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["ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTION AND ANSWER LOG"]
["2023 Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0003204 for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) 40503: Energy Auditor Training "]
["Question #","Topic","Question","Answer","URL"]
[1,"Administrative Cost","I am working on putting together a budget for the Energy Auditor Training Funding opportunity. While reading the Funding Opportunity Announcement, I did not locate the Direct Administrative Cost allowed percentage for this grant. Could you please share the percentage with me so that I can complete our budget estimate.","BIL Section 40503 does not define expenditure prohibitions and limitations associated with program administration. The only expenditure limitation in the statute is a 10% cap on a State's use of funds for \"paying the wages of a trainee during the period in which a trainee receives training and certification.\""]
[2,"Application Content/Format","Does Davis Bacon apply to these funds? If so, does Davis Bacon apply to energy auditors going through training (including on the job training)?","Final reporting requirements, and other terms and conditions, will be issued with the final award. Please see FOA section VI. Award Administration Information, B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements, xi. Reporting which states: \"Reporting requirements are identified on the Federal Assistance Reporting Checklist, attached to the award agreement.\" "]
[3,"Application Content/Format","Is the Cybersecurity plan that is required for award related to the specific project proposed and awarded or to the state's general cybersecurity?","Please see FOA Section, VI. Award Administration Information, B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements, xx. Cybersecurity Plan, which states: \"Cybersecurity plans should be commensurate to the threats and vulnerabilities associated with the proposed efforts and demonstrate the cybersecurity maturity of the project. Cybersecurity plans may cover a range of topics relevant to the proposed project—e.g., software development lifecycle, third-party risks, and incident reporting.) "]
[4,"Application Content/Format","How does an applicant acquire a Control Number to place on Concept Paper and Application?","Please see FOA section IV. Application and Submission Information, A. Application Process, which states: \"A control number will be issued when an applicant begins the Infrastructure eXCHANGE application process. The control number must be included with all application documents. Specifically, the control number must be prominently displayed on the upper right corner of the header of every page and included in the file name (i.e., Control Number_Applicant Name_Full Application);\"  "]
[5,"Application Content/Format","Upon reading the DE-FOA-0003204, I came across a section of the required “Energy Auditor Training Program Plan” that I was hoping you could clarify. On page 26 of the FOA, it states: “Expected per-individual cost of training. Provide an expected calculation of the cost per trainee. Outline how the cost to train or certify a trainee will not exceed 10% of the total Grant funds awarded. Describe the benefits that the trainee receives through participating in the program.” In reading 42 U.S.C. 18793(e)(1)(b), however, it describes that no more than 10 percent of the grant award should be used to pay the wages of a trainee. The FOA seems to reference cost of training. So, could you please clarify the intent of this language?","A FOA modification will be published to accurately reflect the language in 42 U.S.C. 18793(e)(1)(B) to reflect that not more than 10 percent of grant funds may be used to pay the wages of a trainee during the period in which the trainee receives training and certification.","42 USC 18793: Energy auditor training grant program (house.gov)"]
[6,"Application Content/Format","Can a component of the proposed energy auditor training program plan include career pathways/advancement opportunities for existing energy auditors, for example upskilling to become certified Quality Control Inspectors?","Yes. Please see FOA section I. Funding Opportunity Description, A. Background and Context, iii. Overall Strategic Goals for the EAT Program which states, \"This FOA seeks applications to address the skills and labor shortage by focusing on: (1) Offering energy auditor training for certifications and as a new or stackable credential to promote marketability of trainees and incumbent workers.\""]
[7,"Application Content/Format","If state procurement rules disallow a state energy office from partnering with a firm to perform the work prior to submitting an application and the state is considering opening a procurement to hire a firm to implement these funds if awarded causing the application to be lacking in some details. Are there any suggested strategies for how we can handle this circumstance?","Applications will be evaluated based on the requirements outlined in the FOA. Please see FOA sections IV. Application and Submission Information and V. Application Review Information. DOE understands that each state as relevant state law and existing procurement requirements that need to be followed. However, all applications will be evaluated solely on the requirements outlined in the FOA. DOE encourages all applicants to submit a compliant and robust application for evaluation."]
[8,"Covered Certifications","What would the process be to get the Energy Management Professional (EMP) Certification listed as a covered certification? ","The Energy Management Professional (EMP) is recognized on the commercial side, via the Better Buildings Workforce Guidelines: DOE Recognition | Better Buildings Initiative (energy.gov). The Energy Auditor website will be updated to reflect this recognition and will allow for the EMP certification to be listed as a Covered Certification in the BIL 40503 Energy Auditor Training Program. See page 5 of the Funding Opportunity Announcement, which states: \"DOE will continue to determine if additional third-party certifications are covered under this program. All third-party certifications that meet the standard will be published on the Energy Auditor Training Grant Program website: https://www.energy.gov/scep/energy-auditor-training-grant-program. In addition, the qualified certifications approved under the Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) are also approved as covered certifications under the EAT program. States may conduct energy auditor training for certifications and as a new or stackable credential to promote marketability of trainees and incumbent workers.\""," https://www.energy.gov/scep/energy-auditor-training-grant-program"]
[9,"Covered Certifications","If there are additional trainings or certifications we think should be considered as qualified, what is the process for having DOE review and potentially accept them? ","To support the development of a robust building systems workforce, the Department of Energy recognizes training and certification programs that are aligned with DOE goals. Programs recognized as Energy Skilled cover key occupations and knowledge areas relevant to DOE’s mission. Organizations that provide training and/or credentials related to these job types can \"Submit for Recognition\" by following the instructions outlined at: https://bsesc.energy.gov/recognition/become-recognized."]
[10,"Definitition","For the purposes of this FOA and the different topic areas, would DOE consider \"multifamily buildings\" commercial or residential? Many of our state's multifamily buildings are classified as commercial for building code purposes. (NASEO: Does DOE consider multifamily as commercial or residential? If a certification program uses a different definition of multifamily from DOE, whose definition should dictate the topic area to which the state applies?)","DOE encourages applicants to refer to its relevant state classification of multifamily buildings and provide the definition of that classification in the application. For awareness purposes, DOE's Building Technology Office classifies multifamily buildings by the technology that operates in the space. Generally, up to five stories is classified as residential and more than five stories is classified as commercial. An FOA modification will be posted to provide this information regarding multifamily buildings.","DOE Recognition | Better Buildings Initiative (energy.gov)"]
[11,"Eligibility","Can multiple states apply together, for example as a consortium application? Would doing so decrease the amount of award any one state could receive?","Consortium applications are not allowed. Please see FOA section I. Funding Opportunity Description, C. Applications Specifically Not of Interest which states, \"The following types of applications will be deemed nonresponsive and will not be reviewed or considered (see section I.C.): Applications that fall outside the technical parameters specified in sections I.A. and I.B. of the FOA.\""]
[12,"Eligibility","Are Tribes; quasi-state agencies; non-profits; industry; labor organizations; institutions of higher education; housing authorties eligible for this funding?","Please see FOA section, III. Eligibility Information, A. Eligible Applicants.\n• 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.\n• Eligible entities are state energy offices that have demonstrated need for assistance for training energy auditors.\n• No other entity types (e.g., local governments, Tribes, non-profits, educational institutions, etc.) are eligible for this funding.\n\nIneligible entities may become involved through the Teaming Partner list.To be added to the Teaming Partner List, please review page 9-10 of the Funding Opportunity Announcement for instructions. The Teaming Partner list can be viewed here: https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/TeamingPartners.aspx?foaid=adfce730-b57a-4ed1-ab68-ad5fb85c9b43.","https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/TeamingPartners.aspx?foaid=adfce730-b57a-4ed1-ab68-ad5fb85c9b43"]
[13,"Eligibility","I am an individual interested in enrolling in this energy auditor training program.","To become a participant of this Energy Auditor Training program, individuals will need to wait until the Energy Auditor Training grants are awarded to the state applicants. Once the Energy Auditor Training grants are awarded, then individual can reach out to the State Energy Offices that received the funding to inquire about available opportunities. ","https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/TeamingPartners.aspx?foaid=adfce730-b57a-4ed1-ab68-ad5fb85c9b43"]
[14,"Other","How do I get on the receiving of notices for this program?","If you would like to receive notices, then please join the SCEP Workforce Programs Email List Serv. (see https://forms.office.com/Pages/DesignPageV2.aspx?subpage=design&FormId=zD4Ya1VL1U6z-H9kvhxBOAd78HootI9Eqa7W5tAfvfJUMDBKSDRWRFFRTzhTSTk5OUg0T1ZSTVVQSi4u) "," https://forms.office.com/Pages/DesignPageV2.aspx?subpage=design&FormId=zD4Ya1VL1U6z-H9kvhxBOAd78HootI9Eqa7W5tAfvfJUMDBKSDRWRFFRTzhTSTk5OUg0T1ZSTVVQSi4u"]
[15,"Other","Where can I find additional information about the Energy Auditor Training Program?","The Energy Auditor Training (EAT) Grant Program is designed to provide grants to eligible states to train individuals to conduct energy audits or surveys of commercial and residential buildings to build the clean energy workforce, save customers money on their energy bills, and reduce pollution from building energy use. Information can be found on the Energy Auditor Training program website: https://www.energy.gov/scep/energy-auditor-training-grant-program.","https://www.energy.gov/scep/energy-auditor-training-grant-program"]
[16,"Other","Can I set up a time to meet with someone at the DOE to discuss the design methodology for the Energy Auditor Training FOA?","DOE cannot discuss funding opportunity announcements with individuals while the FOA is open, as this gives an unfair advantage over other applicants.  Please direct all questions or nformation about this FOA to the email address provided in the FOA document: EnergyAuditor@hq.doe.gov.","EnergyAuditor@hq.doe.gov"]
[17,"Other","Does the $36M total available for competitive awards mean $4M is reserved for DOE administration?","Yes, up to $36M of federal funding available for new awards under this FOA. Please see FOA section, II. Award Information, A. Award Overview, i. Estimated Funding. DOE has reserved $4M for program administration."]
[18,"Teaming Partner List","Our organization is interested in being considered as a partner to support these grantees. How can I let the state energy offices know of our interest in partnership?","DOE is compiling a Teaming Partner List to allow organizations that may wish to participate on a project to express their interest to the States and explore potential partnerships.  To be added to the Teaming Partner List, please review page 9-10 of the Funding Opportunity Announcement for instructions. The Teaming Partner list can be viewed here: https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/TeamingPartners.aspx?foaid=adfce730-b57a-4ed1-ab68-ad5fb85c9b43. ","https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/TeamingPartners.aspx?foaid=adfce730-b57a-4ed1-ab68-ad5fb85c9b43"]
[19,"Teaming Partner List","I am working on creating a Grant Development form for the BIL 40503 Energy Auditor Training Grant.  I noticed that the link for the Summary Slide Template does not open. Is there any way you could share a working link to the template?","This error has been fixed. The Summary Slide Template has been reloaded to eXCHANGE. The Summary Slide Template can be downloaded from the Application Forms and Templates link on eXCHANGE. ","https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaId038dc577-5945-4a71-9190-7b95b61cd629"]
[20,"Webinar","Where can I access the registration for the DE-FOA-0003204 webinar?","A recording of the informational webinar for this FOA that was hosted by DOE on January 17, 2024, can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI1dwcrqQ_c. A link can also be found under the Energy Auditor Program website here: https://www.energy.gov/scep/energy-auditor-training-grant-program.","https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI1dwcrqQ_c"]
[21,"Other","I was hoping you could confirm the total amount of funding available for the Energy Auditor Training (EAT) Program. According to page 3 of the FOA - available for download online at https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/351589 - a total of $40 million is available; however, page 24 of the FOA states that approximately $36 million is expected to be available. Is the correct figure $36 million or $40 million?","BIL Section 40503 appropriated up to $40 million in funding to be issued through this competitive Grant program."]
[22,"Cost Allowability","Are wraparound services allowable costs under this grant? (e.g., stipends to trainees for certain non-training needs)","DOE may permit stipends and other wraparound and supportive services as allowable costs in accordance with 2 CFR § 200 Subpart E. Specific costs will be reviewed during negotiations towards a potential award.\n\neCFR :: 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E -- Cost Principles requires grantees to determine cost allowability. It is the applicant's responsibility to have internal controls (see 2 CFR 200.303) in place that can comply with all Federal regulations associated with Factors Affecting Allowability of Costs (see 2 CFR 200.403) and Prior Approval (see 2 CFR 200.456). Grantees must adequately document (identifying, tracking, and reporting) all costs and are expected to follow their internal controls for applying the factors affecting allowability of costs. Grantees must always defend their decision to spend Federal funds and must showcase evidence of their decisions. \n\nDOE encourages applicants to partner with organizations to leverage resources that promote financial literacy and provide financial assistance for economic mobility, or partnering with local and state agencies and affinity groups to promote wraparound services designed to ensure trainees are comprehensively equipped to enter and excel in the industry and workforce (see FOA section I. Funding Opportunity Description, A. Background and Context, ii. Program Overview and Strategic Goals, Strategic Goals #4 and #5.)"]
[23,"Cost Allowability","Can funds be used to purchase curricula? Are purchases of translated materials or services for the translation of curricula allowed?","1) Yes, funds can be used to purchase curricula that leads to a covered certification that trainees will receive on completion of that training curriculum. \n\n2) No, funds cannot be used to translate purchased curriculum that is copyrighted. \n\n3) Translation services for grant funded and produced outreach materials and program materials is an allowable cost and supports the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility goals of the program. "]
[24,"Cost Allowability","When determining the cost of training, what should be included? Are tuition, fees, textbooks, technology & tools (Energy Auditing Software Tool), and testing/Certification Fees acceptable? Can funds be used to train trainers?","1) DOE may allow the cost of training to include tuition and fees, materials and supplies, textbooks, certification fees, exam fees, instructor fees, and technology & tools, as allowable costs in accordance with 2 CFR § 200 Subpart E. \n\neCFR :: 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E -- Cost Principles requires grantees to determine cost allowability. It is the applicant's responsibility to have internal controls (see 2 CFR 200.303) in place that can comply with all Federal regulations associated with Factors Affecting Allowability of Costs (see 2 CFR 200.403) and Prior Approval (see 2 CFR 200.456). Grantees must adequately document (identifying, tracking, and reporting) all costs and are expected to follow their internal controls for applying the factors affecting allowability of costs. Grantees must always defend their decision to spend Federal funds and must showcase evidence of their decisions. \n\n2) No, program funds cannot be used to train trainers. 42 U.S.C. 18793(e) Use of funds states, \"(1) In general An eligible State that receives a grant under subsection (b) shall use the grant funds-\n(A) to cover any cost associated with individuals being trained or certified to conduct energy audits by- (i) the State; or (ii) a State-certified third party training program; and (B) subject to paragraph (2)."]
[25,"Cost Allowability","Can states use the NICRA on the personnel budget? ","DOE encourages applicant to review its NICRA to determine allowable uses of the NICRA and consult with their Cognizant agency with questions."]
[26,"Application Content/Format","North Carolina is partnering with Tennessee, Georgia, and a few other SE States on the Energy Auditor Training (EAT) Program.  TN and GA will serve as the primes for the other SE States (which includes NC) participating in EAT.   Since TN and GA are submitting the concept papers for all the States that are participating, we wanted to make sure that we do not have to submit a separate concept paper stating that our concept is to partner with TN, GA and the other States for EAT in the SE.   Please let us know if we still must submit a concept paper stating that we will be partnering with the other SE States!   ","Each state must submit a concept paper for consideration. Please see published question #11. Consortium applications are not allowed. Per 42 U.S.C. 18793(c)(1), \"A State seeking a grant under subsection (b) shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including the energy auditor training program plan described in paragraph (2).\" \n\nPer FOA Section II. Award Information, A. Award Overview, i. Estimated Funding, which states \"Individual awards may vary between $200,000 and $2,000,000 and will be determined by DOE, taking into account the population of the eligible State.\""]
[27,"Application Content/Format","Could you please provide clarification on who are considered senior/key personnel for the EAT FOA application, such as the bullet below? Is this referring to prime recipients only? Subrecipients? Identified sub-contractors?\n•\tResumes of project manager and senior/key personnel","Per section IV.C.Content and Form of the Concept Paper, resumes are not required to be submitted with the concept paper. \n\nFor the full application, resumes for the project manager and Senior/Key Personnel of the prime recipient, at a minimum. Resumes could be included for the project manager and Senior/Key Personnel for subrecipients and sub-contractors to support an individual’s relevant skills and the experience to serve as key project personnel."]
[28,"Reviewing","Davis Bacon Act reporting requirements","Important update regarding the reporting requirements for BIL 40503: Energy Auditor Training Program - After thorough consideration and evaluation of the Davis Bacon Act requirements, it has been decided that the Davis Bacon Act reporting requirements can be removed from the program. \n \nThis decision was made after careful deliberation and assessment of various factors. The Energy Auditor Training Program will provide funding to eligible State Energy Offices to train individuals to conduct energy audits, or surveys, of commercial and residential buildings to save customers money on their energy bills and reduce pollution from building energy use.  It has been determined that conducting building audits and surveys is not considered construction activity and therefore Davis Bacon Act does not apply."]
[29,"Concept Papers","We've been working with a client on developing an energy auditor training program for youth and just came across the Energy Auditor Training (EAT) Grant Program today. Is there any flexibility to the Concept Papers submission deadline? We understand that we have missed the window, but would love the opportunity for us to submit our plan. If not, will this program be open for submissions again in the future?","1. The Concept Paper Submission Deadline is not flexible. (Please note that 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. Please see FOA section, III. Eligibility Information, A. Eligible Applicants.\n• Eligible entities are state energy offices that have demonstrated need for assistance for training energy auditors.\n• No other entity types (e.g., local governments, Tribes, non-profits, educational institutions, etc.) are eligible for this funding.\n\nIneligible entities may become involved through the Teaming Partner list. To be added to the Teaming Partner List, please review page 9-10 of the Funding Opportunity Announcement for instructions. The Teaming Partner list can be viewed here: https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/TeamingPartners.aspx?foaid=adfce730-b57a-4ed1-ab68-ad5fb85c9b43.\n\n2. The Energy Auditor Training program was established by Section 40503 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), more commonly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The BIL appropriated $40 million in funding to be issued through a competitive Grant program only available to States, the District of Columbia, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Guam and if they have a demonstrated need for assistance for training energy auditors. Additional rounds have funding have not been announced."]
[30,"Concept Papers","We submitted a Concept Paper for the Energy Auditor Training Grant on March 26th. Concept Paper 3204-1513. Can you provide an estimated time when we will receive a response to the Concept Paper? We are proceeding with our partners in developing a full application as if we will be encouraged. ","The concept papers are currently being reviewed. We anticipate that Concept Paper Notifications (as described in the FOA section VI.A.ii) will be posted to Infrastructure eXCHANGE around the end of May 2024."]
[31,"Application Content/Format","Does calling someone a “key personnel” for our project mean we need to budget time for them (i.e. personnel costs in the budget)? Or, can someone just be providing technical support with program management without their time being a budget item? ","It is up to the entity to define key personnel of the project. If associated expenses for that key personnel are charged to the project, then those expenses need to be within the scope of the project and included in the budget and the budget justification."]
[32,"Application Content/Format","Are State Energy Offices required to complete the TFC (Transparency of Foreign Connections), and if yes, are we considered “domestic government entities” subject to this requirement?: U.S. National Laboratories, domestic government entities, and institutions of higher education are only required to respond to items 1, 2 and 9.","Yes, applicants are required to complete the Transparency of Foreign Connections as described in FOA section D.xvi. U.S. National Laboratories, domestic government entities, and institutions of higher education are only required to respond to items 1, 2 and 9, and if applying as to serve as the prime recipient, must provide complete responses for project team members that are not U.S. National Laboratories, domestic government entities, or institutions of higher education. Please note it is up to the applicant to identify their entity type."]
[33,"Application content/format","In reviewing the application guidelines, while a total maximum page limit is listed for the concept paper, we have been unable to find a maximum total page count for the full application. Is there a page limit for the full application?","Page limits are not listed for the sections outlined in the Energy Auditor Training Program Plan Content Requirements table (see Section IV.D.iii.) However, there may be page limits identified in the FOA sections for a particular Full Application Component (i.e. see Resumes in Section IV.D.iv.) Please review the FOA in its entirety and comply with any page limits that are explicitly defined."]
[34,"Application content/format","Is the Community Benefits Plan: Job Quality and Equity attachment separate from the Community Benefits Plan section required in the Program Plan? What should be different about the two components?","No, the Community Benefits Plan: Job Quality and Equity (Section IV.D.v.) is NOT separate from the Community Benefits Plan section required in the Program Plan (Section IV.D.iii). Also, see above for Q&A's #38 and #41 for more information. "]
[35,"Eligibility","Would it be at all possible for an interested applicant get a contact within the DOE to help with our concept and assist with any questions that we may have prior to submitting an application?","1. DOE cannot discuss funding opportunity announcements with individuals while the FOA is open, as this gives an unfair advantage over other applicants. Please direct all questions or information about this FOA to the email address provided in the FOA document: EnergyAuditor@hq.doe.gov.\n\n2. Please see FOA section, III. Eligibility Information, A. Eligible Applicants.\n• 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.\n• Eligible entities are state energy offices that have demonstrated need for assistance for training energy auditors.\n• No other entity types (e.g., local governments, Tribes, non-profits, educational institutions, etc.) are eligible for this funding.\n\n3. Per the FOA, Applicants must submit a Concept Paper by 5:00 p.m. ET on the due date listed above to be eligible to submit a Full Application. The Prime Recipient cannot be different than what was originally submitted via the Concept Paper. However, the full application content does not need to mirror the concept paper if the applicant determines a it wants to submit a different program design in the full application."]
[36,"Application Process"," We have submitted a concept paper. What are the next steps in the process for our application?","The concept papers have been reviewed and all Concept Paper Notifications (as described in the FOA section VI.A.ii) have been posted to Infrastructure eXCHANGE."]
[37,"Deadlines","Can you confirm that the final application date is 7/12? Infrastructure exchange still shows a June 28 application date.","Submission Deadline for Full Applications is 07/12/2024\n5:00 p.m. ET. This information has been updated in Infrastructure eXchange.","Infrastructure eXchange"]
[38,"Application Content/Format","Which template at the link provided should be used for the Community Benefits Plan? https://www.energy.gov/infrastructure/about-community-benefits-plans. ","For your convenience, Community Benefits Plan (CBP) templates are available at: About Community Benefits Plans. The particulars of your project - (CBP templates are divided based on whether the project is focused on Research and Development or Demonstration and Deployment) will determine which template to use. Most projects under EAT will probably want to use the Demonstration and Deployment CBP template. Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the template to complete their specific CBP. If the template is not used, the CBP must address all of the elements described in Section IV.D.v.","About Community Benefits Plans"]
[39,"Application Content/Format","As a State Energy Office are we required to submit the Current and Pending (Other) Support Common Form as part of the Energy Auditor Training Competitive grant application? This form specifically refers to “research” which is not relevant to the Energy Auditor Training Program.","\"Yes, State Energy Offices are required to submit the required Current and Pending (Other) Support information as described in Section IV.D.xviii. Current and Pending Support and listed in the full application table in Section IV.D.i. Full Application Content Requirements. \n\nThe applicant can choose to use the Common Form or can choose to create its own form.\n\nSection IV.D.xviii. states, \"\"Information may be provided in the approved common disclosure format available at Common Form for Current and Pending (Other) Support (nsf.gov).\"\"   \n\nRegardless of how the applicant chooses to complete this portion of the required applications, the applicant must save the Current and Pending Support in a single PDF file using the following convention for the title: “ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_CPS”.\""]
[40,"Various Questions/Comments","1. Infrastructure Exchange indicates that resumes should be 2 pages while the FOA says 3 pages. Could you confirm that the FOA (3 pages) is correct?\n\n2. Note: Infrastructure Exchange requires a subrecipient budget justification workbook to be uploaded, though it is optional. \n\n3. Note: the Reviewer Comments Expected Deadline in Infrastructure Exchange is still 8/29/2024.\n\n4. Are the Letters of Commitment only for those contributing cost share or for any named subrecipient?","1. Section IV.D.iv. of the FOA is accurate and states, \"Applicants must submit a resume (limited to three pages) for each project manager and Senior/Key Personnel\". Infrastructure eXCHANGE has been updated.\n\n2. Infrastructure eXCHANGE has been updated so that a subrecipient budget justification is not required.\n\n3. Infrastructure eXCHANGE has been updated. Reviewer Comments Expected Deadline is 08/01/2024.\n\n4. Per Section IV.D.vii. Letters of Commitment must be submitted \"from all subrecipient and third-party cost share providers, if applicable.\""]
[41,"Various Questions","I am reaching out with two questions that have come up in conversations with several State Energy Offices regarding the Energy Auditor Training grant application.\n\n1. The Energy Auditor Training Program Plan Content Requirements table on page 24 lists a \"Section/Page Limit\" column, but no overall page limits or per section page limits are listed. Can you confirm that there are no page limits to any section?\n\n2. Can you confirm applicants need to submit a standalone budget for the Community Benefits Plan, and if so, should the Community Benefits Plan budget also be incorporated into the total budget justification worksheet? ","1. There are no page limits to any section of the full application.\n\n2. Yes, applicants need to submit a standalone budget for the Community Benefits Plan as a described in Section IV.D.vi. Community Benefits Plan Budget Justification. Yes, the Community Benefits Plan budget should be incorporated into the total budget jusitification worksheet as stated in Section IV.D.vi. Community Benefits Plan Budget Justification."]

{"sheet":"Instructions and Tips","index":1,"n_rows":12,"n_cols":2,"rows_kept":12,"cut":false,"hidden":false,"merged":[[0,0,0,1],[9,0,9,1]]}
["INSTRUCTIONS"]
[1,"All questions pertaining to this funding opportunity announcement should be emailed to EnergyAuditor@hq.doe.gov"]
[2,"All questions pertaining to the Clean Energy Infrastructure Funding Opportunity Exchange website should be emailed to InfrastructureExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov. Include the FOA name and number in the subject line."]
[3,"All questions and answers pertaining to this FOA will be posted on the Clean Energy Infrastructure Funding Opportunity Exchange website within this spreadsheet."]
[4,"DOE will attempt to respond to a question within 3 business days, unless a similar question and answer has already been posted in this spreadsheet. "]
[5,"All questions should be submitted not later than 3 business days prior to the application due date. Questions submitted after this date will not be answered."]
[6,"Questions are assigned a number in accordance with when they are reviewed by DOE.  "]
[7,"Questions are assigned a topic area by DOE when reviewed."]
[]
["TIPS"]
[1,"Applicants may sort questions and answers in the question tabs of this spreadhseet by selecting the drop-down box arrow on the column headers and selecting any of the listed attributes."]
[2,"Applicants may search for questions and/or keywords by holding CTRL+F on the keyboard and typing in a phrase or keyword."]

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["ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTION AND ANSWER LOG"]
["2023 Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0003204 for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) 40503: Energy Auditor Training "]
["Question #","Date Submitted","Topic","Question","Answer"]