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["INSTRUCTIONS"]
[1,"All questions pertaining to this funding opportunity announcement should be emailed to HFTOFOA@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 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 spreadsheet 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-FOA0002446 - Hydrogen and Fuel Cells R&D 2021 FOA"]
["Question #","Date Submitted","Topic","Question","Answer","Revised Answer"]
[1,"2020-12-10","Other","I'm wondering where the Q/A responses will be available for public view?","Questions and answers are available through EPIC, on the Announcement Details page by clicking, \"Announcement Q&As\". ","Revised Answer 2/26/2021: Questions and answers are available through Exchange, on the Announcement Details page by clicking, \"Announcement Q&As\". "]
[2,"2020-12-10","Other","The FOA states that the Teaming Partner List will be available on the HFTO website under FOA DE-FOA-0002446 yet it does not appear anywhere on the FOA page. Can you direct me to the correct location?","The Teaming Partner List can be found on the HFTO website here: https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/hydrogen-and-fuel-cell-technologies-office-funding-opportunities. "]
[3,"2020-12-10","Technical Topics","For Subtopic 2B, are you interested in a non-microbial reactor technology (e.g. a thermal technology) to convert biogas to hydrogen?","For Subtopic 2B, microbial processes are the primary technologies of interest."]
[4,"2020-12-11","Technical Topics","Does Subtopic 2B only permit microbial biomass waste conversion pathways or would other pathways be considered (e.g. chemical/physical)?","For Subtopic 2B, microbial processes are the primary technologies of interest."]
[5,"2020-12-14","Other","Where can I find the teaming list?","The Teaming Partner List can be found on the HFTO website here: https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/hydrogen-and-fuel-cell-technologies-office-funding-opportunities. "]
[6,"2020-12-15","Technical Topics","Topic 1B teaming directs that a fuel cell OEM is a required partner in addition to air management manufacturer. Is the fuel cell OEM required to be identified in the concept paper since the technical content refers exclusively to the air side and the specifications are already clearly identified?","Based on the text of the FOA, OEM or OEM suppliers are not “required”, but \"encouraged\".  It is suggested to ensure industry input on air system specifications (beyond the FOA DOE Targets) is taken into account in developing project plans."]
[7,"2020-12-15","Technical Topics","Topic 1B teaming directs that a fuel cell OEM is a required partner in addition to an air management manufacturer. Since DOE provided the air system requirements and the scope of Topic 1B is fully within the bounds of the air system, we don't understand why a fuel cell OEM is required as a partner. We are also concerned this requirement would unnecessarily distract funding to a fuel cell OEM that is needed for air system development. Can you please clarify the need for a fuel cell OEM for this topic at this early stage of technology development? We also note that the M2FCT consortium will provide oversight.","Based on the text of the FOA, OEM or OEM suppliers are not “required”, but \"encouraged\".  It is suggested to ensure industry input on air system specifications (beyond the FOA DOE Targets) is taken into account in developing project plans."]
[8,"2020-12-16","Due Dates","Hello, due to the upcoming holidays, it will be challenging to complete a concept paper by January 15. Will DOE consider an extension for the due date of the concept paper of 1-2 weeks? Thanks","The due date for the concept papers is January 15th."]
[9,"2020-12-16","Technical Topics","Would EERE accept innovative technology for H2 production, that is only a scale to larger systems?","The hydrogen production topics in this FOA are specifically limited to (1) High Temperature Electrolysis Manufacturing R&D and (2) Innovative Hydrogen Production from Biomass Waste Streams.  Proposals on innovative technologies responsive to these topics will be considered."]
[10,"2020-12-17","Technical Topics","Several automobile companies are already investing in Fuel-cells. Will the Government also consider Internal combustion Hydrogen engines?","The scope of this FOA does not include hydrogen combustion technologies. "]
[11,"2020-12-18","Technical Topics","In Table 2, the System Cost Target is specified as $/kW, however the 'kW' is not specified as it is for System Volume and System Weight. Is the System Cost Target also in reference to net fuel cell system power?","Cost targets are specified for net power.","Revised Answer 1/22/2021: Table 2 was revised under FOA mod 0001 to indicate cost target is relative to net fuel cell system power."]
[12,"2020-12-19","Technical Topics","For Topic Area 4b, does the project team propose the technology to be analyzed, or will DOE select a team first based on general qualifications and then assign the team a technology to evaluate?","The hydrogen production pathway will be selected with HFTO guidance and approval. Applicants are expected to demonstrate broad background knowledge related to hydrogen production pathways, including component- and system-level assessments of the hydrogen generation equipment with associated balance-of-plant (BOP). "]
[13,"2020-12-22","Other","Would it be possible to post the Teaming Partner List (or link to same) on this FOA page in the EERE Program Information Center? Thank you.","The Teaming Partner List can be found on the HFTO website here: https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/hydrogen-and-fuel-cell-technologies-office-funding-opportunities. "]
[14,"2020-12-24","Technical Topics","We are interested in subtopic 2B (innovative hydrogen production from biomass waste streams). Our technology effectively convert wet and salty biomass and biomass waste streams into bio-hydrogen but it uses thermochemical reaction. Does this FOA only focus on biological pathways?","For Subtopic 2B, microbial processes are the primary technologies of interest."]
[15,"2021-01-03","Technical Topics","Topic 4b- The introductory paragraph refers to “comprehensive techno-economic analyses of distributed- and/or centralized-hydrogen production pathways that include…” a laundry list “…and other innovative concepts as requested by HFTO.” However, the very next paragraph begins with “The applicant will be expected to perform a thorough cost analysis for the chosen hydrogen production pathway…” Is the winning Topic 4b project team expected to perform a comprehensive review and then down select a specific production pathway to focus on, or to pick a pathway at the outset and work on that to the exclusion of all others? The FOA does not specifically direct the applicant to choose one pathway over all others, and even opens the door for the HFTO to direct the project team to work on “other innovative concepts,” yet the bulk of the write-up concerns the “chosen hydrogen production pathway.” Can you please provide a more self-consistent explanation of your expectations?","The hydrogen production pathway will be selected with HFTO guidance and approval. Applicants are expected to demonstrate broad background knowledge related to hydrogen production pathways, including component- and system-level assessments of the hydrogen generation equipment with associated balance-of-plant (BOP)."]
[16,"2021-01-04","Concept Papers","If I would like to submit a concept paper for both Topic 4B and 4C under FOA #: DE-FOA-0002446, will I need to apply twice, with one concept paper for each topic? Or do I just select one and explain in the concept paper that it is intended to apply for both?","Yes, applicants must submit Concept Papers for each Subtopic."]
[17,"2021-01-05","Technical Topics","Is methane pyrolysis driven by electricity for green hydrogen production responsive to Topic Area 2 of this FOA?","The hydrogen production topics in this FOA are specifically limited to (1) High Temperature Electrolysis Manufacturing R&D and (2) Innovative Hydrogen Production from Biomass Waste Streams.  Proposals on innovative technologies responsive to these topics will be considered."]
[18,"2021-01-05","Concept Papers","We have a proposal for a project that should be led by another eligible business entity (a supplier). We have not yet approached suppliers with the project proposal, but are doing so now. However, the time to complete discussions is very short. Is it acceptable for one business entity to submit the Concept Paper, but another business entity to submit the funding application?","The prime applicant can be changed between the concept paper and the full application phases at the request of the prime listed on the concept paper. To do so, please include documentation of a mutual agreement to transfer/change the prime applicant from the transferor to the transferee. An email exchange between the current principal investigator and the new principal investigator showing both respective organizations acknowledge and agree to the change would meet the confirmation requirement. This documentation should be included as an Appendix to the Technical Volume."]
[19,"2021-01-05","Concept Papers","Dear EERE Team, We are in the process of incorporating a spin-off entity focused on fuel cell technologies. Expected to be functioning and meeting all registration requirements by March. In the meantime, can one of the founding partners submit a concept paper on behalf of the proposed spin-off, to meet a closer deadline of 15th Jan? The PI and the team will be the same as presented in the concept paper. Thank you in advance!","The prime applicant can be changed between the concept paper and the full application phases at the request of the prime listed on the concept paper. To do so, please include documentation of a mutual agreement to transfer/change the prime applicant from the transferor to the transferee. An email exchange between the current principal investigator and the new principal investigator showing both respective organizations acknowledge and agree to the change would meet the confirmation requirement. This documentation should be included as an Appendix to the Technical Volume."]
[20,"2021-01-05","Technical Topics","Subtopic 2A focuses on high temperature electrolysis manufacturing and mentions application of known industrial techniques to increase manufacturing scale and efficiency. Robotics is mentioned as as example. Is there a recommended limit to purchasing of equipment to test the application of these known industrial techniques? After the successful conclusion of the project, will purchased equipment become property of the federal government?","It is realized that some equipment purchases may be required for Subtopic 2A; however, the purpose of this subtopic is NOT to furnish an applicant’s manufacturing facility.  There is no recommended limit to purchasing equipment; however, the applicant is encouraged to limit equipment purchases to the extent possible.\nDisposition of equipment is covered in FOA section IV.J.vi, “Equipment and Supplies”.  The relevant quote there is, “Property disposition will be required at the end of a project if the current fair market value of property exceeds $5,000. For-profit entity disposition requirements are set forth at 2 CFR 910.360. Property disposition requirements for other non-federal entities are set forth in 2 CFR 200.310 – 200.316.”   "]
[21,"2021-01-06","Technical Topics","I have a question regarding FOA DE-FOA-0002446. We are considering a project for topic 1B that is best completed by a supplier, but we have not yet coordinated with an eligible company. In order to meet the approaching deadline for concept submission, is it acceptable for one entity to submit a concept paper and another entity to submit the final application?","The prime applicant can be changed between the concept paper and the full application phases at the request of the prime listed on the concept paper. To do so, please include documentation of a mutual agreement to transfer/change the prime applicant from the transferor to the transferee. An email exchange between the current principal investigator and the new principal investigator showing both respective organizations acknowledge and agree to the change would meet the confirmation requirement. This documentation should be included as an Appendix to the Technical Volume."]
[22,"2021-01-06","Eligibility","Can national labs which are part of M2FCT be a subrecipient on proposals for Topic 1a?","DOE/NNSA FFRDCs, including national laboratories, are eligible to apply for funding as a subrecipient but are not eligible to apply as a prime recipient. A national lab that is part of M2FCT may apply as a subrecipient. "]
[23,"2021-01-07","Eligibility","In Topic Area 1a, are M2FCT core consortium PIs, directors, or deputy directors eligible to team with industry on writing a concept paper in response to this FOA? Also in Topic Area 1a, are personnel from the M2FCT labs but who are not currently involved in M2FCT eligible to team with industry to submit a concept paper?","DOE/NNSA FFRDCs, including national laboratories, are eligible to apply for funding as a subrecipient but are not eligible to apply as a prime recipient. A national lab that is part of M2FCT may apply as a subrecipient. These same guidelines apply to M2FCT lab not currently involved in M2FCT."]
[24,"2021-01-08","Concept Papers","Is it possible to respond to DE-FOA-0002446 for an entity that is currently not incorporated ? We expect a spin-off to be incorporated and be ready with all registration requirements by the time of submission of the full application in March. In the meantime, to meet the deadline of 15th Jan 2021, can the concept paper be submitted by one of the founding entities on behalf of the ‘spin-off’.","The prime applicant can be changed between the concept paper and the full application phases at the request of the prime listed on the concept paper. To do so, please include documentation of a mutual agreement to transfer/change the prime applicant from the transferor to the transferee. An email exchange between the current principal investigator and the new principal investigator showing both respective organizations acknowledge and agree to the change would meet the confirmation requirement. This documentation should be included as an Appendix to the Technical Volume."]
[25,"2021-01-08","Technical Topics","For topic 1B, the cost target in table 2 is listed at $12/kW based on a manufacturing volume of 100,000 units per year. Will you please go into greater detail on what this cost target refers to? i.e. is this for the kW of the compressor or for the entire system? Thank you.","All cost targets in table 2 are relative to the net power of the fuel cell system.","Revised Answer 1/22/2021: Table 2 was revised under FOA mod 0001 to indicate cost target is relative to net fuel cell system power."]
[26,"2021-01-08","Eligibility","Hello. I am writing to confirm that non-US based entities can participate and receive funding as part of a team arrangement where they are not the prime contractor. For example, my (non-US) company has been approached by a 100% US based/owned organization, who would be the prime contractor for this solicitation (and any potential award). It does state in the solicitation document that foreign-owned/based organizations can participate, I just need to confirm this. Thank you.","Yes, as stated in Section III.A.iii Foreign Entities, \"A foreign entity may receive funding as a subrecipient.\" However, a Foreign Work Waiver will be required for any work performed outside the United States. See Sections IV.J.iii Performance of Work in the United States and Appendix C.2. Waiver for Performance of Work in the United States (Foreign Work Waiver) for more information."]
[27,"2021-01-08","Technical Topics","Regarding FOA-0002446 Topic 2A, the solicitation states that proposed projects \"must include include production of electrolyzers or electrolyzer components/subsystems using the manufacturing technology on a scale relevant to high-volume manufacturing.\" Does EERE have a specific minimum manufacturing volume (scale) in mind for the final project deliverable? While I assume this is somewhat tied to what is necessary to demonstrate the process being proposed is scalable, does EERE have a ball park threshold defined (e.g., 100, 500, or 1000 cells (or alternatively stack components or stacks) made using the scalable approach) so that applicants can align proposed projects with EERE expectations?","There is not a specific minimum manufacturing volume (scale) for the final project deliverable."]
[28,"2021-01-10","Other","Dear Sir, Who is my Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) to obtain the correct permissions to submit any FOA application.","Please see #40 in the \"EPIC Registration and Submission FAQ\" at the following link: https://epicweb.ee.doe.gov/EPICWeb/assets/ref-docs/training/quick%20guides/Frequently_Asked_Questions_Registration%20and%20Submissions.pdf","Revised Answer 1/22/2021: Full Applications must now be submitted to Exchange. Please see FOA Mod 0001 for more details."]
[29,"2021-01-12","Cost Share","If a company will not receive funding, but provide third party cost share, is it considered a team member? Shall we list it in the team member/key participant table?","Each 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 project as a whole is met. If a third party contributes cost share to the overall project cost, they should be listed in the team member/key participant table."]
[30,"2021-01-12","Other","On Page 94 of the solicitation Section 4. Implementation of Executive Order 13950 is included and by submitting an application in response to this FOA, we represent we will not use Federal funds that would promote the concepts in this EO. A federal court has enjoined the U.S. government from enforcing this EO against federal contractors and grantees. It is likely this FOA was published prior to this happening. Is the Department of Energy expecting to remove this section from the solicitation?","The DOE does not at this time intend to modify the language of the FOA solely for the purposes of removing language referencing EO13950.  However, the DOE will comply with the California nationwide preliminary injunction while it is in place.  If the incoming Presidential administration rescinds EO 13950 then DOE will follow any new policy direction. ","Revised Answer 1/22/2021: EO 13950 was removed from the FOA under FOA Mod 0001."]
[31,"2021-01-12","Other","Is registration with SAM.gov required before submitting a Concept Paper or at another point (submitting a Full Application/receiving an award)? Does the registration need to be complete or can it be in process? Is there any other flexibility with this requirement? Thank you.","Registration with SAM.gov is required for the full application, but not the Concept Paper phase per section IV.G of the FOA"]
[32,"2021-01-13","Technical Topics","a question was posted on 1/8 for FOA-0002446 topic 2A, but which does not appear to have been answered. The question is whether EERE has a particular scale threshold in mind for the demonstration of the scaled manufacturing methods (e.g., 100, 500, or 1000, etc. cells; or a particular quantity of stacks), or does it leave this completely up to applicant to decide what is appropriate to prove out the developed techniques?","There is not a specific manufacturing volume (scale) for the final project deliverable."]
[33,"2021-02-22","Other","The 4b grant is for 1 project with up to $1,000,000 over 3 years without cost-share. \nCan we apply for the grant to cover part of a more expensive project? ","Funds awarded through the FOA must be spent on the negotiated milestones of the selected project only. "]
[34,"2021-02-23","Other","I noticed that the applications are to be submitted through the EERE site. (Rather than the EPIC site we used for the concept papers.) Do we need to use the new control number, use the one associated with the concept paper or list both?","Applicants that submitted a concept paper do not need a new control number, and should use the same control number from their concept paper as currently shown in Exchange. "]
[35,"2021-03-01","Other","Would you be able to provide me with the Budget Justification workbook template which has four Budget Periods listed?","In Exchange there is now an option to select a template that includes either 3 Budget Periods(BPs) or 5 BPs. To submit a Budget Justification with 4BPs, please select the 5BP template and zero the 5th BP. "]
[36,"2021-03-01","Other","Going through the list that we have on our EERE Exchange site, we realized that an Open Source Software Distribution Plan is required. We cannot find any information regarding this on the released .pdf file where all the required documents are specified. Could you please give us a brief explanation about what should be filled and how should be done?","The Open Source Software Distribution Plan is not required for a full application submission. This option has been removed from Exchange."]
[37,"2021-02-25","Other","As the accountant for our firm, I am helping with the SF-424 and budget justification forms specifically the Pay Rate for each engineer.  I am looking for a worksheet that helps determine the rates to complete these forms (if you have one).  Our rates we charge for services per engineer level are set for standard jobs, but I am guessing that is not what I use.  Can someone help me with this? ","The applicant specifies their own rates for personnel charges and includes them in the budget justification. DOE does not dictate any rates. "]
[38,"2021-02-25","Other","For Topic 4A I noticed that the period of performance can be 48 months. Can you please confirm that Topic 4A can be more than 3 BPs since the template that is provided is only for 3 BPs. In the past, a 5-year template is typically provided. Attached is the current template.","Topic 4A can be more than 3BPs. In Exchange there is now an option to select a template that includes either 3 Budget Periods(BPs) or 5 BPs. To submit a Budget Justification with 4BPs, please select the 5BP template and zero the 5th BP. "]
[39,"2021-02-25","FFRDC / Lab Funds","As a DOE FFRDC with a budget that exceeds $250k, are we exempt from submitting a subrecipient budget justification since we are required to submit a work proposal (WP)?  Or will we need to submit both?","For DOE FFRDCs, a Work Proposal is required, while a Subrecipient Budget Justification is not required. "]
[40,"2021-03-03","Technical Topics","Can you provide guidance on what is expected for the Market Transformation plan in Topic 4? Since topic 4 covers analysis and the goal isn't to develop new marketable tech, a market transformation plan doesn't seem to be appropriate. ","The Technical Review Criteria for Topic Areas 4a, 4B, and 4C, in FOA Section V.A.ii., does not include review of a Market Transformation Plan. "]
[41,"2021-03-03","FFRDC / Lab Funds","Do FFRDCs have to submit the Budget Justifcation workbook or is the Field Work Proposal the sole budget document for them?","The Field Work Proposal is the sole required budget document for FFRDCs. "]
[42,"2021-03-03","FFRDC / Lab Funds","Do FFRDC’s have to submit signed Lobbying Disclosure Forms (even though they are barred by law from conducting lobbying activities)?","FFRDCs do not need to provide a SF-LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying Activities."]
[43,"2021-03-03","Full Application","Is the patent waiver required at the application phase or later in the award phase?","A patent waiver should NOT be submitted with the application.  A patent waiver can be requested during the award negotiations or anytime during the performance of the award.  See FOA VIII. Other Information; Section J. Title to Subject Inventions for more information.  "]
[44,"2021-03-04","Full Application","Letter of support - We have a couple of letters of support from industry who would provide technical inputs and feedbacks through our study. Will there be a place for submitting these letter of support for this application at the portal? ","Please submit Letters of Support as described in FOA Section IV.D.iv. Letters of Commitment."]
[45,"2021-03-04","Full Application","Cover page and content page – does those count towards the 15 page limit? \nIf not, can we format the content page only half page, sharing the space with the narrative? Because content page would take one whole page with a few lines only. ","The Technical Volume to the Full Application may not be more than 15 pages, including the cover page, table of contents, and all citations, charts, graphs, maps, photos, or other graphics, and must include all of the information in the table provided under FOA Section IV.D.ii \"Technical Volume\". \n\nThere is no requirement for a \"content\" page, however the Cover Page Section (1 page maximum) should include the project title, the specific FOA Topic Area being addressed, both the technical and business points of contact, names of all team member organizations, and any statements regarding confidentiality."]
[46,"2021-03-04","Full Application","Is the content page mandatory? ","A cover page is mandatory. There is no requirement for a \"content\" page."]
[47,"2021-03-04","Full Application","Does the bios (short descriptions) of the researchers go into the body of technical volume? ","Descriptions of the project team’s unique qualifications and expertise, including those of key subrecipients should be included in the Technical Qualifications and Resources section of the Technical Volume, as outlined in FOA Section IV.D.ii.\n\nIn addition, resumes for key participating team members are required (limited to 1 page per person), but resumes are not meant to replace the descriptions requested in the Technical Qualifications and Resources section. "]
[48,"2021-03-07","Full Application","I wanted to know if our company would be able to submit a full application for a project. I did not submit a concept paper by the deadline, as we weren't aware that it was part of the requirement. Any information would be greatly appreciated.","Submission of a Concept Paper is a requirement for full application submission."]

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["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"]