FOA FINAL 4.21.2022 a.pdf

FOA: DE-FOA-0002719

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Office of Nuclear Energy (NE)

Cooperative Agreement to Facilitate Coordination Between DOE-NE and Energy Communities, Vital Constituencies, and Educational Groups

Funding Opportunity Announcement Number: DE-FOA-0002719

Announcement Type: Initial

CFDA Number: 81.121

Issue Date: 04/21/2022

Questions Due: No later than 05/05/2022

Instructions Guide: COB 06/15/2022

Letter of Intent Due Date 06/29/2022

Application Due Date 07/18/2022

Submit Applications to grants.gov

SECTION I - FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

Cooperative Agreement to Facilitate Coordination Between DOE-NE and Energy Communities, Vital Constituencies, and Educational Groups

Background and Summary Objectives

The primary mission of the Nuclear Energy (NE) program is to advance nuclear power as a resource capable of contributing toward the nation’s energy supply, environmental, and national security needs. To ensure that nuclear energy remains a viable energy option for the nation, NE supports research, development, and demonstration activities, when appropriate, designed to resolve the technical, cost, safety, waste management, proliferation resistance, and security challenges of increased use of nuclear energy. NE leads the federal research effort to develop nuclear energy technologies, including generation, safety, waste storage and management, and security technologies to help meet energy security, proliferation resistance, and climate goals.

One of the primary missions of NE is to maintain the current nuclear fleet, develop and deploy advanced nuclear reactor technologies, and tackle spent nuclear fuel storage. With this in mind, NE is seeking partners to help the office advance these endeavors. With an emphasis on environmental justice, these partners work with local energy communities, educational entities, and other constituencies to find opportunities to accomplish the shared mission of utilizing nuclear energy to advance national and international energy, environmental, and economic needs.

The Office of Nuclear Energy will actively communicate and engage with communities with vested interest in the goals of the office. These communities have a unique perspective vital to developing nuclear energy projects and to completing other office priorities. The Office of Nuclear Energy will work with partners to connect and interact with underserved communities that could benefit from nuclear energy projects to ensure that the growth produced by clean energy projects is equitably delivered to all.

The complexity of nuclear energy and its broad impact throughout its lifecycle makes it necessary to develop, expand, and enhance educational opportunities and scholarships in STEM for K-12 students and to develop nuclear energy resources for STEM educators. This effort includes specifically targeting historically underrepresented students in STEM fields. As outlined by the Federal 5-Year STEM Education Strategic Plan entitled “Charting a Course for Success:

America’s Strategy for STEM Education,” national efforts to broaden participation of underrepresented populations must align with current and future workforce needs.

SECTION II - AWARD INFORMATION

A. TYPE OF AWARD INSTRUMENT

1. COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS

DOE anticipates awarding cooperative agreements under this funding opportunity announcement (See Section VI.B.2.c Statement of Substantial Involvement).

B. ESTIMATED FUNDING

1. Amount New Awards

Approximately $1,600,000.00 is expected to be available for new awards under this announcement. Funding for all awards and future budget periods are contingent upon the availability of funds appropriated by Congress for the purpose of this program and the availability of future-year budget authority.

2. Amount Appropriation Dependent he Administration has requested approximately $480,000.00 in FY 2022 for this program. Funding for all awards and future budget periods are contingent upon the availability of funds appropriated by Congress for the purpose of this program and the availability of future-year budget authority.

C. MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM AWARD SIZE

Ceiling (i.e., the maximum amount for an individual award made under this announcement):

N/A.

Floor (i.e., the minimum amount for an individual award made under this announcement): N/A

D. EXPECTED NUMBER OF AWARDS

1. Number of Awards

DOE anticipates making approximately between two (2) to eleven (11) awards under this announcement.

2. Number of Awards per Program

Under this announcement, DOE expects to make the following number of awards for each Program/Topic Area:

Program Area Number of Awards 1: Constituency & Community Engagement

1-5

2: Education Programs 1-6

E. ANTICIPATED AWARD SIZE

1. Award Size per Program Area

The anticipated award size for projects under each Program Area in this announcement is:

Program Area Total Award Size (over two years) Program A: Constituency & Community Engagement

$360,000.00- $600,000.00

Program B: Education Programs $120,000.00- $200,000.00

F. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

1. Period of Performance per Program Area

The anticipated period of performance for projects under each Program Area in this announcement is:

Program A: Constituency & Community Engagement

Budget Period Period of Performance 1 09/30/2022 to 09/29/2023 2 09/30/2023 to 09/29/2024

Program B: Educational Programs

Budget Period Period of Performance 1 09/30/2022 to 09/29/2023 2 09/30/2023 to 09/29/2024

G. TYPE OF APPLICATION

1. New and Renewal Applications

DOE will accept new applications only under this announcement.

SECTION III - ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

• Independent school districts

• Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

• For profit organizations other than small businesses

• County governments

• State governments

• Private institutions of higher education

• Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

• Small businesses

• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

• Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)

• Special district governments

• City or township governments

• Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities

B. COST SHARING OR {MATCHING}

Cost sharing is not required.

C. OTHER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

No other eligibility requirements apply.

SECTION IV - APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

A. ADDRESS TO REQUEST APPLICATION PACKAGE

1. Apply at Grants.gov

Application forms and instructions are available at Grants.gov. To access these materials, go to http://www.grants.gov, select "Apply for Grants," and then select "Download Application Package." Enter the CFDA and/or the funding opportunity number located on the cover of this announcement and then follow the prompts to download the application package.

2. Send an informational copy of recipient application package to Lisa Fontaine at

FOA_DE_FOA_0002719@hq.doe.gov.

Do NOT request materials at this address. Materials shall not be sent from this address.

This address shall only be used by recipient to send an additional final copy of completed application packages after applying at Grants.gov.

http://www.grants.gov/

B. LETTER OF INTENT AND PRE-APPLICATION

1. Letter of Intent Letters of Intent are required. They are due by June 29, 2022 by midnight Eastern Standard Time to Lisa Fontaine at FOA_DE_FOA_0002719@hq.doe.gov. PLEASE NOTE: Applications will not be considered without a Letter of Intent received by the due date and time to the proper email address, both noted in the previous sentence.

2. Pre-application Pre-applications are not required.

C. CONTENT AND FORM OF APPLICATION

You must complete the mandatory forms and any applicable optional forms (e.g., SF- LLL- Disclosure of Lobbying Activities) in accordance with the instructions on the forms and the additional instructions below. Files that are attached to the forms must be in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) unless otherwise specified in this announcement.

SUMMARY OF REQUIRED FORMS AND FILES

Your application must include the following documents:

Forms Required Forms Required Program A: Constituency and Community Engagement

Program B: Educational Programs

SF 424 - APPLICATION FOR

FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

Project/Performance Site Location(s)

Project Narrative (Field 8 on the Form)

SF 424 - APPLICATION FOR

FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

Project/Performance Site Location(s)

Project Narrative (Field 8 on the Form)

PROJECT

SUMMARY/ABSTRACT FILE

UPLOADED TO “OTHER

ATTACHMENTS FORM.”

REFERENCE SECTION X.

PROJECT

SUMMARY/ABSTRACT FILE

UPLOADED TO “OTHER

ATTACHMENTS FORM.”

REFERENCE SECTION X.

RESUME FILE RESUME FILE

SF-424A: EXCEL, BUDGET

INFORMATION – NON-

CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS

FILE

SF-424A: EXCEL, BUDGET

INFORMATION – NON-

CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS

FILE

BUDGET JUSTIFICATION

FILE TO INCLUDE

BREAKDOWNS

SHOWING HOW ALL

LINE ITEMS ON SF-424A

BUDGET JUSTIFICATION

FILE TO INCLUDE

BREAKDOWNS

SHOWING HOW ALL

LINE ITEMS ON SF-424A

WERE CALCULATED WERE CALCULATED

SUBAWARD BUDGET FILE(S) SUBAWARD BUDGET FILE(S)

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

PLAN

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

PLAN

DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING

ACTIVITIES (SF-LLL)

DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING

ACTIVITIES (SF-LLL)

1. SF 424 - Application for Federal Assistance

Complete this form first to populate data in other forms. Complete all required fields in accordance with the pop-up instructions on the form. The list of certifications and assurances referenced in Field 21 can be found on the DOE Financial Assistance Forms Page at http://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms under Certifications and Assurances.

a. Project/Performance Site Location(s)

Indicate the primary site where the work will be performed. If a portion of the project will be performed at any other site(s), identify the site location(s) in the blocks provided.

Note that the Project/Performance Site Congressional District is entered in the format of the 2 digit state code followed by a dash and a 3 digit Congressional district code, for example VA-001. Hover over this field for additional instructions.

Use the Next Site button to expand the form to add additional Project/Performance Site Locations.

2. Other Attachments Form

To attach the files in this section, click "Add Attachment" under “Other Attachments Form.”

a. Project Narrative (Field 8 on the Form)

The project narrative must not exceed 20 pages, including cover page, table of contents, charts, graphs, maps, photographs, tables, and other pictorial presentations, when printed using standard 8.5" by 11" paper with 1-inch margins (top, bottom, left, and right) {single spaced} using Times New Roman font not smaller than 12 point. EVALUATORS WILL ONLY REVIEW THE NUMBER OF PAGES SPECIFIED IN THE PRECEDING SENTENCE. Do not include any Internet addresses (URLs) that provide information necessary to review the application, because the information contained in these sites will not be reviewed.

See Part VIII.D for instructions on how to mark proprietary application information.

The project narrative must include:

Project Objectives: This section should provide a clear, concise statement of the http://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-specific objectives/aims of the proposed project.

Merit Review Criterion Discussion: The section should be formatted to address each of the merit review criterion and sub-criterion listed in Part V.A. Provide sufficient information so that reviewers will be able to evaluate the application in accordance with these merit review criteria. DOE WILL EVALUATE AND

CONSIDER ONLY THOSE APPLICATIONS THAT ADDRESS SEPARATELY

EACH OF THE MERIT REVIEW CRITERION AND SUB- CRITERION.

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. Successful applicants must use this project timetable to report progress.

Relevance and Outcomes/Impacts: This section should explain the relevance of the effort to the objectives in the program announcement and the expected outcomes and/or impacts.

Roles of Participants: For multi-organizational or multi-investigator projects, describe the roles and the work to be performed by each participant/investigator, business agreements between the applicant and participants, and how the various efforts will be integrated and managed.

Multiple Principal Investigators: The applicant, whether a single organization or team/partnership/consortium, must indicate if the project will include multiple PIs. This decision is solely the responsibility of the applicant. If multiple PIs will be designated, the application must identify the Contact PI/Project Coordinator and provide a "Coordination and Management Plan" that describes the organization structure of the project as it pertains to the designation of multiple PIs. This plan should, at a minimum, include:

- process for making decisions on scientific/technical direction;

- publications;

- intellectual property issues;

- communication plans;

- procedures for resolving conflicts; and

- PIs' roles and administrative, technical, and scientific responsibilities for the project.

Facilities And Other Resources: Identify the facilities (e.g., office, laboratory, computer, etc.) to be used at each performance site listed and, if appropriate, indicate their capacities, pertinent capabilities, relative proximity, and extent of availability to the project. Describe only those resources that are directly applicable to the proposed work. Provide any information describing the other resources available to the project such as machine and electronics shops.

Equipment: List important items of equipment already available for this project and, if appropriate, note the location and pertinent capabilities of each. If you are proposing to acquire equipment, describe comparable equipment, if any, already at your organization and explain why it cannot be used.

Bibliography And References, If Applicable: Provide a bibliography for any references cited in the Project Narrative section. This section must include only bibliographic citations.

Statement Of Project Objectives (SOPO). See Section X for more details:

The project narrative must contain a single, detailed Statement of Project Objectives that addresses how the project objectives will be met. The Statement of Project Objectives must contain a clear, concise description of all activities to be completed during project performance and follow the structure discussed below. The Statement of Project Objectives may be released to the public by DOE in whole or in part after award. It is therefore required that it shall not contain proprietary or confidential business information.

Applicants shall prepare the Statement of Project Objectives in the following format:

TITLE OF WORK TO BE PERFORMED

(Insert the title of work to be performed. Be concise and descriptive.)

a. OBJECTIVES Include one paragraph on the overall objective(s) of the work.

Also, include objective(s) for each phase of the work.

b. SCOPE OF WORK This section should not exceed one-half page and should summarize the effort and approach to achieve the objective(s) of the work for each Phase.

c. TASKS TO BE PERFORMED Tasks, concisely written, should be provided in a logical sequence and should be divided into the phases of the project, as appropriate. This section provides a brief summary of the planned approach to this project. An outline of the Project Management Plan (referenced in Task 1.0 below and required to be submitted with your application) is provided later in this Section.

PHASE I

Task 1.0 - Project Management and Planning (Description includes work elements required to revise and maintain the Project Management Plan and to manage and report on activities in accordance with the plan)

Subtask 1.1 (Description)

Task 2.0 - (Title)

PHASE II (Optional)

d. DELIVERABLES The periodic, topical, and final reports shall be submitted in accordance with the attached "Federal Assistance Reporting Checklist" and the instructions accompanying the checklist.

[Note: The Recipient shall provide a list of deliverables other than those identified on the "Federal Assistance Reporting Checklist" that will be delivered. These reports shall also be identified within the text of the Statement of Project Objectives.

See the following examples:

1. Task 1.1 - (Report Description)

2. Task 2.2 - (Report Description)

b. Project Summary/Abstract File

The project summary/abstract must contain a summary of the proposed activity suitable for dissemination to the public. It should be a self-contained document that identifies the name of the applicant, the project director/principal investigator(s), the project title, the objectives of the project, a description of the project, including methods to be employed, the potential impact of the project (i.e., benefits, outcomes), and major participants (for collaborative projects). This document must not include any proprietary or sensitive business information as the Department may make it available to the public if an award is made. The project summary must not exceed one (1) page when printed using standard 8.5" by 11" paper with 1" margins (top, bottom, left and right) [select single or double spaced] with Times New Roman font no smaller than 11 point. Save this information in a file named "Summary.pdf," and click on "Add Optional Other Attachment" to attach.

c. Resume File

Provide a resume for each key person proposed, including subawardees and consultants if they meet the definition of key person. 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 named "bio.pdf" and click on "Add Optional Other Attachment" to attach. The biographical information for each resume must not exceed 2 pages when printed on 8.5" by 11" paper with 1 inch margins (top, bottom, left, and right) [select single or double spaced] with Times New Roman font no smaller than 11 point and should include 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. For each publication, identify the names of all authors (in the same sequence in which they appear in the publication), 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 substituted for publications.

Synergistic Activities. List no more than 5 professional and scholarly activities related to the effort proposed.

d. SF-424a: Excel, Budget Information – Non-Construction Programs

File

You must provide a separate budget for each year of support requested and a cumulative budget for the total project period. Use the SF 424 A Excel, "Budget Information - Non Construction Programs" form on the DOE Financial Assistance Forms Page at http://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms under DOE budget forms.

You may request funds under any of the Object Class Categories as long as the item and amount are necessary to perform the proposed work, meet all the criteria for allowability under the applicable Federal cost principles, and are not prohibited by the funding restrictions in this announcement (See PART IV, G).

Save the information in a single file named "SF424A.xls," and click on "Add Optional Other Attachment" to attach.

e. Budget Justification File You must justify the costs proposed in each Object Class Category/Cost Classification category (e.g., identify key persons and personnel categories and the estimated costs for each person or category; provide a list of equipment and cost of each item; identify proposed subaward/consultant work and cost of each subaward/consultant; describe purpose of proposed travel, number of travelers, and number of travel days; list general categories of supplies and amount for each category; and provide any other information you wish to support your budget). Provide the name of your cognizant/oversight agency, if you have one, and the name and phone number of the individual responsible for negotiating your indirect rates. If cost sharing is required, you must have a letter from each third party contributing cost sharing (i.e., a party other than the organization submitting the application) stating that the third party is committed to providing a specific minimum dollar amount of cost sharing. In the budget justification, identify the following information for each third party contributing cost sharing:

(1) the name of the organization; (2) the proposed dollar amount to be provided;

(3) the amount as a percentage of the total project cost; and (4) the proposed cost sharing - cash, services, or property. By submitting your application, you are providing assurance that you have signed letters of commitment. Successful applicants will be required to submit these signed letters of commitments. Save the budget justification information in a single file named "Budget.pdf," and click on "Add Optional Other Attachment" to attach.

f. Subaward Budget File(s)

You must provide a separate budget (i.e., budget for each budget year and a cumulative budget) for each subawardee that is expected to perform work estimated to be more than $100,000 or 50 percent of the total work effort (whichever is less). Use the SF 424 A Excel for Non Construction Programs or the SF 424 C Excel for Construction Programs. These forms are found on the DOE Financial Assistance Forms Page at http://energy.gov/management/office- management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance- forms under DOE budget forms.. Save each Subaward budget in a separate file. Use up to 10 letters of the subawardee's name (plus .xls) as the file name (e.g., ucla.xls http://energy.gov/management/office-http://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms http://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms http://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms http://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms or energyres.xls), and click on "Add Optional Other Attachment" to attach.

g. Project Management Plan

This plan should be formatted to include the following sections with each section to include the information as described below:

1. Executive Summary:

Provide a description of the project that includes the objective, project goals, and expected results. For purposes of the application, this information is included in the Project Narrative (Field 8) and should be simply copied to this document for completeness, so that the Project Management Plan is a stand-alone document.

2. Risk Management:

Provide a summary description of the proposed approach to identify, analyze, and respond to perceived risks associated with the proposed project. Project risk events are uncertain future events that, if realized, impact the success of the project. As a minimum, include the initial identification of significant technical, resource, and management issues that have the potential to impede project progress and strategies to minimize impacts from those issues.

3. Milestone Log:

Provide milestones for each budget period (or phase) of the project. Each milestone should include a title and planned completion date. Milestones should be quantitative and show progress toward budget period and/or project goals.

[Note: During project performance, the Recipient will report the Milestone Status as part of the required quarterly Progress Report as prescribed under Attachment 4, Reporting Requirements Checklist. The Milestone Status will present actual performance in comparison with Milestone Log, and include:

(1) the actual status and progress of the project,

(2) specific progress made toward achieving the project's milestones, and,

(3) any proposed changes in the project's schedule required to complete milestones.

4. Funding and Costing Profile:

Provide a table (the Project Funding Profile) that shows, by budget period, the amount of government funding going to each project team member. Also provide a table (the Project Costing Profile) that projects, by month, the expenditure of government funds for the first budget period, at a minimum.

5. Project Timeline:

Provide a timeline of the project (similar to a Gantt chart) broken down by each task and subtask, as described in the Statement of Project Objectives. The timeline should include for each task, a start date, and end date. The timeline should show interdependencies between tasks and include the milestones that are identified in the Milestone Log (Section

C).

6. Success Criteria at Decision Points:

Provide success criteria for each decision point in the project, including go/no-go decision points and the conclusions of budget periods and the entire project. The success criteria should be objective and stated in terms of specific, measurable, and repeatable data. Usually, the success criteria pertain to desirable outcomes, results, and observations from the project.

[Note: As the first task in the Statement of Project Objectives, successful applicants will revise the version of the Project Management Plan that is submitted with their applications by including details from the negotiation process. This Project Management Plan will be updated by the Recipient as the project progresses, and the Recipient must use this plan to report schedule and budget variances.]

Save this plan in a single file named "pmp.pdf" and click on "Add Attachments" in Field 12 to attach.

3. DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES (SF-LLL)

If applicable, complete SF- LLL. Applicability: If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the grant/cooperative agreement, you must complete and submit Standard Form - LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying."

D. SUBMISSIONS FROM SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS

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

- Indirect cost information to include current Negotiated Indirect Cost

Rate Agreement (NICRA) with a cognizant Federal Agency.

- Other budget information

- Name and phone number of the Designated Responsible Employee for complying with national policies prohibiting discrimination (See

10 CFR 1040.5)

- Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Software, if applicable

- Commitment Letter from Third Parties Contributing to Cost Sharing, if applicable

- Certified Payroll Statement to justify salaries proposed

- Office of Civil Rights (OCR) Clearance Form

- Conflict of Interest Statement

E. SUBMISSION DATES AND TIMES

1. Pre-Application Due Date

Pre-applications are not required.

2. Application Due Date

Complete application is due July 18, 2022 at 10 AM Eastern Time.

F. INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW

1. Program Not Subject To Executive Order 12372

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

G. FUNDING RESTRICTIONS (DECEMBER 2014)

Funding for all awards and future budget periods are contingent upon the availability of funds appropriated by Congress for the purpose of this program and the availability of future-year budget authority.

Cost Principles. Costs must be allowable, allocable and reasonable in accordance with the applicable Federal cost principles referenced in 2 CFR part 200 as amended by 2 CFR part 910 [DOE Financial Assistance Regulation]. The cost principles for commercial organization are in FAR Part 31.

Pre-award Costs. Recipients 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, if the costs are allowable in accordance with the applicable Federal cost principles referenced in 2 CFR part 200 as amended by 2 CFR part 910 [DOE Financial Assistance Regulation]. Recipients must obtain the prior approval of the contracting officer for any pre-award costs that are for periods greater than this 90 day calendar period.

Pre-award costs are incurred at the applicant's risk. DOE is under no obligation to reimburse such costs if for any reason the applicant does not receive an award or if the award is made for a lesser amount than the applicant expected.

H. OTHER SUBMISSION AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

1. Where to Submit

a. Applications Must Be Submitted Through Grants.Gov To Be

Considered For Award with an informational copy to the Contracting Officer at FOA_DE_FOA_0002719@hq.doe.gov.

NOTE: Applications will not be considered unless received both in Grants.gov and to FOA_DE_FOA_0002719@hq.doe.gov by 07/18/2022 at 10 AM Eastern Standard Time.

Regarding grants.gov, submit electronic applications through the "Apply for Grants" function at www.Grants.gov. If you have problems completing the registration process or submitting your application, call Grants.gov at 1-800- 518-4726 or send an email to support@grants.gov. Do not contact any personnel at the Department of Energy regarding issues with Grants.gov.

Grants.gov is a separate entity from the Department of Energy.

http://www.grants.gov/ mailto:support@grants.gov

2. Registration Process

a. One Time Registration Process

You must COMPLETE the one-time registration process (all steps) before you can submit your first application through Grants.gov (See http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp). We recommend that you start this process at least six weeks before the application due date. It may take 44 days or more to complete the entire process. See the Grants.gov web page for Registering as an Organization at http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html to guide you through the process. [IMPORTANT: During the SAM registration process, you will be asked to designate an E-Business Point of Contact (EBIZ POC). The EBIZ POC must obtain a special password called "Marketing Partner Identification Number" (MPIN). The EBIZ POC will need the MPIN to complete the Grants.gov registration process.] When you have completed the Grants.gov registration process, you should call the Grants.gov Helpdesk at 1-800-518-4726 to verify that you have completed the final step.

http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp) http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration.html

SECTION V - APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

A. CRITERIA

1. Initial Review Criteria

a. Application Award Eligibility

Prior to a comprehensive merit evaluation, DOE will perform an initial review to determine that (1) the applicant is eligible for an award; (2) the information required by the funding opportunity announcement has been submitted; and (3) the proposed project is responsive to the objectives of the funding opportunity announcement. Applications that fail to pass the initial review will not be forwarded for merit review and will be eliminated from further consideration.

2. Merit Review Criteria

Note: The criteria used to judge applicants to Program Area A and Program Area B are the same.

Criterion 1 – Technical and Management Capabilities – 50%

• Demonstrates capability and experience of the Applicant and its participating organizations to manage projects that meet project objectives, within budget and on schedule.

• Demonstrates clarity, completeness, and appropriateness of the Project Management Plan to establish a credible project base. Details how the SOPO will be implemented and managed.

• Demonstrates clarity, logic, and effectiveness of project organization, including sub-awardees, to successfully complete the project.

Criterion 2 - Quality of the Proposal – 50%

• Demonstrates that the Applicant shows a clear understanding of the importance of verifiable deliverables.

• Demonstrates the extent that the proposed tasks and subtask activities in the work plan are verified through measurable deliverables.

• Demonstrates quality, depth, and detail in the proposal to achieve stated goals.

• Demonstrates that the Applicant understands the project risks and challenges through discussion of these obstacles. Provides sound strategies and methods that will be used to overcome these risks and challenges.

3. Other Selection Factors

a. Program Policy Factors The selection official will consider the following program policy factors in the selection process:

1. It may be desirable to select for award a group of organizations which represents a diversity of technical approaches, methods, Applications and/or market segments;

2. It may be desirable to support complementary and/or duplicative efforts or projects, which, when taken together, will best achieve the goals and objectives;

3. It may be desirable that different kinds and sizes of organizations be selected for Award in order to provide a balanced programmatic effort and a variety of different technical perspectives;

4. It may be desirable, because of the nature of the energy source, the type of projects envisioned, or limitations of past efforts, to select for award a group of projects with a broad or specific geographic distribution.

b. Reporting Of Matters Related To Recipient Integrity and

Performance (December 2015)

DOE, prior to making a Federal award with a total amount of Federal share greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313).

The applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through

SAM.

DOE will consider any written comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in 2 CFR 200.205 - Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

B. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

1. Merit Review

a. Applications Subject to Merit Review

Applications that pass the initial review will be subjected to a merit review in accordance with the guidance provided in the "Department of Energy Merit Review Guide for Financial Assistance." This guide is available at:

http://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance under Financial Assistance Policy and Guidance.

2. Selection

a. Selection Official Consideration

The Selection Official will consider the merit review recommendation, program policy factors, and the amount of funds available.

3. Discussions and Award

a. Government Discussions with Applicant

The Government may enter into discussions with a selected applicant for any reason deemed necessary, including but not limited to: (1) the budget is not appropriate or reasonable for the requirement; (2) only a portion of the application is selected for award; (3) the Government needs additional information to determine that the recipient is capable of complying with the requirements in 2 CFR part 200 as amended by 2 CFR part 910 [DOE Financial Assistance Regulation]; and/or (4) special terms and conditions are required.

Failure to resolve satisfactorily the issues identified by the Government will preclude award to the applicant.

C. ANTICIPATED NOTICE OF SELECTION AND AWARD DATES

a. Selection and Award Date

DOE anticipates notifying applicants selected for award by September 2022 and making awards by September 2022.

SECTION VI - AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

A. AWARD NOTICES

1. Notice of Selection

a. Selected Applicants Notification

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

b. Non-selected Notification

Organizations whose applications have not been selected will be advised as promptly as possible. This notice will explain why the application was not selected.

http://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-

2. Notice of Award

An Assistance Agreement issued by the contracting officer is the authorizing 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 as approved by DOE; (4) DOE assistance regulations at 10 CFR part 600, or, for Federal Demonstration Partnership (FDP) institutions, the FDP terms and conditions; (5) National Policy Assurances To Be Incorporated As Award Terms; (6) Budget Summary; and (7) Federal Assistance Reporting Checklist, which identifies the reporting requirements.

For grants and cooperative agreements made to universities, non-profits and other entities subject to Title 2 CFR the Award also includes the Research Terms and Conditions 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 10 CFR 600 (See: http://www.eCFR.gov). Grants and cooperative agreements made to universities, non-profits and other entities subject to Title 2 CFR are subject to the Research Terms and Conditions located on the National Science Foundation web site at http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/rtc/index.jsp.

a. UEI and Sam Requirements

SAM - Applicants must register with the SAM at https://www.sam.gov/ prior to submitting an application in response to this FOA. Designating an Electronic Business Point of Contact (EBiz POC) and obtaining a special password called an MPIN are important steps in SAM registration. Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through Grants.gov. The applicant must maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration.

More information about SAM registration for applicants is found at:

https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=gsafsd_kb_articles&sys_id=650d493e1bab7c

105465 eaccac4bcbcb.

NOTE: If clicking the SAM links do not work, please copy and paste the link into your browser.

UEI - Applicants must obtain an UEI from the SAM to uniquely identify the entity. The UEI is available in the SAM entity registration record.

NOTE: Subawardees/subrecipients at all tiers must also obtain an UEI from the SAM and provide the UEI to the Prime Recipient before the subaward can be issued.

http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/rtc/index.jsp http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/rtc/index.jsp https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=gsafsd_kb_articles&sys_id=650d493e1bab7c105465 https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=gsafsd_kb_articles&sys_id=650d493e1bab7c105465 https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=gsafsd_kb_articles&sys_id=650d493e1bab7c105465eaccac4bcbcb

b. Subaward and Executive Reporting

Additional administrative requirements necessary for DOE grants and cooperative agreements to comply with the Federal Funding and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA) are contained in 2 CFR, Part 170. (See:

http://www.eCFR.gov). Prime awardees must register with the new FSRS 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 in the System for Award Management (SAM).

2. Special Terms and Conditions and National Policy Requirements (December

2014)

The DOE Special Terms and Conditions for Use in Most Grants and Cooperative Agreements are located at: http://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms under Award Terms.

The National Policy Assurances To Be Incorporated As Award Terms are located at:

http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/rtc/appc.pdf and at:

http://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms under Award Terms.

Intellectual Property Provisions. The standard DOE financial assistance intellectual property provisions applicable to the various types of recipients are located at:

http://energy.gov/gc/standard-intellectual-property-ip-provisions-financial-assistance-awards.

Lobbying Restrictions. By accepting funds under this award, you agree that none of the funds obligated on the award shall be expended, directly or indirectly, to influence congressional action on any legislation or appropriation matters pending before Congress, other than to communicate to Members of Congress as described in 18 U.S.C. 1913. This restriction is in addition to those prescribed elsewhere in statute and regulation.

a. Corporate Felony Conviction and Federal Tax Liability

Representatives (March 2014)

In submitting an application in response to this FOA the Applicant represents that:

(1) It is not a corporation that has been convicted (or had an officer or agent of such corporation acting on behalf of the corporation convicted) of a felony criminal violation under any Federal law within the preceding 24 months,

(2) It is not a corporation that has any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability.

For purposes of these representations the following definitions apply:

A Corporation includes any entity that has filed articles of incorporation in any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the various territories of the United http://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms http://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/rtc/appc.pdf http://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms http://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms http://energy.gov/gc/standard-intellectual-property-ip-provisions-financial-assistance-awards http://energy.gov/gc/standard-intellectual-property-ip-provisions-financial-assistance-awards

States [but not foreign corporations]. It includes both for-profit and non-profit organizations.

b. Nondisclosure and Confidentiality Agreements Representations

(June 2015)

In submitting an application in response to this FOA the Applicant represents that:

(1) It does not and will not require its employees or contractors to sign internal nondisclosure or confidentiality agreements or statements prohibiting or otherwise restricting its employees or contactors from lawfully reporting waste, fraud, or abuse to a designated investigative or law enforcement representative of a Federal department or agency authorized to receive such information.

(2) It does not and will not use any Federal funds to implement or enforce any nondisclosure and/or confidentiality policy, form, or agreement it uses unless it contains the following provisions:

a. ‘‘These provisions are consistent with and do not supersede, conflict with, or otherwise alter the employee obligations, rights, or liabilities created by existing statute or Executive order relating to (1) classified information, (2) communications to Congress, (3) the reporting to an Inspector General of a violation of any law, rule, or regulation, or mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, or (4) any other whistleblower protection. The definitions, requirements, obligations, rights, sanctions, and liabilities created by controlling Executive orders and statutory provisions are incorporated into this agreement and are controlling.’’

b. The limitation above shall not contravene requirements applicable to Standard Form 312, Form 4414, or any other form issued by a Federal department or agency governing the nondisclosure of classified information.

Notwithstanding provision listed in paragraph (a), a nondisclosure or confidentiality policy form or agreement that is to be executed by a person connected with the conduct of an intelligence or intelligence-related activity, other than an employee or officer of the United States Government, may contain provisions appropriate to the particular activity for which such document is to be used. Such form or agreement shall, at a minimum, require that the person will not disclose any classified information received in the course of such activity unless specifically authorized to do so by the United States Government. Such nondisclosure or confidentiality forms shall also make it clear that they do not bar disclosures to Congress, or to an authorized official of an executive agency or the Department of Justice, that are essential to reporting a substantial violation of law.

c. Statement of Substantial Involvement

Either a grant or cooperative agreement may be awarded under this announcement. If the award is a cooperative agreement, the DOE Specialist and DOE Project Officer will negotiate a Statement of Substantial Involvement prior to award.

C. REPORTING

Reporting requirements are identified on the Federal Assistance Reporting Checklist, DOE F 4600.2, attached to the award agreement. The checklist is available at:

http://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms under Award forms.

http://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms http://energy.gov/management/office-management/operational-management/financial-assistance/financial-assistance-forms

SECTION VII - QUESTIONS/AGENCY CONTACTS

A. QUESTIONS

Questions regarding the content of the announcement must be submitted through the FedConnect portal. You must register with FedConnect to respond as an interested party to submit questions, and to view responses to questions. It is recommended that you register as soon after release of the FOA as possible to have the benefit of all responses. In addition, please submit an informational copy of the questions to FOA_DE_FOA_0002719@hq.doe.gov. DOE will try to respond to a question within 3 business days, unless a similar question and answer have already been posted on the website.

Questions and comments concerning this FOA shall be submitted not later than May 5, 2022 at 10 AM Eastern Standard Time. Questions submitted after that date will not be considered.

Questions relating to the registration process, system requirements, how an application form works, or the submittal process must be directed to Grants.gov at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. DOE cannot answer these questions.

1. Questions Directed To

Name: Lisa Fontaine Contact: FedConnect (see Section VII, A above) FOA_DE_FOA_0002719@hq.doe.gov(See Section VII, A above)

B. AGENCY CONTACT

Name: Lisa Fontaine, Contracting Officer E-mail: FOA_DE_FOA_0002719@hq.doe.gov

Section VIII - OTHER INFORMATION

A. MODIFICATIONS

Notices of any modifications to this announcement will be posted on Grants.gov and the FedConnect portal. You can receive an email when a modification or an announcement message is posted by registering with FedConnect as an interested party for this FOA. It is recommended that you register as soon after release of the FOA as possible to ensure you receive timely notice of any modifications or other announcements.

B. GOVERNMENT RIGHT TO REJECT OR NEGOTIATE

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

C. COMMITMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS

The Contracting Officer is the only individual who can make awards or commit the Government to the expenditure of public funds. A commitment by other than the Contracting Officer, either mailto:support@grants.gov explicit or implied, is invalid.

Funding for all awards and future budget periods are contingent upon the availability of funds appropriated by Congress for the purpose of this program and the availability of future-year budget authority.

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 such information is necessary to convey an understanding of the proposed project. The use and disclosure of such data may be restricted, provided the applicant includes the following legend on the first page of the project narrative and specifies the pages of the application which are to be restricted:

"The data contained in pages [Insert pages] of this application have been…