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["INSTRUCTIONS"]
[1,"All questions pertaining to this funding opportunity announcement should be emailed to Cities.LEAP@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-FOA0001403 - Cities Leading through Energy Aanalysis and Planning (Cities-LEAP)"]
["Question #","Date Submitted","Topic","Question","Answer","Answer Revised"]
[1,"2016-03-23","Eligibility","Is a third-party non-local or non-tribal government entity eligible to apply if it oversees projects on behalf of one or a coalition of local or tribal governments?","No, only a local or tribal government may apply as a prime recipient of this funding; however, third-parties may be included in the project team."]
[2,"2016-03-24","Webinar","How does one access the informational webinar scheduled for March 31?","Potential applicants may register for the webinar using this link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4821044400756259076."]
[3,"2016-03-24","Application Content/Format","Are indirect costs allowed under this program?","As stated in Section IV.J.i (Allowable Costs) of the FOA, expenditures must be allowable, allocable, and reasonable in accordance with the applicable Federal cost principles.  For-profit entities should refer to FAR Part 31.  Other non-federal entities should refer to 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E.  2 CFR 200.414 specifically addresses indirect costs."]
[{"$f":"A6+1","v":4},"2016-03-30","Labs/FFRDCs","Is a government-owned government operated (GOGO) national laboratory eligible to join as a sub-performer a consortium led by an eligible prime applicant, and conduct reimbursable work consistent with the terms outlined in the subject FOA?","Yes.  Section III.E.ii.2 of the FOA (Authorization for DOE/NNSA FFRDCs) states that \"The cognizant Contracting Officer for the FFRDC must authorize in writing the use of the FFRDC on the proposed project and this authorization must be submitted with the application.\"  For a GOGO, DOE would accept a letter from a position of equivalent authority.  ","Revised 3/31/16 to clarify GOGO authorization."]
[{"$f":"A7+1","v":5},"2016-03-31","Due Dates","Could you please send the revised due dates which were presented in the webinar?","A FOA modification with the revised due dates will be posted to Exchange within the next few days. It is expected that Concept Papers will be due May 17, 2016 at 5:00 pm ET, and Full Applications will be due June 23, 2016 at 5:00 pm ET.  Please check the official FOA Modification once it is posted."]
[6,"2016-03-31","Webinar","Is it possible to get a pdf copy of the presentation from today's webinar?","A link to the full webinar, including any Q&A, will be posted to Exchange within the next few days."]
[7,"3/31/16 (Webinar)","Application Content/Format","Does the proposal evaluation prioritize projects in areas of high population density over more rural-community-based projects?","DOE would like to select projects with a diversity of characteristics, locations, and sectors addressed (as stated in the Program Policy Factors), significant potential impact to energy or energy-related greenhouse gas emissions impacts, and outcomes that can be leveraged by many other local communities. ","This answer has been modified since the Webinar."]
[{"$f":"A10+1","v":8},"3/31/16 (Webinar)","Technical Topics","In the FOA, you indicate that regional planning bodies can be the lead… how large of a spatial scale can projects cover?","There is no restriction on spatial scale."]
[9,"3/31/16 (Webinar)","Application Content/Format","Since local governments are required to be the lead, procurement regulations constrain the ability to partner with outside organizations without going thru a competitive bid process.  Does DOE have any recommendations on how to convene a team with sub-grantees within the constraints of competitive bid requirements?","Administrative requirements for DOE grants and cooperative agreements are contained in 2 CFR part 200 as amended by 2 CFR Part 910.  Applicants are encouraged to review 2 CFR 200.330, Subrecipient and Contractor Determinations, for information on distinguishing Subrecipients from Contractors (a procurement relationship).  Procurement Standards are found at 2 CFR 200.317 - 200.326.  DOE cannot advise on local government policies/procedures/regulations."]
[10,"3/31/16 (Webinar)","Technical Topics","Are projects that drive energy decision making in terms of municipal facilities eligible soley, or is it required that the project involve community energy or emissions?","Responsive applications must address community-wide energy or GHG emissions, as stated in Section I.A.i. and Section I.C.  However, applications may cover both community-wide and municipal facility energy or emissions."]
[11,"3/31/16 (Webinar)","Technical Topics","Climate action plans are not eligible.  Are updates to existing CAPs based on lessons learned and new data gathered as part of this project eligible?  The update would target deeper GHG reductions and include new policies.","An update to an existing climate action plan would not be responsive to this FOA unless the applicant demonstrates that such an update is necessary to meet the project objectives as stated in Section I.B. ","This answer has been modified since the Webinar."]
[12,"3/31/16 (Webinar)","Eligibility","Can an applicant submit more than one concept paper?  ","Yes, as stated in Section III.F. applicants may submit more than one Full Application as long as each describes a unique, scientifically-distinct project."]
[13,"3/31/16 (Webinar)","Eligibility","Can an entity be a sub on more than one application?","Yes, an entity can be a sub on more than one application."]
[14,"3/31/16 (Webinar)","Technical Topics","Please provide an example or two of projects (more detailed than provided in the FOA) that EERE would encourage.","The FOA is comprehensive and designed to allow prospective applicants to assess their proposed projects versus the requirements and criteria of the FOA.  DOE cannot provide more specific examples of projects that would be encouraged.  Pleae refer to Section I of the FOA for the description and background, as well as topic/technical areas of interest."]
[15,"3/31/16 (Webinar)","Technical Topics","Is this funding opportunity more interested in data-oriented technology development or policy decision-making tools such as an innovative toolkit?","This FOA is about marrying the two, so the result is to improve access and use of data and data analytics and lead to better development of policies and programs by local and tribal governments."]
[16,"3/31/16 (Webinar)","Technical Topics","Are you envisioning development of an app?","Software application development may be part of a proposed project as long as the applicant demonstrates tht it is necessary to meet the project objectives as stated in Section I.B."]
[17,"3/31/16 (Webinar)","Webinar","Can you provide today's participant list?","The attendees of this webinar did not give consent to DOE to publish their information; therefore, DOE will not be able to provide a list as requested."]
[18,"3/31/16 (Webinar)","Technical Topics","There is a focus in the FOA on the sustainability of the tools provided for analyzing policy and providing metrics and data to better inform policy.  However, data often changes annually, to what degree is the changing nature of available data taken in to account when assessing the sustainability of a tool/project?","DOE would like to select projects that model local or tribal government practices and processes that can be sustained past the funding period. If repeated data acquisition is necessary for the proposed model practice or process to be implemented and successful, the applicant should state how that could be accomplished without continued reliance on external funding sources.","This answer has been modified since the Webinar."]
[19,"3/31/16 (Webinar)","Application Content/Format","If there are multiple cities that would want to partner in a project, who would be the Principal Investigator (PI)?","The PI is designated by the applicant, and is typically the individual who will direct the technical or programmatic aspects of the project."]
[20,"3/31/16 (Webinar)","Application Reviews","Criterion 1 for Full Aplications: What is meant by \"revolutionary\"?","Revolutionary means that we are looking for solutions that are innovative, new, and unique, that will push the work that local and tribal goverments do forward on achieving aggressive energy and energy-related GHG emissions targets."]
[21,"2016-04-04","Application Content/Format","Has this grant been awarded in the past?","No."]
[22,"2016-04-05","Technical Topics","Could a city submit an application to apply a data-driven tool, to support the capacity of towns and cities in various energy usage, in municipalities across the state?","The Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is comprehensive and designed to allow prospective applicants to assess their proposed projects versus the requirements and criteria of the FOA.  DOE cannot predetermine the suitability or viability of a proposal in advance of the merit review process.  It is up to prospective applicants to review the requirements of the FOA and assess the merits of their proposed project to determine whether to submit an application."]
[23,"2016-04-07","Eligibility","Does the definition of local government include counties for this funding opportunity?","Yes, as stated in Section III.A. of the FOA, local governments may include a county."]
[24,"2016-04-07","Application Content/Format","What is the funding amount per award?","As stated in Section II.A.i of the FOA, individual awards may vary between $100,000 and $500,000 but could be greater or less than these amounts."]
[25,"2016-04-07","Eligibility","Is a regional collaborative eligibile to apply?","A Regional Collaborative may apply if it identifies itself as a consortium of local or tribal governments as stated in the eligibility criteria Section III.A and complies with the consortium requirements identified in that same Section."]
[26,"2016-04-08","Eligibility","Are federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organizations eligible applicants?","A Metropolitan Planning Organization may apply if it identifies itself as a consortium of local or tribal governments as stated in the eligibility criteria Section III.A and complies with the consortium requirements identified in that same Section."]
[27,"2016-04-08","Application Content/Format","If the applicant needs to identify an outside consultant to work on the proposed project before the awards are announced this may pose challenging due to the procurement. With this in mind, how should an applicant consider formatting and finalizing the Addendum section of the concept paper?","Applicants may identify an outside consultant as TBD (to be determined), but should provide a general description of the intended consultants' qualifications, experience, and capabilities."]
[28,"2016-04-13","Application Content/Format","The website interface keeps directing me to the wrong FOA and I cannot pull up DE-FOA-0001403. Will you send it to me or help me figure out how to get it from the Funding Opportunity page?","The referenced FOA document is only available through the EERE eXCHANGE website, and will not be provided by DOE personnel via any other means. If you are having trouble accessing the FOA, please contact the EERE eXCHANGE help desk to resolve the issue by e-mail to EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov.    "]
[29,"2016-04-15","Application Content/Format","Is this grant a once and done situation, or will this be a recurring opportunity next year?","EERE cannot commit to funding in future years as it is subject to appropriations."]
[30,"2016-04-28","Eligibility","We are a city considering working with a municipal utility to submit a concept paper for this FOA.  Could the municipal utility (a subsidiary of the town’s government) submit as the prime applicant, or must the application go through (and be submitted by) the Mayor's office?","Please refer to section III.A. of the FOA for a description of eligible applicants.  A municipal utility that is an agency or instrumentality of a local government would be eligible to apply as the prime applicant.  DOE does not require approval from a mayor’s office for an applicant to meet DOE eligibility requirements.  DOE assumes that if an entity is applying, there are no local laws that would prohibit them from doing so.  In some cases instrumentalities of cities are required by their own local rules to get approval to receive funding outside of normal municipal revenue processes.  DOE advises that any entities that are applying for DOE funding ensure that they can do so in accordance with their own local jurisdiction’s laws and rules.    "]
[31,"2016-04-29","Eligibility","Can an academic institution (a university) be the prime for this submission?","Please refer to Section III.A of the FOA for a full description of eligible applicants."]
[32,"2016-05-02","Application Content/Format","This FOA requires the prime applicant to be a local jurisdiction.  Is it possible/acceptable for most (if not all) of the funding to be distributed to sub-recipients?","It is up to the prime applicant to decide how best to allocate the budget between itself and sub-recipients."]
[33,"2016-05-02","Application Content/Format","Regarding question #32, what liability exists or does not exist in this situation for the local jurisdiction (prime applicant)?","The Recipient (prime applicant) of an award is required to ensure compliance with all terms and conditions of the award, including compliance with all applicable Federal, state, and local laws and regulations for all work performed under the award. Please refer to FOA Section III.B.i, for information regarding the legal responsibility of cost sharing."]
[34,"2016-05-02","Application Content/Format","Could the PI be of a sub-recipient/partner organization outside of the local jurisdiction (e.g. the technical lead organization)? Would this shift any liability to that sub-recipient, or does it wholly remain with the prime/local jurisdiction?","The PI is designated by the prime applicant, and is typically the individual who will direct the technical or programmatic aspects of the project.  The Recipient (prime applicant) of an award is required to ensure compliance with all terms and conditions of the award, including compliance with all applicable Federal, state, and local laws and regulations for all work performed under the award."]
[35,"2016-05-02","Application Reviews","If an applicant submits their concept paper earlier than the deadline, will they receive feedback sooner?","No.  The concept paper review process will not begin until after the May 17, 2016 deadline."]
[36,"2016-05-04","Eligibility","Is a school district eligible to apply for this grant?","Please reference Section III.A. of the FOA for eligibility information.  As stated in this section, local governments may include a school district."]
[37,"2016-05-04","Technical Topics","Would the topic described below be suitable for consideration?  (topic description omitted for posting purposes)","The Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is comprehensive and designed to allow prospective applicants to assess their proposed projects versus the requirements and criteria of the FOA.  DOE cannot predetermine the suitability or viability of a proposal in advance of the merit review process.  It is up to prospective applicants to review the requirements of the FOA and assess the merits of their proposed project to determine whether to submit an application."]
[38,"2016-05-02","Technical Topics","“County” is designing a project aiming to target XXXX within the county. A development process needs to be undertaken.  Would work to develop the project products be considered a unique, scientifically distinct project?","See answer to question #37."]
[39,"2016-05-05","Application Content/Format","We have several tribes that would have interest in the Cities-LEAP grant if funding was available to them.  Can you please verify that there is funding available for this grant?","Please refer to Section II.A.i. of the FOA which states \"EERE expects to make approximately $1,250,000 of Federal funding available for new awards under this FOA, subject to the availability of appropriated funds.\""]
[40,"2016-05-05","Technical Topics","Does the FOA's focus on \"data-driven decision frameworks\" include proposals that develop only the pre-cursors to decision-making, such as efforts to standardize data collection or reporting and visualization (e.g. of current state of energy use)?  Or does the FOA require that such pre-cursors be actively linked to assessing impacts of specific policies?","Proposals focused solely on data collection without application to specific policies and programs would not be responsive to this FOA."]
[41,"2016-05-10","Application Content/Format","Question regarding a national lab partnering with a Prime applicant:  What is the maximum dollar amount a national lab can receive from an awarded Prime applicant?","The FOA does not specify a maximum dollar amount for a national lab.  There is a limit on FFRDC effort.  Please see Section III.E.ii.6."]
[42,"2016-05-11","Application Content/Format","Page 7 of the FOA states: \"Note that applications need only state the intended metrics; and as such, applicants are not required to provide any quantification of those metrics in their submissions.\"  Page 26 of the FOA describes concept paper requirements: \"The proposed project's target level of performance based on the impact metrics described in the Program Summary Section I.A.i (applicants should provide technical data or other support to show how the proposed target could be met);\"  The concept paper requirement suggests a quantification of impact metrics in order to establish a target (in conflict with statement on page 7).  Please advise.","Applicants may but are not required to express their target level of performance quantitatively."]
[43,"2016-05-12","Registration Requirements","In the LEAP Application and Submission Information section IV part A of the FOA (page 24) it states that: “A control number will be issued when an applicant begins the Exchange application process.” “This control number must be included with all Application documents, as described below.”   Question: Is a control number assigned/included when the Concept Paper is submitted?","Applicants will receive a control number once the concept paper submission process has been initiated in Exchange.  "]
[44,"2016-05-12","Application Content/Format","If we receive encouragement based on the Concept Paper to submit a full application, are we bound to have that full application match exactly with the information we are required to include in Exchange now in order to submit the concept paper?  For instance, could the percentage of the project that will be completed by each team member, or budget specifics, be modified in the full application?","No, concept papers are not binding but the application must be based on the concept paper.  Adjustments to project team percentages and budget details would be permitted."]
[45,"2016-05-12","Cost Sharing","Does cost sharing work as a discount off of invoices, so that the recipient bills for all expenses and then deducts a cost sharing rate?","Please refer to the following for information regarding cost share: FOA Section III.B., FOA Appendix A - \"Cost Share Information\", 2 CFR 200.306 as amended by 2 CFR 910.130 & 10 CFR 603.525-555."]
[46,"2016-05-12","Cost Sharing","If a vendor would typically charge $50 per hour for a service, but instead charges $45, and is not receiving the additional $5 per hour from another source but is simply offering services at a discount, is that considered a 10% cost share on that particular expense?","Since a cost must be incurred to be allowable as cost share, a discount is usually not allowable.  If a cost is not eligible for reimbursement under an award, it would not be eligible as cost share."]
[47,"2016-05-12","Cost Sharing","In general, is there any reading I could do that would help me better understand Cost Share as DOE defines?","See answer to question #45."]
[48,"2016-05-16","Eligibility","We are planning to submit a separate concept paper for each city with whom we have data planning projects planned.  Can a private company submit multiple concept papers; one for each separate city?","A private company is not eligible to apply to this FOA.  Please see Section III.A. of the FOA for a full description of Eligible Applicants."]
[49,"2016-05-16","Eligibility","If we are supporting multiple cities but the method of data analysis and policy planning is completely different for each should we submit two separate concept papers?","As stated in Section III.F. of the FOA, \"Applicants may submit more than one Full Application to this FOA, provided that each application describes a unique, scientifically distinct project\".  See answer to Question #12. "]
[50,"2016-05-17","Due Dates","Approximately how long after the concept paper submission deadline will DOE provide feedback regarding encouragement or discouragement of full applications?","The estimated notification date is May 24, 2016."]
[51,"2016-05-20","Application Content/Format","Page 29 of the FOA notes that the Technical Volume may not be more than 20 pages.  However, page 30 notes that the Technical Volume should not exceed 10 pages.  Can you please clarify the allowable length of the Technical Volume?","The Technical Volume should not exceed 10 pages.  DOE intends to issue a modification to the FOA within the next few days, in order to formalize this correction."]
[52,"2016-05-20","Application Content/Format","On Page 33 of the FOA, the URL for SF-424 is invalid.  When searching on DOE's website, I found multiple versions of SF-424. Which SF-424 form is the correct one for the Cities-LEAP FOA?","On the Exchange website, under the list of EERE Funding Opportunity Announcements, scroll down and select the Cities-LEAP FOA, #DE-FOA-0001403.  Under \"Required Application Documents\", click on \"View Required Application Documents\".  Then select the SF-424."]
[53,"2016-05-23","Due Dates","Is it possible to submit a concept paper for review after the submission date?","No. As stated in Section III.C. of the FOA, EERE will not review or consider noncompliant submissions, including Concept Papers that were submitted after the applicable deadline. "]
[54,"2016-05-23","Eligibility","Can the full application be submitted without having first submitted the concept paper?","No.  As stated in Section III.C. of the FOA, EERE will not review or consider noncompliant submissions.  In order for Full Applications to be deemed compliant, the applicant must have submitted a compliant Concept Paper. "]
[55,"2016-05-23","Cost Sharing","On page 19 of the FOA it states: \"Project Teams may provide cost share in the form of cash or in-kind contributions.  Cash contributions may be provided by the Prime Recipient or Subrecipients.  Allowable in-kind contributions include, but are not limited to: rental value of buildings or equipment, the value of a donated service or resource, or third party in-kind contribution.\"  Are in-kind contributions handled differently from cash contributions?  The above statement says that cash contributions may be provided by the Prime Recipient or Subrecipient.  Is that also the case with in-kind services, or are those required to be contributed solely by the Prime Recipient?","In-kind services are not required to be contributed solely by the Prime Recipient.  Please refer to Appendix A of the FOA for additional information regarding cost share requirements."]
[56,"2016-05-26","Application Reviews","Our concept paper was \"discouraged\", yet in the weaknesses section it identified 4 areas in which to explain or elaborate in the full proposal.  This contradicts the \"discourage\" notification.  Please clarify if a full proposal is discouraged or encouraged.","Applicants who received a \"discouraged\" notification are discouraged from submitting a Full Application.  By discouraging the submission of a Full Application, EERE intends to convey its lack of programmatic interest in the proposed project.  However, as stated in the FOA, an applicant who receives a \"discouraged\" notificataion may still submit a Full Application.  Applicants who received a discourage notification but still decide to submit a Full Application should address the weaknesses identified."]
[57,"2016-05-27","Technical Topics","Does this grant include energy efficiency improvement for university campus?","Only if the energy efficiency improvements for the university campus are part of a larger community-wide effort by the local or tribal government."]
[58,"2016-05-27","Application Reviews","We have been encouraged to submit a full application on the Cities-LEAP FOA and would like to understand the degree of \"priority\" given to original Climate Action Champions.","In addition to the Technical Review Criteria described in Section V.A.ii. of the FOA, the Selection Official may consider program policy factors in determining which Full Applications to select for award negotiations, including: Whether the applicant is a Climate Action Champion designated under DOE's Request for Applications DE-FOA-0001189 (RFA) or the applicant has a letter of support from a Climate Action Champion designated under the above referenced RFA.  See Section V.C.i. for a full list of program policy factors. "]
[59,"2016-06-01","Application Content/Format","The Statement of Project Objectives (SOPO) seems to have some overlapping content to what is requested in the Technical Volume, particularly the work plan section.  Is the intent of requiring both that the SOPO allows you to elaborate further on content that can only be briefly addressed within the Technical Volume?","Yes, the SOPO should include a detailed description of the Work Breakdown Structure and Tasks whereas the Technical Volume should provide only a summary of the Project Objectives, Technical Scope, Work Breakdown Structure, Milestones, Go/No-Go Decision Points, and Project Schedule."]
[60,"2016-06-01","Application Content/Format","We have subawardees who have to do their own EERE 335 (Budget Justification Wookbook).  We understand that we include all of their costs on both the main 335 as well as their subaward 335.  Does a subawardee fill our only tab F and tab J if it has a cost-share, or does it present its salary costs, for example, as a \"Personnel\" cost in tab A, rather than a contractual in tab F?","The subawardee should enter its costs on tabs A through J of the subawardee 335 budget.  Their personnel costs go on tab A.  If the subawardee enters into Contractual relationships with other entities, those would go on tab J of the subawardee's 335 budget. On the prime applicant's 335 budget, tab F should reflect the total amount of each subawardee budget."]
[61,"2016-06-01","Application Content/Format","Do you have an example of a subawardee completed 335 you can share or post.","No."]
[62,"2016-06-01","Application Content/Format","Are we required to split our funding request equally into two years or can more costs in terms of federal request be allocated to one year than another?  What about for cost share?","Funding need not be split equally between two years.  Regarding cost share, please see FOA Section III.B.vi. (Cost Share Payment), which states that the Prime Recipient's cost share for each billing period must always reflect the overall cost share ratio negotiated by the parties. "]
[63,"2016-06-01","Application Content/Format","Is there a recommended start date for the project?","DOE anticipates negotiating awards during August and September, with the estimated earliest start date of October 1, 2016."]
[{"$f":"A66+1","v":64},"2016-06-02","Application Content/Format","May a subrecipient use its own indirect cost rate or must they use the indirect cost rate of the lead applicant?","A subrecipient must use its own indirect cost rate.  "]
[{"$f":"A67+1","v":65},"2016-06-02","Application Content/Format","Is there a person or office to whom we could have our partners address their letters of commitment and supporters their letters of support?","Letters of commitment and support may be addressed to the prime aplicant."]
[66,"2016-06-02","Application Content/Format","The partners identified in the concept paper we submitted include three local governments. We are identified as the prime recipient/lead organization and the submission was done through our eere.exchange account.  May we change the prime recipient to be one of the other local governments when we submit the full application?  If so, should we continue to create the full application under our eere.exchange account, but identify a different PI, or submit under the other local government’s account?","You may not change the prime recipient.  As stated in Section III.C. of the FOA, for a Full Application to be compliant, the applicant must have submitted a compliant Concept Paper."]
[67,"2016-06-03","Cost Sharing","Is it acceptable for a city co-applicant that is not the prime applicant on the grant application to opt out of receiving a portion of the grant funds?  In this scenario, the co-applicant not receiving funds would still work with the other partners on the project, they would simply be doing so free of charge and allowing the partners to collect the funds and satisfy the cost-sharing requirements.","It is up to the prime applicant and its partners to determine the distribution of the grant funds and allocation of work.  To be inclusive, the recipient should include all work, even if it is volunteer.  They can estimate its value and count it as excess cost share (over the minimum required). "]
[68,"2016-06-07","Cost Sharing","Can a reduction in indirect costs be eligible to count as cost share?  For example, if a University has an indirect rate of 20% and agrees to only charge 10%, is the value of this contribution considered as cost share to the project?","Please refer to Appendix A (Cost Share Information) of the FOA.  Additionally, see 2 CFR 200.306(c), which states that unrecovered indirect costs, including indirect costs on cost sharing or matching may be included as part of cost sharing or matching only with the prior approval of the Federal awarding agency. "]
[69,"2016-06-07","Application Content/Format","Are tuition costs and graduate student stipend allowable project expenses?","Please see Section IV.J.i. of the FOA for information on allowable costs.  For a university subrecipient, the applicable Federal cost principles are found at 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E.  Tuition is addressed under 2 CFR 200.466. Compensation for personal services is covered under 2 CFR 200.430."]
[70,"2016-06-07","Application Content/Format","The SF-LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, is listed as a required form.  However, the text within the FOA states that \"Prime Recipients and Subreciients are required to complete and submit SF-LLL if any non-Federal funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence any of the following in connection with your application ....\".  Please clarify if this form is required.","As stated in Section IV.D.xi. of the FOA, the SF-LLL form is only required IF the entity has lobbying activities to disclose."]
[71,"2016-06-07","Intellectual Property","The link in Section VI.B.xi. (Intellectual Property Provisions) of the FOA is not working.  Please provide a working link. ","http://www1.eere.energy.gov/financing/resources.html"]
[72,"2016-06-07","Application Content/Format","The link in Section VI.B.xii. (Reporting) of the FOA is not working.  Please provide a working link. ","http://www1.eere.energy.gov/financing/resources.html"]
[73,"2016-06-07","Application Content/Format","Most reporting refers to a FedConnect.net site where we can't view the reporting templates without setting up a login.  Is there a way to see the reporting requirements without developing a login?","Using the link provided in Q/A #72, please see the Model Cooperative Agreement found under \"Award Package\"."]
[74,"2016-06-07","Application Content/Format","Can a government that receives less than $35 million in direct federal funding use the de minimis rate of 10%?","No, as stated in Appendix VII to Part 200 D. 1. b., A governmental department or agency unit that receives more than $35 million in direct Federal funding must submit its indirect cost rate proposal to its cognizant agency for indirect costs. Other governmental department or agency must develop an indirect cost proposal in accordance with the requirements of this Part and maintain the proposal and related supporting documentation for audit.  "]
[75,"2016-06-08","Application Content/Format","May the subrecipient budget function as \"Federal Flow-through with Fixed Price Award,\" such that the full grant funds are paid to the main recipient with the subrecipient's portion (at the subrecipient's indirect cost rate) paid under a fixed price contract from the main recipient to the subrecipient?","The type of agreement between the prime recipient and a subrecipient is negotiated by the prime recipient.  DOE does not have privity of contract with subrecipients."]
[76,"2016-06-13","Application Content/Format","On the SF-424, field 21, it asks that the city's authorized representative agree to a list of certifications and assurances.  The link provided to the list of certifications and assurances, in Section IV.D.iv. of the FOA, is not working.  Please provide the correct link.","http://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms"]
[77,"2016-06-13","Application Content/Format","Should the budget periods include \"administrative preparation\"? In our case, this would mean indicating the various ways EERE funding may be disbursed to members of the consortia applying, particularly regarding sub-granting funding to other member(s) (i.e., not the direct applicant) to take the lead in coordinating the project.","The proposed budget should include all allowable project costs, both direct and indirect costs.  Please refer to Section IV.J.i. of the FOA for information regarding allowable costs."]
[78,"2016-06-13","Application Content/Format","Should the go/no-go decision points be worded as some sort of technical criteria?","Refer to Section IV.D.ii. (Technical Volume) of the FOA, specifically bullet #5 under \"Workplan\".  The go/no-go decision point is to ensure that technical success has been achieved.  The applicant should provide the specific technical criteria to be used to make the go/no-go decision."]
[79,"2016-06-13","Application Content/Format","Should budget periods be considered go/no-go points?","See Q/A  #78.  The go/no-go decision point is to ensure that technical success has been achieved.  The minimum requirement is that each project have at least one project-wide go/no-go decision point for each budget period (12 to 18-month period) of the project."]
[80,"2016-06-14","Application Content/Format","The 335 budget form includes three budget periods, but the FOA states a maximum 24 month period of performance and suggests that budget periods should be 12-18 months each. Should we simply leave the third budget period blank if we plan to have two 12 month budget periods?","Yes.  "]
[81,"2016-06-16","Application Content/Format","Can you please confirm whether the cover page (1 page) is one of the ten 10 pages of the Technical Volume, or in addition to the 10 pages?","The cover page is included in the 10 page limit for the Technical Volume."]
[82,"2016-06-16","Application Content/Format","Is a Table of Contents required for the Technical Volume?","A Table of Contents is not required, but if it is included, it would count towards the 10 page limit."]
[83,"2016-06-17","Application Content/Format","Please clarify the need to submit separate Budget Justifications for Subrecipients.  Section IV.D.viii. of the FOA states \"Applicants must provide a separate budget justification (EERE 335) for each subawardee that is expected to perform work estimated to be more than $250,000 or 25% of the total work effort (whichever is less)\".  The EERE 335 states in the Contractual tab: \"Sub-recipients shall submit a Budget Justification describing all project costs and calculations when their total proposed budget exceeds either (1) $250,000 or (2) 25% of total award costs\".  My interpretation is that Total Work Effort = Federal award plus match, and that Total Award Costs = Federal award.  Which one is correct for determining if a subrecipient budget justification is required? ","Both \"Total Work Effort\" and \"Total Award Costs\" equals Federal dollars plus cost share."]
[84,"2016-06-17","Eligibility","We have two different agencies within our city government working on Cities-LEAP applications, both of which wrote concept papers that were encouraged to apply.  Can both departments submit full proposals, or is it only one proposal per legal entity?","As stated in Section III.F. of the FOA, \"Applicants may submit more than one Full Application to this FOA, provided that each application describes a unique, scientifically distinct project\".  "]
[85,"2016-06-17","Application Content/Format","Question about the Indirect Costs and Fringe tabs of the Budget Justification: The salaries of our staff working on our proposed project will far exceed the required cost share for this project (we will not use federal funds for their salaries) - do we need to include Indirect Costs and Fringes for those employees?","To be inclusive, the applicant should include all project costs.  Fringe benefit and indirect costs may be counted as excess cost share (over the minimum required).  Also see Q/A #68."]
[86,"2016-06-20","Application Content/Format","The description for the Summary Slide references a Summary Slide Template, but I did not see a link to a template.  Is there a template available that we are to use?","There is no prescribed template.  A Summary Slide Sample has been provided under \"FOA Documents\"; however, applicants do not have to use this sample.  Applicants may create their own summary slide, ensuring they provide the information as specified in Section IV.D.vii.of the FOA.","This answer was modified on 6/22/16."]
[87,"2016-06-23","Due Dates","Due to some unforeseen extenuating circumstances we may have difficulty meeting today's 5pm ET deadline for submitting our application. Is it possible to get an extension?","DOE will not be approving any extensions for submission of the full applications."]
[88,"2016-07-07","Due Dates","It looks like there has been a delay with reviewer comments.  Will DOE revise the due date for response to reviewer comments to give applicants the approximate one week time period to respond (per the earlier date ranges that DOE posted in the EERE Exchange)?","As stated in Section IV.E. of the FOA, Applicants should anticipate having approximately three (3) business days to submit Replies to Reviewer Comments."]
[89,"2016-07-07","Application Reviews","Is there a page limit or suggested length for the response to reviewer comments?","Yes.  Please see Section IV.E. of the FOA, \"Content and Form of Replies to Reviewer Comments\"."]
[90,"2016-07-10","Application Content/Format","It was mentioned by one review in the reviewer comments provided to us that there was a document or two missing from our application.  Is it permissible to upload a few pages of missing documents in our response to reviewer comments in addition to the 3-page response that is detailed in Section IV.E. of the FOA?","Replies to Reviewer Comments must conform to the content and form requirements as described in Section IV.E. of the FOA, (3 page max, including 2 pages max of text and 1 optional page).  It is up to the applicant on how to best utilize this page limit.  If a Reply to Reviewer Comments is more than three pages in length, EERE will review only the first three (3) pages and disregard any additional pages."]
[91,"2016-08-02","Due Dates","Will DOE be notifying applicants in the near future regarding award selections?","DOE anticipates notifying applicants regarding selection on approximately Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016."]
[92,"2016-08-15",null,"Will DOE provide a debriefing to applicants not selected for an award, or additional peer review comments or scoring results?","The letter from the Contracting Officer dated Aug. 11, 2016, along with the application strengths/weaknesses from the merit review which are available in EERE Exchange, constitute the debriefing for applications.  DOE will not release scores or provide any additional information."]

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["Pick List"]
[]
["Registration Requirements"]
["Webinar"]
["Eligibility"]
["Labs/FFRDCs"]
["Foreign Entities/Work"]
["Cost Sharing"]
["Due Dates"]
["Application Content/Format"]
["Intellectual Property"]
["Data Management"]
["U.S. Manufacturing Plan"]
["Application Reviews"]
["Technical Topics"]