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["INSTRUCTIONS"]
[1,"All questions pertaining to this funding opportunity announcement should be emailed to OCED_Industrial@hq.doe.gov."]
[2,"All questions pertaining to OCED Exchange should be emailed to OCED-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 OCED Exchange within this spreadsheet."]
[4,"DOE will attempt to respond to a question within 3 business days, unless a similar question and answer have already been posted in this spreadsheet. "]
[5,"All questions should be submitted no 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 by DOE when reviewed."]
[]
["TIPS"]
[1,"Applicants may sort questions and answers in the FOA Content Questions tab of this spreadhseet by selecting the drop-down box arrows 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-0002936 - Industrial Decarbonization and Emissions Reduction Demonstration-to-Deployment Funding Opportunity Announcement"]
["Question #","Date Submitted","Topic","Question","Answer"]
[1,"2023-03-09","Eligibility","Are applicants able to participate in multiple FOA’s for 1 project (example FOA-0002779 and DE-FOA-0002936)?","Applying to multiple FOAs does not itself render a project ineligible to apply under this FOA.\nAs stated in DE-FOA-0002936 Section 4.6.2.2.b. (pg. 54): \"Other Federal Support: Federal financing, such as grants or loan guarantees from federal agencies, cannot be leveraged by applicants to provide the required cost share or to otherwise support the same scope of the award. However, other federal support may be used for activities that fall outside of the award scope/budget.\"\nAlso relevant is DE-FOA-0002936 Section 4.6.2.13: Potentially Duplicate Funding Notice (pg. 87) "]
[2,"2023-03-10","LCA/TEA","1. This question is about what is included in the facility baseline. Page 16 states “total annual GHG emissions” covers on-site operations and primary energy use, but page 65-67 says a cradle-to-gate LCA may be used for the baseline and “If utilizing alternative, low carbon feedstocks that are critical to overall carbon intensity reduction strategy, feedstocks should be included in the LCA.\" Page 27 gives the examples of “increasing the carbonated content of finished cement or concrete” and “novel utilization for captured carbon” as Areas of Interest. Most of concrete’s total embodied carbon comes from the emissions embodied in its feedstocks rather than emissions from on-site operations and energy use. For concrete plant retrofits that both utilize carbon dioxide and enable significant reductions in cement use, please confirm whether the embodied emissions of feedstocks can be counted in the concrete facility’s emissions baseline?","LCA requirements are covered in Section 4.6.2.2(f). The LCA should be \"composed of a narrative and an accompanying spreadsheet capturing more detailed assumptions, data, and calculations.\" (pg. 65) As stated on pg. 66, \"For projects at existing facilities, applicants will need to create a baseline of their current standard operations to compare with the project expectations and the industry benchmark.\""]
[3,"2023-03-10","Eligibility","2. Can a technology provider serve as the prime applicant for a proposal that involves involves (as named cost-share contributing proposal participants) a number of owners of eligible facilities, in which the technology provider is conducting the retrofits at such facilities?","As stated in Section 3.1 (pg. 40), for Topic Areas 2 and 3 in which a project involving multiple facilities may apply, eligible entities are \"Owners or operators of a domestic, non-federal nonpower industrial or manufacturing facility engaged in energy intensive industrial processes as stated in the areas of interest,\" however, a co-owner or co-operator does meet the criteria. "]
[4,"2023-03-10","Cost Sharing","3. Are pre-award expenses eligible to fulfill an applicant’s cost share? For example, if an applicant conducts part of the feasibility phase prior to award selection and negotiation, can those staff hours and site visit travel costs be counted towards the total cost share obligation as long as no federal reimbursement is requested for those expenses?","As stated in Section 4.8.2: \"Applicants selected for award negotiations must request prior written approval to charge pre-award costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the federal award directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency, through the DOE Grants and Agreements Officer. Pre-award costs cannot be incurred prior to the Selection Official signing the Selection Statement and Analysis.\" See also Section 5.6.2: \"DOE will not reimburse applicants for travel and other expenses relating to the pre-selection interviews or site visits, nor will these costs be eligible for reimbursement as pre-award costs.\""]
[5,"2023-03-10","Other","4. For multi-facility retrofits, do the project phases have to occur in parallel for each facility? Or can project phases be staggered as long as the final facilities reach phase 3 by the deadline?","A critical number of multi-facility retrofits would need to pass the overall project phase 3 by the deadline in order to meet the Go/No-Go criteria, as negotiated in the negotiation phase. "]
[6,"2023-03-10","Topic Areas","Does creating a Titanium facility that is capable of operating independently of the local grid on 100% renewable energy fall into the \"Other Energy Intensive Industrial Processes\" Area of Interest as delineated in DE-FOA-0002936?","As stated in Section 1.3.3 Areas of Interest (pg. 32): \"Under this AOI, DOE seeks applications for demonstration-to-deployment projects of innovative technologies that decarbonize operations in other energy-intensive manufacturing industries not previously mentioned. Applicants should substantiate the energy intensity of their industry in their application.\"\nSection 1.2 Program Purpose (pg. 11) also states: \"Given the scale of the challenge, replicable projects that can be deployed with urgency will be best positioned to catalyze follow-on investments to yield the most significant carbon reductions across the industrial sector in the next few decades.\""]
[7,"2023-03-12","Eligibility","Regarding topic 2 and 3 of the FOA DE-FOA-0002936, can a for-profit small-business company that has a small manufacturing facility in energy intensive industrials processes be the prime applicant ? The eligibility section of FOA states the following but does not specify whether it should be a large business or small business “ \n\"Owners or operators of a domestic, non-federal nonpower industrial or manufacturing facility engaged in energy intensive industrial processes as stated in the areas of interest”","Yes.  Additional information may be found in Section 3 of the FOA."]
[8,"2023-03-13","Eligibility","Regarding these opportunities: please direct me to the places where \"Qualifying Entity\" is clearly defined?","Section 3.1 Eligible Applicants. "]
[9,"2023-03-13","Foreign Entities/Work","1. What would be the restrictions for including projects partners from a foreign country? This may include academic institutions as well as commercial organizations.","As noted in Section 3.1 Eligible Applicants (pg. 42), \"In limited circumstances, DOE may approve a waiver to allow a foreign entity to participate as a prime recipient or subrecipient. A foreign entity may submit an application to this FOA, but the application must be accompanied by an explicit written waiver request. Likewise, if the applicant seeks to include a foreign entity as a subrecipient, the applicant must submit a separate explicit written waiver request in the application for each proposed foreign subrecipient.\""]
[10,"2023-03-13","Other","2. There is not a lot of direct reference to energy storage, but energy storage does feature as a central enabling technology for many of the carbon-reducing technologies in the processes","DOE is only responding to questions in this Q&A document. "]
[11,"2023-03-13","Cost Sharing","3. It is stated in the FOA that there is a cost share requirement of a minimum of 50%. Does an academic institution also count for contributing towards this 50% cost share, or should this primarily be the industry partners providing the cost share?","As noted in Section 3.2 Cost Sharing (pg. 42), \"Each project team is free to determine how best to allocate the cost share requirement among the team members. The amount contributed by individual project team members may vary, provided that the cost share requirement for the project as a whole is met.\nAlthough the cost share requirement applies to the entire project, including work performed by members of the project team other than the prime recipient, the prime recipient is legally responsible for paying the entire cost share.\""]
[12,"2023-03-13","Application Content/Format","Is this the correct address to send over the concept paper for DE-FOA-0002936?","Section 4.2 Application Submission covers instructions to submit concept papers and full applications. As noted in Section 4.2.1 on pg. 44, \"To apply to this FOA, applicants must register with and submit application materials through OCED’s online application portal, OCED eXCHANGE, at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov.\""]
[13,"2023-03-13","Eligibility","Two questions regarding DE-FOA-0002936 are included below.\n1.\tSection 1.3.2.3 of the FOA states that the applicant and prime recipient of the funding must be an eligible entity as defined in section 50161(g)(2) of the IRA. This section of the IRA defines eligible entities as “the owner or operator of an eligible facility.” \nSection 1.3.2.3 also states that proposals may address “a crosscutting technology approach deployed in multiple facilities and/or in different industrial subsectors (e.g., electrification of process heat, advanced energy storage solutions, combined heat and power cogeneration, industrial heat pumps, and similar),” (p 21). \nAdditionally, Section 3.4 states that “If an applicant plans to propose substantially similar retrofits at multiple facilities and locations, those retrofits should be proposed as a single, cross-cutting project,” (p 43).\nSection 4.6.1 states that “each Concept Paper must be limited to a single concept for a project; however, projects can be an aggregation of technologies demonstrated at multiple eligible facilities…” (p 46). \nFor such a cross-cutting technology approach demonstrated and deployed across multiple facilities in different industrial subsectors, presumably the facilities would be owned or operated by different entities. In such a case, what entity would be an appropriate applicant and prime recipient? Could a provider of cross-cutting decarbonization technology be a prime applicant if it has contractual relationships with multiple eligible entities to deploy the technology at multiple eligible facilities?  ","As stated in Section 3.1 (pg. 40), for Topic Areas 2 and 3 in which a project involving multiple facilities may apply, eligible entities are \"Owners or operators of a domestic, non-federal nonpower industrial or manufacturing facility engaged in energy intensive industrial processes as stated in the areas of interest,\" However, a co-owner or co-operator does meet the criteria. "]
[14,"2023-03-13","Foreign Entities/Work","2.\tSection 3.1 of the FOA states that “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” (p 41).\nFor an entity that has an international parent company, where the subsidiary company is based and incorporated in the United States, can you confirm that the subsidiary company qualifies as a domestic entity under this FOA?\nFor an internationally-headquartered company with manufacturing facilities in the US, can you confirm that the US-based facilities qualify as domestic entities under this FOA?","In order to meet the requirement to have “majority domestic ownership and control”, an entity must have more than 50% domestic ownership. \nFor example, if an entity's parent company does not qualify as a domestic entity and has more than 50% ownership and control of the entity, then a Foreign Entity Participation waiver would be required. Appendix C contains more information about submitting a waiver."]
[15,"2023-03-14","Eligibility","Is the renewable source (PV / Wind) eligible for cost sharing under this FOA if used to provide clean electricity & steam (via electrification) to a manufacturing plant under TA1 / TA2?","As stated in Section 1.2 (pg. 10), \"DOE anticipates that projects funded under this FOA will demonstrate significant GHG emissions reduction potential in nonpower industrial sectors,\" and \"a nonpower facility means a facility whose primary purpose is not power generation.\" Applicants should substantiate how they are meeting the objectives of the FOA."]
[16,"2023-03-13","Eligibility","Would you please clarify if this FOA will cover projects that intend to capture CO2 from emitter’s source and transport it to a secure geological sequestration site?","As stated in Section 1.2 Program Purpose (pg. 10), \"As DOE has other commercial-scale demonstration efforts underway that are directly focused on hydrogen production and carbon management, in this FOA, hydrogen- and carbon capture-specific projects should be transformative and specific to the industrial decarbonization objectives described previously,\" and \"Projects focusing on carbon capture could prioritize carbon utilization to complement DOE’s carbon management portfolio, which has an emphasis on projects that will demonstrate sequestration for long-term storage in novel contexts.\""]
[17,"2023-03-15","Eligibility","Can the Lead Organization/Prime Recipient be changed between concept paper and full application?  And between the full application and award?","If there is a change to the lead organization listed on the Concept Paper, the Application must include documentation from both the lead organization on the Concept Paper and the lead organization on the Application that shows that both entities voluntarily agree to transfer the OCED Exchange control number and the concept paper. This documentation must be included as an Appendix to the Technical Volume.  Please ensure that the same control number is used for both the Concept Paper and the Application.\n\nNote: The OCED Exchange account associated with the Concept Paper control number does not need to be transferred to the new lead organization. Within Exchange, Applicants may share their submissions with other team members / Exchange users using the Share Submission feature. Sharing a submission with another user will give that user access to edit, view submission decisions, and view reviewer comments for all stages of a FOA (Concept Paper and Full Application). See the OCED eXCHANGE Applicant Guide located at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx for instructions. \n\nDOE generally expects that the proposed prime recipient named in the application will be, if awarded, the prime recipient of the award.  DOE may consider proposed changes to the entity that would be, if awarded, the prime recipient requested post-application and pre-award and DOE may require additional or updated information. "]
[18,"2023-03-15","Topic Areas","Under Topics 2 and 3, does the eligible entity need to own an eligible facility at the time of the full application, or by the time of the award?\nUnder Topics 2 and 3, does the recipient need to currently own or operate the eligible facility, or can building the eligible facility be part of the scope of the project funded?","For Topic Areas 2 and 3, as stated in Section 3.1 Eligible Applicants (pg. 40), \"Owners or operators of a domestic, non-federal nonpower industrial or manufacturing facility engaged in energy intensive industrial processes as stated in the areas of interest.\" \nFor Topic Areas 2 and 3, \"The applicant must be an eligible entity as defined in section 50161(g)(2) of the IRA for all facilities it proposes under this Topic Area. Each facility must be an eligible facility as defined in section 50161(g)(3) of the IRA for both single facility and multiple facility projects.\" Section 1.3.2.3 (pg. 21) and also see section 1.3.2.4 (pg. 23). Applicants should substantiate and explain how they satisfy this requirement.\n"]
[19,"2023-03-15","Topic Areas","I cannot tell from reading the FOA if an integrated low-carbon (or net zero) biofuel facility producing renewable diesel or sustainable aviation fuel would be considered an eligible project. It looks like it might be eligible under the chemicals/refining industry and petroleum refining is identified as high-emitting on Figure 1.\n\nCan you provide any more clarity about the intent of the solicitation?","Section 1.2 Program Purpose (pg. 10) notes that \"The goals also include a carbon-pollution-free power sector by 2035, and a net-zero GHG emissions economy by 2050, using one or more of these cross-cutting industrial decarbonization approaches: energy efficiency; industrial electrification; low-carbon fuels, feedstocks, and energy sources (LCFFES); material efficiency or substitution; carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS); and others.\" Applicants should substantiate how they are meeting the objectives of this FOA.\nAs noted in Section 1.1 Background and Context (pg. 7), \"DOE’s crosscutting portfolio view of investments that facilitate industrial decarbonization is integrated rather than duplicative\" and as such seeks to work with other DOE programs to avoid funding overlap. As stated in Section 1.2 (pg. 10), \"DOE anticipates that projects funded under this FOA will demonstrate significant GHG emissions reduction potential in nonpower industrial sectors,\" and \"a nonpower facility means a facility whose primary purpose is not power generation.\" \n\nSection 4.6.2.2.f. Baselines and Comparators (pg. 66), “Total annual GHG emissions and facility contributions to product carbon intensity will be the metrics used to evaluate GHG emissions reductions. Applicants must identify the proposed targets for the selected Topic Area.”"]
[20,"2023-03-15","Budget/Costs","1. For Topic Area 3, the anticipated minimum award size (DOE Share) is $35M. Will DOE consider projects with a minimum DOE Share of less than $35M, or are projects below the threshold specifically not of interest? ","As noted in Section 1.3.3 Areas of Interest (pg. 33), \"Individual applicants may apply to those Topic Areas below the budget minimums, but these proposals must clearly justify how the proposed projects are still responsive to the FOA intent.\" This applies to all Topic Areas."]
[21,"2023-03-15","LCA/TEA","2. For Topic Area 3, how is the target metric of “75% process” reduction defined? For a cement plant, does “process” refer to the thermal CO2 reduction or total CO2 reduction? ","Topic Area 3 is intended for \"System upgrades and retrofits for critical unit operations or single process lines within existing facilities.\" As noted in Section 1.3.2.4 Topic Area 3 (pg. 22), \"For example, projects may propose completely replacing a single process line while maintaining operations at the remainder of the facility, thereby minimizing impacts on production.\" As stated in section 1.3.2.1 (pg. 19), \"applicants should aim to demonstrate the ability to achieve the facility-level reductions for Topic Areas 1-2, and critical or process-level reductions for topic Area 3 compared to the industry baseline and benchmarks as defined in section 1.3.1.\"The process-level reductions are defined by the proposed project and applicants should clearly define and justify these definitions. "]
[22,"2023-03-16","Topic Areas","Hello, building on the question addressed in Q2, can you provide more specificity on the issue of including feedstocks in the LCA, as requested below:\n1. Do the projects really have to be FOIK (first of its kind) of EOIK (Early of its kind) for Topic 3 as well?\na.\tSome examples of eligible projects they give are\ni.\tTopic 3: New separations process or replacement of thermal process heating with electrified heating in the food and beverage industry\nii.\tArea Paper: Electrification of paper drying processes\niii.\tArea Paper: Improving combustion efficiency of boilers and recovery units\niv.\tArea Chemicals: Lower-energy and lower-carbon unit operations (e.g., reactions and separations), including process intensification or electrification;\n\n…… not all of these sound like FOIK or EOIK","As noted in Section 1.3.1 Terminology (pg. 15), \"Projects funded through this FOA should be commercial-scale or commercially relevant, include a path from demonstration to deployment that includes sustained operation after completion, and have the goal of enabling widespread, non-federally funded follow-on investments after the project period. This could include full first-of-a-kind projects, projects that are first-of-their-kind in the U.S., and/or other early-of-a-kind projects that face market or adoption risks.\" Also, Section 1.2 Program Purpose (pg. 11), states that \"replicable projects that can be deployed with urgency will be best positioned to catalyze follow-on investments to yield the most significant carbon reductions across the industrial sector in the next few decades.\" "]
[23,"2023-03-16","LCA/TEA","2.\tTo be eligible, do GHG reductions have to be achieved at site where CAPEX is being made or are the following also acceptable, if a direct cause-and-effect could be demonstrated between the investments and the GHG reductions upstream or downstream:\na.\tBiofuels production facility: leads to GHG savings at the point of combustion\nb.\tProduction facilities for Innovative products that \ni.\tsignificantly reduce consumption of, or completely replace with low-carbon materials, fossil-derived industry-standard materials at customers\nii.\tmake it possible, for the first time, to recycle customer’s carbon-intensive products\niii.\treduce electricity consumption in consumer’s homes through more efficient chemistries of household chemicals","As stated in Section 4.6.2.2(f) Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Analysis Projections (pg. 67), \"While not required for the preliminary quantitative LCA, all other components from outside the facility must be described in the narrative section, with a specific focus on any changes to total amounts or production intensities that may result from the proposed project.\nAs this FOA encompasses many industries and will receive multiple project requests with various technologies, the applicant needs to clearly narrate any special analyses, boundaries, or considerations for emissions and economic evaluations DOE should consider for the project. Depending on the specific proposal, applicants may need to include additional components and analyses. For example:\n• If utilizing alternative, low carbon feedstocks that are critical to overall carbon intensity reduction strategy, feedstocks should be included in the LCA.\n• If fuel production is carbon negative and proposed as part of the overall carbon intensity reduction strategy, fuels should be included in the LCA.\n• If there is a significant change anticipated to energy or water intensity, energy and water inputs should be included in the LCA.\n• If the financial viability of the project depends on a long-term electricity PPA, generation and delivery should be included in the LCA.\" \nSection 4.6.2.2(f) (pg. 66) also states that \"Total annual GHG emissions and facility contributions to product carbon itensity will be the metrics used to evaluate GHG emissions reductions.\" Other specifics regarding LCA expectations may be found in Section 4.6.2.2(f).  \n"]
[24,"2023-03-16","Topic Areas","3.\tFor most firms except the largest conglomerates, single projects with minimum size of $70m, focused on GHG reduction would be rare. Can multiple initiatives of electrification, heat integration, efficiency improvement etc be combined into a single project to overcome the size threshold, in case of\na.\tAll initiatives at a single facility\nb.\tAll initiatives spread over multiple facilities","Section 1.3.2.2 Topic Area 1 (pg. 20) states that \"For Topic Area 1, DOE is interested in comprehensive projects that will integrate multiple technology pathways to achieve the greatest emissions reduction possible for a facility of its type. These projects may be either greenfield or brownfield sites.\" \nSection 1.3.2.3 Topic Area 2 (pg. 21) states that \"focus on large-scale facility-level overhaul retrofits for existing facilities, common technologies across multiple facilities, or new builds with accelerated planning, development, permitting, and financing strategies. Priority will be placed on demonstrations of multiple technology solutions that are replicable within an industry and across multiple industries to drive decarbonization within facilities.\" \nSection 1.3.2.4 Topic Area 3 (pg. 22) states that \"Multi-facility retrofits utilizing a common technology base or approach or utilizing common infrastructure (e.g., electrical or thermal inputs, energy storage) will also be considered.\"\nSection 1.3.3 Areas of Interest (pg. 33) states that \"Additionally, individual applicants may apply to those Topic Areas below the budget minimums, but these proposals must clearly justify how the proposed projects are still responsive to the FOA intent.\""]
[25,"2023-03-16","Cost Sharing","4. There are some carbon capture projects given as examples. Is it correct to understand that if these are funded, this would be on top of the 45Q tax credits?","As noted in Section 3.2 Cost Sharing (pg. 42), \"The cost share must come from non-federal sources unless otherwise allowed by law, such as project participants, state or local governments, or third-party financing.\" Applicants are not prohibited from using tax credits but may not use them as cost share."]
[26,"2023-03-16","Eligibility","Does a H2 production facility  (SMR or other) fall under the eligibility requirement of this FOA? ","As stated in Section 1.2 Program Purpose (pg. 10), \"As DOE has other commercial-scale demonstration efforts underway that are directly focused on hydrogen production and carbon management, in this FOA, hydrogen- and carbon capture-specific projects should be transformative and specific to the industrial decarbonization objectives described previously,\" and \"Projects focusing on hydrogen could prioritize the use of hydrogen rather than the production of hydrogen (e.g., facility-specific needs to use hydrogen in process(es), such as flexible fuel switching technologies) in complement with DOE’s hydrogen-specific technology portfolio.\""]
[27,"2023-03-16","Teaming List","How do I add our company to the DE-FOA-0002936 Teaming Partner List.xls?","As stated in Section 8.5 Teaming Partner List (pg. 109), \"SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: Any organization that would like to be included on this list should submit the following information: Organization Name, Contact Name, Contact Address, Contact Email, Contact Phone, Organization Type, Area of Technical Expertise, Brief Description of Capabilities, and Area of Interest. \n\nInterested parties should email the information to OCED_Industrial@hq.doe.gov with the subject line “Teaming Partner Information.”"]
[28,"2023-03-16","Application Content/Format","What is limitation length of Concept Paper?","Section 4.6.1 Concept Paper (pg. 46-48) contains the information on the content and format requirements of the Concept Papers. Specifically, the Concept Paper includes 1 page maximum for the Cover Page, 6 pages maximum for the Project Plan & Project Team Description, 2 pages maximum for the Community Benefits Plan, and 1 page maximum for Management and Organization."]
[29,"2023-03-16","Eligibility","My question is the definition of “hardest-to-abate” industries. 1.2 has a list of example industries, but then has the catch-all “and other energy intensive industrial processes”. Footnote 4 on that page does have a reference to EISA which does have a specific list, but for example food and beverage listed on subsequent pages is not listed here.\n\nIn addition to any guidance on industries/applications generally, we also had a few specific question:\n-\tElectric and gas utilities are clearly an enormous potential sector but didn’t see them specifically included or excluded. Would modifications of a power plant or gas pipeline system to accommodate blending hydrogen in, which would have a clear decarbonization outcome, be eligible? We did see combined heat and power (a subset of electric utilities) mentioned on page 21, and electricity and steam generation on page 32, but it wasn’t clear if that was only in the context of within an otherwise qualifying industrial plant (like a refinery), or if standalone utility power plants would meet this criteria.\n-\tDidn’t see production of e-fuels or synthetic fuels addressed – would production of SAF, green ammonia, or other similar renewable fuels that ultimately reduce emissions in sectors like aviation, marine, or general transportation, but at locations different than the production facility in question be eligible? We did see the reference on page 18 of reducing GHG “at the eligible facility”, which would seem to exclude producing fuels that reduce emissions in other locations?","Section 1.3.3 Areas of Interest - Other Energy Intensive Industrial Processes (pg. 32) states that \"Under this AOI, DOE seeks applications for demonstration-to-deployment projects of innovative technologies that decarbonize operations in other energy-intensive manufacturing industries not previously mentioned. Applicants should substantiate the energy intensity of their industry in their application.\"\n\nSection 1.2 Program Purpose (pg. 10) specifies that \"DOE anticipates that projects funded under this FOA will demonstrate significant GHG emissions reduction potential in nonpower industrial sectors,\" and \"a nonpower facility means a facility whose primary purpose is not power generation.\" \n\nSection 4.6.2.2(f) Baselines and Comparators (pg. 66), “Total annual GHG emissions and facility contributions to product carbon intensity will be the metrics used to evaluate GHG emissions reductions. Applicants must identify the proposed targets for the selected Topic Area.”"]
[30,"2023-03-16","Eligibility","1. Would a company that develops, finances, owns, and operates a project that provides “a crosscutting technology approach deployed in multiple facilities and/or in different industrial subsectors” and is collocated with and integrated into the industrial facility, but is sold as a service to drive decarbonization (e.g., a solution that sells zero-emissions process heat to the facility), be eligible to apply as a prime recipient under Topic Areas 2 or 3?","As stated in Section 3.1 (pg. 40), for Topic Areas 2 and 3 in which a project involving multiple facilities may apply, eligible entities are \"Owners or operators of a domestic, non-federal nonpower industrial or manufacturing facility engaged in energy intensive industrial processes as stated in the areas of interest,\" However, a co-owner or co-operator does meet the criteria. "]
[31,"2023-03-16","Eligibility","2. A proposed project is deploying a crosscutting technology (e.g. electrification or process heat or advanced energy storage solutions) and as part of an integrated approach to maximize the decarbonization impact by replacing existing fossil-fuel fired facilities, it requires dedicated and directly-connected new build renewable energy generation. Would the project costs associated with the new renewable energy generation and connection property be eligible for coverage under the federal cost share in this FOA?","As stated in Section 1.2 Program Purpose (pg. 10) states that \"DOE anticipates that projects funded under this FOA will demonstrate significant GHG emissions reduction potential in nonpower industrial sectors,\" and \"a nonpower facility means a facility whose primary purpose is not power generation.\" Applicants should substantiate how they are meeting the objectives of the FOA.\n\nSection 4.6.2.2(f) System Boundaries and Considerations (pg. 67) states that \"As this FOA encompasses many industries and will receive multiple project requests with various technologies, the applicant needs to clearly narrate any special analyses, boundaries, or considerations for emissions and economic evaluations DOE should consider for the project.  Depending on the specific proposal, applicants may need to include additional components and analyses. \nFor example:\n•  If utilizing alternative, low carbon feedstocks that are critical to overall carbon intensity reduction strategy, feedstocks should be included in the LCA.\n•  If fuel production is carbon negative and proposed as part of the overall carbon intensity reduction strategy, fuels should be included in the LCA.\n•  If there is a significant change anticipated to energy or water intensity, energy and water inputs should be included in the LCA.\n•  If the financial viability of the project depends on a long-term electricity PPA, generation and delivery should be included in the LCA.\"\nOther information regarding LCA expectations may be found in Section 4.6.2.2(f)."]
[32,"2023-03-16","Eligibility","• There is one mention of onsite renewables in the solicitation. Will the portion of project cost for onsite or site-dedicated renewables be eligible for the federal funding?","As stated in Section 1.2 Program Purpose (pg. 10), \"DOE anticipates that projects funded under this FOA will demonstrate significant GHG emissions reduction potential in nonpower industrial sectors,\" and \"a nonpower facility means a facility whose primary purpose is not power generation.\" Applicants should substantiate how they are meeting the objectives of the FOA.\n\nSection 4.6.2.2(f) System Boundaries and Considerations (pg. 67) \"As this FOA encompasses many industries and will receive multiple project requests with various technologies, the applicant needs to clearly narrate any special analyses, boundaries, or considerations for emissions and economic evaluations DOE should consider for the project. Depending on the specific proposal, applicants may need to include additional components and analyses.  For example:\n• If utilizing alternative, low carbon feedstocks that are critical to overall carbon intensity reduction strategy, feedstocks should be included in the LCA.\n• If fuel production is carbon negative and proposed as part of the overall carbon intensity reduction strategy, fuels should be included in the LCA.\n• If there is a significant change anticipated to energy or water intensity, energy and water inputs should be included in the LCA.\n• If the financial viability of the project depends on a long-term electricity PPA, generation and delivery should be included in the LCA.\" \nOther information regarding LCA expectations may be found in Section 4.6.2.2(f)."]
[33,"2023-03-16","Eligibility","• We work with industrial site owners to create heat-as-a-service (HaaS) arrangements to reduce risks, upfront costs, and speed up transaction time for the industrial site owner. In this way, we are able to enable industrial site owners and operators to pay for industrial heat on an ongoing basis, as they are used to doing with natural gas boilers. Mechanically, this means that [company name] would create an SPV that would be the counterparty to the HaaS Agreement, and the SPV would provide the industrial customer with renewable heat from our RHB, and any associated renewable energy assets and equipment, for a set term and price. \n\nWill projects with heat-as-a-service type model be eligible for the federal funding? ","Projects can use different models to reduce emissions, and applicants should substantiate in their applications how their projects meet the requirements of the FOA.  \n\nNote that section 4.6.2.2(f) System Boundaries and Considerations (pg. 67) states that \"As this FOA encompasses many industries and will receive multiple project requests with various technologies, the applicant needs to clearly narrate any special analyses, boundaries, or considerations for emissions and economic evaluations DOE should consider for the project. Depending on the specific proposal, applicants may need to include additional components and analyses.  For example:\n• If utilizing alternative, low carbon feedstocks that are critical to overall carbon intensity reduction strategy, feedstocks should be included in the LCA.\n• If fuel production is carbon negative and proposed as part of the overall carbon intensity reduction strategy, fuels should be included in the LCA.\n• If there is a significant change anticipated to energy or water intensity, energy and water inputs should be included in the LCA.\n• If the financial viability of the project depends on a long-term electricity PPA, generation and delivery should be included in the LCA.\" \nOther information regarding LCA expectations may be found in Section 4.6.2.2(f). Note also that section 8.5 Teaming Partner List (pg. 109 of the FOA states: \"DOE is compiling a “Teaming Partner List” to facilitate the formation of new project teams for this FOA. The teaming partner list allows organizations who may wish to participate on an application to express their interest to other applicants and to explore potential partnerships.\" See section 8.5 of the FOA for more information about Teaming Partner Lists."]
[34,"2023-03-16","Eligibility","What is the TRL requirement for applying? Page 55 of the FOA states: “applicants are encouraged to focus on integrated system technologies that have completed TRL 6 or higher” but page 17 states: “All Topic Areas include projects starting nominally at TRL 7 and advancing to TRL 9 by the end of the project” as does Table 1.","As stated in Section 1.3.2.1 General Expectations for All Topic Areas (pg. 17), \"All Topic Areas include projects starting nominally at TRL 7 and advancing to TRL 9 by the end of the project, as defined in Section 4.6.2.2. For technologies below this TRL range, DOE’s other industrial programs are available to support R&D and the testing and validation of subscale or pilot systems as precursors to future first- or early-of-a-kind commercial demonstrations.\""]
[35,"2023-03-17","Eligibility","Are there any other eligibility requirements that we need to be aware of before we consider moving forward with the application process? Do we need to be in business a certain number of years, does our company need to contain a certain number of employees, etc. ","The eligibility requirements can be found in Section 3.1 Eligible Applicants."]
[36,"2023-03-17","Eligibility","I read the FOA and I’m wondering if titanium production would qualify under “other energy intensive industrial processes”? My impression is that DOE will direct most, if not all, of the 65 awards to specified sectors in the FOA (iron, steel, steel mill products, aluminum, cement, concrete, glass, pulp, paper, industrial ceramics, chemicals). Reading the FOA, it appears that any remaining awards under “other energy intensive industrial processes” will be directed at the “Food and Drink” sector. \nIt would be good to know if DOE will seriously consider “other processes” beyond the Food and Drink sector. Any clarification you can provide, to extent you’re able to, would be appreciated.","As stated in Section 1.3.3 Areas of Interest (pg. 32): \"Under this AOI, DOE seeks applications for demonstration-to-deployment projects of innovative technologies that decarbonize operations in other energy-intensive manufacturing industries not previously mentioned. Applicants should substantiate the energy intensity of their industry in their application.\"\nSection 1.2 Program Purpose (pg. 11) also states: \"Given the scale of the challenge, replicable projects that can be deployed with urgency will be best positioned to catalyze follow-on investments to yield the most significant carbon reductions across the industrial sector in the next few decades.\""]
[37,"2023-03-17","Eligibility","To maximize the transformative potential for these funds, DOE will prioritize a portfolio of projects that offer: Deep decarbonization, by demonstrating significantly less carbon-intensive industrial production processes leading to materials that can be labeled as having substantially lower levels of embodied greenhouse gas emissions;\"\n\nOur company ([state]-based) builds battery and energy management systems for Commercial & Industrial customers as well as marine applications. Though not central to a production/manufacturing process, energy is of course an input to and core driver of the efficiency and sustainability of such processes. \n\nThe BMS and EMS both radically enhance the performance of industrial co-located storage, reduce loss, and enable the use of recycled/lower grade lithium-ion cells. This results in significant reduction of GHGs and carbon emissions. Both the BMS and EMS are at pilot-scale and being commercialized over the course of 2023. \n\nPlease let me know if we are within the crosshairs and should file an application. ","Feedback on individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process. The types of projects this FOA solicits are discussed in Section 1.3.\n"]
[38,"2023-03-20","Eligibility","According to recent DOE studies, the energy intensity of producing titanium is 3x greater than aluminum and 10x greater than steel. Does this mean that titanium industry projects are a suitable fit for the \"Other Energy Intensive Industrial Processes\" Area of Interest?","As stated in Section 1.3.3 Areas of Interest (pg. 32): \"Under this AOI, DOE seeks applications for demonstration-to-deployment projects of innovative technologies that decarbonize operations in other energy-intensive manufacturing industries not previously mentioned. Applicants should substantiate the energy intensity of their industry in their application.\"\nSection 1.2 Program Purpose (pg. 11) also states: \"Given the scale of the challenge, replicable projects that can be deployed with urgency will be best positioned to catalyze follow-on investments to yield the most significant carbon reductions across the industrial sector in the next few decades.\"\n\nFeedback on individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process."]
[39,"2023-03-20","Eligibility","We have a few questions concerning two FOAs – 1) DE-FOA-0002963 2) DE-FOA-0002936.The first FOA is for Carbon Capture Large-Scale Pilot Projects and the second is World-leading, first or early-of-a-kind, full facility build resulting in significant emissions reductions up to net-zero operations. Our project meets the requirements for both grant opportunities, but the second grant opportunity would encompass our full green-field project and would be the most desirable grant for [company name]. The smaller opportunity (DE-FOA-0002963) concept paper is due April 05, 2023 and the larger opportunity (DE-FOA-0002936) concept paper is due April 21, 2023.\n\nIf we submitted for the first grant and were awarded a grant, would we be ineligible for the second FOA? \n \nOne of our partners will be performing some percentage of design/engineering work with their research and development team in [foreign country]. Will that be problematic for qualifying for the grant?","This mailbox is only answering questions related to DE-FOA-0002936, the Industrial Decarbonization and Emissions Reduction Demonstration-to-Deployment Funding Opportunity Announcement.\n\nApplying to multiple FOAs does not itself render a project ineligible to apply under this FOA.\nAs stated in DE-FOA-0002936 Section 4.6.2.2.b. (pg. 54): \"Other Federal Support: Federal financing, such as grants or loan guarantees from federal agencies, cannot be leveraged by applicants to provide the required cost share or to otherwise support the same scope of the award. However, other federal support may be used for activities that fall outside of the award scope/budget.\"\nAlso relevant is DE-FOA-0002936 Section 4.6.2.13: Potentially Duplicate Funding Notice (pg. 87) \n\nSection 3.1 (pgs. 41-42) addresses Foreign Entities and Appendix C (starting on pg. 119) addresses Foreign Entity Waiver requests.  "]
[40,"2023-03-20","Eligibility","For topic area 1, “New Facility”, must the facility in regard to the baseline be a “replacement” or “additional” facility or can an industry standard baseline be used to create a “Brand New First of its Kind” facility?","As stated in Section 1.3.1 Terminology (pgs. 15-16) \"This could include full first-of-a-kind projects, projects that are first-of-their-kind in the U.S., and/or other early-of-a-kind projects that face market or adoption risks. All applicants should substantiate their project’s ability to meet this FOA’s priority criteria.\" \"A 'benchmark' is an assessment relative to an industry-standard best practice representing commercially available off-the-shelf technology, referred to as 'state-of-the-art.' The benchmark should be justified and documented using widely recognized U.S. and/or international reference documents.\"\n\nSection 4.6.2.2(f) Baselines and Comparators (pg. 66) specifies that \"Applicants will need to provide a representative benchmark to compare to project outcomes. For all Topic Areas, applicants will need to define the state-of-the-art benchmark to compare expected results. This benchmark represents best commercially available off-the-shelf technology that would be used to build a similar industrial facility today, including associated emissions, and costs.\""]
[41,"2023-03-21","Foreign Entities/Work","For foreign entities applying to DE-FOA-0002936 as a prime recipient or subrecipient, is the foreign entity waiver request submitted with the Concept Paper or the full application?  Can the waiver request be submitted early to receive a decision from the DOE prior to application?","Foreign entity and foreign work waivers are required with the application, not at the concept paper stage. Appendix C - Waiver Requests for Foreign Entity Participation and Foreign Work (pg. 118) states \"To request a waiver of this requirement, an applicant must submit an explicit waiver request in the application.\" Appendix C contains more information about what should be included in such a waiver. Note also that section 4.6.1 Concept Paper (pg. 47) requires applicants to describe the following: \"Management and Organization (1 page maximum): Applicants must succinctly describe the qualifications, experience, and capabilities of the proposed Project Team:\"\nAs stated in Section 3.0 - Eligibility Information (pg. 40), \"DOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted. The decision whether to submit an application in response to this FOA lies solely with the applicant.\""]
[42,"2023-03-21","Other","The lien and reversionary interest of the government called for in 2 C.F.R. § 910.360 will prevent grant recipients from obtaining private sector senior secured financing and is likely to interfere with the goal of enabling widespread, non-federally funded follow-on investments.  Would DOE consider (whether for this specific FOA or on a class-basis with other grants implementing the BIL and the IRA) guidelines on when liens in favor of private sector lenders would be allowed and whether the lien in favor of the DOE could be shared with, or contractually subordinated to, private sector lenders, providing follow-on capital or funding cost shares?","\nThank you for your question. It has been received and is under consideration by DOE."]
[43,"2023-03-21","Eligibility","•\tThe FOA describes eligible projects under Topic Area 2 to include “new builds with accelerated planning, development, permitting, and financing strategies.”  Please confirm that this includes new greenfield facilities (that can meet the accelerated schedules provided).\n\t","Yes, new builds can include new greenfield facilities that can meet the accelerated schedules and all other other requirements applicable to Topic Area 2. "]
[44,"2023-03-21","Eligibility","If an applicant believes that its project may fall under multiple Topic Areas, how should we proceed?  Can we identify the multiple Topic Areas in a single concept paper, and would OCED then provide us with guidance about which Topic Area it finds applicable (perhaps when it provides the Encourage/Discourage notification)?  Or must we submit two concept papers, and then two applications?","As stated in Section 1.3.2.1 General Expectations for all Topic Areas (pg. 18) \"The funding source, scale, and type of projects envisioned for these funds is defined in three Topic Areas, described in Sections 1.3.2.2 to 1.3.2.4 below. Areas of Interest (AOI), which are further elaborated in Section 1.3.3, describe the industrial subsectors and crosscutting technologies of interest to DOE. Applicants must identify the Topic Area and AOI most suited to their proposed project.\" "]
[45,"2023-03-21","Eligibility","We understand that the definition of “brownfield” (as referenced in FN 56 of the FOA) to be “real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminants.”  This does not appear to limit brownfield projects to redevelopment of the applicant’s own facility.  For projects to qualify as a brownfield project under the FOA, please confirm that the real property to be expanded/redeveloped does not have to have been owned/operated by the applicant itself.  In other words, does redevelopment of a prior facility/location of another entity by the applicant qualify as a brownfield project?","For Topic Area 1, DOE expects that the applicant is able to show that it has the ability to carry the project it is proposing at the brownfield that is proposed as part of the project. As stated in Section 3.1 Eligible Applicants, Table 5. Eligible Entities by Topic Area (pg. 40), for Topic Areas 2 and 3, for all facilities including brownfields, eligible entities are \"Owners or operators of a domestic, non-federal nonpower industrial or manufacturing facility engaged in energy intensive industrial processes as stated in the areas of interest.\""]
[46,"2023-03-21","Eligibility","The FOA states: “If an applicant plans to propose substantially similar retrofits at multiple facilities and locations, those retrofits should be proposed as a single, cross-cutting project.”  An applicant wishes to perform substantially similar retrofits at two facilities, and then an additional, different upgrade to a different part of the facility, at one of those facilities.  Can all of those projects be considered a single, cross-cutting project and submitted in a single application?","As stated in Section 3.4, \"An entity may submit more than one Concept Paper and Application to this FOA, provided that each application describes a unique, scientifically distinct project and provided that an eligible Concept Paper was submitted for each application.\nNOTE: If an applicant plans to propose substantially similar retrofits at multiple facilities and locations, those retrofits should be proposed as a single, cross-cutting project. For details, please see Section 1.3.2.3.\""]
[47,"2023-03-21","Data Mgmt","Section 8.1 of the FOA notes how to designate information as confidential, and section 4.6.1 indicates that the same standards/requirements for confidentiality apply to concept papers.  There appears to be nothing limiting an applicant from designating its identity as confidential, throughout the concept paper and application.  Please confirm that it is permissible to mark the name of an applicant as confidential.\nWill the outcome of the application process be confidential?  In other words, will the funding recipients be kept confidential or publicly identified?","Yes, the applicant can mark its name as confidential. And as stated in section 8.1 Treatment of Application Information (pg. 107) of the FOA, \"DOE takes very seriously the confidentiality of all applicants and will treat information submitted in applications, as well as the identity of applicants, as confidential to the fullest extent possible under Federal law.\" \n\nConsistent with the requirements of 2 C.F.R. § 200.212, DOE will announce Federal awards publicly. 2 C.F.R. § 200.212(c) states that \"nothing in this section may be construed as requiring the publication of information otherwise exempt under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) or controlled unclassified information pursuant to Executive Order 13556.\" "]
[48,"2023-03-22","Eligibility","1. For Topic Area 1, is eligibility restricted to a particular subset of for-profit organizations (e.g. owners or operators of a domestic, non-federal nonpower industrial or manufacturing facility)?","No, as stated in section 3.1 Eligible Applicants (pg. 40) of the FOA, \"Eligibility for prime recipients under Topic Area 1 is restricted to private entities that are for-profit organizations.\" "]
[49,"2023-03-22","Eligibility","2. For Topic Area 1, is a for-profit, energy project developer eligible to be the prime applicant?","As stated in Section 3.0 - Eligibility Information (pg. 40), \"DOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted. The decision whether to submit an application in response to this FOA lies solely with the applicant.\""]
[50,"2023-03-22","Eligibility","We would like to apply for the Decarbonization and Emissions Reduction grant funding opportunity but need clarification regarding eligibility. We have a facility that is not in production yet but will be, we currently performing testing in large quantities. Do we qualify for topic area 3? Please let us know. We are in the process of developing the concept paper for concrete and cement decarbonization technology. Our technology can demonstrate that is significantly less carbon intensive industrial production processes which will lead to substantially lower level of embodied greenhouse gas emissions. Thank you for assisting with our question.","Feedback on individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process. The types of projects this FOA solicits are discussed in Section 1.3.\n"]
[51,"2023-03-22","Eligibility","1. The areas of interest lists process industries but not power generation organizations.  Is this the appropriate program for funding to work with power gen companies to reduce GHG emissions?  ","As stated in Section 1.2 (pg. 10), \"DOE anticipates that projects funded under this FOA will demonstrate significant GHG emissions reduction potential in nonpower industrial sectors,\" and \"a nonpower facility means a facility whose primary purpose is not power generation.\" Applicants should substantiate how they are meeting the objectives of the FOA."]
[52,"2023-03-22","Teaming List","2. We have software that can help process manufacturing organizations forecast, track, and reduce GHG emissions, but it sounds like it would be best for us to partner with a process manufacturer to apply this in a real plant setting.  Are you aware of any interested process manufacturers that we should approach to discuss a potential partnership application? ","Note that Section 8.5 Teaming Partner List (pg. 109 of the FOA states: \"DOE is compiling a “Teaming Partner List” to facilitate the formation of new project teams for this FOA. The teaming partner list allows organizations who may wish to participate on an application to express their interest to other applicants and to explore potential partnerships.\" See section 8.5 of the FOA for more information about Teaming Partner Lists. If you would like to be added to the Teaming Partner List, please submit your information as directed in Section 8.5."]
[53,"2023-03-22","Other","I am working on a Concept Paper to submit for FOA0002936, Industrial Decarbonization.  I have applied for a SAM account and received a UEI, however the SAM account is not yet active because it is waiting on a CAGE Code to be designated by DLA.  I spoke to a representative from DLA in Battle Creek, MI, who indicated there are no alerts on the account, it is in submitted status and is queued in their first in first out system that is overloaded due to the large volume of new applications and renewals.\n\nI know the deadline for Concept Papers is April 21, 2023.  Can you clarify the mechanism by which Concept Papers will be submitted, do I need my SAM account active before April 21?","System for Award Management (SAM) registration is not required for Concept Paper submission. Applicants are required to be registered in the SAM at https://www.sam.gov before submitting the full application and must provide a valid UEI number in the full application. Concept papers are submitted through OCED eXCHANGE."]
[54,"2023-03-23","Other","1.  One of our member companies is interested in submitting a concept paper due April 21.  They currently don't have a SAM Registration number (Unique ID).  There is a possibility that if they apply even today, they may or may not be able to get it on time for April 21 submission.\n\n2.  [Company name] will be administrating and managing their grant if funded.   \nOur organization has its SAM Registration Unique ID.  Can my organization submit Concept Paper as part of their grant administration and management team member on their behalf? Thank you.","System for Award Management (SAM) registration is not required for Concept Paper submission. Applicants are required to be registered in the SAM at https://www.sam.gov before submitting the full application and must provide a valid UEI number in the full application. Concept papers are submitted through OCED eXCHANGE."]
[55,"2023-03-23","Other","I have read through the OCED DE-FOA-0002963 PDF and the submission guidelines. I cannot find if the lead recipient has to submit the concept paper and full application or if one of the partners can submit on their behalf if they have a valid UEI number and an active SAM registration.","System for Award Management (SAM) registration is not required for Concept Paper submission. Applicants are required to be registered in the SAM at https://www.sam.gov before submitting the full application and must provide a valid UEI number in the full application. Concept papers are submitted through OCED eXCHANGE. "]
[56,"2023-03-23","Other","We are a member driven organization and many of our member companies are interested in applying for funding for this FOA.  However, many of these companies will not be able to receive the proper credentials in enough time to apply.  Will you allow us to be the applicant as a pass-through for another company?  Thank you for your response.","As stated in 4.2.2 (pg. 45) \"Each applicant (unless the applicant is excepted from those requirements under 2 C.F.R. § 25.110) is required to: (1) Be registered in the SAM at https://www.sam.gov before submitting its application; (2) provide a valid UEI number in its application; and (3) continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a federal awarding agency.\""]
[57,"2023-03-23","Eligibility","Are tribally owned entities or tribal nations eligible to apply? And can cost share exceptions be made if the applicant is a DAC, tribal nation or tribally owned? If so, what is the respective process?","Eligibility requirements for this FOA are in section 3.0 Eligibility Information. As stated in section 3.2 Cost Sharing of the FOA (pg. 42), \"The cost share must be at least 50% of the total project costs.\""]
[58,"2023-03-23","Foreign Entities/Work","1. Is a company that doesn’t have and domestic entity in place today, but plans to setup one, required to submit an explicit written waiver request also when submitting the concept paper? Or will that mainly be required for the full application submission?  \n2. How should the waiver be submitted? ","Foreign entity and foreign work waivers are required with the application, not at the concept paper stage. Appendix C - Waiver Requests for Foreign Entity Participation and Foreign Work (pg. 118) states \"To request a waiver of this requirement, an applicant must submit an explicit waiver request in the application.\" Appendix C contains more information about what should be included in such a waiver. Note also that section 4.6.1 Concept Paper (pg. 47) requires applicants to describe the following: \"Management and Organization (1 page maximum): Applicants must succinctly describe the qualifications, experience, and capabilities of the proposed Project Team:\""]
[59,"2023-03-24","Eligibility","Can the same legal entity submit multiple applications for different projects but in the same facility and topic area?","As stated in Section 3.4, \"An entity may submit more than one Concept Paper and Application to this FOA, provided that each application describes a unique, scientifically distinct project and provided that an eligible Concept Paper was submitted for each application.\nNOTE: If an applicant plans to propose substantially similar retrofits at multiple facilities and locations, those retrofits should be proposed as a single, cross-cutting project. For details, please see Section 1.3.2.3.\""]
[60,"2023-03-24","Other","1. Are there specific guidelines/restrictions for cost-share, and specifically for in-kind contributions?","Section 3.2 Cost Sharing (pg. 42) has information on cost-share calculation. For details, please see footnote 122. "]
[61,"2023-03-24","Other","2. What are the required and/or typical percentage ranges for project contingency reserve?","As noted in Section 2.0 (pg. 39), \"A contingency reserve is required for all Phase 3 and 4 activities. The amount of contingency will be determined based on the quantitative risk analysis performed by the recipient. The required contingency may be adjusted based on the level of remaining project risks and other considerations as the project progresses in Phase 3 and 4. Recipients must demonstrate that they can meet unexpected financial needs of the project.\""]
[62,"2023-03-24","Other","3. Section 3.1 of the FOA states “In limited circumstances, DOE may approve a waiver to allow a foreign entity to participate as a prime recipient or subrecipient.” Are there objective criteria which will be used to consider a foreign entity waiver application for a sub-recipient?","As noted in Appendix C - Waiver Requests for Foreign Entity Participation and Foreign Work (pg. 118), \"Foreign entities seeking to participate in a project under this FOA must demonstrate to the satisfaction of DOE that:\na. Participation is in the best interest of the United States industry and United States economic development; \nb. Project team has appropriate measures in place to control sensitive information and protect against unauthorized transfer of scientific and technical information;\nc. Adequate protocols exist between the United States subsidiary and its foreign parent organization to comply with export control laws and any obligations to protect proprietary information from the foreign parent organization;\nd. Work is conducted within the United States and the entity acknowledges and demonstrates that it has the intent and ability to comply with the U.S. Competitiveness Provisions (see Section 8.13); and\ne. Foreign entity will satisfy other conditions that may be deemed necessary by DOE to protect United States government interests.\" Further information on these waivers can be found in Appendix C."]
[63,"2023-03-24","Other","4. Section 4.8.3 requires that “All iron, steel, and manufactured products used in the infrastructure work are produced in the United States”. Are there any exceptions to this for any sort of fabricated and specialty equipment?","As stated in section 8.4.3 Buy America Requirements for Infrastructure Projects (pg. 90) of the FOA, \"More information is available at https://www.energy.gov/management/build-america-buy-america.\" "]
[64,"2023-03-27","Topic Areas","Would you please clarify if this FOA2936 will cover projects that intend to capture CO2 from emitter’s source and transport it to a secure geological sequestration site?","Please see response for question 16."]
[65,"2023-03-27","Budget/Costs","Can you clarify how Section 48 investment tax credits for certain clean energy technologies are considered with respect to the cost share requirements of the Industrial Decarbonization eligibility requirements?  Would a federal investment tax credit be considered federal funds or non-federal funds?  Alternatively, perhaps any grant funding awarded would reduce the basis for which an investment tax credit would apply?\nCould you provide any assistance or clarification on this topic?","As noted in Section 3.2 Cost Sharing (pg. 42), \"The cost share must come from non-federal sources unless otherwise allowed by law, such as project participants, state or local governments, or third-party financing.\" Applicants are not prohibited from using tax credits but may not use them as cost share."]
[66,"2023-03-27","Topic Areas","The wastewater sector involves large electric loads and electricity-related (and direct) emissions; wastewater facilities are increasing becoming manufacturers of clean water, nutrients, bioplastics, etc. The wastewater sector is very energy intensive: it consumes roughly 30-40 TWh of electricity in the US, 4-5.2% of total primary energy use. For Topic Area 2, do wastewater facilities count as industrial facilities?","As stated in Section 1.3.3 Areas of Interest (pg. 32): \"Under this AOI, DOE seeks applications for demonstration-to-deployment projects of innovative technologies that decarbonize operations in other energy-intensive manufacturing industries not previously mentioned. Applicants should substantiate the energy intensity of their industry in their application.\" Also noted in Section 1.3.1 Terminology (pg. 15), \"Projects funded through this FOA should be commercial-scale or commercially relevant, include a path from demonstration to deployment that includes sustained operation after completion, and have the goal of enabling widespread, non-federally funded follow-on investments after the project period. This could include full first-of-a-kind projects, projects that are first-of-their-kind in the U.S., and/or other early-of-a-kind projects that face market or adoption risks.\"\nSection 1.3.3 Areas of Interest (pg. 23) states, \"Areas of Interest (AOI) represent potential opportunities for GHG emissions reduction within the manufacturing industries, with special emphasis on the high energy and carbon intensive processes described below and shown in Figure 1.\""]
[67,"2023-03-27","Other","We are a member driven organization and many of our member companies are interested in applying for funding for this FOA.  However, many of these companies will not be able to receive the proper credentials in enough time to apply.  Will you allow us to be the applicant as a pass-through for another company?  Thank you for your response.","Please see response for question 56."]
[68,"2023-03-27","Foreign Entities/Work","1. Is a company that doesn’t have and domestic entity in place today, but plans to setup one, required to submit an explicit written waiver request also when submitting the concept paper? Or will that mainly be required for the full application submission?  \n2. How should the waiver be submitted? ","Please see response for question 58."]
[69,"2023-03-27","Other","To be considered eligible for an award under this FOA related to projects within Topic 2, is the prime recipient required to be the sole owner and operator of the equipment used to produce emissions reductions and decarbonization? While the FOA details that applicants are allowed to source third-party financing to fulfill the 50% cost share, we’d like to clarify whether it is acceptable for the prime recipient to lease the equipment involved in full facility decarbonization retrofits and installations","DOE expects that an applicant substantiate that it has the ability to carry the project it is proposing through sufficient documentation of lease terms or other relevant licenses. Applicants should discuss project risk posed by the use of leased equipment as described in Section 4.6.2.2(e) Risk Analysis and Mitigation."]
[70,"2023-03-28","Other","We are working with an industrial facility that fits your hard-to-abate criteria on a  potential carbon capture project.  As part of the FOA, could we first test some innovations in our technology (TRL 8) on their laboratory heating boiler as step one and then move to their production line/industrial flue as the next step? Running the boiler first would help prepare for the production line transition but minimize disruptions and adjustments during line operations. ","Projects are expected to test and validate technologies. Feedback on individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process. Section 1.4 Award and Project Management Structure gives further information on the phases expected for these projects and concept papers will be evaluated as described in Section 5.2.1 Concept Papers.\nAlso, as noted in Section 1.1 Background and Context (pg. 7), this FOA will support \"clean energy technology demonstration projects at commercial scale in partnership with the private sector to accelerate deployment, market adoption, and the equitable transition to a decarbonized energy system.\" "]
[71,"2023-03-29","Other","1. How and where does an applicant make Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) or know what the standard is? What if a product does not have an existing EPD? How does a company identify the existing Buy Clean Initiative or other standard for its product?","As noted in Section 1.2 Program Purpose (pg. 11), \"Multiple agencies and regulatory bodies are currently working to expand the disclosure of GHG emissions at a product, facility, and corporate level... DOE expects that cleaner products resulting from facilities funded through this FOA should assist in setting the standard for transparency in reporting a product’s embodied emissions. \" More information on these efforts can be found on pg. 11, along with footnotes 15-20."]
[72,"2023-03-29","Community Benefits","2. Is there a page limit length on the community benefits plan in the full application?","The community benefits plan may be a maximum of 15 pages for Topic Areas 1 and 2, and 10 pages for Topic Area 3. Appendix A contains the page numbers for all required application materials. "]
[73,"2023-03-29","OCED Exchange","3. Should the concept paper file uploaded to OCED be labeled with a control number, or is that generated later?","A Control Number will be issued when an applicant begins the OCED Exchange application process. The “Create Concept Paper” button initiates this application process and will generate the Control Number that must be included with all application documents. "]
[74,"2023-03-29","Foreign Entities/Work","4. Will entities that need to submit a Waiver for Foreign Entity Participation be at a disadvantage in the selection process? In other words, would an application for a foreign entity need to be particularly strong to be selected? Please confirm that a waiver is not required at the concept paper stage. ","Applications will be evaluated against the technical review criteria shown in section 5.2.2. See also Section 3.2 Cost Sharing - Foreign Entities (pg. 42) and Appendix C Waiver Requests for Foreign Entity Participation and Foreign Work. \n\nForeign entity and foreign work waivers are required with the application, not at the concept paper stage. "]
[75,"2023-03-29","Application Content/Format","Hello- the FOA references award terms and conditions found at:\n\nhttp://www.nsf.gov/awards/managing/rtc.jsp\n\nThese appear to reference terms for research projects, but this FOA appears to target only projects which are beyond the research phase (deployment/commercialization projects). Is there a set of T&C that is specifically identified as applicable to non-research projects to be awarded under this FOA?","As noted in Section 4.10 Adminstrative and National Policy Requirements, \"the National Policy Assurances that will be incorporated as a term and condition to this FOA's awards is located at: http://www.nsf.gov/awards/managing/rtc.jsp\" although demonstration projects will be at TRL 7-9 (see Section 4.10 Administrative and National Policy Requirements). "]
[76,"2023-03-29","Application Content/Format","We are seeking answers to the below questions on DE-FOA-0002936. \n\n1. Definition of facility. If a site has 5 blast furnaces that operate independently, is a “facility” a single blast furnace or all blast furnaces at the site?","As described in Section 1.3.2.3 (pg. 21) and also see section 1.3.2.4 (pg. 23). Applicants should substantiate and explain how they satisfy this requirement. For Topic Areas 2 and 3, \"The applicant must be an eligible entity as defined in section 50161(g)(2) of the IRA for all facilities it proposes under this Topic Area. Each facility must be an eligible facility as defined in section 50161(g)(3) of the IRA for both single facility and multiple facility projects.\" "]
[77,"2023-03-29","Topic Areas","2. Must topic area 1 involve construction of an entirely new facility or can it be a retrofit of new technology to an existing facility? ","As described in 1.3.2.2 Topic Area 1: BIL: Near-Net Zero Facility Build Projects, \"Topic Area 1, funded by section 41008 of the BIL, will fund demonstration projects that are world-leading, first- or early-of-a-kind, full facility builds that will test and validate technologies resulting in significant emissions reductions, up to net-zero operations.\" Retrofits are eligible for funding under Topic Areas 2 & 3.  See sections 1.3.2.3 (Topic Area 2: IRA: Facility-Level Large Installations and Overhaul Retrofit Demonstrations) and section 1.3.2.4 (Topic Area 3: IRA:  System Upgrades for and Retrofits for Criticail Unit Operations or Single Process Lines within Existing Facilities) for more information.  As stated in Section 1.3.2.1 General Expectations for all Topic Areas (pg. 18) \"Applicants must identify the Topic Area and AOI most suited to their proposed project.\" "]
[78,"2023-03-29","Eligibility","1. Are on-site renewable energy projects (e.g. rooftop solar) eligible to receive funding under this FOA?  What is the qualifying criteria? E.g. do the renewable projects need to be co-located behind the same utility meter as the facility or industrial process that is being targeted for decarbonization? Do they need to be paired with energy storage systems, etc.? Other requirements? Please note that there may be space or interconnection limits which may not permit co-location.\n2. Are off-site renewable energy projects (e.g. utility scale wind and solar PPAs) eligible to receive funding under this FOA if they’re linked via a procurement or other retail mechanism to the facility or industrial process that is being retrofitted? E.g. if a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (PPA or VPPA) is used to supply renewable MWh and/or Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to the industrial facility? \n3. If supplying on-site processes directly with renewable energy from an off-site source through a physical connection, is this linkage eligible for funding under this FOA?\n4. If off-site renewables / VPPAs are used to supply carbon free energy (CFE) to the industrial facility or process that we’re trying to decarbonize, are there any requirements regarding the types of supply or RECs that would qualify under this FOA? E.g. can the procurement of RECs be settled on an annual basis, or does there need to be hourly tracking and matching of CFE with the hourly facility load?\n5. Are electrochemical and/or thermal energy storage systems eligible to receive funding under this FOA if the goal is to use these systems to improve the utilization of offsite renewable energy by the industrial facilities(virtually), and to reduce congestion and/or curtailment losses? E.g. if thermal storage is used to shift load from periods of high congestion in the grid to lower congestion, is that use-case eligible under this FOA?","The types of projects this FOA solicits are discussed in Section 1.3. As stated in Section 1.2 (pg. 10), \"DOE anticipates that projects funded under this FOA will demonstrate significant GHG emissions reduction potential in nonpower industrial sectors,\" and \"a nonpower facility means a facility whose primary purpose is not power generation.\" Applicants should substantiate how they are meeting the objectives of the FOA.\n\nSection 4.6.2.2(f) System Boundaries and Considerations (pg. 67) \"As this FOA encompasses many industries and will receive multiple project requests with various technologies, the applicant needs to clearly narrate any special analyses, boundaries, or considerations for emissions and economic evaluations DOE should consider for the project. Depending on the specific proposal, applicants may need to include additional components and analyses.  For example:\n• If utilizing alternative, low carbon feedstocks that are critical to overall carbon intensity reduction strategy, feedstocks should be included in the LCA.\n• If fuel production is carbon negative and proposed as part of the overall carbon intensity reduction strategy, fuels should be included in the LCA.\n• If there is a significant change anticipated to energy or water intensity, energy and water inputs should be included in the LCA.\n• If the financial viability of the project depends on a long-term electricity PPA, generation and delivery should be included in the LCA.\" \nOther information regarding LCA expectations may be found in Section 4.6.2.2(f).\n\nInterested applicants should submit a concept paper. Feedback on individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process.  As a reminder, DOE will prioritize a portfolio of projects that offer deep carbonization, timeliness, market viability, and community benefits, as described in the Executive Summary."]
[79,"2023-03-30","Other","How detailed will encourage/discourage notifications be? E.g., will they provide a ‘this is great, this is so-so’ sense of ‘likelihood’ of an award? Provide guidance toward what areas need to be strengthened, or potential concerns? Etc…","As detailed 6.1.2 Concept Paper Notification, \"DOE will notify applicants of its determination to encourage or discourage the submission of an application. DOE will post these notifications to OCED eXCHANGE. DOE may include general comments provided from reviewers on an applicant’s Concept Paper in the encourage/discourage notifications.\""]
[80,"2023-03-30","Webinar","I was unable to attend the webinar today, but wanted to get some more information on the “Industrial Demonstrations Funding Opportunity Announcement Informational Webinar.” Is there someone that I can arrange a meeting with or get the slide deck from?","The slide deck is available on OCED Exchange, as well as OCED Industrial Demonstrations Program's website (https://www.energy.gov/oced/industrial-demonstrations-program?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery) within the \"Program Annoucement\" menu.  A recorded copy of the webinar will also be uploaded to this location as soon as possible.  \n\nThe slide deck is also available at the following link: https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-03/FINAL_OCED%20IDP%20FOA-webinar%20deck.pdf "]
[81,"2023-03-30","Webinar","Unfortunately, I missed this morning's webinar. Will it be available to those that registered through email or online? Thank you. ","The slide deck is available on OCED Exchange, as well as OCED Industrial Demonstrations Program's website (https://www.energy.gov/oced/industrial-demonstrations-program?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery) within the \"Program Annoucement\" menu.  A recorded copy of the webinar will also be uploaded to this location as soon as possible.  \n\nThe slide deck is also available at the following link: https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-03/FINAL_OCED%20IDP%20FOA-webinar%20deck.pdf "]
[82,"2023-03-30","Cost Sharing","For the Industrial Demonstrations Program (DE-FOA-0002936), your staff had stated that funds received from other programs cannot count toward the non-government share for IDP. Does this include funds received from non-federal, state-level programs?","As stated in Section 3.2 Cost Sharing (pg. 42), \"The cost share must come from non-federal sources unless otherwise allowed by law, such as project participants, state or local governments, or third-party financing.\" Also relevant is Section 4.6.2.2(b) \"Other Federal Support\" (pg. 54) and Section 4.6.2.13: Potentially Duplicate Funding Notice (pg. 87). "]
[83,"2023-03-30","Other","We are submitting two applications :  One application for one site and another application for another site with different technology/process. Both sites are owned by one legal entity.  \nQuestions: Do we need to submit each application under a unique legal entity?\n      Do we need two different UEI numbers – one for each application?","As stated in Section 3.4 Limitation on Number of Concept Papers and Applications Eligible for Review, \"An entity may submit more than one Concept Paper and Application to this FOA, provided that each application describes a unique, scientifically distinct project and provided that an eligible Concept Paper was submitted for each application.\"  NOTE: If an applicant plans to propose substantially similar retrofits at multiple facilities and locations, those retrofits should be proposed as a single, cross-cutting project. For details, please see Section 1.3.2.3.  More than one application may be submitted under the same legal entity, with the same valid UEI. "]
[84,"2023-03-30","Other","As you can see below, I sent some questions in last week and have been waiting for a response so that I could determine whether to move forward with developing a concept paper or not. My understanding is that I should have seen a response within three business days. Please advise since it has been 6 days and still no response.  Thank you.","As stated in Section 7.0 Questions/Agency Contacts (pg. 107) \"OCED will attempt to respond to a question within 3 business days unless a similar question and answer has already been posted on the website.\"\nQuestions submitted through 3/24/2023 were posted on OCED Exchange on 3/29/2023."]
[85,"2023-03-30","Other","I participated in today’s webinar about the Industrial Decarbonization Demonstration Program. At several points, the concept of waste reduction was mentioned. Can you clarify whether projects that reduce carbon and via circularity and reduced need for virgin fossil fuel based materials are eligible for consideration or are you focused only on projects that reduce traditional industrial, process and combustion related GHG emissions? ","As stated in Section 4.6.2.2(f) Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Analysis Projections (pg. 67), \"While not required for the preliminary quantitative LCA, all other components from outside the facility must be described in the narrative section, with a specific focus on any changes to total amounts or production intensities that may result from the proposed project.\nAs this FOA encompasses many industries and will receive multiple project requests with various technologies, the applicant needs to clearly narrate any special analyses, boundaries, or considerations for emissions and economic evaluations DOE should consider for the project. Depending on the specific proposal, applicants may need to include additional components and analyses. For example:\n• If utilizing alternative, low carbon feedstocks that are critical to overall carbon intensity reduction strategy, feedstocks should be included in the LCA.\n• If fuel production is carbon negative and proposed as part of the overall carbon intensity reduction strategy, fuels should be included in the LCA.\n• If there is a significant change anticipated to energy or water intensity, energy and water inputs should be included in the LCA.\n• If the financial viability of the project depends on a long-term electricity PPA, generation and delivery should be included in the LCA.\" \nSection 4.6.2.2(f) (pg. 66) also states that \"Total annual GHG emissions and facility contributions to product carbon intensity will be the metrics used to evaluate GHG emissions reductions.\" Other specifics regarding LCA expectations may be found in Section 4.6.2.2(f).  \n"]
[86,"2023-03-30","Eligibility","We have an art faculty member who is interested in pursuing a project under the Industrial Decarbonization and Emissions Reduction Demonstration-to-Deployment grant program.  I just want to be sure that I’m understanding the eligibility requirements correctly: As a public institution of higher education, [College Name] would not be eligible to apply as the prime recipient, but we could partner with a private/for-profit business entity as a subrecipient.  Is this correct?","As stated in Section 3.1 Eligible Applicants (pg. 41), \"Entities that are eligible as sub-recipients or that can be contracted under this FOA include, but are not limited to: \n• Scientist or other individual with knowledge and expertise in emissions reduction; an \ninstitution of higher education;\n• Nongovernmental organization; \n• National Laboratory; \n• Private entity; and \n• Partnership or consortium of 2 or more entities described in this list.\""]
[87,"2023-04-01","Foreign Entities/Work","Regarding topic 1 of this FOA, can the the construction and operation of the first of a kind demonstration plant be in Canada? Note that the prime applicant is a for-profit business in the US.\nRegarding topic 2 of this FOA, can the retrofit to one process line of the plant be in Canada and the expansion to other plants be in the US? Again the prime applicant is a for-profit business in the US.","As stated in section 4.8.7 Performance of Work in the United States (Foreign Work Waiver) (pgs. 91-92), \"a. Requirement - All work peformed under awards issued under this FOA must be performed in the United States. The recipient must flow down this requirement to its subrecipients. b. Failure to Comply - If the recipient fails to comply with the Performance of Work in the United States requirement, DOE may deny reimbursement for the work conducted outside of the United States and such costs may not be recognized as allowable recipient cost share. The recipient is responsible should any work be performed outside the United States absent a waiver, regardless of whether the work is performed by the recipient, subrecipient, contractors, or other project partners. c. Waiver - To seek a foreign work waiver, the applicant must submit a written waiver request to DOE. Appendix C lists the information that must be included in a request for a foreign work waiver.\""]
[88,"2023-04-02","Eligibility","Will industries that provide carbon intensive services, as opposed to generating materials or products, be eligible for consideration under this solicitation?","As stated in Section 1.2 Program Purpose (pg. 10), \"DOE anticipates that projects funded under this FOA will demonstrate significant GHG emissions reduction potential in nonpower industrial sectors,\" and \"a nonpower facility means a facility whose primary purpose is not power generation.\" Section 1.3.3 Areas of Interest (pg. 23) states, \"Areas of Interest (AOI) represent potential opportunities for GHG emissions reduction within the manufacturing industries, with special emphasis on the high energy and carbon intensive processes described below and shown in Figure 1 above. Responsive applications addressing any AOI will be considered for all Topic Areas, and DOE may select projects from all, some, or none of these AOIs. AOIs were selected based on statutory language, by analysis of the highest emitting industries, by the greatest potential for industrial decarbonization, and through substantial engagement with industry. Applications for industries not listed below may be considered, but applicants must substantiate their project’s ability to achieve priority criteria and will be judged in context of all responses.\" "]
[89,"2023-04-02","Cost Sharing","Regarding the above mentioned FOA, can you clarify how the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) will be treated in the calculation of Total Project Cost (TPC) and the requirement for a cost share equaling at least 50% of the total project cost? For a hypothetical $100M project qualifying for a $40M ITC, is the minimum Applicant Cost Share $50M (50% of the TPC prior to Federal funding via the ITC) or $30M (50% of the TPC net of the ITC)?","As noted in Section 3.2 Cost Sharing (pg. 42), \"The cost share must come from non-federal sources unless otherwise allowed by law, such as project participants, state or local governments, or third-party financing.\" Applicants are not prohibited from using tax credits but may not use them as cost share."]
[90,"2023-04-03","Eligibility","[Personal information redacted] We recently noticed the DOE-OCED funding opportunity: DE-FOA-0002936. We have collaborations with our partner - large US-based multinational company. The nature of the work is appropriate for this DOE-OCED funding opportunity. We are planning on a potential joint proposal submission with our partner. Given the concept paper deadline is coming up quickly – April 21st – and we (both [company name] and our partner) are not so used to apply for US federal funding, can you please confirm:\nA.\tIf a concept paper is required for this application?\nB.\tIf we miss the deadline of April 21st concept paper submission, is there any other opportunity for us to submit the concept paper?\nWe feel confident on the August 23 deadline of the full application. However, the window of the concept paper submission is very tight for us due to multiple reasons:\nA.\tWhen we heard this FOA there were only a couple of weeks left for the concept paper deadline\nB.\tCommunication/negotiation with our partner – especially large companies – takes time\nC.\tWe are not experts to apply for US federal funding. It takes time for us to learn the process\nWe felt this is a great opportunity for [company name] and our partner, and we don’t want to lose it. I can set up a quick Teams call if that helps. Look forward to hearing from you. Thank you.\nI am copying my business unit colleague [name and title] in this conversation.","A. As stated in 4.6.2 Application (pg. 46): \"Only applicants who have submitted an eligible Concept Paper will be eligible to submit an Application.\"\n\nB. At this time, DOE is not considering an extension to the Concept Paper submission deadline.  The Concept Paper submission deadline is Friday, April 21, 2023 at 5pm ET. As stated in section 4.4 Submission Dates and Times, \"All required submissions must be submitted in OCED eXCHANGE no later than 5 p.m. ET on the dates provided on the cover page of the FOA.\" \n\nAs noted on the FOA cover page, the full application deadline is August 4, 2023 at 5 p.m. ET."]
[91,"2023-04-03","Topic Areas","Concerning DE-FOA-0002936 and the requirement to submit a concept paper, we would have the following question:\n\nIs the specific Topic of Interest to which a project can apply defined at the Concept Paper stage? Or is it possible to change the specific Topic of Interest of a project after submission of the concept paper?\nFor example, would it be possible to scale down a project, and consequently change the Topic of Interest of the project to better suit the scaled-down project, after having submitted a concept paper for the project?","While DOE generally expects the full application to be reflective of the concept paper submitted, changes to the topic area between the concept paper and full application submissions are permissible."]
[92,"2023-04-03","Other","I am submitting the below questions regarding the DE-FOA-0002936 regarding Topic Area 2 and 3: \n\n1. Are on-site renewable energy projects (e.g. rooftop solar) eligible to receive funding under this FOA?  What is the qualifying criteria? E.g. do the renewable projects need to be co-located behind the same utility meter as the facility or industrial process that is being targeted for decarbonization? Do they need to be paired with energy storage systems, etc.? Other requirements? Please note that there may be space or interconnection limits which may not permit co-location. \n2. Are off-site renewable energy projects (e.g. utility scale wind and solar PPAs) eligible to receive funding under this FOA if they’re linked via a procurement or other retail mechanism to the facility or industrial process that is being retrofitted? E.g. if a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (PPA or VPPA) is used to supply renewable MWh and/or Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to the industrial facility?\n3. If supplying on-site processes directly with renewable energy from an off-site source through a physical connection, is this linkage eligible for funding under this FOA?\n4. If off-site renewables / VPPAs are used to supply carbon free energy (CFE) to the industrial facility or process that we’re trying to decarbonize, are there any requirements regarding the types of supply or RECs that would qualify under this FOA? E.g. can the procurement of RECs be settled on an annual basis, or does there need to be hourly tracking and matching of CFE with the hourly facility load?\n5. Are electrochemical and/or thermal energy storage systems eligible to receive funding under this FOA if the goal is to use these systems to improve the utilization of offsite renewable energy by the industrial facilities(virtually), and to reduce congestion and/or curtailment losses? E.g. if thermal storage is used to shift load from periods of high congestion in the grid to lower congestion, is that use-case eligible under this FOA?","Please see response for question 78."]
[93,"2023-04-03","OCED Exchange","We're preparing to submit for the Near-Net-Zero Facility demonstrator (DE-FOA-0002936).\n\nThe online application form allows 4,000 characters for the abstract. In addition, a concept paper should be uploaded.\n\nThe concept paper should be 10 pages maximum:\n•\tDo you have a preferred template for the concept paper? \n•\tThe form says, on the Upload and Submission tab: \"Please upload your submission in the format specified for each file below\". But I cannot see where to attach the concept paper, nor file formats specified. ","No concept paper template is available for use at this time.  Concept Paper criteria is provided within Section 4.6.1 Concept Paper, and applicants are encouraged to review Section 4.1 Application Package for form and content requirements.\n\nFor technical support beyond OCED eXCHANGE Applicant Guide located at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx associated with Concept Paper submissions, further support is provided at: oced-exchangesupport@hq.doe.gov. The preferred file format for submission is PDF."]
[94,"2023-04-03","Eligibility","Is it possible to submit a Concept Paper with technology provider and energy service company that aim to decarbonize industrial facilities without a specific host site while we are finalizing a host site that will qualify as owner or operator of a domestic, non-federal nonpower industrial or manufacturing facility engaged in energy intensive industrial processes as stated in the areas of interest. For the full application, the prime recipient will be the manufacturing owner once the host site is finalized. Would such concept paper be eligible? ","Applicants must follow the Concept Paper requirements stated in the FOA (see section 4.6.1) and submit by the Submission Deadline for Concept Papers specified on the cover page of the FOA (see also section 4.4 of the FOA).\n\nIf there is a change to the lead organization listed on the Concept Paper, the Application must include documentation from both the lead organization on the Concept Paper and the lead organization on the Application that shows that both entities voluntarily agree to transfer the OCED Exchange control number and the concept paper. This documentation must be included as an Appendix to the Technical Volume.  Please ensure that the same control number is used for both the Concept Paper and the Application.\n\nNote: The OCED Exchange account associated with the Concept Paper control number does not need to be transferred to the new lead organization. Within Exchange, Applicants may share their submissions with other team members / Exchange users using the Share Submission feature. Sharing a submission with another user will give that user access to edit, view submission decisions, and view reviewer comments for all stages of a FOA (Concept Paper and Full Application). See the OCED eXCHANGE Applicant Guide located at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx for instructions. "]
[95,"2023-04-03","Application Content/Format","I wish to submit the following clarification question for FOA: DE-FOA-0002936 Industrial Decarbonization and Emissions Reduction Demonstration-to-Deployment Funding Opportunity Announcement\nPlease clarify:\n\nFOA page 48: for the concept paper it asks for “A summary org chart of the team”, is this the project team resources such as the lead project manager or the teaming partner firms?","A summary organization chart of the team could encompass the team members across teaming partner organizations.  The applicant has the discretion to organize this information in a way that most succinctly describe the qualifications, experience, and capabilities of the proposed Project Team to meet the criteria specified in section 4.6.1 Concept Paper of the FOA."]
[96,"2023-04-03","Application Content/Format","We have a heat recovery technology that can work with glass and steel furnaces.  For the case of glass, this technology reduces fuel consumption by 30% with a commensurate reduction in CO2 emissions as well.  This heat recovery technology is compatible with H2.  Another 40 – 50% reduction in CO2 emissions (total of 70 – 80% reduction) is achieved when blue or green H2 becomes available.  At the planned site, it is unlikely that blue H2 or green H2 will become available over the next 5 – 10 years.  Could such a project qualify for funding under this FOA?","Feedback on individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process.  DOE expects that an applicant substantiate that it has the ability to carry the project it is proposing."]
[97,"2023-04-03","Other","Due to the complexity of the concept papers, will DOE extend the deadline for concept papers?  Thank you.","At this time, DOE is not considering an extension to the Concept Paper submission deadline.  The Concept Paper submission deadline is Friday, April 21, 2023 at 5pm ET. As stated in section 4.4 Submission Dates and Times, \"All required submissions must be submitted in OCED eXCHANGE no later than 5 p.m. ET on the dates provided on the cover page of the FOA.\" "]
[98,"2023-04-03","Cost Sharing","Are there cost share requirement exceptions for tribally owned applicants?","Eligibility requirements for this FOA are in section 3.0 Eligibility Information. As stated in section 3.2 Cost Sharing of the FOA (pg. 42), \"The cost share must be at least 50% of the total project costs.\""]
[99,"2023-04-03","Webinar","Will the webinar “Industrial Demonstrations Funding Opportunity Announcement Informational Webinar” (2936 FOA) be made available for general viewing after the live event?","The slide deck to the webinar is available now on within this \"Program Annoucement\" menu, on OCED Exchange, and at the following link: https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-03/FINAL_OCED%20IDP%20FOA-webinar%20deck.pdf \n\nA recorded copy of the Industrial Decarbonization and Emissions Reduction Demonstration-to-Deployment webinar will be uploaded to OCED Industrial Demonstrations Program's website (https://www.energy.gov/oced/industrial-demonstrations-program?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery) within the \"Program Annoucement\" menu as soon as possible.  "]
[100,"2023-04-03","Other","Do projects with more aggressive timelines score higher for that scoring criteria?","As stated in 1.2 Program Purpose (pg. 8): \"Applications will be selected based on multiple factors that exhibit the expectations and details described throughout this FOA. Priority will be given to projects with the deepest GHG emissions reduction potential; facility readiness and ability of applicant to act quickly; the clean product market viability; community benefits; and statutory priority consideration factors as described in Section 5.2.2.\"\n"]
[101,"2023-04-03","Webinar","Is it possible to get a link to a recording of the webinar? Or if there was a slide deck, the presentation?\n\nThank you very much, we are in the process of drafting our concept paper for this exciting FOA!","The slide deck to the webinar is available now on within this \"Program Annoucement\" menu, on OCED Exchange, and at the following link: https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-03/FINAL_OCED%20IDP%20FOA-webinar%20deck.pdf \n\nA recorded copy of the Industrial Decarbonization and Emissions Reduction Demonstration-to-Deployment webinar will be uploaded to OCED Industrial Demonstrations Program's website (https://www.energy.gov/oced/industrial-demonstrations-program?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery) within the \"Program Annoucement\" menu as soon as possible.  "]
[102,"2023-04-04","Other","My question is in regard to eligible applicants for Topic Areas 2 and 3 in FOA-2936. The concept paper in question is being developed by a company that makes large-scale, carbon-free, process heat generation systems for the manufacturing facilities listed in the \"Areas of Interest\". However, the company does not own the manufacturing facilities where the heat generation equipment would be installed. The company is in discussions with several potential facilities that are eligible, but these discussions will not come to a conclusion before the concept paper is due. \n\nWould it be acceptable for the company to submit a concept paper that addresses one or more eligible facility types (without listing specific facility names) while the company completes these discussions? \n\nIf the concept paper were encouraged, could the owner of the selected manufacturing facility take over as the lead organization?","Applicants must follow the Concept Paper requirements stated in the FOA (see section 4.6.1) and submit by the Submission Deadline for Concept Papers specified on the cover page of the FOA (see also section 4.4 of the FOA).\n\nIf there is a change to the lead organization listed on the Concept Paper, the Application must include documentation from both the lead organization on the Concept Paper and the lead organization on the Application that shows that both entities voluntarily agree to transfer the OCED Exchange control number and the concept paper. This documentation must be included as an Appendix to the Technical Volume.  Please ensure that the same control number is used for both the Concept Paper and the Application.\n\nNote: The OCED Exchange account associated with the Concept Paper control number does not need to be transferred to the new lead organization. Within Exchange, Applicants may share their submissions with other team members / Exchange users using the Share Submission feature. Sharing a submission with another user will give that user access to edit, view submission decisions, and view reviewer comments for all stages of a FOA (Concept Paper and Full Application). See the OCED eXCHANGE Applicant Guide located at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx for instructions. "]
[103,"2023-04-04","Eligibility","My organization is partnering with domestic, industrial facilities in the hard-to-abate sectors to reduce related electricity emissions, particularly for processes where electricity contributes to most of the manufacturing emissions profile.  \n\nFor the OCED Industrial Decarbonization and Emissions Reduction Demonstration-to-Deployment (DE-FOA-0002936), can you clarify whether new, onsite, behind-the-meter installations of utility-scale renewable energy that is paired with long duration energy storage (LDES) would meet the criteria for eligibility? For example, would an onsite RE+LDES installation at an eligible industrial facility qualify if it displaced the facility’s electricity demand that is currently served by a captured onsite coal plant?  Likewise, would the same onsite RE+LDES installation at an eligible industrial facility qualify if it displaced the facility’s electricity demand that is currently served by the grid (and could contribute to displacing a coal facility off-site/operated by a utility)?","As stated in Section 1.2 (pg. 10), \"DOE anticipates that projects funded under this FOA will demonstrate significant GHG emissions reduction potential in nonpower industrial sectors,\" and \"a nonpower facility means a facility whose primary purpose is not power generation.\" Applicants should substantiate how they are meeting the objectives of the FOA.\n\nAs noted in Section 1.1 Background and Context (pg. 7), \"DOE’s crosscutting portfolio view of investments that facilitate industrial decarbonization is integrated rather than duplicative\" and as such seeks to work with other DOE programs to avoid funding overlap. Other FOAs may be found at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov."]
[104,"2023-04-04","Eligibility","During the webinar on this FOA, DOE noted that “…a co-owner or co-operator does meet the criteria” to be an eligible entity to apply. If a power facility is the co-owner and co-operator of an electrification project, are they eligible to lead the application? In other words, can a utility that would own an asset at an industrial facility (e.g., mine) apply for funding for the project?","For Topic Areas 2 and 3, as stated in Section 3.1 Eligible Applicants (pg. 40), \"Owners or operators of a domestic, non-federal nonpower industrial or manufacturing facility engaged in energy intensive industrial processes as stated in the areas of interest.\" \nFor Topic Areas 2 and 3, \"The applicant must be an eligible entity as defined in section 50161(g)(2) of the IRA for all facilities it proposes under this Topic Area. Each facility must be an eligible facility as defined in section 50161(g)(3) of the IRA for both single facility and multiple facility projects.\" Section 1.3.2.3 (pg. 21) and also see section 1.3.2.4 (pg. 23). Applicants should substantiate and explain how they satisfy this requirement."]
[105,"2023-04-04","Other","If I submit a concept paper by April 21 and receive an Encourage Notification from DOE, am I required to move forward to the application phase? Further, if I submit an application by August 4 and that application is selected by the DOE, is there still a possibility to withdraw (before funding is received) if our business is not able to move forward with the project for any reason?","Applicants that submitted Concept Papers are not required to submit applications. (See Section 3.0 Eligibility Information of the FOA, which states: \"The decision whether to submit an application in response to this FOA lies solely with the applicant.\")\n\nDOE will notify applicants of its determination via a notification letter to inform the applicant whether or not its application was selected for award negotiations.  After receipt of a notification letter selecting an application for award negotiations, if an applicant intends to withdraw, it must promptly notify DOE of their application withdrawal.\n\n"]
[106,"2023-04-04","LCA/TEA","Could you please confirm that energy generated from biomass is considered CO2 neutral? Thank you.","Section 4.6.2.2(f) System Boundaries and Considerations (pg. 67) states that \"As this FOA encompasses many industries and will receive multiple project requests with various technologies, the applicant needs to clearly narrate any special analyses, boundaries, or considerations for emissions and economic evaluations DOE should consider for the project.  Depending on the specific proposal, applicants may need to include additional components and analyses. \nFor example:\n•  If utilizing alternative, low carbon feedstocks that are critical to overall carbon intensity reduction strategy, feedstocks should be included in the LCA.\n•  If fuel production is carbon negative and proposed as part of the overall carbon intensity reduction strategy, fuels should be included in the LCA.\n•  If there is a significant change anticipated to energy or water intensity, energy and water inputs should be included in the LCA.\n•  If the financial viability of the project depends on a long-term electricity PPA, generationand delivery should be included in the LCA.\"\nOther information regarding LCA expectations may be found in Section 4.6.2.2(f)."]
[107,"2023-04-05","Other","Is equipment that is provided under a vendor service agreement, in which the vendor retains ownership of the asset but is contractually committed to the project for its lifespan, eligible for funding under this FOA such that the vendor puts up 50% cost share of the initial costs and the other 50% is covered by federal share?","DOE expects that an applicant substantiate that it has the ability to carry the project it is proposing through sufficient documentation of lease terms or other relevant licenses. Applicants should discuss project risk posed by the use of leased equipment as described in Section 4.6.2.2(e) Risk Analysis and Mitigation."]
[108,"2023-04-05","LCA/TEA","IRA Section 50161 defines Advanced Industrial Technology as, “a technology directly involved in an industrial process, as described in any of paragraphs (1) through (6) of section 454(c) of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17113(c)), and designed to accelerate greenhouse gas emissions reduction progress to net-zero at an eligible facility, as determined by the Secretary.”  Paragraph (1) in 42 U.S.C. 17113(c) describes emissions reductions from industrial processes/operations, and Paragraph (2) discusses alternative materials that produce fewer emissions during production and result in fewer emissions during use.\n\nFurther, reducing the embodied emissions is a clear FOA goal.  For example, DOE’s stated prioritization and a focus of this FOA includes achieving labeling showing “substantially lower levels of embodied greenhouse gas emissions”, and that “facilities funded through this FOA can assist in setting the standard for transparency in reporting a product’s embodied emissions.”\n\nAs proposed innovative methods, processes, or technologies could include the use of alternative materials that decrease emissions during use and also have lower embodied emissions than the traditional materials they replace, please confirm that the carbon intensity reduction targets under Topic Areas 2 and 3 allow for an accounting of both the process emissions and the embodied emission reductions of the alternative materials being used.","As stated in Section 1.2 Program Purpose (pg. 10) states that \"DOE anticipates that projects funded under this FOA will demonstrate significant GHG emissions reduction potential in nonpower industrial sectors,\" and \"a nonpower facility means a facility whose primary purpose is not power generation.\" Applicants should substantiate how they are meeting the objectives of the FOA.\n\nLCA requirements are covered in Section 4.6.2.2(f). The LCA should be \"composed of a narrative and an accompanying spreadsheet capturing more detailed assumptions, data, and calculations.\" (pg. 65) As stated on pg. 66, \"For projects at existing facilities, applicants will need to create a baseline of their current standard operations to compare with the project expectations and the industry benchmark.\"\nSection 4.6.2.2(f) System Boundaries and Considerations (pg. 67) also states that \"As this FOA encompasses many industries and will receive multiple project requests with various technologies, the applicant needs to clearly narrate any special analyses, boundaries, or considerations for emissions and economic evaluations DOE should consider for the project.  Depending on the specific proposal, applicants may need to include additional components and analyses. \nFor example:\n•  If utilizing alternative, low carbon feedstocks that are critical to overall carbon intensity reduction strategy, feedstocks should be included in the LCA.\n•  If fuel production is carbon negative and proposed as part of the overall carbon intensity reduction strategy, fuels should be included in the LCA.\n•  If there is a significant change anticipated to energy or water intensity, energy and water inputs should be included in the LCA.\n•  If the financial viability of the project depends on a long-term electricity PPA, generationand delivery should be included in the LCA.\"\nOther information regarding LCA expectations may be found in Section 4.6.2.2(f)."]
[109,"2023-04-05","Topic Areas","The Data Center industry has been growing faster than U.S. GDP for decades accounting for roughly 2% of domestic electricity demand. In 2021, construction was initiated on over 100 new data centers in the U.S. alone with the largest data centers, known as hyper-scale data centers (HSDCs) covering over 1 million sq. ft. (~20 soccer fields) and consuming more than 20MW each.  In 2022 alone, the total data generated globally is estimated to have hit 80 zettabytes (ZB = 1X1021 Bytes), equivalent to 80 billion one-terabyte drives, and is expected to increase at a compounded annual growth rate of 30%.  Just the long-term archival storage of even a low-single-digit percentage of this data is quickly ballooning – maintaining the infrastructure to house archival data in 2030 will require ~150 TWh, and by 2040 will require ~2,300 TWh globally (which could generate as much as 620 Million Metric Tons of CO2). Further, this does not include the embodied carbon of the data storage systems relied upon for such archives (e.g., spinning magnetic hard drives and magnetic tape), which could represent an additional 1.9 Billion Metric Tons of CO2 or 410% in 2040 – accounting for media for both new data archived and for replacement of end-of-life media.\n\nIRA Section 50161 defines an eligible facility as “a domestic, non-Federal, nonpower industrial or manufacturing facility engaged in energy-intensive industrial processes, including … and other energy intensive industrial processes, as determined by the Secretary.”  \n\nAs the Data Center Industry is one of the largest consumers of energy and the exponential growth of long-term data storage needs will require unprecedented amounts of power and potential GHG generation, please confirm that innovative upgrades/retrofits to the industrial data storage process is eligible to compete under the Other Energy Intensive Industrial Processes area of interest (AOI).","Section 1.3.3 Areas of Interest (pg. 23) states, \"Areas of Interest (AOI) represent potential opportunities for GHG emissions reduction within the manufacturing industries, with special emphasis on the high energy and carbon intensive processes described below and shown in Figure 1 above. Responsive applications addressing any AOI will be considered for all Topic Areas, and DOE may select projects from all, some, or none of these AOIs. AOIs were selected based on statutory language, by analysis of the highest emitting industries, by the greatest potential for industrial decarbonization, and through substantial engagement with industry. Applications for industries not listed below may be considered, but applicants must substantiate their project’s ability to achieve priority criteria and will be judged in context of all responses.\" Feedback on individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process."]
[110,"2023-04-05","Topic Areas","Can Water Resource Recovery Facilities as manufacturers/producers of biosolids product (that can then be converted to more marketable products and decarbonization opportunities via this DOE FOA) be eligible for this FOA? Let me know if you have any questions.","As stated in Section 1.3.3 Areas of Interest (pg. 32): \"Under this AOI, DOE seeks applications for demonstration-to-deployment projects of innovative technologies that decarbonize operations in other energy-intensive manufacturing industries not previously mentioned. Applicants should substantiate the energy intensity of their industry in their application.\" Also noted in Section 1.3.1 Terminology (pg. 15), \"Projects funded through this FOA should be commercial-scale or commercially relevant, include a path from demonstration to deployment that includes sustained operation after completion, and have the goal of enabling widespread, non-federally funded follow-on investments after the project period. This could include full first-of-a-kind projects, projects that are first-of-their-kind in the U.S., and/or other early-of-a-kind projects that face market or adoption risks.\"\nSection 1.3.3 Areas of Interest (pg. 23) states, \"Areas of Interest (AOI) represent potential opportunities for GHG emissions reduction within the manufacturing industries, with special emphasis on the high energy and carbon intensive processes described below and shown in Figure 1.\""]
[111,"2023-04-06","Topic Areas","Is commercially available equipment such as an oxygen plant, allowable under this FOA?  If so will this equipment be under restrictions for use once the cooperative agreement term is completed/ project ends?","Thank you for your question. It has been received and is under consideration by DOE."]
[112,"2023-04-06","Topic Areas","1) Can two green field facilities be funded under a single Topic 1 proposal? ","Projects with multiple project sites are not disallowed under Topic Area 1. DOE expects that an applicant substantiate that it has the ability to carry out the project it is proposing. Applicants should discuss project risk that could be posed by multiple locations and the plans to mitigate such risks as described in Section 4.6.2.2(e) Risk Analysis and Mitigation."]
[113,"2023-04-06","Community Benefits","2) Can the Community Benefits Plan be in multiple communities, especially if the proposal has multiple facilities/sites?","As noted in Section 4.6.2.3 Community Benefits Plan, \"For projects under all Topic Areas, the CBP must make clear the type and quantity of benefits provided specifically to the members of the community or communities in the vicinity of the host site(s).\" More details may be found in Section 4.6.2.3, Section 4.6 Proposal Content, and the Community Benefits Guidance document on OCED Exchange at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov. For example, the Community Benefits Guidance document states: “Project teams may have multiple impacted groups with different histories requiring different plans. Applicants should engage with all relevant groups. For example, applicants should engage with both frontline communities and labor rather than frontline communities or labor.” It also emphasizes that for demonstrations impacting multiple communities, engagement plans should address each and all impacted communities.”"]
[114,"2023-04-06","Eligibility","We are a renewable energy project developing, financing, and operating company. \nWe will participate in the Industrial Decarbonization and Emissions Reduction Demonstration-to-Deployment Funding Opportunity Announcement.\n\nFollowing questions regarding the FOA : \n1) Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) or Heat Purchase Agreements (HPAs) are a widespread way of developing and financing renewable energy projects over a long-term period. The “project developing & financing company,” also called Energy Service Company (ESCo), owns a local (local means: installed on the industrial land, on or beside the industrial production facility, owned by the industrial production facility) installed renewable energy plant and sells the produced energy to the industrial production facility owner. \n\nCan such an ESCo be declared as “owners or operators of a domestic, non-federal nonpower industrial or manufacturing facility engaged in energy intensive industrial processes as stated in the areas of interest”, for topic area 2 and 3 in which a project involving multiple facilities & multiple facility owners providing the same crosscutting technology approach? Can such an ESCo be eligible to apply as a prime recipient/applicant under topic area 2 and 3 for multiple facilities in the food and beverage area of interest? Can such an ESCo be declared as co-owner or co-operator, if the ESCo-financed renewable energy plant has a technical interface with the industrial facility owned production process(es)?","Projects can use different models to reduce emissions, and applicants should substantiate in their applications how their projects meet the requirements of the FOA.  \n\nNote that section 4.6.2.2(f) System Boundaries and Considerations (pg. 67) states that \"As this FOA encompasses many industries and will receive multiple project requests with various technologies, the applicant needs to clearly narrate any special analyses, boundaries, or considerations for emissions and economic evaluations DOE should consider for the project. Depending on the specific proposal, applicants may need to include additional components and analyses.  For example:\n• If utilizing alternative, low carbon feedstocks that are critical to overall carbon intensity reduction strategy, feedstocks should be included in the LCA.\n• If fuel production is carbon negative and proposed as part of the overall carbon intensity reduction strategy, fuels should be included in the LCA.\n• If there is a significant change anticipated to energy or water intensity, energy and water inputs should be included in the LCA.\n• If the financial viability of the project depends on a long-term electricity PPA, generation and delivery should be included in the LCA.\" \nOther information regarding LCA expectations may be found in Section 4.6.2.2(f). Note also that section 8.5 Teaming Partner List (pg. 109 of the FOA states: \"DOE is compiling a “Teaming Partner List” to facilitate the formation of new project teams for this FOA. The teaming partner list allows organizations who may wish to participate on an application to express their interest to other applicants and to explore potential partnerships.\" See section 8.5 of the FOA for more information about Teaming Partner Lists."]
[115,"2023-04-06","Eligibility","2) For topic area 2 and 3 in which a project involves multiple facilities & multiple facility owners: Who has or can be the applicant? Can you please name examples, (e.g.: Technology developing companies, Engineering and Construction firms)? Can it also be an ESCo (Energy Service Company)? If not, does the project needs multiple applicants (multiple applicants should be understood as “multiple owners” of the industrial production facilities)? ","Feedback on individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process. Applicants must identify the prime applicant and subrecipients. DOE expects that an applicant substantiate that it has the ability to carry out the project it is proposing through sufficient documentation of partnerships and support. Section 3.0 Eligibility Information (pg. 40) provides further information on the eligibility requirements of the prime applicant."]
[116,"2023-04-06","Application Content/Format","3) Is a template of a “concept paper” available? If yes, where can I find or download it? ","No concept paper template is available for use at this time.  Concept Paper criteria is provided within Section 4.6.1 Concept Paper, and applicants are encouraged to review Section 4.1 Application Package for form and content requirements."]
[117,"2023-04-06","LCA/TEA","4) For topic area 2 and 3 (area of interest: Food and Beverage) in which a project involves multiple facilities & multiple facility owners using the same crosscutting technology approach: Is it sufficient to present all necessary information for the concept paper stated in the FOA on page 46, 47 and 48 through the example of ONE industrial facility concept multiplicated by the numbers of the total involved facilities (considering that every facility has the same or similar GHG emission reduction possibility via the same crosscutting technology approach)?  ","As noted in Section 4.6.1 Concept Paper (pg. 47), \"The proposed project’s target level of performance for carbon intensity reduction. Applicants must provide technical data or other support to show how the proposed target could be met, a preliminary project or facility-level baseline, state-of-the-art estimate, and anticipated improvement and reporting/declaration plan for relevant metrics (see Table 2).\" Also note Section 4.6.2.2(f) System Boundaries and Considerations (pg. 67) states that \"As this FOA encompasses many industries and will receive multiple project requests with various technologies, the applicant needs to clearly narrate any special analyses, boundaries, or considerations for emissions and economic evaluations DOE should consider for the project.\""]
[118,"2023-04-07","LCA/TEA","1.  CO2 is liberated due to biologic changes to organic feedstock during the fermentation process in a fuel ethanol production plant. Is fermenter liberated CO2 considered an emission to be reduced under FOA – IRA section 50161? In other words, “when calculating existing CO2 emissions for an ethanol production plant should fermenter liberated CO2 be included or only CO2 emitted by burning fuel and generating electricity”?\n\n2.  Can fermenter liberated CO2 which is then sequestered be considered as “CO2 emissions reduced” under the FOA – IRA section 50161?","Feedback on individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process. \nAs stated in Section 4.6.2.2(f) Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Analysis Projections (pg. 67), \"While not required for the preliminary quantitative LCA, all other components from outside the facility must be described in the narrative section, with a specific focus on any changes to total amounts or production intensities that may result from the proposed project.\nAs this FOA encompasses many industries and will receive multiple project requests with various technologies, the applicant needs to clearly narrate any special analyses, boundaries, or considerations for emissions and economic evaluations DOE should consider for the project. Depending on the specific proposal, applicants may need to include additional components and analyses. For example:\n• If utilizing alternative, low carbon feedstocks that are critical to overall carbon intensity reduction strategy, feedstocks should be included in the LCA.\n• If fuel production is carbon negative and proposed as part of the overall carbon intensity reduction strategy, fuels should be included in the LCA.\n• If there is a significant change anticipated to energy or water intensity, energy and water inputs should be included in the LCA.\n• If the financial viability of the project depends on a long-term electricity PPA, generation and delivery should be included in the LCA.\" \nSection 4.6.2.2(f) (pg. 66) also states that \"Total annual GHG emissions and facility contributions to product carbon intensity will be the metrics used to evaluate GHG emissions reductions.\" Other specifics regarding LCA expectations may be found in Section 4.6.2.2(f).  "]
[119,"2023-04-07","OCED Exchange","I no longer can find anything on the EERE Exchange about DE-FOA-0002936.  Has it been withdrawn?","EERE Exchange and OCED Exchange host different FOAs from different DOE offices. DE-FOA-0002936 is posted on OCED Exchange at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov.  "]
[120,"2023-04-07","Eligibility","We are still working to identify the exact facility for retrofitting as part of our proposed project in relation to DE-FOA-0002936 and we understand that the owner/operator of that facility must be the prime applicant for topic area #2. \n\nDoes the prime need to be the organization submitting the concept paper or could a subawardee submit the concept paper before the prime has been identified?","Applicants must follow the Concept Paper requirements stated in the FOA (see section 4.6.1) and submit by the Submission Deadline for Concept Papers specified on the cover page of the FOA (see also section 4.4 of the FOA).\n\nIf there is a change to the lead organization listed on the Concept Paper, the Application must include documentation from both the lead organization on the Concept Paper and the lead organization on the Application that shows that both entities voluntarily agree to transfer the OCED Exchange control number and the concept paper. This documentation must be included as an Appendix to the Technical Volume.  Please ensure that the same control number is used for both the Concept Paper and the Application.\n\nNote: The OCED Exchange account associated with the Concept Paper control number does not need to be transferred to the new lead organization. Within Exchange, Applicants may share their submissions with other team members / Exchange users using the Share Submission feature. Sharing a submission with another user will give that user access to edit, view submission decisions, and view reviewer comments for all stages of a FOA (Concept Paper and Full Application). See the OCED eXCHANGE Applicant Guide located at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx for instructions. "]
[121,"2023-04-07","Teaming List","I am reaching out to inquire if you have any recommendations for a manufacturing company that would be open to partnering with us on the Industrial Decarbonization Demonstration grant. We can provide grid-scale energy storage paired with renewables and we are able to update most process inefficiencies. \n\nLooking forward to hearing from you soon.","While DOE will not make recommendations for teaming, Section 8.5 Teaming Partner List (pg. 109) of the FOA states: \"DOE is compiling a “Teaming Partner List” to facilitate the formation of new project teams for this FOA. The teaming partner list allows organizations who may wish to participate on an application to express their interest to other applicants and to explore potential partnerships.\" See section 8.5 of the FOA for more information about Teaming Partner Lists."]
[122,"2023-04-08","Other","Will award under the FOA make the recipient considered a Federal contractor? Will compliance with EO 11246 be a term of a cooperative agreement? If so, is there the possibility to negotiate to not include this requirement?","Executive Order (EO) 11246 applies to direct federal construction contracts or subcontracts in excess of $10,000 and federally assisted construction contracts or subcontracts in excess of $10,000.  When applicable, an awardee will need to comply with the terms of EO 11246 unless an exemption applies.  See 41 C.F.R. § 60–1.5.  DOE does not have the authority to negotiate compliance with EO 11246 as the Department of Labor, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs has enforcement authority.  For more information concerning compliance with EO 11246, please visit https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp."]
[123,"2023-04-10","Application Content/Format","I was hoping you might have information you could share on how to structure a concept paper to apply for a grant under the Industrial and Heat program, DE-FOA 0002936","No concept paper template is available for use at this time. Concept Paper criteria is provided within Section 4.6.1 Concept Paper, and applicants are encouraged to review Section 4.1 Application Package for form and content requirements."]
[124,"2023-04-10","Other","Regarding the FOA listed above, when are applicants expected to receive a go/no-go decision regarding their submission of Concept Papers (deadline: 4/21/2023)?\nThis is because the submission deadline for full applications is pretty close – by 8/4/2023.","At this time, DOE expects to provide encourage/discourage notifications in May 2023. As noted in Section 4.6.2 Application (pg. 48), \"Applicants will have approximately 2.5 months from DOE’s posting of the Concept Paper Encourage/Discourage notification on OCED eXCHANGE to prepare and submit an application.\""]
[125,"2023-04-10","OCED Exchange","The link seems to have expired for FOA2936 community benefits. Can you please send me the pdf?","The Community Benefits Plan Guidance can be found under \"Documents\" in the posting for DE-FOA-0002936 on OCED Exchange at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov. The Guidance document was moved from \"Application Forms and Templates\" to \"Documents\" for more visibility."]
[126,"2023-04-10","Application Content/Format","How does one/where does one submit concept papers?  Could not tell from the FOA.  Thanks!","Section 4.2 Application Submission covers instructions to submit concept papers and full applications. As noted in Section 4.2.1 on pg. 44, \"To apply to this FOA, applicants must register with and submit application materials through OCED’s online application portal, OCED eXCHANGE, at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov.\" The “Create Concept Paper” button initiates this application process."]
[127,"2023-04-11","Other","DE-FOA-0002936: INDUSTRIAL DECARBONIZATION AND EMISSIONS REDUCTION DEMONSTRATION-TO-DEPLOYMENT FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT \n\nGood morning, I wanted to inquire about the availability of technical assistance for the above submission due on 21 April 2023.  I had not seen a link to fill out a request form similar to the link for the rural submission due this week.  Thank you.","No technical assistance program is being provided for DE-FOA-0002936: Industrial Decarbonization and Emissions Reduction Demonstration-to-Deployment FOA."]
[128,"2023-04-11","Topic Areas","Our company is interested in submitting a concept paper for DE-FOA-00002936, and had the following question:\n\nFor a brownfield project (new build on an existing site but not a full facility or a retrofit) – through which TA would this office expect an application? There appears to be some ambiguity: \n-\tTA-2 defines overhaul as \"re-equipping an existing facility with new or modified equipment that is not yet commercially available\", which would apply to a brownfield project\n-\tTA-3 is more geared toward retrofits but also targets \"operational improvements to target emissions reductions within critical unit operations or single process lines\" and \"replacing a single process line while maintaining operations at the remainder of the facility\" which also would apply to a brownfield project\n\nCould you please help clarify?","Section 1.3.2.3 Topic Area 2 states that \"focus on large-scale facility-level overhaul retrofits for existing facilities, common technologies across multiple facilities, or new builds with accelerated planning, development, permitting, and financing strategies. Priority will be placed on demonstrations of multiple technology solutions that are replicable within an industry and across multiple industries to drive decarbonization within facilities.\" \nSection 1.3.2.4 Topic Area 3 (pg. 22) states that \"Multi-facility retrofits utilizing a common technology base or approach or utilizing common infrastructure (e.g., electrical or thermal inputs, energy storage) will also be considered.\"\nSection 1.3.3 Areas of Interest (pg. 33) states that \"Additionally, individual applicants may apply to those Topic Areas below the budget minimums, but these proposals must clearly justify how the proposed projects are still responsive to the FOA intent.\"\n\nTopic Area 3 is intended for \"System upgrades and retrofits for critical unit operations or single process lines within existing facilities.\" As noted in Section 1.3.2.4 Topic Area 3 (pg. 22), \"For example, projects may propose completely replacing a single process line while maintaining operations at the remainder of the facility, thereby minimizing impacts on production.\" As stated in section 1.3.2.1 (pg. 19), \"applicants should aim to demonstrate the ability to achieve the facility-level reductions for Topic Areas 1-2, and critical or process-level reductions for topic Area 3 compared to the industry baseline and benchmarks as defined in section 1.3.1.\" The process-level reductions are defined by the proposed project and applicants should clearly define and justify these definitions. \n\nSection 1.3.3 states: \"Applicants must identify the Topic Area and AOI most suited to their proposed project.\" "]
[129,"2023-04-11","Other","I am reaching out from [company name]. We were recently informed of DE-FOA-0002936. We are interested in potentially submitting a concept paper for the April 21 deadline.  \n\nWe did notice, as per the snippet below, that there is a list of items we will need to complete in addition to completing the concept paper. Are we too late at this stage to complete all these items as it is noted below that these items may take several weeks. Also, if we are for any reason not able to complete all the additional items in time but we have a concept paper ready. Would we still be able to submit the application?\n\nThanks in advance.","The only registration needed at the time of Concept Paper submission is OCED Exchange registration. Concept papers are submitted through OCED eXCHANGE and must be submitted by the concept paper deadline, Friday, April 21, 2023 at 5pm ET. \n\nSystem for Award Management (SAM) registration is not required for Concept Paper submission. Applicants are required to be registered in the SAM at https://www.sam.gov before submitting the full application and must provide a valid UEI number in the full application.\n\nAs noted in Section 4.2.2 UEI and SAM, \"Due to the high demand of UEI requests and SAM registrations, entity legal business name and address validations are taking longer than expected to process. Entities should start the UEI and SAM registration process as soon as possible.\" A SAM MPIN is also required to register in FedConnect.\n\n"]
[130,"2023-04-11","Budget/Costs","I am wondering if the program would be open to funding projects that have lower capital costs then the 35 million contribution (75+ million capital cost). Would a project that costs 40 to 45 million to build (20-22.5 million in grant contribution) be considered?","As noted in Section 2.0  (pg. 38), \"For proposals outside of the award duration or total funding ranges stated, applicants must explain and provide sufficient justification of how the project fits within the applicable Topic Area. Details will be determined through merit reviews and project negotiations.\" \n\nNote also that section 8.5 Teaming Partner List (pg. 109 of the FOA states: \"DOE is compiling a “Teaming Partner List” to facilitate the formation of new project teams for this FOA. The teaming partner list allows organizations who may wish to participate on an application to express their interest to other applicants and to explore potential partnerships.\" See section 8.5 of the FOA for more information about Teaming Partner Lists.\n\n"]
[131,"2023-04-11","Subrecipients","I have a question regarding the definition of a 'Team member'.  Would an outside engineering firm be considered a 'team member' if they have no involvement in the project other than providing the engineering work?  \nThey would not be responsible for any of the investment in the project and would not be part of the operation once it commences production.  \nThey are a third party, yet their expertise (engineering) is needed for the project.  Thank you.","Feedback on individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process. Applicants should use their judgment and discretion in determining who project Team Members are.  Note that applicants are required to list names of all team member organizations in Concept Paper submissions (see section 4.6.1 of the FOA, pg. 47) and in application submissions (see section 4.6.2.2.a of the FOA, pg. 49)."]
[132,"2023-04-11","Eligibility","Hi we are a small vehicle manufacturer that want to introduce electric vans\nCan we apply for this opportunity? The title of the foa is\nDE-FOA-0002936: INDUSTRIAL DECARBONIZATION AND EMISSIONS REDUCTION DEMONSTRATION-TO-DEPLOYMENT FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT","Feedback on individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process. The types of projects this FOA solicits are discussed in Section 1.3. \n"]
[133,"2023-04-11","Other","Also can we still apply to this one?\nDE-FOA-0002907: BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW (BIL): ADVANCED ENERGY MANUFACTURING AND RECYCLING GRANT PROGRAM (SECTION 40209)","This Q&A process applies only to DE-FOA-0002936. Interested parties can search for other funding opportunities on OCED Exchange at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov. \n\nApplying to multiple FOAs does not itself render a project ineligible to apply under this FOA.\nAs stated in DE-FOA-0002936 Section 4.6.2.2.b. (pg. 54): \"Other Federal Support: Federal financing, such as grants or loan guarantees from federal agencies, cannot be leveraged by applicants to provide the required cost share or to otherwise support the same scope of the award. However, other federal support may be used for activities that fall outside of the award scope/budget.\"\nAlso relevant is DE-FOA-0002936 Section 4.6.2.13: Potentially Duplicate Funding Notice (pg. 87) "]
[134,"2023-04-12","Topic Areas","Would the DOE consider a consider a project proposal involving a facility built around process technology that the applicant licenses from a third party?  \nAlso, under applicant’s license with the third party, applicant has restrictions on sublicensing the technology (including improvements developed under a potential award) to the U.S. Government. As such, applicant anticipates the need to negotiate the intellectual property clauses (subject inventions, data rights, etc.) in an awarded contract to ensure compliance with its third-party license terms.  Does the DOE have flexibility with respect to the scope (or perhaps removal) of these clauses? ","Feedback on individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process.  All projects would be subject to the intellectual property rights and requirements set forth in Sections 8.8-8.11 of the FOA.  These rights and requirements are based on DOE’s statutory and regulatory authorities.  Therefore they cannot be substantively changed or removed.  You can find more information about intellectual property under DOE awards at the following website: https://www.energy.gov/gc/standard-intellectual-property-ip-provisions-financial-assistance-awards. "]
[135,"2023-04-12","Topic Areas","Would EPA RAD appliance recycling to reduce GHG emissions be considered as part of your grant funding? EPA RAD appliance recycling could be shown to directly result in GHG emission reductions. We are tracking this and can supply the new appliances too.\n\nPlease let us know where we can help and if more details are needed. Any update that you can provide will be greatly appreciated! ","Feedback on individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process. The types of projects this FOA solicits are discussed in Section 1.3. \n\nNote also that section 8.5 Teaming Partner List (pg. 109 of the FOA states: \"DOE is compiling a “Teaming Partner List” to facilitate the formation of new project teams for this FOA. The teaming partner list allows organizations who may wish to participate on an application to express their interest to other applicants and to explore potential partnerships.\" See section 8.5 of the FOA for more information about Teaming Partner Lists.\n"]
[136,"2023-04-12","Eligibility","Question on eligibility for Topic Area 2-3:\nWould a state level public authority that owns and operates water and wastewater facilities qualify as an eligible domestic entity? ","Eligibility requirements for this FOA are in section 3.0 Eligibility Information. Feedback on the eligibility of individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process."]
[137,"2023-04-12","Teaming List","Can you please advise how we can indicate that our firm is interested in performing as a Teaming Partner for the \"Industrial Decarbonization and Emissions Reduction\nDemonstration-to-Deployment Funding Opportunity Announcement\" (DE-FOA-0002936), and be added to the Teaming Partner List?","As stated in Section 8.5 Teaming Partner List (pg. 109), \"SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: Any organization that would like to be included on this list should submit the following information: Organization Name, Contact Name, Contact Address, Contact Email, Contact Phone, Organization Type, Area of Technical Expertise, Brief Description of Capabilities, and Area of Interest. \n\nInterested parties should email the information to OCED_Industrial@hq.doe.gov with the subject line “Teaming Partner Information.”"]
[138,"2023-04-12","Application Content/Format","Our company ([company name]) has registered with OCED eXCHANGE to submit a Concept Paper for DE-FOA-0002936 and have a couple questions regarding the Concept Paper:  \n1. Do all requirements in the Announcement Instructions under 4.1, Application Package (for example, the font style, font size, page numbering, etc.), need to be followed for the Concept Paper?  Or are those requirements only for the Application?","Concept Paper criteria are provided within Section 4.6.1 Concept Paper, and applicants are encouraged to review Section 4.1 Application Package for form and content requirements."]
[139,"2023-04-12","OCED Exchange","2. We do not see a Control Number on OCED exChange. Does the Control Number need to be submitted with the Concept Paper? Or do we receive this Control Number only after the Concept Paper is accepted? ","A Control Number will be issued when an applicant begins the OCED Exchange application process. The “Create Concept Paper” button initiates this application process and will generate the Control Number that must be included with all application documents. \n\nFor technical support beyond OCED eXCHANGE Applicant Guide located at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx associated with Concept Paper submissions, further support is provided at: oced-exchangesupport@hq.doe.gov. The preferred file format for submission is PDF."]
[140,"2023-04-12","Application Content/Format","I am with [company name] and we are planning to submit a concept paper for the FOA as detailed in the attached slides.\nFor the concept paper due on April 21, does this need to be in Word/PDF format or could it be submitted as PowerPoints?","The concept paper must conform to the Concept Paper criteria provided within Section 4.6.1 Concept Paper, including the page requirements. Applicants are encouraged to review Section 4.1 Application Package for form and content requirements."]
[141,"2023-04-12","Application Content/Format","I am assisting with writing a concept paper for DE-FOA-0002936.\n1) Do the application formatting requirements on pages 43 and 44 of the FOA also apply to concept papers? ","The concept paper must conform to the Concept Paper criteria provided within Section 4.6.1 Concept Paper, including the page requirements. Applicants are encouraged to review Section 4.1 Application Package for form and content requirements."]
[142,"2023-04-12","Application Content/Format","2) Can our one-page corporate organizational chart and/or block-flow-diagram be submitted as an attachment or is included in the total page count?","This would be included in the total page count of a Concept Paper. Applicants should use their judgement/discretion in how to best present the required information within the page limits specified in 4.6.1 Concept Paper. Applicants are encouraged to review Section 4.1 Application Package for form and content requirements."]
[143,"2023-04-13","Application Content/Format","1) Are any attachments either required or allowed in submitting the concept paper, outside of the concept paper itself? \n","All submissions related to the concept paper must be submitted in a single file that presents the required information within the page limits specified in 4.6.1 Concept Paper. "]
[144,"2023-04-13","Application Content/Format","2) Under the Management and Organization section, it says \"A summary organization chart of the team must be provided.\" and \"Applicants may provide other graphs, charts, or data to supplement their Demonstration plan and Project Team Descriptions.\" Should these charts and graphs be included in the body of the concept paper and therefore, contribute to the 1 page limit for the Management and Organization section? Or can they be submitted separately? ","This would be included in the total page count of a Concept Paper. Applicants should use their judgement/discretion in how to best present the required information within the page limits specified in 4.6.1 Concept Paper. Applicants are encouraged to review Section 4.1 Application Package for form and content requirements."]
[145,"2023-04-14","Other","I am working with a manufacturing company who is considering submitting a concept paper.  The topic area would be #1 full facility build.  The goal is net zero carbon emissions using current and yet to be resourced technologies.  The engineering is at the very early stages.\n\nIf the determination is made by the team that we are not quite ready for the current FOA, will there be future similar grant announcements targeting net zero greenfield manufacturing plant construction?","The Industrial Demonstrations Program has released up to the full $6B allocated by BIL and IRA. Depending on the meritorious nature of the proposals, OCED can award the full amount or elect to allocate funding to a different opportunity at a later date. Potential applicants may also elect to evaluate earlier stage opportunities.\n\nOCED's Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) are available on OCED Exchange at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov/. Grants.gov is also a resource for identifying federal funding opportunities."]
[146,"2023-04-14","Other","For the cover page of the concept paper, the FOA requests project location(s) to be listed. Would a state or region be acceptable to list as the concept paper’s “project location” for Topic 1? The applicant has not reached a final decision as to which specific address the facility would be developed on, but would provide an address at the full application phase. ","As stated in section 4.6.1 of the FOA Concept Paper (pg. 47), the Cover Page requirement directs applicants to list \"the project location(s).\" This can include potential project location(s)."]
[147,"2023-04-14","Other","I have completed a concept paper for submission under the OCED FOA-0002936 and have a question about the submission process.\n\nThe technical & business contact are our vice-presidents and I will be doing the submission on behalf of our company. I will also be the one responding to questions or requests. Is it acceptable for the DOE Committee if I, as a member of the team, do the submission?","Applicants should use their judgment/discretion to decide who is best suited to submit the Concept Paper."]
[148,"2023-04-14","Topic Areas","My company is considering submitting two concept papers in the same topic area.  Can you advise if the DOE would consider granting multiple awards to the same company (but for different projects)?  We are trying to decide if we should “self-select” and only submit one concept paper instead of two.","As stated in Section 3.4, \"An entity may submit more than one Concept Paper and Application to this FOA, provided that each application describes a unique, scientifically distinct project and provided that an eligible Concept Paper was submitted for each application.\nNOTE: If an applicant plans to propose substantially similar retrofits at multiple facilities and locations, those retrofits should be proposed as a single, cross-cutting project. For details, please see Section 1.3.2.3.\"\nAs stated in Section 1.3.2.1 General Expectations for all Topic Areas (pg. 18) \"Applicants must identify the Topic Area and AOI most suited to their proposed project.\" Feedback on individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process."]
[149,"2023-04-16","Application Content/Format","We are preparing to submit our concept paper in response to the Office of Clean Energy Demonstration’s DE-FOA-0002936.  In addition to the prescribed confidentiality statement on the cover page, the FOA states that submissions should contain (a) a confidentiality assertion in the header & footer of each page containing confidential information, and (b) double-brackets or highlighting for \"each line or paragraph\" containing confidential information.  Given the nature of our proposal, our entire submission is inherently business sensitive, proprietary and confidential.  Are we required to highlight or double-bracket every paragraph in the submission, or will the submission be afforded confidential treatment if we include the required statement on the cover page and the prescribed confidentiality assertion in the header & footer of each page?","As stated in section 4.6.1 of the FOA Concept Paper, (pgs. 46-47), \"The cover page must include ..., and any statements regarding confidentiality as described in Section 8.1.\" As stated in section 8.1 of the FOA Treatment of Application Information (pg. 107), \"DOE takes very seriously the confidentiality of all applicants and will treat information submitted in applications, as well as the identity of applicants, as confidential to the fullest extent permissible under Federal law.\" Section 8.1 of the FOA further states:\n\n\"Pages [list applicable pages] of this document may contain trade secrets, confidential, proprietary, or privileged information that is exempt from public disclosure. Such information shall be used or disclosed only for evaluation purposes or in accordance with a financial assistance or loan agreement between the submitter and the government. The government may use or disclose any information that is not appropriately marked or otherwise restricted, regardless of source. [End of Notice] \nThe header and footer of every page that contains confidential, proprietary, or privileged information must be marked as follows: “Contains Trade Secrets, Confidential, Proprietary, or Privileged Information Exempt from Public Disclosure.” In addition, each line or paragraph containing proprietary, privileged, or trade secret information must be clearly marked with double brackets or highlighting.\"  "]
[150,"2023-04-17","Topic Areas","Thank you for your attention to this email. My company is developing a plant to convert sustainable woody biomass into a fuel meeting petroleum diesel specifications with a co-product of bio-char.\n\nThe facility itself would have some ghg emissions associated with the production process, whoever the resulting diesel fuel is estimated to have 80-90% reduction in greenhouse gases compared to traditional petroleum diesel on a full lifecycle basis.\n\nThe biochar also represents fully sequestered carbon.\n\nWould this project fit within the parameters of the FOA?","Feedback on individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process.\n\nAs stated in Section 4.6.2.2(f) Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Analysis Projections (pg. 67), \"While not required for the preliminary quantitative LCA, all other components from outside the facility must be described in the narrative section, with a specific focus on any changes to total amounts or production intensities that may result from the proposed project.\nAs this FOA encompasses many industries and will receive multiple project requests with various technologies, the applicant needs to clearly narrate any special analyses, boundaries, or considerations for emissions and economic evaluations DOE should consider for the project. Depending on the specific proposal, applicants may need to include additional components and analyses. For example:\n• If utilizing alternative, low carbon feedstocks that are critical to overall carbon intensity reduction strategy, feedstocks should be included in the LCA.\n• If fuel production is carbon negative and proposed as part of the overall carbon intensity reduction strategy, fuels should be included in the LCA.\n• If there is a significant change anticipated to energy or water intensity, energy and water inputs should be included in the LCA.\n• If the financial viability of the project depends on a long-term electricity PPA, generation and delivery should be included in the LCA.\" \nSection 4.6.2.2(f) (pg. 66) also states that \"Total annual GHG emissions and facility contributions to product carbon intensity will be the metrics used to evaluate GHG emissions reductions.\" Other specifics regarding LCA expectations may be found in Section 4.6.2.2(f).  "]
[151,"2023-04-17","Other","Does the submission of the Concept Paper require an approved and active SAM registration? And, if the SAM is not approved before the deadline, is there any alternate form of submission that is valid for this Funding opportunity? ","System for Award Management (SAM) registration is not required for Concept Paper submission. Applicants are required to be registered in the SAM at https://www.sam.gov before submitting the full application and must provide a valid UEI number in the full application. Concept papers are submitted through OCED eXCHANGE."]
[152,"2023-04-17","Other","I am part of a team that is planning to submit a concept paper to DE-FOA-0002936. The concept paper deadline is near, and unfortunately the facility owner/operator has not completed the necessary SAM registration nor obtained an UEI. I was wondering whether a different entity that already has proper registration/UEI in place could submit a concept paper, and then transfer the application to the facility owner/operator prior to submission of the full application? In other words, can you change the Applicant in the time period between the concept paper and the full application?","System for Award Management (SAM) registration is not required for Concept Paper submission. Applicants are required to be registered in the SAM at https://www.sam.gov before submitting the full application and must provide a valid UEI number in the full application. Concept papers are submitted through OCED eXCHANGE."]
[153,"2023-04-17","Other","My name is [name] from [company]. \n\nWe are quite interested in submitting concept paper for Funding Opportunity Announcement No.DE-FOA-0002936. \n\nI understand that we need to upload the paper in the system, but do we need to have a sign on the paper from company management? ","A sign on is not required for the concept paper submission. Applicants should refer to section 4.6.1 for Concept Paper requirements and submit the Concept Paper on OCED Exchange."]
[154,"2023-04-17","Other","Good morning, im working with a team to create a submission for an foa, we just wanted to double check the only required submittal upcoming is this friday’s concept paper or is there additonal information we should submit?","As stated on the cover page of the FOA, the upcoming deadline of April 21, 2023 at 5PM ET is for the Concept Paper phase only. Full applications will be due on August 4, 2023 at 5PM ET. Applicants may refer to Section 4.6.2 Concept Paper for specific requirements for the Concept Paper submission."]
[155,"2023-04-17","Teaming List","Is there a process we must go through to add our company onto the excel partners spreadsheet for the  DE-FOA-0002936 funding opportunity? How do we go about doing this? ","As stated in Section 8.5 Teaming Partner List (pg. 109), \"SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: Any organization that would like to be included on this list should submit the following information: Organization Name, Contact Name, Contact Address, Contact Email, Contact Phone, Organization Type, Area of Technical Expertise, Brief Description of Capabilities, and Area of Interest. \n\nInterested parties should email the information to OCED_Industrial@hq.doe.gov with the subject line “Teaming Partner Information.”"]
[156,"2023-04-17","Cost Sharing","I am preparing a concept paper and have a couple questions:\n1. For Topic Area 1: regarding “full-facility builds”: would the grant cover all the costs of constructing a new plant or would the grant only cover the costs for the upgrades to make the new plant carbon-neutral?\n","As stated in Section 3.2 Cost Sharing (pg. 42), \"The cost share must be at least 50% of the total project costs.\" Applicants should substantiate the proposed project scope and budget, with relevant data as applicable. As noted in 4.6.2.2(c) Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Operations (pg. 54), \"Applications must include a current total project cost (TPC) estimate that covers the entirety of the project, including construction and 2-4 years of operations. All project costs falling within the project must be included, including capital, labor, finance, and other cost categories as appropriate for individual plans. Any costs associated with CBP activities should also be included in the TPC estimate. Narratives accompanying cost estimates should include an explanation of the estimate class and/or maturity, a description of the methodology employed, and the uncertainty or accuracy range.\""]
[157,"2023-04-17","Topic Areas","2. If we have projects that meet the requirements for Topic area 1 and other projects that fit into Topic area 2 or 3: should there be 1 concept paper submitted per project Topic Area?","As stated in Section 1.3.2.1 General Expectations for all Topic Areas (pg. 18) \"Applicants must identify the Topic Area and AOI most suited to their proposed project.\" A single project may not receive funding from more than one Topic Area.\nPlease also note as stated in Section 3.4, \"An entity may submit more than one Concept Paper and Application to this FOA, provided that each application describes a unique, scientifically distinct project and provided that an eligible Concept Paper was submitted for each application.\nNOTE: If an applicant plans to propose substantially similar retrofits at multiple facilities and locations, those retrofits should be proposed as a single, cross-cutting project. For details, please see Section 1.3.2.3.\""]
[158,"2023-04-17","OCED Exchange","Could OCED please provide definitions for large business and individual applicants, as listed in OCED eXCHANGE?\n\nIf a foreign entity plans to apply for industrial decarbonization funding, is it advised to reference ending application for a waiver in the concept paper?","Applicants should use the drop down menu in eXCHANGE to select the category that best describes the appicant type.\n\nForeign entity and foreign work waivers are required with the application, not at the concept paper stage. Appendix C - Waiver Requests for Foreign Entity Participation and Foreign Work (pg. 118) states \"To request a waiver of this requirement, an applicant must submit an explicit waiver request in the application.\" Appendix C contains more information about what should be included in such a waiver. Note also that section 4.6.1 Concept Paper (pg. 47) requires applicants to describe the following: \"Management and Organization (1 page maximum): Applicants must succinctly describe the qualifications, experience, and capabilities of the proposed Project Team:\""]
[159,"2023-04-18","Application Content/Format","Hello, I am reaching out in regards to DE-FOA-0002936.  My question is whether letters of support from a labor union can be submitted with concept papers, as an attachment.   ","Any attachments or appendices would be included in the total page count of a Concept Paper. Applicants should use their judgement/discretion in how to best present the required information within the page limits specified in 4.6.1 Concept Paper. Applicants are encouraged to review Section 4.1 Application Package for form and content requirements."]
[160,"2023-04-18","Other","Our entity has been waiting to receive a UEI for approximately 3 months, but we still have not received one. Can we still apply for the Industrial Decarbonization and Emissions Reduction Demonstration-to-Deployment Funding Opportunity?","System for Award Management (SAM) registration is not required for Concept Paper submission. Applicants are required to be registered in the SAM at https://www.sam.gov before submitting the full application and must provide a valid UEI number in the full application. Concept papers are submitted through OCED eXCHANGE."]
[161,"2023-04-18","Budget/Costs","Can the concept paper (and later application) request more than $250M of federal funding for Topic Area 1, provided that the cost share is still well above 50%? Or is the 250M$ a hard limit?\nTable 1 indicates that it is an “anticipated” amount, and the note below states that “Total funding per Topic Area may shift depending on the number of projects awarded by Topic Area”.","As noted in Section 2.0 Award Information, \"For proposals outside of the award duration or total funding ranges stated, applicants must explain and provide sufficient justification of how the project fits within the applicable Topic Area. Details will be determined through merit reviews and project negotiations.\""]
[162,"2023-04-19","Other","Just checking in on the status of the question below that I submitted 8 days ago.  Is it still being reviewed?  Thank you.","Some questions may need additional time for discussion within DOE. DOE thanks all parties with submitted questions for their patience and DOE will update the Q&A log as soon as a question is resolved. "]
[163,"2023-04-19","Other","We are planning to submit a concept paper for a company that does have a UEI, but we are in the process of receiving an assigned CAGE code.  Will we be able to submit for this FOA under these circumstances?  I called the Federal Service Desk who told me that some FOAs do not require a CAGE code assignment.  I thought it best to check with you to confirm.  This situation should be resolved prior to the date for a full submittal, if we are fortunate to be asked to move forward.","The only registration needed at the time of Concept Paper submission is OCED Exchange registration. Concept papers are submitted through OCED eXCHANGE and must be submitted by the concept paper deadline, Friday, April 21, 2023 at 5pm ET. \n\nSystem for Award Management (SAM) registration is not required for Concept Paper submission. Applicants are required to be registered in the SAM at https://www.sam.gov before submitting the full application and must provide a valid UEI number in the full application."]
[164,"2023-04-19","Cost Sharing","We understand that we need to provide at least 50% cost-share for the project. Can this portion be used to cover the project costs before receiving the grant (if the application is approved)? For example, on a $300 million project scheduled between April 2023 and April 2026, if we already spent $50 million on the project between now and whenever the winner of the grant is announced, does that $50 million count towards our cost-share portion? (Meaning we contribute $150 million for an eligibility of $150 million grant.) Or do we have to make sure to contribute 50% of the rest of the project ($125 million for an eligibility of $125 million grant) from when the application is approved?","As stated in Section 4.8.2 (pg. 89): \"Applicants selected for award negotiations must request prior written approval to charge pre-award costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the federal award directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency, through the DOE Grants and Agreements Officer. Pre-award costs cannot be incurred prior to the Selection Official signing the Selection Statement and Analysis.\" See also Section 5.6.2: \"DOE will not reimburse applicants for travel and other expenses relating to the pre-selection interviews or site visits, nor will these costs be eligible for reimbursement as pre-award costs.\""]
[165,"2023-04-19","Eligibility","Do we need to disclose the project partners (companies and individuals) in the Concept Paper or can this information be generic at this stage?  We currently do not have the confidentiality agreements in place to be able to disclose the project partner names and I want to know whether this would cause our Concept Paper to be ineligible.","As stated in section 4.6.1 Concept Paper of the FOA, applicants are to provide any statements regarding confidentiality as stated in section 8.1 of the FOA. Applicants can mark names as confidential. And as stated in section 8.1 Treatment of Application Information (pg. 107) of the FOA, \"DOE takes very seriously the confidentiality of all applicants and will treat information submitted in applications, as well as the identity of applicants, as confidential to the fullest extent possible under Federal law.\" Applicants should use their judgment in preparing a Concept Paper that provides the information stated in section 4.6.1, and applicants should provide the names of all the team member organizations to the maximum extent possible. "]
[166,"2023-04-19","Application Content/Format","We are in the process of submitting a concept paper for this project and have been issued a control number on the OCED Exchange portal. Should this control number be included in the header and file name of the concept paper? We have reviewed all of the Q&A logs, but this particular issue has not been clearly addressed.","As noted in Section 4.1 Application Package (pg. 48), \"The control number must be included with all application documents. Specifically, the control number must be prominently displayed on the upper right corner of the header of every page and included in the file name (i.e., Control Number_Applicant Name_Application).\" Applicants are encouraged to review Section 4.1 for form and content requirements and are also encouraged to include the Control Number in the Concept Paper. \n"]
[167,"2023-04-20","Other","I helped a client prepare a concept paper that is ready for submission. I see a bunch of instructions in the FOA for submitting the Application but not the concept paper. I advised the client to register on the OCED Exchange ASAP with the expectation the concept paper is submitted there as well. However, I’m beginning to be concerned we will hit a roadblock on the UEI application. The client I’m supporting is a massive industrial company that very well may already have a UEI. By any chance, can you help point me in the right direction to advise my client? The company is [company name and division].\n\nThis concept paper is an opportunity to decarbonize industrial process steam which is extremely exciting for long-term GHG goals so I’d be devastated if the paper could not be uploaded due to an administrative technical issue we overlooked. Any help is greatly appreciated.","System for Award Management (SAM) registration and a valid UEI number are not required for Concept Paper submission. Applicants are required to be registered in the SAM at https://www.sam.gov before submitting the full application and must provide a valid UEI number in the full application. Concept papers are submitted through OCED eXCHANGE."]
[168,"2023-04-24","Eligibility","Can I still submit a concept paper? Can I submit an application if I didn't submit a concept paper?","As stated in section 4.4 (Submission Dates and Times), “All required submissions must be submitted in OCED eXCHANGE no later than 5 p.m. ET on the dates provided on the cover page of this FOA”.  The cover page states on row 2 that the submission deadline for Concept Papers is “04/21/23/5:00pm ET”.  Unfortunately, we cannot accept late submissions at this time since the Concept Paper submission deadline has passed. As stated in section 4.6.2 \"Only applicants who have submitted an eligible Concept Paper will be eligible to submit an Application.\""]
[169,"2023-04-28","Foreign Entities/Work","Our Company has recently submitted a Concept Paper for DE-FOA-0002936: INDUSTRIAL DECARBONIZATION AND EMISSIONS REDUCTION DEMONSTRATION-TO-DEPLOYMENT FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT\n\nOur company is incorporated in the United States and is controlled by a non-US company. All the proposed work under the project would be conducted in the United States.\n\nHowever:\n1.\tWhat requirements/documentation must be met to allow a Foreign National to work on the project in a key role? \n2.\tRelated to #1, may a Foreign National be Principal Investigator ?","As noted in Section 3.1 Eligible Applicants (pg. 42), \"In limited circumstances, DOE may approve a waiver to allow a foreign entity to participate as a prime recipient or subrecipient. A foreign entity may submit an application to this FOA, but the application must be accompanied by an explicit written waiver request. Likewise, if the applicant seeks to include a foreign entity as a subrecipient, the applicant must submit a separate explicit written waiver request in the application for each proposed foreign subrecipient.\" See also Section 3.2 Cost Sharing - Foreign Entities (pg. 42), Section 4.6.2.14 Transparency of Foreign Connections, and Appendix C Waiver Requests for Foreign Entity Participation and Foreign Work. \n\nApplicants must submit all the required information for key personnel stated in the FOA for all key personnel. This includes a list of all senior and key personnel and their organizations (see section 4.6.2.2.a of the FOA), information about key personnel in the Management Plan (see section 4.6.2.2.b of the FOA), Resumes (see section 4.6.2.5 of the FOA), key personnel information in the summary slide (see section 4.6.2.9 of the FOA), current and pending support disclosures (see section 4.6.2.11 of the FOA). \n\nAll applicants selected for an award under this FOA and project participants (including subrecipients and contractors) who anticipate involving foreign nationals in the performance of an award, may be required to provide DOE with specific information about each foreign national to satisfy requirements for foreign national participation. A “foreign national” is defined as any person who is not a United States citizen by birth or naturalization. The volume and type of information collected may depend on various factors associated with the award. DOE concurrence may be required before a foreign national can participate in the performance of any work under an award. DOE may elect to deny foreign national’s participation in the award. Likewise, DOE may elect to deny a foreign national’s access to a DOE sites, information, technologies, equipment, programs, or personnel.\n"]
[170,"2023-05-01","Other","Now with the concept papers submitted by April 21, 2023, when will DOE be notifying the applicants on whether they are encouraged/discouraged to file a full application?","At this time, DOE expects to provide encourage/discourage notifications in May 2023. "]
[171,"2023-05-04","Eligibility","I have a question about the Industrial Decarbonization grant program.\nI am working with a municipal wastewater plant that would like to apply to this program for the next round of funding.\nThey are currently using large amounts of fossil fuels to heat and treat the water and are looking for funding to transition to net-zero emissions / fossil fuel usage for their wastewater treatment. \nWould this be an eligible project for this program?","Feedback on individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process.\n\nThe Industrial Demonstrations Program has released up to the full $6B allocated by BIL and IRA. Depending on the meritorious nature of the proposals, OCED can award the full amount or elect to allocate funding to a different opportunity at a later date. Potential applicants may also elect to evaluate earlier stage opportunities.\n\nOCED's Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) are available on OCED Exchange at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov/. Grants.gov is also a resource for identifying federal funding opportunities."]
[172,"2023-05-05","Other","We have submitted a concept paper (Control Number: [control number listed]).\n• The lead participant is intended to be changed – is that possible?","If there is a change to the lead organization listed on the Concept Paper, the Application must include documentation from both the lead organization on the Concept Paper and the lead organization on the Application that shows that both entities voluntarily agree to transfer the OCED Exchange control number and the concept paper. This documentation must be included as an Appendix to the Technical Volume.  Please ensure that the same control number is used for both the Concept Paper and the Application.\n\nNote: The OCED Exchange account associated with the Concept Paper control number does not need to be transferred to the new lead organization. Within Exchange, Applicants may share their submissions with other team members / Exchange users using the Share Submission feature. Sharing a submission with another user will give that user access to edit, view submission decisions, and view reviewer comments for all stages of a FOA (Concept Paper and Full Application). See the OCED eXCHANGE Applicant Guide located at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx for instructions. "]
[173,"2023-05-05","Application Content/Format","• We as technology provider and energy supplying company can hardly define today the subcontractor of piping work in 5 years – do we need the LoC (letter of commitment) of every subcontractor?","The scope of work for selected projects will be negotiated between DOE and the prime recipient, with a focus on Phase 1. Each subsequent phase will be negotiated during the Go/No-Go review between phases. As noted in Section 1.4 (pg. 35), \"Long-lead procurement activities may be started in Phase 2 with prior DOE approval.\" It is expected that subcontractors will be identified at various points throughout the award period.  \n\nPer Section 4.6.2.6 of the FOA (pg. 80), applicants must submit letters of commitment from all subrecipient and third-party cost share providers. If applicable, also include any letters of commitment from suppliers, partners, end-users, future customers, labor unions, and community-based organizations."]
[174,"2023-05-08","Cost Sharing","Regarding non-federal cost share, The DOE has emphasized the following point in all its FOAs in slightly differing language “cost share must come from non-federal sources unless otherwise allowed by law”. We seek clarification on applying this rule to various tax credits. Specifically, would a securitized debt instrument be considered an acceptable mode of cost-share when the underlying asset is the future direct payments of tax credit? It is common to use tax-equity investment in funding of projects where the future tax credit payments are traded for an up-front investment financing the project-cost. We seek clarity on whether these investments qualify for non-federal cost share.","In general, a non-federal securitized debt instrument, including when the underlying asset is a future direct payment of a tax credit, can be used as recipient cost share. Note that one of the factors in the Financial and Market Viability review criterion stated in section 5.2.2 of the FOA is: \"Availability, credibility, and risk/terms of non-federal cost share sources and funds necessary to meet ongoing cost share needs. This includes the ability to leverage DOE financial assistance funding from this FOA with state and local incentives and private financing.\""]
[175,"2023-05-08","Other","The deadline for the concept paper was April 21, according to the OCED website, and submission of a full application is due 8/4/2023.  Had we run across this technology earlier, we would have submitted the concept paper in time.  We believe we do have sufficient time to submit a full application in time for the deadline, and are happy to expedite a concept paper if possible.\nTwo questions: \n1)\tIs it possible for us to submit a concept paper within the next few weeks?\n2)\tIf not, is there an expected expansion of this DOE program for which this novel technology would be applicable, i.e., is this a one-off program or will there be subsequent phases?","1. As stated in section 4.4 (Submission Dates and Times), “All required submissions must be submitted in OCED eXCHANGE no later than 5 p.m. ET on the dates provided on the cover page of this FOA”.  The cover page states on row 2 that the submission deadline for Concept Papers is “04/21/23/5:00pm ET”.  Unfortunately, we cannot accept late submissions at this time since the Concept Paper submission deadline has passed. As stated in section 4.6.2 \"Only applicants who have submitted an eligible Concept Paper will be eligible to submit an Application.\"\n\n2. The Industrial Demonstrations Program has released up to the full $6B allocated by BIL and IRA. Depending on the meritorious nature of the proposals, OCED can award the full amount or elect to allocate funding to a different opportunity at a later date. Potential applicants may also elect to evaluate earlier stage opportunities.\n\nOCED's Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) are available on OCED Exchange at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov/. Grants.gov is also a resource for identifying federal funding opportunities."]
[176,"2023-05-09","LCA/TEA","1. Will there be templates for the TEA and LCA?","DOE expects to provide a TEA/LCA template in the near future."]
[177,"2023-05-09","Budget/Costs","2. Could you provide a budget justification workbook with more than 5 budget periods? ","Applicants may modify the budget justification workbook to add more than 5 budget periods. "]
[178,"2023-05-11","Other","I am writing to inquire as to whether OCED intends to re-open the Industrial Decarbonization and Emissions Reduction Demonstration-to-Deployment program for proposals in the coming months.\n\nIf the answer is affirmative, can you advise when the next proposal window will open.","The Industrial Demonstrations Program has released up to the full $6B allocated by BIL and IRA. Depending on the meritorious nature of the proposals, OCED can award the full amount or elect to allocate funding to a different opportunity at a later date. Potential applicants may also elect to evaluate earlier stage opportunities.\n\nOCED's Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) are available on OCED Exchange at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov/. Grants.gov is also a resource for identifying federal funding opportunities."]
[179,"2023-05-11","Concept Papers","My client, [Company Name], submitted a concept paper for the Industrial Decarbonization Program.  What is the next step and when should we expect feedback? I thought there was supposed to be an informational webinar in May.","An informational webinar was held on March 30, 2023. The slides and recording can be found on  https://www.energy.gov/oced/industrial-demonstrations-program under the Program Announcement menu. Concept papers are under review and applicants will receive a response in OCED Exchange. An additional informational webinar is planned after encourage/discourage notifications are distributed and the date is TBD."]
[180,"2023-05-12","Application Content/Format","1.\tFor the full application, does DOE want an actual project summary in Project Summary section of the technical volume? The Project Summary requests various information including contact etc., but an actual summary is not specifically requested in the text. ","The Project Summary is a cover page, and in Mod000001 DOE added additional details to Section 4.6.2.2(a) and included an example Project Summary page (Appendix D). Appendix D may also be found on OCED Exchange under the \"Application Forms and Templates\" section. Only the information described in section 4.6.2.2.(a) and Appendix D of the FOA are required in the Project Summary."]
[181,"2023-05-12","Application Content/Format","2.\tDoes OCED require a particular version of SF 424? Does it need to be part of webspace? Or will the SF 424 v.4 from Grants.gov suffice? ","Applicants should use the SF-424 form cited in FOA Section 4.6.2.1 Application for Federal Assistance, which is located at the following Grants.gov link: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/forms/sf-424-family.html "]
[182,"2023-05-12","Application Content/Format","3.\tThe B. Business Development and Management states that “the commercial adoption plan should include a description of commercial adoption-based risks and how they will be managed.” Should this information be included in Section B, or can an applicant just reference the Risk Analysis and Mitigation separate section? ","Applicants need to determine the best way to provide all the requested information within the page limits specified in the FOA. If addressing commercial adoption-based risks and associated mitigation in the Risk Analysis and Mitigation section, applicants should indicate which risks are in the commercial adoption category. As noted in section 4.6.2.2(b) (pg. 50), \"In assessing the project’s ARL risk dimensions, applicants should indicate which elements of the application address which risk dimensions (e.g., Delivered Cost is currently “medium risk,” and the TEA section demonstrates the cost-curve pathway to “low risk,” or cost parity with incumbent solutions).\" "]
[183,"2023-05-12","Application Content/Format","4.\tThe C. Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Operations states “Applications must include initial versions of Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Operations (EPC&O) project documents described in the subsections below.” Does DOE want the actual version of the EPC&O documents, or just descriptions? If actual documents, can these be provided as an appendix that does not count toward the page limit? ","As stated in section 4.6.2.2 9.c, “Applicants are required to provide estimated values of key parameters that influence project performance and financial viability, including but not limited to capital costs, tax credits, operating costs, and revenue streams.” \"These documents should meet a minimum level of maturity, as described [in this section of the FOA], but may be more advanced. During each phase, selected projects will further develop this set of documents.\" \n\nIt is the responsibility of the Applicant to provide sufficient detail in their application to satisfy the FOA requirements while still meeting page limit requirements. Appendices are counted toward application page limits."]
[184,"2023-05-12","Application Content/Format","5.\tThe C. Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Operations references an Integrated Project Schedule (IPS). What information related to the IPS needs to also be included in the C. Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Operations section? Or can that section C just cross reference the IPS? ","Applicants are required to include the Integrated Project Schedule (IPS) as part of the Workplan. See section 4.6.2.2.g of the FOA.  Applicants can cross-reference the IPS, as relevant, in other parts of their applications."]
[185,"2023-05-12","Application Content/Format","6.\tSection F. Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Analysis Projections indicates information should be provided in both PDF and Excel. Is the Excel file subject to page limits or just the PDF? Is there a standard form that can be used? ","The page limits only apply to the pdf narrative.  The Excel file will not be subject to the page limits. In Mod000001, TEA and LCA Excel templates were provided. As stated in section 4.6.2.2(f) Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Analysis Projections (pg. 64), \"Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the provided “Industrial Demonstrations TEA Assumptions” and “Industrial Demonstrations Preliminary LCA” Excel spreadsheets, which are available under the “Application Forms and Templates” section on the OCED eXCHANGE website.\""]
[186,"2023-05-12","Budget/Costs","7.\tThe Build America Buy America guidance referenced in the FOA on the DOE’s BABA website ( https://www.energy.gov/management/build-america-buy-america ) states “For-Profit Entities are not included in the definition of Non-Federal Entity when applying the statutory Buy America Requirement to prime recipients of Federal awards.” Can you confirm that for-profit companies do not need to follow Buy American requirements to receive funding under this FOA?  ","As stated on DOE's website (https://www.energy.gov/management/build-america-buy-america): \"For-Profit Entities are not included in the definition of Non-Federal Entity when applying the statutory Buy America Requirement to prime recipients of Federal awards.  Also, Tribal Consultation is required prior to applying the Buy America Requirement to Indian Tribe prime recipients. \n\nHowever, the Buy America Requirement is applicable to a For-Profit Entity if: (1) it is a sub-recipient or sub-awardee under an award that contains the Buy America Requirement term and condition, or (2) it is the prime recipient that voluntarily chooses to use domestically sourced iron, steel, manufactured products, and constructions materials by stating so in its proposed application containing an infrastructure project.  If the For-Profit Entity specifically states that it will comply with the Buy America Requirement in its application and it is selected for award, its award will contain a Buy America Requirement term and condition.  \n\nThe prime recipient is responsible for flowing the Buy America Requirement down to all sub-awards, all contracts, subcontracts, and purchase orders for work performed under the proposed infrastructure project, including to For-Profit Entities when the For-Profit Entity is a sub-recipient or sub-awardee.\"  More information is available at the following links: (https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2022-09/OMB%20Memo%20M-22-11%20Apr%2018%202022.pdf) and (https://www.energy.gov/management/build-america-buy-america).  Note also that section 4.8.3 of the FOA states in part: \"Whether a given project must apply this requirement is project-specific and dependent on several factors, such as the recipient’s entity type, whether the work involves “infrastructure” as that term is defined in Section 70912 of the BIL, and whether the infrastructure in question is publicly owned or serves a public function.\nApplicants are strongly encouraged to assess whether their project may have to apply this requirement, both to make an early determination as to the need of a waiver, as well as to determine what impact, if any, this requirement may have on the proposed project’s budget.\""]
[187,"2023-05-12","Application Content/Format","8.\tShould the “WBS and Task Description Summary” and “Integrated Project Schedule” be included separately in the section G. Work Plan or can they be included together. Both require task, and subtasks, the duplication of which in two different parts of the same document will make it difficult to meet the page limit.  ","Applicants need to determine the best way to provide all the requested information within the page limits specified in the FOA. "]
[188,"2023-05-12","Application Content/Format","9.\tCan DOE provide a template WBS? There are many different forms of these documents and not all would seem to be applicable.","Applicants need to determine the best way to provide all the requested information within the page limits specified in the FOA. "]
[189,"2023-05-12","Application Content/Format","10.\tThe FOA states that “At a minimum, each project must have at least one project-wide Go/No-Go decision point at the end of each Phase of the project.” Does Phases here refer to the Phases set forth in the FOA? Or to the budget periods set forth in the budget justification? Are the Phases the same as budget periods?  ","Yes, the phases mentioned throughout the FOA refer to the phases described in Section 1.4 Award and Project Management Structure."]
[190,"2023-05-12","Application Content/Format","11.\tIs the “performance period” referenced in the “WBS and Task Description Summary” heading the same thing as Phase or a budget period? ","The performance period is the entire project length, including all phases and budget periods. Applicants may divide the performance period into phases and budget periods and should include the tasks and subtasks in each phase or budget period."]
[191,"2023-05-12","Application Content/Format","12.\tThe Environmental Considerations Summary lists a page limit of 3 pages “each.” Are multiple summaries requested? Question 4 of the environmental considerations summary already asks for “the location where proposed project activities would take place.” ","In the event that multiple project sites are proposed, applicants should supply an Environmental Considerations Summary for each project site, with a page limit of 3 pages per site."]
[192,"2023-05-12","Application Content/Format","13.\tDoes an employee’s receipt of a salary from the FOA applicant need to be listed in Current and Pending Support disclosure, or just outside support?  ","As stated in section 4.6.2.11 Current and Pending Support Disclosures, \"Current and pending support is intended to allow the identification of potential duplication, overcommitment, potential conflicts of interest or commitment, and all other sources of support. As part of the application, the lead project manager and all senior/key personnel at the applicant and subrecipient level must provide a list of all sponsored activities, awards, and appointments, whether paid or unpaid; provided as a gift with terms or conditions or provided as a gift without terms or conditions; full-time, part-time, or voluntary; faculty, visiting, adjunct, or honorary; cash or in-kind; foreign or domestic; governmental or private-sector; directly supporting the individual’s research or indirectly supporting the individual by supporting students, research staff, space, equipment, or other research expenses. All connections with foreign government-sponsored talent recruitment programs must be identified in current and pending support.\""]
[193,"2023-05-12","Cost Sharing","14.\tCan an applicant potentially receive both a 48C tax credit and a FOA 2936 Industrial Decarbonization award?  ","Applying for or receiving funding under FOA 2936 does not preclude entities from applying for a 48C Tax Credit."]
[194,"2023-05-12","Other","15.\tCan DOE consider unprotecting the FAQ excel sheet? It makes it impossible to highlight ongoing relevant questions for reference in locally saved copies of the document? ","DOE has added functionality to format cells in the FAQ excel sheet."]
[195,"2023-05-12","LCA/TEA","16.\tA facility utilizing recycled material will use a novel process that will result in much lower emissions as compared to the use of virgin material. How can the use of recycled content as feedstock be counted in the LCA emissions reduction?  ","Section 4.6.2.2(f) System Boundaries and Considerations (pg. 67) states that \"As this FOA encompasses many industries and will receive multiple project requests with various technologies, the applicant needs to clearly narrate any special analyses, boundaries, or considerations for emissions and economic evaluations DOE should consider for the project.  Depending on the specific proposal, applicants may need to include additional components and analyses. \nFor example:\n•  If utilizing alternative, low carbon feedstocks that are critical to overall carbon intensity reduction strategy, feedstocks should be included in the LCA.\n•  If fuel production is carbon negative and proposed as part of the overall carbon intensity reduction strategy, fuels should be included in the LCA.\n•  If there is a significant change anticipated to energy or water intensity, energy and water inputs should be included in the LCA.\n•  If the financial viability of the project depends on a long-term electricity PPA, generationand delivery should be included in the LCA.\"\nOther information regarding LCA expectations may be found in Section 4.6.2.2(f)."]
[196,"2023-05-12","Other","17.\tIf there is a government shut down, how will that affect the FOA submission deadline? ","As stated on the cover page of the FOA Mod 000001, full applications will be due on August 11, 2023 at 5PM ET. "]
[197,"2023-05-15","Eligibility","Hello and good morning – [company name] submitted a concept paper for FOA 2936 under Topic 3 ([control number]) on 4/21/23 and we are seeking clarification on our eligibility and the clarification of Prime Recipient.  We have developed the technology that will help support the rapid decarbonization of the industrial heat markets.  As outlined in our concept paper we are working with Partners that own and operate industrial processing plants that utilize fossil fuels to create process steam used in their manufacturing processes. In partnering with these industrial facilities we are bringing our technology, equipment, and operations expertise to their facilities to retrofit their existing processes with our [technology] solution. We will own and operate the [technology] equipment at these facilities, but we will not be the owner of the facility itself.  Section 3.1 defines the Eligible Entity for Prime Recipient for Topic Area 3 as “Owners or operators of a domestic, non-federal nonpower industrial or manufacturing facility engaged in energy intensive industrial processes as stated in the areas of interest.”  Erthos will be the owner and operator of the process heat equipment that will retrofit the existing fossil fuel processes, but we are not the Owner of the processing facility. Although Erthos is not the Owner of the processing facility itself, the Owners will be key partners in the deployment of our technology and decarbonization solution.  Given the above description and details of our Concept Paper submission, will [company name] be eligible to participate as the prime recipient in FOA 2936 under Topic 3?  Thank you for your clarification.","Feedback on individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process.\n\nAs stated in Section 3.1 (pg. 40), for Topic Areas 2 and 3 in which a project involving multiple facilities may apply, eligible entities are \"Owners or operators of a domestic, non-federal nonpower industrial or manufacturing facility engaged in energy intensive industrial processes as stated in the areas of interest,\" however, a co-owner or co-operator does meet the criteria. \n"]
[198,"2023-05-15","Budget/Costs","Can the grant be used to pay for up to 50% of the CAPEX for an offsite renewable energy plant supplying the industrial facility (host site) via a virtual power purchase agreement or bundled RECs (not a direct connection to the site). In this case, the offsite power plant won't claim ITC in order to stay within the <=50% federal share (requirement for the grant). ","\nFeedback on individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process. Note that as stated in Section 1.2 (pg. 10), \"DOE anticipates that projects funded under this FOA will demonstrate significant GHG emissions reduction potential in nonpower industrial sectors,\" and \"a nonpower facility means a facility whose primary purpose is not power generation.\" Applicants should substantiate how they are meeting the objectives of the FOA.\nAs noted in section 5.2.2 Application (pg. 97), applicants will be evaluated by the \"Degree to which the application justifies the proposed project’s economic viability, sustainability, and potential growth beyond DOE funding, including achieving market adoptability and follow-on investments.\" Additionally, section 5.5.1 Program Policy Factors (pg. 102) states that applicants will be evaluated by the \"Degree to which the proposed project will accelerate transformational technological advances in areas that industry by itself is not likely to undertake because of technical and financial uncertainty.\""]
[199,"2023-05-15","Webinar","I wanted to inquire about the timing for the May webinar for the subject FOA.  Has this been scheduled?","The webinar is planned for June 7, 2023 at 3pm E.T. Interested parties may register at https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_8C63GyM1TlG927jUH1u6nQ. Note this webinar date and time are subject to change."]
[200,"2023-05-15","Eligibility","I see that I missed the deadline of April 21 for submission of a concept paper.  Is there any chance of getting an extension?  I'd like to apply for a grant under this program as it seems that our technology is a good fit.\n\nGiven the transformative potential of these funds, DOE seeks first- or early-of-a-kind commercial-scale projects. These could include new technologies that have been proven at a pilot scale but have yet to be deployed commercially, technologies that are being pursued internationally but do not have a foothold in the U.S., or other early-of-a-kind projects that face market or adoption risks. All projects should incorporate a path from demonstration to deployment that includes sustained operation after completion and substantiate the projects’ ability to meet priority criteria.\n\nI only recently learned of this FOA. \n\nIf we are too late, can you reference another FOA to us? ","As stated in section 4.4 (Submission Dates and Times), “All required submissions must be submitted in OCED eXCHANGE no later than 5 p.m. ET on the dates provided on the cover page of this FOA”.  The cover page states on row 2 that the submission deadline for Concept Papers is “04/21/23/5:00pm ET”.  Unfortunately, we cannot accept late submissions at this time since the Concept Paper submission deadline has passed. As stated in section 4.6.2 of the FOA \"Only applicants who have submitted an eligible Concept Paper will be eligible to submit an Application.\""]
[201,"2023-05-15","Budget/Costs","My client has submitted a concept paper for this funding opportunity and has the following questions:\n \n1. For Topic 1, if the eligible entity determines at the end of Phase 1 that the project is not viable, is it required to return the $10 m (assuming it has conducted all phase 1 project development activities in good faith)?","Assuming the funds have been spent in accordance with the approved budget and agreement terms and conditions, funds spent on completed work do not have to be returned, regardless of the outcome of a Go/No-Go evaluation."]
[202,"2023-05-15","Budget/Costs","2. At what point in the Phase 1 process is the $10 m fund given? At the beginning or the end of Phase 1? In lump sum or periodic installments (e.g. if certain milestones within Phase 1 are achieved)?","Specific payment procedures will be determined for each award recipient during award negotiations. Typically, for profit entities are provided funds on a reimbursement basis within 30 days of actual cash disbursements. For other entity types, subject to certain conditions, funds are typically provided on an advance basis with the timing and amount of advance payments being as close as practical to the actual disbursements. For more information, please see 2 CFR § 910.354 (Payment) and 2 CFR § 200.305 (Federal Payment)."]
[203,"2023-05-17","Cost Sharing","There are multiple phases in this program, with varying lengths and budgets. Should cost share be 50% for each individual phase at each phase's end, or overall project costs at project's end? ","The non-federal cost share must be at least 50% for each phase. It is generally expected that the cost-share will be expended at the same time and at the same rate as DOE funding over the course of the project and a minimum of 50% non-federal cost share is required in each project phase."]
[204,"2023-05-19","Webinar","We submitted a concept paper for the DE-FOA-0002936 funding opportunity and wanted to kindly follow up regarding the date and time of the Informational Webinar. If this has been scheduled, please let us know when this will be taking place. We look forward to attending.","The webinar is planned for 6/7/23 at 3pm E.T. Interested parties may register at https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_8C63GyM1TlG927jUH1u6nQ. Note this webinar date and time are subject to change."]
[205,"2023-05-19","Webinar","The FOA requires an Environmental Considerations Summary (Section 4.6.2.10, p. 82), which consists of 10 questions. The Application Requirements Checklist on p. 116 of the FOA states that the page limit for the Environmental Considerations Summary is \"3 pages each.\"\n\nIn this case, what does \"each\" refer to? Does this mean 3 pages for each proposed project? Does this mean 3 pages for each of the 10 questions listed in Section 4.6.2.10? Is there another intended interpretation?","In the event that multiple project sites are proposed, applicants should supply an Environmental Considerations Summary for each project site, with a page limit of 3 pages per site."]
[206,"2023-05-22","LCA/TEA","I wanted to ask a question or receive some clarification on the preliminary LCA for the application. Do we need to include benchmark baseline for the LCA? ","The LCA must be constructed with either internal (existing in-place process) or external (industry standard) benchmarks in order to show and quantify proposed improvements against current practice. As stated in section 4.6.2.2(f) Techno-Economic Analysis and Lifecyle Analysis Projections (pg. 67), \"For TEA and LCA, applicants will need to provide a representative benchmark to compare to project outcomes. For all Topic Areas, applicants will need to define the state-of-the-art benchmark to compare expected results. This benchmark represents best commercially available off-the-shelf technology that would be used to build a similar industrial facility today, including associated emissions, and costs. For projects at existing facilities, applicants will need to create a baseline of their current standard operations to compare with the project expectations and the industry benchmark.\""]
[207,"2023-05-23","Cost Sharing","Will DOE potentially negotiate lower award amounts that requested by a recipient? For instance, if an applicant requested 50% cost share for a $200m project, but could actually make the project work by contributing 60%, would DOE potentially make an award at a lower amount than was requested by an applicant? Should applicants indicate how they could work with lower award sizes in their application? Or is an award for the full amount or nothing?","As stated in section 3.2 of the FOA, \"Applicants are bound by the cost share proposed in their applications if selected for award negotiations. The cost share must be at least 50% of the total project costs.\" Applicants can propose projects with a non-federal cost share greater than 50%. Project details for each awardee will be negotiated on a project-by-project basis to produce the best possible balance between project outcomes and DOE risk exposure. "]
[208,"2023-05-24","Budget/Costs","Good morning. Can you confirm if a budget estimate Class Level V would be acceptable for the application?","As stated in section 4.6.2.2(c) Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Operations (pg. 59), \"The expected estimate class for the application is Class 4 or better.\" See Table 6 Cost Estimate Classification for Process Industries for descriptions of estimate classes."]
[209,"2023-05-24","Other","My client [company name], in partnership with [company name], submitted a concept paper for the Industrial Demonstrations Program. I know in the FOA it says that “DOE will notify applicants of its determination to encourage or discourage the submission of an application. DOE will post these notifications to OCED eXCHANGE.” I looked on the OCED eXCHANGE today but didn’t see any notifications listed. Is there a time we should be checking back before the August full application submission? Also, will there be another informational webinar on the application process or is the one that occurred in March the last one? Thank you for your help!","The Concept Paper encourage or discourage notifications were made available to applicants 6/1/23 on OCED Exchange.\n\nThe webinar is planned for 6/7/23 at 11 AM E.T. Interested parties may register at https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_8C63GyM1TlG927jUH1u6nQ. Note this webinar date and time are subject to change."]
[210,"2023-05-25","Other","Can you provide an update on the release of the DOE's Initial Response to Concept Papers? Our submission was confirmed on [date] with [control number].\nWe are anticipating a \"Thumbs up or Thumbs down\" response, and have not yet seen such a communication to [name] or myself.","The Concept Paper encourage or discourage notifications were made available to applicants 6/1/23 on OCED Exchange."]
[211,"2023-05-25","Budget/Costs","What are the payment conditions of the grant - Will the grant be payed up-front or after sending the time-sheet?","Specific payment procedures will be determined for each award recipient during award negotiations. Typically, for profit entities are provided funds on a reimbursement basis within 30 days of actual cash disbursements. For other entity types, subject to certain conditions, funds are typically provided on an advance basis with the timing and amount of advance payments being as close as practical to the actual disbursements. For more information, please see 2 CFR § 910.354 Payment and 2 CFR § 200.305 (Federal Payment)."]
[212,"2023-05-26","Concept Papers","When do you anticipate concept paper feedback to be provided? \n\nAlso the Informational Webinar appears to be TBD for some date and time in May but as the month end approaches I imagine this is going to be pushed out. Do you have any potential dates and times so that I can put holds on my calendar?","The Concept Paper encourage or discourage notifications were made available to applicants 6/1/23 on OCED Exchange.\n\nThe webinar is planned for 6/7/23 at 11 AM E.T. Interested parties may register at https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_8C63GyM1TlG927jUH1u6nQ. Note this webinar date and time are subject to change."]
[213,"2023-05-29","Concept Papers","Is there a timeline on when decisions on concept pages will be finalized?","The Concept Paper encourage or discourage notifications were made available to applicants 6/1/23 on OCED Exchange."]
[214,"2023-05-30","Concept Papers","We applied for DE-FOA-0002936 (Industrial Decarbonization and Emissions Reduction Demonstration-to-Deployment). Do you know when the decisions will be published please, and when the preparation webinar is planned?","The Concept Paper encourage or discourage notifications were made available to applicants 6/1/23 on OCED Exchange.\n\nThe webinar is planned for 6/7/23 at 11 AM E.T. Interested parties may register at https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_8C63GyM1TlG927jUH1u6nQ. Note this webinar date and time are subject to change."]
[215,"2023-05-30","Budget/Costs","Can the grant cover 2-3 years of the grid charging costs (part of OPEX) if the electricity is used to electrify steam generation and displace natural gas boilers using thermal energy storage units? The charging costs will be done from renewable resources through virtual PPA or purchase of RECs to green the supply.","\nFeedback on individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process. Note that as stated in Section 1.2 (pg. 10), \"DOE anticipates that projects funded under this FOA will demonstrate significant GHG emissions reduction potential in nonpower industrial sectors,\" and \"a nonpower facility means a facility whose primary purpose is not power generation.\" Applicants should substantiate how they are meeting the objectives of the FOA.\nAs noted in section 5.2.2 Application (pg. 97), applicants will be evaluated by the \"Degree to which the application justifies the proposed project’s economic viability, sustainability, and potential growth beyond DOE funding, including achieving market adoptability and follow-on investments.\" Additionally, section 5.5.1 Program Policy Factors (pg. 102) states that applicants will be evaluated by the \"Degree to which the proposed project will accelerate transformational technological advances in areas that industry by itself is not likely to undertake because of technical and financial uncertainty.\""]
[216,"2023-05-30","Concept Papers","Were the “Encourage / Discourage Notifications” issued for the Funding Opportunity No. DE-FOA-0002936?","The Concept Paper encourage or discourage notifications were made available to applicants 6/1/23 on OCED Exchange.\n\nThe webinar is planned for 6/7/23 at 11 AM E.T. Interested parties may register at https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_8C63GyM1TlG927jUH1u6nQ. Note this webinar date and time are subject to change."]
[217,"2023-05-31","Teaming List","Asking on behalf of a client, please confirm that the “Teaming Partner List” is or is not the list of those entities on the “Encourage Notifications” list.","The Teaming Partner List is not a list of entities whose Concept Papers were encouraged. DOE will not publish or share the names of applicants that received a Concept Paper encourage or discourage notification. As noted in section 8.5 Teaming Partner List (pg. 111), \"The teaming partner list allows organizations who may wish to participate on an application to express their interest to other applicants and to explore potential partnerships.\" The Concept Paper encourage or discourage notifications were made available to applicants 6/1/23 on OCED Exchange."]
[218,"2023-05-31","Concept Papers","We submitted a Concept Paper and have not yet heard back.  Can you please advise on status?","The Concept Paper encourage or discourage notifications were made available to applicants 6/1/23 on OCED Exchange."]
[219,"2023-05-31","Application Content/Format","The page limit for the Environmental Considerations Summary is listed in Appendix A (pg. 116) as “3 each.” We understand this to mean that OCED contemplates the submission of more than one Environmental Consideration Summary in the event a project has multiple locations. However, the Environmental Considerations Summary section 4.6.2.10 beginning on pg. 82 contains passages such as: “[a]dd a table including column headers shown below for each location where proposed project activities would take place” and “Attach a map showing the location(s) of the proposed project..” which imply that all locations should be described in a single Environmental Considerations Summary.\n\nCan you please clarify whether each location in a multi-site project requires its own Environmental Considerations Summary or whether all locations should be covered by a single ECS? Can you also confirm the page limit in either case?","In the event that multiple project sites are proposed, applicants should supply an Environmental Considerations Summary for each project site, with a page limit of 3 pages per site."]
[220,"2023-06-01","Topic Areas","If invited to submit a full proposal, are entities allowed to change the topic area alignment stated in the concept paper to a different one for the full proposal?  For example, if we initially selected alignment to Topic area 3 in the concept paper submission, can we change the alignment to Topic area 1 or 2 when we submit the full proposal?","While DOE generally expects the full application to be reflective of the concept paper submitted, changes to the topic area between the concept paper and full application submissions are permissible."]
[221,"2023-06-01","Concept Papers","Has a decision been made on this application?\nPlease advise.","The Concept Paper encourage or discourage notifications were made available to applicants 6/1/23 on OCED Exchange."]
[222,"2023-06-01","Concept Papers","We recently received the decision on concept paper [concept paper number] and were given a direction of Discouraged.\n\nWhile we understand the OCED can’t review and/or support every application we were wondering if there  is a mechanism for feedback.  We were hoping to get a sense for what the significant weaknesses were of the submission.\n\nWas it technical, financial, administrative or other?\n\nThank you in advance for considering our request.","For purposes of fairness please note that DOE is not able to discuss or provide feedback on specific projects during the FOA period. Each encourage / discourage notification contained feedback specific to the application by referring the applicants to specific bullets within the letter. Applicants should refer to the content of the encourage / discourage notification and view the informational webinar, which took place at 11 a.m. ET on June 7, 2023.  Please note that the webinar slides are available on OCED Exchange under \"Webinar Details\" and a full recording of the webinar will be available on the OCED website for those who were not able to attend.  "]
[223,"2023-06-02","Concept Papers","We kindly request if we can receive feedback specific to our Discouraged concept paper application to better understand the DOE's metrics for this funding opportunity and to assist in our learning for future opportunities.","For purposes of fairness please note that DOE is not able to discuss or provide feedback on specific projects during the FOA period. Each encourage / discourage notification contained feedback specific to the application by referring the applicants to specific bullets within the letter. Applicants should refer to the content of the encourage / discourage notification and view the informational webinar, which took place at 11 a.m. ET on June 7, 2023.  Please note that the webinar slides are available on OCED Exchange under \"Webinar Details\" and a full recording of the webinar will be available on the OCED website for those who were not able to attend.  "]
[224,"2023-06-02","Concept Papers","Unfortunately, we have received a discouraged notification for our project. Since the application is not prohibited, we may consider if we apply our project even with such notification.\n\nWould it be possible for you or the team to share the reason why we are discouraged from submitting application after reviewing concept paper?  It will affect our decision for application.","For purposes of fairness please note that DOE is not able to discuss or provide feedback on specific projects during the FOA period. Each encourage / discourage notification contained feedback specific to the application by referring the applicants to specific bullets within the letter. Applicants should refer to the content of the encourage / discourage notification and view the informational webinar, which took place at 11 a.m. ET on June 7, 2023.  Please note that the webinar slides are available on OCED Exchange under \"Webinar Details\" and a full recording of the webinar will be available on the OCED website for those who were not able to attend.  "]
[225,"2023-06-05","Application Content/Format","I wish to submit the following clarification question for FOA: DE-FOA-0002936 Industrial Decarbonization and Emissions Reduction Demonstration-to-Deployment Funding Opportunity Announcement\nPlease confirm\n\nFOA page 47: for the full application, I wish to use the same cover page format and information as outlined for the concept paper for each required PDF document. Please confirm this cover page is not included in the page count.","Applicants should refer to Section 4.0 and Appendix A for application submission information. Sections 4.6.2.1 through 4.6.2.14 contain details for which applications must conform, including the content and form requirements listed in these sections and stated page limits. Cover sheets are not required for every element listed in Appendix A and, if included, cover pages will count toward the page limit.\n"]
[226,"2023-06-06","Concept Papers","I’m emailing you on behalf of [company name] regarding our application for DE-FOA-0002936. We would like to request a formal debriefing why our application was discourage to move forward. Our application is linked to  Control Number: [control number] Thank you","For purposes of fairness please note that DOE is not able to discuss or provide feedback on specific projects during the FOA period. Each encourage / discourage notification contained feedback specific to the application by referring the applicants to specific bullets within the letter. Applicants should refer to the content of the encourage / discourage notification and view the informational webinar, which took place at 11 a.m. ET on June 7, 2023.  Please note that the webinar slides are available on OCED Exchange under \"Webinar Details\" and a full recording of the webinar will be available on the OCED website for those who were not able to attend.  "]
[227,"2023-06-07","Cost Sharing","Do funds from third-party cost share providers for the minimum 50% cost share need to be actually committed by the full application deadline in August or do they just need to be available starting from the first day of the project period in 2024? Are there any other restrictions on when the cost share needs to be made available?","The FOA requires letters of commitment be submitted with the application from all subrecipient and third party cost share providers, section 4.6.2.6. As stated in section 4.6.2.6, \"If applicable, the letter must state that the third-party cost share provider is committed to providing a specific minimum dollar amount or value of in-kind contributions allocated to cost sharing. The following information for each third party contributing to cost sharing should be identified: (1) the name of the organization; (2) the proposed dollar amount to be provided; and (3) the proposed cost sharing type (cash or in-kind contributions). Each letter must not exceed 1 page.\" Also note the merit review criterion in Section 5.2.2 Application (pg. 97), \"Availability, credibility, and risk/terms of non-federal cost share sources and funds necessary to meet ongoing cost share needs. This includes the ability to leverage DOE financial assistance funding from this FOA with state and local incentives and private financing.\"\n\nIt is generally expected that the cost-share will be expended at the same time and at the same rate as DOE funding over the course of the project and a minimum of 50% non-federal cost share is required in each project phase."]
[228,"2023-06-07","Webinar","I am wondering if this morning’s Zoom Meeting regarding the Concept Paper Feedback was recorded?  Could I please get a copy of the recorded meeting discussion?","The webinar slides are available on OCED Exchange under \"Webinar Details\" and a full recording of the webinar will be available at https://www.energy.gov/oced/industrial-demonstrations-program under \"Program Announcement\" for those who were not able to attend."]
[229,"2023-06-07","Webinar","Hello, I am assisting a client with their 2936 full application. Unfortunately I just found out about the feedback webinar that took place at 11AM Eastern today.\nCan you please send a link to the webinar recording to [email address].","The webinar slides are available on OCED Exchange under \"Webinar Details\" and a full recording of the webinar will be available at https://www.energy.gov/oced/industrial-demonstrations-program under \"Program Announcement\" for those who were not able to attend."]
[230,"2023-06-07","Concept Papers","I am reaching out to ask if any additional feedback beyond what is available through the Exchange portal is available for [control number 1 and control number 2] concept paper submissions? We received discourage notification for both and would like to better understand how our projects can be more competitive for future opportunities at DOE.","The webinar slides are available on OCED Exchange under \"Webinar Details\" and a full recording of the webinar will be available at https://www.energy.gov/oced/industrial-demonstrations-program under \"Program Announcement\" for those who were not able to attend."]
[231,"2023-06-07","Application Content/Format","[screenshot of Section 4.6.2.2(b) provided]. Will DOE provide a form template for this Business Development and Management excel sheet or are applicants supposed to generate their own? If applicants are supposed to generate their own, what information should be included?","Applicants need to determine the best way to provide all the requested information within the page limits specified in the FOA. DOE does not intend to provide a form template for the Business Development and Management Business Case Analysis MS Excel. As stated in section 4.6.2.2(b) (pg. 52), \"The business plan must include a pro forma which quantifies the projected financial parameters such as operating costs, operating revenues, financing cash flows, EBITDA, tax credits/liabilities, and expected ROI over the project lifespan. This business case should be submitted as a separate MS Excel that includes key assumptions as a separate tab.\""]
[232,"2023-06-07","Concept Papers","Today's webinar on the Industrial Decarbonization and Emissions Reduction Demonstration-to-Deployment (DE-FOA-0002936) program explained that OCED had given feedback to applicants on their concept papers. How do we access that feedback? \n\nWhen I log into the OCED portal (https://oced-exchange.energy.gov/), I can see that [company name] was encouraged to submit a full application (Control No. [control number]) -- but I'm not seeing a link to a feedback document. Nor to my knowledge, have we received an email transmitting a document.  \n\nAny assistance would be greatly appreciated!","For questions relating to the submission of your application through the OCED-Exchange portal, please contact us at OCED-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov. \nEach encourage / discourage notification contained feedback specific to the application by referring the applicants to specific bullets within the letter, as noted in paragraph 9, \"While DOE has identified points «Encourage_Themes» of the list below as especially relevant to your Concept Paper ...\" The notification feedback is available under the section heading \"Concept Paper Response.\""]
[233,"2023-06-07","Webinar","I missed yesterday’s webinar.  My client, [company name], was encouraged to submit a full application.  Is a replay of the webinar available?  I didn’t see it on your website.","The webinar slides are available on OCED Exchange under \"Webinar Details\" and a full recording of the webinar will be available at https://www.energy.gov/oced/industrial-demonstrations-program under \"Program Announcement\" for those who were not able to attend."]
[234,"2023-06-09","Topic Areas","We intended to submit a Concept Paper to topic 3 under DE-FOA-0002936. However, the Paper was submitted to topic 2 by mistake and we received a discourage letter. Are we eligible to submit a full proposal to topic 3 in this case?","While DOE generally expects the full application to be reflective of the concept paper submitted, changes to the topic area between the concept paper and full application submissions are permissible."]
[235,"2023-06-12","LCA/TEA","I am working with a client who has questions about TEA/LCA calculations. They have specific questions about to make the calculations but need guidance. Is there support from the DOE that can help to provide them with direction?","The applicant (and their supporting team members) should refer to the FOA, specifically section 4.6.2.2(f) and the TEA and LCA Workbooks. Applicants are strongly encouraged, but not required, to complete the TEA and LCA Workbooks, which are located on OCED Exchange under Application Forms and Templates. Applicants should complete their TEA and LCA spreadsheets to the best of their abilities, providing clarity with their calculations and assumptions. The TEA and LCA narratives may be used to dictate assumptions further. Applicants may submit questions to OCED_Industrial@hq.doe.gov that are specific to information that DOE is seeking or where the applicant may desire clarity, and DOE will respond with appropriate guidance. Please note that DOE is not able to discuss or provide feedback on specific projects during the FOA period."]
[236,"2023-06-12","Concept Papers","Is it possible to get more granularity on the number of “encouraged” vs. “discouraged” for each industry group (examples: cement, glass, etc) and by topic area?  Appreciated the overall stats! Thank you.","Statistics on the encourage / discourage notifications are posted in the Industrial Demonstrations Program Concept Paper Notifications website at https://www.energy.gov/oced/industrial-demonstrations-program-notifications. Interested parties may also review the webinar slides, which are available on OCED Exchange under \"Webinar Details.\""]
[237,"2023-06-13","Application Content/Format","Section 4.6.2.2 Technical Volume states the following:\n\nThe Technical Volume may not exceed 50 pages for Topic Areas 1 and 2, or 40 pages for Topic Area 3, including the Table of Contents and all citations, charts, graphs, maps, photos, or other graphics, and must include all the components listed above.\n\nHowever, Appendix A - Application Requirements Checklist requests a specific naming convention for each of the components of the Technical Volume as shown below:\n\nControlNumber_LeadOrganization_Project_Summary \nControlNumber_LeadOrganization_BDM\nControlNumber_LeadOrganization_EPCO\nControlNumber_LeadOrganization_SafetySecurity\n\nIf each of the component sections is in a separate file and there is only one Table of Contents for the entire Technical Volume (presumably in the Project Summary file), the reader will have to reference two separate documents to navigate. One to view the Table of Contents, and one component file with the content. Is this desired?","A Table of Contents is optional. If an applicant chooses to include a Table of Contents in the Project Summary file, this is acceptable."]
[238,"2023-06-14","Other","Should an applicant’s cost share be calculated before or after tax impacts on the project? Specifically, would federal taxable income paid by the application as a result of US grants received (via this program) and recognized as federal taxable income. For example, if the applicant receives $100 of grants (via this program), would the federal cost share be $100 or $79 (net of federal income taxes paid upon receipt of grant)?  Additionally, to the extent the applicant receives federal investment tax credits (IRC Sec. 48), would this federal cost share reflect the tax credit received net of forgone tax depreciation under IRC Sec. 50(c)(3)?","The Federal share is the award amount and this amount should be used when calculating the cost share percentage. Tax credits are not considered part of the federal cost share. \n"]
[239,"2023-06-14","Other","We [company name] are excited to receive an encouragement letter under FOA 2936. We really appreciate this encouraging news! The main criterion under TIER 2 is a 50 percent emission reduction goal. I know DOE won’t send those without exhaustive due diligence. I am wondering if you could send us the reference regarding how you came up with the 50% emission reduction.  It will be tremendously helpful as we are preparing the full proposal. Also, would like to know what happens if we cannot meet the 50% reduction.","The metrics listed in Table 2 (pg. 19) are target metrics for facility- or process- level carbon intesity reductions. As stated in Section 1.3.2.1 General Expectations for All Topic Areas (pg. 19), \"If the proposed target is not reasonably achievable currently, applicants must provide a clear explanation of why and how the proposed project will ultimately accelerate the industry towards net-zero operations.\""]
[240,"2023-06-15","LCA/TEA","The FOA and recent slide deck state that applicants must include preliminary project or facility-level baseline (and/or state-of-the-art estimate) data, and that this is largely achieved through the TEA and LCA documents/process. For projects with multiple sites and multiple facilities, does DOE recommend that applicants complete a separate TEA and LCA for each site and facility, or does DOE prefer that data for all sites and facilities be included in a single TEA and LCA for the application?\n\nThe guidance seems to imply one TEA and LCA, but we were not certain, so we are seeking explicit clarification on this application procedure.","As noted in Section 4.6.2.2(f) (pg. 66), \"Applicants must provide detailed inventory and process flow diagrams in the LCA Sheet for each process that the applicant is planning to consider for decarbonization along with business-as-usual inputs for that process as well.” This guidance provides definition for the needed LCA/TEA model boundaries on a per facility basis. The models should capture the appropriate balances for the process or processes being proposed in support of decarbonization and efficiency improvements."]
[241,"2023-06-16","Application Content/Format","Cna you please clarify the requirements for current and pending support?\n\nThe language in the FOA appears to be directed at researchers and identifying academic roles, responsibilities and obligations related to research development (i.e. the definitions section in particular focuses on RDD&D activities).  For business entities and key personnel such as a CEO or COO what information should be disclosed? Is indicating they are employed full-time by the company sufficient? ","If any senior/key personnel have funding through any other award or other means, they must disclose this info and answer the Current and Pending Support questions. If the CEO or COO have no other support from other sources outside of the organization then they do not need to address provide any info. A for-profit entity must also follow this requirement. Please note that \"senior/key personnel\" are defined in Section 4.6.2.11 Current and Pending Support on page 87. \n\nInformation must be provided about all current and pending support, including for this project, for ongoing projects, and for any proposals currently under consideration from whatever source, irrespective of whether such support is provided through the proposing organization or is provided directly to the individual. This includes, for example, Federal, State, local, foreign, public, or private foundations, non-profit organizations, industrial or other commercial organizations, or internal funds allocated toward specific projects. Concurrent submission of a proposal to other organizations will not prejudice its review by DOE, if disclosed."]
[242,"2023-06-16","Application Content/Format","1. Section 4.6.2.6 Letters of Commitment uses both the terms “letters of commitment” and “letters of support.” Are these terms used interchangeably? If not, what is the difference between a “letter of commitment” and a “letter of support?”\n2. FOA  Modification 1 added the statement “Letters of support are not required for project partners that are not contributing to cost share” to section 4.6.2.6. Does this change DOE’s previous answer to question 173 which stated that letters of commitment should be provided for suppliers, partners, end-users, future customers, labor unions, and community-based organizations? Given the recent modification, should applicants refrain from submitting letters of commitment for those entities if they are not providing cost share?","Regarding Section 4.6.2.6 Letters of Commitment (pg. 81), \"Letters of commitment\" are specific to cost sharing contributors. General \"letters of support\" from other interested parties indicating non-financial support for the project are not accepted; as stated in Section 4.6.2.6 Letters of Commitment (pg. 81), \"Letters of support or endorsement for the project from entities that do not have a substantive role in the project are not accepted. Letters of support are not required for project partners that are not contributing to cost share.\" Regarding Section 4.6.2.2(b) Business Development and Management (pg. 52), \"If applicable, the applicant should provide letters of commitment or term sheets (including power purchase agreements) for prospective suppliers, customers, and/or offtakers.\" \n\nLetters of support or endorsement should only be provided when requested by the FOA, for stakeholders with a substantive role in the project. As stated in Section 4.6.2.3 Community Benefits Plan: Job Quality and Equity (pg. 71), \"Applicants are also encouraged to provide Community and Labor Partnership Documentation from representative organizations reflecting substantive engagement and feedback on applicant’s approach to community benefits.\" Also note Section 4.6.2.4 Community Partnership Documentation (pg. 80), \"Such letters must state the specific nature of the partnership and must not be general letters of support. If the applicant intends to enter into a Workforce and Community Agreement as part of the CBP, please include letters from proposed partners as appropriate.\""]
[243,"2023-06-20","LCA/TEA","On the BASE tabs of DE-FOA-0002936_Industrial_Demonstrations_LCA_Workbook the instructions indicate “All assumptions should use 2023 as the base year” however to ensure a full year of data as a baseline would using 2022 data be acceptable?","For baseline data, 2022 is acceptable."]
[244,"2023-06-20","Budget/Costs","The FOA is requesting to include a Budget Justification Workbook (“BJW”). It is not clear to me if we are required to use the BJW just for the Phase I of the project or we are supposed to justify the Total Project Cost including project development, construction and operation using the BJW.\n\nIf we submit an Application considering a Class IV estimate and during Phase I and II of the project the new estimated budget is higher than our initial budget, will we be able to renegotiate with DOE the amount of the grant? or whatever is requested within the Application (and Class IV estimate) cannot be changed?","As noted in Section 4.6.2.2(c) Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Operations (pg. 59), \"Applications must include a current total project cost (TPC) estimate that covers the entirety of the project, including construction and 2-4 years of operations. All project costs falling within the project must be included, including capital, labor, finance, and other cost categories as appropriate for individual plans... The expected estimate class for the application is Class 4 or better.\"\n\nApplicants should use cost principles to estimate the TPC. Note that Section 2.0 Award Information (pgs. 38-39), application budgets are limited to the maximum amount of DOE share per project by Topic Area and contingency reserves are required for phase 3 and 4 activities. DOE will review selectee budget documents and may discuss the budget with selectees during award negotiations. "]
[245,"2023-06-21","Topic Area","1. Regarding the description of Topic Area 1: Does \"full facility build\" imply that the facility must be entirely new, with no existing capabilities or operations?","As stated in Section 1.3.2.2 Topic Area 1 (pg. 20), \"For Topic Area 1, DOE is interested in comprehensive projects that will integrate multiple technology pathways to achieve the greatest emissions reduction possible for a facility of its type. These projects may be either greenfield or brownfield sites [...].\""]
[246,"2023-06-21","Topic Area","2. Regarding the description of Topic Area 1: Does \"comprehensive project\" imply an entirely new build?","As stated in Section 1.3.2.2 Topic Area 1 (pg. 20), a comprehensive project is a project \"that will integrate multiple technology pathways to achieve the greatest emissions reduction possible for a facility of its type.\""]
[247,"2023-06-21","Topic Area","3. Regarding the description of Topic Area 2: How does OCED define \"overhaul retrofits\"? Does this imply that the facility should not have new capabilities, only augmented existing capabilities?","Topic Area 2 is flexible, allowing for \"large-scale facility-level overhaul retrofits for existing facilities, common technologies across multiple facilities, or new builds with accelerated planning, development, permitting, and financing strategies[...] Overhauls may involve re-equipping an existing facility with new or modified equipment that is not yet commercially available.\" \n"]
[248,"2023-06-21","Topic Area","4. Regarding the description of Topic Area 2: Is it expected that the \"demonstrations of multiple technology solutions\", to which priority is conferred, be integrated technologies, or process-specific improvements which are integration-agnostic?","Projects will be evaluated based on the criteria established in Section 5.2.2 Applications (pgs. 96-100) and Other Selection Factors may be applied as stated in Section 5.5 Other Selection Factors (pg. 101-102). Applicants should refer to the facility-level carbon intensity reduction targets in Table 2, as well as the example metrics listed in Table 3 on page 19."]
[249,"2023-06-21","Budget/Costs","I had some questions about the parameters of a Potentially Duplicate Funding situation, and what needs to be reported to DOE. I have two main questions:\n1. If a client is applying for a 48C or 45Q credit in attrition to DE-FOA-0002936, would this need to be reported?","As stated in Section 4.6.2.2(b) Business Development and Management (pg. 55), applicants may apply to other programs so long as federal financing is not \"leveraged by applicants to provide the required cost share or to otherwise support the same scope of the award.\" Also, \"the financial plan must identify whether the award will benefit directly or indirectly from other forms of federal support, such as grants, loan guarantees, tax credits[...].\" Applicants are also instructed to discuss tax credits in the Business Case Analysis (pg. 52), as well as in the TEA as noted on page 65. "]
[250,"2023-06-21","Budget/Costs","2. If a client’s site is applying for other grants for separate projects, would this need to be reported?","The applicant should refer to Section 4.6.2.13 Potentially Duplicate Funding Notice (pg. 88) for guidance on notifying DOE about other active awards of federal funds. In particular, the applicant must identify potential overlap and identical cost items and determine whether DOE should be made aware of duplicate funding. "]
[251,"2023-06-21","Application Content/Format","Do the Summary Slide, resumes, and letters (community partner document and letters of commitment) need to adhere to the following formatting requirements?\n- 12 pt font\n- 1” margins all around\n- Control number on the top right corner\n- Page numbers.","Yes, Section 4.1 Application Package (pg. 43-44) states, \"[a]ll submissions must conform to the form and content requirements described below […reference pg. 43-44 bulleted items...],\" including the formatting requirements identified in the question. "]
[252,"2023-06-22","Concept Papers","I assist [company name] on its grant writing efforts. We recently submitted a concept paper under OCED solicitation #2936. On behalf of [company name], we would like to learn more about why its application failed to meet the solicitation requirements and was discouraged. While disappointing, we appreciate not wasting both your time and ours. More importantly, we would like to learn more about future opportunities that might align with our interests. [Company name] is a leader in producing advanced biofuels, including biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel. We are interested in expanding to produce more of these fuels. But we would also like to decarbonize our production facilities, one of which is a former petroleum asphalt manufacturing plant.\n\nCan you recommend a time that might work for you to have that discussion?","For purposes of fairness please note that DOE is not able to discuss or provide feedback on specific projects during the FOA period. Each encourage / discourage notification contained feedback specific to the application by referring the applicants to specific bullets within the letter. Applicants should refer to the content of the encourage / discourage notification and view the informational webinar, which took place at 11 a.m. ET on June 7, 2023.  Please note that the Concept Paper webinar slides are available on OCED Exchange under \"Webinar Details\" and a full recording of the webinar is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FryoNcaQyx0 for those who were not able to attend. \nFor future opportunities, interested parties can sign up for OCED News and Alerts at https://www.energy.gov/oced/office-clean-energy-demonstrations, or can check OCED Exchange for new postings."]
[253,"2023-06-22","Community Benefits","Should applicants use the Community Benefits Plan template available on the DOE website?  The recent CBP webinar encouraged applicants to use the template generally, but the Guidance for Creating a CBP for the Industrial Decarbonization FOA is significantly different from the template, including five sections instead of four, and many specific subsections not found in the template.  Do you have a recommendation or preference?","Applicants should follow the content and requirements outlined in the FOA. The template can serve as a reference but does not supersede the FOA. "]
[254,"2023-06-22","Concept Papers","We received a discouraged notice on this FOA, and wondered if you had a page or site, that gave the number of concept papers reviewed and the number of encourage and number of discourage notices, and the most common reasons for discouragement.  We were not clear from the notice why we were discouraged.  I represent [company name].  Also we wonder if you have a video on the concept paper feedback slides that might help us.  We also wanted to sign up for the June 26th industrial decarbonization pathways webinar on the FOA and application process, but could not get a link.  could please send. ","For purposes of fairness please note that DOE is not able to discuss or provide feedback on specific projects during the FOA period. Each encourage / discourage notification contained feedback specific to the application by referring the applicants to specific bullets within the letter. Applicants should refer to the content of the encourage / discourage notification and view the informational webinar, which took place at 11 a.m. ET on June 7, 2023.  Please note that the Concept Paper webinar slides are available on OCED Exchange under \"Webinar Details\" and a full recording of the webinar is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FryoNcaQyx0 for those who were not able to attend. The Industrial Decarbonization Pathways webinar slides and recording will be available online for those who are not able attend. "]
[255,"2023-06-23","Community Benefits","I have a few questions regarding the Community Benefits Plan for the application for DE-FOA-0002936:\n1. What is the difference between the Two-Way Engagement Statement and the Workforce and Community Agreements Statement in the Community and Labor Engagement section?\n2. Do the Two-Way Engagement Statements and the Workforce and Community Agreements Statements need to be signed agreements between the applicants and engaging parties?\n","The Workforce and Community Agreements Statement is a statement describing any plans to negotiate a legally enforceable Community Benefits Agreement, Good Neighbor Agreement, Project Labor Agreement, Community Workforce Agreement, and/or other collective bargaining agreements. The Two-Way Engagement Statement is a statement describing how the engagement process can shape project outcomes and how the project will incorporate community input from all communities within the vicinity of the project site. See FOA section 4.6.2.3 Community Benefits Plan: Job Quality and Equity (starting on pg. 70). For additional guidance, applicants are encouraged to review the Community Benefits Plan Guidance (available under PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS at www.energy.gov/oced/industrial-demonstrations-program). The Guidance describes elements that may be included in the Two-Way Engagement Statement, which can include a description of any plans to negotiate Workforce and Community Agreements. "]
[256,"2023-06-23","Community Benefits","3. Should applicants be using the Community Benefits Plan template posted here? https://www.energy.gov/infrastructure/about-community-benefits-plans#:~:text=Community%20Benefits%20Plan%20Frequently%20Asked%20Questions%20%28FAQs%29%20What,accompany%20all%20agency%20funding%20opportunity%20announcements%20%28FOAs%29.-related%20projects","Applicants should follow the content and requirements outlined in the FOA. The template can serve as a reference but does not supersede the FOA. "]
[257,"2023-06-23","Application Content/Format","We are assisting with FOA 2936- Industrial Decarbonization. As we draft the full application, we were looking for clarity on the usage of letters of endorsement from lawmakers as we’ve come across some conflicting information. Are they accepted or desired in the full application?","As stated in Section 4.6.2.6 Letters of Commitment (pg. 81), \"Letters of support or endorsement for the project from entities that do not have a substantive role in the project are not accepted. Letters of support are not required for project partners that are not contributing to cost share.\""]
[258,"2023-06-26","Application Content/Format","Page 116 of the FOA states that for the Environmental Considerations Summary that the applicant should provide a response in PDF format for “3 each”.  If I have one project that will be implemented at two locations, does this mean that I should prepare a three-page Environmental Considerations Summary for each location, or does this “3 each” meant for an applicant who has two unique/separate proposed projects for DOE funding and therefore a 3 page Environmental Considerations Summary would be required for each proposed project?","In the event that multiple project sites are proposed, applicants should supply an Environmental Considerations Summary for each project site, with a page limit of 3 pages per site."]
[259,"2023-06-26","Other","We have questions about the timing and impacts of NEPA review for project proposals that have completed initial phases. If a project breaks ground and starts construction for a facility prior to NEPA review, how does that impact the use of federal funds for the award? (e.g. project proposal is an expansion of a facility currently under construction) \nIs that facility ineligible for federal funding? \nWould only construction activities be ineligible for federal funding? e.g. could federal funds be used for ramp-up/operations? \nCould NEPA review start mid-construction and federal funds be available for construction once review was completed?","These awards require review and compliance under NEPA. The required level of NEPA review and scope of analyses will be determined on a case-by-case basis and DOE will not provide feedback on individual projects in this QA process. The level of NEPA review required and associated timeframe of the DOE NEPA process will depend on the size, complexity, and stage of the project, among other factors. All activities funded (including both federal or cost share funds) under the award, and any activities determined by DOE to be connected actions (as defined at 40 CFR 1501.9(e)(1)) are subject to NEPA review. \n \nIf a facility is already under construction, the remaining work could not proceed until DOE has completed its NEPA review and the Grants and Agreements Officer has released funds. The NEPA document would analyze potential environmental impacts of the construction, operation, and decommissioning of the facility under the Proposed Action. Existing infrastructure, facilities, and operations would be considered part of the baseline environmental conditions against which impacts would be evaluated. \n\n"]
[260,"2023-06-23","Concept Papers","How do I find out our concept paper submittal status? We've not received any communiques.","The Concept Paper encourage or discourage notifications were made available to applicants 6/1/23 on OCED Exchange. Please login to https://oced-exchange.energy.gov, then check the \"My Submissions\" page."]
[261,"2023-06-26","Budget/Costs","How long should a budget period be in the budget justification? Do all budget periods need to be the same length? Could an applicant have budget periods that correspond to the project phases DOE has identified (planning, development, construction, operation) or are the budge periods independent of that?","The applicant should refer to Section 1.4 Award and Project Management Structure (pg. 33-37), to Section 4.6.2.7 Budget and Budget Justification (pg. 81-82), and  to the Budget Justification Workbook FOA template from OCED Exchange. On page 37 the FOA states, \"DOE may also require the negotiation of additional Go/No-Go decision points within phases (i.e., phases may include one or more budget periods with Go/No-Go points at the end of each budget period). Applicants must propose quantitative Go/No-Go criteria for each budget period as part of the Workplan.\" Applicants may modify the Budget Justification Workbook to add more than 5 budget periods. Budget periods do not need to be the same length."]
[262,"2023-06-26","Application Content/Format","The WBS states “Workplan is to be structured with a hierarchy of performance period, task, and subtasks.” Similarly, under the Integrated Project Schedule, DOE asks “the applicant must provide a schedule for the entire project, including task and subtask durations, milestones, and Go/No-Go decision points.” How is the Workplan different from the IPS? Does DOE want the full schedule and task breakdown twice in the same document?","The WBS does not need to discuss the project schedule. The Workplan is discussed in detail in Section 4.6.2.2(g) Workplan (pg. 68-70), and it states, \"[t]he Workplan must include the Project Objectives, Technical Scope Summary, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Task Description Summary, Go/No-Go Decision Points, End of Project Goal, and Integrated Project Schedule as necessary elements. The Workplan will form the basis of the Cooperative Agreement that will be negotiated if selected for award.\" Details about the 6 necessary elements are then described in the following subsections. Applicants are also encouraged to review 5.2.2 Applications (pg. 96-100), specifically Criterion 3: Workplan to ensure their Workplan meets DOE's requirements. In addition, applicants should refer to Section 4.6.2.2(c) Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Operations (pg. 55-60) where more details are provided on Integrated Project Schedules under the \"Execution Schedules\" subsection.  Applicants need to determine the best way to provide all the requested information within the page limits specified in the FOA. "]
[263,"2023-06-28","Community Benefits","The OCED CBP guidance is very detailed and includes information for each section, including the “greatest benefit to the greatest number of people”, which seems like a requirement, however the template does not include that section. Further, the requirements in the template are a bit different from the CBP guidance document. I want to be sure we are completing all requirements, and providing all the necessary information. Is it a requirement to follow the template exactly? What should we do with additional information such as the section referenced above? Is there a different template for this FOA?","Applicants should follow the content and requirements outlined in the FOA. Applicants may also refer to the \"Community Benefits Plan Guidance\" document, available in the Documents section of OCED Exchange for this FOA, for additional guidance on responding to the CBP requirements for this FOA."]
[264,"2023-06-29","Teaming List","We would like to be added to the teaming partner list for DE-FOA-0002936. Is there a link you could provide so that we can add our information?","As stated in Section 8.5 Teaming Partner List (pg. 109), \"SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: Any organization that would like to be included on this list should submit the following information: Organization Name, Contact Name, Contact Address, Contact Email, Contact Phone, Organization Type, Area of Technical Expertise, Brief Description of Capabilities, and Area of Interest. \n\nInterested parties should email the information to OCED_Industrial@hq.doe.gov with the subject line “Teaming Partner Information.”"]
[265,"2023-06-30","Other","I am working through the SAM registration, as it is required to submit the FOA application.  A few questions in the checklist where I need clarification as it relates to the FOA.\n1. Confirm we only need to register for Financial Assistance Awards Only\n","While the System for Award Management (SAM) registration was not required for Concept Paper submission, it is required for the application submission per section 4.2.2 of the FOA. Applicants are required to be registered in the SAM at https://www.sam.gov before submitting the full application and must provide a valid UEI number in the full application. For purposes of this FOA, applicants need to register for Financial Assistance Awards only in the SAM. "]
[266,"2023-06-30","Other","2. Guidance on proceedings questions as it relates to this FOA\na. Is your organization responding to a federal procurement opportunity that contains the provision at FAR 52.209-7?\nb. Is your organization subject to the clause in FAR 52.209-9 in any current federal contracts?\nc. Is your organization applying for a federal grant opportunity that contains the award term and condition described in C.F.R. 200 Appendix XII?","The applicant should refer to the SAM.gov registration process to identify if the applicant organization qualifies for the for conditions and criteria set out in the provisions listed in question 2 a, b, and c. To see comprehensive instructions and a checklist with links to each of the cited provisions including FAR 52.209-7, FAR 52.209-9, and 2 C.F.R. 200 Appendix XII for entity registration, review the SAM.gov Entity Registration Checklist. \n\nThe listed citations in questions 2 a, b, and c related to the dollar amount of the grant or cooperative agreement that is awarded to each applicant rather than the FOA in question. "]
[267,"2023-06-30","Foreign Entities/Work","Our company is a domestic applicant who will purchase a piece of equipment from a foreign German headquartered supplier. Does that make the equipment supplier a subrecipient, or are they a contractor? What is the difference? They are not an official project partner or otherwise involved in the project. Do we still need to submit a Foreign Entity Waiver request with the application for buying a piece of equipment?","Feedback on individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process. In general, 2 CFR § 200.331 Subrecipient and contractor determinations describes the difference between the roles of subrecipient and contractor. This regulation is available at https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR031321e29ac5bbd/section-200.331. Per Section 3.1 Eligible Applicants of the FOA (pg. 42) \"In limited circumstances, DOE may approve a waiver to allow a foreign entity to participate as a prime recipient or subrecipient.\" And, per Section 4.8.3 Buy America Requirements for Infrastructure Projects of the FOA (pg. 90) \"Applicants are strongly encouraged to assess whether their project may have to apply this requirement, both to make an early determination as to the need of a wavier, as well as to determine what impact, if any, this requirement may have on the proposed project's budget. More information is avaialble at https://www.energy.gov/management/build-america-buy-america.\" "]
[268,"2023-06-30","Other","The Safety and Environmental Compliance section indicates that a 5 year construction/operations safety, industrial hygiene, and environmental compliance performance history for the entities and management involved in the award is required. For a Topic 2 project located at one site within a larger/multisite entity is the data from the project location enough to satisfy the this section?","Safety compliance performance history is required for the entities and management involved with the proposed project. If relevant performance data is available for a project location within a larger/multisite entity, it should be provided in the application."]
[269,"2023-06-30","Application Content/Format","Is the SF-LLL form required for applicants with no lobbying activities to disclose?\n\nIn other words, if an applicant does not have any lobbying activities to disclose, should the applicant simply not include an SF-LLL form in the application package, or should the applicant denote in the form that it does not engage in lobbying activities?","Consistent with section 4.6.2.12 SF-LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying Activities of the FOA (pg. 87), the SF-LLL form is not required if a lobbying contact has not been made on behalf of the applicant (including with non-federal funds) with respect to this funding opportunity. However, in such cases, applicants are encouraged to submit the form indicating they do not have lobbying activities to disclose for recordkeeping purposes."]
[270,"2023-06-30","Application Content/Format","If an applicant does not have any potentially duplicate funding to disclose, should the applicant simply not include a Potentially Duplicate Funding Notice document in the application package, or should the applicant include a document that simply states that there is no such funding?","The applicant should refer to Section 4.6.2.13 Potentially Duplicate Funding Notice (pg. 88), where the FOA lists the conditions for which a potentially duplicate funding notice should be included in the application for applicants/registrants and should be provided to DOE for awardees. If no duplicate funding exists, a document is not required; however, applicants are encouraged to submit a document stating no duplicate funding exists for recordkeeping purposes."]
[271,"2023-07-01","Application Content/Format","Does a “commercial adoption readiness” document need to be submitted in the application? Should we otherwise just ensure that the points raised throughout the CARAT are alluded to throughout the Business and Management Plan document (in the 13 pages) or should be place a high-level summary of our assessment at this juncture (scoring) via the CARAT methodology?  \n\nWe ask because the language in the Business and Management Plan guidance seems a bit unclear, as the “Commercial Adoption Plan” is not a stated document for delivery within the application, but the language refers to this plan as if it may be a document in itself.","The commercial adoption plan is not a separate document. Rather, applicants should use the DOE’s ARL framework to identify which ARL risk dimensions are key project risks and opportunities, and summarize this in the Business and Management Plan document. In assessing the project’s ARL risk dimensions, applicants should indicate which elements of the application address which risk dimensions (e.g., Delivered Cost is currently “medium risk,” and the TEA section demonstrates the cost-curve pathway to “low risk,” or cost parity with incumbent solutions)."]
[272,"2023-07-01","Application Content/Format","What shall we consider for amount of years of operations to be included in the Total Project Cost? The language provides a range of 2-4 years, per language from the application guidance as follows (item 4 of the EPCO):\nApplications must include a current total project cost (TPC) estimate that covers the entirety of the project, including construction and 2-4 years of operations\nAny guidance to further understand if there is a rationale by which we should consider more along the lines of 2 years, instead of 4, will be greatly appreciated.","In addition to Section 4.6.2.2c Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Operations (pg. 55-60), Section 1.4 Award and Program Management Structure (pg. 33-37) contains additional details on the expectations for Phase 4 operations, specifically the subsections \"Phase 4 - Ramp-Up and Sustained Operations\" and \"Transitions between Phases.\" The FOA states (pg. 36), \"Phase 4 activities will then focus on integrated system performance and ramp-up. By the end of Phase 4, each award will have demonstrated full commercial-scale design operations over an extended period. The time needed for Phase 4 activities will vary depending on Topic Area and on award-specific characteristics, including factors such as the rate of production ramp-up. Specific details will be addressed during negotiations.\""]
[273,"2023-07-04","Other","Will the Summary for Public Release (4.6.2.8) and/or the Summary Slide (4.6.2.9) be made available to the public if an applicant's application is NOT selected?","As stated in Section 4.6.2.8 Summary for Public Release (pg. 82), \"this document [the Summary for Public Release] must not include any proprietary or sensitive business information as DOE may make it available to the public after selections are made.\" Section 8.1 Treatment of Application Information contains additional details about DOE's treatment of confidential information and FOIA requests. "]
[274,"2023-07-05","Other","Is it possible to leave room for a slight change/addition in the decarbonization technology between the application period and actual project deployment, in case the new technology matures enough during the award negatiotion and Phase 1 (design period) and reaches the necessary TRL (Level 7)? This will allow to ensure that the best available technology is deployed to achieve efficiency and emissions reduction. The whole project will still be deployed at the same facility and will aim to reach the projected decarbonization goal.","As noted in Section 4.6.2.2(c) Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Operations (pg. 56), \"applicants are encouraged to focus on integrated system technologies that are starting at TRL 7 or higher and where market adoption will likely occur. While DOE may consider individual components with lower TRLs, they will be considered higher risk deployments and will require corresponding mitigations which may require development activities outside of the award scope and funding.\" Information on the expectations and the negogiations at each phase are stated in Section 1.4 Award and Project Management Structure (pg. 33-37). Section 4.6.2.2c Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Operations (pg. 55-60), in particular the subsections Technology, Performance Projections, Cost Estimates, and Execution Schedules, describes the Technical Volume relative to schedules and resolution based on levels. The criteria by which applications will be evaluated is noted in Section 5.2.2 Applications (pg. 96-100). Feedback on individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process."]
[275,"2023-07-05","Other","We are interested in submitting our application to be eligible for the funds under the:\nFunding Opportunity Announcement Number: DE-FOA-0002936 Type: Mod 000001 Assistance Listing Number: 81.255\nI need to speak to someone regarding this application and the process.  Who and what is the best number for me to call?","For purposes of fairness please note that DOE is not able to discuss or provide feedback on specific projects during the FOA period. As stated on FOA pg. 48, \"[o]nly applicants who have submitted an eligible Concept Paper will be eligible to submit an Application.\" In addition, Section 6.1.2 Concept Paper Notifications (pg. 105) of the FOA states, \"DOE will notify applicants of its determination to encourage or discourage the submission of an application. DOE will post these notifications to OCED eXCHANGE. DOE may include general comments provided from reviewers on an applicant’s Concept Paper in the encourage/discourage notifications. Applicants may submit an application even if they receive a notification discouraging them from doing so.\" Section 4.0 Application and Submission Information (pg. 43-95) contains additional information for applying to this FOA.  "]
[276,"2023-07-05","Other","The FOA requests “Provide a summary of any pending or threatened (in writing) action, suit, proceeding, or investigation, including any action or proceeding by or before any governmental authority, that relates to the senior/key personnel, and the status of any appeals.” \n\nThis language does not appear to be limited to actions / suits against individuals in their professional capacity. Can you clarify if the DOE is seeking information of any kind, including private (personal, not professional) issues?  If so, how should Applicants document the information in a way so as to protect the individual’s identity so that others working on the application are not privy to private lawsuits?","This summary should only include information about matters relating to senior/key personnel in their professional capacity, not their personal capacity."]
[277,"2023-07-06","Budget/Costs","\"The Budget and Budget Justification must include the Budget Justification Workbook, Subrecipient budget justification (if applicable), Contract budget justification (if applicable), and Budget for DOE/NNSA FFRDC (if applicable) as necessary elements.\"\nThe Budget workbook requires bottom-up estimation of costs (consisting of time-cost and and cost of contractors to be engaged); while it is possible to estimate the Phase 1 costs, it is very difficult to do that for Phase 2-4. Our understanding is that while Class 4 cost estimate for Phase 2, 3 and 4 is required as part of the Technical Volume, for the budget workbook it is sufficient to provide the bottom-up cost estimate for Phase 1 only. Request you to please confirm the same.","As stated in Section 4.6.2.7 Budget and Budget Justification (pg. 81), \"[a]pplicants must complete each tab of the Budget Justification Workbook for the project as a whole, including all work to be performed by the prime recipient and its subrecipients and contractors.\" Applicants should substantiate their Phase 2-4 budgets to the best of their ability in the Budget Justification Workbook.\n"]
[278,"2023-07-06","Application Content/Format","The budget excel makes references to SOPO. Since there is no SOPO or Statement of Project Objectives as part of the application package, should we cross reference to Workplan and WBS?","Yes, the Budget Justification Excel workbook should cross-reference the WBS and Task Description Summary within the Workplan to justify the necessity of project expenses identified in the workbook."]
[279,"2023-07-06","Budget/Costs","\"The project summary must also state the total period of performance (years), total DOE funding request ($M USD), total non-federal cost share ($M USD).\"\nIs this for the entire project (Phase 1 to Phase 4) or only for Phase 1 funding?","The Project Summary must include information for the entire project, including Phases 1 through 4. Applicants may refer to Section 1.4 Award and Project Management Structure (pg. 33-37), 4.6.2.2a Project Summary (pg. 49), and to Appendix D Example Project Summary for Full Applications (pg. 121)."]
[280,"2023-07-06","Application Content/Format","The application requirements provided in Figure 2 mentions Workforce Plan but it is not mentioned in the description of the Business Development and Management section on pages 50 – 55","The Business Development and Management document must include the Project Plan Summary, Business Plan, Management Plan, and Financial Plan as detailed in B) Business Development and Management in 4.6.2.2. Technical Volume."]
[281,"2023-07-06","Application Content/Format","The commercial adoption plan should include a description of commercial adoption-based risks and how they will be managed. Projects selected for award will be expected to execute the commercial adoption plan.\nIs commercial adoption plan required as part of the application, as it is not mentioned in Figure 2, nor in the first page of page 50, which introduces the Business Development and Management section.","The commercial adoption plan is not a separate document. Rather, applicants should use the DOE’s ARL framework to identify which ARL risk dimensions are key project risks and opportunities, and summarize this in the Business and Management Plan document. In assessing the project’s ARL risk dimensions, applicants should indicate which elements of the application address which risk dimensions (e.g., Delivered Cost is currently “medium risk,” and the TEA section demonstrates the cost-curve pathway to “low risk,” or cost parity with incumbent solutions)."]
[282,"2023-07-06","Application Content/Format","The Risk Analysis and Mitigation document must include the project TEA and LCA narratives.\nRequest you to please clarify on this. Should the risk analysis include the key outputs of the LCA and the TEA?","\nPursuant to Mod000002, applicants do not need to include project TEA and LCA narratives as part of their Risk Analysis and Mitigation document."]
[283,"2023-07-06","Budget/Costs","\"… (i.e., phases may include one or more budget periods with Go/No-Go points at the end of each budget period).\"\nPlease clarify if we should consider each budget period as 12 months? In that case for Topic Area 2, which is up to 7 years, we need to consider 7 budget periods. However, the budget sheet template has only 5 budget periods and is also locked for column addition.","The applicant should refer to Section 1.4 Award and Project Management Structure (pg. 33-37), to Section 4.6.2.7 Budget and Budget Justification (pg. 81-82), and  to the Budget Justification Workbook FOA template from OCED Exchange. On page 37 the FOA states, \"DOE may also require the negotiation of additional Go/No-Go decision points within phases (i.e., phases may include one or more budget periods with Go/No-Go points at the end of each budget period). Applicants must propose quantitative Go/No-Go criteria for each budget period as part of the Workplan.\" \n\nBudget periods do not need to be the same length and may be more or less than 12 months. Applicants may modify the Budget Justification Workbook to add more than 5 budget periods. The Budget Justification Workbook is protected to prevent unintentional changes, but there is no password to remove protection. As noted on the Instructions and Summary tab, formulas may need to be adjusted if the workbook is altered. "]
[284,"2023-07-06","Application Content/Format","\"Level of participation by project participants as evidenced by letter(s) of commitment and how well they are integrated into the Workplan\"\nIn our FOA application, the Host Site is planning to bear the entire cost share, but will be engaging other partners such as technology suppliers, engineering partners and CBP consultants for the application as well as the project, in case of award. However, in earlier FAQ, it has been clarified that letter of commitment should only be provided by those who are offering a part of the cost share, whereas the MRC asks for commitment letters from other project participants. This seems contradictory. Request for a clarification please.","Pursuant to Mod000002, Criterion 4 in Section 5.2.2 Applications (pg. 99) states, \"Level of participation by project participants as evidenced by letter(s) of commitment or support ...\""]
[285,"2023-07-06","Application Content/Format","What is the correct file name for the Community Benefits Plan? Section 4.6.2.3 (p. 70 of FOA Mod 000001) says ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_Comm_Benefits, but Appendix A (p. 116) says ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_CBP.","In Mod000002, DOE corrected this to clarify that the correct name is ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_CBP."]
[286,"2023-07-06","Application Content/Format","What is the correct file name for the Summary for Public Release? Section 4.6.2.8 (p. 82 of FOA Mod 000001) says ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_PublicRelease, but Appendix A (p. 116) says ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_Public_Release.","In Mod000002, DOE corrected this to clarify that the correct name is ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_Public_Release."]
[287,"2023-07-06","Application Content/Format","For documents provided by the Government, please confirm that the font and other formatting requirements in FOA Section 4.1 do not apply, and applicants should complete those documents in their native format (e.g., the Budget Justification Workbook is set up in 10pt Arial and does not have the FOA Control Number in the upper right corner of the header).","Submitters who are using DOE provided templates or government forms are encouraged to use the native formatting of the provided document."]
[288,"2023-07-06","Application Content/Format","Please confirm that the page limit for the Environmental Considerations Summary does not include the maps that may be submitted as separate files (p. 84 of FOA Mod 000001).","As stated in 4.6.2.10 Environmental Considerations Summary (pg. 84): \"The map showing the location(s) of the proposed project and  site layout map requested with the Environmental Considerations Summary may be submitted as separate files and may be in larger engineering formats. While the maps may be created as a GIS shapefile or other engineering formats, the maps must be saved  and submitted as a PDF file.\"  No maximum page limits were imposed on maps submitted as separate files to meet the Enviornmental Considerations Summary submittal requirements."]
[289,"2023-07-06","Application Content/Format","In the Environmental Considerations Summary, item 5 requires a map showing the location of the proposed project and a site layout map showing the proposed facilities and associated infrastructure (p. 84 of FOA Mod 000001). Item 5 says \"A GIS shapefile is preferable, if available\" and \"While the maps may be created as a GIS shapefile or other engineering formats, the maps must be saved and submitted as a PDF file.\" What is the correct file format in which to submit these maps -- GIS shapefile or PDF?","A GIS shapefile is preferable over other engineering formats to create the maps. As stated in 4.6.2.10 Environmental Considerations Summary (pg. 84), \"the maps must be saved and submitted as a PDF file.\""]
[290,"2023-07-06","Application Content/Format","Some documents listed in Appendix A may not apply to all applicants (e.g., SF-LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, Potentially Duplicate Funding Notice, Transparency of Foreign Connections). Are applicants instructed to omit any documents that do not apply to them?","In the case of the SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, the Potentially Duplicate Funding Notice, and the Transparency of Foreign Connections forms, applicants are encouraged to submit the form indicating they do not have information to disclose for recordkeeping purposes. Consistent with section 4.6.2.12 SF-LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying Activities of the FOA (pg. 87), the SF-LLL form is not required if a lobbying contact has not been made on behalf of the applicant (including with non-federal funds) with respect to this funding opportunity. The applicant may refer to Section 4.6.2.13 Potentially Duplicate Funding Notice (pg. 88), where the FOA lists the conditions for which a potentially duplicate funding notice should be included in the application for applicants/registrants and should be provided to DOE for awardees. Section 4.6.2.14 Transparency of Foreign Connections (pg. 88-89) contains details on the information requested and notes, \"DOE reserves the right to request additional or clarifying information based on the information submitted.\""]
[291,"2023-07-06","Application Content/Format","Section 4.6.2.7 refers to a \"Contract budget justification (if applicable), and Budget for DOE/NNSA FFRDC (if applicable)\" (p. 81 of FOA Mod 000001).\nIs the contract budget justification potentially applicable for this FOA? If so, will the Government provide guidance on its form and content?","If the project includes contracts with contractors, then the contractor budget justification is applicable. For the application phase, if including contractor budget justification, please describe, to the extent possible at the time of application, the anticipated contract costs and contract type, the method of procurement, the justification for the contract related to the project scope of work, any known per unit costs, goods and services procured and other relevant details. "]
[292,"2023-07-06","LCA/TEA","In the TEA template when comparing a baseline to propose:  items that are expected to be equal in both cases (i.e. maintenance/labor costs) can those be listed as equivalent and left as zero in order to focus on the deltas between the two cases?","To the extent possible, all items listed on the TEA template (including maintenance/labor) should be addressed, even if it is expected that they will not change and therefore the delta is zero."]
[293,"2023-07-06","Foreign Entities/Work","We are working through the application and trying to determine if we are considered a domestic entity.  The FOA applicant is [company name and ownership information]. \n\nIs [company name] considered a domestic or foreign entity?  Please advise.","Feedback on individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process. Generally, applicants should refer to Section 3.1 Eligible Applicants (pg. 40-42), to Section 4.6.2.2a Project Summary (pg. 49), and to Appendix C - Waiver Requests for Foreign Entity Participation and Foreign Work (pg. 118). "]
[294,"2023-07-06","Budget/Costs","For projects longer than 5 years, is there a larger Budget Justification Workbook template to use or customize? The 5BP template is locked and we cannot add additional budget periods. \n\nIf it’s required to use the DOE-supplied template, what is the best way to include total costs for the full life of the project? Alternatively, could we submit our own budget workbook if the same categories are included?","Applicants may modify the Budget Justification Workbook to add more than 5 budget periods. The Budget Justification Workbook is protected to prevent unintentional changes, but there is no password to remove protection. As noted on the Instructions and Summary tab, formulas may need to be adjusted if the workbook is altered. \n\nThe applicant should refer to Section 1.4 Award and Project Management Structure (pg. 33-37), to Section 4.6.2.7 Budget and Budget Justification (pg. 81-82), and  to the Budget Justification Workbook FOA template from OCED Exchange. On page 37 the FOA states, \"DOE may also require the negotiation of additional Go/No-Go decision points within phases (i.e., phases may include one or more budget periods with Go/No-Go points at the end of each budget period). Applicants must propose quantitative Go/No-Go criteria for each budget period as part of the Workplan.\" Budget periods do not need to be the same length."]
[295,"2023-07-08","Budget/Costs","Regarding the interaction between Federal tax credits and awards under this FOA, the answers to Question 25 and others in the x2936 Q&A Log indicate “Applicants are not prohibited from using tax credits but may not use them as cost share.”  If the recipient cost share portion of the project funding creates a tax credit, then what happens?  Does that mean the project money spent by the recipient is then reduced by the amount of the tax credit when assessing whether the recipient has met their cost share requirement?  Is additional recipient project spending (or reduced Federal award) required to achieve the agreed cost share %?  The instructions for the Business Case Analysis and TEA imply a benefit to the project from Federal tax credits.  Please clarify further.","As noted in FN 123 (pg. 42), \"The cost sharing requirements for demonstration projects authorized and appropriated by section 41008 of the BIL and Title III of Division J of the BIL, respectively, are governed by section 988 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 as amended (42 U.S.C. § 16352). See section 454(d)(5) of the EISA (42 U.S.C. § 17113(d)(5). The cost sharing for projects authorized and appropriated under section 50161 of the IRA is set forth in section 50161(e) of the IRA (42 U.S.C. § 17113b(e)). See also 2 C.F.R. § 200.306 and 2 C.F.R. § 910.130 for additional cost sharing requirements.\"\n\nDOE cannot provide tax advice and cannot comment on whether a particular project will qualify for tax credits. If an applicant has received tax credits, it may use those proceeds as a cash contribution toward their non-federal cost share. However, anticipated future tax credits that have not yet been realized will not be considered in the calculation of non-federal cost share.\n\nTax credits are relevant to the Business Case Analysis and TEA for the purposes of evaluating the long term financial viability, replicability and market uptake potential of the technology or technologies after the project period of performance."]
[296,"2023-07-10","Application Content/Format","What file name should applicants use for the Community Benefits Plan? It is listed as “ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_Comm_Benefits” on p.70 of the NOFO and “ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_CBP” in the checklist on p.116.","In Mod000002, DOE corrected this to clarify that the correct name is ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_CBP."]
[297,"2023-07-10","Other","We are currently engaged in a [industry type] project for the full application of FOA-0002936, titled 'industrial decarbonization.' Our team requires your assistance in clarifying the feasibility of changing primary lead legal entities during different phases of the project. Given the project's magnitude and progression, we anticipate the need for the transfer of [company name's] lead entity from [company details provided]. It is crucial for us to determine if such a transition is permissible according to DOE regulations.","Feedback on individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process. \n\nIf there is a change to the lead organization listed on the Concept Paper, the Application must include documentation from both the lead organization on the Concept Paper and the lead organization on the Application that shows that both entities voluntarily agree to transfer the OCED Exchange control number and the concept paper. This documentation must be included as an Appendix to the Technical Volume.  Please ensure that the same control number is used for both the Concept Paper and the Application.\n\nNote: The OCED Exchange account associated with the Concept Paper control number does not need to be transferred to the new lead organization. Within Exchange, Applicants may share their submissions with other team members / Exchange users using the Share Submission feature. Sharing a submission with another user will give that user access to edit, view submission decisions, and view reviewer comments for all stages of a FOA (Concept Paper and Full Application). See the OCED eXCHANGE Applicant Guide located at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx for instructions. \n\nDOE generally expects that the proposed prime recipient named in the application will be, if awarded, the prime recipient of the award.  DOE may consider proposed changes to the entity that would be, if awarded, the prime recipient requested post-application and pre-award and DOE may require additional or updated information. For more information on change of control and novations, please refer to 2 CFR 910.368 and 910.370."]
[298,"2023-07-11","Other","A Concept Paper application was submitted by [company names] under ID# [control number]. The proposal was encouraged for a full application submission.\n\nWe are working on the full application and have a couple of questions where we need your steer.\n\nSince the technology will be used in a [company 2] asset, we would like to change the prime applicant for the full submission (from [company 1] for the Concept paper) to [company 2]. \nWe have another level of complexity since [company details provided]. \n \nWe would like to understand the impact of changing the prime applicant, and potentially the legal entities for later phases of the project in the event the grant is awarded.","Feedback on individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process. \n\nIf there is a change to the lead organization listed on the Concept Paper, the Application must include documentation from both the lead organization on the Concept Paper and the lead organization on the Application that shows that both entities voluntarily agree to transfer the OCED Exchange control number and the concept paper. This documentation must be included as an Appendix to the Technical Volume.  Please ensure that the same control number is used for both the Concept Paper and the Application.\n\nNote: The OCED Exchange account associated with the Concept Paper control number does not need to be transferred to the new lead organization. Within Exchange, Applicants may share their submissions with other team members / Exchange users using the Share Submission feature. Sharing a submission with another user will give that user access to edit, view submission decisions, and view reviewer comments for all stages of a FOA (Concept Paper and Full Application). See the OCED eXCHANGE Applicant Guide located at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx for instructions. \n\nDOE generally expects that the proposed prime recipient named in the application will be, if awarded, the prime recipient of the award.  DOE may consider proposed changes to the entity that would be, if awarded, the prime recipient requested post-application and pre-award and DOE may require additional or updated information. For more information on change of control and novations, please refer to 2 CFR 910.368 and 910.370."]
[299,"2023-07-11","Application Content/Format","Do the SF424 and SF-LLL need to adhere to the following formatting requirements?\n12 pt font\n1” margins all around\nControl number on the top right corner\nPage numbers.\nWe are having trouble adjusting the formatting of these documents since they are standard federal forms.","Submitters who are using DOE provided templates or government forms are encouraged to use the native formatting of the provided document."]
[300,"2023-07-11","Application Content/Format","What is the definition of “accelerated planning, development, permitting, and financing strategies”. Is there a quantifiable way to measure “accelerated”?\n\nAlso, what does “aim” actually mean in “Projects should aim to reach Phase 3 by September 30, 2026, in alignment with the IRA funding obligation requirements”? Is there a % or $ spent, or some way to numerically quantify and measure that requirement?","Applicants should substantiate how they are meeting the objectives of the FOA. As stated in the Executive Summary (pg. 4), DOE is seeking applications that demonstrate \"Timeliness, through rapid technology demonstrations that can address emissions in the near-term, meet funding horizons, and be replicated by fast followers.\" Due to the IRA funding horizon, DOE will consider project timelines when reviewing applications as described in Section 5.2.2 Applications, Criterion 1: Technical Merit, Innovation, and Impact (pg. 97), \"Adequacy and clarity of the risk assessment and risk management discussion. These components should include a demonstrated understanding of the key technical, construction, regulatory, permitting, safety, scale-up, supply chain, and infrastructure integration risks involved in the proposed work as well as the quality of the mitigation strategies to address them. Adequate and accurate assessment of project readiness should also be included.\""]
[301,"2023-07-11","Other","I am reaching out to gauge if a recording of the June 7th webinar on Concept Paper Feedback is available publicly or – if not – is gated to only those that applied and were/were not encouraged from submitting full applications.","The June 7 Concept Paper Webinar is publicly available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FryoNcaQyx0"]
[302,"2023-07-11","Budget/Costs","I am reaching out to ask about the level of detail required for the budget justification workbook.\n\nWould we remain compliant if we provided budgetary information by project site in the workbook and attached the summarized backup budget detail by each measure as part of the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Operations section?\n\n We have comprehensive detail to justify each line item to create the budget; however, the information we have would be not be reader friendly in the required workbook format. Our goal is to make budgetary information clear and transparent enough for reviewers to understand. Our concern is that inputting the magnitude of line items in the required spreadsheet might not achieve this objective.\n\nCan you please confirm if asking reviewers to reference  part of the grant narrative for more details sufficient to meet the budget formatting requirements?","Applicants need to determine the best way to provide all the requested information within the page limits specified in the FOA and provide sufficient detail in the budget workbook to show that the costs associated with all project components have been considered and are aligned with the workplan and WBS."]
[303,"2023-07-12","Application Content/Format","Hello. Thank you for the frequent updates to the Q&A document for the DE-FOA-000236 FOA.\n\nTo be sure, does the one-page/slide “Summary Slide” component have to have 12 point font and one inch margins all around? We are asking for clarification on this because of the difficulty in addressing all the content required for this one-page document in a format with 12 pt font and one inch margins.\n\nMany summary slide templates for other DOE offices have smaller margins and smaller font sizes built within the DOE-provided templates.","As stated in Section 4.1 Application Package (pg. 43), documents must use \"a font size of 12 point or larger (except in figures or tables, which may be 10-point font).\" Applicants need to determine the best way to provide all the requested information within the page limits specified in the FOA\n\nSubmitters who are using DOE provided templates or government forms are encouraged to use the native formatting of the provided document."]
[304,"2023-07-12","Eligibility","Are the eligibility requirements available for the future applicants of the  NO. DE-FOA-0002936 TITLED \"INDUSTRIAL DECARBONIZATION AND EMISSIONS REDUCTION DEMONSTRATION-TO-DEPLOYMENT FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT\"?\n\nAdditionally, can applicants expect to have similar submission timelines or milestones like that of hydrogen hub applicants like a concept paper, community benefits plan, etc?","The eligibility requirements for this FOA can be found in Section 3.1 Eligible Applicants (pg. 40-43). As stated in section 4.4 (Submission Dates and Times), “All required submissions must be submitted in OCED eXCHANGE no later than 5 p.m. ET on the dates provided on the cover page of this FOA”.  The cover page states on row 2 that the submission deadline for Concept Papers is “04/21/23/5:00pm ET”.  Unfortunately, we cannot accept late submissions at this time since the Concept Paper submission deadline has passed. As stated in section 4.6.2 \"Only applicants who have submitted an eligible Concept Paper will be eligible to submit an Application.\"\n\nThe Industrial Demonstrations Program has released up to the full $6B allocated by BIL and IRA. Depending on the meritorious nature of the proposals, OCED can award the full amount or elect to allocate funding to a different opportunity at a later date. Potential applicants may also elect to evaluate earlier stage opportunities."]
[305,"2023-07-12","LCA/TEA","The TEA Workbook – DE-FOA-0002936 – Mod 000001 has Cost of Capital as a Key Assumption for both the Baseline and Proposed tabs, although the use is unclear.  Is the TEA to include a project discounted cash flow analysis or similar using the Cost of Capital?","As stated in FOA Section 4.6.2.2f Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Analysis Projections (pg.65), “Projects must complete a baseline TEA and a project TEA to clearly show a production performance and cost comparison. Applicants must clearly indicate the factors and assumptions used to determine cost benchmarking and clearly define the functional unit (cost normalization) used for comparison…and is consistent with the values in the Financial and Business Plans...\n \nApplicants should articulate expected values of key parameters that influence baseline and financial viability for proposed facilities, including the following:\n•         Cost of capital and inflation\n•         Capital expenditures\n•         Tax credits and other incentives\n•         Operating costs\n•         Revenue streams\n•         Production rate/Plant capacity\n•         Operational period/asset life and capacity factor…\n \nApplicants may provide the analysis in the underlying format of their choosing but key assumptions must be dynamically linked to the assumptions template provided i.e., applicants should use the provided TEA spreadsheet as a reference tab within their model. Preferably, applicants will use an Excel multi-year GAAP financial articulation for the TEA, using nominal dollars for financial inputs.\""]
[306,"2023-07-13","Budget/Costs","I would like to raise a question related to the Industrial Decarbonization & Emissions Reduction Demonstration to Deployment FOA. I believe that the question has been raised in a different way, however I would need some additional clarification.\n\nI understand that a project can receive both a grant under this OCED program (for up to 50% of the costs) and an ITC. It is still unclear to me how exactly the 2 funding supports can be combined. The FOA states that  “Also, in general, deferred or avoided costs such as tax credits may not be used as cost share.”\n\nI think there could be 2 interpretations to this sentence:\n\nDoes this mean that if a project is eligible for an ITC, the OCED grant will be calculated on the total CAPEX net of the ITC? Example: total CAPEX are $100m, ITC is $30m, therefore the cost-share applies to the net CAPEX of $70m, and the OCED grant is $35m, while the Project needs to pay $35m?\nOr does it mean that the Project needs to advance the payments for its 50% share of the CAPEX up until the Project is placed-in-service, and the ITC is used to reimburse the Project’s cost-share after the Project is placed in service? Example: total CAPEX are $100m, ITC is $30m, the cost-share applies to the gross CAPEX of $100m, therefore the OCED grant is $50m, and the Project pays $50m, but receives a $30m ITC once the Project is placed in service?\n \n\nThank you very much for your assistance in addressing this question.","DOE does not provide tax advice and cannot comment on whether a particular project will qualify for tax credits. Total project costs are reflective of all costs necessary to complete the entirety of the project described in the application. There will be a Federal share of costs and the non-Federal share of costs. The Federal share of costs is the award amount, and the non-Federal cost share is the Recipient's responsibility. Tax credits are not considered part of the federal cost share and are not considered in the calculation of total project cost. If an applicant (or Recipient) has received tax credits, it may generally use those proceeds as a cash contribution toward its non-federal cost share responsibility. However, an applicant (or Recipient) cannot use anticipated future tax credits that have not yet been realized to demonstrate that it can meet its cost share obligations.\n"]
[307,"2023-07-13","Application Content/Format","I am writing to see whether there are any specific parameters related to who an applicant appoints as its “authorized representative” for purposes of signing the application?  There is no definition in the FOA or any of the related documents.  Does the applicant need specific documentation (e.g., a corporate resolution, delegation of authority, etc.) showing who would be the authorized representative or is a simple designation of a representative from the applicant entity ok?","When registering at SAM.gov, organization's must designate an individual as its Electronic Business Point of Contact (EBiz POC) and furnish their email address. This EBiz POC can designate an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) or Authorized Representative (AR). \n\nAn AR/AOR is the official within an applicant organization with the legal authority to give assurances, make commitments, enter into contracts, and execute such documents on behalf of the applicant organization as may be required by a grant maker. The signature of the AR/AOR certifies that commitments made on grant proposals will be honored and ensures that the applicant organization agrees to conform to the grant maker's regulations, guidelines, and policies.\n\nAuthorization signatory thresholds or assignment of the applicant AR/AOR is based upon the applicant's organizational standard operating policy, procedural and descriptive documentation for appropriate and relevant roles.  "]
[308,"2023-07-13","Application Content/Format","In the Budget Justification Worksheet, the below note appears:\n\nDo not add rows to the Instructions and Summary tab. If your project contains more than five budget periods, consult your OCED contact before adding additional budget period rows or columns. \n\nWe anticipate that our project will contain more than 5 budget periods. What should we do in the sheet?","Applicants may modify the Budget Justification Workbook to add more than 5 budget periods. The Budget Justification Workbook is protected to prevent unintentional changes, but there is no password to remove protection. As noted on the Instructions and Summary tab, formulas may need to be adjusted if the workbook is altered. "]
[309,"2023-07-14","Other","The Application guidance states that all Topic 2 and Topic 3 projects are desired to be in Phase 3 by September, 2026 ( Topic 1.4, page 36 “… this timing will be addressed in negotiations for all phases of projects under Topic Areas 2 and 3, and DOE expects that projects under Topic Areas 2 and 3 are in Phase 3 by September 30, 2026.”). H\n\nHow do we reconcile the timelines described in Figure 2? In that Figure 2 timeline, extrapolating, and using March, 2024 as a potential start-date for Phase 1, Phase 2 commences in March, 2025, with a projected 2 years for Phase 2, however Phase 2 would need to be only 18 months at the most, to finish in time for Phase 3 to commence in September, 2026. Should we, if we deem credible, propose shortened timelines for Phase 1 and/or for Phase 2, to ensure we plan to arrive at Phase 3 by September 2026?\n\nWe greatly appreciate a timely answer at earliest possible moment to the QA Log, as it will inform our Budget Estimation, Workplan, EPCO timelines.","As stated in Section 1.4 Award and Project Management Structure (pg. 34), \"Applicants should plan approximately 12 - 18 months for Phase 1, depending on the Topic Area; the extent of advanced planning and analysis each team has already completed; and how quickly the awardee can move through the negotiated Go/No-Go requirements to move into Phase 2. \nDOE anticipates that some teams will have already performed extensive analysis, planning, design, and community engagement as required in Phase 1, and will seek to advance these projects to Phase 2 on a shorter timeline.\" \n\nApplicants should substantiate how they are meeting the objectives of the FOA. As stated in the Executive Summary (pg. 4), DOE is seeking applications that demonstrate \"Timeliness, through rapid technology demonstrations that can address emissions in the near-term, meet funding horizons, and be replicated by fast followers.\" Due to the IRA funding horizon, DOE will consider project timelines when reviewing applications as described in Section 5.2.2 Applications, Criterion 1: Technical Merit, Innovation, and Impact (pg. 97), \"Adequacy and clarity of the risk assessment and risk management discussion. These components should include a demonstrated understanding of the key technical, construction, regulatory, permitting, safety, scale-up, supply chain, and infrastructure integration risks involved in the proposed work as well as the quality of the mitigation strategies to address them. Adequate and accurate assessment of project readiness should also be included.\""]
[310,"2023-07-14","Eligibility","[Company name] recently submitted a concept paper for FOA# DE-FOA-0002936 as the lead organization. If we decide not to pursue the full application but the secondary organization we submitted with wished to pursue approval, is it possible to transfer our control number to them?","If there is a change to the lead organization listed on the Concept Paper, the Application must include documentation from both the lead organization on the Concept Paper and the lead organization on the Application that shows that both entities voluntarily agree to transfer the OCED Exchange control number and the concept paper. This documentation must be included as an Appendix to the Technical Volume.  Please ensure that the same control number is used for both the Concept Paper and the Application.\n\nNote: The OCED Exchange account associated with the Concept Paper control number does not need to be transferred to the new lead organization. Within Exchange, Applicants may share their submissions with other team members / Exchange users using the Share Submission feature. Sharing a submission with another user will give that user access to edit, view submission decisions, and view reviewer comments for all stages of a FOA (Concept Paper and Full Application). See the OCED eXCHANGE Applicant Guide located at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx for instructions. "]
[311,"2023-07-15","Application Content/Format","In section e. Risk Analysis and Mitigation at the end of the first paragraph it is stated:\n\nThe Risk Analysis and Mitigation document must include the project TEA and LCA narratives (see Section 4.6.2.2(f)).\n\nThe TEA and LCA are covered in full in section f. It seems like duplication to add the same information in section e? Why is the TEA and LCA narrative also needed in section e?","\nPursuant to Mod000002, applicants do not need to include project TEA and LCA narratives as part of their Risk Analysis and Mitigation document."]
[312,"2023-07-17","Cost Sharing","Do funds from third-party cost share providers for the minimum 50% cost share need to be actually committed by the full application deadline in August or do they just need to be available starting from the first day of the project period in 2024? Are there any other restrictions on when the cost share needs to be made available?","The FOA requires letters of commitment be submitted with the application from all subrecipient and third party cost share providers, section 4.6.2.6. As stated in section 4.6.2.6, \"If applicable, the letter must state that the third-party cost share provider is committed to providing a specific minimum dollar amount or value of in-kind contributions allocated to cost sharing. The following information for each third party contributing to cost sharing should be identified: (1) the name of the organization; (2) the proposed dollar amount to be provided; and (3) the proposed cost sharing type (cash or in-kind contributions). Each letter must not exceed 1 page.\" Also note the merit review criterion in Section 5.2.2 Application (pg. 97), \"Availability, credibility, and risk/terms of non-federal cost share sources and funds necessary to meet ongoing cost share needs. This includes the ability to leverage DOE financial assistance funding from this FOA with state and local incentives and private financing.\"\n\nIt is generally expected that the cost-share will be expended at the same time and at the same rate as DOE funding over the course of the project and a minimum of 50% non-federal cost share is required in each project phase."]
[313,"2023-07-17","Application Content/Format","Please see two questions below:\n1. Should Community Partners need to be listed within the Other Organizations section of submission?","As stated in FOA Section 4.6.2.3 Community Benefits Plan: Job Quality and Equity (pg. 71), \"Applicants are also encouraged to provide Community and Labor Partnership Documentation from representative organizations reflecting substantive engagement and feedback on applicant’s approach to community benefits. These letters of support should be submitted under the Community Partnership Documentation (see Section 4.6.2.4) and do not count toward the CBP page limit.\" FOA section 4.6.2.4 Community Partnership Documentation (pg. 80) provides additional information for the Partnership Documentation."]
[314,"2023-07-17","Application Content/Format","2. Subject: Cost Share - Please differentiate what is considered “cash” and “in-kind contributions”?","2 CFR 200.306 and 2 CFR 910.130 are cost sharing regulatory requirements. Third-party in-kind contributions is defined as follows: \"[t]hird-party in-kind contributions means the value of non-cash contributions (i.e., property or services) that— \n(1) Benefit a federally-assisted project or program; and \n(2) Are contributed by non-Federal third parties, without charge, to a non-Federal entity under a Federal award.\"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-A/subject-group-ECFR2a6a0087862fd2c/section-200.1"]
[315,"2023-07-17","LCA/TEA","I wish to submit the following clarification question for FOA: DE-FOA-0002936 Industrial Decarbonization and Emissions Reduction Demonstration-to-Deployment Funding Opportunity Announcement\n\nLCA Template (Attached) BaseP1 Tab : Please explain the requested information for the ‘Key’ cell and the ‘Reference Flow’ cells.","The “Key” cell found in F7:G7 identifies the “Key” table. This table indicates that cells in the workbook tables with the same highlighting as found in cell F8 are “Applicant data entry fields.” These fields highlighted in that color are the responsibility of the applicant to fill out and enter data, as applicable. There is no need to fill in any data for cell F8.\n\nPursuant to Mod000002, section 4.6.2.2f  Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Analysis Projections (pg. 67) now states \"[t]he reference flow refers to the amount (value and units) of the needed inputs from a process in a system to define the functional unit.” In the template the reference flow cells are for the applicant to provide information on the amount of product produced within the reported data boundary as defined by the applicant in the respective “Process Diagram – Baseline” and “Process Diagram – Proposed” tabs for each individual process tabs. As stated in FOA section 4.6.2.2f Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Analysis Projections (pg.64-67), “[a]pplicants must clearly indicate the factors and assumptions used to determine cost benchmarking and clearly define the functional unit (cost normalization) used for comparison,” (pg.65) and “[f]or carbon intensity, DOE expects applicants to provide carbon intensity for multiple functional units, specifically for each product, process line (if applicable), and the facility. The calculations, emission factors, process inputs and outputs, and other values used to determine these values need to be clearly indicated in the LCA Sheet” (pg. 67)."]
[316,"2023-07-17","Application Content/Format","I have a question regarding the Safety, Security, and Regulatory Requirements section for the application for DE-FOA-0002936:\n\n1. For the Safety and Environmental Compliance portion, would the DOE like to see copies of the OSHA 300A forms, or just a summary of the information on those forms? Including the actual forms will take up more space than is allowed for this section.","As stated in the FOA in 4.6.2.2d Safety, Security, and Regulatory Requirements (pg. 61-63), \"[a]pplicants must include a detailed description of the safety culture that includes a five-year construction/operations safety, industrial hygiene, and environmental compliance performance history (such as an OSHA 300A form, Experience Modification Rating, Overview of Annual Environmental Compliance Metrics, Industrial Hygiene Surveys Overview, etc.) of the entities and management involved in the award.\" Applicants need to determine the best way to provide all the requested information within the page limits specified in the FOA."]
[317,"2023-07-17","Application Content/Format","Our Company intends to make a change to the Lead Organization for our full application, following the guidance DOE previously provided in response to Question #17 dated 3/15/2023.  This question relates to the File Naming convention in the FOA for the OCED exchange.  If “Lead Organization” submitted the Concept Paper but “New Lead Organization” will submit the full application, please confirm the file naming for the full application should be updated to ControlNumber_NewLeadOrganization_[file name]?","Yes, the file name convention should use the Lead Organization for the full application rather than the Lead Organization that submitted the concept paper. "]
[318,"2023-07-18","Budget/Costs","In the anticipated federal funding column below, does this indicate that the maximum amount of federal funding for each grant in Topic Area 2 is $500M or is the total project funded cannot exceed $500M? [Table 1 attached]","Total project costs are reflective of all costs necessary to complete the entirety of the project described in the application. There will be a Federal share of costs and the non-Federal share of costs. The federal share of costs is the award amount, and the non-Federal cost share is the Recipient's responsibility.  The \"Anticipated Federal Funding per Award\" indicates the maximum anticipated federal portion for each award. The Anticipated Federal Funding per Award amount does not include the non-Federal cost share. "]
[319,"2023-07-18","Other","Is there any documentation on what types of impacts, uses, locations, or any other characteristic that tend to trigger EIS over EA?","The FOA references National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) activities in section 1.4 Awards and Project Management Structure (pgs. 33-37) and throughout section 4.6.2.2 Technical Volume (pgs. 49-69), most specifically in 4.6.2.2d Safety, Security, and Regulatory Requirements (pgs. 61-63). In footnote 126 on pg. 62, the FOA provides additional references for NEPA at https://www.energy.gov/nepa or https://ceq.doe.gov/index.html. \n \nDOE's NEPA Implementing Regulations (10 CFR Part 1021) are available at https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-10/chapter-X/part-1021. Specifically, the appendices provide additional insight into agency actions: Appendix A – Categorical Exclusions Applicable to General Agency Actions; Appendix B – Categorical Exclusions Applicable to Specific Agency Actions; Appendix C – Classes of Actions that Normally Require EAs but not Necessarily EISs; and, Appendix D – Classes of Actions that Normally Require EISs."]
[320,"2023-07-19","LCA/TEA","For the preliminary TEA/LCA of a first-of-a-kind plant to produce a low-carbon biomaterial, we plan to use a cradle-to-gate LCA of a typical petroleum-based plastics plant at a different site as the baseline. Would that be acceptable?","In section 1.3.1 Terminology associated with the Topic Areas, the FOA states, \"[t]o validate decarbonization and show reduction in GHG emissions, applicants will need to provide on-site baselines and benchmarks. “On-site” refers to an eligible facility’s property boundary. A “baseline” is an evaluation at a certain point in time at an operating facility. A “benchmark” is an assessment relative to an industry-standard best practice representing commercially available off-the-shelf technology, referred to as “state-of-the-art.” The benchmark should be justified and documented using widely recognized U.S. and/or international reference documents.\" (pg. 16).\nIn section 1.3.2.1 General Expectations for All Topic Areas, the FOA states, \"applicants should aim to demonstrate the ability to achieve the facility-level reductions for Topic Areas 1-2, and critical unit or process-level reductions for Topic Area 3 compared to the industry baseline and benchmarks as defined in Section 1.3.1 [...] Applications must identify and justify appropriate metrics for their project and clearly indicate how the proposed innovations will satisfy the selected metrics. Relevant benchmarks/baselines, targets, and stretch targets should be included for each metric\" (pg. 19).\nApplicants may also refer to section 4.6.2.2(f) Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Analysis Projections (pg. 64-68) for more details on baselines. "]
[321,"2023-07-19","LCA/TEA","We understand that “if the financial viability of the project depends on a long-term electricity PPA, generation and delivery should be included in the LCA”. Does this statement encompass VPPAs and PPAs? Does the DOE consider both VPPAs and PPAs acceptable methods for offsetting scope 2 emissions?","In section 4.6.2.2f Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Analysis Projections (pg. 66-68), the FOA states \"[a]pplicants are required to complete a preliminary gate-to-gate (facility or production line boundary) comparative LCA to quantify the potential changes to emissions and energy utilization and intensity of their facilities.\" Continuing in this section, Figure 3. Key industrial TEA and LCA components (pg. 64) shows the \"on-site boundary lines for projects under this FOA\" (pg. 67). Under the System Boundaries and Considerations heading of section 4.6.2.2f (pg. 67-68), the FOA continues, \"[w]hile not required for the preliminary quantitative LCA, all other components from outside the facility must be described in the narrative section, with a specific focus on any changes to total amounts or production intensities that may result from the proposed project.\" \n\nMore information on power purchase agreements (PPAs) can be found in these sections of the FOA: Section 1.3.2.1 General Expectations for All Topic Areas (pg. 18); Section 4.6.2.2b Business Development and Management under the Supply Chain and Offtake Arrangements heading (pg. 52); and, Section 5.2.2 Applications under Criterion 2: Financial and Market Viability (pg. 98)."]
[322,"2023-07-19","Application Content/Format","Section 4.6.2.14 Transparency of Foreign Connections asks for the \"Identity of all owners and covered individuals\" but does not provide a definition of \"covered individuals.\"  Can you please provide the definition of the term \"covered individuals\" for the purposes of this document?","For the purposes of this document, “covered individuals” would include all project managers, principal investigators, and any other senior and key personnel at the recipient and subrecipient level. Senior/key personnel is defined as an individual who contributes in a substantive, meaningful way to the scientific development or execution of a RDD&D project proposed to be carried out with DOE award."]
[323,"2023-07-20","Community Benefits","The guidance and the webinar June 7 Concept Paper shows The Greatest Good for the Greatest Number of People as a section in the CBP , yet the template does not show it as a section?  Do we try to demonstrate this concept throughout the plan or make it a separate section?","Applicants should follow the content and requirements outlined in the FOA. Applicants may also refer to the \"Community Benefits Plan Guidance\" document, available in the Documents section of OCED Exchange for this FOA, for additional guidance on responding to the CBP requirements for this FOA."]
[324,"2023-07-20","Budget/Costs","I am writing to get a better understanding of the potential tax treatment of the awards. Will these grants be includible in gross income under Section 61 or are they excludible from income under Section 118 (or otherwise)?","DOE does not provide tax advice."]
[325,"2023-07-21","Budget/Costs","Are grant recipients customarily required to pay federal income taxes on the amount of the grants received under this Industrial Decarbonization program, for DE-FOA-0002936?\nWe asked because we will submit the proposal by Aug. 11 to apply for Federal Funding under this program, and we need your answer for budget & cash flow planning purposes. ","DOE does not provide tax advice. "]
[326,"2023-07-24","Eligibility","I have a questions regarding the UEI number requirement for submitting the application. Our client has registered in SAM.gov and is awaiting a UEI number. What should our client do if they do not receive a UEI number before the application deadline? Can they submit documentation showing the number is pending?","Applicants who register in SAM before the application deadline that are still awaiting a UEI number should provide an update on the status of the UEI number and related documentation. \n\nPlease note, as stated in Section 4.2.2 Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM) (pg. 45), \"DOE may not make a federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable UEI and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time DOE is ready to make a federal award, the DOE will determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a federal award to another applicant.\""]
[327,"2023-07-24","Other","For applicants applying to this solicitation, does the SAM \"Purpose of Registration\" should be \"Federal Assitance Awards\" or \"All Awards\"?","For purposes of this FOA, applicants need to register for Financial Assistance Awards only in the SAM. "]
[328,"2023-07-24","Concept Papers","Has the shortlist of FOA 2936 been determined and is it publicly available yet?","Concept Paper encourage/discourage notifications were made available to those who submitted Concept Papers on June 1, 2023.  These notifications are not made public by the DOE."]
[329,"2023-07-24","Application Content/Format","The site location maps required in Section 4.6.2.10, Environmental Considerations. #5 states that the map(s) may be submitted as separate files, and that although they may be created as a GIS shapefile or other engineering format, they must be saved and submitted as pdf files. Our questions are:\na) Neither the FOA Section 4.6.2.10 nor Appendix A provide a file name for the maps. Please provide the title for the maps included in the Environmental Considerations Section\nb) Should a separate map(s) file be included for each site proposed or should all maps for all sites be included in the same pdf file? If separate, please provide the title convention for each map file.\nc) May multiple maps be included in each pdf file?","A) Applicants may include the maps within the same PDF as the Environmental Considerations summary, or may select a descriptive file name of their choosing.\nB)Applicants may choose to put all maps in one PDF file. In the event that multiple project sites are proposed, applicants should supply an Environmental Considerations Summary for each project site, with a page limit of 3 pages per site.\nC)Yes, multiple maps can be included with each PDF File"]
[330,"2023-07-24","Application Content/Format","In the Technical Volume, Section 7, Workplan, Section 4.6.2.2.g, Integrated Project Schedule, page 70 requires an Integrated Project Schedule that includes task and subtask durations, milestones, and Go/No-Go decision points. Will the Government allow the IPS to be presented in a multiple page separate pdf file that will enable the schedule to be legible by Phase or Budget period and meet the graphics font requirement of 10 Pt. Calibri.","Applicants need to determine the best way to provide all the requested information within the page limits specified in the FOA while following the form and content guidelines as detailed in Section 4.1 Application Package (pgs. 43-44). "]
[331,"2023-07-24","Foreign Entities/Work","When determining foreign vs. domestic status of a particular company, is it necessary to look to the company’s ultimate ownership? The FOA lists three conditions that must be met for an entity to qualify as domestic:\na) be organized, chartered, or incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a particular state or territory of the United States;\nb) have majority domestic ownership and control; and\nc) have a physical place of business in the United States.\nDo all three of the above conditions need to be met for the company constituting the ownership? It seems that even when an applicant is owned by a US-incorporated entity, that owning US entity would need to have majority-domestic ownership, but the only way to determine domestic status for that entity would be to look its ownership and so on and so on. This presents a repeating cycle of checking for majority-domestic ownership for each entity all the way to the top of the ownership structure. Is this the correct interpretation or is it sufficient for an applicant to be wholly-owned by a US-incorporated company without consideration of that company’s ownership","\nYes, for all topic areas the proposed prime recipient and subrecipient(s) must be domestic entities and meet the following qualifications. 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.In order to meet the requirement to have “majority domestic ownership and control”, an entity must have more than 50% domestic ownership. Feedback on the eligibility of individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process."]
[332,"2023-07-24","Foreign Entities/Work","Item number 3 on the Transparency of Foreign Connections document reads “Current or pending contractual or financial obligation or other agreement specific to a business arrangement, or joint venture-like arrangement with an enterprise owned by a foreign state or any foreign entity[.]” While the other items seem focused on foreign countries of risk, Item 3 does is not limited in that way. “Foreign entity” is also very broad and seemingly includes foreign companies. Is DOE really asking entities to disclose any contractual or financial obligation or agreement specific to a business arrangement they may have with any foreign company? For many applicants this likely amounts to hundreds if not thousands of responsive agreements. We wish to confirm that item 3 is not limited to foreign countries of risk/entities from foreign countries of risk, but rather applies to any foreign state and/or foreign entity. ","The Transparency of Foreign Connections requirement is intentionally broad because each applicant’s situation is unique. Applicants should respond to the fullest extent possible. Note that the requirement states that the applicant “must identify… any current or pending contractual or financial obligation…” and does not require provision of specific documents. If an applicant believes there is a gap in the information available in response to this requirement, they may state as much in their submission.” For #3, the response should focus on contractual and agreements related to strategic business relationships, such as joint ventures. Strategic supplier relationships that are in the scope of the technology area of the proposed project should be captured. It should not be focused on supplier contractors for items like office supplies, computers, business software, or furniture suppliers. "]
[333,"2023-07-25","Concept Papers","Has a short list of initially down-selected projects for DE-FOA-0002936 been made public, or will one be made public?","Concept Paper encourage/discourage notifications were made available to those who submitted Concept Papers on June 1, 2023.  These notifications are not made public by the DOE."]
[334,"2023-07-25","Foreign Entities/Work","Regarding Item 8 of the application document titled “Transparency of Foreign Connections,” could you kindly describe the test for whether or not a foreign entity is “related to” an applicant? Separately, how should an applicant’s responses to Item 4 and Item 8 of the “Transparency of Foreign Connections” document differ?","Item 4 is specifically asking that applicant identify the percentage of foreign ownership and control that the applicant and each of the subrecipients have. \nItem 8 (identified as 7 in the FOA) is more broadly asking that any foreign entity in the corporate family tree be identified, regardless of ownership and control. "]
[335,"2023-07-25","LCA/TEA","The instructions tab of the LCA workbook template states \"Flows should provide units and volumes on a per day basis in steady state operations.\" The instructions for the process block tabs (P1, P2, etc.) then state \"All values provided should be in relation to functional unit annual production.\"  Are annual or daily units required in the LCA workbook?  The use of annual figures better aligns with common LCA standards and practice and with DOE's directive in the funding opportunity (page 67) that \"[t]otal annual GHG emissions and facility contributions to product carbon intensity will be the metrics used to evaluate GHG emissions reductions.\"  Additionally, the daily operations of the underlying facility can vary from day to day, hence the use of annual values would make more sense.","DOE will accept Excel workbooks with annual or daily units, and applicants should clearly identify units for each value in the workbook"]
[336,"2023-07-26","Budget/Costs","1. Section 4.6.2.7 Budget and Budget Justification:\na. Subrecipient Budget Justification\nApplicants must provide a separate budget justification for each subrecipient that is expected to perform work. The budget justification must include the same justification information described in the “Budget Justification Workbook” section above. Generally, Sub Recipient budgets are required if the work they perform is estimated to be a above a certain dollar value.  Do Sub recipient Budget Justifications have to be submitted for total estimated costs of less than $250,000 for the work proposed by a sub recipient? Do the sub recipients have to submit a Budget Justification if they are only providing cost share and not receiving federal funding?\n\nb. DOE will NOT fund DOE/NNSA FFRDCs participating as a subrecipient through the DOE field work authorization process. DOE will NOT fund non-DOE/NNSA FFRDCs through an interagency agreement with the sponsoring agency. I assume that the participating DOE/NNSA FFRDCs provide the Sub recipient Budget Justification form. Is it required at any level of total estimated project costs as asked above?","Subrecipient budget justifications need to be submitted for all sub-recipient budgets, even if the total estimated cost is less than $250,000 for the work proposed by a sub-recipient. Yes, subrecipients providing cost share will need to submit a Budget Justification even if they are not receiving Federal funds.\n\nThe subrecipient budget justification requirement applies to DOE/NNSA FFRDCs that participate as subrecipients."]
[337,"2023-07-26","Application Content/Format","2. Section 3.1 Eligible Applicants (page 41 of the FOA)\nFor non-DOE/NNSA FFRDCs, the Federal agency sponsoring the FFRDC must authorize in writing the use of the FFRDC on the proposed project and this authorization must be submitted with the application. The use of a FFRDC must be consistent with its authority under the award.\n\nFor DOE/NNSA FFRDCs, 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. The funding for the FFRDC will flow through the prime recipient. The\n\nfollowing wording is acceptable for this authorization: “Authorization is granted for the Laboratory to participate in the proposed project. The work proposed for the Laboratory is consistent with or complementary to the missions of the Laboratory and will not adversely impact execution of the DOE assigned programs at the Laboratory.”\n\nIs it correct that the Labs do not have to submit documentation related to field work authorization process?  Do the labs need to only submit an authorization letter from the cognizant Contracting Officer for the FFRDC?","\nThat is correct, as stated in Section 3.1 (Eligibile Applicants) of the FOA: \"For DOE/NNSA FFRDCs, 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. The funding for the FFRDC will flow through the prime recipient. The following wording is acceptable for this authorization: “Authorization is granted for the Laboratory to participate in the proposed project. The work proposed for the Laboratory is consistent with or complementary to the missions of the Laboratory and will not adversely impact execution of the DOE assigned programs at the Laboratory.”"]
[338,"2023-07-28","Eligibility","We are interested in DE-FOA-0002936: INDUSTRIAL DECARBONIZATION AND EMISSIONS REDUCTION DEMONSTRATION-TO-DEPLOYMENT FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT.\n\nHowever, we have missed the deadline to submit a concept paper. Is there still an opportunity to submit a full proposal. Or do you anticipate opening the FOA again next year for more projects? Thank you.","As stated in section 4.6.2 Application (pg. 48), \"Only applicants who have submitted an eligible Concept Paper will be eligible to submit an Application.\" The Industrial Demonstrations Program has released up to the full $6B allocated by BIL and IRA. Depending on the meritorious nature of the proposals, OCED can award the full amount or elect to allocate funding to a different opportunity at a later date. Potential applicants may also elect to evaluate earlier stage opportunities."]
[339,"2023-07-28","Other","Hello, just checked the Q&A sheet, looks like this question hasn’t been answered yet. Recognizing there are over 300 questions and there’s probably a backlog, any indication one way or the other so we can tee up our application most appropriately?","Questions submitted through 7/21/2023 were posted on OCED Exchange on 7/28/2023. "]
[340,"2023-07-31","Application Content/Format","Regarding DE-FOA-0002936, Appendix D: Project Summary of the solicitation, under “Additional project information\", DOE asks applicants to identify \"Infrastructure needs”.  We would like to understand the nature of the information DOE is trying to collect.  Specifically, is DOE asking\n\na) does this project include the selected infrastructure upgrades in the project budget; \nb) does this project require the selected infrastructure upgrades but they are not in the project budget; or \nc) would the technology, generally, benefit from such upgrades for wide-scale deployment, even if not needed for the proposed project?","In Appendix D, DOE would like applicants to indicate if project completion relies on any infrastructure needs, regardless of whether they are part of the project scope/budget."]
[341,"2023-07-31","Other","Is the CFDA the Assistance Listing Number (highlighted below) on the cover of the FOA on page 1:\nFunding Opportunity Announcement Number: DE-FOA-0002936\nType: Mod 000002\nAssistance Listing Number: 81.255","Yes, the CFDA, now referred to as Assistance Listings, for this FOA is 81.255."]
[342,"2023-07-31","Other","With your deadline approaching for the Industrial Demonstration Programs, we are curious if it is possible to submit a general letter if support for any and all [trade association] member applications?  OR would we need to send an letter for each individual application?","Trade associations are welcome to provide support letters to the individual applicants, but in the interest of fairness the applicants would be responsible for uploading the letter as part of its individual application package. Please also note, as stated in Section 4.6.2.6 Letters of Commitment (pg. 81), \"Letters of support or endorsement for the project from entities that do not have a substantive role in the project are not accepted.\""]
[343,"2023-07-31","Budget/Costs","Program Income.  Both the FOA and 2 CFR 200.307 referenced by the FOA are ambiguous in their descriptions of how program income will be treated under this opportunity.  Can you provide additional clarity on program income and how it should be presented, if at all, in the Budget Justification Workbook.","Program Income is referenced in FOA Section 1.4 Award and Project Management Structure (pg. 36) as it may be relevant to the later phases of the project. Note also that FOA Section 3.2 Cost Sharing (pg.42) states that \"neither contingency funds nor any program income should be included as cost share in the applicant’s budget.\" DOE does not anticipate that program income will be generated at the application stage.  When a Recipient expects to generate program income during the project, the Recipient should contact DOE about addressing program income. \n\nThe budget justification workbook is designed as a multi purpose tool. It is used as a template for during the duration and life of the award agreement. Therefore, any treatment of program income in the Budget Justification Workbook would be relevant, especially in later phases of the project."]
[344,"2023-07-31","Application Content/Format","Regarding DE-FOA-0002936, for applicants seeking a Waiver for Foreign Entity Participation, the instructions for the Request are provided in Appendix C.  However, Appendix A - Application Requirements Checklist does not appear to include a line for the Waiver Request(s), and we seek clarification.\n\nFor the Waiver Request for Foreign Entity Participation, please advise on:\n\nthe File Format (PDF?);\nmaximum page limits (iperhaps N/A?) per waiver request; and\nthe desired Filename (perhaps ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_Waiver ?).\nPlease confirm that if multiple requests are submitted that they should be completed individually and compiled into a single file for submission or advise otherwise. Thank you for the clarifications.","OCED Exchange will allow applicants to upload additional documents as needed. As noted in Section 4.1 Application Package (pg. 43), \"All submissions must conform to the form and content requirements described below […] Each [submission] must be submitted in Adobe PDF format unless stated otherwise.\" There are no page limits for the Foreign Entity Waiver Request. DOE encourages applicants to choose a descriptive filename consistent with the filenames listed in Appendix A. Applicants may submit multiple requests as separate documents or compile them into a single file."]
[345,"2023-08-01","Other","We realize that we are to late in the process for this Decarbonization and Emissions Reduction Demonstration program currently under evaluation, however we are wondering if there might be an extension of time or if there might be a follow-on program that we might be able to apply to.","As stated in section 4.6.2 Application (pg. 48), \"Only applicants who have submitted an eligible Concept Paper will be eligible to submit an Application.\" The Industrial Demonstrations Program has released up to the full $6B allocated by BIL and IRA. Depending on the meritorious nature of the proposals, OCED can award the full amount or elect to allocate funding to a different opportunity at a later date. Potential applicants may also elect to evaluate earlier stage opportunities."]
[346,"2023-08-01","Application Content/Format","Is the risk register subject to the five page limit for the Risk Analysis and Mitigation section?\n\nIf the risk register can be submitted in addition to the narrative for that section, is it allowable to have a combined seven-page document (five page narrative + two page risk register) for a Topic Area 2 application?","As stated in FOA section 4.6.2.2e Risk Analysis and Mitigation (pg. 63), \"[t]he Risk Analysis and Mitigation document must include a Risk Management Plan and a Risk Register as necessary elements.\" The risk register submitted as part of the Risk Analysis and Mitigation document must meet the page limits noted in Appendix A - Application Requirements Checklist (pg. 116). Applicants need to determine the best way to provide all the requested information within the page limits specified in the FOA."]
[347,"2023-08-02","Budget/Costs","We want to be sure that our definition of contingency costs (which, we understand cannot be included as total project costs) is consistent with DOE’s definition. Can you share a complete explanation of what is and is not counted as contingency cost under DOE’s definition?","As stated in FOA section 2.0 Award Information (pg. 39), \"[t]ypically, DOE expects contingency reserve funds must be: (a) liquid, (b) immediately available, and (c) unrestricted funds dedicated exclusively to the project for the purpose of mitigating project performance baseline risk. The contingency reserve is in addition to total project costs and does not count toward the awardee’s minimum 50% non-federal cost share requirement. If expended, the contingency will not result in reimbursement by DOE above the total federal share approved in the award. DOE discourages recipients from reducing scope to comply with the contingency reserve requirement. [...] This announcement and awards made under this announcement will fall under the purview of 2 C.F.R. Part 200 and 2 C.F.R. Part 910.\"\nAs stated in FOA section 5.2.2 Applications (pg. 96-100) under Criterion 2: Financial and Market Viability (20%), \"[a]dequacy and justification of the proposed budget and spend plan covering both DOE funding and non-federal cost share. This includes applicant’s ability to provide contingency to meet unknown project cost overruns often seen with large demonstration projects\" (pg. 97). Applicants may also choose to review the cost principles related to contingency. The cost principles that apply to for-profit entities, per 2 CFR 910.352, are the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 31 (48 CFR Part 31), and the cost principles that apply to other entity types are 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E. "]
[348,"2023-08-02","Application Content/Format","Will the DOE accept graphics and logos that do not use Calibri font because they are from boilerplate marketing materials, existing plan sets that don’t use Calibri, or screenshots from webpages? Let it be assumed that the font will be larger than a 10-pt size and be legible.","DOE does not require graphics or logos to adhere to the font requirements for this FOA. Applicants should use legible fonts and sizes."]
[349,"2023-08-02","OCED Exchange","When submitting application materials that contain business sensitive and confidential information, we are prepared to mark all content and pages as specified in the FOA. We are also prepared to make two copies of the application: a non-confidential version, with all the sensitive content removed; and a confidential version, with the markings requested.\nHowever, the eXCHANGE platform does not allow submission of multiple files.\nShould we merge the non-confidential and confidential versions of each document and submit as one? Will that cause issues since it nearly doubles the length of the application and thus exceeds the page limit, if a simple count is used?","Section 8.1 Treatment of Application Information provides details on how DOE handles confidential information provided by applicants. As stated in Section 8.1, \"If an application includes business sensitive, trade secrets, proprietary, or otherwise confidential information, it is furnished to the federal government (government) in confidence with the understanding that the information shall be used or disclosed only for evaluation of the application. Such information will be withheld from public disclosure to the extent permitted by law, including FOIA.\" Applicants are not required to upload a non-confidential version of the documents and should mark all business sensitive and confidential information as indicated in Section 8.1. "]
[350,"2023-08-02","Budget/Costs","We have a question regarding the budget justification workbook (BJW) template provided.\n\nThe BJW template provided is for a detailed, bottom up build of all project costs while, at the same time, the FOA requires only a TPC class 4 estimate. We are confused by the detail requested in the BJW because a project with a class 4 estimate quality does not have the level of details shown in the BJW worksheets (e.g., project travel related costs, fringe costs, supplies needed, etc.). For example, in our case, we have a TPC > $100 million. Our project will ultimately require hundreds of people that we cannot possibly know their individual hours worked, their hourly rates and fringe costs at this stage of the project. Similarly, there will be dozens of travel expenses over the life of the project – project meetings, vendor meetings, DOE meetings, etc. – but they cannot be determined in detail until much closer to when they will actually occur. As such, the cost buildup worksheets in the workbook (a-j) are requesting far more detail than what can be considered available at a class 4 estimate stage.\n\nWhat is possible at class 4 stage is a breakdown of the TPC by phase and into categories like engineering, construction, contingency, etc. Is it sufficient to build the most detailed breakdown possible at class 4 – ensuring, to the best of our ability, that all costs listed in the detailed worksheets are accounted for – and not use the detail worksheets? This would likely mean creating a different workbook (since the BJW has many locked/protected cells) with the breakdown described. Would a different workbook that the BJW template be acceptable as long as the information provided in consistent with the higher-level intent of the BJW? Your response to question 302 seems like this alternative approach could be acceptable but any further guidance on what is needed and how it can be presented would be helpful.","At the application phase, DOE is aware that applicants may be able to only provide estimates for some line items, while other line items may not be included in the budget submitted with the application for various reasons. A budget submitted at the time of application may contain a less detailed workbook than a potential revised budget workbook submitted in future agreement amendments or modifications. \n\nThe workbook will be used as a template at multiple phases of the project, it is designed to provide line items of varying levels of detail to for inclusion in the application and future potential award phases. \n\nApplicants may modify the Budget Justification Workbook as stated on the Instructions and Summary Tab of the workbook. To modify the workbook, applicants can add rows as needed throughout tabs a. through j. As noted in the Instructions and Summary tab, if rows are added, formulas/calculations may need to be adjusted by the preparer.\n\nWithin the larger context of the award lifecycle, the Budget Justification Workbook may be used as a tool during award negotiations and throughout the award. During award negotiations, DOE will work with selecteees to negotiate the terms and conditions of the agreement and to request supporting documentation for the budget. The complexity of the project, the selectee’s responses, and DOE’s reviews will all impact the negotiation timeline and process. "]
[351,"2023-08-02","Budget/Costs","·         Question 1: In the budget justification workbook cell F7 in tab d. Equipment, DOE provides as an example the text ‘contractor quote – attached.’  Similarly, tab f. Contractual has instructions that states “For Each Contractor cost with total project cost with total project costs of $250,000 or more, a Contractor quote must be provided.” \no   In what document and in what form should the applicant submit the required contractor quotes? Should it be submitted as a separate application section?","For application submission, quotes from contractors are not required, but should be provided if available.  Cost estimates as a part of the full application should be based on available information at the time of application submission.  Sufficient detail should be provided, to the extent possible, to allow DOE to determine whether all project costs are allowable, allocable, and reasonable. "]
[352,"2023-08-02","Budget/Costs","   Question 2: Tab. i. of the Budget Justification Workbook states that applicants without a federally approved indirect cost rate agreement must submit an “indirect rate proposal in support of the proposed costs.”  Tab b., similarly required the applicant to submit an indirect rate proposal, specifying the format provided in DOE's Sample Rate proposal (or a format that provides a similar level of information)\no   A single indirect rate proposal should be submitted in support of both Tabs b. and i., correct?\no   Does the indirect rate proposal need to be submitted with the application package, or may it be submitted at a later date?\no   If the indirect rate proposal needs to be submitted with the application package, in what part of the application should it be submitted? Should it be presented as a separate application section?","Indirect cost rate agreements and proposals as supporting documentation, as referenced in the Budget Justification Workbook tabs, is not a requirement of the application submission. The Budget Justification Workbook is designed as a multi purpose tool used as a template for the duration and life of the award agreement. Therefore, any treatment of documentation requested in the Budget Justification Workbook may be relevant in later future phases of the project but does not supercede the requirements of the FOA application submission. Applicants may wish to review the FOA Appendix A - Application Requirements Checklist.  After selection and prior to award, DOE will ask selectees for information about indirect cost rates, including indirect cost rate proposals as applicable."]
[353,"2023-08-03","OCED Exchange","Question #1: \nWithin the OCED application portal, it asks for a document to be uploaded that contains all Subparts of the Technical Volume. Immediately following that, it asks for each section of the Technical Volume to be uploaded separately. However, the FOA it doesn't specify that the combined version with all sections is required or what the file naming convention should be. Is this a required file? If so, what is the correct naming convention?","The Technical Volume [Subparts A-G] is not a required document. Applicants may submit a combined version if they choose, but Exchange will not require it for submission. If applicants upload a file, Exchange will automatically choose the naming convention of ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_Technical_Volume."]
[354,"2023-08-03","OCED Exchange","Question #2: \nIt appears that the online portal has requested all the subparts of the technical volume to be uploaded separately. However, there is no place to upload the individual Technical Volume subpart for the TEA/LCA section. There is only a place for the Excel workbooks for the TEA and LCA to be uploaded. Also, when uploaded, the portal automatically renames the files and does not follow the naming conventions set forth in the FOA, which indicates they should be named \"ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_TEA\"  and \"ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_LCA\", respectively. How can applicants comply with uploading all the necessary files with appropriate naming conventions in the existing portal format?  ","These sections have been added to Exchange."]
[355,"2023-08-03","LCA/TEA","Regarding the FOA for the Industrial Demonstrations Funding from OCED, within the Preliminary Life Cycle Analysis section there is a requirement to clearly define an impact category assessment. “State the environmental impact categories with associated emissions factors.” Is there a set list of environmental impact categories to pull from that OCED requires the applicant to include?","Applicants should substantiate how they are meeting the objectives of the FOA. Applicants should use their judgment in determining the environmental impact categories to include in their LCA."]
[356,"2023-08-03","LCA/TEA","The application states to compare to a baseline of a state-of-the-art facility. In the case of cement, would this imply Type IL cement or would comparing to standard OPC be fair game?","Feedback on individual projects will not be provided through the question-and-answer process. Applicants should use their judgment to select the state-of-the-art technology for comparison.  Section 1.3.1 Terminology (pg. 15-17) states, \"A “benchmark” is an assessment relative to an industry-standard best practice representing commercially available off-the-shelf technology, referred to as “state-of-the-art.” The benchmark should be justified and documented using widely recognized U.S. and/or international reference documents.  Further details can be found in Section 4.6.2.2(f)\" (pg. 16).  \nMore information may also be found in the Under the Baselines and Comparators heading of section 4.6.2.2f Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Analysis Projections (pg. 64-68). "]
[357,"2023-08-05","Budget/Costs","Request clarification on the answer to Question 336 of the Q & As released as of 01 Aug 23, the Budget Justification Workbook excel file provided by OMB indicates in the f. Contractual Tab INSTRUCTIONS – PLEASE READ!!!  that “Subrecipients 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” Per the form, we are not required to submit for any subrecipient under this threshold. Please confirm this is accurate.","No, as stated in Section 4.6.2.7 Budget and Budget Justification (pg. 82), \"Applicants must provide a separate budget justification for each subrecipient that is expected to perform work.\" If conflicting information exists in the Budget Justification workbook, applicants should follow the content requirements outlined in FOA."]
[358,"2023-08-06","LCA/TEA","Can you please clarify the desired information response to the area highlighted in red. For what Key means and what reference flow means on the\n\nBase P1 and proposed P1 tabs. They are not explained in the instructions.","The “Key” cell found in F7:G7 identifies the “Key” table. This table indicates that cells in the workbook tables with the same highlighting as found in cell F8 are “Applicant data entry fields.” These fields highlighted in that color are the responsibility of the applicant to fill out and enter data, as applicable. There is no need to fill in any data for cell F8.\n\nPursuant to Mod000002, section 4.6.2.2f  Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Analysis Projections (pg. 67) now states \"[t]he reference flow refers to the amount (value and units) of the needed inputs from a process in a system to define the functional unit.” In the template the reference flow cells are for the applicant to provide information on the amount of product produced within the reported data boundary as defined by the applicant in the respective “Process Diagram – Baseline” and “Process Diagram – Proposed” tabs for each individual process tabs. As stated in FOA section 4.6.2.2f Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Analysis Projections (pg.64-67), “[a]pplicants must clearly indicate the factors and assumptions used to determine cost benchmarking and clearly define the functional unit (cost normalization) used for comparison,” (pg.65) and “[f]or carbon intensity, DOE expects applicants to provide carbon intensity for multiple functional units, specifically for each product, process line (if applicable), and the facility. The calculations, emission factors, process inputs and outputs, and other values used to determine these values need to be clearly indicated in the LCA Sheet” (pg. 67)."]
[359,"2023-08-07","OCED Exchange","[Company Name] is submitting our Full Application for FOA# DE-FOA-0002936 this week. \n\nWhile reviewing the site in preparation, I noted that we have an old UEI number on the Application.  My OCED user profile has our current one, and all the documents that we are submitting have the correct one as well.\n\n  Announcement:         DE-FOA-0002936\n\n  Control Number:      [Control Number]\n  Old UEI:                  [UEI Number]\n  New UEI:              [UEI Number]\n\nI have not been able to find a way to change it on the Submission Details screen.  Please let us know if you can correct it in the system prior to submission, or if we are ok to submit or documents as is and sort it out later.","For technical support beyond OCED eXCHANGE Applicant Guide located at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx, applicants can e-mail oced-exchangesupport@hq.doe.gov. Applicants should make sure the application documents are correct."]
[360,"2023-08-07","Application Content/Format","We are wondering where to put the \"notice of restriction on disclosure and use of data\" statement? The FOA guidelines state to put it on the \"cover sheet of the application.\" However, appendix A (application requirement checklist) does not have a cover sheet. Also, each of these sections are submitted as a separate PDF--should there be a separate statement on each PDF?","Applicants may include the notice of restriction on disclosure and use of data paragraph on the cover sheet, project summary, or first page of project documents. "]
[361,"2023-08-07","OCED Exchange","Once a application is submitted is there an opportunity to send in additional documents (an addendum of sorts) prior to the deadline on Friday?","Additional documenation cannot be added to applications already submitted in the OCED eXCHANGE system. In order to revise, edit, or add documentation, the applicant must unsubmit their previous application.\n\nApplicants can unsubmit their applications and resubmit any time up to the deadline at 5:00 PM ET Friday 8/11/23.\n\nPlease note, when an application is unsubmitted, that version of the application (and all associated documents) is not saved in OCED eXCHANGE. When resubmitting a full application, applicants MUST ensure that the full and complete application package is submitted before the deadline. \n\nMore information may be found in the OCED eXCHANGE Applicant Guide located at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx."]
[362,"2023-08-07","Application Content/Format","We intended to submit a Concept Paper to topic 3 under DE-FOA-0002936. However, the Paper was submitted to topic 2 by mistake and we received a discourage letter. We have confirmed with you previously and you kindly provided the answer that we can proceed with a full proposal submission. \n\nIn the full proposal submission, can we indicate the wrong topic number selection during concept paper submission in the 2-page Project Summary?","Applications will be evaluated based on the full application materials submitted.\n\nApplications should be submitted under the Topic Area that they wish to be considered. It is not necessary to indicate the topic area selected during concept paper submission in the full application."]

{"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"]