DOE-FOA-0003131 Q&A #2 1-10-24.pdf

DOE-EM CCBGP DE-FOA0003131

January 10, 2024

DOE-EM CCBGP FOA Q&A’S #2

The Webinar was held as scheduled on January 8, 2024. Please use the below weblink to view a recording of the meeting.

https://www.emcbc.doe.gov/docs/video/DOE%20EM%20CCBGP%20FOA%20Webinar- 20240108_120153-Meeting%20Recording.mp4

Q1. Could an example project or two be described?

A1. An example project in the Reindustrialization category would be a study to determine future use of the EM cleanup site. Another in Community Engagement and Outreach category, could be providing translation and interpretation services for people in the community attending workshops or seminars regarding EM cleanup activities in the area. See page 10 of the FOA for additional example projects in all topic areas.

Q2. Can you define the area in Nevada eligible to apply?

A2. EM will consider multiple sources of information to identify eligible applicants including but not limited to the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, DOE’s Energy Justice Mapping Tool, or EPA EJ Screen 2.1. Potential eligible applicants include Community Reuse Organizations, Community Based Economic Development Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, K-12 public schools, STEM related non-profit organizations, and Federally Recognized Tribes and Tribal Businesses.

Q3. Can you explain what should be included in the expression of interest?

A3. It is detailed in the FOA on the bottom of page 15. Each applicant must provide the following information as part of the Expression of Interest E-mail:

• Project Title;

• Lead Organization/Entity;

• Organization type and size (i.e., number of employees);

• The Project Team, including:

- The Principal Investigator (PI) for the prime recipient;

- Team Members (i.e., subrecipients);

- Senior/Key Personnel (i.e., individuals who contribute in a substantive, measurable way to the execution of the proposed project); and

• Topic Area

Q4. Do Concept Papers need to be approved by the DOE before submitting a full application?

A4. Yes, the concept papers will be reviewed and evaluated by the DOE team. Once those evaluations are complete, notifications will be sent out to all applicants informing them if they have or have not been selected for Step 2 for the full application submission.

https://www.emcbc.doe.gov/docs/video/DOE%20EM%20CCBGP%20FOA%20Webinar-20240108_120153-Meeting%20Recording.mp4 https://www.emcbc.doe.gov/docs/video/DOE%20EM%20CCBGP%20FOA%20Webinar-20240108_120153-Meeting%20Recording.mp4

Q5. Does the Concept Paper get submitted via email?

A5. Yes, the concept paper should be submitted via email instead of Grants.gov. The email address is highlighted on the first page of the FOA and several other pages throughout – CCBGP-FOA@emcbc.doe.gov

Q6. What is the website for the TicTac resource mentioned at the beginning of the webinar?

A6. https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-thriving-communities-technical-assistance-centers

Q7. If a tribal community is working on a clean up contract at a DOE site, can it still apply?

A7. Yes, it can still apply, but cannot be completely funded under another financial assistance agreement.

Q8. Is there eligibility for a community that is considered “downwind” from typical cleanup activities?

A8. Yes, there are a lot of other activities outside of cleanup. EM will consider community engagement activities, workforce activities, and studies for future land use, etc.

Q9. Can you speak to how EM envisions this grant program in relation to the ongoing EM Cleanup to Clean Energy Initiative?

A9. EM doesn’t anticipate any restrictions to applying for CCBGP funds if they’re related to this Cleanup to Clean Energy program and proposes leveraging opportunities that you may be aware of in your communities or other ongoing existing departmental activities.

Q10. Is it possible to include two project concepts in one request?

A10. Yes, although it may be difficult to include all pertinent information within the 5-page maximum; therefore, multiple concept papers may be submitted for multiple project concepts/topics.

Q11. After submitting the concept paper (Step 1), does the applicant need to wait to receive approval before moving to Step 2 – full application?

A11. Yes, the applicant will receive a notification via email stating whether they have been selected.

Q12. Is a sub-recipient required?

A12. No, a sub-recipient is not required, it can just be a prime recipient receiving the grant.

Q13. Would a workforce program in a community near Los Alamos have to be to include cleanup activities? Or could it be a non-cleanup economic diversification program instead?

A13. The goal of the program is to build capacity in various communities near EM cleanup sites;

therefore, if the proposed project provided a benefit to the local community, it could be considered for award.

mailto:CCBGP-FOA@emcbc.doe.gov https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-thriving-communities-technical-assistance-centers https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-thriving-communities-technical-assistance-centers

Q14. Is there a limit regarding time or timeliness of the proposed project? For example, if the proposed project will not be taking place for five years, can the applicant still submit a concept paper application for this award money?

A14. A project or potential grant award would need to occur or start in the near future due to the FY23 funding used for this program.

Q15. Is there an expectation that the awardee will find additional funding to continue the program?

A15. There is not an expectation for continuation; ideally the project would meet its intended goal(s) in the 12–36-month period of performance.

Q16. Can you confirm that there are no matching requirements for the grant?

A16. Yes, there is not a requirement for cost share. However, an applicant is free to provide cost share if it would benefit the program or benefit the resulting award.

Q17. Are faith-based churches eligible for this program?

A17. Yes, if the church is based in what is considered a disadvantaged community.

Q18. Is there eligibility in this funding for tribes located in Alaska that have historically been disadvantaged and are seeking to compete for funds that would allow us to build community capacity to enhance our ability to reduce fossil fuel emissions?

A18. Unfortunately, Alaska is not an EM cleanup site, so DOE-EM would not consider the community under this particular FOA.

Q19. Are local businesses in the DAC area eligible to apply?

A19. Yes, local businesses in disadvantaged communities are eligible to apply.