DE-FOA-0003229_LGEP Communities Sparking Investment in Transformative Energy.pdf

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP)

Local Government Energy Program:

Communities Sparking Investment in Transformative Energy

(C-SITE)

Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number: DE-FOA-0003229

FOA Type: Initial Assistance Listing Number: 81.086

FOA Issue Date: February 27, 2024 Informational Webinar: See Infrastructure eXCHANGE website for details Submission Deadline for Full Applications: May 31, 2024, 5:00 p.m. ET Submission Deadline for Replies to Reviewer Comments: July 10, 2024, 5:00 p.m. ET Expected Date for SCEP Selection Notifications: August 2024 Expected Timeframe for Award Negotiations: September – December 2024

• To apply to this FOA, applicants must register with and submit application materials through Infrastructure Exchange at https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx, SCEP’s online application portal.

• Applicants must designate primary and backup points-of-contact in Infrastructure Exchange with whom SCEP will communicate to conduct award negotiations. If an application is selected for award negotiations, it is not a commitment to issue an award.

It is imperative that the applicant/selectee be responsive during award negotiations and meet negotiation deadlines. Failure to do so may result in cancelation of further award negotiations and rescission of the selection.

• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM) - Each applicant (unless the applicant is excepted from those requirements under 2 CFR 25.110) is required to: (1) register in the SAM at https://www.sam.gov before submitting an application; (2) provide a valid UEI number in the application; and (3) maintain an active SAM registration with current information when the applicant has an active federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a federal awarding agency. DOE may not make a federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable UEI and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx https://www.sam.gov/

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complied with the requirements by the time DOE is ready to make a federal award, DOE will determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a federal award to another applicant.

NOTE: Due to the high number of UEI requests and SAM registrations, entity legal business name and address validations are taking longer than expected to process.

Entities should start the UEI and SAM registration process as soon as possible. If entities have technical difficulties with the UEI validation or SAM registration process they should use the HELP feature on SAM.gov. SAM.gov will address service tickets in the order in which they are received and asks that entities not create multiple service tickets for the same request or technical issue. Additional entity validation resources can be found here: GSAFSD Tier 0 Knowledge Base - Validating your Entity.

mailto:LGEP@hq.doe.gov mailto:InfrastructureExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov https://sam.gov/content/help https://sam.gov/content/home https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0058422&sys_kb_id=1b5f22581b2115102fe5ed7ae54bcb4e&spa=1

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Executive Summary Program Overview This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is for the launch of a new annual program, issued by the US Department of Energy (DOE)’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP).

This funding opportunity, titled Communities Sparking Investments in Transformative Energy (C-SITE), supports SCEP’s overall mission and is funded through SCEP’s Local Government Energy Program (LGEP). LGEP will provide direct financial awards and technical assistance to recipients through this FOA, as well as capacity-building support through additional upcoming technical assistance offerings.

This funding opportunity provides an anticipated $18 million for local governments and federally recognized Indian Tribes to implement municipally- or Tribal-led high-impact clean energy projects in disadvantaged communities, energy communities, small- and medium-sized jurisdictions, and Tribal communities. DOE retains the right to make partial awards and to reallocate funds in the event of undersubscription, ineligibility and/or increased program funds.

Program Goals:

• Deliver direct local community benefits of clean energy, such as reduced energy costs and improved air quality, through implementation of community-led energy projects or programs.

• Spark additional investments in communities that create long-term local economic development opportunities and support community revitalization.

• Advance community-identified energy priorities and right to self-determination.

• Build capacity and partnerships in local governments and Tribes.

Total Funding

Number of

Awards

Minimum Award Size

Maximum Award Size Topic Area Title Period of

Performance

$18 million

5-20 $900,000 $3,600,000 Transformative Project Implementation

12-36 months

For this new program, DOE provides one topic area for all applicants to invite a broad range of diverse projects illustrating a variety of technologies, approaches, and models tailored to local community contexts and poised to spark additional investments in their communities.

Projects may span a range of geographic scopes and wide variety of technology areas, including, but not limited to, building efficiency and/or electrification, clean transportation, energy infrastructure upgrades, microgrid development and deployment, renewable energy, and workforce development. All projects must include meaningful community engagement.

While partnerships are not required, DOE will prioritize projects with clear demonstrated support from local community partners and relevant decision-makers, as well as projects proposing significant benefits to workers and local residents, and the ability to spur local economic development or community revitalization, utilize existing community assets or transform liabilities into assets, and spark additional investments.

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Eligible Applicants Per Congress, eligible prime recipients for this FOA are restricted to local governments or Tribal governments representing ANY of the following kinds of communities:

1. Disadvantaged communities;

2. Energy communities;

3. Small- and medium-sized jurisdictions.

See more eligibility information below, including the program eligibility map. Communities not included on the map may provide additional information demonstrating their eligibility.

Cost Share The cost share requirement for this FOA is reduced to 5% and may be met through staff time, municipal or Tribal budgets, philanthropic funds, or other contributions from a third-party entity to support project implementation or increase impact. The cost share must come from non-federal sources unless otherwise allowed by law and may also be met through the contribution of in-kind services that advance the proposed project.

Potential Project Examples Illustrations of potential projects funded through this award may include, but are not limited to:

• Energy efficiency upgrades and on-site battery storage for a community resilience hub/s located in a disadvantaged community.

• Tribal partner-owned solar plus storage microgrid independent power project providing power to remote households.

• Municipally-owned utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installation on reclaimed industrial land accessing relevant tax credits.

• Downtown revitalization led by public/private partnership creating energy efficient buildings primed for reuse for business or community use.

• Electric vehicle ride-sharing program aimed at serving low-income residents to increase mobility and access to economic opportunities.

Appendix C provides additional examples of projects that may be funded through this award.

Application Process To be considered for this funding opportunity, applicants must:

1. Submit a Full Application to Infrastructure Exchange. Full applications will go into further details of the project proposal, team qualifications, budget and workplan, community engagement, and community benefits. Full applications are due by May 31, 2024 at 5pm ET.

Questions about this FOA? Email LGEP@hq.doe.gov.

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i

Table of Contents Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................................. i

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Background and Context

i. Background and Purpose

ii. Strategic Goals

B. Topic Areas C. Technical Assistance

i. Technical Assistance for Awarded Communities

ii. Other Technical Assistance

D. Applications Specifically Not of Interest E. Authorizing Statutes

II. Award Information

A. Award Overview

i. Estimated Funding

ii. Period of Performance

iii. New Applications Only

B. SCEP Funding Agreements

i. Cooperative Agreements

ii. Funding Agreements with Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDCs)

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

i. Domestic Entities

ii. Foreign Entities

B. Cost Sharing

i. Legal Responsibility

ii. Cost Share Allocation

iii. Cost Share Types and Allowability

iv. Cost Share Contributions by FFRDCs

v. Cost Share Verification

vi. Cost Share Payment

C. Compliance Criteria D. Responsiveness Criteria E. Other Eligibility Requirements

i. Requirements for DOE/NNSA and Non-DOE/NNSA FFRDCs Included as a Subrecipient F. Limitation on Number of Concept Papers and Full Applications Eligible for Review G. Questions Regarding Eligibility

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Application Process

i. Additional Information on Infrastructure Exchange

B. Application Forms C. Content and Form of the Full Application

i. Full Application Content Requirements

ii. SF-424: Application for Federal Assistance (required)

iii. Project Narrative (required)

iv. Resumes (required)

v. Letters of Commitment (if applicable) mailto:infrastructureExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov

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ii

vi. Letters of Support (if applicable)

vii. Budget Information (required)

viii. Summary for Public Release (required)

ix. Summary Slide (required)

x. Budget for DOE/NNSA FFRDC (if applicable)

xi. Authorization for Non-DOE/NNSA or DOE/NNSA FFRDCs (if applicable)

xii. SF-LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (required)

D. Content and Form of Replies to Reviewer Comments E. Post Selection Information Requests F. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM) G. Submission Dates and Times H. Intergovernmental Review I. Funding Restrictions

i. Allowable Costs

ii. Pre-Award Costs

iii. Performance of Work in the United States

iv. Construction

v. Foreign Travel

vi. Equipment and Supplies

vii. Build America Buy America Requirements for Infrastructure Projects

viii. Lobbying

ix. Risk Assessment

x. Invoice Review and Approval

xi. Prohibition Related to Foreign Government-Sponsored Talent Recruitment Programs

xii. Affirmative Action and Pay Transparency Requirements

xiii. Foreign Collaboration Considerations

V. Application Review Information

A. Technical Review Criteria

i. Full Applications

ii. Criteria for Replies to Reviewer Comments

B. Standards for Application Evaluation C. Other Selection Factors

i. Program Policy Factors D. Evaluation and Selection Process

i. Overview

ii. Pre-Selection Clarification

iii. Recipient Responsibility and Qualifications

iv. Selection

E. Anticipated Notice of Selection and Award Negotiation Dates

VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

i. Ineligible Submissions

ii. Full Application Notifications

iii. Applicants Selected for Award Negotiations

iv. Alternate Selection Determinations

v. Unsuccessful Applicants

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

i. Registration Requirements

ii. Award Administrative Requirements

iii. Foreign National Participation

iv. Subaward and Executive Reporting

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iii

v. National Policy Requirements

vi. Environmental Review in Accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

vii. Flood Resilience

viii. Applicant Representations and Certifications

ix. Statement of Federal Stewardship

x. Statement of Substantial Involvement

xi. Intellectual Property Provisions

xii. Reporting

xiii. Conference Spending

xiv. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Financing Statements

xv. Real Property and Equipment

xvi. Implementation of Executive Order 13798, Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty

xvii. Participants and Collaborating Organizations

xviii. U.S. Manufacturing Commitments

xix. Interim Conflict of Interest Policy for Financial Assistance

xx. Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

xxi. Human Subjects Research

VII. Questions/Agency Contacts

VIII. Other Information

A. FOA Modifications B. Government Right to Reject or Negotiate C. Commitment of Public Funds D. Treatment of Application Information E. Evaluation and Administration by Non-Federal Personnel F. Notice Regarding Eligible/Ineligible Activities G. Notice of Right to Conduct a Review of Financial Capability H. Requirement for Full and Complete Disclosure I. Retention of Submissions J. Title to Subject Inventions K. Government Rights in Subject Inventions L. Government Use License M. Rights in Technical Data N. Copyright O. Export Control P. Prohibition on Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment Q. Personally Identifiable Information (PII) R. Annual Independent Audits S. Informational Webinar

APPENDIX A—COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

APPENDIX B – COST SHARE INFORMATION

APPENDIX C – EXAMPLE PROJECTS

APPENDIX D – REQUIRED USE OF AMERICAN IRON, STEEL, MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS, AND CONSTRUCTION

MATERIALS

APPENDIX E – LIST OF ACRONYMS

APPENDIX F—COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PLAN TEMPLATE (OPTIONAL)

APPENDIX G—COMMUNITY BENEFITS PLAN TEMPLATE (OPTIONAL)

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I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Background and Context

i. Background and Purpose Building a clean and equitable energy economy and addressing the climate crisis is a top priority of the Biden Administration. The Administration has set goals to achieve carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035 and to “deliver an equitable, clean energy future, and put the United States on a path to achieve net-zero emissions, economy-wide, by no later than 2050“1 to the benefit of all Americans. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is committed to advancing next generation clean energy technologies through research, development, demonstration, and deployment; creating clean energy jobs; and ensuring an equitable transition to a clean, secure, affordable, reliable, and resilient energy system.

DOE’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) partners with Tribes, states, and local governments to reduce energy costs, avoid pollution, accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies, and catalyze local economic development and job creation through equitable, clean energy solutions and place-based strategies involving a wide range of community, government, and business stakeholders.

The Local Government Energy Program (LGEP) supports SCEP’s mission through this Communities Sparking Investment in Transformative Energy (C-SITE) Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). This FOA supports the Administration goals referenced above by supporting programs and projects at the local level that reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, save customers money, create local jobs, improve air quality, combat climate change, and focus benefits on disadvantaged communities.

As part of the whole-of-government approach to advance equity and encourage worker organizing and collective bargaining,2,3 and in alignment with BIL section 40552(b), this FOA and any related activities will seek to encourage meaningful engagement and participation of workforce organizations, including labor unions, as well as underserved communities and underrepresented groups, 1 Executive Order 14008, “Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad,” January 27, 2021.

2 Executive Order 13985, “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government,” January 20, 2021.

3 Executive Order 14052, “Implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” November 18, 2021.

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including consultation with Tribal nations.4 Consistent with Executive Order 14008, this FOA is designed to help meet the Justice40 Initiative goal that 40% of the benefits of the Administration’s investments in clean energy and climate solutions be delivered to disadvantaged communities, as defined by the Department pursuant to the Executive Order.

ii. Strategic Goals

C-SITE seeks to support the implementation of high-impact municipally- or Tribal-led projects in disadvantaged or energy communities and small-to-medium jurisdictions. Through deep investments of funding, capacity building, and technical assistance, C-SITE fosters a wrap-around approach for clean energy solutions that serve community needs and address local priorities and issues. C- SITE aims to fund projects that deliver direct benefits to workers and residents, such as workforce agreements, reduced energy costs, improved air quality, and improved quality of life.

C-SITE awards issued through this FOA will focus on projects that:

• Have pre-existing community and decision-maker buy-in, factoring in impacts and benefits for disadvantaged communities, and commit to meaningful community engagement.

• Build on existing priority community assets or turn liabilities into assets in areas where people are disproportionately burdened by environmental harm or face high energy costs.

• Indicate the project can attract additional investments to complete, sustain, or scale implementation and impact.

• Create economic and community revitalization opportunities that are inclusive and equitable, including job creation or retention, attraction of new businesses, neighborhood stabilization, or other worker, resident, and community benefits.

Community-identified priorities can come from existing or active plans including, but not limited to, the following: Tribal strategic plans and/or action plans, local government climate action plans, local development business plans, state or regional electrification plans and strategies, workforce agency or board plans, utility community benefit plans and programs, long-range transportation or housing plans, academic master plans, economic or community revitalization plans, plans from previous DOE-funded efforts, and/or plans relating to climate, energy, and/or resilience broadly.

4 Executive Order 13175, “Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments,” November 6, 2000.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/environmentaljustice/justice40/

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This FOA provides funding for the implementation of clean energy projects and programs that lead to self-sustaining capacity building, social equity and economic development in communities. The objectives of this FOA are to fund projects that:

• Deliver direct local community benefits of clean energy, such as reduced energy costs and improved air quality, through implementation of community-led energy projects or programs.

• Spark additional investments in communities that create long-term local economic development opportunities and support community revitalization.

• Advance community-identified energy priorities and right to self-determination.

• Build capacity and partnerships in local governments and Tribes.

B. Topic Areas

This FOA will support eligible local governments and Tribes to implement projects that provide direct community benefits, spark additional investments, meet community-identified priorities, and build local capacity. Community benefits may include creation of local economic opportunities for workers, workforce measures and agreements, community revitalization, lowered energy burdens, increased access to renewable energy, improved air quality, increased public participation in energy decision-making processes, and improved quality of life for local residents.

Projects may span a range of geographic scopes and wide variety of technology areas including, but not limited to: building efficiency and/or electrification, electric transportation, energy infrastructure upgrades, microgrid development and deployment, renewable energy, resilience hubs, and workforce development.

Projects that incorporate all or some of the above components are encouraged to apply.

All work under SCEP funding agreements must be performed in the United States.

See Section IV.I.iii. and Appendix D.

C. Technical Assistance

i. Technical Assistance for Awarded Communities

SCEP understands that local governments and Tribes are under capacity to develop and manage the many clean energy, workforce development and transportation projects desired by their communities. This demand stretches staff capacity to their limits. To meet this need, awarded communities will be

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provided additional capacity through SCEP’s Community Energy Fellows program. Community Energy Fellows will work either on-site or virtually in select communities for up to 18 months to support implementation of projects.

In addition, awarded communities will receive in depth technical assistance (TA) from experts to help facilitate the development and implementation of awarded projects.

Lastly, communities will have the opportunity to participate in peer exchanges to share best practices, troubleshoot barriers, and grow their networks.

ii. Other Technical Assistance

LGEP will provide additional technical assistance offerings to build capacity in communities, launching Summer 2024.

D. Applications Specifically Not of Interest

The following types of applications will be deemed nonresponsive and will not be reviewed or considered (See Section III.D. of the FOA):

• Applications that fall outside the technical parameters specified in Sections I.A.

and I.B. of the FOA.

• Applications for proposed technologies that are not based on sound scientific principles (e.g., violates the laws of thermodynamics).

• Applications for which the prime applicant is not an eligible applicant, as described in Section III.i.

• Applications for projects in visioning and planning stages rather than implementation stage. Projects in visioning and planning stages are strongly encouraged to explore additional Technical Assistance (TA) offerings and capacity-building strategies through SCEP.

E. Authorizing Statutes

The programmatic authorizing statute is 117th Congress. Senate Report Number 117-

36. “Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill, 2022.” August 4, 2021. P.

129.

Awards made under this announcement will fall under the purview of 2 CFR Part 200 as amended by 2 CFR Part 910.

https://www.energy.gov/scep/community-energy-fellows

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II. Award Information

A. Award Overview

i. Estimated Funding SCEP expects to make a total of approximately $18 million of federal funding available for new awards under this FOA, subject to the availability of appropriated funds. SCEP anticipates making approximately 5-20 awards under this FOA.

SCEP may issue one, multiple, or no awards. Individual awards may vary between $900,000 and $3,600,000. DOE retains the right to make partial awards and to reallocate funds in the event of undersubscription, ineligibility and/or increased program funds.

SCEP may issue awards in the following topic area.

Total Funding

Number of

Awards

Minimum Award Size

Maximum Award Size Topic Area Title Period of

Performance

$18 million

5-20 $900,000 $3,600,000 Transformative Project Implementation

12-36 months

SCEP may establish more than one budget period for each award and fund only the initial budget period(s). Funding for all budget periods, including the initial budget period, is not guaranteed.

ii. Period of Performance

SCEP anticipates making awards that will run from 12 months up to 36 months, comprised of one or more budget periods. Project continuation will be contingent upon several elements, including satisfactory performance and reporting. For a complete list, see Section VI.B.xii.

iii. New Applications Only SCEP will accept only new applications under this FOA. SCEP will not consider applications for renewals of existing SCEP-funded awards through this FOA.

B. SCEP Funding Agreements

Through cooperative agreements and other similar agreements, SCEP provides financial and other support to projects that have the potential to realize the FOA

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objectives. SCEP does not use such agreements to acquire property or services for the direct benefit or use of the U.S. government.

i. Cooperative Agreements

SCEP generally uses cooperative agreements to provide financial and other support to prime recipients. Through cooperative agreements, SCEP provides financial or other support to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by federal statute. Under cooperative agreements, the government and prime recipients share responsibility for the direction of projects.

SCEP has substantial involvement in all projects funded via cooperative agreement. See Section VI.B.x. of the FOA for more information on what substantial involvement may involve.

ii. Funding Agreements with Federally Funded Research and

Development Center (FFRDCs)5 In most cases, FFRDCs are funded independently of the remainder of the project team. The FFRDC then executes an agreement with any non-FFRDC project team members to arrange work structure, project execution, and any other matters.

Regardless of these arrangements, the entity that applied as the prime recipient for the project will remain the prime recipient for the project. See Section III.E.

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

i. Domestic Entities The proposed prime recipient and subrecipient(s) must be domestic entities. Per Congress, the proposed prime recipients for this FOA are restricted to local governments or Tribal governments representing ANY of the following kinds of communities:

1. Disadvantaged communities6;

2. Energy communities7;

3. Small- and medium-sized jurisdictions.

5 FFRDCs are public-private partnerships that conduct research for the U.S. government. A listing of FFRDCs can be found at http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/ffrdclist/.

6 White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). 2022. Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool.

<https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/methodology> 7 United States Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory. 2023. Energy Community Tax Credit Bonus Tool. IRA Energy Community Tax Credit Bonus (doe.gov) http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/ffrdclist/ https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/methodology%3e https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/methodology%3e https://arcgis.netl.doe.gov/portal/apps/experiencebuilder/experience/?id=a2ce47d4721a477a8701bd0e08495e1d https://arcgis.netl.doe.gov/portal/apps/experiencebuilder/experience/?id=a2ce47d4721a477a8701bd0e08495e1d

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Local Government: For the purposes of this FOA, ‘local governments’ are defined as jurisdictions that include, but are not limited to, ANY of the following:

• Cities, towns, and villages;

• Counties, including on behalf of unincorporated communities, as well as special districts and joint powers authorities;

• Municipally or Tribally-owned utilities;

• Metropolitan planning organizations, regional planning organizations;

and

• Councils of governments.

Federally recognized Indian Tribe: For the purposes of this FOA, includes any federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and villages, inclusive of any Alaska Native village or regional corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Settlement Act.8

Disadvantaged Communities: Communities that encompass a census tract that

EITHER:

• meets the thresholds for at least ONE of the categories of burden (climate change, energy, workforce, water and wastewater, transportation, health, housing, legacy pollution) through the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST)9, OR

• is a United States territory or federally recognized Indian Tribe.

Energy Communities: Communities that include ANY of the following10:

• a “brownfield site”;

• a “metropolitan statistical area” or “non-metropolitan statistical area” that has

a. 0.17% or greater direct employment or 25% or greater local tax revenues related to the extraction, processing, transport, or storage of coal, oil, or natural gas; AND

b. has an unemployment rate at or above the national average unemployment rate for the previous year; OR

• a census tract in which a coal mine has closed after 1999 or a coal-fired electricity generating unit has been retired after 2009

8 Bureau of Indian Affairs. 2022. Indian Entities Recognized by and Eligible To Receive Services from the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs. Federal Register. <https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/01/28/2022- 01789/indian-entities-recognized-by-and-eligible-to-receive-services-from-the-united-states-bureau-of> 9 White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). 2022. Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool.

<https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/methodology> 10 United States Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory. 2023. Energy Community Tax Credit Bonus Tool. IRA Energy Community Tax Credit Bonus (doe.gov) https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/methodology%3e https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/methodology%3e https://arcgis.netl.doe.gov/portal/apps/experiencebuilder/experience/?id=a2ce47d4721a477a8701bd0e08495e1d https://arcgis.netl.doe.gov/portal/apps/experiencebuilder/experience/?id=a2ce47d4721a477a8701bd0e08495e1d

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Small- and Medium-Sized Jurisdictions: Communities that represent the following:

a. “small” jurisdictions: jurisdictions representing under 100,000 people

b. “medium” jurisdictions: jurisdictions representing under 250,000 people

Please reference the C-SITE eligibility map linked. If not included on the eligibility map, applicants may describe in the Project Narrative how and why their community is a disadvantaged or energy community and/or a small or medium-sized jurisdiction, and therefore eligible for this FOA.

Please reference the Technical Review Criteria for further detail relating to applicant types and community profiles.

Teams or Consortia and Partners Partnerships and teaming for this FOA are optional but encouraged for successful local implementation including, but not limited to, activities such as community engagement, coalition-building, and project management.

(a) Teams or Consortia Eligible primes (here, local governments and/or federally recognized Indian Tribes) are allowed to team up on a single application in order to (1) ease the administrative burdens associated with managing a federal grant, (2) maximize the scope, reach, and level of ambition for the proposed projects and programs, and (3) encourage sharing of capacity, knowledge, expertise, lessons learned and best practices across jurisdictions. Teaming is not required for this FOA. Teaming here refers to multiple eligible entities submitting one joint application as co-applicants, with one entity identified as the prime on behalf of the group. For example, a team or consortium of Tribes may submit one application if each Tribe is an eligible prime and the consortia designates one Tribe to serve as prime recipient and consortium representative.

(b) Partners and Subrecipients Eligible primes may work with partners organizations to support implementation of their project for activities including, but not limited to community outreach and engagement, coalition-building, program delivery, workforce, technical expertise, budget tracking, metric reporting and project management. Applicants should include information about intended partners and their roles in project implementation in their application materials.

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For this FOA, partners can include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Nonprofit organizations, including community-based organizations

• Tribal Nations, Tribal Councils, Tribal energy development organizations, Section 17 corporations, or Tribal-serving organization

• Academic and/or research institutions, including Historically Black

Colleges and Universities, Minority Serving Institutions, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Tribal colleges, community colleges and think tanks

• Associations, coalitions, and councils

• Community development finance institutions or community development corporations

• For-profit entities, consultants, and private companies

• Local or regional planning organizations

• National laboratories, also called Federally Funded Research and

Development Centers (FFRDCs)

• Philanthropic organizations, nonprofit or private, including community foundations

• State, regional, and/or local governmental entities including, but not limited to, workforce development agencies and special districts

• Underserved businesses, including small and disadvantaged businesses, women-owned small businesses, service-disabled and veteran owned small businesses

• Utilities including investor-owned, cooperative/public power, and municipal as well as third-party or independent power providers

Partners may be – but are not required- to be compensated through this FOA as subrecipients. Subrecipients must be domestic entities. To qualify as a domestic entity, the entity must be organized, chartered or incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a particular state or territory of the United States; have majority domestic ownership and control; and have a physical place of business in the United States.

Subrecipients must provide letters of commitment with the application.

Staff time to support project implementation provided by partner organizations can count towards the in-kind cost share requirements for this FOA. Partner organizations contributing staff time to meet the cost share must provide letters of commitment with the application.

DOE/NNSA FFRDCs are eligible to apply for funding as a subrecipient but are not eligible to apply as a prime recipient.

Non-DOE/NNSA FFRDCs are eligible to participate as a subrecipient but are not eligible to apply as a prime recipient.

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Federal agencies and instrumentalities (other than DOE) are eligible to participate as a subrecipient but are not eligible to apply as a prime recipient.

Entities banned from doing business with the U.S. government such as entities debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participating in federal programs are not eligible.

Nonprofit organizations described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995, are not eligible to apply for funding.

ii. Foreign Entities SCEP has determined that Foreign Entities are ineligible for this FOA as either a prime or subrecipient.

B. Cost Sharing Applicants are bound by the cost share proposed in their Full Applications if selected for award negotiations.

This FOA has received a Cost Share Reduction to reduce the cost share from the 50% cost share required by EPACT 2005, Section 988 to 5% of total project costs, inclusive of staff time and in-kind cost share activities. The 5% cost share must come from non-federal sources unless otherwise allowed by law and may be provided by a third-party entity.

Applicants are encouraged to consider how the cost share can help advance the project, increase project impact, build partnerships, spark community investments, or sustain or scale the project beyond the grant period.

To help applicants calculate proper cost share amounts, please reference the cost share information sheet and sample cost share calculation in Appendix B of this FOA.

i. Legal Responsibility Although the cost share requirement applies to the entire project, including work performed by members of the project team other than the prime recipient, the prime recipient is legally responsible for ensuring the cost share requirement is met, including through a third-party entity. If the funding agreement is terminated prior to the end of the project period, the prime recipient is required to contribute at least the cost share percentage of total expenditures incurred through the date of termination.

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The prime recipient is solely responsible for managing cost share contributions by the project team and enforcing cost share obligation assumed by project team members in subawards or related agreements.

ii. Cost Share Allocation Each project team is free to determine how best to allocate the cost share requirement among the team members. The amount contributed by individual project team members may vary, as long as the cost share requirement for the entire project is met.

iii. Cost Share Types and Allowability Every cost share contribution must be allowable under the applicable federal cost principles, as described in Section IV.I.i. of the FOA. In addition, cost share must be verifiable upon submission of the Full Application. Cost share may be provided in the form of cash or cash equivalents, or in-kind contributions. Cost share must come from non-federal sources (unless otherwise allowed by law), such as project participants, state or local governments, or other third-party financing like from a community development financing institution (CDFI) or similar or other mechanism. Federal financing, such as DOE Loan Guarantee, cannot be leveraged by applicants to provide the required cost share or otherwise support the same scope that is proposed under a project.

Cost share may be provided by the prime recipient, subrecipients, or third parties (entities that do not have a role in performing the scope of work).

Vendors/contractors may not provide cost share. Any partial donation of goods or services is considered a discount and is not allowable.

Cash contributions include but are not limited to personnel costs, fringe costs, supply and equipment costs, indirect costs, and other direct costs.

In-kind contributions are those where a value of the contribution can be readily determined, verified, and justified but where no actual cash is transacted in securing the good or service comprising the contribution. Allowable in-kind contributions include but are not limited to the donation of volunteer time or the donation of space or use of equipment.

Project teams may use funding or property received from state or local governments to meet the cost share requirement, so long as the federal government did not provide the funding to the state or local government.

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The recipient may not use the following sources to meet its cost share obligations:

• Revenues or royalties from the prospective operation of an activity beyond the project period;

• Proceeds from the prospective sale of an asset of an activity;

• Federal funding or property (e.g., federal grants, equipment owned by the federal government); or

• Expenditures that were reimbursed under a separate federal program.

Project teams may not use the same cash or in-kind contributions to meet cost share requirements for more than one project or program.

Cost share contributions must be specified in the project budget, verifiable from the prime recipient’s records, and necessary and reasonable for proper and efficient accomplishment of the project. As all sources of cost share are considered part of total project cost, the cost share dollars will be scrutinized under the same federal regulations as federal dollars to the project. Every cost share contribution must be reviewed and approved in advance by the Contracting Officer and incorporated into the project budget before the expenditures are incurred.

Applicants are encouraged to refer to 2 CFR 200.306 as amended by 2 CFR

910.130 for additional cost sharing requirements

iv. Cost Share Contributions by FFRDCs Because FFRDCs are funded by the federal government, costs incurred by FFRDCs generally may not be used to meet the cost share requirement. FFRDCs may contribute cost share only if the contributions are paid directly from the contractor’s Management Fee or another non-federal source.

v. Cost Share Verification

Applicants are required to provide written assurance of their proposed cost share contributions in their Full Applications.

Upon selection for award negotiations, applicants are required to provide additional information and documentation regarding their cost share contributions. Please refer to Appendix A of the FOA.

vi. Cost Share Payment

DOE requires prime recipients to contribute the cost share amount incrementally over the life of the award. Specifically, the prime recipient’s cost share for each

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billing period must always reflect the overall cost share ratio negotiated by the parties (i.e., the total amount of cost sharing on each invoice when considered cumulatively with previous invoices must reflect, at a minimum, the cost sharing percentage negotiated). Prime recipients will be required to provide project cost share at a percentage commensurate with the FFRDC costs, on a budget period basis, resulting in a higher interim invoicing cost share ratio than the total award ratio.

In limited circumstances, and where it is in the government’s interest, the Contracting Officer may approve a request by the prime recipient to meet its cost share requirements on a less frequent basis, such as monthly or quarterly.

Regardless of the interval requested, the prime recipient must be up to date on cost share at each interval. Such requests must be sent to the Contracting Officer during award negotiations and include the following information: (1) a detailed justification for the request; (2) a proposed schedule of payments, including amounts and dates; (3) a written commitment to meet that schedule; and (4) such evidence as necessary to demonstrate that the prime recipient has complied with its cost share obligations to date. The Contracting Officer must approve all such requests before they go into effect.

C. Compliance Criteria

All applicant submissions must:

• Comply with the applicable content and form requirements listed in Section IV.

of the FOA;

• Include all required documents;

• Be uploaded and submitted to Infrastructure Exchange https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/; and

• Be submitted by the deadline stated in the FOA.

SCEP will not review or consider submissions submitted through means other than Infrastructure Exchange, submissions submitted after the applicable deadline, or incomplete submissions.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their Full Applications and Replies to Reviewer Comments at least 48 hours in advance of the submission deadline.

Under normal conditions (i.e., at least 48 hours before the submission deadline), applicants should allow at least one hour to submit a Full Application or Reply to Reviewer Comments. Once the Full Application or Reply to Reviewer Comments is submitted in Infrastructure Exchange, applicants may revise or update that submission until the expiration of the applicable deadline. If changes are made to any of these documents, the applicant must resubmit the Full Application, or Reply https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/

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to Reviewer Comments before the applicable deadline. SCEP will not extend the submission deadline for applicants that fail to submit required information by the applicable deadline due to server/connection congestion.

D. Responsiveness Criteria

All “Applications Specifically Not of Interest,” as described in Section I.D. of the FOA, are deemed nonresponsive and are not reviewed or considered for this FOA but may receive relevant informational resources or be directed toward other DOE opportunities.

E. Other Eligibility Requirements

i. Requirements for DOE/NNSA and Non-DOE/NNSA FFRDCs Included as a Subrecipient DOE/NNSA and non-DOE/NNSA FFRDCs may be proposed as a subrecipient on another entity’s application subject to the following guidelines:

a. Authorization 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 its award.

b. Authorization for DOE/NNSA FFRDCs

The cognizant Contracting Officer for the FFRDC must authorize in writing the use of the FFRDC on the proposed project and this authorization must be submitted with the application. The 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.

c. Funding, Cost Share, and Subaward with FFRDCs

The value of and funding for the FFRDC portion of the work will not normally be included in the award. DOE/NNSA FFRDCs participating as a subrecipient on a project will be funded directly through the DOE field work proposal (WP) process. Non-DOE/NNSA FFRDCs participating as a subrecipient will be funded through an interagency agreement with the sponsoring agency.

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Although the FFRDC portion of the work is excluded from the award, the applicant’s cost share requirement will be based on the total cost of the project, including the applicant’s, the subrecipient’s, and the FFRDC’s portions of the project.

Unless instructed otherwise by the DOE Contracting Officer for the DOE award, all FFRDCs are required to enter into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement[1] (CRADA)11 or, if the role of the DOE/NNSA FFRDC is limited to technical assistance and intellectual property is not anticipated to be generated from the DOE/NNSA FFRDC’s work, a Technical Assistance Agreement (TAA), with at least the prime recipient before any project work begins. Any questions regarding the use of a CRADA or TAA should be directed to the cognizant DOE field intellectual property (IP) counsel.

The CRADA or TAA is used to ensure accountability for project work and provide the appropriate management of IP, e.g., data protection and background IP. The CRADA or TAA must be agreed upon by all parties and submitted to DOE or other sponsoring agency, when applicable, for approval, or submitted to DOE for notice under the Master Scope of Work process, when applicable, using any DOE or other sponsoring agency approved CRADA or TAA template without substantive changes by the time the award is made to the prime recipient.

d. Responsibility

The prime recipient will be the responsible authority regarding the settlement and satisfaction of all contractual and administrative issues including but not limited to disputes and claims arising out of any agreement between the prime recipient and the FFRDC.

e. Limit on FFRDC Effort

The scope of work to be performed by the FFRDC should not be more significant than the scope of work to be performed by the applicant.

11 A cooperative research and development agreement is a contractual agreement between a national laboratory contractor and a private company or university to work together on research and development. For more information, see https://www.energy.gov/gc/downloads/doe-cooperative-research-and-development-agreements…