SFOP0008965 NOFO AWEE - Q & A - 5.26.22.docx

Questions and Answers – 5/26/2022

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

BUREAU OF ENERGY RESOURCES

Accelerating Women’s Empowerment in Energy

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY #: SFOP0008965

Question #1: I have a XXX-based space solar and power beaming startup and am interested in applying for your Accelerating Women’s Empowerment in Energy (AWEE). XXX submitted my team's space solar study to XXX call for proposals. Does my space solar startup qualify for this grant? If so, may I get assistance with applying for your AWEE grant, please? Due to the pandemic, I was forced to dissolve my corporation. Presently, I have a sole proprietorship and am vigorously trying to restructure my entity into both an LLC and HUBzone company. Please advise at your earliest convenience.

DOS Response to Question #1: Per the eligibility requirements outlined in the NOFO (page 3), the eligible categories are the following:

-U.S. private institutions of higher education (universities and colleges).

-U.S. public and state-controlled institutions of higher education (universities and colleges).

--Public International Organizations (PIOs).

-U.S. - based non-profit/non-governmental organizations having a 501 (c)(3) status with the IRS.

Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.400, it is a U.S. Department of State policy not to award profit under federal assistance instruments. For-profit and commercial firms are not eligible to apply in response to this NOFO. No exceptions.

In addition, as noted in the NOFO (page 3), the following applicant types may apply:

- Organizations only.

Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Question #2: I came across the above-mentioned opportunity and thought I should reach out to request additional information about my organization's eligibility to apply. The XXX is a newly incorporated and registered 501(c)3 that aims to offer capacity-building support to women and youth-focused organizations in Africa, so they are empowered and are able to secure the resources they need to advance their work. In reading about this opportunity, I thought there might be some synergy between what both our initiatives are trying to accomplish, and am hoping we can connect to discuss. Please find attached a concept that shares our approach and activities presentation format, and I hope to hear from you soon.

DOS Response to Question #2:

Per the eligibility requirements outlined in the NOFO (page 3), the eligible categories are the following:

-U.S. private institutions of higher education (universities and colleges).

-U.S. public and state-controlled institutions of higher education (universities and colleges).

--Public International Organizations (PIOs).

-U.S. - based non-profit/non-governmental organizations having a 501 (c)(3) status with the IRS.

Per Section G: Federal Awarding Agency Contact Sub-Section G2. Questions (page 24) “With the exception of technical submission questions, during the solicitation period U.S. Department of State staff shall not discuss this competition with applicants until the entire proposal review process has been completed and an award has been made.”