Frequently Asked Questions

Select a FOA to view questions and answers for the specific funding opportunity. Alternatively select "Non-FOA related items" to view system FAQ items.

Question 1: Where can I find instructions on how to submit an application?
Answer 1:

The User Guide for Applicants can be found at Financial Opportunities: Manuals (energy.gov).

Question 2: How do I know if I was successful in uploading my application?
Answer 2:

All Applicants will receive an automated response when their application is successfully uploaded. If your Full Application was successfully submitted, a message will be displayed on the screen, and the OCED-Exchange system will send an automated email confirming your submission. Please retain this automated email confirming a successful submission for your records.

Question 3: How do I submit an application?
Answer 3:

All Applicants are required to submit their complete application through the OCED-Exchange system. On OCED-Exchange (Financial Opportunities: Funding Opportunity Exchange (energy.gov)), click "Apply" next to the funding opportunity to which you wish to apply. Click "login," and follow the instructions for the submission of an application. Also, see the User Guide for Applicants found at Financial Opportunities: Manuals (energy.gov) for more detailed instructions.

Question 4: How long does it take to upload a full application?
Answer 4:

The time required to upload an application will vary, depending on your internet connection, internet and data server traffic, file size, and other factors. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications at least 48 hours in advance of the submission deadline. Under normal conditions (i.e., at least 48 hours in advance of the submission deadline), Applicants should allow at least 1 hour to submit an application. Allow sufficient time to resolve any technical difficulties or seek assistance, if needed. Contact the Exchange helpdesk for assistance at OCED-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov. Please also retain screen shots or other documentation relative to any issues you experience.

Question 5: What size file am I able to upload to OCED Exchange?
Answer 5:

The maximum file size that can be uploaded to the OCED-Exchange website is 50MB. Files in excess of 50MB cannot be uploaded. DOE will not accept late submissions that resulted from technical difficulties due to uploading files that exceed 50MB. Only in limited instances, including the Eligibility Statements and Evidence File, Participant Letters of Commitment and Cost Sharing File, and the Budget Support File, can a file in excess of 50MB be submitted as multiple files.

Question 6: If I have questions related to the submission of my application in OCED-Exchange, who do I contact?
Answer 6:

For questions relating to the submission of your application through the OCED-Exchange portal, please contact us at OCED-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov. For questions specific to the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), please send your question to the point of contact listed in the FOA of interest.

Question 7: Is there someone at OCED I can talk to about my application?
Answer 7:

To ensure the integrity of the competitive process and that all potential applicants receive the same information, OCED staff and/or contractors may not answer any questions relating to the Funding Opportunity Announcement or your application. To ensure all potential applicants receive the same information and to receive an official response to your question, all questions must be directed to the point of contact listed in the FOA of interest.

Question 8: Please advise how we submit our application through OCED Exchange.
Answer 8:

All application submissions must be made through OCED-Exchange at ie-exchange.energy.gov. To gain access to the OCED-Exchange, the applicant must first register and create an account on the main OCED-Exchange site. This account will then allow the user to register for any open OCED Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) currently posted. For more on how to submit an application, please see the OCED-Exchange Applicant Guide at Financial Opportunities: Manuals (energy.gov). Questions related to use of the OCED-Exchange website should be submitted to OCED-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov.

Question 9: What should we do if we are having technical difficulties uploading our application?
Answer 9:

Applicants that experience technical issues with submission of their application prior to the FOA deadline should contact the Exchange helpdesk at OCED-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov for assistance. The Exchange helpdesk will assist Applicants in resolving issues. Please retain any screenshots or other records to aid in resolving your issue. However, those Applicants who are unable to submit their applications because they are submitting them at the last minute, when network traffic is at its heaviest, will not be eligible for assistance from the Exchange helpdesk.

Question 10: We missed the deadline to submit our application, due to our local internet problem. We are wondering whether there is a way to submit after the due date?
Answer 10:

Unfortunately, we are not able to accept late submissions. DOE will not extend deadlines for Applicants who fail to submit required information and documents due to server/connection issues.

Question 11: Who reviews our applications and decides which applications will be funded?
Answer 11:

Reviewers are subject matter experts who may be federal employees, employees of a National Laboratory, or other non-federal personnel. However, ultimately, the Selection Official considers the recommendations of the reviewers, along with other considerations such as program policy factors, in determining which applications to select for negotiation for an award.

Question 12: What is a UEI Number and where do I get one?
Answer 12:

A Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number (replaced the data universal numbering system (DUNS) number) is required for all entities doing business with the federal government. Obtaining a UEI is one of the registrations that must be completed prior to submitting an application as it will be needed to register in IE-Exchange and submit an application. The UEI is a is a unique 12-character (alpha-numeric) number assigned to all entities (public and private companies, individuals, institutions, or organizations) obtained during the System for Award Management (SAM) registration or renewal process at SAM.gov | Home.

Question 13: What if I do not know our organization's UEI number?
Answer 13:

Existing registered entities can find their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number by signing on to SAM.gov | Home.

Question 14: Can I edit my application after submitting?
Answer 14:

Applicants may revise or update their application up until the FOA deadline by uploading revised files. See the User Applicant Guide at Financial Opportunities: Manuals (energy.gov).

Question 15: What is OCED?
Answer 15:

The Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) was born out of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) in December 2021. OCED’s mission is to deliver clean energy demonstration projects at scale in partnership with the private sector to accelerate deployment, market adoption, and the equitable transition to a decarbonized energy system. Currently, OCED has nine key programs including: 

Question 16: Where do I find current information on OCED funding opportunities?
Answer 16:

OCED funding opportunities are announced on the OCED Exchange website:  OCED Funding Opportunity Exchange.

Question 17: How can my organization be involved in an OCED program?
Answer 17:

There are several pathways to involvement in an OCED funding opportunity depending on your organization’s experience, capabilities, offer, and business interest. OCED’s relationship is typically exclusively through the Prime awardee. Potential roles include the following:

  • Prime awardee – Holder of the agreement in place between the Department of Energy and awarded project.  
  • Sub-awardee – A sub recipient of the prime awardee involved in implementation of the program.  
    • Subcontractor or supplier – A vendor of commercial services or supplies to the awardee or sub-awardee that are at an arms-length relationship to the efforts of the awardee.   
    • Community partner or other partner – A partner of the program that is not a party to the financial arrangement with DOE.

Eligibility to be a prime awardee is dependent on the OCED program and specified in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Eligible entities vary widely across OCED’s program portfolio.  Applicants should reference the FOA of interest to determine eligibility criteria.

Question 18: What is the Justice40 Initiative?
Answer 18:

The Justice40 Initiative is a Federal government-wide goal of securing 40 percent of the overall benefits of Federal investments, including clean energy and energy efficiency investments, for disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution. Learn more about Justice40 from the White House. OCED requires its awardees to pursue this goal and provide a plan for its achievement through the project. 

Question 19: What resources are available to communities impacted by OCED projects?
Answer 19:

Part of OCED’s mandate is to “help enable 100% clean electricity by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2050 through an equitable energy transition”. That is why OCED is committed to listening to impacted communities and providing resources where available. If you are an impacted community, you can contact OCED at oced@hq.doe.gov.

Additionally, the Department of Energy and Federal government have community-centered technical assistance programs that can help impacted communities understand their projects and energy technologies and how to navigate the project lifecycle.  

  • List of community-centered TA programs and their links 
  • TCTAC 
  • TASC 
  • Office of Indian Energy 
  • Clean Energy Demonstration on Mine Land Technical Assistance