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["DE-FOA-0003428: ENERGY IMPROVEMENTS IN RURAL OR REMOTE AREAS – FISCAL YEAR 2025 RELEASE "]
["Question #","Date Submitted","Topic","Question","Answer"]
[1,"2024-10-03","Eligibility","##########. I have an eligibility questions regarding DE-FOA-0003428: Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas - Fiscal Year 2025 Release. \n \nWe have a project that we believe fits the intent of the funding opportunity. #############. While the zip code implies that it is in ############, it has its own census tract. Here is the Data USA link: ######## The exact coordinates of the project would be #######. Does the project location qualify as rural for the purposes of submitting a proposal?","Please see the Step 1 \"Eligibility\" (page 8) of DE-FOA-0003428.  The benefited area with not more than 10,000 inhabitants must be (a) \"a city, town, or other incorporated municipality\" or (b) \"a Census Designated Place (CDP), Census County Division (CCD), or similarly discreet and identifiable community that is not located within an incorporated municipality.\" Zip code tabulation areas (five digit) (ZCTA5), census tracts, and other similar census geographic entities are not discrete and identifiable communities. The Applicant Eligibility Guidance linked under the Eligibility section on the Apply for Funding page provides information on how to verify the 2020 U.S. Census population of an area. \n\nDOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants until after the application deadline. \n\n"]
[2,"2024-10-04","Eligibility","I’m reaching out on behalf of a #### client who has interest in the 2025 Energy Improvements in Rural and Remote Areas grant program opportunity. They would like to fund a large solar generation project that requires fiber connectivity for system operation. Would it be possible to include some fiber costs in the overall project proposal, as it would be intended to strengthen the grid and provide connectivity to clean energy?\n","DOE will not comment on project specifics until after the application deadline. Please see Step 1 Funding Priorities including \"Technology and System Requirements\" (page 14), \"Topic Areas\" (page 15), and \"Applications Specifically NOT of Interest (page 19) and Step 1 \"Unallowable Costs\" (page 23) of DE-FOA-0003428. "]
[3,"2024-10-04","Other","We are looking at an agrivoltaics siting project in a rurally designated place. This new energy source would directly benefit the rural community with more reliable electricity from renewable sources and potentially lower their rates. However, the energy produced by the agrivoltaics array will also feed the larger grid. Are there any restrictions to an agrivoltaics project that serves and benefits the local rural community but also provides power to a larger service area in general? \n","Proposed projects must meet Step 1 \"Eligibility\" (page 8), \"Technology and System Requirements\" (page 14),\"Topic Areas\" (page 15), and \"Applications Specifically NOT of Interest (page 19) of DE-FOA-0003428. \n\nThe benefited area with not more than 10,000 inhabitants must be (a) \"a city, town, or other incorporated municipality\" or (b) \"a Census Designated Place (CDP), Census County Division (CCD), or similarly discreet and identifiable community that is not located within an incorporated municipality.\" Zip code tabulation areas (five digit) (ZCTA5), census tracts, and other similar census geographic entities are not discrete and identifiable communities. The Applicant Eligibility Guidance linked under the Eligibility section on the Apply for Funding page provides information on how to verify the 2020 U.S. Census population of an area. \n\nProjects ideally should be sited within the rural or remote area they are designed to benefit. Projects proposed to be built outside of a rural or remote area may be considered for funding but must clearly define the rural or remote area(s) of not more than 10,000 inhabitants receiving the benefits. All areas identified as directly benefitting from the proposed project must meet the definition of rural or remote area.\n\nDOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants until after the application deadline."]
[4,"2024-10-07","Eligibility","I am reviewing the ENERGY IMPROVEMENTS IN RURAL OR REMOTE AREAS Grant for FISCAL YEAR 2025. Could you please confirm if it is necessary to have received one of the previous grant opportunities to apply for this funding?\n","It is not necessary to have received, or applied to, prior ERA Program funding opportunities to apply to this notice of funding opportunity.  Please see Step 1 \"Eligibility\" (page 8) of DE-FOA-0003428."]
[5,"2024-10-04","Eligibility","I am requesting if possible to have a clearer definition of \"Rural and remote areas\" and \"small communities.\" We are asking as it pertains to the US Territories (i.e. US Virgin Islands) that are experiencing and power costs and continued outages (https://viconsortium.com/vi-economy/virgin-islands-wapas-base-rate-charge-to-customers-has-increased-by-240-percent-in-4-years). Would providing alternative power (i.e. Solar) to small isolated areas on the island(s) be consider as \"remote areas\" for this grant?","Please see the response to question #3. \n\nAll projects must be built within the United States, inclusive of all islands and territories. Please note that for all topic areas we welcome eligible aggregators, i.e., entities that identify and propose several projects together in one application.\n\nDOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants until after the application deadline.\n\n"]
[6,"2024-10-07","Tech Topics","I have a question on your Energy Improvement grant DE-FOA-0003428. Is this grant only for the funding of either wind or solar projects? I know you are busy, thanks for taking the time to answer my question.","Please see response to question #2. This funding opportunity is not only for the funding of either wind or solar projects. "]
[7,"2024-10-07","Eligibility","My research focuses on energy storage and conversion technologies, with a particular emphasis on solid-state lithium-metal batteries and advanced solid electrolytes. A significant part of my work involves material properties, reaction mechanisms, and the chemistry and thermodynamics governing energy systems.\n\nI recently came across the Grants Notice for Funding Opportunity Number DE-FOA-0003428. My current projects include the development of high-nickel cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries, solid-state Li-air batteries for aviation, and hydroxide triple-phase flow batteries (3PFB) designed for ultrahigh energy density. Recently, I have tested a novel type of air battery operating at elevated temperatures. The initial results are promising for high-energy-density applications in aviation and large-scale energy storage.\n","Thank you for your interest.  Please see the responses to question #3 and question #11. "]
[8,"2024-10-08","Eligibility","I have 2 questions for the webinar this afternoon (DOE Energy Improvements in Rural and Remote Areas Notice of Funding Opportunity).\n\n1. Does the criteria for communities under 10,000 refer to city or county population? For example, ###### is in a city with a population of ~8000, but county population is ~20,000. Would the college be eligible to apply for funding?\n\n2. Would a project converting campus heating from a central natural gas boiler system to geothermal heating and cooling meet the program criteria? ","Thank you for your interest.  Please see the response to question #3."]
[9,"2024-10-07","Cost Sharing","I was wondering if this new program can be used in addition with other programs like REAP or SGIP (in California).","Recipient cost share must come from non-Federal sources unless otherwise allowed by law. Please see Step 1 \"Cost sharing\" (page 10)."]
[10,"2024-10-08","Subrecipients","\nDo FFRDC’s need to request authorization from the cognizant contracting officer to participate in this solicitation?","For 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 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.\""]
[11,"2024-10-05","OCED Exchange","I just saw the above mentioned RFA listed on grants.gov, but the option to apply is greyed out.  Can you tell me when this opportunity will be opened to new applicants? ","Applicants must register with and submit application materials in response to DE-FOA-0003428 through OCED eXCHANGE at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov, OCED’s online application portal. Applicants can register in Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov) to receive automatic updates when modifications to the Notice of Funding Opportunity are posted. However, please note that OCED will not accept concept papers and applications through Grants.gov."]
[12,"2024-10-08","Other","I was looking at your grant online and I had a few questions.\n\nI live in a rural area of about 12,000 people but on your grant it’s stated it needs Under 10,000. \n\nAre these guidelines pretty strict? ","Please see the response to question #1. Applications that do not satisfy this requirement will be considered ineligible and removed from further evaluation."]
[13,"2024-10-08","OCED Exchange","I am trying to download the NOFO, at the OCED exchange, and it somehow always downloads a corrupt PDF file, and we are unable to open it.\nCan you please email the PDF of the NOFO.","If you need help with the eXCHANGE system, please contact OCED-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov.  Please note that DOE staff are only allowed to communicate with applicants about this funding opportunity by posting responses to questions received through the NOFO email Inbox."]
[14,"2024-10-09","Eligibility","\nI am inquiring about a recent Notice Of Funding Opportunity DE-FOA-0003428 regarding eligibility.  ##############  As such, ###### is currently looking to install a 1.3 MW solar array on one of our building roofs at our corporate headquarters, but to do so would require us to replace PCB containing pole mounted transformers with a new more efficient transformer (and associated wiring) to improve safety and environmental aspects with a non-PCB containing transformer, as well as generate renewable energy for use to reduce our dependency on the current power grid, while contributing renewable energy back to the grid during our non-working hours.  ##### headquarters are located in a rural area of western Wisconsin in the midst of a census-designated conservation area #######.  As such, would ###### qualify as a for-profit entity eligible for consideration for submitting a grant proposal?","Please see the response to question #3."]
[15,"2024-10-09","Eligibility","\nI am wondering if prisons with a population of less than 10,000 in rural communities would qualify for this grant opportunity?  \n\nIn Oregon, we have six prisons in rural areas of our state, all of which require a significant amount of electricity and other energy resources to be safely operated.  These are all located in the eastern, high desert portion of our state where there are a significantly higher number of sun days than on the westside of the state.  We would like to install solar systems for our facility buildings to increase efficiency for these rural populations.  We would double down on the opportunity to increase our energy efficiency by using the project to also provide a pathway to fair chance employment opportunities for our adults in custody by creating a BOLI-approved electrical apprenticeship program that would certify adults in custody in solar system installation and maintenance using these solar system installations as the opportunity and means to earn their credentials before releasing back to the community.  ","Please see the response to question #3.  Also, note that for all topic areas we welcome eligible aggregators, i.e., entities that identify and propose several projects together in one application.\n"]
[16,"2024-10-10","Other","I work for ########, an agrivoltaic community solar developer based in Massachusetts. ....#### we believe that we have several projects that could be a good fit for this program. We also understand that we unfortunately missed the kickoff webinar by a day. \n\nWe've since subscribed to the OCED mailing list, but haven't seen anything yet about where to access the webinar recording. \n\nCan you please share where we can access the webinar recording? If it's not available yet, then when can we expect to see it, and how should we stay tuned to be notified when the recording is posted?","Recordings of the October 8 webinar will be posted in English and Spanish language on our website, along with a copy of the presentation slides, in the next two weeks. "]
[17,"2024-10-11","Other","I registered for the webinar on DE-FOA-0003428: Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas on 10/8 but had a conflict arise with the live presentation. Is there a recording of that webinar (160 534 1161) available?","Yes, recordings will be available.  Please see the response to question #16.\n"]
[18,"2024-10-11","Tech Topics","\nI see for this funding opportunity that you list transmission and distribution lines and pole replacements as eligible activities, but do these rebuilds in rural underserved areas constitute stand alone projects? Or do they have to be as part of a renewable energy implementation plan?\n\nMany of us small, rural utilities can’t integrate any renewable projects because our infrastructure is old and needs the upgrades before we can explore implementing microgrids or new distributed generation projects. \n\nI would like to apply but I don’t want to spend a lot of our limited resources if you’re not looking to fund standalone transmission/distribution upgrade projects. Could you please clarify?","Please see the response to question #2.\n"]
[19,"2024-10-11","Eligibility","The FOA indicates that Tribal applicants must be federally recognized Tribes. Does this also apply to Tribal communities that are poised to benefit from the proposed project? If an eligible nonprofit (not a Tribe but a public utility) is the applicant and the project it intends to propose will benefit a state-recognized Tribe (vs a federally recognized Tribe), is the project supporting a Tribal community? The tribe to proposed to receive project benefits is only state-recognized. Must the benefitting Tribe, who is not the applicant, be federally recognized?","Please see the response to question #1.  Applicants must identify at least one area in the United States (including U.S. territories) with a population of not more than 10,000 (using the 2020 Census Bureau figures) that will benefit from the proposal. "]
[20,"2024-10-14","Tech Topics","My name is###### #######, a local Association of Governments in rural central #####. I have a quick question about the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas funding opportunity. I work with a rural county that does not have natural gas. They currently rely on propane. Do you know if this funding would cover expanding natural gas into rural counties?","Please see the response to question #2. "]
[21,"2024-10-14","Eligibility","Regarding this Grant Opportunity, can you please tell me if a small farm/corporation qualifies as a “for-profit organization” ?  \nDE-FOA-0003428  Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas – Fiscal Year 2025 Release\nAdditional Information on Eligibility: The following entities are eligible to apply: (1) Indian Tribes; (2) state and local governmental entities; (3) nonprofit organizations; and (4) for-profit organizations. This program serves rural and remote communities with 10,000 people or fewer.","Please see the Applicant Eligibility Guidance on OCED's Apply for Funding Opportunities page (https://www.energy.gov/oced/apply-funding-opportunities#eligibility) for definitions and descriptions of entities."]
[22,"2024-10-07","Eligibility","I have seen USAID call for proposals from the energy department and I have 3 microgrid  projects  here in Rwanda_Africa which we need a FUNDs_Grant ,\nmeanwhile I would like to ask you if possible to work together based on the feasibility study done with my company.","Please see the response to question #5. "]
[23,"2024-10-16","Cost Sharing","We are interested in submitting a concept paper for the ERA program. Can you please tell me what part of the project cost is eligible for tax credits? Also, what other tax credits are available for an applicant under this program?","DOE does not provide tax advice and cannot comment on whether particular project costs will qualify for tax credits or the availability of other tax credits to applicants. "]
[24,"2024-10-16","Eligibility","I represent ##### Water District, which is located in ##### Texas, with a population of 1,016. We are in the process of adding solar panels to our facility and electric charging stations that could be used not just for our fleet but also for the public. These charging stations would be available to our customers that fall under our district, a total of 20,000 residents in predominantly disadvantaged communities per CJEST. We are considered a government entity. I would like to know if we are eligible to apply for this grant funding. ","Please see the response to question #1.  Please also see Step 1 \"Pre-Award Costs\" (page 23). Pre-award costs cannot be incurred prior to applications receiving notification of selection for award negotiations."]
[25,"2024-10-16","Tech Topics","Thank you for sharing the information in today's webinar.\nI also gather that DOE works with individuals and/or small businesses dedicated to renewable energy transition/transformation, with their ideas and efforts towards positive steps in this direction.\nI have been a catalyst and a champion, a thought leader, bringing awareness, emphasizing the necessity of finding-creating-implementing renewable energy solutions for our present and future, for the future of humanity.  At times it seems that some of my ideas are tweaked and incorporated into this or that solution and what I want is for my efforts to be fully supported directly, for the benefit of all of us.  One of those is to develop a hydro powered renewable energy solution.  Another is to utilize and bring some of the existing renewable energy efforts to the rural community(ies), perhaps in the form of purchasing a farm and incorporating renewable energy solutions to benefit the community, the farmer(s) and the environment.  Is that an area DOE is able to support and guide me with, in a timely, solutions focused, implementable actions way?  ","Please see the response to question #3."]
[26,"2024-10-16","Application Content/Format","On the “energy improvements in rural …” DE-FOA-0003428. This is a grant, not a loan – correct?","DE-FOA-0003428 will fund Cooperative Agreements, with substantial involvement, toward clean energy projects in rural or remote areas.  Please see Step 1  \"Basic Information\" (page 5) and Step 1 \"Cooperative Agreement Substantial Involvement\" (page 23)."]
[27,"2024-10-16","Application Content/Format","In reviewing the NOFO for the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas I noticed that the formatting requirements in Section 2: Get Ready to Apply does not specify paragraph spacing (single or double spaced).  Could you please clarify the spacing requirements for the Concept Paper(s) and potential application(s).","Although the NOFO does not specify a requirement for document spacing, applicants must not exceed the specified page limit for each section, as DOE will only review the authorized number of pages. "]
[28,"2024-10-17","Eligibility","As a county-owned rural hospital located in a town with fewer than 10,000 residents, we are exploring a project to install solar panels on our hospital facility and adjacent parking lots. This initiative would significantly reduce our energy costs and overhead, allowing us to reinvest savings into expanding healthcare services for our rural residents. With over 350 employees, we are the largest employer in ###### County and the safety net healthcare provider for the region, making our economic and community impact significant.\nWe are seeking your guidance on the following:\n1.\tWould a project like ours, which focuses on reducing operational costs and enhancing energy efficiency for a rural hospital, qualify under the spirit and purpose of the grant?\n2.\tGiven the nature of our project, which category would be most appropriate for us to apply under:\n-\tSmaller-scale community-centered – due to our role as a county-owned, sole healthcare provider.\n-\tDual use and co-location – since the project involves covering parking lots with solar panels, providing both energy savings and covered parking for our patients. \n-\tOpen category – considering the broader goal of reducing energy costs for a critical facility in a rural area.\nAdditionally, could you confirm whether this project would be suitable for submitting a concept paper?","Please see the response to question #2.\n"]
[29,"2024-10-18","Eligibility","We’re interested in partnering with the ###### to apply for the Funding Opportunity, in order that we might site a geothermal heating and cooling system the town has identified. However, the ###### data.census.gov population comes in at 10,079 people. We’re wondering if the NOFO’s <10,000 inhabitant requirement is at all lenient?","Please see the response to questions #1 and #12."]
[30,"2024-10-18","OCED Exchange","Where can I find the recording of the OCED briefing from Oct 8, 2024","Recordings of the October 8 webinar are available in English (https://youtu.be/SLWFGCkrNvY) and Spanish language (https://youtu.be/7HD9a4sQYLU) and will also be posted to OCED eXCHANGE. Copies of the presentation slides will be made available soon. "]
[31,"2024-10-22","Budget/Costs","When can I receive an update regarding my last email? 10/16 email : We are interested in submitting a concept paper for the ERA program. Can you please tell me what part of the project cost is eligible for tax credits? Also, what other tax credits are available for an applicant under this program?","Please see the response to question #23.\n"]
[32,null,"Tech Topics","We are seeking to  complete an energy improvement demonstration project for a specific technology the project requires testing of certain fuel types and generator type.  Is it possible to purchase equipment with the funds?  Are American manufactured projects required? ","Please see question #2 as well as the Post-Award Requirements and Administration section of the Notice of Funding Opportunity Supplemental Requirements at https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/NOFO%20Supplemental%20Requirements_09042024.pdf. "]
[33,"2024-10-22","Cost Sharing","Agrivoltaics demonstration project often require extra capital from traditional solar development to enable these solutions (ex. raising panels, spreading panels out, purchasing farm equipment, drilling a well, etc.). Can these incremental costs be captured as cost share as the developer would not incur those costs without changing the site for the proposed project?","Please see Step 1 Cost sharing (page 10) for more information. "]
[34,"2024-10-22","OCED Exchange","When can I hear back from you? Also, it would be great to have a Google Meet meeting with anyone from your office who is an expert in the program. To whom can we send an invite?","DOE staff can only respond to questions from applicants about this funding opportunity by posting responses to questions received through the ERA2024@hq.doe.gov email address. DOE staff time to respond to questions usually takes 2-3 weeks. "]
[35,"2024-10-22","OCED Exchange","I work with three counties and their municipalities in ##### to support resilience and economic development in the face of coal closures in the region. Each month, we bring grant opportunities to our Grants Workgroup, and we have received several requests to learn more about the Energy Improvements in Rural and Remote Areas grant. I am reaching out to see if someone might be available to present remotely to our region regarding this funding opportunity.  We would greatly appreciate the opportunity to learn more and ask questions.  ","Please see the answers to questions #30 and #34. "]
[36,"2024-10-23","Eligibility"," The ####  water district in #### Texas is interested in installing solar panels to each of our ### lift stations. Is this project eligible under this grant?","Please see the response to question #3."]
[37,"2024-10-23","OCED Exchange","I’m reaching out to see if there is a recording available online for the October 3rd webinar on the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas Funding Opportunity. I joined the webinar, and the presenters said that there would be a recording of the webinar online, but I cannot find it. I was able to tune into some of the webinar but wish to view the remaining part of the webinar which I could not be online for.","Please see the answer to question #30."]
[38,"2024-10-24","OCED Exchange","My name is ######, I work as a federal grants coordinator in our department. I was wondering if there is a recording available from the webinar you all coordinated earlier this month. We have an interest in potentially pursuing this grant opportunity for a project/projects related to our ######, which are located in rural/remote communities and require robust upgrades to the energy/water systems. I'm trying to determine if there could be a competitive application with this funding source and hoping to get as much information as possible. ","Please see the answer to question #30."]
[39,"2024-10-24","Eligibility","I am writing on behalf of ######  ###### to inquire about our eligibility and the potential alignment of our project with the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas grant opportunity.   As a county-owned rural hospital located in a town with fewer than 10,000 residents, we are exploring a project to install solar panels on our hospital facility and adjacent parking lots. This initiative would significantly reduce our energy costs and overhead, allowing us to reinvest savings into expanding healthcare services for our rural residents. With over 350 employees, we are the largest employer in ######  and the safety net healthcare provider for the region, making our economic and community impact significant. We are seeking your guidance on the following: 1. Would a project like ours, which focuses on reducing operational costs and enhancing energy efficiency for a rural hospital, qualify under the spirit and purpose of the grant?2. Given the nature of our project, which category would be most appropriate for us to apply under:  Smaller-scale community-centered – due to our role as a county-owned, sole healthcare provider. Dual use and co-location – since the project involves covering parking lots with solar panels, providing both energy savings and covered parking for our patients. Open category – considering the broader goal of reducing energy costs for a critical facility in a rural area. Additionally, could you confirm whether this project would be suitable for submitting a concept paper? We appreciate your time and input, and look forward to your recommendations on how we can proceed.","Please see the response to question #2. "]
[40,"2024-10-25","Eligibility","We have a basic question about Funding Opportunity #DE-DOA-0003428.  Is the minimum Federal funding amount for Topic Area 1: Open Category $10 million?  In other words, if our project is between $200,000 and $500,000, would it even be considered for funding under this opportunity?","The expected award size (minimum contribution from DOE) under Topic Area 1 is $10M. Please see Table 1 Program Overview on page 7 of the NOFO."]
[41,"2024-10-28","Application Content/Format","Is there a public copy of the webinar/slide deck associated with the opportunity below? Where might I find it please?","Please see the answer to question #30."]
[42,"2024-10-28","Eligibility"," I’m reaching out on behalf of the ######, a 501c(3) non-profit owning and managing a 51-acre facility in ######, serving underserved youth in the area. We are exploring funding for Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas and are interested in aligning with OCED grants, specifically DE-FOA-0003428. We have several projects aligned with environmental sustainability including: 1. Installation of solar panel on roof of indoor field (14,400 sq ft), 2  New year-round outdoor turf field and lighting system (DLC) certified efficient lighting, 3 Replacement of our well and septic system with connections to ######'s public utilities for potable water and wastewater removal","Please see the response to question #3.\n"]
[43,"2024-10-28","Eligibility","My name is ###### and I own a property that is currently not being used (roadside) for anything-and has a significant amount of space. We are interested in finding information about applying for any and all grants to establish an EV charging station in this space of land that we own in ######  our address is ######  we would need to establish power at that point then we could install the public charging stations. It is a heavily trafficked area (considering our rural location) and seems to be a truck route as well. I am not sure exactly where to start. So I thought I could start here.","Please see the response to question #3."]
[44,"2024-10-30","Budget/Costs","The NOFO states the following: “Funding will support materials, equipment, time, labor, and other resources to build clean energy projects in rural or remote communities and other allowable costs arising from activities as proposed (e.g., collaboration, outreach, and engagement with stakeholders and tribes, or workforce development programs).”  This reads as though the funds would support the capital expenditures of a clean energy project. Could awarded funds be applied towards the payments an Applicant has in a resulting Power Purchase Agreement from a clean energy project?","Please see the response to question #2."]
[45,"2024-10-30","OCED Exchange","Is the Oct 8th OCED informational briefing on the new ERA opportunity available online? I have not been able to find it. Will there be any other virtual events related to this new ERA opportunity?","Please see the response to question #30."]
[46,"2024-10-31","Eligibility","We are developing a biogas plant (anaerobic digester plant using poultry litter to make renewable natural gas) I would like to know if we are eligible for this [funding] opportunity. One of the eligible areas is \"Reducing Greenhous gas emissions from energy generation in rural or remote areas. We will be building in a very small town - less than 10,000 people. We will be injecting RNG into the pipeline as well as selling to local farmers at a reduced price.  I would like to make sure that our project could be eligible.","Please see the response to question #2."]
[47,"2024-10-30","Eligibility","My name is ######, and I am a grant research assistant with  ######. I am reaching out to you today with questions about your Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas program. More specifically, the client we are looking at this program for has requested that we reach out to OCED with questions about what types of projects are of most interest to this funding opportunity. My question is, are these types of interest-gauging questions allowed at this stage in the application cycle? If so, is there a phone number we could call in order to ask someone these questions?  Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.","Please see the responses to questions #2 and #34."]
[48,"10/31/024","OCED Exchange","Has the Oct 8 2024 webinar on DOE Energy Improvements in Rural and Remote Areas Notice of Funding Opportunity recorded?","Please see the response to question #30."]
[49,"2024-11-01","Eligibility","I am supporting a rural fire department’s funding search. The district serves a community of about 3,500 that in California’s Sacramento Valley #####. The project will install solar panels that provide shade for a parking lot and provide charging stations for EVs. Would this project fit under the “Smaller-scale community-centered” topic area?","Please see the response to question #3."]
[50,"2024-11-01","Eligibility","I have a quick question about applicant eligibility for the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas Grant. I am interested in submitting the concept paper for this grant but the project would be located on land that ##### County leases from the Town of #####. The Town of ##### is under 10,000 people but would not have the capacity to apply for this grant without the support of ##### County. Is it possible for ##### County to be the grant applicant since we lease the land?","Please see the response to question #3."]
[51,"2024-11-02","Eligibility","I am helping with a grant application to the ERA Program. Can you please confirm that the following are eligible communities under this grant opportunity? ##### (population of 1,789) - which is fee simple land from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands licensed to ##### a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. ##### as a town (6,580 people according to Census Bureau as of 2022) or as a Census Designated Place (6,942 people per the HI Statewide GIS Program).","Please see the response to question #1."]
[52,"2024-11-01","Other","A) We believe ##### technology would be highly relevant for activities described in this NOFO, but the technology likely does not meet the TRL targets of this NOFO.\nB) Is there someone willing to discuss longer term opportunities like the ones in this NOFO?","A) Please see Step 1. Review, \"Technology and System Requirements\" on page 15 of the NOFO. Technology must be considered Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 8–9 (the highest two levels) as defined by DOE before construction begins. Applications that do not satisfy this requirement will be considered ineligible and removed from further evaluation. \n\nB) Please see the response to question #34.\n\nAnswer to #52 revised on 11/18/2024 to include the following information: \nThe Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ TCTACs) Program may be able to assist you in finding other funding opportunities. Regional TCTACs contact information/website is available here: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-thriving-communities-technical-assistance-centers."]
[53,"2024-11-04","Eligibility","My name is ##### do you know if individual farms can apply for this grant?","Please see the response to question #21. "]
[54,"2024-11-04","Eligibility","Do you consider proposals that would achieve TRL = 8 during execution of the program?  (e.g. the base technology is TRL 8+ but some work to do to achieve TRL = 8 for this specific application).","Please see the response to question #52 part A."]
[55,"2024-11-04","Eligibility","I wanted to reach out about a potential ##### project in a rural community in  #####. It appears based on my reading of the grant that for profit entities are eligible and that you are looking at projects that would have a communal benefit.  I am hoping to get a sense of whether a potential project fits the scope of this grant opportunity. The project under consideration would be located at a facility in an energy community and support the #####  goals to decarbonize.  The area has a few hundred residents so the facility is a major economic driver in the local economy and this project could further that positive economic impact.  The community would also benefit from the project through a decrease in pollutants caused by alternative energy production.  Additionally, the project could serve as an opportunity to educate the community on the benefits of renewable energy. Before we invest time and resources into the application process I wanted to ask, is this is a project that could broadly meet the goals of the grant program and would be eligible for consideration? However, I reached out because I have some confusion after reading the eligibility criteria for the grant. Since the preparation of a grant is costly and time-consuming could you tell me generally if a project like this would be eligible?  If it helps my concern is that since the project would not produce public energy it would not be eligible. So, would projects need to  produce public energy or just need to provide a communal benefit?","DOE will not make project eligibility determinations nor comment on project specifics for potential applications prior to the application deadline. Please also see the answer to question #3. \n\nWe appreciate applicants' time and effort preparing concept papers and full applications. "]
[56,"2024-11-04","Eligibility","I'm reaching out to determine the eligibility for a Public Port Authority as a unit of local government that is located in an unincorporated community that is not currently listed as a Census Designated Place or Census County Division. Does this affect their eligibility to apply? ","Please see the response to question #1."]
[57,"2024-11-04","Application Content/Format","I have submitted the concept paper for [the NOFO]. I want to submit the full proposal soon. How do I get the link to submit the documents for the full proposal?","DOE will review eligible concept papers and encourage a subset of applicants to submit applications and will discourage the other applicants from submitting an application. Applicants may submit an application even if they receive a notification discouraging them from doing so. Applicants will have approximately 100 days from DOE’s posting of the concept paper Encourage/Discourage notification on OCED eXCHANGE to apply. Please see Step 4. Selections, \"Award Notices\" on page 66 of the NOFO for more information on Concept Paper Notifications. \n"]
[58,"2024-11-05","Other","I am looking for the appropriate person to speak to regarding EV Charging Infrastructure grants. In line with the Federal government’s “Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program,” our goal is to prepare cities and rural areas to scale with the ever growing demand of EV charging technology. Would you be able to assist me in finding grants for this specific purpose?","Please see \"Applications Specifically NOT of Interest (page 19). Please also see the response to question #2. \n\nThe Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ TCTACs) Program may be able to assist you in finding other funding opportunities. Regional TCTACs contact information/website is available here: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-thriving-communities-technical-assistance-centers.\n"]
[59,"2024-11-06","Eligibility","My name is ######, the Director of Engineering at  ###### Electric Cooperative. I am interested in learned more about the FOA-3428 grant program, specifically the types of projects that would qualify.  As soon as I read the notice, I immediately thought about a distribution capacitor bank project that would significantly increase our system's energy efficiency by improving power factor and reducing losses in the electrical system. Cap banks provide reactive power to the electric grid, which essentially reduces the overall amount of power needed to be transmitted.  Lower power transmitted would improve energy efficiency. When you have a chance, please call me on my cell at  ######  I would love to hear more about the opportunity.","Please see the response to question #2. In addition to the NOFO, you can see the recorded informational webinar to learn more about this funding opportunity, see question #30 for links to video."]
[60,"2024-11-07","Eligibility","Would this be the most correct grant for applying for help for a very small rural church to get help replacing old windows? Thank you so much for your help","Please see the response to questions #3 and #58."]
[61,"2024-11-07","Teaming Partner List","Will the ERA FY25 NOFO have a teaming partners list or any other way to connect rural or remote communities/stakeholders with clean energy providers","This NOFO does not have a teaming partners list."]
[62,"2024-11-07","Eligibility","We are consulting with a municipal utility who is interested in pursuing this grant for a slate of grid resiliency initiatives. They are in a unique geographic situation, where they serve a community of 3,000 members but are located in a larger city of greater than 10,000 people (the remainder of the city is served by a larger utility). The intended projects would only serve the 3,000 end users. Given the above, would the municipal utility still be allowed to apply for this funding?","Please see the response to question #3."]
[63,"2024-11-07","Cost Sharing","Our proposal was selected and invited to submit the full application for DE-FOA-0003045 in 2023 but was unsuccessful in being awarded. We had hoped to pursue the 2025/2026 opportunity under DE-FOA-0003428 however have noted the 20-50% cost share requirement. Is DOE considering waiving the cost share requirement for this funding opportunity again? We are a small Alaska Village Corporation servicing a remote and rural community in McGrath, Alaska. The cost share requirement makes upgrading the antiquated pre-70’s/60’s electrical distribution lines prohibitive which are necessary to improve the redundancy, resiliency, efficiency and reliability and support future integration of renewable energy resources to meet the long-term needs of the community.","For the purposes of this funding opportunity, Indian Tribe is defined in the footnote on page 8. For all topic areas, Indian Tribe, state and local government, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit primary applicants are eligible for the lower cost share amount. Please also see Table 2 on page 15. If seeking reduced cost share, applicants should include documentation verifying status of the prime recipient as an eligible entity type."]
[64,"2024-11-07","Application Content/Format","The FOA states we are to avoid including personally-identifiable information (PII) such as the full names of project team members and their cell phone numbers. We are required to include resumes and an organizational chart in the full application. Does OCED want to see blacked-last names and cell numbers on the resumes and for the organizational chart, their first name and the first initial to their last name?","Resumes must be provided for all senior and key personnel, or similar document that describes their background and experience. A resume provides information that can be used by reviewers to evaluate the individual’s relevant skills and experience of the personnel. To the greatest extent possible, applicants should exclude other PII on resumes (see p. 56). By way of example, applicants must screen resumes to ensure that they do not contain PII such as personal addresses, personal landline/cell phone numbers, and personal emails. Under no circumstances should Social Security numbers (SSNs) be included in the application."]
[65,"2024-11-07","Other","The FOA indicates the award decisions will be made in 'Spring 2026.' Can you share what the expected project start date should be? ","Award start date varies per award. If an application is selected (in Spring 2026), the award start date will depend on the duration of the award negotiations. Please see the Award Notices section of the NOFO starting on page 66 as well as https://www.energy.gov/oced/award-negotiations for information on OCED's Award Negotiations."]
[66,"2024-11-08","Application Content/Format","The FOA for this funding opportunity states that applicants must request prior written approval to charge pre-award costs. When do we request the inclusion of pre-award costs: In the concept paper, or in the application if we are invited to apply?","Only applicants selected for award negotiations can request pre-award costs. See Pre-Award Costs section of the NOFO starting on page 23 through 24."]
[67,"2024-11-08","Eligibility","I represent a proven 15-year technology that is a portable micro grid and can assist with remote power situations. I am unclear as to whether we would qualify for the above mentioned grant. I was hoping you could clarify the possible opportunity.","Please see the response to question #55."]
[68,"2024-11-09","Eligibility","I was inquiring to know information on your funding opportunity you have up. I was inquiring to know if at all your application was at all intended for the process of building a solar farm. Would that apply to your funding opportunity status? Is that a possibility of a way of using your funding opportunity in the way it was meant to be? Please let me know if this process is at all adequate for your funding opportunity, I would like to know either way and if it does not apply to your funding opportunity then please give me a couple of examples of how you would like to funding to be spent in the manner you are more intending it to be?","Please see the response to question #3. "]
[69,"2024-11-13","Eligibility","A) if we were to install a battery storage system at substations as the first step in developing a microgrid, would we need to own that battery storage system, or could it be leased? B) Would we be able to submit a project as part of a group and submit a project on our own? If by some chance both got selected, would we have to choose only one to move forward with?\n\n","A) All expenditures in an applicant's budget must be allowable, allocable, and reasonable in accordance with the applicable Federal cost principles. Please see Step 1 \"Review\", Unallowable Costs on page 23. \n\nB) An applicant may submit more than one concept paper and application but each concept paper and application must be limited to a single, unique concept, and topic area (Step 2 Get Ready, \"Concept Paper\" on page 28). Applications should reflect the project proposed in the concept paper (Step 2 Get Ready, \"Application\" on page 31)."]
[70,"2024-11-13","Eligibility","The City is reviewing this grant opportunity as an option for our energy project. The City is an urban city with a population over 300,000; however, the location the project will be is in a small rural community that meets to 10,000 population. Would our project be eligible?","Please see the response to question #3."]
[71,"2024-11-13","Eligibility","I am searching for funding for our Local Detention Center for a new Hot Water Boiler System. Would this project be eligible to apply for this funding?","Please see the response to question #58."]
[72,"2024-11-14","Eligibility","Are non-energy expenditures eligible if they're related to energy and community resilience (e.g. building storage units for emergency supplies if the unit will also support solar panels, or installing walk-in coolers or freezers to hold food for distribution)?","Please see the response to question #2."]
[73,"2024-11-14","Eligibility","I’m reaching out on behalf of the ###, a 501c(3) non-profit owning and managing a 51-acre facility serving underserved youth in the area. We are exploring funding for Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas and are interested in aligning with OCED grants, specifically DE-FOA-0003428. We have several projects aligned with environmental sustainability including: \n1.\tInstallation of solar panel on roof of indoor field (14,400 sq ft)\n2.\tNew year-round outdoor turf field and lighting system (DLC) certified efficient lighting\n3.\tReplacement of our well and septic system with connections to Town's public utilities for potable water and wastewater removal. \nCould you provide guidance on aligning with the grant criteria? Your feedback would be greatly appreciated.","Please see the response to question #3. \n"]
[74,"2024-11-15","Eligibility","Hi there, I have a few questions about the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas grant opportunity. Our organization is a national nonprofit with an HQ. We have one UEI but several affiliates with their own unique nonprofit tax IDs. We also have a National Tribal program that currently operates from our HQ but will have its own affiliate status shortly as well.\n1. Can multiple affiliates of our org apply/be awarded under this opportunity?\n2. Can our HQ propose multiple projects on behalf of our affiliates/communities we work in across locations in a single application as an aggregator?\n3. If applying as an aggregator, must all proposed projects in a single application fall under one topic area and/or geography?\n4. Can any single entity submit and be considered for more than one concept paper (each for a different topic area)?\n","1.  Applicants must have an active account with SAM.gov. To register with SAM.gov, an applicant must be assigned a Unique Entity Identifier. Applicants must provide a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) in the application. \n2. Aggregators are welcomed (page 15), and proposed projects must meet Step 1 \"Eligibility\" (page 8), \"Technology and System Requirements\" (page 14),\"Topic Areas\" (page 15), and \"Applications Specifically NOT of Interest (page 19) described in DE-FOA-0003428. \n3. Yes, proposed projects in a single application must fall under one topic area, but can be located in multiple proposed locations.\n4. Yes, applicants can submit more than one concept paper but each concept paper must be limited to a single concept and topic area (Step 2 Get Ready, \"Concept Paper\" on page 28). "]
[75,"2024-11-15","Teaming Partner List","I am writing to follow up on a request to join the Teaming Partner List for the OCED Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas funding opportunity.  Information from the ##################.  Please advise if you received the submission or if there are any issues we need to address.  Thank you in advance for your guidance.","Please see the responses to questions #61 and #34.\n"]
[76,"2024-11-17","Eligibility","In the NOFO for this grant opportunity, eligible entities include : \"state and local government entities.\"  However, in Table 1, all of the Topic Areas include \"institutions of higher education.\"   Does this mean that \"state and local government entities\" include \"institutions of higher education\"? ############### College is a rural, ###############, in ###############, outside the city limits of ###########, New Mexico.  ##### is the only community college providing workforce training to about 50,000 residents in about 20,000 square miles in ########### New Mexico.  Besides our developed campus, there are a few residential homes and manufactured homes on our hilltop.. The exact total population of our hilltop is unknown, but it is obviously under 10,000.   Besides our developed campus, ##### owns about 100 acres of undeveloped land that could be used to build a microgrid to generate solar energy.  Also, ##### would like to create a demonstration site that would provide examples of a variety of clean energy (with energy cost monitoring) and a workforce training program for the building/installation of clean-energy products.  The state of New Mexico has a \"Matching Fund\" account for federal grant proposals. Some preliminary research has estimated the cost of this project would be about $10 million. Does this sound like a project that would qualify for this grant opportunity? \n","Please see the Applicant Eligibility Guidance on OCED's Apply for Funding Opportunities page (https://www.energy.gov/oced/apply-funding-opportunities#eligibility) for definitions and descriptions of entities. This Guidance indicates that State and Local Governmental Entities and Institutions of Higher Education are distinct entity types."]
[77,"2024-11-17","Other","I have been looking into building a biomass generator using dairy waist. And ethanol refinery using the permiate from the milk. Is there a federal funding program that might work for this project. I assume time is limited, is there a realistic time frame to get this done. I assume time is limited, is there a realistic time frame to get this done.","Please see the response to question #2."]
[78,"2024-11-19","Eligibility","#######, located in rural ####### and with a population of approximately 4,500, is a distinct village spanning the geographical and political boundaries of four municipalities: #########. Recognized as a unique and identifiable community, it became the focus of a law. This law established a customized planning process exclusively for the village. We would like to confirm if ###### meets the eligibility requirements for this grant program.","Please see the response to question #1."]
[79,"2024-11-19","Eligibility","We have a project located in ##### Iowa with a City population of under 11,000. The “Previous Eligibility Areas” on the USDA map shows the area is eligible, but since we are slightly over the 10,000 would that disqualify us? Can we get the population in a specific area rather than the whole city?","Please see the response to question #1."]
[80,"2024-11-19","Eligibility","We have been looking into putting solar on our pump stations and putting our waste treatment plant on solar is this something that would work for my city our current population is under 9,000 we are trying to ease the burden of the electric bill while the city is still growing we would like to keep costs down for our city. Any help would be greatly appreciated!  ","Please see the response to question #3."]
[81,"2024-11-19","Budget/Costs","My name is ###### and I am with the ##### Academic Effectiveness, Surveys & Data team. We are interested in pursuing the grant but it is not clear what amount will be given if rewarded. Could you inform us the amount range that will be given? Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you.","Please see Step 1, Table 1 \"Program Overview\" on page 7 of the NOFO for award amounts."]
[82,"2024-11-19","OCED Exchange","Could you please give me a call back at ###### regarding Funding on \"(ENERGY EFFICIENCY)\" from you all, I am available anytime today or all day on 11/2024. Thank You","Please see the response to question #34."]
[83,"2024-11-20","Budget/Costs","My name is ######  and I am a grant developer for the ###### Nation. I have a question regarding the concept paper for the Energy Improvements in Rural and Remote Areas funding opportunity. The concept paper requires applicants to list their total project cost. My question is whether applicants are tied to this figure upon full submission in August 2025? Are applicants able to list the maximum funding amount for the topic area they are pursuing on the concept paper for flexibility once the full application is submitted?","Applicants are encouraged to formulate a best estimate of the total project cost, proposed Federal funding amount, and cost share from applicant for the concept paper. OCED expects that the total project cost estimated in the concept paper may vary from the application due to refinement of the application budget. "]
[84,"2024-11-21","Cost Sharing","If a proposal has a university (institution of higher education) serving as the primary applicant for design and project management, but the project will be constructed and operated in a separate community <10,000 people which will be benefiting from the project, does the project quality for the 5% cost share? Or is it required that the prime applicant be located in the same community as the construction?","For all topic areas, Indian Tribes, state and local governments, institutions of higher education and nonprofit primary applicants are eligible for the lower cost share amount. (See Table 2 on page 15.) Please also see the response to question #3."]
[85,"2024-11-21","Eligibility","I was reading through the grant info for DE-FOA-0003428 and have a quick question.  We have an existing 69 kV line that is in desperate need of being rebuilt.  It was built in the 1940s and is in bad shape.  We want to rebuild it to 138 kV specs but operate it at 69 kV.  For Topic Area 1, would it allow us to build to 138 kV specs or does the grant limit this to 69 kV?  Our Cooperative is in a disadvantaged community and also an energy community.  This transmission line also serves tribal members.  The specific language that I am questioning is below. Sitting or upgrading less than 30 miles of subtansmission or distribution lines (<68kv)grid stability and resilience with substation improvements, or other electrical infrastructure improvements (hardware or software). ","Please see page 19 Applications Specifically NOT of Interest, item 1.  Large transmission projects (i.e., projects >69kV, or proposals of lines >30 miles). If you believe that using higher voltage and/or longer lines is crucial to the success of the project, you may justify why you are including those components in the application."]
[86,"2024-11-21","Application Content/Format","Following up [if] a  formatting clarification submitted 5 week ago regarding paragraph spacing.  In reviewing the NOFO for the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas I noticed that the formatting requirements in Section 2: Get Ready to Apply does not specify paragraph spacing (single or double spaced).  Could you please clarify the spacing requirements for the Concept Paper(s) and potential application(s).","The NOFO does not include a requirement for paragraph spacing and it is up to the applicant to determine the appropriate spacing."]
[87,"2024-11-24","Eligibility","We would like to apply for this grant. #### is the leading maker of pedal generators which are ideal for remote and rural areas. We would like to use it to develop a larger pedal generator than we currently offer. Customer like our pedal generators and ask for larger versions. The larger the generator the more capable it is and the more it can do. Unfortunately the larger the generator the more it costs to develop and this project is beyond our current means as we are a very small company. We are uniquely suited to do this given our previous experience in making pedal generators. Please let me know how we would apply.","Please see responses to question #58 and #59."]
[88,"2024-11-25","Eligibility","I would kindly like to please ask you if nuclear technologies could participate in this call? Thank you very much in advance. XXXXXX we are focused on accelerating the deployment of SMRs & Micro-reactors through a Transportable Nuclear Power Plant (TNPP) approach. In this line, to extend the benefits of sustainable nuclear energy (clean, affordable and reliable) to remote locations. We are the North American TNPP experts. Thank you very much for your valuable time and most kind attention. ","Please see response to question #3."]
[89,"2024-11-26","Application Content/Format","Good morning,  I’ve found a template for a concept paper from the PVRD program.  It’s a Word doc and pretty generic.  Is there a specific template for the ERA program?  Or an example you might share? ","The ERA does not have a specific template for the Concept Paper, outside what is stated in the \"Example Cover Page for Concept Paper\" (p. 47-48) and the document requirements (p. 26-31)."]
[90,"2024-11-26","Eligibility","##### is partnering with the ##### Department of Water and Power (##DWP) to develop solar power projects on ##DWP property in ##### County, California. The initiative aims to install photovoltaic panels on tall steel structures that provide shade for cattle grazing, improving animal health and economic outcomes for ranchers facing extreme heat. The generated renewable energy will be sold to ##DWP, with 40% of the revenue allocated for cash rebates to residents to help offset electricity costs. This collaboration addresses the ##DWP's challenges in equitably distributing economic benefits to the community, resolving land use conflicts, reducing transmission costs, and supporting the Justice40 initiative by reinvesting some revenue into the community. We have the following questions:\n1. How many times can our organization apply for DE-FOA-0003428? Can we apply more than once to different topic areas?  \n2. How is a subrecipient defined?  \n3. What are the eligibility criteria for a cost share reduction? If we qualify, how do we apply for it? \n4. Does the 5% or 20% co-sharing be an in-kind contribution? Will land cost or labor be considered co-sharing contributions?\n5. We missed the October 8 webinar. Will it be possible to get the slides from the presentation? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLWFGCkrNvY\n","1. Please see response to question #74. \n\n2. A subrecipient is defined as \"... An entity that receives a subaward from a pass-through entity to carry out part of a Federal award. The term subrecipient does not include a beneficiary or participant. A subrecipient may also be a recipient of other Federal awards directly from a Federal agency,\" per 2 CFR 200.1. See also information on subrecipient determinations in 2 CFR 200.331. \n\n3. Cost share requirements can vary by topic area and type of applicant, and are found on pages 7, 10, and 15 in the NOFO . \n\n4. Please see Step 1 Cost sharing (page 10) as well as the guidance at https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2024-12/OCED%20Cost%20Sharing%20Guidance_1232024.pdf for more information. \n\n5. Please see the response to question #30. "]
[91,"2024-12-02","Application Content/Format","My name is ##### and I saw you contact information on #####. I was wondering if there are any application procedures as the usually red apply button is greyed out. If you can let me know at your earliest convenience that would be great.","Please see page 26, under \"Get Ready to Apply\" for instructions on application procedures. Please also see the response to question #11."]
[92,"2024-12-03","Application Content/Format","I was wondering if the concept paper has any additional forms that need to be submitted with it. I didn't see anything specifically stated","Please see Step 2 Get Ready, \"Concept Paper\" for instructions on page 28 of the NOFO."]
[93,"2024-12-03","Application Content/Format","Our cooperative is planning to submit an application, and we would like to confirm whether we are restricted to submitting only one application as an entity, or if it would be possible to submit two separate applications for different topic areas.","Applicants can submit more than one concept paper but each concept paper must be limited to a single concept and topic area (Step 2 Get Ready, \"Concept Paper\" on page 28). Please also see the responses to questions #69 and #74. "]
[94,"2024-12-06","Cost Sharing","I read through the NOFO and noted that Tribes are eligible for the reduced cost share amount relative to the topic area. Can you clarify whether the paperwork for the reduction in the cost share is required for the concept paper or just for the full application? Additionally, I understand that in the concept paper, the Tribe must lay out the cost share as part of the business plan. Should the Tribe write the business case with the cost share reduction rate? Are the reduced rates posted in the NOFO the lowest the rates will go? For example, if a Tribe wanted to submit a concept paper/application for Topic Area 2, could the cost share rate be reduced to less than 20%? ","Please see Step 2 Get Ready, \"Concept Paper\" for instructions on page 28 of the NOFO. Additional paperwork to support the application will be required for the application phase, not for the concept paper. For all topic areas, Indian Tribes, state and local governments, institutions of higher education and nonprofit primary applicants are eligible for the lower cost share amount. (See footnote 25 Table 2 on page 15). Please also see the response to question #3. The applicant should submit a concept paper business case using the cost share amount that the applicant intends to use in the application. OCED will not make a determination of cost share reduction eligibility prior to application. The cost share amounts will not be reduced further from those stated in the NOFO."]
[95,"2024-12-06","Eligibility","I am a small business real estate developer who had designed a small mixed use micro gird project in the small Town ##### where we are collaborating as a partner developer with owners of land in the ##### in replicating the planned microgrid in ##### but at a much larger size microgrid. The location in ##### County Colorado is over 600 acres (Mixed Use) and is fully entitled as well as an Opportunity Zone. Would it be possible to still submit an application under this FOA to offer assistance this our planned microgrids at both locations?","Please see the responses to questions #3 and #58."]
[96,"2024-12-06","Eligibility","If a single organization submits two concept papers (under two different Topic Areas), can they: 1. Both be advanced to the application phase? 2. Both be awarded?","Yes, please see the response to question #74."]
[97,"2024-12-11","Other","Is it possible to review previous successful proposals or projects that received funding?","Information on selected and awarded projects can be found here: https://www.energy.gov/oced/era. "]
[98,"2024-12-11","Other","With the upcoming administration transition in January 2025, we are seeking clarification on whether future planned opportunities might be at risk of cancellation.  I have enquired separately regarding DE-FOA-0003428: Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas, but am hoping you can provide me some additional insight regarding future planned (and not necessarily announced or open) activities, as the ERA portfolio has received over $1 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. ","Please see the response to question #102."]
[99,"2024-12-11","Eligibility","I work for a tribal consortium in Alaska and we are preparing a concept paper for the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas program (DE-FOA-0003428; 81.255). I have a question about Topic Area 1: Open Category  Our project would serve 2 small neighboring Alaska Native villages are currently only on single phase power. Because of this – and given that the villages experience extreme weather and have really old infrastructure – both communities suffer frequent power outages and power instability.  Our goal is to upgrade the villages’ electrical grid to 3-phase power.  Would replacing Phase 1 lines with Phase 3 qualify as a TA1 project?  We’re looking at project examples on Page 16 of the Nofo and want to make sure replacing Phase 1 lines with Phase 3 count as “siting or upgrading… or other electrical infrastructure improvements”(Nofo page 16)\nProject examples:\n• Siting or upgrading less than 30 miles of subtransmission or distribution lines (<69kV), grid stability and resilience with substation improvements, or other electrical infrastructure improvements (hardware or software). \n• Upgrades to distribution systems to reduce outages and improve resilience. \n","Please see responses to questions #2 and #3. Review Example Projects on page 16 of the NOFO."]
[100,"2024-12-11","Other","With the upcoming administration transition in January 2025, we are seeking clarification on whether DE-FOA-0003428: Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas might be at risk of cancellation. Considering the timeline outlined below and the likelihood of award negotiations and contracting extending into Q3 2026, we want to ensure that our efforts on the Concept Paper submission will remain relevant and impactful:\n•\tConcept Paper Submission Deadline: February 27, 2025, 5:00 PM ET\n•\tFull Application Submission Deadline: August 28, 2025, 5:00 PM ET\n•\tAnticipated Selection: Spring 2026\n","At this time, the key dates in the NOFO (Step 1 Review, \"Basic Information\" on page 5) are still applicable. To be notified of future news alerts from the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, please sign up here: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOEOCED/subscriber/new. "]
[101,"2024-12-11","Eligibility","For the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas grant program, are projects limited to only construction-ready projects? Any information that you could provide would be greatly appreciated.","Projects are not limited to only construction-ready projects. Please see Expected Award Project Period in Step 1 \"Basic Information\" on page 5 and the response to question #2."]
[102,"2024-12-12","Eligibility","My proposed project deals with the burgeoning area of Agrivoltaics, which is a combination of renewables and farming.  Is DE-FOA-0003428 Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas part of the REAP program or is it something different?","This is a separate program and distinct NOFO. "]
[103,"2024-12-12","Cost Sharing","##### is interested in applying for the DE-FOA-0003428 topic area 2: Dual Use and Co-Location. We are seeking clarification regarding the possibility of including the project's operations and management (O&M) costs as part of our cost-sharing.","Please see Step 1 Cost sharing (page 10) as well as the cost sharing guidance at https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2024-12/OCED%20Cost%20Sharing%20Guidance_1232024.pdf for more information."]
[104,"2024-12-12","Eligibility","I am a small business real estate developer who had designed a small mixed use micro gird project in ############ Colorado (######). We are collaborating as a partner developer with owners of land ############ (pop. 6,815) in replicating the planned microgrid in ######, CO but at a much larger size microgrid. The location in ###### County Colorado is over 600 acres (Mixed Use) and is fully entitled development site as well as an Opportunity Zone. Would it be possible to submit an application under this FOA for consideration for assistance for these planned microgrids at both locations? The plan is to complete the ###### Colorado Microgrid demonstration (climate zone 5B) in 2025’ and this mixed use design would then be used as a baseline for replication in the more extreme climate zone 7 in ###### Colorado.","Please see the response to question #3."]
[105,"2024-12-15","Eligibility","If a project will benefit several rural communities with populations under 10,000 but also one community with a population of 11,000, does that non-rural community's inclusion in the project make the project ineligible for this funding?  The disadvantaged communities are within the under 10,000 population communities. ","Please see the response to question #3."]
[106,"2024-12-13","Teaming Partner List","Hi, I’m the CEO ######, a clean energy-as-a-service provider.  We deliver energy storage and solar for nothing upfront to commercial, industrial, and community customers. I was wondering if you had any recommendations for resources where we can find rural communities that are interested in clean energy projects or enhanced energy resilience? We typically work with property owners and operators, so don’t yet have direct leads. Our model scales easily to microgrids for small communities like the ones serviced by this solicitation which is why we’re excited to pull together a bid.","Please see the response to question #61.  Also, the Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ TCTACs) Program may be able to assist you in finding interested partners in your region. Regional TCTACs contact information/website is available here: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-thriving-communities-technical-assistance-centers."]
[107,"2024-12-17","Application Content/Format","We recognize it is very late in the year. Because of that, we want to have the following draft request considered under DE-FOA-0003428. We will review all submittal details over the coming days to ensure compliance to submittal details. Any further guidance would be greatly appreciated.","Applicants must register with and submit application materials including concept papers through OCED eXCHANGE at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov.  Materials submitted via email will not be reviewed, and DOE will not comment on project specifics until after the application deadline. Please also see Step 3 \"Submit\" (page 52) for submission requirements and deadlines.  Also see the response to question #11."]
[108,"2024-12-17","Eligibility","I [have] a tiny home but I am struggling to get utilities!  The electric company wants $8,000.00 Just to run lines to my house, and the average well is $10,000.00. I need help getting those things hooked up, and then I will be completely self sufficient.\nCan you advise me on what organization might be able to help me with that?\n","The following types of entities are eligible to apply for this funding—either as a recipient or subrecipient: Indian Tribes, state and local governmental entities, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, Tribal organizations, rural electric cooperatives, farming associations and cooperatives, labor unions, institutions of higher education, incorporated consortia, and unincorporated consortia. \n\nThe Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ TCTACs) Program may be able to assist you in finding other funding opportunities. Regional TCTACs contact information/website is available here: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-thriving-communities-technical-assistance-centers."]
[109,"2024-12-17","Eligibility","1) Can disaster response and/or resilience planning be written into the grant application as part of the community benefits piece? \n2) Can mobile communications technologies be included? ","Please see Step 1 \"Eligibility\" (page 8), \"Technology and System Requirements\" (page 14),\"Topic Areas\" (page 15), and \"Community Benefits Plan\" (page 38).  This link to Community Benefits Plan FAQs (https://www.energy.gov/infrastructure/community-benefits-plan-faqs) includes a guide to DOE evaluation of community benefits plan costs. "]
[110,"2024-12-17","Eligibility","As Regional Business Manager for Renewable Energy in West Africa, I would like to get your availability for a call in order to:  \n1.\tDiscuss further goals and achievement of our company,\n2.\tKnow opportunities in West Africa or in Africa in General falling under your program. \nBy the way, you could also guide me or share with me necessary links/sites where I could go through.  \n","Proposed projects must be built within the United States, inclusive of islands and territories, and meet Step 1 \"Eligibility\" (page 8), \"Technology and System Requirements\" (page 14),\"Topic Areas\" (page 15), and \"Community Benefits Plan\" (page 38). "]
[111,"2024-12-18","Other","I have few questions in the criteria. Please give me a call back at ######.","Please see the response to question #34."]
[112,"2024-12-18","Eligibility","I am a Grant Analyst with ######, we had a couple questions regarding the Energy Improvements in Rural Communities grant program:\n1.\tAre there any other criteria besides the population lower than 10,000 people that deem a community rural? For example, a radius or city limit.\n2.\tWill there be a webinar on this program?\n3.\tDo you have a partners list for this opportunity?\n4.\tHow do you define a community-serving building?","1. Please see the response to question #1. \n2. Please see the response to question #30.\n3. Please see the response to question #61.\n4. An example of a community-serving building can be found on page 19 of the NOFO.\n"]
[113,"2024-12-19","Budget/Costs","We are an awardee of the RUS PACE loan program for a solar and battery storage project and have interconnect costs that may be eligible under one of the topics areas. We are preparing to submit a concept paper for this program and would like to know if interconnect costs derived from our RUS loan project is an allowable cost under the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas program. I do not see any provisions in the FOA that disallows this.","Please see \"Technology and System Requirements\" (page 14) and \"Potentially Duplicative Federal Funding\" (page 46).\n\nApplicants may not leverage Federal financing, such as DOE Loan Guarantees, to provide the required cost share or to otherwise support the same scope that is proposed under the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas program."]
[114,"2024-12-20","Other","My name is  ######.  I was the P.I. on a recently submitted EPA 2024 NOFO, specifically the Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant Program (EPA-R-OBJECT-PCS-23-04). A scaled-back version of our proposed sustainable power generation project, submitted for this EPA NOFO, could be developed to meet the specified requirements of the attached DE FOA.  However, I have two questions related to the attached FOA. First, is this an extension of the 2024 opportunity, and are the 2025 deadline dates indicated on the attached OCED announcement correct? Secondly,  ######, would you be our direct point of contact for evaluating the applicability of our power generation project for this DE FOA?","This is a new NOFO, not an extension, and all dates as published are correct. Points of contact will be provided to applicants selected for funding. Please also see the response to question #13."]
[115,"2024-12-24","Tech Topics","On page 19, Applications Specifically NOT of Interest, #2 says that single campus projects that serve only the regular operation of that facility (e.g. solar on individual hospitals or schools).  Would single campus projects that include battery and microgrid controllers which would increase their resilience due to enhanced operations during recovery be outside of that example?","Please see the response to question #2.  "]
[116,"2024-12-26","Tech Topics","We are applying for the DE-FOA-0003428: Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) grant. We are considering partnering with our smaller counties and/or one of our Federally recognized Tribes in Nevada. \n1.\tWould it be possible to submit two separate applications with one partnered with a county and the other partnered with a local tribe?\n2.\tOne of the project proposals from the tribe would be to upgrade the tribe members’ home with circuit breaker replacements, rewiring and home weatherization. This project would be combined with installing of a community renewable energy system (eg. Geothermal). Would this be an acceptable project proposal?\n3.\tIf so, during the project, tribe members will need to be temporary housed in mobile homes while their homes are being worked on. Would this be an allowable cost?","1.  Yes, applicants can submit more than one concept paper but each concept paper must be limited to a single concept and topic area (Step 2 Get Ready, \"Concept Paper\" on page 28). \n2-3.  Please see the response to question #2.\n\n"]
[117,"2024-12-26","Application Content/Format","Is this grant still valid and open? DE-FOA-0003428,Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas – Fiscal Year 2025 Release Department of Energy","Please see Step 1 \"Basic Information\" and \"Key Dates\" (page 5)."]
[118,"2024-12-26","Other","I am looking at the details of this grant and it would be great funding source for our church to go after a solar system. Wonder if you can give me a call back at ######.","Please see the response to question #34."]
[119,"2024-12-27","Other","Good morning, I have two communities, both populations under 10,000 looking to submit a concept paper for a reliability project that would upgrade the transmission capabilities of both towns. My question is can they submit a joint application or should just one municipality submit an application as the project owner? Most of the work would be done in one community. The other town’s distribution is fed from the other. The project would benefit both towns by upgrading their transmission lines to allow for increased electrification, reliability, cost savings, and put a system in place to allow for battery projects. ","Applicants must designate a primary recipient. Please see the Applicant Eligibility Guidance on OCED's Apply for Funding Opportunities page (https://www.energy.gov/oced/apply-funding-opportunities#eligibility) for definitions and descriptions of entities. Applicants must have an active account with SAM.gov. To register with SAM.gov, an applicant must be assigned a Unique Entity Identifier. Applicants must provide a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) in the application."]
[120,"2024-12-23","Other","I have important projects for USA for which we are looking for a partner and funds for demo plants. •\tDFSP, solutions for Rivers to limit floods and drought (no more wasting fresh water in Ocean), attached “DFSP Morocco” to see how works.\no\tRivers are the responsible of both problems: Floods and Drought. With several Effluents and artificial water basin for each River we will solve these problems and all will be at zero impact on States financial balance\no\tZero impact on finance balance is got by FPV energy production sell to Energy Communities close to water basins. The tariff will include all cost components (LCOE, Infrastructures invest., interest, maintenance)\n\n•\tESFPV, Floating PV with lower LCOE by solar, no visual impact, no problems with strong winds max water saving.\nI’m ready to bring my innovations in USA under request and interest in my proposals.\nKeen to collaborate with your organizations,\n","Please see the response to question #106. "]
[121,"2024-12-30","Eligibility","My name Is #####  and I am the Grant Writer/ Funding Coordinator for ##### located in #####, Utah.  I am trying to determine the actual funding side of things that were not specific inside the parameters of the Funding description. ##### is a geothermal Hydroponic agrivoltaic project start up. #####, though, for all intensive purposes is in its infancy stages, is already under construction and is producing product but has not finished the final necessary geothermal replacement and upgrades to the existing facility. We are working diligently on ways to procure funding to purchase and replace geothermal pipes and solar panels to integrate the solar portion of the project to further lessen the carbon footprint of the energy usage and environmental impact out facility has on the surrounding small rural community and of employment and educational opportunities by partnering with the neighboring university. \n\nWe are also looking at funding opportunities to help build out the farm housing that will be necessary to provide for the farm labor that will be critical to support this energy efficient venture which may or may not fall under the allowable expense for this funding opportunity.\n\nThis is a for profit venture and we are trying to determine the \"matched\" funds scope of this for the company.  In the general description, as I am understanding it, there is the possibility for a seven year project duration.  Do we need to prove matched funds up front for the projected 7 year build out? Or does this have a yearly review in which at that time we prove the matched funds for the next phase of the project? Also, once approved, how quickly do the recipients receive said funds?  \n\nI also had a question about the Pre Award Costs.  I did read that the request for approval of pre award costs aren't considered until applicants receive notification of selection for award negotiations, at what point in the process prior to funding does that happen?\n\nThank you so much for your time, I am very excited to look at this opportunity further for ##### and hope that with the concept paper deadline coming up very soon, that your response would be timely. \n","Please see the response to question #3. \n\nFor the question about \"matched\" funds, please see \"Letters of Commitment\" on page 44 of the NOFO; Term 15 of the Cooperative Agreement Standard Terms and Conditions located at this link: https://www.energy.gov/oced/award-negotiations#tac; and \"Expected award and project management structure\" starting on page 20 of the NOFO. \n\nFor the question about Pre Award Costs, please see Step 1 \"Pre-Award Costs\" (pages 23 and 24). Pre-award costs cannot be incurred prior to applications receiving notification of selection for award negotiations.\n\nPlease also see the Invoice Review and Approval Requirements (page 25) of the Notice of Funding Opportunity Supplemental Requirements at https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/NOFO%20Supplemental%20Requirements_09042024.pdf for more information on post-award requirements. "]
[{"$f":"IF(B124=\"\",\"\",A123+1)","v":122},"2024-12-30","Budget/Costs","Good morning, I have a question on the Energy Improvement Grant.  Can a renovation be included when providing energy upgrades to a building?","Please see the response to question #2."]
[123,"2024-12-28","Eligibility","Good morning, I have two communities, both populations under 10,000 looking to submit a concept paper for a reliability project that would upgrade the transmission capabilities of both towns. My question is can they submit a joint application, or should just one municipality submit an application as the project owner? Most of the work would be done in one community. The other town’s distribution is fed from the other. The project would benefit both towns by upgrading their transmission lines to allow for increased electrification, reliability, cost savings, and put a system in place to allow for battery projects. \n\nIf they submit a joint application the combined populations of both towns would be over 10,000. Individually both town’s populations are below 10,000 residents","Please see responses to questions #15 and #119.\n\nApplicants must identify at least one area in the United States (including U.S. territories) with a population of not more than 10,000 (using the 2020 Census Bureau figures) that will benefit from the proposal, but may identify more.  All areas identified as directly benefitting from the proposed project must meet the definition of rural or remote area."]
[124,"2024-12-31","Eligibility","Question - Looking at the details of what can be applied for through this grant - would submitting the purchase and installation of a Tesla Supercharging Station that is open to the public be qualified for our small rural community?  The ######, Mississippi has about 2300 population.","Please see the responses to questions #2 and #58."]
[125,"2024-12-31","Eligibility","Is this call open to individual applicants?","The following types of entities are eligible to apply for this funding—either as a recipient or subrecipient: Indian Tribes, state and local governmental entities, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, Tribal organizations, rural electric cooperatives, farming associations and cooperatives, labor unions, institutions of higher education, incorporated consortia, and unincorporated consortia. Please also see the response to question #21."]