for upgrading to fuels include particulates, tars, CO2, sulfur compounds, nitrogen compounds, alkali metals and trace heavy metals. Depending on proposed feedstock(s), the envisioned fuel production process and current state of technology of the process not all contaminants must be addressed in the proposed R&D. See Section I.B.i, the Topic Area 1 Specific Requirements."]
[15,"2023-03-31","Technical Topics","Is waste byproduct from biodiesel production such as Crude glycerol an acceptable feedstock for topic 1 as a syngas production feedstock and subsequent conversion to SAF/RD?","Yes, waste products from industrial processes that are not suitable for human consumption are acceptable. Please refer to Appendix H for detail on acceptable feedstocks."]
[16,"2023-03-31","Technical Topics","Are PHAs an appropriate product for Topic 2?","Biologically-produced chemicals are eligible for this topic area and must meet the requirements listed under Topic Area 2 Specific Requirements."]
[17,"2023-03-31","Technical Topics","We are interested in applying Topic 2a and want to confirm whether syngas is one of acceptable feedstocks. ","Appendix H describes acceptable feedstocks. Syngas would fit the criteria if it was generated with one of the acceptable feedstocks."]
[18,"2023-04-05","Technical Topics","We are wondering what scale of product (in mass) BETO would like to see in the project?","It is the responsibility of the applicant to propose the scale of product based on their current capabilities relative to their targeted metrics. Please refer to Section I.B.ii. of the FOA which states “This Subtopic seeks applications that aim to improve biochemical production capabilities, with a focus on bioprocess improvements and integration at a larger scale.” Applications should define the scale based on the criteria in Section I.B.ii., Topic Area 2 Specific Requirements."]
[19,"2023-04-06","Technical Topics","My company's technology appears to be a fit for Topic Area 2b, however the acceptable feedstocks are not clear.  Looking at appendix H and the table, 2b  says it is ok to use grain starch but on pg. 111 it states that this starch can only be used for fuel, so it seems to countermand itself because 2b is industrial chemicals and not fuel.  Any clarification would be most appreciated.","The discrepancy in the FOA language has been amended. Starch is an acceptable feedstock for biochemical production, assuming the other criteria of the FOA are met."]
[20,"2023-04-06","Technical Topics","The Table in Appendix H for “Grain Starch” states “Yes” for “2a/2b: Industrial Chemicals” implying this feedstock is acceptable for 2a/2b projects, but the definition for “Grain Starch” provided below the Table states that “bioproduct production is not allowed with grain starch”  Can you please clarify this discrepancy?  Is grain starch an allowable feedstock for 2a/2b: Industrial Chemicals?","The discrepancy in the FOA language has been amended. Starch is an acceptable feedstock for biochemical production, assuming the other criteria of the FOA are met."]
[21,"2023-04-06","Technical Topics","For TA-1 milestone verifications using real biomass or waste derived syngas (Page 11), is a test site with co-gasification of biomass and coal qualified for this FOA?","Utilization of equipment that can process various feedstocks is allowed, however, the use of coal or coal wastes is not allowed. See Appendix H in the FOA for allowable feedstocks."]
[22,"2023-04-09","Eligibility","Regarding Topic Area 2B: Will DOE evaluate our scope prior to application? Our focus is on bioethanol production, fermentation and process control.","As set forth in the FOA in Section III.G., “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.”"]
[23,"2023-04-11","Technical Topics","Optimizing the conversion of lignin monomers [redacted]. I would like clarification as to whether the statement on p16 of the FOA “Any photosynthetic biological processes are not of interest”, encompasses the use of any light-utilizing bacteria.","Any conversion process that relies on the biological use of light to carry out any metabolic process (i.e., phototrophs) is not of interest."]
["—","2023-04-13","Other","Amendment 000001","Amendment 000001 has been posted to the FOA which amended Appendix H."]
[24,"2023-04-13","Other","1) Are chemo-enzymatic processes eligible [redacted]? Or does the proposed technology have to be 100% biocatalytic?\n2) Is it possible to submit multiple concept papers to the same topic area?","1) Leveraging a catalytic process for a minor step in the conversion pathway is allowable, however the majority of the production of the target biochemical must occur through a biological process as described in the FOA.\n2) Yes, see Section III.F. of the FOA."]
[25,"2023-04-17","Concept Paper","1. Re the [Concept Paper] cover page: a) the technical points of contact (is this name and email?) and b) names of all team member organizations (does this include the team members/contact info as well?)\n2. Is there anything else? No abstract? \n3. Can any of these things change from the concept paper to the actual submission?\n4. If I submit a proposal to this funding call, can I submit a similar proposal to the [redacted] Funding call? ","1. See FOA Section IV.C. Content and Form of the Concept Paper.\n2. Section IV.C. of the FOA includes instructions for the content of Concept Papers.\n3. Yes, these things can change from the concept paper to the full application submission.\n4. Applicants may apply to multiple FOAs."]
[26,"2023-04-17","Concept Paper","We intend to submit a concept paper. We started the SAM registration process over two weeks ago but have yet to receive a registration number. Is it possible to submit the concept paper without a registration number with the understanding that we are in the process of registering and should have one before the full proposal would be submitted? ","Per the instructional language in EERE-Exchange adjacent to the UEI field, “Please provide the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) for your organization or select N/A if it does not apply. You may also select N/A if the UEI number is still in progress (i.e., has not yet been assigned to the organization). In the case that the UEI number is still in progress, you may update the UEI associated with your account once the UEI is assigned. Please note that each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or federal awarding agency that is excepted from those requirements under 2 CFR 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the federal awarding agency under 2 CFR 25.110(d)) is required to provide a valid UEI in its application…”"]
[27,"2023-04-18","Application Content/Format","I’m writing to get clarification on when a control number is issued. Should I expect to be issued a control number to include on the concept paper? If so, at what point is this issued? Or, are control numbers issued only for the Full Application?","Per Section IV.A. of the FOA: \"A control number will be issued when an applicant begins the EERE eXCHANGE application process. The control number must be included with all application documents.\" Additionally, the Concept Paper file name must include the Control Number per Section IV.C. of the FOA."]
[28,"2023-05-08","Concept Paper","I got a [redacted] decision on my Concept Paper…I am wondering, however, if additional feedback will be or can be provided so I can address the concerns in this application and/or future applications. ","DE-FOA-0002946 is a competitive solicitation and private discussions, while the announcement is open, are prohibited. Also, we are looking into your question about not receiving an email. We will post an update to this Q&A if EERE eXCHANGE Help Desk provides additional information. Update: emails were sent to applicants."]
[29,"2023-05-08","Application Content/Format","We are an FFRDC participating as a sub in a proposal to this call.  On page 40 of the call, it states FFRDCs need to provide an FWP for submission.  Are FFRDC’s considered Subrecipients who are required to provide a ‘Subrecipient Budget Justification’ if our budget is over $250K or 25% of the total work?","See Section IV.D.xi. of the FOA. FFRDC's complete a DOE WP instead of a budget justification."]
[30,"2023-05-08","Application Reviews","...please see the exchange below, I am attempting to obtain reviewers comments and cannot seem to locate.","We have contacted the EERE eXCHANGE Help Desk and have notified applicants that Concept Paper decisions have been posted to eXCHANGE. Reviewer comments should be available in eXCHANGE."]
[31,"2023-05-09","Due Dates","My company is interested in applying...we have missed the concept paper deadline. Is it possible to submit an application still for this funding opportunity without having submitted the concept paper?","The first page of the FOA states: \"Applicants must submit a Concept Paper by 5:00pm ET on the due date listed above to be eligible to submit a Full Application.\""]
["—","2023-05-10","Other","Amendment 000002","Amendment 000002 has been posted to the FOA which updates the Full Application Submission deadline and the Replies to Reviewer Comments deadline."]
[32,"2023-05-18","Application Content/Format","[redacted] Is it possible to add members to the team for the full proposal (especially if these are external other university colleagues or National Lab partners)?","Yes, you may add members to the team."]
[33,"2023-05-18","Labs/FFRDCs","Who should the labs address the required “Authorization for non-DOE/NNSA or DOE/NNSA FFRDCs” to name, title, and mailing address, please?  EERE funding announcements typically provide this information via the FAQ.","It should be addressed to the director of the applicable Federally Funded Research and Development Center."]
[34,"2023-05-20","Other","We are very interested in the proposal of DE-FOA-0002946 but we cannot download the full announcement.  Could you send me this information.  ","The Synopsis published in Grants.gov directs interested parties to EERE-Exchange at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/ for the full Funding Opportunity Announcement. Also, see question 31 above regarding the Concept Paper requirement."]
[35,"2023-05-22","Other","I would like to speak with the Contract Specialist regarding details of submission for Grant submission for DE-FOA-0002946 due June 16th. Can you help by providing me the right person?","DE-FOA-0002946 is a competitive solicitation and private discussions, while the announcement is open, are prohibited. Please send your questions to FY23conversionFOA@ee.doe.gov."]
[36,"2023-05-22","Due Dates","...I am writing to express my interest in the recent \"Conversion Research and Development Funding Opportunity,\" specifically the subtopic on \"Opportunities for Decarbonization of the Chemicals Industry Through Biocatalysts.\" … Unfortunately, we have only recently discovered this funding opportunity and noticed that the concept paper submission deadline has passed. Given our experience and our exciting concept, we are very keen to contribute to this initiative and were wondering whether it might still be possible to submit our proposal for this funding opportunity.","See question 31 above that this FOA includes a Concept Paper submission requirement, and that deadline has passed. Please check grants.gov for a complete list of current funding opportunities and monitor it for future opportunities that may apply to your research."]
[37,"2023-05-24","Concept Paper","I see the decision on the website for my Concept Paper, but it simply states “Discouraged”.  I was wondering if I can get more detail on why it was discouraged and where I can improve for future submissions. ","Have you tried to view comments in eXCHANGE under \"My Submissions\"? If so, were you able to see the comments? Please let us know by email to FY23conversionFOA@ee.doe.gov."]
[38,"2023-05-24","Application Content/Format","Regarding the \"Transparency of Foreign Connections\" document: Our industrial partner is a large multi-national company. The proposed project involves collaboration with their US R&D center. The company will not be receiving any DOE funds, and will be providing collaboration cost share. Are we required to provide all the detailed information requested on the company and all its foreign operations for this document?","The foreign disclosures are applicable to subrecipients. An entity providing cost share and performing work on the project is considered to be a subrecipient.”"]
[39,"2023-05-25","Application Content/Format","If a project partner is not a subrecipient or otherwise receiving federal funds, but is contributing to the effort and providing in-kind cost sharing, is it necessary for that partner to complete the “Transparency of Foreign Connections” document?","The foreign disclosures are applicable to subrecipients. An entity providing cost share and performing work on the project is considered to be a subrecipient."]
[40,"2023-05-27","Application Content/Format","Page 40 in the FOA (Item x)—\"for each subrecipient that is expected to perform work estimated to be more than $250,000 or 25 percent of the total work effort (whichever is less)”, a Subrecipient Budget Justification is need. So, I assume, the $250,000 only includes the amount from the DOE federal share, but does not include the “Cost share” provided by the applicants, correct?","Per Item 4, row 7, of the Budget Justification “Instructions and Summary” tab, the $250,000 or 25 percent of the total work effort applies to both the federal amount and cost share."]
[41,"2023-05-30","Other","I am having problems downloading the following RFP FY23conversionFOA@ee.doe.gov","The FOA and forms for DE-FOA-0002946 are published on EERE-Exchange at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/. There is not an RFP included in this FOA. What's the website address where you're unable to download the RFP?"]
[42,"2023-05-30","Application Content/Format","Regarding the \"Transparency of Foreign Connections\" document: Are there different instructions for institutions of higher education?  A different solicitation that we are preparing has different instructions for this document as it applies to academic institutions.","For this FOA, there are not different instructions for institutes of higher education."]
[43,"2023-05-31","Application Content/Format","The DE-FOA-0002946 indicates that two copies of a full proposal technical volume are needed for submission if any confidential or proprietary information is included.  What is the submittal method for two copies, as the DOE EERE Exchange website currently only allows for one file to be uploaded for the Technical Volume submission?  ","There is no submittal method for two copies. Therefore, only one copy of the full proposal is required. "]
[44,"2023-06-09","Application Content/Format","If an Applicant chooses to use third-party institution through a fee-for-service arrangement, the associated costs are incorporated within the budget of the Prime recipient and acknowledge the third-party institution as a collaborator; are collaborators considered subrecipients? ","If the collaborator has a role in the performance of the scope of work for the project, the collaborator would be considered a subrecipient. Costs for this entity would be reflected in the Contractual tab of the Prime's budget justification.  "]
[45,"2023-06-09","Application Content/Format","Can Prime Applicants make updates to the project team for the Full Proposal?\nDoes a rep also need to supply a resume and a Current and Pending support document?\nIf a collaborator is a domestic entity,  is it required to fill out the TFC document?","Applicants may change the composition of the project team prior to full application submission. Any personnel at the Applicant or subrecipient level which are principal investigators and/or senior/key personnel are required to submit Current and Pending Support submissions. See FOA section IV.D.xvi. Current and Pending Support. "]
[46,"2023-06-10","Application Content/Format","If an Applicant proposes a budget to purchase a equipment for the project purpose, does the Applicant need to provide the vendor quote along with the DOE budget justification workbook?","Per the instructional language in the Budget Justification on tab d. Equipment, \"During award negotiations, provide a contractor quote for all equipment items over $50,000 in price. If the contractor quote is not an exact price match, provide an explanation in the additional explanation section below. If a contractor quote is not practical, such as for a piece of equipment that is purpose-built, first of its kind, or otherwise not available off the shelf, provide a detailed engineering estimate for how the cost estimate was derived.\""]
[47,"2023-06-12","Application Content/Format","Can you please confirm if it’s acceptable for an Applicant to change the title of the proposal from the Concept Paper for the full application?","In the Funding Opportunity Exchange website applicants can update the proposal information provided in the Concept Paper submission in the Full Application phase of the project."]
[48,"2023-06-12","Due Dates","Can you please confirm that the Full Application for FOA 2946-1542 is due on 6/23 and NOT 6/16 as originally posted (and still posted on many websites). ","Per the title page of DE-FOA-0002946 Ammendment 00002, the due date for Full Application Submission is 06/23/2023 at 5:00 PM ET. "]
[49,"2023-06-12","Application Content/Format","I have downloaded forms from the EERE Exchange site at the area listing templates and forms for applications underneath the explanation of the FOA for which we are writing a proposal.  After downloading, I receive an error that this form is damaged and cannot be used.  Especially on the SF-424 Application form. Is there another place or way to obtain this form?","Instead of downloading it, please try to copy/paste it to your desktop and try to fill in the form on your desktop. Please let us know if that worked by emailing FY23conversionFOA@ee.doe.gov. If that doesn't work, please contact the EERE Exchange Help Desk for assistance. "]
[50,"2023-06-13","Application Content/Format","We will involve a professor from an HBCU in our project to assist with undergraduate training at their institution. [redacted] in addition to the support letter, we would appreciate your guidance on any other necessary documents we should include from her to formalize her role as a consultant in the submission.","The FOA includes submission instructions for each document. Applicants should make the determination about whether that document applies to a certain individual based on the individual's role in the project."]
[51,"2023-06-14","Application Content/Format","On the budget, if the subrecipient does not have a federally approved rate agreement negotiated for their fringe benefits, is the sample form for an indirect rate proposal required to be submitted with the proposal? Or is it only if the proposal is awarded that they would have to submit the form?","Applicants are not required to include an indirect rate proposal with their full application. If selected for an award, the proposal would be required during the award negotiations period. See the FOA Section IV.D. Content and Form of the Full Application for full application submission requirements."]
[52,"6/14/2023 6/15/2023","Foreign Entities/Work","1) On the question regarding whether the proposed recipient is “related to” any foreign business entity, offshore entity, or entity outside the United States,  what does related to mean?  \n2) If a third party (entities that do not have a role in performing the scope of work) is cost sharing and they are a foreign entity, do we need to submit a waiver of foreign entity participation? Would they also have to complete the question on xvii. Transparency of Foreign Connections?","1) \"Related to\" could also be interpreted as \"affiliated with.\" \n2) With respect to completing the Transparency of Foreign Connections questions and the Waiver of Foreign Entry Participation for third parties, the terms of this FOA do not expressly require it.  If the applicant is selected for an award, however, EERE may require the submittal of that same information during negotiation of the award as part of its post-selection disclosure process. See Section IV.F. of the FOA, Post Selection Information Requests."]
[53,"2023-06-15","Foreign Entities/Work","I am reading through Appendix C for DE-FOA-0002946 to get more information on the two foreign waivers, and I’m curious if a piece of information is missing.  There is a section 1 for the “Waiver for Foreign Entity Participation,” where the criteria and content for that waiver is listed.  As part of the content, the FOA points out that if any work is proposed to be conducted outside the US, the applicant must also complete a separate foreign work waiver.  However, there is no Section 2 in Appendix C regarding the foreign work waiver, even though it is noted in several places throughout the FOA (p. 41, p.51).  Would you be able provide further information about this waiver?","Foreign Work Waivers should be completed using the questions in Appendix C, 1. Waiver for Foreign Entity Participation, Content for Waiver Request. DOE reserves the right to request additional or clarifying information based on the information submitted.  "]
[54,"2023-06-18","Application Content/Format","From the FOA instructions, I believe the SF-424 is only needed from the Prime recipient, but not the Sub-recipients. Could you kindly confirm whether this is the case?","The SF-424 is only required from the Prime recipient."]
[55,"2023-06-19","Application Content/Format","“EERE requires that the applicant’s Community Benefits Plan include one Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely (SMART) milestone for each budget period.” However, our BP1 of 3 months is the Initial verification stage. Is it also required to have a CBP SMART milestone for BP1?   ","Per Section I.E. of the FOA \"The applicant’s Community Benefits Plan must include at least one Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Relevant, and Timely (SMART) milestone per budget period to measure progress on the proposed actions.\" At least one SMART milestone is required for each budget period including budget period 1."]
[56,"2023-06-20","Application Content/Format","I am [redacted] is the prime recipient, collaborating with a FFRDC partner as a subrecipient for this application. [redacted] wondering whether the FFRDC needs to fill out an SF-424 form as a subrecipient, in addition to [redacted] as the prime recipient. Or is it sufficient for [prime] to provide the SF-424 form alone?","See question 54 above, which applies to FFRDCs."]
[57,"2023-06-20","Application Content/Format","1) The template for the Statemen of Project Objectives includes a spot for an Award Number and Mod Number (top of page 1).  However, there is no award yet.  Are these sections intended to be DE-FOA-0002946 Mod 000002?\n2)  NICRA – In a couple of the tabs of the DOE budget template, there is a box to check that we have a NICRA and are including it.  Where should I upload this document in the system (there is not an obvious section)?  Or do we provide this only if awarded?","1) If selected for an award, the award number and mod will be added to the Statement of Project Objectives during the award negotiation period.\n2) See question 51, above, which includes the NICRA."]
[58,"2023-06-20","Application Content/Format","The budget work book asks to include our F&A agreement. I also have quotes to attach.  The FOA says the workbook should be attached in excel format.  How do I attached the F&A agreement and quotes to the budget work book without attaching as a PDF?","See question 51, above, which includes the F&A agreement and quotes."]
[59,"2023-06-21","Application Content/Format","How do I submit the Letters of Support? Should I attach them as appendix to the Technical Volume (if so, would the Letter of support be counted again the total 25 page limit?)? Or should we submit it as a separate file (as a single PDF)? ","Include Letters of Support with the Letters of Commitment."]
[60,"2023-06-22","Application Content/Format","Does the recipient require to submit the EQ at https://www.eere-pmc.energy.gov/NEPA.aspx# during the Full Application submission?","If selected for an award, the EQ will be completed during the award negotiation period."]

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