Amendment 002 Innovative Manufacturing Initiative

8/3/2019 Amendment 002 Innovative Manufacturing Initiative

1/46


2/46

Department of EnergyGolden Field Office

1617 Cole Boulevard

Golden, Colorado 80401-3393

DE-FOA-0000560

Amendment No. 002

DATE: July 19, 2011

FROM: Tina Kouch, Contracting Officer

TO: All Prospective Applicants

SUBJECT: Amendment No. 002 to Announcement DE-FOA-0000560, Innovative Manufacturing

Initiative

I. The purpose of this amendment is to make the following changes:

Extend the Letter of Intent due date from August 1, 2011 to September 1, 2011; and

Extend the Application due date from August 25, 2011 to October 5, 2011

II. All other parts of the FOA remain unchanged.

III. The areas which have changed are highlighted in turqouise within the Funding OpportunityAnnouncement.

2


3/46

Department of Energy

Golden Field Office

1617 Cole Boulevard

Golden, Colorado 80401-3393

DE-FOA-0000560

Amendment No. 001

DATE: June 30, 2011

FROM: Tina Kouch, Contracting Officer

TO: All Prospective Applicants

SUBJECT: Amendment No. 001 to Announcement DE-FOA-0000560, Innovative ManufacturingInitiative

II. The purpose of this amendment is to make the following change:

a. Update Section III.A., Eligible Applicants, to allow entities not meeting the eligibility

criteria as subrecipients to an eligible applicant provided that, in aggregate, not more than20% of the total estimated DOE funding is provided to entities that do not meet theeligibility criteria.

II. All other parts of the FOA remain unchanged.

III. The areas which have changed are highlighted in yellow within the Funding OpportunityAnnouncement.

3


4/46

REGISTRATION AND APPLICATION SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

There are several one-time actions the applicant should complete before submitting an Application in

response to this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). The applicant should: Register through the EERE eXCHANGE at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/

Obtain a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number athttp://fedgov.dnb.com/webform

Register with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR) at https://www.ccr.gov/

Register in FedConnect at https://www.fedconnect.net/; use Register as a Vendor link. Tocreate an organization account, your organizations CCR MPIN is required

Beside the eXCHANGE registration system, which does not have a delay, these registrationrequirements could take several weeks to process and are necessary in order for a potential

applicant to receive an award under this announcement. Therefore, although not required in order tosubmit an Application through the EERE eXCHANGE site, all potential applicants lacking a DUNS

number, or not yet registered with CCR or FedConnect should complete those registrations as soonas possible.

EERE Web-Based Submission Information

All Application submissions are to be made via the EERE eXCHANGE at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/.To gain access to the EERE eXCHANGE, the applicant must first register andcreate an account on the main EERE eXCHANGE site. This account will then allow the user to registerfor any open EERE FOAs that are currently in eXCHANGE. It is recommended that each organization orbusiness unit, whether acting as a team or a single entity, utilize one account as the appropriate contactinformation for each submission.

The applicant will receive an automated response when the Letter of Intent or Full Application is

received; this will serve as a confirmation of EERE receipt please do not reply to the automatedresponse. The applicant will have the opportunity to re-submit a revised Letter of Intent or FullApplication for any reason so as long as the relevant submission is submitted by the specified deadline. AUser Guide for the EERE eXCHANGE can be found on the EERE websitehttps://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspxafter logging in to the system.

To receive notices via email regarding an announcement, such as modifications to the announcement orthe posting of new questions and answers, applicants must first register for the FOA by initiating asubmission to that FOA.

Any other questions that arise during the application process should be sent to [email protected].

Questions related to the Funding Opportunity Announcement should be submitted [email protected], and should be submitted not later than 3 calendar days prior to the full applicationdue date. Questions submitted after that date may not allow the Government sufficient time to respond.Answers to questions will be posted on the Exchange website under this FOA. Applicants are encouragedto review the posted questions and answers daily.

4
http://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangehttp://fedgov.dnb.com/webformhttps://www.ccr.gov/http://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangehttp://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangehttps://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx%20https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx%20https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx%20https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx%20mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://opt/scribd/conversion/tmp/scratch6421/[email protected]://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangehttp://fedgov.dnb.com/webformhttps://www.ccr.gov/http://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangehttp://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangehttps://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx%20https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx%20mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://opt/scribd/conversion/tmp/scratch6421/[email protected]


5/46


6/46

SECTION I FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

Purpose

The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), DE-FOA-0000560 InnovativeManufacturing Initiative, is to solicit Applications for funding cost-shared research and development oftransformational manufacturing processes and materials technologies to advance the clean energyeconomy by increasing industrial and manufacturing energy efficiency, deliver the breakthroughs that theNation needs to significantly reduce energy and carbon intensity throughout the economy over thecoming decades, and revitalize existing manufacturing industries and support the development of newproducts in emerging industries.

This FOA seeks Applications to select and fund research and development (R&D) projects beginning asearly as Technology Readiness Level 2 (Applied Research) with efforts up through TechnologyReadiness Level 6 (Prototype) to advance the engineering and development of transformationalmanufacturing process and materials technologies that significantly improve the competitive position of

U.S. industry. The Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) are described further under Background.A variety of organizational models can be accommodated (e.g., consortia, individual organizations, etc.).However, teaming and industrial collaboration are strongly recommended.

Background

U. S. industry consumes approximately 30 quadrillion Btu (quads) of energy per year1, which is almostone third of all energy used in the United States. Much of this energy is expended through direct thermalprocesses. Solutions that increase energy productivity (output per unit of energy used) within industry areneeded to ensure that U.S. producers lead the world in modern production technologies. Newmanufacturing technologies and materials can help reinvigorate existing manufacturing industries while

supporting the growth and development of clean energy technologies and new industries in the UnitedStates. These advances typically involve high-risk, high-return R&D such as entirely new processingroutes that require much less energy than current processes.

It is essential that U.S. industry be prepared to meet its manufacturing challenges by advancing solutionsto achieve significant reduction in energy consumption while also creating value and enhancingcompetitiveness. This will require a dedication to innovation and the development of transformationalmanufacturing processes, technologies and materials to create the next generation of U.S. industrialsuccess.

The mission of DOEs Industrial Technology Program (ITP) is to advance manufacturing science andtechnology to enable rapid, low-cost, energy-efficient manufacturing. ITPs strategy draws on the diversestrengths of industry, academia, and the national laboratories to form collaborative teams focused onincreasing energy productivity and reducing carbon emissions in the nations industrial sector. Thesecollaborative teams share the costs and risks of research while solving the technological challenges oftoday and the future.

To this end, ITP is releasing this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) that seeks to developtransformational manufacturing and materials technologies to provide pathways that enable a doubling ofenergy productivity in U.S. industry. This may include innovative manufacturing and novel materialsconcepts that address manufacturing energy productivity.

1http://www.eia.gov/totalenergy/data/monthly/pdf/sec2_3.pdf

6


7/46

In this FOA, innovative manufacturing technologies are broadly defined as new manufacturing processes,technologies, and materials that drastically reduce energy use in manufacturing without sacrificingproduct quality, production throughput, or system economics. The projects solicited by this FOA are notlimited to a specific manufacturing process, technology or sector as long as they seek to address pathways

for doubling the energy productivity (output per unit of energy used), helping to revitalize existingmanufacturing industries and support the development of new products in emerging industries.

ITP uses a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) approach to manage the progress of a project and guidedisciplined decision-making throughout the course of research, development and commercialization. Itcategorizes the progression of a project from concept to commercialization in nine levels:

TRL 1 Basic Research,

TRL 2 Applied Research,

TRL 3 Critical Function or Proof of Concept Established,

TRL 4 Laboratory Testing/Validation of Component(s)/ Process(es),

TRL 5 Laboratory Testing of Integrated/Semi-Integrated System,

TRL 6 Prototype System Verified,

TRL 7 Integrated Pilot System Demonstrated, TRL 8 System Incorporated in Commercial Design, and

TRL 9 System Proven and Ready for Full Commercial Deployment.

This FOA will fund projects at TRL 2 through 6, as defined below. There is no predetermined goal ofselecting a certain number of projects based on TRL level.

TRL 2 Applied Research: Initial practical applications are identified. Potentialof material or process to satisfy a technology need is confirmed.

TRL 3 Critical Function or Proof of Concept Established: Applied researchcontinues and early stage development begins. Studies and initiallaboratory measurements to validate analytical predictions of separateelements of the technology.

TRL 4 Laboratory Testing/Validation of Component(s)/Process(es): Design,development and lab testing of component(s)/process(es). Resultsprovide evidence that performance targets may be attainable based onprojected or modeled systems.

TRL 5 Laboratory Testing of Integrated/Semi-Integrated System:Validation of integrated/semi-integrated system on laboratory scale

TRL 6 Prototype System Verified: System/subsystem model or prototypedemonstration in a relevant environment.

The Applications should indicate how the technology will eventually transition into commercial markets.The Applications should identify the technical barriers and critical R&D paths for developing acommercial application or product that addresses a significant market opportunity. The research willtranslate end-user needs into technical specifications and clearly define the technologys market and

7


8/46

technical risks as well as its energy, environmental, and economic advantages. These findings are neededto support a solid, credible justification for moving the technology forward. The results of the projectmust illustrate a path forward to introduce the new technology into the marketplace.

A Final Technical Report detailing the project findings and the path forward must be submitted by theRecipient as a Project Deliverable. The Principal Investigator (PI) will be asked to attend and presentproject results at periodic portfolio/project review meetings.

DOE expects that the results of the project will be published and made available to the public.

Technical Topic Areas of Interest

This FOA seeks Applications for research and development of transformational technologies that offersolutions to core technical problems facing an industry or group of industries, that, if solved hold thepotential to produce large improvements in energy productivity, environmental performance, productyield, and economic benefits.

In this FOA, transformational technologies are broadly defined as manufacturing processes, technologies,

and materials that offer a dramatic departure from current practice and demonstrate the potential forsubstantial cost, time, energy and environmental benefits over the incumbent technology. The emphasisis on new processes and materials that are revolutionary and can be commercialized within the next fiveto seven years.

Specific technical topics and subtopics of interest are discussed below.

Topic Area 1: Innovative Manufacturing Processes

New manufacturing technologies are needed to enable companies to rapidly produce the energy-efficient,competitively priced, high-quality products that will rejuvenate U.S. manufacturing. Innovativemanufacturing concepts will provide critical energy and environmental improvements to increase thecompetitiveness of U.S. manufacturing industries. Achieving low-temperature, energy-efficientprocessing will require the reduction and/or integration of process steps, development of alternative low-temperature pathways, and development of entirely new processes and unit operations. New processesalso provide the opportunity for the development of novel materials, with unique properties that enhancethe performance of existing technologies and/or create entirely new markets.

Applications are invited for new manufacturing processes and materials, as well as for in-situ monitoringand process controls technologies for multi-component systems (e.g., in-line systems for assuringinfiltration of a battery porous plate by the electrolyte). These innovative manufacturing concepts shouldseek to provide pathways to double the net energy productivity of U.S. manufacturing and enable theassociated carbon reductions through the implementation of transformational manufacturing processes,technologies, or materials. Examples of these concepts include but are not limited to additive/subtractivemanufacturing for net-shape processing; innovative bioprocessing techniques that mimic the low-

emission, low-temperature fabrication methods of living systems; non-thermal-based chemical conversionprocesses; nano-scale manufacturing and processing; out-of-the autoclave composite assemblymanufacturing processes; manufacturing of ceramic- and carbon-matrix composites for gas turbine andother high temperature applications; for multi-ferric core systems for electromagnetic systems (e.g., forhigh efficiency electric motors operating over a wide range of speeds/loads); and concepts employingadaptive decision-making for smart processes using advanced sensors & controls. The proposed projectswill focus on specific technologies that offer the potential for major energy, carbon, and economicbenefits.

8


9/46

Activities under innovative manufacturing processes must address technology areas that are expected togenerate large reductions to energy intensity in specific industries. This FOA seeks proposals thattransform the way major manufacturing processes use energy by significantly increasing the energyproductivity for the most energy intensive processes, while reducing manufacturing time and costs.

The four technology areas (subtopics of interest) that are expected to generate large energy benefits acrossa variety of industries under Innovative Manufacturing Processes are:

1A. Reactions and Separations: New technologies with improved energy efficiency andprocess intensification capabilities that yield dramatic energy and cost savings applicable to a widerange of industries such as oil refining, food processing and chemical production. Examples includeseparation processes that rely on high-performance membranes and catalysts.

1B. High-temperature Processing: Improvements for producing/recovering materials (metallicand non-metallic) that exploit and deploy lower-energy or non-thermal alternatives to conventionalhigh-temperature processing technologies. Examples include water-based selective extraction ofcritical materials from low grade ores, processes relevant to obsolete electronic equipment and wastelandfills, low-temperature, high-efficiency chemical or electrochemical processes, etc.

1C. Waste Heat Minimization and Recovery: Technology advances in ultra-efficient steamproduction, high performance furnaces and innovative waste-heat recovery that contribute to

sustainability, reduced water usage and a lower energy footprint for U.S. manufacturing.

1D. Sustainable Manufacturing: Technologies that enable the manufacture of materials orcomponents with multiple market applications, and new manufacturing technologies that reduceprocess steps, materials usage, or parts count, thereby reducing the embedded energy in themanufacturing value chain. Design and process tools for manufacturing process selection at theproduct conceptual stage to meet specific cost, time, energy intensity, and life cycle energyconsumption requirements.

Applications are invited in the subtopic areas listed above that significantly increase energy productivity

through the implementation of transformational manufacturing processes. The proposed projects willfocus on specific, promising technologies that offer the potential for major energy, carbon, and economicbenefits.

Topic Area 2: Innovative Materials

New materials and associated production technologies can reduce costs, reduce energy use, reducepollution, improve product quality, and enhance productivity for American manufacturing.Breakthroughs in materials science and engineering are needed to enable these new capabilities. Newmaterials allow for energy savings in current energy intensive processes and applications and enable anew design space for renewable energy generation in austere environments. For example, rotating

components made from low-density materials can reduce loads on hubs and gears thereby reducingdesign constraints and costs in those systems.

Applications are invited that seek to achieve significant reduction in energy consumption through thedevelopment and implementation of innovative materials with increased functionality. The proposedprojects will focus on specific, promising materials technologies (subtopics of interest listed below) thatoffer the potential for major energy, carbon, and economic benefits in the following areas of interest:

9


10/46

2A. Thermal and Degradation Resistant Materials: Innovative materials that last longer thantraditional materials and operate in higher temperature environments will improve productivity,reduce or eliminate interruptions to operations, and increase energy productivity. Examples includebut are not limited to advanced ceramics, coatings, and nanomaterials. The quantitative goal for

thermal and degradation resistant materials is to increase lifetime by a factor of ten, thus achievingreduction in energy intensity by the increased use of the materials/components.

2B. Highly-Functional, High-Performance Materials: The goal is to develop and deploy advancedindustrial materials that improve performance (by at least 50%) of energy production and energytransfer equipment. Examples include advanced composites, hybrid materials, engineered polymers,

and low-density and relatively high-strength metals like magnesium and titanium and their alloys.

2C. Lower Cost Materials for Energy Systems: The goal is to develop and manufacture materials atsignificantly lower cost (at least 50% reduction in finished product) with improved functionalproperties. Examples include lower cost photovoltaic and thermoelectric materials, materials for windsystem components, electrochemical and thin film materials, refractories and insulation materials,materials for heat exchangers, or other waste heat recovery technologies.

Each Application should clearly indicate in the Letter of Intent, on the cover page of the Project

Narrative and in the Project Summary, the Topic/subtopic area of the FOA it is addressing (for

example, Topic of Interest: 1A. Reactions and Separations) and TRL of the project.

This information will be used to determine the responsiveness of the Application to the FOA needs (oneof the criterion under Initial Compliance Review) as well as to group the Applications for Merit Reviewby subject matter experts. If an Application does not clearly indicate the Topic of Interest, it may beconsidered non-compliant and not be reviewed.

An applicant can submit one or more applications responsive to one or more topics/subtopics of interest

provided they are based on distinct concepts and titled accordingly. There is no predetermined goal fornumber of projects or funding level by topic/subtopic.

10


11/46


12/46

performed under existing DOE funded projects must submit a new application under this announcement.

SECTION III - ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligible Applicants

Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent by the due date to be eligible to submit a Full

Application.

This FOA is open to all eligible Applicants. A variety of organizational models can be accommodated(e.g., consortia, individual organizations, etc.). Teaming arrangement and industrial collaboration arestrongly recommended. Together, the team should possess both technical and commercial capabilities.The team can be comprised of large and small companies, academia, trade organizations and researchorganizations including U.S. National Laboratories and Federally Funded Research and DevelopmentCenters (FFRDCs) as the lead organization or a team member. The proposed team must be

qualified to define the capabilities of the technology by conducting research studies, exploring relevantscientific concepts, analyzing data, and performing the proposed activities.

An eligible applicant is: 1) a legal entity established pursuant to United States Federal or State laws, withoperations in the United States or its Territories or 2) a foreign legal entity having a place of business inthe United States or its Territories. An eligible entity must be able to demonstrate that its use of DOEfunds will be in the economic interests of the United States, including, for example: creation of domesticmanufacturing capability; use of American products, materials or labor; payment of United States taxes;or United States technological advancements.

Eligible applicants include but are not limited to: (1) institutions of higher education; (2) NationalLaboratories; (3) nonprofit and for-profit private entities; (4) State and local governments; (5) consortia of

entities (1) through (4). If applying as a consortium, one member of the consortium that is an establishedlegal entity must be designated as the lead applicant.

Entities that do not meet this eligibility criterion are not eligible to apply as the prime applicant.However, entities not meeting this criteria are allowed as subrecipients to an eligible applicant providedthat, in aggregate, not more than 20% of the total estimated DOE funding is provided to entities that donot meet the eligibility criteria. Furthermore, the Application should clearly explain the necessity ofincluding ineligible entities in the project team to accomplish the project objectives and how such use ofDOE funds will be in the economic interest of the United States.

Nonprofit organizations described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engagedin lobbying activities after December 31, 1995 are not eligible to apply or to be a sub-recipient to an

eligible applicant.

B. Cost Sharing

1. Requirement

This FOA requires 20% or higher cost share for all projects based on their nature of work (research anddevelopment). Cost share is based on the total allowable costs for the project. (i.e., the sum of the

12


13/46

Government share, including FFRDC contractor costs if applicable, and the recipient share of allowablecosts equals the total allowable cost of the project) and must come from non-Federal sources unlessotherwise allowed by law. (See Appendix C and 10 CFR Part 600 for the applicable cost sharingrequirements.)

As an example, the minimum Applicant cost share requirement for a hypothetical project with a TotalProject Cost of $1,875,000 and a 20% cost share requirement would be:

Applicant share, 20% $375,000DOE share, 80% $1,500,000Total Project Cost: $1,875,000

Please note that the required minimum Applicant cost share percentage is not based on the Federal sharebut rather, is based on the Total Project Cost.

By accepting Federal funds under this award, the Prime Recipient/Consortium Lead agrees to beresponsible for any subrecipient/Consortium Member cost share requirements if thesubrecipient/Consortium Member does not meet its cost share requirements.

2. Waiver

In accordance with the Cost Share Waiver granted by the Acting Assistant Secretary for EERE for thisFOA, the following Recipients and Sub-Recipients that receive funding under this FOA are eligible for awaiver of the cost share requirements for projects at TRL 2 and 3: institutions of higher education, U.S.National Laboratories, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and non-profitorganizations (as defined in 10 CFR 600.3).

Applicants should indicate in the Project Narrative cover page if they are requesting a Cost Share Waiverfor the prime applicant and/or sub-recipients. Applicants should include a list of those entities requestinga waiver and their qualification for the waiver as indicated above.

Note that the waiver applies only to the work and budget of these four types of organizations, and not to

the work and budgets of other team member organizations who are are not included in the waiver.If a project involves work at TRL 2 - 3 as well as 4 - 6, the Applicant should show a breakdown of theproposed budget by TRL (i.e. TRL 2-3 work should have a separate budget from TRL 4-6 work). Onlythe budget for work at TRL 2 - 3 will be eligible for cost share waiver. DOE reserves the right todetermine whether a particular work activity belongs to TRL 2 - 3 or higher.

C. Other Eligibility Requirements

Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) Contractors.

A DOE National Laboratory Contractor is eligible to apply for funding or be proposed as a team

member under this announcement if its cognizant Contracting Officer provides written authorizationand this authorization is submitted with the application. If a DOE National Laboratory Contractor isselected for award, the proposed work will be authorized under the DOE work authorization processand performed under the laboratorys Management and Operating (M&O) contract. The followingwording is acceptable for the authorization:

Authorization is granted for the _____________ Laboratory to participate in the proposedproject. The work proposed for the laboratory is consistent with or complementary to themissions of the laboratory, will not adversely impact execution of the DOE assigned programsat the laboratory.

13


14/46


15/46

SECTION IV APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. Address to Request Application Forms

The Application forms and/or instructions can be found on the EERE eXCHANGE website athttps://eere-exchange.energy.gov/.

B. Letter of Intent

Letters of Intent are required.

Applicants are required to submit a Letter of Intent prior to the application submission. Letters ofIntent will be used by DOE to plan for the merit review process. The Letters should not containany proprietary or sensitive business information. The Letters do not commit an applicant tosubmit an application. However, applicants must submit a Letter of Intent by the Due Dateto be eligible to submit a Full Application. A control number will be issued when an Applicantbegins the Letter of Intent submission process. This control number must be included in the FullApplication documents, as described in paragraph C. below. An Applicant can submit more thanone Application under one or more topic(s) of interest provided they are based on distinctconcepts. Each Application, should have a separate Control Number, based on separate Letter ofIntent submission.

The Letter of Intent should include the following information:

1. Applicant Name (Lead Organization)

2. Anticipated team members (organizations)

3. Point of Contact (Name, Phone Number and email address)

4. Number and name of subtopic of interest (from the list in FOA) the Application will beresponding to

5. TRL level of the proposed project

6. Title of the proposed project

7. Brief description of the project (one short paragraph)

8. Estimated total DOE funding request

Letter of Intent due date: September 1, 2011 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Letters of Intent must be submitted via the EERE eXCHANGE (use Concept Paper buttons) athttps://eere-exchange.energy.gov/.

C. Content and Form of Application

You must complete the mandatory forms and any applicable optional forms, in accordance with theinstructions on the forms and the additional instructions below, as required by this FOA. Files thatare attached to the forms must be in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) unless otherwisespecified in this announcement.

15
http://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangehttp://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangehttp://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangehttp://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangehttp://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangehttp://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangehttp://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchange


16/46

You must complete the following application forms found on the EERE eXCHANGE website athttps://eere-exchange.energy.gov/, in accordance with the instructions.

If your organization is submitting more than one Application, you must identify an applicationnumber at the end of each file name (e.g., Company-1). If your organization is submitting more than

one Application to different topic areas, you must identify an application number and the Topic AreaNumber at the end of each file name (e.g., Company-1-Topic 1C).

1. SF 424 - Application for Federal Assistance (Mandatory)Complete all required fields in accordance with the instructions on the form. The list of certificationsand assurances in Field 21 can be found athttp://management.energy.gov/business_doe/business_forms.htm, under Certifications andAssurances. Note: The dates and dollar amounts on the SF 424 are for the complete project periodand not just the first year, first phase or other subset of the project period. Save the information in asingle file named Control#_Institution_App424.pdf.

2. Project Summary (Mandatory) (1 page)

Provide a concise Project Summary of the proposed research and development activity suitable fordissemination to the public. It should be a self-contained document that includes the followinginformation:

i. The Application Control Number (obtained by submitting Letter of Intent) and Project Title

ii. Number and name of subtopic of interest (from the list in FOA) being responded toiii. Project Technical Readiness Level (TRL), as defined in FOAiv. Identification of the Prime Applicant Organization and project team member organizations

v. Name and contact information of Principal Investigatorvi. Proposed total Project Period of Performance and Budget (DOE funds and costshare funds)

vii. A brief description of the project, including objective(s), technical approach and methods to

be employed, the potential impact of the project (i.e., benefits, outcomes) . The descriptionshould be understandable by technically literate but non-specialist readers.

Applicants are cautioned that this document should not include any proprietary information, tradesecrets, or other confidential business, financial or sensitive information, since this summary may besubject to public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

The project summary must not exceed 1 page when printed using standard 8.5 by 11 paper with 1margins (top, bottom, left and right) with font not smaller than 11 point. Save the information in asingle file named Control#_Institution_ProjectSummary.PDF.

3. Project Narrative File (Mandatory)See Appendix B for restrictions on Personally Identifiable Information

The project narrative must not exceed 25 pages. This page count includes cover page, table ofcontents, texts, charts, graphs, maps, photographs, and other pictorial presentations, when printedusing standard 8.5 by 11 paper with 1 inch margins (top, bottom, left, and right), single spaced.The font must not be smaller than 11 point. Do not include any Internet addresses (URLs) thatprovide information necessary to review the application. EVALUATORS WILL REVIEW ONLY

16
http://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangehttp://management.energy.gov/business_doe/business_forms.htmhttp://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangehttp://management.energy.gov/business_doe/business_forms.htm


17/46

THE INFORMATION ACTUALLY PRESENTED IN THE APPLICATION AND WITHIN THENUMBER OF PAGES SPECIFIED ABOVE. See Section VIII.D for instructions on how to markproprietary application information and Appendix B for restrictions on Personally IdentifiableInformation. Save the information in a single file named Control#_Institution_Technical.PDF

The Project Narrative must include the following required items:

Cover Page:

The Project Narrative cover page should indicate the name and type of organization, theannouncement number, the project title, the number and name of the technical topic (subtopic) ofinterest the Application is responding to, TRL of the project as defined in the FOA, and contactinformation for both the technical and business points of contact for the applicant (names, titles,addresses, telephone and facsimile numbers, and electronic mail addresses). The cover pageshould also identify the name and type of organization for all other participants (sub-recipients).Applicants should indicate in the cover page if they are requesting a Cost Share Waiver for theprime applicant and/or sub-recipients.

Project ObjectivesThis section should provide a clear, concise statement of the specific objectives/goals of the

proposed project and the anticipated outcome and results.

Merit Review Criteria Discussion:

This section should be formatted to address each of the merit review criteria and sub-criterialisted in SECTION V - APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION A.2. Provide sufficientinformation so that reviewers will be able to evaluate the application in accordance with thesemerit review criteria. DOE WILL EVALUATE AND CONSIDER ONLY THOSEAPPLICATIONS THAT ADDRESS SEPARATELY EACH OF THE MERIT REVIEWCRITERIA AND SUB-CRITERIA.

Project Timetable:

This section should outline as a function of time, year by year, all the important activities or

phases of the project, including any activities planned beyond the project period. Successfulapplicants will use this project timetable to report progress. Decision points, critical reviewcriteria, or go/no-go criteria should be quantifiable to the largest extent possible, along withassociated deliverables schedules, and must be planned no less frequently than every 12 months.This section should also include, usually in a table, the spend plan by task.

Project Partners:

While domestic entities must be the prime, discuss the extent of any involvement, roles for anypartners, either foreign or domestic, and extent to which work will be done outside of the U.S.

Bibliography and References, if applicable:

Provide a bibliography for any references cited in the Project Narrative section. This sectionmust include only bibliographic citations.

While not a requirement, it is strongly recommended that the Project Narrative include a Table ofContents and a List of Acronyms. All the components of the Project Narrative must be within theNarrative page limit specified above (25 pages). Please note that some of the required documentslisted below may have their own page limits to which you must adhere.

4. Resume File (Mandatory)

Provide a resume for each key person proposed, including sub-awardees and consultants if they meet

17


18/46

the definition of key personnel. A key person is any individual who contributes in a substantive,measurable way to the execution of the project. Save all resumes in a single file namedControl#_Institution_Resumes.PDF.

The compiled resume file does not have a page limitation, however the biographical information foreach individual resume must not exceed 2 pages when printed on 8.5 by 11 paper with 1 inch

margins (top, bottom, left, and right), single spaced, with font not smaller than 11 point and shouldinclude the following information, if applicable:

Education and Training: Undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral training; provide institution,major/area, degree and year.

Professional Experience : Beginning with the current position list, in chronological order,professional/academic positions with a brief description.

Publications: Provide a list of up to 10 publications most closely related to the proposed project. Foreach publication, identify the names of all authors (in the same sequence in which they appear in thepublication), the article title, book or journal title, volume number, page numbers, year of publication,

and website address, if available electronically.

Patents, copyrights and software systems developed may be provided in addition to, or substitutedfor, publications.

Synergistic Activities: List no more than 5 professional and scholarly activities (including successfulR&D projects) related to the effort proposed.

Of the key personnel identified in this file, indicate the Principal Investigator(s)(PI).

5. Prime Recipient SF424A Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (Mandatory)You must provide a separate budget (SF 424A) for each year of support requested and a cumulativebudget for the total project period. Use the SF 424A Excel, "Budget Information Non-ConstructionPrograms" form. You may request funds under any of the Object Class Categories as long as the itemand amount are necessary to perform the proposed work, meet all the criteria for allowability underthe applicable Federal cost principles, and are not prohibited by the funding restrictions in thisannouncement. Save the information in a single file named "Control#_ Institution_SF424A.xls."

6. Prime Recipient Budget Justification File (Mandatory)

You must justify the costs proposed in each Object Class Category/Cost Classification category. Thisincludes identifying:

Key persons and personnel categories and the estimated costs for each person orcategory, amounts of time (e.g., hours or % of time) to be expended, the composite basepay rate, total direct personnel compensation and identify the rate basis (e.g., actualsalary, labor distribution report, technical estimate, state civil service rates, etc.);

Provide a list of equipment and cost of each item providing a basis of cost such asvendor quotes, catalog prices, prior invoices, etc., and briefly justifying its need as itapplies to the project objectives;

Identify proposed sub-recipient/consultant work and cost of each subrecipient/consultant;

18


19/46

Describe purpose of proposed travel, number of travelers, and number of travel days;

List general categories of supplies and amount for each category providing a basis ofcost such as vendor quotes, catalog prices, prior invoices, etc., and briefly justifying theneed for the supplies as they apply to the project objectives; and provide any otherinformation you wish to support your budget;

Provide the name of your cognizant/oversight agency, if you have one, and the name andphone number of the individual responsible for negotiating your indirect rates; and

Indentify all sources of cost share including third parties and identify (1) the name of theorganization; (2) the proposed dollar amount to be provided; (3) the amount as apercentage of the total project cost; and (4) the proposed type of cost share cash,services, or property.

Further instructions for providing a budget justification to support the SF424A can be found inAppendix D.

Save the budget justification information in a single file named "Control#_Institution_BudgetJustification.xls."

7. Letters of Commitment (If Applicable)

If cost share is required, you must have a letter from each third party contributing cost share (i.e., aparty other than the organization submitting the application) stating that the third party is committedto providing a specific minimum dollar amount of cost share. All Letters of Commitment must beattached as an Appendix to the Project Narrative File. Identify the following information for eachthird party contributing cost share: (1) the name of the organization; (2) the proposed dollar amountto be provided; (3) the amount as a percentage of the total project cost; and (4) the proposed type ofcost share cash, services, or property. Letters of Commitment from parties participating in theproject, exclusive of vendors, who will not be contributing cost share, but will be integral to thesuccess of the project, must be included as part of this Appendix to the Narrative. Letters ofCommitment will not count towards the Project Narrative page limit.

8. Subrecipient SF424A Budget Information Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A) (IfApplicable)

You must also provide a separate budget (i.e., budget for each year and a cumulative budget) for eachsubrecipient, including Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) Contractors,that is expected to perform work estimated to be more than $100,000 or 50% of the total work effort(whichever is less). You may request funds under any of the Object Class Categories as long as theitem and amount are necessary to perform the proposed work, meet all the criteria for allowabilityunder the applicable Federal cost principles, and are not prohibited by the funding restrictions in thisannouncement. Save the information in a single file named "Control#_ Institution_SubrecipientSF424A.xls."

9. Subrecipient Award Budget Justification (If Applicable)

Each subrecipient, including Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC)Contractors, that is expected to perform work estimated to be more than $100,000 or 50% of the totalwork effort (whichever is less) is also required to submit a subrecipient budget justification. Pleasesee the Section IV.D.6 above for details and instructions regarding the Budget Justification file. Savethe budget justification information in a single file named Control#_Institution_SubrecipientBudgetJustification.xls.

19


20/46

10. SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (If Applicable)

If applicable, complete the SF- LLL form found at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/.Applicability: If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid toany person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, aMember of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congressin connection with the grant/cooperative agreement, you must complete and submit Standard Form -LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying. Save the information in a single file namedControl#_Institution_SF-LLL.pdf.

Summary of Required Forms/Files

Your application must include the following documents:

Required

Document

Document Summary Document Naming Convention

1SF424 (PDF) Application for

Federal assistanceControl#_Institution_App424.PDF

2

ProjectSummary(PDF)

Public (should notcontain proprietary orsensitive businessinformation)projectsummary inparagraph format

Control#_Institution_ProjectSummary.PDF

3

ProjectNarrative (PDF)

Technical application(can containproprietary or sensitivebusiness information)

Control#_Institution_Technical.PDF

4

Resume File

(PDF)

Resumes for each key

person proposed,including subawardeesand consultants.

Control#_Institution_Resumes.PDF

5Prime RecipientSF424A Budget(XLS)

High level budgetspreadsheet

Control#_Institution_SF424A.XLS(Please submit file as a .XLS only)

6

Prime RecipientBudgetJustification(XLS)

Detailed budgetspreadsheet

Control#_Institution_BudgetJustification.XLS(Please submit file as a .XLS only)

7

Letters of

Commitment, ifapplicable

Letters from each third

party contributing costshare (i.e., a party otherthan the organizationsubmitting theapplication) stating thatthe third party iscommitted to providing aspecific minimum dollaramount of cost share.

All Letters of Commitment must be attached as an

Appendix to the Project Narrative File

20
http://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangehttp://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchange


21/46

Required

Document

Document Summary Document Naming Convention

8

SubrecipientSF424A Budget(XLS), (if

applicable)

High level budgetspreadsheet for allSubrecipients whose

value is $100,000 orgreater

Control#_Institution_SubrecipientSF424A.XLS(Please submit file as a .XLS only)

9

SubrecipientBudgetJustification(XLS), (ifapplicable)

Detailed budgetspreadsheet for allSubrecipients awardswhose value is $100,000or greater

Control#_Institution_SubrecipientBudgetJustification.XLS(Please submit file as a .XLS only)

10

SF-LLLDisclosure ofLobbyingActivities, ifapplicable

Disclosure of LobbyingActivities

Control#_Institution_SF-LLL.PDF

D. Submissions from Successful Applicants

If selected for award, DOE reserves the right to request additional or clarifying information for anyreason deemed necessary, including, but not limited to:

Indirect cost informationOther budget informationCommitment Letter from Third Parties Contributing to Cost Share, if applicableEnvironmental Questionaire

E. Submission Dates and Times

1. Letters of Intent Due Date

Letters of Intent must be received by September 1, 2011, 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight

Time. You are encouraged to transmit your Letter of Intent well before the deadline. AllLETTERS OF INTENT SUBMISSIONS MUST BE MADE VIA THE EERE

eXCHANGE AT https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/. After the above deadline, theeXCHANGE system will not accept Letters of Intent. LETTERS OF INTENTRECEIVED BY ANY OTHER MEANS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent by the due date to be eligible to submit a Full

Application.

2. Pre-application Due Date

Pre-applications are not required. However, Letter of Intent is required (please see above).

3. Application Due Date

Applications must be received by October 5, 2011 not later than 5:00 PM Eastern DaylightTime. You are encouraged to transmit your application well before the deadline. AllAPPLICATIONS SUBMISSIONS MUST BE MADE VIA THE EERE eXCHANGE AT

https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/. APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE NOTED

21


22/46

DEADLINES OR BY ANY OTHER MEANS WILL NOT BE REVIEWED OR

CONSIDERED FOR AWARD.

F. Intergovernmental Review

Program Not Subject to Executive Order 12372

This program is not subject to Executive Order 12372 Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.

G. Funding Restrictions

Cost Principles. Costs must be allowable in accordance with the applicable Federal cost principlesreferenced in 10 CFR Part 600. The cost principles for commercial organizations are in FAR Part 31.

Pre-award Costs. Recipients that are non-profits or for- profits, but not state and local governments,may charge to an award resulting from this announcement pre-award costs that were incurred within

the ninety (90) calendar day period immediately preceding the effective date of the award, but noearlier than the selection date, if the costs are allowable in accordance with the applicable Federal costprinciples referenced in 10 CFR 600. Recipients must obtain the prior approval of the ContractingOfficer for any pre-award costs that are for periods greater than this 90 day calendar period. Pre-award costs are incurred at the applicants risk. DOE is under no obligation to reimburse such costs iffor any reason the applicant does not receive an award or if the award is made for a lesser amountthan the applicant expected.

If recipients are State or Local Governments, they shall not incur pre-award costs prior to award andno earlier than selection date, without prior approval of the DOE Contracting Officer.

H. Submission and Registration Requirements

Where to Submit

LETTERS OF INTENT AND FULL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH

THE EERE EXCHANGE SYSTEM (https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/) TO BE CONSIDEREDFOR AWARD UNDER THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. Applications submitted by any other meanswill not be accepted. You cannot submit an application unless you are registered.

Registration Process Requirements

There are several one-time actions the applicant should complete. The applicant should:

Register through the EERE eXCHANGE at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/

Obtain a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number athttp://fedgov.dnb.com/webform

Register with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR) at https://www.ccr.gov/ Register in FedConnect athttps://www.fedconnect.net/; use Register as a Vendor link. To

create an organization account, your organizations CCR MPIN is required; obtain the MPINfrom your organizations Electronic Business Point of Contact. Refer to the FedConnect QuickStart guide at the website

Besides the eXCHANGE registration system, which does not have a delay, these registrationrequirements could take several weeks to process and are necessary in order for a potential applicant

22
http://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangehttp://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangehttp://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangehttp://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangehttp://fedgov.dnb.com/webformhttps://www.ccr.gov/https://www.fedconnect.net/https://www.fedconnect.net/http://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangehttp://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangehttp://fedgov.dnb.com/webformhttps://www.ccr.gov/https://www.fedconnect.net/


23/46

to receive an award under this announcement. Therefore, although not required in order to submit anapplication, all potential applicants lacking a DUNS number or not yet registered with CCR shouldcomplete them as soon as possible.

EERE Web-Based Submission Information

All Application submissions are to be made via the EERE eXCHANGE at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/. To gain access to the EERE eXCHANGE, the applicant must first register andcreate an account on the main EERE eXCHANGE site. This account will then allow the user toregister for any open EERE FOAs that are currently in eXCHANGE. It is recommended that eachorganization or business unit, whether acting as a team or a single entity, utilize one account as theappropriate contact information for each submission.

Electronic Authorization of Applications and Award Documents

Submission of an application and supplemental information under this announcement throughelectronic systems used by the Department of Energy constitutes the authorized representativesapproval and electronic signature.

Submission of award documents, including modifications, through electronic systems used by theDepartment of Energy, including FedConnect, constitutes the authorized representatives approvaland acceptance of the terms and conditions of the award. Award acknowledgement via FedConnectconstitutes the authorized representatives electronic signature.

23
http://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangehttp://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangehttp://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangehttp://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchange


24/46

SECTION V - APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. Criteria

1. Initial Review Criteria

Application Award Eligibility

Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent clearly identifying the subtopic of interest and TRLlevels of the project by the due date to be eligible to submit a Full Application

Prior to a comprehensive merit evaluation, DOE will perform an initial review todetermine that (1) the applicant is eligible for an award; (2) the information required by theannouncement has been submitted; (3) all mandatory requirements are satisfied; and (4) theproposed project is responsive to the objectives of the Funding Opportunity Announcement.

If an application fails to meet these requirements, it may be deemed non-responsive and eliminatedfrom full Merit Review.

2. Merit Review Criteria

Applications will be evaluated against the merit review criteria shown below. All sub-criteria (bullets)under a particular criterion are of equal importance:

Criterion 1: Technical Merits of the Proposed Technology Weight: [30%]

The scientific and technical merit of the proposed technology

Innovation, originality, and feasibility of the proposed technology

Clear description of how the proposed technology addresses the FOA Topic/Subtopic goals andits competitive advantages over currently used technologies

Compatibility of proposed technology with current or future domestic manufacturinginfrastructure

Thoroughness of the proposed project objectives and the anticipated outcome and results

Criterion 2: Potential Energy, Economic, Environmental, and Market Benefits for USManufacturing Industries Weight: [30%]

The potential energy productivity improvement in comparison to current technology, themagnitude (in Trillion Btu/yr) and timing of projected energy savings

The potential of the technology to reduce greenhouse gas and other environmental pollutantemissions as well as to reduce solid and liquid wastes, in comparison to the technology currentlyin commercial use

24


25/46

The potential economic benefits of the proposed technology over the current technology.

The potential of the technology to reduce process time

The completeness and validity of assumptions used in developing the benefits ascribed to thetechnology

Discussion of the potential markets that would be impacted by the successful development and

commercial implementation of the proposed technology

Criterion 3: Technical Approach and Project Management Plan Weight: [25%]

A clear technical approach for achieving the project goals/objectives and a risk mitigation planbased on the TRL of the project

A strong understanding of the techno-economic issues specific to the proposed technology and aclear, viable, and well defined commercialization strategy and plan that addresses the market andmanufacturing issues required to be successful as well as provides for rapid deployment of thetechnology

Adequacy, reasonableness, and soundness of the proposed project management plan(coordination of tasks and assignments among team members, schedule, milestones, decisionpoints for assessing the project progress and its potential to be rapidly demonstrated at aconvincing scale, appropriate to the TRL level) for accomplishment of the project objectives

Adequacy, appropriateness, and reasonableness of the proposed work and budget distributionamong the team members to accomplish the stated objectives

Criterion 4: Qualifications and Resources Weight: [15%]

Teaming arrangement and industrial collaboration including the proposed cost share commitmentand ability to facilitate and expedite the further development and deployment of the proposed

technology.

Capability and experience of organizational participants in proposed technology area

Demonstration of management experience and resources to successfully carry out the proposedactivities

Evidence of organization experience in developing and commercializing innovative technologies

Adequacy (quality, availability and appropriateness) of facilities and equipment to accommodatethe proposed project.

3. Other Selection Criteria Program Policy Factors

In addition to the technical merit, the Source Selection Official will use following Program Policy

Factors to select applications for negotiation of awards. There is no preset goal for the number ofawards to be made in any particular technical topic area or any TRL level.

Relevance to the Presidents Plan to Win the Future by Investing in Advanced Manufacturing

Technologies:Project contributes to the revitalization of existing manufacturing industries orsupports the development of new products in emerging industries like clean energy.

Relevance to ITP Energy Productivity Goal: Project contributes to ITPs goal of developing a

25


26/46


27/46

discretion. The Contracting Officer will convey any questions or requests for clarification to theApplicant and set a deadline for responses. All responses must be sent to the Contracting Officer bythe given deadline.

3. Discussions and Award

Government Discussions with selected ApplicantThe Government may enter into discussions with a selected Applicant for any reason deemednecessary, including, but not limited to: (1) the budget is not appropriate or reasonable for therequirement; (2) only a portion of the Application is selected for award; (3) the Government needsadditional information to determine that the recipient is capable of complying with the requirementsin 10 CFR part 600; and/or (4) special terms and conditions are required. Failure to resolvesatisfactorily the issues identified by the Government will preclude award to the Applicant.

C. Anticipated Notice of Selection and Award Dates

Selection and Award Date

DOE anticipates notifying Applicants selected for award in November 2011and start making awardsby December 2011.

27


28/46

SECTION VI - AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. Award Notices

1. Notice of Selection

Selected Applicants Notification

DOE will notify Applicants selected for negotiation of award. This notice of selection is not anauthorization to begin performance. (See Section IV.G with respect to the allowability of pre-award costs.)

Non-selected NotificationOrganizations whose Applications have not been selected will be advised as promptly as possible.

This notice will explain why the Application was not selected.

2. Notice of Award

A Financial Assistance Award or Assistance Agreement issued by the contracting officer is theauthorizing award document. It normally includes, either as an attachment or by reference: (1)Special Terms and Conditions; (2) Applicable program regulations, if any; (3) Application asapproved by DOE; (4) DOE assistance regulations at 10 CFR part 600; (5) National PolicyAssurances To Be Incorporated As Award Terms; (6) Budget Summary; and (7) FederalAssistance Reporting Checklist, which identifies the reporting requirements.

For grants and cooperative agreements made to universities, non-profits and other entities subjectto OMB Circular A-110, the Award also includes the Research Terms and Conditions and theDOE Agency Specific Requirements located at: http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/rtc/index.jsp.

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

1. Administrative Requirements

The administrative requirements for DOE grants and cooperative agreements are contained in 10CFR part 600 (See: http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov). Grants and cooperative agreements made touniversities, non-profits and other entities subject to OMB Circular A-110 are subject to theResearch Terms and Conditions located on the National Science Foundation web site at:http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/rtc/index.jsp.

DUNS and CCR Requirements

Additional administrative requirements for DOE grants and cooperative agreements are containedin 2 CFR, Part 25 (See:http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov). Prime awardees must keep their data at CCRcurrent. Subawardees at all tiers must obtain DUNS numbers and provide the DUNS to the primeawardee before the subaward can be issued.

28
http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/rtc/index.jsphttp://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/rtc/index.jsphttp://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/rtc/index.jsphttp://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/rtc/index.jsphttp://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/


29/46

Subaward and Executive Reporting

Additional administrative requirements necessary for DOE grants and cooperative agreements tocomply with the Federal Funding and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA) are contained in 2CFR, Part 170. (See: http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov). Prime awardees must register with the newFSRS database and report the required data on their first tier subawardees. Prime awardees must

report the executive compensation for their own executives as part of their registration profile inthe CCR.

2. Special Terms and Conditions and National Policy Requirements

The DOE Special Terms and Conditions for Use in Most Grants and Cooperative Agreements arelocated athttp://management.energy.gov/business_doe/business_forms.htm

The National Policy Assurances To Be Incorporated As Award Terms are located athttp://management.energy.gov/business_doe/business_forms.htmhttp://management.energy.gov/business_doe/1374.htm.

3. Intellectual Property Provisions

The standard DOE financial assistance intellectual property provisions applicable to the varioustypes of recipients are located at http://www.gc.doe.gov/financial_assistance_awards.htm.

4. Statement of Substantial Involvement

DOE, in providing project management oversight of the organization, will be substantially involvedin the project by participating in the following, including but not limited to: review of recipientprogress based on metrics; participation in Critical Milestones and Go/No-go Decision PointReviews; and peer reviews, all of which may lead to redirecting efforts. If a project includes DOEFFRDCs, DOE will be substantially involved to ensure the efficient and effective interaction betweenthe organization and the FFRDCs.

C. Reporting

Reporting requirements are identified on the Federal Assistance Reporting Checklist, DOE F 4600.2,attached to the award agreement. For a sample Checklist, see

http://management.energy.gov/business_doe/business_forms.htm.

29
http://management.energy.gov/business_doe/business_forms.htmhttp://management.energy.gov/business_doe/business_forms.htmhttp://management.energy.gov/business_doe/1374.htmhttp://www.gc.doe.gov/financial_assistance_awards.htmhttp://www.gc.doe.gov/financial_assistance_awards.htmhttp://management.energy.gov/business_doe/business_forms.htmhttp://management.energy.gov/business_doe/business_forms.htmhttp://management.energy.gov/business_doe/business_forms.htmhttp://management.energy.gov/business_doe/1374.htmhttp://www.gc.doe.gov/financial_assistance_awards.htmhttp://management.energy.gov/business_doe/business_forms.htm


30/46

SECTION VII - QUESTIONS/AGENCY CONTACTS

A. QuestionsQuestions related to use of the EERE eXCHANGE website should be submitted to: [email protected]

Questions related to the Funding Opportunity Announcement must be submitted [email protected], and shall be submitted not later than 3 calendar days prior to the final applicationdue date. Questions submitted after that date may not allow the Government sufficient time to respond.

All questions and answers related to this FOA will be posted athttps://eere-exchange.energy.gov/. DOEwill try to respond to a question within 3 business days, unless a similar question and answer have alreadybeen posted on the website.

SECTION VIII - OTHER INFORMATION

A. Amendments

Notices of any amendments to this announcement will be posted on the EERE eXCHANGE web site.When you create an application record you are then registered to receive notifications of changes.This notice will be delivered by e-mail to the address listed in your application record.

B. Government Right to Reject or Negotiate

DOE reserves the right, without qualification, to reject any or all applications received in response tothis announcement and to select any application, in whole or in part, as a basis for negotiation and/oraward.

C. Commitment of Public Funds

The Contracting Officer is the only individual who can make awards or commit the Government tothe expenditure of public funds. A commitment by other than the Contracting Officer, either explicitor implied, is invalid.

D. Proprietary Application Information

Patentable ideas, trade secrets, proprietary or confidential commercial or financial information,disclosure of which may harm the applicant, should be included in an application only when suchinformation is necessary to convey an understanding of the proposed project. The use and disclosureof such data may be restricted, provided the applicant includes the following legend on the first pageof the project narrative and specifies the pages of the application which are to be restricted:

30
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangehttp://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchangemailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://eere.energy.gov/financing/exchange


31/46

The data contained in pages _____ of this application have been submitted in confidence and

contain trade secrets or proprietary information, and such data shall be used or disclosed only forevaluation purposes, provided that if this applicant receives an award as a result of or in connectionwith the submission of this application, DOE shall have the right to use or disclose the data herein tothe extent provided in the award. This restriction does not limit the governments right to use or

disclose data obtained without restriction from any source, including the applicant.

To protect such data, each line or paragraph on the pages containing such data must be specificallyidentified and marked with a legend similar to the following:

The following contains proprietary information that (name of applicant) requests not be released to

persons outside the Government, except for purposes of review and evaluation.

E. Evaluation and Administration by Non-Federal Personnel

In conducting the merit review evaluation, the Government may seek the advice of qualifiednonfederal personnel as reviewers. The Government may also use non-Federal personnel to conduct

routine, nondiscretionary administrative activities. The applicant, by submitting its application,consents to the use of non-Federal reviewers/administrators. Non-Federal reviewers must signconflict of interest and non-disclosure agreements prior to reviewing an application. Non-Federalpersonnel conducting administrative activities must sign a non-disclosure agreement.

F. Intellectual Property Developed under this Program

Patent Rights. The government will have certain statutory rights in an invention that is conceived orfirst actually reduced to practice under a DOE award. 42 U.S.C. 5908 provides that title to suchinventions vests in the United States, except where 35 U.S.C. 202 provides otherwise for nonprofitorganizations or small business firms. However, the Secretary of Energy may waive all or any part ofthe rights of the United States subject to certain conditions. (See Notice of Right to Request Patent

Waiver in paragraph G below.)

Rights in Technical Data. Normally, the government has unlimited rights in technical data createdunder a DOE agreement. Delivery or third party licensing of proprietary software or data developedsolely at private expense will not normally be required except as specifically negotiated in a particularagreement to satisfy DOEs own needs or to insure the commercialization of technology developedunder a DOE agreement.

Special Protected Data Statutes. This program is covered by a special protected data statute. Theprovisions of the statute provide for the protection from public disclosure, for a period of up to five(5) years from the date of its development, of first-produced data that would be trade secret, orcommercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential, if the information had been

obtained from a non-Federal party. Generally, the provision entitled Rights in Data ProgramsCovered Under Special Protected Data Statutes, (10 CFR 600 Appendix A to Subpart D), will applyto an award made under this announcement. This provision will identify data or categories of datafirst produced in the performance of the award that will be made available to the public,notwithstanding the statutory authority to withhold data from public dissemination, and may alsoidentify data that will be recognized by the parties as protected data. For National Laboratories andFFRDCs, the data rights clause in Applicants Management and Operating (M&O) Contract willapply.

31


32/46

G. Notice of Right to Request Patent Waiver

For awardees that are not subject to the Bayh-Dole Act, 42 U.S.C. 5908 provides that title to suchinventions vests in the United States, unless DOE grants a patent waiver pursuant to 10 CFR 784. Apatent waiver provides that those recipients and subrecipients that are not subject to the Bayh-DoleAct will also have the option to retain title to their own inventions, subject to the government retained

rights set forth in 10 CFR 784, and provided they meet certain cost sharing requirement and theyagree to substantially manufacture new technology created under an award resulting from this FOA inthe U.S. or provide other economic benefits to the U.S. The patent clause that will apply may befound at http://www.gc.doe.gov/documents/patwaivclau.pdf. For this FOA, DOE may issue a classpatent waiver that will cover all recipients and subrecipients that are not subject to the Bayh-DoleAct. If a class patent waiver is not issued, those entities not subject to the Bayh-Dole Act may stillrequest a waiver of all or any part of the rights of the United States in inventions conceived or firstactually reduced to practice in performance of an agreement as a result of this FOA, in advance of orwithin 30 days after the effective date of the award. Even if such advance waiver is not requested orthe request is denied, the recipient will have a continuing right under the award to request a waiver ofthe rights of the United States in the title to identified inventions, i.e., individual inventions conceivedor first actually reduced to practice in performance of the award. Any individual patent waiver that

may be granted is subject to certain terms and conditions in 10 CFR 784;http://www.gc.doe.gov/documents/patwaivclau.pdf.

Domestic small businesses and domestic nonprofit organizations will receive the patent rights clauseat 37 CFR 401.14, i.e., the implementation of the Bayh-Dole Act. This clause permits domestic smallbusiness and domestic nonprofit organizations to retain title to subject inventions. Therefore, smallbusinesses and nonprofit organizations do not need to request a waiver.

H. Notice Regarding Eligible/Ineligible Activities

Eligible activities under this program include those which describe and promote the understanding ofscientific and technical aspects of specific energy technologies, but not those which encourage or

support political activities such as the collection and dissemination of information related to potential,planned or pending legislation.

I. Notice of Right to Conduct a Review of Financial Capability

DOE reserves the right to conduct an independent third party review of financial capability forapplicants that are selected for negotiation of award (including personal credit information ofprincipal(s) of a small business if there is insufficient information to determine financial capability ofthe organization).

J. Notice of Potential Disclosure under Freedom of Information Act

Applicants should be advised that identifying information regarding all applicants, includingapplicant names and/or points of contact, may be subject to public disclosure under the Freedom ofInformation Act, whether or not such applicants are selected for negotiation of award.

32
http://www.gc.doe.gov/documents/patwaivclau.pdfhttp://www.gc.doe.gov/documents/patwaivclau.pdfhttp://www.gc.doe.gov/documents/patwaivclau.pdfhttp://www.gc.doe.gov/documents/patwaivclau.pdfhttp://www.gc.doe.gov/documents/patwaivclau.pdf


33/46

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Appendix A Definitions

Amendment means a revision to a Funding Opportunity Announcement

"Applicant" means the legal entity or individual signing the Application. This entity or individual maybe one organization or a single entity representing a group of organizations (such as a Consortium) thathas chosen to submit a single Application in response to a Funding Opportunity Announcement.

"Application" means the documentation submitted in response to a Funding Opportunity Announcement.

Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) is the person with assigned privileges who isauthorized to submit grant applications through Grants.gov on behalf of an organization. The privilegesare assigned by the organizations E-Business Point of Contact designated in the CCR.

"Award" means the written documentation executed by a DOE Contracting Officer, after an Applicant isselected, which contains the negotiated terms and conditions for providing Financial Assistance to theApplicant. A Financial Assistance Award may be either a Grant or a Cooperative Agreement.

"Budget" means the cost expenditure plan submitted in the Application, including both the DOEcontribution and the Applicant Cost Share.

Central Contractor Registration (CCR) is the primary database which collects, validates, stores anddisseminates data in support of agency missions. Funding Opportunity Announcements which requireapplication submission through FedConnect or Grants.gov require that the organization first be registeredin the CCR at http://www.grants.gov/CCRRegister.

"Consortium (plural consortia)" means the group of organizations or individuals that have chosen tosubmit a single Application in response to a Funding Opportunity Announcement.

"Contracting Officer" means the DOE official authorized to execute Awards on behalf of DOE and whois responsible for the business management and non-program aspects of the Financial Assistance process.

"Cooperative Agreement" means a Financial Assistance instrument used by DOE to transfer money orproperty when the principal purpose of the transaction is to accomplish a public purpose of support orstimulation authorized by Federal statute, and Substantial Involvement (see definition below) isanticipated between DOE and the Applicant during the performance of the contemplated activity.

"Cost Sharing" means the respective share of Total Project Costs to be contributed by the Applicant and

by DOE. The percentage of Applicant Cost Share is to be applied to the Total Project Cost (i.e., the sumof Applicant plus DOE Cost Shares) rather than to the DOE contribution alone.Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number is a unique nine-character identificationnumber issued by Dun and Bradstreet (D&B). Organizations must have a DUNS number prior toregistering in the CCR. Call 1-866-705-5711 to receive one free of charge.http://www.grants.gov/applicants/request_duns_number.jsp

33
http://www.grants.gov/CCRRegisterhttp://www.grants.gov/applicants/request_duns_number.jsphttp://www.grants.gov/CCRRegisterhttp://www.grants.gov/applicants/request_duns_number.jsp


34/46

E-Business Point of Contact (POC) is the individual who is designated as the Electronic BusinessPoint of Contact in the CCR registration. This person is the sole authority of the organization with thecapability of designating or revoking an individuals ability to conduct CCR transactions.E-Find is a Grants.gov webpage where you can search for Federal Funding Opportunities inFedGrants. http://www.grants.gov/search/searchHome.do"Financial Assistance" means the transfer of money or property to an Applicant or Participant to

accomplish a public purpose of support authorized by Federal statute through Grants or CooperativeAgreements and sub-awards. For DOE, it does not include direct loans, loan guarantees, priceguarantees, purchase agreements, Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs), orany other type of financial incentive instrument.

FedConnect is where federal agencies post opportunities and make awards via the web. AnyApplicant can view public postings without registering. However, registered users have numerous addedbenefits including the ability to electronically submit Applications / Responses to the government directlythrough this site. https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/. Note that All Application submissions forthis FOA must be made via the EERE eXCHANGE at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/

Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) means a research laboratory as

defined by Federal Acquisition Regulation 35.017.

Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is a publicly available document by which a Federalagency makes known its intentions to award discretionary grants or cooperative agreements, usually as aresult of competition for funds. Funding opportunity announcements may be known as programannouncements, notices of funding availability, solicitations, or other names depending on the agency andtype of program.

"Grant" means a Financial Assistance instrument used by DOE to transfer money or property when theprincipal purpose of the transaction is to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation authorizedby Federal statute, and no Substantial Involvement is anticipated between DOE and the Applicant duringthe performance of the contemplated activity.

Grants.gov is the storefront web portal which allows organizations to electronically find grantopportunities from all Federal grant-making agencies. Grants.gov is THE single access point for over 900grant programs offered by the 26 Federal grant-making agencies. http://www.grants.gov

Indian Tribe means any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, includingAlaska Native village or regional or village corporation, as defined in or established pursuant to theAlaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688)[43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.], which are recognized aseligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of theirstatus as Indians.

"Key Personnel" mean the individuals who will have significant roles in planning and implementing the

proposed Project on the part of the Applicant and Participants, including FFRDCs.

Marketing Partner Identification Number (MPIN) is a very important password designated by yourorganization when registering in CCR. The E-Business Point of Contact will need the MPIN to assignprivileges to the individual(s) authorized to perform CCR transactions on behalfof your organization. The MPIN must have 9 digits containing at least one alpha character (must be incapital letters) and one number (no spaces or special characters permitted).

34
http://www.grants.gov/search/searchHome.dohttps://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/http://www.grants.gov/http://www.grants.gov/search/searchHome.dohttps://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/http://www.grants.gov/


35/46

"Participant" for purposes of this Funding Opportunity Announcement only, means any entity, exceptthe Applicant substantially involved in a Consortium, or other business arrangement (including all partiesto the Application at any tier), responding to the Funding Opportunity Announcement.

Principal Investigator refers to the technical point of contact/Project Manager for a specific projectaward.

"Project" means the set of activities described in an Application, State plan, or other document that isapproved by DOE for Financial Assistance (whether such Financial Assistance represents all or only aportion of the support necessary to carry out those activities).

Proposal is the term used to describe the documentation submitted in response to a FundingOpportunity Announcement. Also see Application.

Recipient means the organization, individual, or other entity that receives a Financial AssistanceAward from DOE, is financially accountable for the use of any DOE funds or property provided for theperformance of the Project, and is legally responsible for carrying out the terms and condition of theaward.

"Selection" means the determination by the DOE Selection Official that negotiations take place forcertain Projects with the intent of awarding a Financial Assistance instrument.

"Selection Official" means the DOE official designated to select Applications for negotiation towardAward under a subject Funding Opportunity Announcement.

"Substantial Involvement" means involvement on the part of the Government. DOE's involvement mayinclude shared responsibility for the performance of the Project; providing technical assistance orguidance which the Applicant is to follow; and the right to intervene in the conduct or performance of theProject. Such involvement will be negotiated with each Applicant prior to signing any agreement.

"Total Project Cost" means all the funds to complete the effort proposed by the Applicant, includingDOE funds (including direct funding of any FFRDC) plus all other funds that will be committed by theApplicant as Cost Sharing.

Tribal Energy Resource Development Organization or Group means an organization of two ormore entities, at least one of which is an Indian Tribe (see Indian Tribe above) that has the writtenconsent of the governing bodies of all Indian Tribes participating in the organization to apply for a grantor loan, or other assistance under 25 U.S.C. 3503.

35


36/46

Appendix B Personally Identifiable Information

In responding to this Announcement, Applicants must ensure that Protected Personally IdentifiableInformation (PII) is not included in the following documents: Project Abstract, Project Narrative,Biographical Sketches, Budget or Budget Justification. These documents will be used by the Merit

Review Committee in the review process to evaluate each application. PII is defined by the Office ofManagement and Budget (OMB) and DOE as:

Any information about an individual maintained by an agency, including but not limited to,education, financial transactions, medical history, and criminal or employment history andinformation that can be used to distinguish or trace an individuals identity, such as their name, socialsecurity number, date and place of birth, mothers maiden name, biometric records, etc., includingany other personal information that is linked or linkable to an individual.

This definition of PII can be further defined as: (1) Public PII and (2) Protected PII.

a. Public PII: PII found in public sources such as telephone books, public websites,

business cards, university listing, etc. Public PII includes first and last name, address, worktelephone number, email address, home telephone number, and general education credentials.

b. Protected PII: PII that requires enhanced protection. This information includes data thatif compromised could cause harm to an individual such as identity theft.

Listed below are examples of Protected PII that Applicants must not include in the files listed above to beevaluated by the Merit Review Committee.

Social Security Numbers in any form

Place of Birth associated with an individual

Date of Birth associated with an individual

Mothers maiden name associated with an individual

Biometric record associated with an individual

Fingerprint

Iris scan

DNA

Medical history information associated with an individual

Medical conditions, including history of disease

Metric information, e.g. weight, height, blood pressure

Criminal history associated with an individual

Ratings

Disciplinary actions

Performance elements and standards (or work expectations) are PII when they are so intertwinedwith performance appraisals that their disclosure would reveal an individuals performanceappraisal

Financial information assoc