ERGI Academy Q&A Batch 2.docx

ERGI Academy Funding Opportunity No. SFOP0007190 Questions and Answers Batch 2 Updated 7/23/2020

Question 1: In regards to travel costs for site visits, study tours and job shadowing, we were wondering if those costs (air travel, transportation, lodging and per diem costs for training participants) are part of the total program funding and should be included in our budget estimate, or are they considered Recipient in-kind contribution to the Project? The same question in terms of travel of our instructors (should they travel overseas) to conduct training: is it considered direct Project cost or Recipient in-kind contribution?

Answer 1: Regarding travel for site visits, study tours, and job shadowing, per the Notice of Funding, these costs are considered part of the total program funding and should be included in your budget estimate. This is also true for instructor travel; it is considered a direct project cost.

Question 2: Given COVID-19 restrictions, is it realistic and possible to put forward visits to international mining operation sites as part of our suggested program activities?

Answer 2: Regarding COVID-19 restrictions, given the long Period of Performance of this cooperative agreement, it is expected that visits to international mining operation sites will eventually be possible and should indeed be part of your suggested program activities. However, per the Notice of Funding, a COVID-19 mitigation plan should also be part of your submission.

Question 3: Candidate shadowing requirement with USGS: In the NOFO, there is a mention of a month-long candidate USGS shadowing program. Are NOFO applicants expected to budget for a candidate to be with the USGS for a month, or is that outside of the scope of the NOFO budget?

Answer 3: To your question regarding "USGS job shadowing," I would direct you to the Notice of Funding; nowhere does it state a requirement for USGS job shadowing. USGS isn't actually mentioned at all in the Notice of Funding. I believe you may have confused our Notice with a separate one.

Question 4: Given the timeline for the start of the Academy, 2020-21 COVID-19 HSSE guidelines for campuses/companies/countries, international travel restrictions, etc - will there considerations/provisions for year 1 activities to be conducted virtually on an online platform?

Answer 4: To your question regarding Covid19 mitigation, per the Notice of Funding, applications should include a Covid19 mitigation plan for all proposed activities.

Question 5: Are applicants for the NOFO to incorporate visa costs into the academy participant travel costs?

Answer 5: To your question regarding visa costs, per the Notice of Funding, all travel costs are the responsibility of the Grantee and should be included in your proposed budget. Please refer to the Notice of Funding.

Question 6: Will there be an opportunity for applicants to request additional funding from ENR for execution of this program?

Answer 6: To your question regarding additional funding, per the Notice of Funding, the total budget for this work is $691,250 and this what your proposed budget should reflect.