Clean Energy Infrastructure Archived Funding Opportunities

The purposes of Modification 0002 are to:

1) Update the expected submission deadline for replies to reviewer comments to 08/01/2024;

2) Further define ineligible applicants;

3)  Added Energy Management Professional as a covered certification;

4) Updated the term “student” to “trainee” to be consistent with the terminology throughout the FOA;

5) Updated the word “will” to “may” to reflect accurate intention of DOE;

6) Clarified that DOE expects to make up to $36,000,000 of federal funding available for new awards;

7) Removed the term “Page Limit” in the header of the Energy Auditor Training Program Plan Content Requirements table;

8) Fixed an error so that the FOA properly reflects the language in 42 U.S.C. 18793(e)(1)(b), which states that “no more than 10 percent of grant funds will be used to pay the wages of a trainee during the period in which the trainee receives training and certification.” and

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The purposes of Modification 0001 are to:

1) Extend the submission deadline for concept papers to 04/12/2024;

2) Extend the submission deadline for full applications to 07/12/2024;

3) Extend the expected submission deadline for replies to reviewer comments to 09/11/2024;

4) Extend the date for DOE selection notifications to 10/24/2024; and

5) Extend the date for DOE Timeframe for Award Negotiations to 01/31/2025.

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The Energy Auditor Training (EAT) Program will provide Grant funding to States for the purpose of training individuals to conduct energy audits, or surveys, of commercial and residential buildings.

This program was established by Section 40503 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), more commonly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The goals of the program are to offer auditor training certifications that include informed curriculum and program design that aligns with current and future standards; inform or empower States with current, standardized framing of the education and training requirements for energy auditors; enlarge the pipeline of diverse talent by closing gaps in job access; address workforce inclusion deficiencies and improve disparities with underrepresented groups; connect auditor trainees to career opportunities that promote job quality and economic mobility; and inspire sustainability through intentional practices and partnerships that support infrastructure development and the long-term value of a clean energy workforce.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: In accordance with the BIL Section 40503, funding is only available to States, the District of Columbia, and United States territories that have a demonstrated need for assistance for training energy auditors. These eligible entities are referred to throughout this FOA as “States”. No other entity types, including Local Government and Tribes, may be considered for this funding. In accordance with 2 CFR Section 910.126 and DOE Program Rule 10 CFR Part 420, eligibility for these awards is restricted to State Energy Offices.

FUNDING OVERVIEW: The BIL appropriated $40 million in funding to be issued through a competitive Grant program. DOE may issue one, multiple, or no awards. Individual awards may vary between $200,000 and a maximum of $2,000,000. DOE anticipates making approximately twenty (20) to thirty (30) awards under this FOA. In accordance with the BIL Section 40503(d)(1) the amount of a Grant awarded to an eligible State shall be determined by the Secretary, taking into account the population of the eligible State. DOE reserves the right to determine the final award amount of selected eligible States.

COST MATCHING: Cost match is not required for these awards. DOE encourages states to consider how they could leverage philanthropic and private sector funding to advance their goals and amplify the impact of the BIL funding.

WEBSITE LINK: Energy Auditor Training Grant Program