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["INSTRUCTIONS"]
[1,"All questions pertaining to this funding opportunity announcement should be emailed to HFTOBILFOA@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."]

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["ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTION AND ANSWER LOG"]
["DE-FOA-0002922 - BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW: CLEAN HYDROGEN ELECTROLYSIS, MANUFACTURING, AND RECYCLING"]
["Question #","Date Submitted","Topic","Question","Answer"]
[1,"2023-03-15","Other","Attempted to download the Teaming Partner List from https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/FileContent.aspx?FileID=cc5b79dd-e2d5-474f-9dfd-e79d28c4eace  related to DE-FOA-0002922: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Clean Hydrogen Electrolysis, Manufacturing, and Recycling. Adobe says the file is damaged or unreadable. What is an alternate process to receive the list and process to apply to be on the list?","Thank you for alerting us to this issue. This file was replaced with a Microsoft Word version. To add your contact information to this FOA's teaming partner list, in EERE Exchange navigate to the \"Teaming Partners\" menu and click the blue button labeled \"Submit Entry to Teaming Partner List.\" In the \"Teaming Partner List\" dropdown menu, be sure to select TPL-0000006 for \"Teaming Partner List, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Clean Hydrogen Electrolysis, Manufacturing, and Recycling, Funding Opportunity Announcement No. DE-FOA-0002922.\""]
[2,"2023-03-15","Other","Attempted to download the SF-424 Application related to DE-FOA-0002922: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Clean Hydrogen Electrolysis, Manufacturing, and Recycling. Adobe says the file(s) is(are) damaged or unreadable. What is an alternate process to receive the Partnering List and SF-424 Application, and the process to apply to be on the Partnering List?","SF-424 Application ***PLEASE NOTE*** This is an expired version of the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance. Users have had difficulty downloading the 2022 version of the SF-424 (obtained from Grants.gov) from EERE Exchange. Applicants will not be penalized for submitting the 2019 version of the SF-424. Note than a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is now required instead of a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. Applicants are also free to obtain the 2022 version of the SF-424 directly from Grants.gov."]
[3,"2023-03-15","Cost Sharing","I am reviewing the DE-FOA-0002922 announcement and looking for guidelines on Cost share percentages and award amounts. Could you please state these figures for Area of Interest 1: Clean Hydrogen Electrolysis Program Topic 1: Low Cost, High-Throughput Electrolyzer Manufacturing?","As stated on p.13, FOA Section I.B.i, the cost share requirement for Topic 1 is 50%. Applicants can request up to $50 million in federal funding."]
[4,"2023-03-16","Technical Topics","Is it possible for the same company to apply for subtopics 3a and 3c?","Yes"]
[5,"2023-03-16","Technical Topics","Can non-PFSA membranes apply for Topic 2?","This material class is not explicitly excluded from Topic 2. The applicant should consider the TRL and the likelihood of meeting the topic objectives. Topic 2 is intended to encourage participation of current and emerging domestic component suppliers and applications should focus on component R&D with near-term commercialization potential and a readiness for pilot-scale manufacturing that supports high-volume manufacturing. Applications focused on foundational electrolyzer research and/or early-stage electrolyzer materials/manufacturing research and development (e.g., completely new membrane polymer chemistries) are not of interest for Topic 2, and may be better suited for Topic 3."]
[6,"2023-03-16","Registration Requirements","We received a UEI on March 7, 2022 but did not complete the SAM registration at that time. When I attempted to complete the SAM registration today I was required to complete an entity verification in order to complete the SAM registration. The entity verification is currently in process. I know the SAM registration must be completed before an application can be submitted. My question is can we submit a concept paper while the SAM registration is in process or must the SAM registration process be completed in order to submit a concept paper?","Yes you may submit your concept paper, however if you are encouraged to make a full application, please refer to 2 CFR 25.205, Effect of noncompliance with a requirement to obtain a unique entity identifier or register in the SAM.\n\n(a) A Federal awarding agency may not make a Federal award or financial modification to an existing Federal award to an applicant or recipient until the entity has complied with the requirements described in § 25.200 to provide a valid unique entity identifier and maintain an active SAM registration with current information (other than any requirement that is not applicable because the entity is exempted under § 25.110). \n\n(b) At the time a Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, if the intended recipient has not complied with an applicable requirement to provide a unique entity identifier or maintain an active SAM registration with current information, the Federal awarding agency: \n\n(1) May determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award; and \n\n(2) May use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant."]
[7,"2023-03-16","Technical Topics","Our electrolyzer technology does not fall into any of the categories specicially outlined in the FOA, i.e., PEM electrolyzer, Liquid Alkaline electrolyzers (LA), Solid Oxide electrolyzes (SOE), or AEM electrolyzers. We would like to apply to either Topic 2 or 3 to extend our manufacturing capabilities from our existing “prototype” level closer to a “portable, modular, repeatable” commercialized product (i.e. go from TRL 4/5 to TRL 7). However, due to how the FOA is written, we fear we will be “non-compliant” with the FOA since we are not a “PEM, LA, SOE, or AEM” and fit none of the “sub-topic focus areas”.    My question is if we apply will our technology be considered or is it by nature “non-compliant”?       ","You are not restricted to the subtopics described in Topic 3. The development of innovative, high-impact technologies outside of the focus areas listed is permitted for Topic 3 as long as the technology is considered electrolysis and based on water-splitting."]
[8,"2023-03-17","Other","We are interested to submit a proposal on DE-FOA-0002922: BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW: CLEAN HYDROGEN ELECTROLYSIS, MANUFACTURING, AND RECYCLING But the FOA document downloaded from DoE website seems corrupted. Can you send a good version of file?","Please use the latest version of Adobe DC."]
[9,"2023-03-17","Technical Topics","We are wondering if any work related to developing the PEM Anode Porous Transport layers that are described in subtopic 2C can also fit or eligible to submit under Topic 3 (Advanced Electrolyzer Technology and Development)? If so, what Subtopic in Topic 3 will be appropriate for this effort? The rationale behind our request is that currently we are not a supplier /manufacturer of PTL, but have a very strong proposal that meets really well all requirements of subtopic 2C. Our thought is if we can send our proposal under topic 3 that does not require us to be a manufacturer. ","You are not restricted to the subtopics described in Topic 3. You may submit an application under Topic 3, and if the innovation is relevant to PEM electrolyzers, you may list Subtopic 3a."]
[10,"2023-03-17","Technical Topics","Does integration of renewable energy sources with water electrolysis fit into this program? I am talking about hardware development for system integration, i.e., coupling solar, wind, and biomass systems with electrolyzers.","Integration of renewable energy sources with water electrolysis is of particular interest to the Clean Hydrogen Electrolysis Program. However, this specific FOA focuses on electrolyzer stack manufacturing and stack-related component and materials development, and not on balance of system components.  As stated in this FOA, there is strong encouragement for applicants to consider dynamic operation impacts on electrolyzer stack, cell, component, and materials in their applications (e.g., durability challenges when integrated with renewable energy resources)."]
[11,"2023-03-20","Eligibility","Under section III eligibility information on page 73 DE-FOA-0002922 says: “To qualify as a domestic entity, the entity must be organized, chartered or incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a particular state or territory of the United States; have majority domestic ownership and control; and have a physical place of business in the United States.” Does this mean that a wholly owned Japanese subsidiary incorporated in the state of Delaware and physically located in Ohio would be ineligible to be a prime recipient or sub-recipient for DE-FOA-0002922?","Potential applicants that do not qualify as a “domestic entity” may apply as a “foreign entity” under FOA section III.A on Eligible Applicants. See pages 73-75 of the FOA.  A foreign entity applicant must submit a waiver request for foreign entity participation as described in Appendix C of the FOA.  This waiver request must be submitted with the full application."]
[12,"2023-03-20","Cost Sharing","Regarding cost sharing for the subject FOA, if the Prime is a University or non-profit is the cost share waived for all participants, including subrecipients that are not universities, etc, or would they take on the burden of the entire cost share as if they were the Prime with non-profit subrecipients?","If the Prime recipient is an institution of higher education or a nonprofit organization, for-profit subrecipients are NOT required to provide cost share. "]
[13,"2023-03-21","Technical Topics","The subtopic 2b description discusses development of PEM anodes with < 0.3mgIr/cm2 fabricated at high volume while maintaining efficiency and durability.  As stated, the focus appears to largely be on anode electrode development, but does not directly discuss needing advanced OER Ir catalysts to meet the targets. Is development of anode Ir catalysts which meet the loading, performance, durability, and manufacturability targets and their integration into advanced electrodes in scope for Subtopic 2B?","You are not restricted to the subtopics described in Topic 2 as long as the innovation can achieve the stated objectives and goals. "]
[14,"2023-03-21","Technical Topics","Is the contact restriction on topic 3 Teaming Arrangements applies only to members of the consortia or is intended to be lab wide?","Applicants should not interact with consortia lab personnel while the FOA is open; this only applies to lab personnel that are active participants in the identified consortia."]
[15,"2023-03-22","Technical Topics","Are rail vehicle projects eligible for the Topic Area 4, 5, and 6 in this FOA? It repeats \"Medium and Heavy Duty Transportation\" but doesn't specifically call out locomotives or fuel cells used in rail cars. ","As mentioned in FOA Section I.B.ii, Area of Interest Two, “comprises three topics that specifically address EPAct Section 815 (as amended by BIL Section 40314) to advance clean hydrogen manufacturing technologies, including for medium-duty vehicle (MDV) and heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) fuel cells.” MDV and HDV fuel cells are provided as examples. Other medium- and heavy-duty fuel cell stack and component manufacturing applications, including rail, are also allowed. However, this FOA is not focused on system integration RD&D."]
[16,"2023-03-22","Other","Just wanted to alert you to a typo. I copied the top paragraph and was going to paste it but noticed an inconsistency in the FOA number (!) and thought it might cause confusion or concern. \n\nThis page: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaIda9a89bda-618a-4f13-83f4-9b9b418c04dc \n\nSays: \"The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is issuing Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) DE-FOA-0002920…\"\n\nAll other references to this FOA show the title as, \"DE-FOA-0002922: BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW: CLEAN HYDROGEN ELECTROLYSIS, MANUFACTURING, AND RECYCLING.\" Is the last digit of the FOA number “2” or “0” ?","Thank you for alerting us to this issue. The correct FOA number is DE-FOA-0002922. This typo in EERE Exchange has been corrected."]
[17,"2023-03-22","Technical Topics","What is the beginning and the end of the project TRL level for Topic 3C of fuel cell Bipolar plates?","As stated in FOA section I.B.i, Topic 3 Description and Objectives: \"This topic is soliciting applications focused on early-stage R&D (TRL 3-5) on novel materials and components for next-generation PEM, LA, and O-SOEC electrolyzer technologies, as well as longer-term technologies such as AEM and P-SOEC.\" The TRL levels defined here apply to all Topic 3 subtopics."]
[18,"2023-03-22","Eligibility","If a qualifying entity is looking to apply for funding on a project that commenced prior to application approval, would this have an impact on project funding? For example, would an entity need to wait until an application is approved before proceeding with the project in order to be eligible for funding? ","There is no guarantee of funding until the project has been selected for award. Once the project has been selected you make apply for Pre-award cost approval."]
[19,"2023-03-22","Application Reviews","What determination criteria will be used to determine whether the technology and processes proposed in the project application are already commercially available/scalable and therefore not of interest for the FOA? ","DOE will provide an encourage or discourage recommendation for each Concept Paper based on the information provided by the applicant and entirety of the concept paper review criteria, including the extent to which the technology is unique and innovative, advances the current state-of-the-art, and/or leads to increased production capability and capacity. The applicant should explain how the technology or process being developed will provide a demonstrable improvement over existing technology and meet the objectives of the particular FOA topic."]
[20,"2023-03-22","Other","Could a qualifying entity – pending a successful application – receive federal funding/incentives for both the Clean Hydrogen Electrolysis Program and the Advanced Energy Project Tax Credit (48C)? Or, would you have to select one or the other? ","Funding is only available for new projects approved through the FOA.  \nDOE does not provide tax advice to potential financial assistance applicants. DOE encourages applicants to consult with their tax advisors about eligibility for the Advanced Energy Project Tax Credit (48C).  "]
[21,"2023-03-22","Application Content/Format","How detailed and developed are concept papers expected to be? For example, do concept papers require contractual commitments from suppliers, the identification of a specific location, etc.?","Refer to FOA Section IV.C, Content and Form of the Concept Paper. This section defines the information an applicant should provide in a concept paper. You may also refer to FOA Section V.A.i to review the technical criteria that will be used to score each concept paper."]
[22,"2023-03-23","Technical Topics","Even with the applicant’s technology being TRL 5-7, some electrolyzer stack component(s) may need design refinement or redesign in order to achieve pilot line manufacturability for aspects such as tolerances, sealing, projected reliability and longevity, performance, production throughput (eg, line speed) and safety in order to meet the goal of developing the relevant pilot line objective that meets cost and performance targets as well as scalability to high volume manufacturing – would such efforts be allowable for funding under Topic 1?","Yes, design efforts such as those described in the question which are required to reach pilot scale would be allowable for funding under Topic 1."]
[23,"2023-03-23","Technical Topics","Would efforts to test substacks, stacks, and systems that result from the pilot line in order to gain relevant data and learnings on performance, dynamic operation, sealing, safety, etc be allowable for funding under Topic 1?","It is anticipated that testing of cells, substacks, and/or stacks will be necessary to confirm operational performance and durability and will be allowable for funding under Topic 1.  A strong justification for inclusion of system testing would need to be made in the application given the topic’s focus on the electrolyzer stack."]
[24,"2023-03-24","Technical Topics","It appears that we are not restricted to the subtopics described in Topic 3. If that is the case, dose DOE prioritize the applications that target the described subtopics for funding over other application that is relevant to PEM electrolyzers but does not target any subtopics under Topic 3. Also, is it acceptable to submit an application just under Topic 3 with no subtopic?","The development of innovative, high-impact technologies outside of the focus areas listed is permitted for Topic 3 as long as the technology is considered electrolysis and based on water-splitting. The components and materials developed under this topic should be able to achieve the stated objectives and goals for the electrolyzer technology of interest. Applications will be scored based on the review criteria listed in Section V.A and selected based on reviewer scores and the Other Selection Factors in Section V.C.  You must choose a topic to submit under. Choosing a subtopic is not required and won't be requested when completing your application in EERE Exchange."]
[25,"2023-03-25","Technical Topics","Topic 3 (with focus upon solid oxide cell subtopics 3d and 3e) seems to have a materials-centric focus, with special attention upon improved electroactivity and materials stability. Beyond its interface with the electrodes, is design innovation of the interconnect “component” ---- in such a way that thermomechanical stress issues are alleviated ---- of interest?","You are not restricted to the subtopics described in Topic 3. The development of innovative, high-impact components outside of the focus areas listed is permitted for Topic 3 as long as the technology is considered electrolysis and based on water-splitting."]
[26,"2023-03-25","Technical Topics","Could a project on subtopic 2d includes a proposed innovative stack design concept? We are interested in proposing a low-cost manufacturing process for O-SOEC cells with minimal number of high-temperature thermal processing steps. We would like to propose a stack architecture in the project to incorporate fabricated cells. A stack configuration is not only necessary for testing fabricated cells (as required per the FOA) but also plays a part in the demonstration of the technology to meet the technical targets listed in Table 2 of the FOA.","You are not restricted to the subtopics described in Topic 2 as long as the proposed innovation(s) can achieve the stated objectives and goals. When submitting an application in EERE Exchange, you must choose a topic to submit under, but choosing a specific subtopic is not required."]
[27,"2023-03-25","Technical Topics","Could Subtopics 2d and 2e be addressed in a single project?","Yes. See response to Q26."]
[28,"2023-03-27","Eligibility","Under eligibility, it states that for Topic 3: “All personnel at the core labs of the H2NEW, HydroGEN, and ElectroCat consortia” are excluded from applying. Can PIs from the mentioned national laboratories apply if they are not involved in the consortia?","As stated in FOA section III.A.i, all personnel at the core labs are prohibited from applying as a prime or subrecipient regardless of whether the PI is involved in a consortium or not."]
[29,"2023-03-27","Eligibility","Is it possible for a university to be prime on a award with a PI at another location, ie, a small business?","Yes, as long as the univeersity is the award administrator and the small business is a sub recipient and the small business Pi is a Co-PI."]
[30,"2023-03-27","Other","Is there a minimum amount of federal funds delegated to the prime, say 30%? Or is it up to the participants to divide the federal and cost share amounts as necessary for the project?","It up to the participants to divide the federal and cost share amounts as necessary for the project."]
[31,"2023-03-27","Technical Topics","Can there be a manufacturing task as part of a Topic 3 proposal?   I am thinking about improving properties by improving manufacturing.    ","The applicant should consider the TRL and the likelihood of meeting the topic objectives. Topic 3 is intended for foundational electrolyzer research and/or early-stage electrolyzer materials/manufacturing research and development (e.g., completely new membrane polymer chemistries). Topic 2 is intended to encourage participation of current and emerging domestic component suppliers and applications should focus on component R&D with near-term commercialization potential and a readiness for pilot-scale manufacturing that supports high-volume manufacturing. You are not restricted to the subtopics described in topic 2 or 3."]
[32,"2023-03-27","Other","If applying in Topic 3, the teaming with at least one of the DOE consortia mentioned in the call is mandatory or discretionary (HydroGEN, H2NEW, Electrocat). In other words if this is a necessary requirement for possible project award. ","As stated in the FOA, under Topic 3: Teaming Arrangments (p.37), \"All projects will be required to leverage the capabilities at one of the HFTO-funded consortia (H2NEW, HydroGEN, or ElectroCat).\""]
[33,"2023-03-27","Other","We are planning to apply with a proposal in response to Topic 3. With a University applying as the prime recipient, is there any funding (or other aspects) constraint that identifies the role of another (private) institution to be listed as consulting institution vs subcontracting institution? The whole budget allocated for the private institution (i.e. the consulting or subcontract institution) is estimated to be (approximately) less than 10% of the overall federal budget. If I missed this piece of information, please provide the reference to the specific section in the FOA text.","They can be a sub-recipient and can provide cost share. It up to the participants to divide the federal and cost share amounts as necessary for the project."]
[34,"2023-03-27","Registration Requirements","Do each participant in an application need to have UEI or only the “lead” needs to have it?","No. Just the prime recipient and the sub recipients."]
[35,"2023-03-27","Registration Requirements","Proposal consortiums may have non-US participants (non-lead roles), those need to get UEI too?","See response to Q6."]
[36,"2023-03-27","Registration Requirements","When do participant must have UEI applied for and registered with sam.gov? At the “concept paper” submission stage, or at full proposal submission stage, or at funding award stage? Can concept papers be submitted without UEI yet obtained?","See response to Q6."]
[37,"2023-03-28","Registration Requirements","If applicants apply for funding within more then one topic, does applicant need a single UEI or separate UEIs for each submission?","One UEI for all topic areas."]
[38,"2023-03-28","Cost Sharing","For Topic Area 3, the FOA says that the 20% cost share is not required for institutions of higher education. We are currently planning a proposal led by a university with a couple for-profit industry partners. There is some confusion on our team about what this means for the cost share. Could you please clarify if:\n\n(1) The industry partners of the proposal are responsible for a 20% cost-share on the entire budget of the proposal\nor\n(2) The industry partners are only responsible for 20% cost-share on the portion of the budget allocated to them as subrecipients\n\nFollowing up on that, if the university is able to provide some cost share portion anyway, is that amount able to offset the cost share portion that would otherwise be required from the industry partners?","See response to Q12. Even though cost share is not required, universities may still contribute cost share toward the project."]
[39,"2023-03-28","Technical Topics","In the FOA DE-FOA-0002922 on page 31, the DOE specifies an anode catalyst activity target of 200 A/g Ir. The electrode potential at which the activity is measured is not mentioned. Can we get a clarification on what iR-Free voltage is at which the target is specified?","Please see Modification 001 of the FOA, which removes the anode catalyst activity target for PEM electrolyzers."]
[40,"2023-03-28","Labs/FFRDCs","I am preparing a concept paper/proposal, and was hoping to access some of the capabilities at two specific labs to advance the work.  How do I indicate what facilities I will use in the concept paper/proposal.","As stated in the FOA, applicants to Topics 2 and 3 who wish to leverage the capabilities of H2NEW should define the nature and level of involvement in their proposal, such as material characterization, cell integration, or cell/stack testing, that are best suited to support their proposed work. Applicants should not interact with H2NEW lab personnel while the FOA is open. Awarded projects will work with the H2NEW consortium to determine which lab facilities are best suited to provide technical support to the project recipients. The H2NEW technical support will be funded separately by DOE and should not be included in the project budget."]
[41,"2023-03-29","Technical Topics","After review of the recently released $750 million funding announcement, our company does not appear to fit within the specified criteria, likely due to our innovative approach. Should we apply, regardless of not fitting the current mandates, or should we wait for a subsequent release more befitting our hydrogen approach?","As stated in FOA Section I.C, applications that fall outside the technical parameters and areas of interest specified in Sections I.A. and I.B. of the FOA will be deemed nonresponsive and will not be reviewed or considered. "]
[42,"2023-03-31","Application Content/Format","The FOA states “applicants must provide justification if they plan to use third party for validation other than the DOE lab-led consortia”.  If this path is chosen (i.e., a 3rd party evaluator) – is their cost included or not included in the budget?","Yes, these costs need to be included in the budget. Third party validation would be considered a vendor cost."]
[43,"2023-03-31","Application Content/Format","I will be applying under Topic 2 as the PI.  Is my partnering electrolyzer manufacturer expected and/or required to provide information surrounding the R&D Community Benefits Plan?","The Community Benefits Plan should be coordinated and drafted by the prime applicant but the prime applicant should make an effort to collect input from all project partners so that the Community Benefits Plan is all encompassing. Developing a Community Benefits Plan should be a cohesive effort with all project partners."]
[44,"2023-03-31","Application Content/Format","I am working with a client to prepare an application for DE-FOA-0002922. I have seen a few concept paper templates online, but I want to be sure we have the right layout for this particular FOA. Is this the correct option? https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/FileContent.aspx?FileID=9e98bb04-e214-474b-a95c-5f563e4eeeb5","This FOA does not have an official concept paper template. When drafting a concept paper, applicants must follow the requirements set forth in FOA Section IV.C, “Content and Form of the Concept Paper.”"]
[45,"2023-03-31","Technical Topics","We are interested in submitting a proposal for advanced next generation power converters/rectifiers for electrolyzer systems with performance and cost targets that achieve <$0.08/Watt to enable DOE’s Earth shot goal of hydrogen production at $2/kg by 2026. It appears this FOA is only focused on electrolyzer materials and stacks. If that is true, will there be additional FOAs that solicit proposals for power electronic systems?","This FOA focuses on electrolyzer stack manufacturing and stack-related component and materials development, and not on balance of system components. Projects focused on power electronics would not be considered responsive to this FOA. \n\nFor future hydrogen and fuel cell funding opportunities from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, please check the list of open opportunities here: https://www.energy.gov/eere/funding/eere-funding-opportunities. \n\nYou may also subscribe to the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office newsletter at: https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/hydrogen-and-fuel-cell-technologies-office-newsletter. Our newsletter includes information on future requests for information, funding opportunity announcements, and webinars."]
[46,"2023-04-01","Application Content/Format","Regarding Topic 3, it was clarified in response to “Question 25” that proposers are not restricted to the subtopics listed in the FOA. The concept paper instructions states a requirement to list the Topic 3 subtopic on the cover page. If our concept does not align with the solicited subtopics, what should we put --- if anything --- for subtopic on the cover page?","This FOA does not require subtopic identification on the concept paper cover page. As stated in the cover page section in the table under FOA Section IV.C, “The cover page should include the project title, the specific announcement Topic Area being addressed (including Focus Area for Topics 2, 3, and 5) both the technical and business points of contact, names of all team member organizations, the project location(s), and any statements regarding confidentiality.” Applicants should identify on the cover page the applicable Topic Area for their project, but identifying a Focus Area is not required (though encouraged if your project aligns with one of the defined Focus Areas)."]
[47,"2023-04-01","Application Content/Format","Please provide official guidance on how to place a confidentiality statement (i.e., format/template language) on the cover page.","Please see Section VIII.D. of the FOA, Treatment of Application Information, for instructions on how to mark and submit Concept Papers or Full Applications that contain confidential information."]
[48,"2023-04-02","Cost Sharing","Based on the current Q&A for this FOA (refer to Q12 and Q38), I understand that for topic 3 if the prime recipient is an institution of higher education, then there is no cost-share requirement even if we include for-profit institutions as subrecipients. What I am less clear about is what the requirement is when the prime recipient is a for-profit institution.  In this case is the for-profit institution responsible for meeting the 20% cost share requirement on total project costs inclusive of any costs budgeted for a non-profit or educational institution?  Or are they only responsible for covering 20% of their own budget costs, excluding costs budgeted for the non-profit subrecipient?","The for-profit entity is responsible for meeting the 20% cost share requirement on total project costs inclusive of any costs budgeted for a nonprofit or educational institution."]
[49,"2023-04-03","Other","We are planning on using a Research Institution to lead the submission of our concept paper and hopefully full application.  Does the PI reside with the Research Institution or can the PI come from one of the industry partners?","The pricipal Investigator usually is with the Prime recipient organization.The Co-Pi can be at either organization."]
[50,"2023-04-03","Labs/FFRDCs","The best fit for our proposal is Area 1, Topic 3, Sub-topic 3B – Advanced materials for next generation LA electrolyzers. My institution will lead the effort, and we are planning to leverage a long-standing partnership with some colleagues at ORNL. I would appreciate if you could answer the following questions:\n\n1. While studying the FOA document, I noticed the following restriction: Topic 3: “All personnel at the core labs of the H2NEW, HydroGEN, and ElectroCat consortia, including ORNL”. Does this imply that ORNL researchers, who are not affiliated with the consortia, are eligible as team members for a proposal? Or, are all ORNL researchers not eligible to participate in the effort? Our collaborators are ORNL researchers but are not affiliated to any consortium.\n\n2. If my collaborators at ORNL are eligible to participate in the effort, what should be the structure of cost share? Per the table on cost share, TOPIC No 3 does not require cost share from Higher Education Organizations. Does the cost share requirement change if the team is comprised of a university and a FFRDC?","See response to Q28."]
[51,"2023-04-03","Technical Topics","We have a concept for an advanced electrolyzer that is using sacrificial electrodes in order to split water and produce green hydrogen. We are wondering if our concept is following the spirit of topic 3 or not?  Given that we are sacrificing our electrodes, we would plan to incorporate costs of replacement and energy balance costs into our calculations and budget.","You are not restricted to the subtopics described in Topic 3. The development of innovative, high-impact components outside of the focus areas listed is permitted for Topic 3 as long as the technology is considered electrolysis and based on water-splitting."]
[52,"2023-04-03","Application Content/Format","We would like to submit a joint concept paper in response to the Topic Area 4 of the BIL FOA DE-FOA-0002922. In the solicitation, it states that the funding level of Topic 4 is $20M-$30M per award. Does this indicate that the scope of the project should not be smaller than $20M?  If you consider a smaller project, is there a minimum allowable budget level? ","The scope of the project should not be smaller than $20M. We anticipate that the projects funded under Topic 4 will have a federal share in the range of $20M-$30M."]
[53,"2023-04-03","Cost Sharing","We see in page 76 of the FOA that for institutions of higher education and non-profits cost share is not required but this is only noted for Topic 3. However Topic 6 Recovery and Recycling Consortium also include major R&D activities. Would the R&D tasks of Topic 6  undertaken by the prime recipient university or non-profit organization also be exempt from cost-sharing according to Section 10725 of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act, P.L. 117-167 ?","EERE did not choose to apply the cost share exemption allowed by Section 10725 of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to Topic 6 of the FOA. It is expected there will be significant industry involvement and interest in the projects awarded under this topic and sufficient funding/confidence to provide the required 20% cost share."]
[54,"2023-04-07","Technical Topics","In the FOA, there is a lot of emphasis on “stack”, which may imply planar design. While we know that tubular designs offer better durability, and other key performance metrics. Our question is if DOE is also interested in tubular and flat tubular designs?","This FOA does not define stack design requirements for either fuel cells or electrolyzers. "]
[55,"2023-04-07","Cost Sharing","We have a question on the cost share of topic 3: Advanced Electrolyzer Technology and Component Development. In the table on page 76 of this FOA, it says the 20% cost share is not required for Institutions of Higher Education and Nonprofit Organizations, it is required for industry companies. It also says the cost share must be at least 20% of the total project costs for research and development projects and 50% of the total project costs for demonstration and commercial application projects in sentence beneath the table.\n\nImagine that we have three different scenarios.\n\nOne is that Industry as the prime while universities as the subs, I understand that cost share is not required for universities while it is required for industry, in this case, does industry only pay 20% of the portion that goes to industry or the industry will need to pay 20% of the overall project costs?\n\nThe second scenario is that the university is the prime while industry is the sub, cost share is not required for university but is required for industry, in this case, does industry only pay 20% of the portion that goes to industry or the industry will need to pay 20% of the overall project costs?\n\nThe third scenario is that if two or three universities work together as a team, again, cost share is not required, then does that mean $0 cost share for the entire project?","See responses to Q12 and Q48. To address each of your provided scenarios directly:\n\nScenario 1:  If a for-profit entity is the prime, the for-profit entity is responsible for meeting the 20% cost share requirement on total project costs inclusive of any costs budgeted for a nonprofit or educational institution.\n\nScenario 2: If a university is the prime, cost share is not required even if a subrecipient is a for-profit entity. The for-profit entity does not need to contribute any cost share under this scenario.\n\nScenario 3: If multiple universities work together on a team, and if one of those universities is the designated prime, cost share is not required."]
[56,"2023-04-08","Labs/FFRDCs","Our firm is under contract to support a Concept Paper and, hopefully, full application development. DE-FOA-0002922 Topic 3 Team Arrangement explains; “All projects will be required to leverage the capabilities at one of the HFTO-funded consortia (H2NEW, HydroGEN, or ElectroCat). The applicant must select the consortium that has the best  capabilities and expertise of most relevance and value to the proposed work”. However, Topic 3 General Requirements explains a topic to be addressed; “Technical work plan, including proposed collaborative work with the H2NEW, HydroGEN and/or ElectroCat Consortia”.\n\nThe prime applicant we are under contract with has existing relationships with both Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and the H2NEW consortium it leads and with Los Alamos National Laboratory and the ElectroCat consortium it leads. Both consortiums will potentially contribute to the research and development the prime applicant will propose in response to DE-FOA-0002922.\n\nMay the prime applicant in its Concept Paper propose to participate in both Consortium or must it choose one?","RESPONSE REVISED 4/12/2023\n\nPlease follow the directions in the Topic 3 “Teaming Arrangements” section (p.37) and select the one consortium that has the best capabilities and expertise of most relevance and value to the proposed work."]
[57,"2023-04-08","Application Content/Format","Regarding protection of confidential information, “The FOA states if an applicant chooses to submit business sensitive, trade secrets, proprietary, or otherwise confidential information, the applicant must provide [**two copies**] of the submission (e.g., Concept Paper, Full Application).”\n\n1. Will the concept paper submission portal support two file submissions under the same control #.\n\n2. If not and we have the confidential and non-confidential versions under two different control #s:\n\nIs that possible? If so, will that be an issue with organizing the concept paper’s review (i.e., will it seem like two different submissions)?\n\nPlease advise on the best way to submit in the two formats prescribed in the solicitation.","Yes, EERE Exchange will support two concept paper submissions under the same control number. When you upload a PDF of each section of your Concept Paper (PDF is preferred), be sure to include in each file name the word \"confidential\" and \"nonconfidential\" as appropriate. Refer to FOA Section VIII.D \"Treatment of Application Information\" for more details."]
[58,"2023-04-10","Application Content/Format","Section VIII.D of FOA DE-FOA-0002922 states that two copies of the concept paper must be submitted. One copy is marked confidential and the other is marked non-confidential and has all the confidential information removed.\n\nIf an applicant chooses to submit business sensitive, trade secrets, proprietary, or otherwise confidential information, the applicant must provide two copies of the submission (e.g., Concept Paper, Full Application).\n\nI am submitting my concept paper on EERE.  The UI only allows 1 copy of my concept paper.  How do I submit the 2nd copy with non-confidential information?  I don't see the UI for submitting a redacted version of my file.","Thank you for notifying us of this limitation in the EERE Exchange system. We have updated the settings to allow for two copies of a concept paper - one confidential copy and one nonconfidential copy. \n\nWe have also updated the settings to allow for two copies of a full application technical volume - one confidential copy and one nonconfidential copy."]
[59,"2023-04-11","Technical Topics","For Topic Areas 2 and 3, can one entity write one concept paper including multiple subtopic areas? Or does each subtopic area being addressed require its own Concept Paper?","Per FOA Section IV.C “Content and Form of the Concept Paper,” each concept paper must be limited to a single concept or technology. However, if an applicant wishes to address multiple subtopics in a single concept paper, the applicant must structure the project in a way that is cohesive and meets the objectives stated for each respective subtopic."]
[60,"2023-04-12","Cost Sharing","For this FOA, Topic 3, cost sharing is not required for Institutions of Higher Education and Nonprofit Organizations. For teams led by a university that include for-profit industrial partners, who will be requesting federal funding, how should cost-sharing be calculated?","See response to Q55."]
[61,"2023-04-12","Application Content/Format","We are ready to submit two separate concept papers and we wanted to know where we can retrieve two Control_Number for submitting a Concept paper.","A control number is automatically assigned to a concept paper when you create the concept paper in EERE Exchange. In EERE Exchange, when you select the \"Apply\" button from the Funding Opportunity menu, the system will prompt you to fill in details such as project title, abstract, associated FOA topic, etc. When the initial concept paper profile is complete, select the \"Create Concept Paper\" button at the bottom of the page. EERE Exchange will confirm your concept paper's control number on the next page that appears. The control number will be in the format, \"2922-xxxx\".\n\nIf you have already created a concept paper in EERE Exchange and need to locate the control number, navigate to the \"My Submissions\" menu. Under \"Active Submissions\" you will see a section for \"Concept Paper Submissions.\" The control number associated with your concept paper can be found in the table in this section."]
[62,"2023-04-12","Application Content/Format","My group is preparing the concept paper for the project DE-FOA-0002922. I tried to find the forms and templates for the concept paper for this project, but I couldn't find any specific template for this. Do you have any specific template for the concept paper? or May I use the attached file?","See response to Q44."]
[63,"2023-04-13","Application Content/Format","When applying for a control number for this FOA, I do not see a place to add the Business Point of Contact, only the PI for the program. Because I am applying for Topic 6, which is a consortium, we have both a technical point of contact (PI) and a business point of contact (me) who will be submitting the concept paper and full proposal. If I put the technical contact as the PI when applying, will the business point of contact (me) sill receive communications related to the submission and be able to submit the full proposal?","Yes, EERE Exchange allows you identify a business point of contact. You must first create a concept paper profile in EERE Exchange, as explained in the response to Q61. Once a concept paper profile is created, you have the option of navigating to each of the six tabs that must be completed to submit a concept paper -- \"General\", \"Contact Information, \"Organizations\", Funds and Costs\", \"TRL\", and \"Upload and Submit\". Under the \"Contact Information\" tab, there is space to identify the project's business point of contact. \n\nAt the bottom of the \"Contact Information\" page, be sure to select the \"Share Submission\" link if you wish to provide both your principal investigator and business point of contact with online access to the concept paper. You will be prompted to enter their email addresses."]
[64,"2023-04-14","Cost Sharing","Is the purchase of new machinery and equipment recognized for cost sharing at the full purchase amount? (i.e, new equipment purchases can be cost shared up to 50% of their full purchase value on a project depending on topic area).","Cost Share on equipment purchases may be proposed for a portion of the fair market value of the equipment, or the full market value for the equipment, however this should be stipulated in the budget justification for the project, and the value of donated equipment must not exceed the fair market value of equipment of the same age and condition at the time of donation. Please see 2CFR200.306 Cost Sharing or matching, and FOA Appendix A - Cost Share Information of the FOA for more information on cost sharing requirements."]
[65,"2023-04-14","Other","We are at a university working hand-in-glove with a company that can manufacture at scale.  For various reasons, we wish to have the university partner as the lead on the proposal.  The teaming section for Topic 5 suggests that industry should lead but this particular subtopic will have an exploratory element to it, as reflected in the smaller project funding level. Is a university lead allowable as long as there is a clear path to manufacturing at the necessary scale, with the budget allocations to support that?","The FOA does not specifically exclude a university from serving as the prime recipient on Topic 5, as long as the objectives and requirements stated in the FOA for Topic 5 are met, including stated preferences for direct industry engagement in the project."]
[66,"2023-04-15","Cost Sharing","I am leading a team that includes two academic sites and two industry partners. My understanding from the FOA and from the Q&A document (see Q12) is that since a university is the lead institution, NO cost share on the entire project is required, but that we may include voluntary cost share from any of the partners. I want to confirm this is correct, because the lack of industry cost share on their sub-award is atypical.","Yes, it is allowable for any organization on the project team to provide more than the required cost share. For additional guidance, refer to the responses provided for Q12, Q48, and Q55."]
[67,"2023-04-16","Application Content/Format","Can funds be included for the R&D community benefits plan in DE-FOA-0002922 be included in part of the budget? If so, how should the funds be listed – as a separate budget sheet or combined with the entire budget?","A detailed budget breakdown is not required at the Concept Paper stage.  The budget documents provided with the Full Application should include all costs associated with conducting the project, including implementing the Community Benefits Plan."]
[68,"2023-04-17","Application Content/Format","Our understanding is that the initial submission on April 19th is simply a Concept Paper submission, but the Upload and Submit tab is requiring 4 documents. Is it correct that all four documents are required for the Concept Paper submission?","Yes, please upload each required section of the Concept Paper as four separate PDFs."]
[69,"2023-04-18","Application Content/Format","Upon reading page 94~95 in the FOA under “Cover Page”, section C. Content and Form of the Concept Paper. I do not see a requirement for an “abstract” to be included in the cover page? After creating a Concept Paper on EERE Exchange, under “Upload and Submit” I don’t see “Cover Page”, instead it shows “Concept Paper”. This is the only heading that differs from the recommended layout on page 94~95 in the FOA. My two questions are: Should this rather be “Cover Page” on EERE Exchange under “Upload and Submit”? The second question is, do we again include the Abstract text in this document we submit under heading “Conecpt Paper” on EERE Exchange or do we only submit the abstract text under “General” on EERE Exchange?","Thank you for alerting us to this detail. Yes, the attachment labeled \"Concept Paper\" in EERE Exchange should in fact be labeled \"Concept Paper Cover Page.\" This has been corrected in EERE Exchange.\n\nAn abstract is not a required component of a concept paper. Refer to FOA Section IV.C \"Content and Form of the Concept Paper\" for more details."]
[70,"2023-04-19","Technical Topics","I know we are past the 3 days before the deadline but we just learned about this program.  We are a company that works with clean energy hydrogen suppliers and we coat electrolyzer parts with platinum. We are part of the supply chain.  We would like to expand production to meet demand and are wondering if this is part of the grant program.","If you aren't able to submit a concept paper by the deadline, you may wish to sign-up for this FOA's teaming partner list. Applicants may still seek out project partners as they assemble their full application packets, and the teaming partner list maintained on EERE Exchange will remain active through the full application deadline. Additionally, you may wish to add your company's profile to H2 Matchmaker, an online information resource maintained by the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office to assist hydrogen suppliers and users with self-identifying collaborators:\n https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/h2-matchmaker\n\nFor future hydrogen and fuel cell funding opportunities from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, please check the list of open opportunities here: https://www.energy.gov/eere/funding/eere-funding-opportunities.\n\nYou may also subscribe to the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office newsletter at: https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/hydrogen-and-fuel-cell-technologies-office-newsletter. Our newsletter includes information on future requests for information, funding opportunity announcements, and webinars."]
[71,"2023-04-24",null,"We submitted a concept paper prior to your deadline of 4-19-23 for DE-FOA-0002922. Can you provide us with a normal range of time in which you provide feedback?","Thank you for your interest in this funding opportunity. We anticipate notifying applicants in late May 2023 of our decision to either encourage or discourage a full application submission based on the results of our concept paper merit review."]
[72,"2023-04-26",null,"For FOA-2922, section IV.D.xvii mentions a supplied template for the Locations of Work part of the full application, but I’m not seeing a template in the application forms and templates section on EERE-Exchange. Where can this template be found?","DOE is in the process of finalizing this template. A template will be posted to EERE Exchange on or before the date we notify applicants of our concept paper encourage/discourage decisions, as referenced in Q71 above.  "]
[73,"2023-05-04","Application Content/Format","I submitted a Concept Paper under the BIL FOA 0002922. While reviewing the requirements for a full proposal this morning I just became aware of FOA Section VIII D instructions (regarding proprietary information)- If an applicant chooses to submit business sensitive, trade secrets, proprietary, or otherwise confidential information, the applicant must provide two copies of the submission (e.g., Concept Paper, Full Application). The first copy should be marked, “non-confidential” with the information believed to be confidential deleted. The second copy should be marked “confidential” and must clearly and conspicuously identify the business sensitive, trade secrets, proprietary, or otherwise confidential information and must be marked as described below.\n\nI apologise for this oversight - I marked significant portions of our Concept Paper as ‘proprietary’ and submitted only 1 copy.\n\nI hope that my mistake will not prejudice the review of our team’s proposal.  I would be happy to provide a second ’non-proprietary’ editted copy of the Concept Paper, if this is helpful to your review process.","Rest assured, this will not hinder our merit reviewers from providing a thorough examination of your concept paper. Each reviewer is vetted and understands how to treat confidential information with the utmost care. If only one version of your concept paper was submitted, it is best that it was the confidential version since it will be most complete."]
[74,"2023-05-04","Application Content/Format","Section IV.D.vi : SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance\n\nThe FOA states “applicants must complete the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance.”  Is the SF-424 application only required by only the Prime Recipient or should the subrecipients fill out this form as well?","Yes, only the prime recipient needs to complete the SF-424."]
[75,"2023-05-04","Application Content/Format","Section IV.D.xiv : Foreign Entity Waiver Requests and Foreign Work Waiver Requests (if applicable)\n\nWe are considering using a European advisor that will provide input but will not be a subrecipient of award funding.  If we include their time as cost share, do we need to submit a Foreign Entity Participation or Foreign Work Waiver?","A foreign work waiver is only required if work will be completed in a foreign country by the prime recipient directly or by a project subrecipient. If the advisor in question is not employed by the prime recipient and cannot be classified as a subrecipient, a foreign work waiver is not needed. See FOA Sections IV.J.xiv \"Foreign Collaboration Considerations\" and VI.B.iii \"Foreign National Participation\" for additional information on how foreign nationals may participate in a project."]
[76,"2023-05-08","Application Content/Format","I’m having issues viewing the ‘SF-LLL - Disclosure of Lobbying Activities’ pdf. Seems to be similar to what others reported with the 2022 version of the SF-424 application. I would greatly appreciate any guidance as to how I might access the version posted with this FOA.","Thank you for making us aware of this issue. An alternate version of this form is not available  so please try using a different browser when accessing EERE Exchange and the SF-LLL template. You may also access the SF-LLL template via www.grants.gov."]
[77,"2023-05-10","Technical Topics","In the footnote of the FOA’s Table 2 for Topic 1 the 2016 target LTE “Stack Capital Cost” is listed as $100/kW. What is defined as the “stack capital cost” for LTE LA electrolyzers as HFTO does not clearly define it in their literature? Does stack only include the electrochemical cells (electrodes, electrode electrolyte frame and stack assembly containment frame)? Or does it also include any of the following:\n- electrolyte recirculation loop (pumps, filters, pipes, tanks, separators, tubes, and associated fittings and instruments),\n- electrical supply (bus bars, connectors, isolation switches, instruments, and associated fittings and connectors),\n- BPCS (process control and safety system) and Fire & Gas monitoring and protection,\n- online analyzers, or\n- any other equipment?","The stack capital cost for LA electrolyzers includes only the electrochemical cells and the surrounding stack hardware necessary to result in a fully assembled stack. It does not include external components such as the electrolyte recirculation loop which are considered to be balance of system components."]
[78,"2023-05-11","Other","We have submitted a concept paper for DE-FOA-0002922.  We are still in the process of setting up accounting systems that can comply with the requirements in 2 CFR Part 200, 2 CFR Part 910, and 2 CFR Part 170, among other U.S. Code sections.  At what point in time do our accounting systems have to be fully compliant?  Upon submission of a full application? Upon the date of grant award, if DOE accepts our application?  Is there the option to delay the date of the grant award if we need more time to complete setting up/verifying our accounting systems?","Your accounting systems must be fully compliant with the regulations you referenced before the project is awarded. If your project is selected, DOE can be flexible with the official award date if more time is needed to organize your accounting systems.  "]
[79,"2023-05-15","Application Content/Format","Section IV.D.xix : SF-424 Potentially Duplicative Funding Notice\n\nWe are currently applying as a prime recipient in a specified topic/subtopic within DE-FOA-0002922.  We have separate teams within our business applying for awards as subrecipients for different topics/subtopics under the same FOA.  Do we need to submit a “Potentially Duplicative Funding Notice” for the other “in parallel”  application submissions within the business?","Yes, please submit the Potential Duplicative Funding  Notice."]
[80,"2023-05-15","Technical Topics","Our question pertains to the plate size used for the Estimated Manufacturing Rates in Table 3, on page 40 of the FOA. Can you please provide the dimensions of the plate used to calculate the estimated rates?","The stack model used to calculate the throughput targets was sized to deliver 150 kWnet with approximately 400 cells, but the topic does not require components of a specific dimension. Instead, applicants are encouraged to team with stack manufacturers to design components and their manufacturing processes that can meet the production rate, durability, and cost targets."]
[81,"2023-05-16","Application Content/Format","Section IV.D.xvi : Current and Pending Support\n\nWe are currently applying as a prime recipient in a specified topic/subtopic within DE-FOA-0002922.  We have separate teams within our business applying for awards as subrecipients for different topics/subtopics under the same FOA.  The teams designated to the topics/subtopics are not planning to share personnel.  Do we need to report the other “in parallel” application submissions in the Current and Pending Support documentation?\n\nAlso, if a decision is made prior to submission to share personnel between the teams, will there be a need to report the other “in parallel”  application submissions in the Current and Pending support documentation?","The Current and Pending Support document only needs to include PI and Co PI (if there is a co-pi) and any key personnel which may be providing essential work to the project (these key personnel are determined by the recipient. If you feel that further information should be included to provide transparency then you should."]
[82,"2023-05-16","Other","Is our organization required to track labor via time cards or an electronic labor time tracking system for a DoE Cooperative Agreement under the FOA DE-FOA-0002922?  Is there an Other Transactions Authority option to propose fixed firm price milestones and submit our financials for cost reasonableness but not track labor hours?","Yes, you are required to have a timesheet tracking system to account for the effort on the project."]
[83,"2023-05-17","Intellectual Property","How is the confidential technical content disclosed in the full application treated and protected? Who will have access to the application in the course of the review, negotiation and awarding process? Is there a possibility to establish an NDA between the involved entities? Assuming the application will require to describe our unique manufacturing concept, we are concerned to what level of detail we will be able to share this information. ","DOE’s treatment of confidential technical content in the application is described in FOA Section VIII.D \"Treatment of Application Information,\" pp. 145-146. The individuals participating in the merit review have all signed confidentiality agreements provided by DOE. The independent merit reviewers and DOE personnel are required to keep application information confidential and use it only for the purpose of evaluating the application. You may describe your unique manufacturing concept to whatever level of detail you decide is appropriate. If it is necessary to submit information that is business sensitive, trade secrets, proprietary or otherwise confidential in their application, you can mark the information as described in the FOA and DOE will make every effort to protect the information.  As a federal agency, DOE is subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and will treat application information in accordance with it."]
[84,"2023-05-18","Foreign Entities/Work","Section IV.D.xiv : Waiver Requests\n\nWe would like to utilize a wholly owned subsidiary of a European entity as a subrecipient and cost share provider under DE-FOA-0002922.  The subsidiary’s facility is physically located in the United States and all work for the project will also be performed in the United States.  Since both the work and location of work will be performed in the United States, does a waiver need to be submitted?","Yes, you will need to submit a waiver for review."]
[85,"2023-05-18","Foreign Entities/Work","Sections:\nxiii. SF-LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,\nxvi. Current and Pending Support,\nxviii. Transparency of Foreign Connections\n\nWe are the prime recipient and are considering using a European advisor.  The European advisor will provide input but will NOT be a subrecipient of award funding or cost share provider.  Do they need to fill out the 3 forms listed above?","You will need to submit the current and pending support documents as well as a resume for the advisor."]
[86,"2023-05-22","Intellectual Property","To what extent will applicants have to share their IP with DOE? Does DOE become an owner, to any extent, of any related IP once they support a project? ","DOE’s treatment of ownership of intellectual property that is generated during the award project is described in Sections VIII.J-O of the FOA. \n\nIn Section VIII.J “Title to Subject Inventions,” ownership of subject inventions is described whereby recipients such as domestic small businesses, educational institutions, and nonprofits (under the Bayh-Dole Act) and domestic large businesses (under the FOA’s patent waiver process) may elect to retain title to their subject inventions. As described in Section VIII.K “Government Rights in Subject Inventions,” the US government retains certain rights in these subject inventions including a government use license and march-in rights. \n\nIn Section VIII.L “Rights in Technical Data,” data rights are described based on whether data is first produced under an award or was developed at private expense outside the award. For data produced under an award, the US government normally retains unlimited rights in technical data, including the right to distribute to the public. However, certain categories of data generated under DOE awards may be protected from public disclosure for up to five years after the data is generated. For confidential or trade secret-type data developed solely at \nprivate expense prior to issuance of an award, DOE will not normally require delivery of such data except as necessary to monitor technical progress and evaluate the potential of proposed technologies to reach specific technical and cost metrics.\n\nIn Section VIII.M “Copyright,” the FOA provides that recipients and subrecipients may assert copyright in copyrightable works, such as software, first produced under the award without DOE approval. When copyright is asserted, the US government retains a paid-up nonexclusive, \nirrevocable worldwide license to reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies to the public, and to perform publicly and display publicly the copyrighted work.\n"]
[87,"2023-05-22","Intellectual Property","Who owns the IP generated as part of DOE-funded projects? ","DOE’s treatment of ownership of intellectual property that is generated during the award project is described in Sections VIII.J-O of the FOA. \n\nIn Section VIII.J “Title to Subject Inventions,” ownership of subject inventions is described whereby recipients such as domestic small businesses, educational institutions, and nonprofits (under the Bayh-Dole Act) and domestic large businesses (under the FOA’s patent waiver process) may elect to retain title to their subject inventions. As described in Section VIII.K “Government Rights in Subject Inventions,” the US government retains certain rights in these subject inventions including a government use license and march-in rights. \n\nIn Section VIII.L “Rights in Technical Data,” data rights are described based on whether data is first produced under an award or was developed at private expense outside the award. For data produced under an award, the US government normally retains unlimited rights in technical data, including the right to distribute to the public. However, certain categories of data generated under DOE awards may be protected from public disclosure for up to five years after the data is generated. For confidential or trade secret-type data developed solely at \nprivate expense prior to issuance of an award, DOE will not normally require delivery of such data except as necessary to monitor technical progress and evaluate the potential of proposed technologies to reach specific technical and cost metrics.\n\nIn Section VIII.M “Copyright,” the FOA provides that recipients and subrecipients may assert copyright in copyrightable works, such as software, first produced under the award without DOE approval. When copyright is asserted, the US government retains a paid-up nonexclusive, \nirrevocable worldwide license to reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies to the public, and to perform publicly and display publicly the copyrighted work.\n"]
[88,"2023-05-22","Intellectual Property","If IP is generated by the applicant during the course of the project, can it be transferred to the applicant’s parent company, global entity, or teams based in other countries? ","Per Section III.A.i (Domestic Entities), the recipient and subrecipients must be domestic (US) entities. In limited circumstances, DOE may approve a waiver to allow a foreign entity to participate as a recipient or subrecipient as described in Section III.A.ii (Foreign Entities).  Additional procedures for inclusion of foreign entity participation are described in the FOA in Section IV.D.xiv (Waiver Requests), Appendix C (Waiver Request for Foreign Entity Participation), and Section IV.D.xviii (Transparency of Foreign Connections). If a waiver request is approved, recipients, subrecipients and any related foreign entities licensing IP would be subject to additional requirements such as described in the FOA including Section VI.B.xii (Reporting of Subject Inventions) and Section VI.B.xxii (U.S. Manufacturing Commitments). Further, non-profits under the Bayh-Dole Act and large businesses under a DOE-issued class patent waiver would need DOE approval to assign inventions to another.  "]
[89,"2023-05-22","Intellectual Property","For global companies with U.S.-based operations, is it necessary to transfer IP applied in the U.S. if the design and innovations will be done mostly by colleagues based abroad? ","Per Section III.A.i (Domestic Entities), the recipient and subrecipients must be domestic (US) entities. In limited circumstances, DOE may approve a waiver to allow a foreign entity to participate as a recipient or subrecipient as described in Section III.A.ii (Foreign Entities).  Additional procedures for inclusion of foreign entity participation are described in the FOA in Section IV.D.xiv (Waiver Requests), Appendix C (Waiver Request for Foreign Entity Participation), and Section IV.D.xviii (Transparency of Foreign Connections). If a waiver request is approved, recipients, subrecipients and any related foreign entities licensing IP would be subject to additional requirements such as described in the FOA including Section VI.B.xii (Reporting of Subject Inventions) and Section VI.B.xxii (U.S. Manufacturing Commitments). Also, per Section IV.D.xiv (Waiver Requests - Performance of Work in the United States (Foreign Work Waiver)) and Section IV.J.iii (Waiver), all work for the projects selected under this FOA must be performed in the United States. To request a waiver of this\nrequirement, the applicant must submit a Foreign Work Waiver request in the Full\nApplication including the requirements described in Appendix C (Waiver for Performance of Work in the United States (Foreign Work Waiver))."]
[90,"2023-05-25","Application Content/Format","There is no requirement of Statement of Project Objectives (SOPO) in the full application. Would you please confirm that this FOA indeed does not need SOPO?","The Statement of Project Objectives will be created and negotiated if your project is selected for an award. The technical volume submitted with your full application must include a workplan. This workplan will be used to inform the Statement of Project Objectives. Please reference FOA Section IV.D.ii for specific instructions regarding the workplan that must be included in your full application's technical volume."]
[91,"2023-05-25","Other","Can a prime applicant transfer prime responsibilities to another company?","Yes. The applicant (owner of the Concept Paper record) in Exchange can share permissions with other Exchange users.  Users with shared permissions to a Concept Paper have full editorial and submission control of the Concept Paper record.  The Exchange user who will be taking the lead in the Concept Paper record can create the Full Application record from the Concept Paper Details page.  The Exchange system will then make that user the applicant and the user who created the Concept Paper will have shared permissions to the Full Application record.  The applicants can then update the teaming arrangement (Lead Organization/Team Members etc.) in the Full Application record."]
[92,"2023-05-26","Technical Topics","With respect to Topic 5, BPP manufacturing rates on Pages 39 and Page 40:  The net requirements are for 8M BPP/year at a required 48-week, 5 day, 2-shift.  This results in 2,400 BPP/hr.  Many of our processes require continuous 3-shift operation to be economical.  Can we propose 5 day, 3-shift which would result in 1,600 BPP/hr?","An hourly production rate of 2400 BPP/hr with a single line is preferred, however alternate operating schedules that result in different hourly production rates are permissible if the proposed operation can supply, or justifiably contribute to supplying, BPP for 20,000 stacks per year that meet the performance, durability, and cost targets."]
[93,"2023-05-27","Application Content/Format","Locations of Work – Q&A states that the referred to required template for the Locations of Work Excel File would be updated prior to the decisions on the concept papers. When will this template become available? ","The Location of Work Template is now available on EERE Exchange. Please reference the section in Exchange titled \"Application Forms and Templates.\""]
[94,"2023-05-27","Application Content/Format","Letters of Commitment – We have had multiple state and federal legislators express desire to provide letters of support for our manufacturing scale up effort. Do these offices have a “substantive role” in our project, and is this type of support letter acceptable in this submission?","No, legislators wishing to express support for the project do not have a substantive role in the project. FOA Section IV.D.iv, \"Letters of Commitment,\" states that letters of support or endorsement for the project from entities that do not have a substantive role in the project are not accepted."]
[95,"2023-05-27","Application Content/Format","How do we identify proprietary information in the technical description?   I will had a proprietary notice on the cover page, but how do I indicate which sections are proprietary in the body of the proposal.","Please see FOA Section VIII.D., \"Treatment of Application Information\", for instructions on how to mark and submit Concept Papers or Full Applications that contain confidential information."]
[96,"2023-06-01","Technical Topics","Section I.B.i – Topic 3:  Advanced Electrolyzer Technology and Component Development\n\nOn pages 32-33, it states “Applications should clearly describe how the proposed innovations will advance LA technology with cell performance targets ≥2.0 A/cm2 @ 1.7 V/cell with ≤2.1 mV/khr degradation rate in concentrated, heated potassium hydroxide (5-10 M) in accordance with DOE’s ultimate goals in Table 2.” Are there standardized testing protocols (real time or accelerated) that should be used to measure the “≤2.1 mV/khr degradation rate” target reference on page 32-33?  If so, could you please provide some details on where the degradation rate test protocols can be acquired?","There are no standardized testing protocols for determining degradation rate."]
[97,"2023-06-06","Application Content/Format","Section VIII of the FOA says that if the proposal contains confidential information we should submit two copies but the website does not allow us to do that.  How do we proceed?","In most cases, confidential information should be limited to the technical volume. EERE Exchange will allow applicants to submit two copies. One copy that contains confidential information and a second copy that has deleted any confidential information. See FOA Section VIII.D \"Treatment of Application Information,\" pp. 145-146 for details on how to mark and identify copies submitted with confidential information."]
[98,"2023-06-06","Application Content/Format","A detailed market transformation plan is, by its nature confidential.   Would you prefer that we include a non-confidential summary, or instead submit two proposals – one non-confidential and one with a quality market transformation plan.  ","The market transformation plan, referred to in the FOA as a “market impact plan,” must be included within the technical volume. EERE Exchange allows applicants to upload two copies of an application’s technical volume, one with confidential information and one without. See FOA Section IV.D.ii for details on technical volume content. See FOA Section VIII.D \"Treatment of Application Information,\" pp. 145-146 for details on how to mark and identify copies submitted with confidential information.to mark and identify copies submitted with confidential information."]
[99,"2023-06-07","Application Content/Format","For proposals in response to DOE DE-FOA-0002922, is the Summary Slide intended to be public, or non-public? ","The required summary slide in the full application submission is not intended for the public, nor will it be released. It simply helps to inform the full evaluation of the proposal. "]
[100,"2023-06-13","Other","If awarded, by what means are funds disbursed, and what type of contract vehicle will be used?","This will be a Cooperative Agreement with substantial involvement, see section II, Bi of the FOA. Depending on entity type, the funds will be disbursed using the ASAP or VIPERs payment methods.  DOE employs a risk based approach to determine the level of supporting documentation required for approving invoices.  Please refer to 2CFR200.206 for risk assessment."]
[101,"2023-06-13","Labs/FFRDCs","Since DOE prohibits FFRDCs from lobbying to influence federal officials in connection with the awarding of grants or contracts, are federally owned and operated laboratories still required to provide a signed SF-LLL when there’s nothing to report?","No, FFRDCs do not need to submit a signed SF-LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying Activities."]
[102,"2023-06-13","Labs/FFRDCs","DOE FFRDCs should address the required “Authorization for DOE/NNSA FFRDCs” To whom, name, title, and mailing address, please?  Past funding announcements have provided the DOE Grantor Contact/Contract Specialist information via the FAQ.","You may address FFRDC authorization letters to:\n\nDOE Contracting Officer\nU.S. Department of Energy\nGolden Field Office\n15013 Denver West Parkway\nGolden, Colorado 80401"]
[103,"2023-06-13","Labs/FFRDCs","In most cases partnering FFRDCs will be funded independently of the project team.  Should those partnering FFRDCs still provide their project lead a completed sub-recipient budget justification for the Full Application submission if the FFRDCs proposed federal share will exceed $250K or 25% of the total project costs?","No, FFRDCs are not required to submit a budget justification if they exceed $250K in total project cost. In the prime recipient's budget justification template, in the \"Contractual\" tab, you will find a section specifically for FFRDCs. Please be sure to enter the amount of funding requested by the FFRDC for each budget period. Note that FFRDCs cannot request more than 25% of the total project cost, regardless of dollar amount. "]
[104,"2023-06-13","Registration Requirements","We are advising a client who is in the process of setting up a new entity to house US DOE-funded R+D (DE-FOA-0002922), and will need to create a new UEI to be associated with it. If the new UEI is not active in time for submission, would our client be eligible to apply to this FOA with their existing UEI and, if selected for an award, work with DOE to execute the grant award under the new UEI/internal entity once it is set up? If so, should this be noted anywhere in the application?","The UEI is required to conduct the risk assessment of the application and the award.  It is required on the SF424 application and other documents.  As long as you have a UEI number in process you may apply. A new UEI number will be required if you are setting up a seprate entity with a separate accounting system."]
[105,"2023-06-13","Application Content/Format","The FOA specifies that references/citations will be counted against the page limit (in our case 15 pages since we are submitting to topic 3).  However, it is not clear whether we can include references as footnotes and with a smaller font size than the main narrative.  Could you please clarify?","Yes, references/citations can be included as footnotes and footnotes can be in a smaller font size."]
[106,"2023-06-13","Application Content/Format","In the concept paper we submitted, we had volunteered to provide cost-share for the industry portion of our budget.  However, this stemmed from our misunderstanding of the cost-sharing requirements.  Now that it is clear that no cost-sharing is required from any participant in university-led proposals, is it permissible to make changes to the budget we proposed in the original concept paper? Specifically, is it permissible to submit a budget without cost-sharing in our university-led proposal?","Yes"]
[107,"2023-06-15","Cost Sharing","Based on the available Q&A, I understand that if an Academic University leads the proposal, all the team members don’t need to provide cost share. The footnote for Topic 3 has the information “The exemption is available for the two-year period beginning on August 9, 2022”. The selected 3-year projects for this FOA won’t be in the mentioned exemption period. My question is that “Is the cost share exemption for topic 3 (led by non-profit or academic institutions) suitable for the whole project period (e.g., 3 years) or only for the footnote described period?","Yes, the cost share exemption applies to the entire project period as long as the award is made prior to when the exemption expires on Aug. 9, 2024, even if the period of performance extends beyond that date."]
[108,"2023-06-15","Foreign Entities/Work","The entities working on the project would be US companies and the work will be done in the US, but there will likely be foreign national researchers employed at the companies. I wanted to clarify whether we’d be required to submit a foreign entity waiver – this seems to only apply to the company as a whole, and not to individual employees, but I would like to confirm.","No, it is not necessary to submit a foreign entity waiver if the only foreign involvement is limited to a number of non-US citizens working on the project. Resumes are required for all key personnel working on the project. "]
[109,"2023-06-15","Application Content/Format","We are currently not registered to lobby at the federal level (and do not plan on registering to lobby) and are questioning what to input into section 10. a. Name and Address of Lobbying Registrant within the SF-LLL document. Please advise on what to input for those who are not registered to lobby at the federal level.","The SF-LLL is required for Prime Recipients and Subrecipients (excluding FFRDCs). If the form is not applicable, applicants complete all \"Reporting Entity\" fields (Box 4). In the required \"Lobbying Registrant\" name fields (Boxes 10a and 10b) list \"Not Applicable - None.\""]
[110,"2023-06-15","Application Content/Format","I am applying for HFTO FOA funding. Where can I find the Budget justification workbook and the SF424 form?","In EERE Exchange, navigate to the DE-FOA-0002922 FOA profile. Under the \"Application Forms and Templates\" section, click the link titled \"View Application Forms and Templates.\" All required application attachments can be found here. "]
[111,"2023-06-18","Application Content/Format","Let's say a company applies for this funding opportunity (without teaming partners that would've also applied) and are making use of external services (eg contracting / outsourcing the CNC manufacturing of bipolar plates, steel supplier, coatings, etc). Does this contractor also need to provide a letter of commitment, even if our company is willing to provide the total cost share required for the project (including that of the contractor)? Also, for the Budget Justification Workbook & SF-424 - is this only filled in by the applicant?","A contractor is required to provide a letter of commitment only if the contractor is contributing cost share toward the project. See FOA Section IV.D.iv, \"Letters of Commitment,\" for details. The prime applicant must complete a budget justification workbook and the SF424. Additionally, subrecipients must submit a separate budget justification describing their project costs and calculations when their total proposed budget exceeds either (1) $250,000 or (2) 25% of the total project cost.\n\n"]
[112,"2023-06-18","Labs/FFRDCs","Where can we find information on which national laboratory consortia can be used for \"testing\" as well as their corresponding in-house testing capabilities, equipment available, etc without contacting them?","For information on the HydroGEN, H2NEW, ElectroCat, and M2FCT consortia, please see the websites referred to in the FOA:\nH2NEW, https://h2new.energy.gov/research.html#lte; HydroGEN, https://h2awsm.org/capabilities; ElectroCat, https://www.electrocat.org/category/capabilities/; and M2FCT, https://millionmilefuelcelltruck.org/"]
[113,"2023-06-18","Application Content/Format","We have not been successful in opening the SF-LLL file provided by you on the grant’s website as it seems to be Damaged. Without the SF-LLL file we would not be able to submit the full proposal. I kindly advise you to help us out by providing us with a copy of the SF-LLL PDF file if possible. ","The file is not damaged but may require you to upgrade your current version of Adobe Acrobat. \nYou may also access the SF-LLL at: \nhttps://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf424-fid.html?formId=670\nhttps://www.energy.gov/eere/funding/eere-funding-application-and-management-forms"]
[114,"2023-06-20","Application Content/Format","I have a question regarding the submission of the SF-LLL form for this FOA. It is listed as “required” vs. “if applicable.” Our organization employs a lobbyist for items completely unrelated to this proposal and has not conducted any lobbying related to this FOA or application. Do we still fill out the form or it is not required?","If any person is paid to influence or attempt to influence any of the following in connection with the application: \n\n• An officer or employee of any federal agency; \n• A Member of Congress; \n• An officer or employee of Congress; or \n• An employee of a Member of Congress; \n\nthat person must be listed on the SF-LLL. It is permissible to complete the SF-LLL and enter “Not applicable – None” in boxes 10a and 10b if you do not have any relevant lobbying activities to report."]
[115,"2023-06-20","Application Content/Format","Beyond certifying that no federal funds are used for payment to the lobbyist, how do we correctly fill out this form if no lobbying was conducted related to this application or a covered federal action?","See answer to Q109."]
[116,"2023-06-20","Application Content/Format","While completing the SF-LLL form, I had a couple of questions and was hoping that you may be able to assist me:\n1.\tUnder Section 7, is the Federal Program Name the same as the Announcement Title? In our case, would it be “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Clean Hydrogen Electrolysis, Manufacturing, and Recycling”?\n2.\tWhere may I find the CFDA number?\n","Under Section 7, the federal program name is the same as the announcement title, \"Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Clean Hydrogen Electrolysis, Manufacturing, and Recycling.\" The CFDA number is found on the cover page of the funding opportunity announcement, #81.087."]
[117,"2023-06-21","Application Content/Format","We have a question regarding ownership of CAPEX investments made with DOE funds.   Specifically, will such manufacturing equipment be fully owned by the awardee/investor or will the government have claim to said assets?","Please see 2CFR200.311-316 and Section VI.B.xviii of the FOA for more information on Real Property and Equipment and requests for continued use."]
[118,"2023-06-21","Application Content/Format","We, as of now, do not have any current and pending support. So, is it mandatory to submit the current and pending support document?","If PIs, co-PIs (if applicable), or any key personnel providing essential work (as determined by the recipient) do not have any current or pending support, please provide and upload a document stating this."]
[119,"2023-06-22","Application Content/Format","In the Budget Justification Workbook template provided by the EERE, under tab “f. Contractual”, it states that “For each Contractor cost with total project costs of $250,000 or more, a Contractor quote must be provided”.  I’d like to confirm if a quote is required for the Full Application submission, or if the quote is only required during award negotiations.","A quote is not required for the Full Application submission but may be provided at your choice."]
[120,"2023-06-26","Application Content/Format","The requirement for topic 3b is a “a single cell electrolyzer configuration (≥25 cm2) for testing.” There is no mention about multi-cell electrolyzer stacks. Would designing and developing a multi-cell electrolyzer stack be viewed favorably or would it be viewed as beyond the intended scope of the topic?","For topic 3b we are asking the applicant to test, at a minimum, their developed material or component in a 25 cm^2 electrolyzer cell. Stack testing is not excluded or beyond the scope of subtopic 3b."]
[121,"2023-06-26","Cost sharing","Part of our proposal requires work to be completed outside of US. We will be completing a Foreign Work Waiver to accompany our application but like to inquire whether there are any guidance/limits as to how much of the budget could be allocated for work outside of US?","Please see the FOA, Appendix C-Waiver Requests for: 1. Foreign Entity Participation; and 2. Foreign Work. The FOA does not specify limits/thresholds for foreign work, the waiver proposal will be fully reviewed to determine whether the “foreign entities participation is in the best interest of the United States industry and United States economic development”."]
[122,"2023-06-28","Cost sharing","“Applicants are bound by the cost share proposed in their Full Applications if selected for award negotiations.”  Our current funding partner is a third party that will not have a role in performing the scope of work for our application, but they are willing to provide cost share. They have asked if their letter of commitment can state that the cost share funding is contingent on successful completion of award negotiations with DOE.  Is this contingency acceptable?","Yes, this contingency is acceptable to include in the letter of commitment.\n\n"]
[123,"2023-06-28","Cost Sharing","Regarding Topic 3 Applications: “For Institutions of Higher Education and Nonprofit Organizations, cost sharing is not required.”  Does this mean that the project as a whole does not have to contribute cost share for funding that goes to Institutions of Higher Education or Nonprofit Organizations?  If $1 million of $5 million in federal funding is awarded to an Institution of Higher Education then the 20% cost share requirement only applies to the $4 million that does not go to the Institution of Higher Education?  So the total project cost share is $1 million and the total project size is $6 million?","See responses to Questions 12, 48, and 55."]
[124,"2023-06-28","Other","A PI transferred to our institution after submitting a Concept Paper to DOE-FOA-0002922 which listed their previous institution as the Lead Organization; the CP was subsequently Encouraged for a Full Application submission. The PI intends to submit the Full Application listing the PI’s new/current institution as the Lead Organization. \nWe received guidance from the EERE Exchange helpdesk to both change the Lead Organization in the Full Application, and to confirm with the FOA Managers to ensure that there are no prohibitions on doing so. Can you please describe/confirm any other steps that must/should be taken prior to submitting the EERE Exchange Full Application with the PI’s new/current institution listed as Lead Organization? ","The instructions from EERE Exchange to change the Lead Organization in the full application and supplemental documentation is sufficient. Note, if any subrecipients involved have changed, that will need to be updated as well. There are no additional steps that need to be taken for submitting the full application. \n"]
[125,"2023-06-28","Application Content/Format","We have been unable to download the following file that is required for our full FOA submission.   SF-LLL - Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.\n\nThe document that downloads contains the following text:\n\n“The document you are trying to load requires Adobe Reader 8 or higher. You may not have the Adobe Reader installed or your viewing environment may not be properly configured to use Adobe Reader. For information on how to install Adobe Reader and configure your viewing environment please see http://www.adobe.com/go/pdf_forms_configure.”\n\nOur IT team believe that the file is damaged and confirms that we are running the latest version of Acrobat reader(2023).","The file is not damaged. You may be attempting to open the downloaded file within a web browser. Navigate to the folder your web browser uses to download files and open it in Adobe Acrobat from that location.\n\n"]
[126,"2023-06-28","Application Content/Format","On page 82 of the FOA, Bullet 3 in Section IV.A indicates applicants should use a black font color. May applicants use a different font color for heads to help the stand out and within tables and graphics.","Headings and labels or captions within tables and graphics should only use a black colored font. A different colored font may be used to call attention to specific figures within a table. \n"]
[127,"2023-06-28","Application Content/Format","On page 88 of the FOA, Section IV.D.ii under Innovation and Impacts, states a \"manufacturing analysis\" should be included. This term is not defined or mentioned in detail. Can DOE provide additional details of what is expected to be included in a \"manufacturing analysis\"?","The term “manufacturing analysis” is used loosely and refers to quantitative analysis of the manufacturing process (e.g., capacity, rates, material usage) that supports the stated topic objectives or project goals. For example, an applicant’s goals for production volumes/rates of a component made with new equipment/processes should be quantitatively justified using DOE’s stack production targets described in the FOA topic. This analysis may not be applicable to all projects."]
[128,"2023-06-28","Application Content/Format","Could you confirm that it is acceptable to propose a 3 year project (Topic 3a) split into 2 x 18 month Budget Periods and that the Budget form should reflect this (i.e., have 2 x 18 month Budget Periods, rather than the 3 Budget Periods shown in the template).  ","Yes, this is acceptable. \n\n"]
[129,"2023-06-28","Other"," I have been reviewing & searching within in the FOA for the DOE Mapping tool required in the CBA. In other FOA’s it was listed as the EPA EJSCREEN mapping tool. I believe the DOE now has their own mapping tool. I have read the FOA and searched the topic electronically as well. I have not found a reference to a DOE or EPA mapping tool. Can you advise?","Footnote 150 has a typo in it – it refers to footnote 2, when it should be footnote 3. Footnote 3 provides a link to the DOE and CEJST screening tools."]
[130,"2023-06-28","Other","We understand the following:\n1)\tFOA for Topic 1 indicates that project duration from award contract signature is a maximum of 3 years (36 months)\n2)\tFOA indicates that project can start as early as Award notification.\n3)\tFOA indicates that this early work between Award Notification and Contract Award signature could be requested to be repaid and repaid soon after contract award.\n\nThus, can total maximum project duration be the sum of 36 months + time between award notification and award contract signature? And assuming that award notification could be as much as 4 months prior to contract signature that total project timeframe could be as much as 40 months?\n","Please review Section IV.J.ii. Pre-Award Costs and Section VI.A.iv. Applicants Selected for Negotiations. Pre award costs are only allowable if the recipient recieves written approval from the federal awarding agency. Note that pre-award expenditures are made at the selectee’s risk.\n\nThe official award start date is when award negotiations are complete and the Contracting Officer executes the funding agreement, accessible by the prime recipient in FedConnect.\n\nIf the reciepient recieves written approval for pre-award costs, the award start date remains the same as aformentioned.\n\n"]
[131,"2023-06-28","Other","What initiates the 5-year non-disclosure period for proprietary information generated by matched federal funding? In other words, when does this 5-year period start?  ","The 5-year data protection starts when the data is generated.  In most cases, for administratively efficiency, DOE will use the date the data was delivered to DOE."]
[132,"2023-06-28","Other","How does DOE reconcile this 5-year non-disclosure period with firms’ existing NDAs, which typically last for 10 or 15 years? Could DOE transmit IP developed through funded projects to company competitors at the conclusion of the 5 year term?","For any technical data that is generated under the award and delivered to DOE, DOE will agree to keep the data that is proprietary in nature confidential for up to 5 years.  After 5 years, the data is subject to public release through a FOIA request or, in the case of data in a report, the report will be published.  The recipient is obligated to ensure that it has the necessary data rights with any subrecipient or other project team member to comply with these data requirements."]
[133,"2023-06-28","Application Content/Format","Where can applicants secure the solicitation number referenced in the SF 424? ","The Applicant Identifier (Control Number) is produced when the application is started in eXCHANGE.\nThe Funding Opportunity Number (Soliciation number) is: DE-FOA-0002922.\nInstructions for UEI numbers is in Section G of the FOA."]
[134,"2023-06-28","Application Content/Format","Line 18: Estimated Funding for “First Budgetary Period by each contributor.” Do you have suggestions on how applicants can determine what this first milestone payment needs to be? ","Review section IV.D.vii. Budget Justification Workbook of the FOA. Applicants must carefully read the “Instructions and Summary” tab provided within the Budget Justification Workbook.\n"]
[135,"2023-07-03","Foreign Entities/Work","We would like to get more information about the Community Partnership / Community Benefits Plan documentation, as well as the Foreign Entity Waiver Request. \n\nPlease advise as where we can find some samples for either document, and/or a contact name for us to get more information.\n","DOE personnel are prohibited from communicating directly with applicants. \nReview Section 1.D, Section IV.D.xv., and Appendix F of the FOA for Community Benefits Plan (CBP) Guidance, including resources referred to in the footnotes. See Questions 43 and 67 for other answered questions on the CBP. \n\nReview section III.A.ii., Section IV.D.xiv. and Appendix C of the FOA for foreign entity waiver request details. See Questions 75, 85, 89, 108 for other answered questions on the foreign entity waiver.  "]
[136,"2023-07-05","Other","We are currently working as a subcontractor for a prime on a DOE proposal. The DOE solicitation # associated with the project is DE-FOA-0002922. As a subcontractor do we need to register with the DOE? I am unsure of what part of the DOE we will need to register with if we need to. Also, as subcontractors how much do we burden our rates for on the project? ","Subrecipients are required to register in the System for Award Management (SAM) and provide a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Refer to Section IV.G and D of the FOA for further guidance. \n\nReview of subrecipient fringe and indirect rates will not be conducted by the Contracting Officer unless deemed necessary. Subrecipients are responsible for negotiating rates with the Prime applicant. All expenditures must be allowable, allocable, and reasonable in accordance with the applicable federal cost principles. Pursuant to 2 CFR 910.352, the cost principles in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (48 CFR 31.2) apply to for-profit entities. The cost principles contained in 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E apply to all entities other than for-profits."]
[137,"2023-07-06","Other","Please confirm that no waiver is needed if the Prime Applicant is an entity incorporated in the United States and all work is conducted in the US, even if the Prime Applicant is owned by a foreign entity (e.g., Germany, UK, South Korea, etc.).","As stated in Section III.A.i. of the FOA, \"the proposed prime recipient and subrecipient(s) must be domestic entities. To qualify as a domestic entity, the entity must be organized, chartered or incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a particular state or territory of the United States; have majority domestic ownership and control; and have a physical place of business in the United States.\" If this is not the case, a foreign waiver request is required with the application. Please see question 89 for additional information on the foreign waiver process."]
[138,"2023-07-07","Application Content/Format","The Budget Justification Template for DE-FOA-0002922 doesn't work properly.\n\nIn the Personnel, Equipment, Supplies, Contructal, and Cost Share tabs, the Total Cost of each entry doesn't work for newly added lines. \n\nCan you update the template or remove the protection to the column?\n","Refer to the Budget Justification Instructions and Summary tab. The applicant can add rows as needed to tabs a. through j. To update formulas, the applicant has the option to unprotect a sheet found on the \"review\" tab on the excel Ribbon, and drag down the formulas. Do not change any formulas in the worksheet.\n\n"]
[139,"2023-07-07","Application Content/Format","I am currently involved in more than one proposal to DE-FOA-0002922. Do I need to disclose all the proposals submitted to this FOA in the current and pending file? The concern is that it may reveal the confidential info of each competing team. Am I allowed not to put the other proposal info when I prepare each current and pending file? ","No, you do not need to disclose this information in the Current and Pending file in the application.  As stated in Section VI.B.xxi of the FOA, if selected for award negotiations the Prime recipient will be required to submit updated Current and Pending support disclosures and if there are changes to your status on pending awards, you would be required to disclose them then."]
[140,"2023-07-07","Foreign Entities/Work","I am applying to this FOA as a subaward and am struggling to answer all of the questions in the Transparency of Foreign Connections section. As a small start-up company, we have over 100 individuals on our cap table and do not have citizenship information for all of them. Ultimately, I was told obtaining information about citizenship or principal place of business from each stockholder is not feasible right now.\n\nIs answering questions 10-13 absolutely necessary to apply as a subaward on the grant? Or is there anything we could provide that wouldn’t include that level of detail? If so, I’m not sure we will be able to apply, which will be very difficult for our collaborators. \n","Yes, responses are required to all questions (1-13) in FOA Section IV.D.xviii, Transparency of Foreign Connections. As stated in the FOA, a separate disclosure is required for the applicant and each proposed subrecipient."]
[141,"2023-07-07","Application Content/Format","My company is submitting a proposal as a prime and is working with a subcontractor who has requested to keep some information in their budget form “EERE_T_540 (3).xlsx” sensitive/ proprietary. Is there a process that will allow the subcontractor to upload the information directly to the DOE?","In the case of a sub-recipient who does not want to share that potential proprietary information with the prime they could fill out the budget justification with a flat dollar amounts in each tab.  This will provide DOE with some idea of how the sub’s portion of the project breaks down without providing too much information through the prime.  During negotiations if the prime grants permission the sub can work directly with DOE and provide a more detailed budget justification"]
[142,"2023-07-10","Application Content/Format","Can the project title be modified in the final FOA application?","Yes"]
[143,"2023-07-10","Application Content/Format","We are submitting a proposal, and have 6 subawardees.  \nIn the locations of work template, the last item on the spreadsheet is % of work at this location. What kind of percentage are you looking for? 100% for each partner; or all partners together will equal 100% based upon the budget?  Or something else\n","This is referring to the % of the total work of the project that will be conducted at that subawardees location. The sum of all the \"% work at this location\" should equal 100%. \n"]
[144,"2023-07-12","Application Content/Format","Can you please let me know what the difference is between the Current and Pending Support document and Potentially Duplicative Funding? ","The purpose of Current and Pending support (Section IV.D.xvi) is to identify all work the Principal investiator and team leads are handling in order to ensure there will be no potential duplication, overcommitment, potential conflicts of interest or commitment, and all other sources of support, if the proposal is selected. \n\nThe Potentially Duplicative Funding (Section IV.D.xix) is to determine if specific activities on other awards the team is involved on, are the same as the activities proposed in the applicants application for this FOA. This is to avoid duplicative funding of the same work. \n"]
[145,"2023-07-13","Application Content/Format","In filling out the SF424 form, section 18b where the applicants funding is declared; should that value simply be the 20% cost share or the total amount the applicant expects to spend to complete the project?","The recipient should include all anticipated project spending in section 18b, even if it is over the minimum cost share amount. "]
[146,"2023-07-13","Application Content/Format","We have a sub-recipient that has current and pending support activity that should be disclosed, but they state is proprietary. \n\nIs there a way for them to submit independently of our application as the Lead? What is the best way to relay this information?","If the application is selected for award negotiation, the subrecipient may provide their Current and Pending Support activity directly to DOE at that point.\n\n"]
[147,"2023-07-17","Application Content/Format","I am putting together a DOE proposal for FOA-0002922. I wanted to know if we are required to submit a FFRDC work proposal and work authorization. Our company is currently collaborating with NREL through a technical service agreement on work related to the proposal and we will likely continue working with them on this topic throughout the proposal. However, we are not planning to use money from the DOE award to fund our work with them since we are already collaborating through a technical service agreement. Can you please let me know if a FFRDC work proposal and work authorization are required for this situation?","No, a FFRDC work proposal and work authorization is not required in this situation. Please include this information in your Current and Pending Support file, but not the budget documentation. \n"]
[148,"2023-07-17","Application Content/Format","I had just seen that the location of work had to be in an excel file whereas in the document list it said PDF. Can you clarify on as to if it should be in a PDF or Excel file. ","Please use the location of work template provided on the FOA eXCHANGE page under the \"APPLICATION FORMS AND TEMPLATES\" section. You may submit the file as an MS Excel file, but we will also accept the file as a PDF."]
[149,"2023-07-17","Application Content/Format","The FOA states that subrecipients providing cost share must provide a letter of commitment. Our project is being cost shared entirely by our company. It appears that a letter of commitment is therefore not required, but in the EERE Exchange has marked this document as required. Please advise how to proceed.","Thank you for bringing this to our attention. You are correct that Letters of Commitment (LOC) for cost sharing are required only from subrecipients or third-parties. The LOC document settings in eXCHANGE have been updated."]
[150,"2023-07-18","Other","A subrecipient is not able to complete their budget paperwork by the July 19 FOA deadline. Can an extension for this subrecipient’s budget justification document be approved for submission later in the week of July 19?","Please provide as much information as possible on the subrecipient’s budget justification document with the application. DOE is not able to accept submissions past the stated deadline in the FOA. "]
[151,"2023-07-18","Application Content/Format","For applications to Topic 6 of DE-FOA-0002922, DOE notes that submission of a signed non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the full application is required. Here is the relevant FOA language from p.65:\n\n“Applications are required to include a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by all partners of the team.” \n\nI do not see a place to upload these documents in EERE Exchange. Can you please confirm (1) that a signed NDA and MOU are in fact required to be submitted with the full application; and (2) if yes, the MOU and NDA are required, where can we upload these documents in EERE Exchange?","EXCHANGE has been updated to allow applicants to Topic 6 to upload the signed NDA/MOU. If this document is not included with the application and the project is selected for award, DOE will work with the applicant to obtain this information during award negotiations."]
[152,"2023-07-18","Application Content/Format","In our concept paper submission, our company was listed as the Lead Organization accounting for 100% of the project work. We now have additional team members in the project. I am unable to edit the percentage of work performed by our company and by the other organizations that I have listed on the Organizations tab in the eere-exchange. Therefore the Total Percentage Effort of the Project exceeds 100%. Please advise how to resolve.","Please make sure you are viewing the application and not the concept paper. Applicants should be able to edit the \"lead organization location\" and \"lead organization particpant\" sections along with the percentage of work. "]
[153,"2023-07-19","Application Content/Format","Is the Budget Justification workbook considered confidential due to the fact it contains Finance information?  Will the workbook be rendered non responsive if we indicate your Notice of Restriction and Disclosure statement?","No, the workbook will not be rendered non responsive if you indicate the Notice of Restriction and Disclosure statement.”"]
[154,"2023-07-19","Application Content/Format","Is it necessary to fill out the “FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE CERTIFICATIONS AND ASSURANCES -- FOR USE WITH SF 424” as part of the full application (form \"certifications-an-assurances-use-sf-424.pdf\")? ","No this is not necessary, please reference the \"certifications-an-assurances-use-sf-424.pdf\" to complete field 21 on the SF-424."]
[155,"2023-07-19","Application Content/Format","For BIL-FOA-0002922, do we need to submit a SF-424 form for each subrecipient? Our understanding from the FOA instructions is that only the Prime application submits a SF-424.\n\nIf so, do we combine into one PDF?\n","An SF-424 is only required for the prime. Please submit as 1 PDF."]

{"sheet":"Admin Pick List","index":2,"n_rows":17,"n_cols":1,"rows_kept":17,"cut":false,"hidden":true,"merged":[]}
["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"]