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["INSTRUCTIONS"]
[1,"All questions pertaining to this funding opportunity announcement should be emailed to sparc@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-FOA0001241 -  Solar Powering America by Recognizing Communities (SPARC)"]
["Question #","Date Submitted","Topic","Question","Answer"]
[1,"2015-02-06","Eligibility","I wanted to know if this funding applies to the US territory of Puerto Rico.","Please see Section III of the FOA for Eligibility Information."]
[2,"2015-02-06","Eligibility","Is this program available to individuals?  ","U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are eligible to apply for funding as a Prime Recipient or Subrecipient. See Section III of the FOA for information on Eligible Applicants"]
[3,"2015-02-09","Eligibility","I am working with an organization interested in the SPARC program and I have two brief questions pertaining to eligibility for participating in the program:\n•  As a for-profit company, are software platforms that assist utilities, customers and project developers lower soft costs and other barriers eligible for participation?\n•  If so, who could we speak with directly about specifics of eligibility criteria and what SPARC is looking for in its participants?","• For-profit entities, educational institutions, and nonprofits  that are incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a particular State or territory of the United States are eligible to apply for funding as a Prime Recipient or Subrecipient. See Section III of FOA for Eligibility Information.  \n\n• Upon the issuance of a FOA, DOE personnel are prohibited from communicating (in writing or otherwise) with Applicants regarding the FOA except through the established question and answer process as described in the FOA document. All questions and answers (FAQs) related to this FOA will be posted on EERE Exchange at: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov under the specific FOA’s “FOA Documents” section. Please note that you must first select this specific FOA Number in order to view the questions and answers specific to this FOA. EERE will attempt to respond to a question within 3 business days, unless a similar question and answer has already been posted on the website."]
[4,"2015-02-10","Eligibility","We are in the planning stages of building a supportive housing which will have green features. We will be incorporating solar panels for energy efficiency. I would like to know if we qualify as an applicant and if we are able to receive funding/reimbursement for the costs of solar panels and installation.","The Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) posted at the EERE eXCHANGE website is comprehensive and designed to allow prospective applicants to assess their proposed projects versus the requirements and criteria of the FOA.  We 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. Please see Section I.B. (page 6) for the FOA Topic Area/Technical Areas of Interest.   Applications that fall outside the parameters specified in Section I.B. of the FOA will be deemed nonresponsive and will not be reviewed or considered.  See Section I.C. for application specifically not of interest under this FOA. "]
[5,"2015-02-10","Eligibility","We are wondering if one entity can prime on one Topic and be a sub on the other Topic?","See Section III.F. (page 20) of the FOA for Limitations on Number of Concept Papers and Full Applications Eligible for Review. "]
[6,"2015-02-10","Technical Topics","Is Georgia considered a solar ready community?","Thank you for your interest in the requirements of the Department of Energy.  The Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) posted at the EERE eXCHANGE website is comprehensive and designed to allow prospective applicants to assess their proposed projects versus the requirements and criteria of the FOA.  We 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.\n\nWe appreciate your continued pursuit of renewable energy research and development and look forward to assisting you in future inquiries."]
[7,"2015-02-11","Eligibility","Can an applicant be a prime on an application for Topic Area A and a subrecipient on an application for Topic Area B? ","This limitation does not prohibit an applicant from collaborating on other applications (e.g., as a potential Subrecipient or partner) so long as the entity is only listed as the Prime Applicant once per topic area on Full Applications submitted under this FOA. "]
[8,"2015-02-11","Application Content/Format","How do I submit a concept paper for this Funding Opportunity Number: DE-FOA-0001241 For SOLAR POWERING AMERICA BY RECOGNIZING COMMUNITIES (SPARC)","See Section IV. (page 21.) of the FOA for Application and Submission Information."]
[9,"2015-02-11","Eligibility","For this FOA, does the DOE help facilitate connecting possible applicants to interested subrecipients?   If not, how would a prospective subrecipient find an applicant partner?","DOE will not facilitate or assist with partnering under this FOA."]
[10,"2015-02-12","Eligibility","In the section listing \"not of interest\" there is a paragraph which states:\nApplications with a primary focus on energy technologies other than solar, including hydrogen and fuel cells, solar fuels, combined heat and power (CHP), wind energy, hydropower, bioenergy and biomass. Applications should be solar-focused, with goals related to lowering the cost of solar energy. If the focus is on Distributed energy resources (storage, advanced inverters...) that support solar, would that qualify?","This FOA intends to support a national designation program to recognize communities with exceptional solar market environments, and provide technical assistance to help communities develop their own solar markets and move from marginal or nascent solar deployment to more mature markets and to achieve recognition for their progress and achievements.  The FOA has two topic areas (A and B); Topic Area A provides funding for an entity to establish and administer such a program; Topic Area B provides for a body to coordinate and provide technical assistance to communities working towards designation.\n\nThe FOA posted at the EERE eXCHANGE website is comprehensive and designed to allow prospective applicants to assess their proposed projects versus the requirements and criteria of the FOA.  We 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."]
[11,"2015-02-12","Eligibility","I have a concentrated solar thermal system and coupled thermal storage system development project for heating/cooling/desalination/vacuum pumping purposes. I wonder if I can be eligible for the application for SPARC.\n\n1- I am a Turkish citizen. Am I eligible applying as a PI?\n2- The test facility and the prototype system of my design will be built in Izmir, Turkey (outside USA). All experimental work will be accomplished in Turkey. Simulation/design team will be located in USA. Would SPARC allow for this strategy?  ","This FOA intends to support a national designation program to recognize communities with exceptional solar market environments, and provide technical assistance to help communities develop their own solar markets and move from marginal or nascent solar deployment to more mature markets and to achieve recognition for their progress and achievements.  The FOA has two topic areas (A and B); Topic Area A provides funding for an entity to establish and administer such a program; Topic Area B provides for a body to coordinate and provide technical assistance to communities working towards designation.\n\n1.  Please see Section III of the FOA for Eligibility Information.\n2.  The FOA posted at the EERE eXCHANGE website is comprehensive and designed to allow prospective applicants to assess their proposed projects versus the requirements and criteria of the FOA.  We 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."]
[12,"2015-02-23","Technical Topics","I have an additional few questions regarding the FOA and specifically the TAP.\n \nIs topic B meant to support the Criteria Advisory Board (CAC) and all local governments/communities who qualify for the designation nation-wide, or is to provide technical assistance to help specific communities or regions overcome significant barriers and reduce soft costs? \n \nWhile some text does seem to imply a community aspect of topic B, the FOA summary implies a national aspect creating quite a bit of confusion: “This funding opportunity will establish a prominent national recognition and technical assistance program for local governments that will signal to installers and the public that a community is receptive to solar businesses and has progressive solar policies in place.” Could you help clarify the community vs. national expectations?","See Section I.B of the FOA. Topic A awardee is responsible for convening and establishing the Criteria Advisory Committee.  Topic B awardee is responsible for providing technical assistance and resources to communities across the country.  "]
[13,"2015-02-20","Webinar","Would it be possible to get a copy of any presentation that was part of the webinar? ","The SPARC Webinar has been posted on the EERE Exchange Website under the FOA Documents Section."]
[14,"2015-02-19","Technical Topics","Our organization is curious to know what the geographical expectation would be for the TAP. Would the technical services need to be provided nationally or would it be a regionally based program, for example a group of counties or a portion of a state?","See Section I.B of the FOA.  TAP is expected to be deployed nationally:  The TAP should provide access to a nationwide network of subject matter experts that can support innovation and will also produce resources (reports, webinars, case studies, trainings, etc.) on topics of interest to designation participants and that reflect ongoing market developments with regards to SPARC participants and other stakeholders and the general public to ensure market responsiveness and to help advance the state of the art in enabling access to solar electricity.  "]
[15,"2015-02-19","Eligibility","In consideration of DOEs SPARK FOA is it possible to be a sub recipient on proposals being submitted by different primary recipients?","See Section III.F. (page 20) of the FOA for Limitations on Number of Concept Papers and Full Applications Eligible for Review.  This limitation does not prohibit an applicant from collaborating on other applications (e.g., as a potential Subrecipient or partner) so long as the entity is only listed as the Prime Applicant once per topic area on Full Applications submitted under this FOA."]
[16,"2015-02-19","Technical Topics","Is this FOAs concept of communities inclusive of supporting state policymakers?","While the program is expected to target local jurisdictions (i.e., cities and towns) primarily, engaging with states is encouraged in the FOA and are specifically highlighted in the FOA in Section I:\n• The SPARC program should be compatible with and compliment programs being developed and deployed at the state and federal level to incentivize community action on climate mitigation and adaptation (e.g., Sustainable Jersey program in New Jersey; White House Climate Action Champions program), as well as to respond to the changing regulatory environment (e.g., EPA Section 111(d)).  An ideal program will demonstrate that the rapidly growing solar marketplace is aligned with local climate goals and actions.  \n• The DPA (Designation Program Administrator) will also consider mechanisms to expand the reach of the program, including ways to involve and potentially recognize states for their promotion of the project, and potentially expand designation to cover additional stakeholders (e.g., utilities, installers, etc.)."]
[17,"2015-02-26","Application Content/Format","Can I revise or edit a concept paper or application once I have submitted it to the EERE Exchange Webiste? ","Applicants may revise or update their application until the expiration of the applicable deadline."]
[18,"2015-02-27","Registration Requirements","Can you explain how a control number is obtained to apply for this FOA?","Applicants will receive a control number once the concept paper submission process has been initiated in EERE eXCHANGE."]
[19,"2015-03-03","Cost Sharing","We are preparing a concept paper in response to DE-FOA-0001241 (due 3.5.15 @ 5pm ET) and were wondering if we are required to submit cost at this time.  ","Per Section III.B. (page 15) of the FOA, cost sharing is encouraged, but not required under this FOA, particularly Topic A projects. Cost sharing will be considered as part of the application of program policy factors.  However, cost sharing is not required."]
[20,"2015-03-03","Registration Requirements","Is this a new funding opportunity and will this be available next year? A group of about 20 – 30 MN municipal electric utilities (domestic, public power, non-profit, citizen-owned) are working on a solar concept, but the Friday deadline does not match our timeline, particularly since the announcement just arrived on our radar today. ","Thank you for your interest in solar-related funding opportunities.  \n\nUnfortunately, the only information we can provide to you is that which is already publicly available.  DOE representatives are not able to disclose future Funding Opportunities or plans.  Please check the websites below periodically for new Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs).  \n\nThe Department of Energy’s Golden Field Office posts funding opportunity announcements on FedConnect at https://www.fedconnect.net, on Grants.gov at http://www.grants.gov, and on EERE eXCHANGE at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/.  Not all FOAs are available in both the EERE eXCHANGE website and Fedconnect, however all FOAs are posted in Grants.gov.\n\nTo view the Golden Field Office’s current opportunities at the FedConnect website, click on “Search Public Opportunities” on the right side of the screen.  Under “Search Criteria”, select “Issuing Office”, enter “Golden Field Office”, and then click on “Search” to bring up the list of funding announcements.  When you select a particular announcement, there will be a list of documentation on the right side of the screen.  Click on any attachment to view it. \n\nAt the eXCHANGE website, simply scroll through the opportunities on the main page.\n\nAt Grants.gov, click on “Find Grant Opportunities”, then choose one of the search options to locate opportunities of interest to your organization.  "]
[21,"2015-03-16","Due Dates","Is there any way that the concept deadline can be waved we are a community that is need of solar energy to power our city and reduce cost to the entire community. We appreciate any thing that you can do for us on this issue.","Unfortunately, only applicants who have submitted an eligible Concept Paper will be eligible to submit a Full Application per Section IV.A. of the Funding Opportunity Announcement. "]
[22,"2015-04-03","Application Content/Format","There were two organizations identified as our proposal team in our Concept Paper.  Is it OK to add another organization to our proposal team on the Full Application? ","It is acceptable to change or add an organization in the Full Application stage without changing the Prime Recipient, after submission of the concept paper, however, any changes must be made prior to submission of the Full Application in EERE Exchange."]
[23,"2015-04-03","Application Content/Format","Do letters of support have any formatting requirements? E.g., must they have 1 inch margins, Times New Roman size 12 font, 1 page maximum per letter?","Letters of support should be attached as an appendix to the Technical Volume. Therefore, the letters of support should be formatted per Section IV.A. (page 21) of the FOA."]
[24,"2015-04-15","Application Content/Format","Can the master/prime contractor include all travel expenses into their budget so that travel expenses for all contractors can be managed from a centralized travel budget?","If a subrecipient incurs travels costs, then the costs must be included and accounted for in the subrecipient’s budget.  The subrecipient may submit an invoice to the prime recipient for payment, but the subrecipient must record the incurred costs in their accounting system and adhere to travel regulations. "]

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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"]