Q&A 1.pdf

DE-FOA-0003105

Questions and Answers

Amendment 00001

Number Question Answer 1 Since FFRDCs cannot lobby are they required to submit an SF-LLL?

No, it is not required for FFRDCs.

2 Since FFRDCs will be funded through a field work proposal process is a budget justification required?

Yes, in addition to DOE Work Proposal for FFRDCs, if applicable (see DOE O 412.1A, FOA Attachment 2) for DOE and NNSA FFRDCs.

3 Are letters of commitment required for FFRDCs?

For DOE or NNSA FFRDCs - A letter from the cognizant DOE/NNSA Contracting Officer shall provide a written authorization and this authorization shall be submitted with the application:

The following wording is acceptable for the 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.

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.

4 Under AOI 1 (CMM Supply Chain) can a responder apply to AOI 1B Phase II only thereby skipping Phase I as long as the technology has been demonstrated on a continuous bench scale basis?

Yes, an application can submit to AOI1B if they can demonstrate that they have successfully accomplished the bench scale and are ready to move forward to the pilot scale.

5 I am interested in developing technology specifically for better separation and processing. This is only one step of a complete process from feedstock to CMMs. It seems as if proposals to AOI 1A are expected to be for a complete process? Is this correct?

In most of the AOI’s we’re looking for more than a single step development. The one exception to this is AOI 3 but it comes with a caveat. Under this AOI, we’re not looking for marginal improvements to existing technologies. There have been in the past and may be future funding opportunities within DOE that focus on single step developments and/or marginal improvements to existing technologies.

6 Are rare earth element-free cathode materials for solid oxide electrolysis cells within the acceptable alternatives or substitutes within Area of Interest 4A?

Yes, if eliminating heavy REEs would be the focus of the effort. If only the more abundant La or Ce REEs are being eliminated, then a sound justification would have to be made in the application.

7 Can there be co-PIs? Yes, but each PI will have to meet the expectations and requirements for PIs in the FOA.

8 What are the requirements for a PI as far as how they are employed by the company applying for the project?

Is there a minimum number of hours they need to work for the company?

Are there other requirements?

Pt. 1-There are no requirements but their status or role within the company shall not interfere or subjugated the PI’s responsibilities as outlined in the FOA.

Pt. 2-No, but see answer to pt. 1.

Pt. 3-The FOA has several expectations and requirements of the PI, please review carefully.

9 Is there a minimum required percentage of work that the prime recipient must perform vs subrecipients?

There is no minimum requirement.

END OF AMENDMENT 00001 Q&A