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["INSTRUCTIONS"]
[1,"All questions pertaining to this funding opportunity announcement should be emailed to LGEP@hq.doe.gov"]
[2,"All questions pertaining to EERE Exchange should be emailed to InfrastructureExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov. Include FOA name and number in subject line."]
[3,"All questions and answers pertaining to this FOA will be posted on Infrastructure Exchange 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"]
["DE-FOA0003229 - Communities Sparking Investment in Transformative Energy"]
["Question #","Date Submitted","Topic","Question","Answer"]
[1,"2024-02-29","Eligibility","I was reaching out with a specific question whether a redevelopment authority, established under the Pennsylvania Urban Redevelopment Law, meets the definition of a local government. ","Eligible prime recipients for this FOA are RESTRICTED to local governments or Tribal governments representing AT LEAST ONE of the following kinds of communities:\n1. Disadvantaged communities;\n2. Energy communities;\n3. Small- and medium-sized jurisdictions.\n\nFor the purposes of this FOA, ‘local governments’ are defined as jurisdictions that include, but are not limited to, ANY of the following:\n• Cities, towns, and villages;\n• Counties, including on behalf of unincorporated communities, as well as special districts and joint powers authorities;\n• Municipally or Tribally-owned utilities;\n• Metropolitan planning organizations, regional planning organizations; and\n• Councils of governments.\n\nIf the location is not included on the C-SITE eligibility map (https://arcgis.netl.doe.gov/portal/apps/experiencebuilder/experience/?id=785ee47a99d24b36b405acd03d97a5f9), applicants may describe in the Project Narrative how and why their community is a disadvantaged or energy community and/or a small or medium-sized jurisdiction, and therefore eligible for this FOA. \n\nSee Section III.A.i. Domestic Entities of the FOA for more information on eligible entities. \n\nSCEP will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted. See Section III.G. Questions Regarding Eligibility for more information."]
[2,"2024-03-01","Other","I’m wondering if the project has to wait until the grant is approved before it can begin. Can you help shed some light on that for me? We are rehabbing a recently acquired fire station from a district that dissolved. We are looking for additional funding. If I apply for this opportunity, can we be reimbursed? ","If an application is selected for award negotiations, it is not a commitment by SCEP to issue an award nor is it a guarantee of federal government funding. Applicants do not receive an award unless and until award negotiations are complete and the Contracting Officer executes the funding agreement. If an applicant is selected for award negotiations, there may be an opportunity to request 'Pre-award costs' at the time of selection, please refer to Section IV.I.ii. of the FOA for guidance on pre-award costs.\n\nPlease see Section VI.B.vi. Environmental Review in Accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for more guidance on DOE compliance with NEPA. "]
[3,"2024-03-02","Other","The link for the solicitation is not working. I get an error message that states the pdf is invalid. Would you mind sending it?","The links for the solicitation and accompanying documents are confirmed to be working properly. If you are experiencing issues with the website you may need to use a different internet browser and/or contact Infrastructure eXCHANGE helpdesk for further support, infrastructureexchangesupport@hq.doe.gov "]
[4,"2024-03-05","Eligibility","I see that “local governments” are eligible for the C-Site grant – would a special purpose district be considered a local government for the purposes of this grant?","See Question 1"]
[5,"2024-03-06","Webinar","Could you send me a link to the webinar scheduled for tomorrow at 2pm?","The attendee links are available under \"Webinar Details\" of the FOA on Infrastructure eXCHANGE"]
[6,"2024-03-06","Eligibility","How does DOE define Local Government? Are quasi-governmental organizations eligible to apply?","See Question 1"]
[7,"2024-03-06","Technical Topics","Can a county government apply for this grant to fund the installation of EV charging stations?","The decision whether to apply in response to this FOA lies solely with the applicant. See Section III.G. Questions Regarding Eligibility for more information.\n\nSee Section I.B. Topic Area, Section I.D.Applications Specifically Not of Interest, Section III.A.i. Domestic Entities, and Appendix C for additional information. "]
[8,"2024-03-06","Map","I noticed that the guidelines refer to a linked eligibility map, but I was unable to find a link. Can you send us a link to see if our jurisdiction in eligible for this program? Many other parts of the document has hyperlinks embedded, so we assumed that there should be a hyperlink in this section as well. ","The link is included in Question 1. "]
[9,"2024-03-07","Eligibility","I was interested in the program for our community in Florida. We are a CDD and have some parts owned by the CDD and some by the HOA. Would we qualify for this program? If not or if there are additional or other grant options, I would appreciate the information. We would plan to replace all for our existing Halogen lighting for our Tennis Courts, Swimming pools and parks with LED lighting as well as possibly installing additional lighting.","See Question 1 and Question 7"]
[10,"2024-03-07","Eligibility","I’m emailing to confirm that the our locality is considered a local government for purposes of the C-SITE FOA. Can you let us know?","See Question 1"]
[11,"2024-03-07","Technical Topics","1.\tOur program is an on-going retro fit Energy Efficiency upgrade for Low-income homeowners in our community. We received approval for the EECG grant already but would we be able to qualify for this grant as well as long as the funding is used in different homes?\n\n2.\tWill there be stipulations on the wages paid to contractors and sub/contractors with the Davis-Bacon Act for this grant?","1. SCEP will not consider applications for renewals of existing SCEP-funded awards through this FOA, as stated in FOA Section II.A.iii. Funds from C-SITE may be used to fund a new activity or program offering of a previously funded project, as long as the scope of work is distinct and the funding is separate. For example, a community could use C-SITE funds to expand a clean energy workforce training program at a technical school that was previously funded through an existing SCEP award.  The existing program targets early career professionals only and C-SITE funds would be used to expand the program to work with high school students, as long as the funding streams remain separate.\n\n2. Selections from this funding opportunity will not be subject to Davis-Bacon Act requirements. "]
[12,"2024-03-07","Webinar","Unfortunately, I missed the first portion of the presentation, along with the first 12 slides. \n\nWould it be possible to share the slide deck? Alternatively, will a recording of the webinar be posted online? ","The Applicant Webinar Presentation is available under Webinar Details section of the FOA on Infrastructure eXCHANGE. A recording will be posted at a later date. "]
[13,"2024-03-07","Technical Topics","1. The \"Allowable Activities\" (listed on p.46 of the FOA) lacks any mention of upgrading existing gas-fueled water heaters to much safer and IAQ-improving high-efficiency heat pump water heaters. Are such activities also specifically \"allowable\"?\n\n2. This list also suggests that \"HVAC upgrades\" are limited to \"existing systems\". Is the intent of this bullet to mean that funds may not be used on new HVAC systems serving new construction (or new floor space additions), while HVAC upgrades to existing systems in existing buildings remain allowable? Or does it mean that the complete upgrade and replacement of an existing HVAC system in an existing building (e.g., by removing an old obsolete HVAC system, such as a gas forced-air furnace with ducts, and replacing it with a NEW highly efficiency zoned mini-split air-to-air heat pump needing no ducts, or much shorter ducts in conditioned space) is specifically disallowed by this FOA?\n\n3.  If fuel-switching from gas to electric water and space heating are indeed prohibited activities, what evidence is DOE relying upon to justify investing ANY public funds in existing HVAC equipment that will continue to require the use of fossil gas as a fuel, in effect using taxpayer dollars to subsidize and extend the life of these dangerous, environmentally damaging, and objectively obsolete technologies?","As stated on page 45 of the FOA, \"To streamline the NEPA review process, a list of Allowable Activities has been developed. These activities do not require further NEPA review.\" Any proposed activities that fit within the Topic Area but that do not fall within the NEPA Allowable Activities will require additional NEPA review, if selected. \n\nSee Section I.B. Topic Area and I.D. Applications Specifically Not of Interest for further information."]
[14,"2024-03-07","Map","Is the \"the program eligibility map\" the same as the CEJST (J40) tool, at the following link?  ","The link for the program eligibility map is specific to the Communities Sparking Investment in Transformation Energy funding opportunity. "]
[15,"2024-03-07","Cost Sharing","Are these funds stackable with the SCE MIP microgrid program?","Cost share funds must come from non-federal sources, and can be provided by the Prime Recipient, subrecipients, third parties, and/or state and local government. Sample cost share calculations and additional information can be found in the FOA.  For more information on cost sharing, see FOA Section III.B. Cost Sharing and Appendix B. Cost Share Information\n\nAs all sources of cost share are considered part of total project cost, the cost share dollars will be scrutinized under the same federal regulations as federal dollars to the project."]
[16,"2024-03-07","Eligibility","Can local governments work together on a joint submission?","Eligible primes are allowed to work together on a joint submission, as long as one entity is identified as the prime on behalf of the group. See Teams or Consortia and Partners under Section III.A.i. of the FOA for additional information. "]
[17,"2024-03-07","Technical Topics","Will the Community Energy Fellow work in the community or be a remote worker from elsewhere? Do we have the opportunity to choose who this? ","Community Energy Fellows will work either onsite or virtually in select communities for up to 18 months to support the implementation of projects. See the Community Energy Fellows webpage for additional information: https://www.energy.gov/scep/community-energy-fellows "]
[18,"2024-03-07","Map"," Can you please provide a link to the eligibility map. ","The link is included in Question 1. "]
[19,"2024-03-07","Eligibility"," Can a local government get a determination on whether they're eligible before applying?","See Question 1"]
[20,"2024-03-07","Technical Topics","If you have received an award with another similar grant such as the EECBG will you be able to qualify for this grant with the same intended work?","See part 1 of Question 11"]
[21,"2024-03-07","Eligibility","Does a community need to qualify in one area of eligibility or multiple (energy community, disadvantaged community, small/medium community)?","Communities need to qualify in AT LEAST ONE area of eligibility, see Question 1 for additional information. "]
[22,"2024-03-07","Technical Topics","Will there be stipulations on the wages paid to contractors and sub/contractors with the Davis-Bacon Act for this grant? ","See part 2 of Question 11"]
[23,"2024-03-08","Map","I just reviewed the webinar and FOA for the, \"Local Government Energy Program: Communities Sparking Investment in Transformative  Energy (C-SITE).\" Both the webinar and FOA refer to a C-SITE Eligibility map which I cannot seem to find a link for anywhere. I've looked through both the FOA, the energy.gov website as well as done google searches and can't seem to find it. Is this a link you all are able to provide so we can get moving on this?","The link is included in Question 1. "]
[24,"2024-03-11","Map","I am looking for the Eligibility Map for the LGEP C-SITE program. In the NOFO it states “Please reference the C-SITE eligibility map linked” but I do not see it linked specifically in the NOFO or on the EERE. Can you please provide it?","The link is included in Question 1. "]
[25,"2024-03-13","Application Content/Format","I was wondering whether funding from the Local Government Energy Program: Communities Sparking Investment in Transformative Energy (C-SITE) can be used to fund staff positions working on the project? I read in the FOA that staff costs can be used as cost-match, but it wasn’t clear if staff costs can be part of the requested grant funding. ","Personnel costs are allowable under the FOA. All proposed costs must be allowable, allocable, and reasonable in accordance with the applicable federal cost principles, see FOA Section IV.I.i. Allowable Costs for more information. "]
[26,"2024-03-14","Eligibility","1)\tAre groups of communities, pairs of communities, or municipal coalitions eligible to apply as a prime applicant? \n2)\tCan communities partner together and apply together as a prime applicant? ","See Question 16"]
[27,"2024-03-18","Eligibility","Our company is based in the United States, but we are developing waste to energy plants to place overseas as a renewable energy solution. Would we be eligible for this specific grant? ","See Question 1 and Question 7"]
[28,"2024-03-18","Other","1.\tCan the asset purchased with C-SITE funds be owned by a subrecipient?\n2.\tCan the prime recipient earn IRA tax credits on the dollars invested that are non-C-SITE dollars?","1. Real property and equipment purchased with project funds (federal share and recipient cost share) are subject to the requirements at 2 CFR 200.310, 200.311, 200.313, and 200.316 (non-federal entities, except for-profit entities) and 2 CFR 910.360 (for-profit entities). See FOA Section VI.B.xv. Real Property and Equipment and Section VI.B.xiv. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Financing Statements for additional information. \n\n2. Please consult your own legal/tax counsel regarding federal funds being used to apply for federal tax credits. As all sources of cost share are considered part of total project cost, the cost share dollars will be scrutinized under the same federal regulations as federal dollars to the project, see Question 25 for more information on federal cost principles."]
[29,"2024-03-20","Cost Sharing","Could you help me understand the 5% cost share requirement for DE-FOA-0003229: Local Government Energy Program: Communities Sparking Investment in Transformative Energy? Is this grant only available to local governments or is it open to individual companies who support these initiatives as well? ","See Question 15 for more information on cost share, and Question 1 for information on prime applicant eligibility. "]
[30,"2024-03-21","Technical Topics","Are vehicle purchases allowed? If so is there a limit on the type of vehicles that can be purchased?","Electric transportation is an eligible activity under the Topic Area description. At this time, there is not a limit on the number of vehicles proposed in an application.  See Question 25 for more information on Allowable Costs and part 1 of Question 28 for more information on equipment."]
[31,"2024-03-21","Other","Are there any public access requirements for infrastructure funded by the program?","If selected for an award, a recipient is required to comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations for all work performed, which would include compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. "]
[32,"2024-03-21","Other","Are reimbursements allowed? If so what are the specifics regarding that?","See Part I of Question 2 regarding Pre-Award costs. If selected to receive an award, payment procedures will be defined in the award special terms and conditions. \n\nSee IV.I.x. Invoice Review and Approval for more information on what may be required for requests for reimbursement. "]
[33,"2024-03-21","Other","\nIs there any kind of restriction on the funding amount once it is received beyond the basic ineligible activities?","See Question 25 for more information on federal cost principles. "]
[34,"2024-03-21","Technical Topics","Is there a maximum funding amount for infrastructure or equipment pertaining to clean energy or clean transportation?","There is not a ceiling on equipment or infrastructure costs. See Question 25 for more information on Allowable Costs and part 1 of Question 28 for more information on equipment."]
[35,"2024-03-21","Cost Sharing","I saw in the FOA and webinar slides that the cost match cannot include federal funding sources; however, in the example project for municipally-owned utility scale PV installation noted in the slide below includes accessing relevant tax credits. Please confirm if a municipally owned utility scale PV installation on reclaimed industrial land can apply for this grant and also use IRA or other federal tax credits to cover the costs of the project as long as the minimum 5% cost share is provided by the City or other non-federal sources. ","See Part 2 of Question 28"]
[36,"2024-03-21","Eligibility","Can small cities with populations that range from 1,000 to 25,000 population apply that are located in Texas? Can we combine the small cities and apply as a regional project?","As stated in FOA Section III.A.i., small jurisdictions are jurisdictions representing under 100,000 people. See Question 1 regarding eligibility and Question 16 regarding a joint submission. "]
[37,"2024-03-21","Other","What is C-SITE?","C-SITE is an acronym for Communities Sparking Investment in Transformative Energy, and it is the title of the Funding Opportunity Announcement"]
[38,"2024-03-22","Other","I work for ABM, and we install EV Charing equipment for businesses.   Can you please help us apply for rebates for the 3 PA businesses listed below?","This is not a rebate program, it is a competitive funding solicitation. Please view the Funding Opportunity Announcement at S3 Infrastructure Exchange: https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/ "]
[39,"2024-03-25","Registration Requirements","I'm a consultant working with a Native American tribe in Northern California that is not registered with SAM, can I use my information to help submit their application to DE-FOA-0003229?","The local government or tribal government unit must be the applicant. \n\nEach applicant (unless the applicant is excepted from those requirements under 2 CFR 25.110) is required to: (1) register in the SAM at https://www.sam.gov before submitting an application; (2) provide a valid UEI number in the application; and (3) maintain an active SAM registration with current information when the applicant has an active federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a federal awarding agency. See FOA Section VI.B.i. Registration Requirements for more information. "]
[40,"2024-03-21","Eligibility"," Are \"energy communities\" limited to coal? Our county is home to 4 oil refineries and several other large industrial facilities, including power plants and chemical plants. ","As stated in FOA Section III.A.i., energy communities are defined as: \nCommunities that include ANY of the following:\n• a “brownfield site”;\n• a “metropolitan statistical area” or “non-metropolitan statistical area” that has\na. 0.17% or greater direct employment or 25% or greater local tax revenues related to the extraction, processing, transport, or storage of coal, oil, or natural gas; AND\nb. has an unemployment rate at or above the national average unemployment rate for the previous year; OR\n• a census tract in which a coal mine has closed after 1999 or a coal-fired electricity generating unit has been retired after 2009"]
[41,"2024-03-21","Other"," What is the deployment timing for projects being funded by this grant?","The cover page of the FOA states that the expected timeframe for award negotiations will be September-December 2024. Applicants may choose the period of performance that aligns with their proposed schedule, and if selected, this may be refined during the negotiations phase. "]
[42,"2024-03-21","Eligibility"," The C-SITE eligibility map looks like it is measuring population at the county level. Would municipalities with a population under 100,000 qualify as a small community?","As stated in FOA Section III.A.i., small jurisdictions are jurisdictions representing under 100,000 people. "]
[43,"2024-03-21","Technical Topics"," Where can we find the list of NEPA approved activities?","See Question 13"]
[44,"2024-03-25","Map","I would like to identify all the eligible census tracts, referenced by municipality (or unincorporated area). This is an important first step for identifying eligible partners. It doesn't seem to exist for the current map. Can you provide an excel or csv format that includes information about the census tracts by municipality and county?","These data will also be made available for download in excel (.xlsx) file format from NETL's Energy Data eXchange (EDX) soon. "]
[45,"2024-03-26","Technical Topics","Does the C-SITE grant have to be allocated entirely towards the design and implementation of a single project?  OR can C-SITE fund a broader “Master Plan” that encompasses a detailed design/engineering of multiple “Phases,” with the possibility of implementing only one “Phase”?  We have concerns about not being able to implement the entire “Master Plan” due to several different implementation ideas the plan holds and the limited budget available.   ","Applications for projects in visioning and planning stages rather than implementation stage will be deemed non-responsive and will not be reviewed or considered. \n\nSee Question 7 for more information on the Topic Area and Applications Specifically Not of Interest. "]
[46,"2024-03-27","Technical Topics","The eligible projects seems very broad, but I just want to understand what project you are looking for and if our proposed projects would be eligible. ","See Question 7"]
[47,"2024-03-27","Other","If I have a project I’m seeking funding for that is closer to $500,000 in total estimated costs. Can you please provide guidance on the Anticipated Minimum Award Size dollar amount. Should an organization apply if they have a project that is a good fit but would be asking for less than the anticipated minimum award amount?","Section II. A.i. Estimated Funding provides anticipated funding numbers but these are not requirements. Proposals must adhere to the requirements in Section III. B. Cost Sharing. "]
[48,"2024-04-02","Eligibility","I wanted to clarify whether a single agency/department in a city government is eligible to apply as a \"local government\"?","See Question 1 and Question 7"]
[49,"2024-04-02","Eligibility","Is a public housing authority eligible to apply as a \"local government\" if the public housing authority is controlled by city government?","See Question 1 and Question 7"]
[50,"2024-04-02","Other","It is my belief that our planning strongly aligns with the stated Strategic Goals of The Local Government Energy Program and DE-FOA-0003229. I would like to arrange a meeting between our staff and a Program Manager so we could best align a project to the goals of the Funding Opportunity in the application process. Would you please put me in contact with a person who would be best qualified to do this?","As stated in FOA Section VII. Questions/Agency Contacts, \"Upon the issuance of a FOA, SCEP personnel are prohibited from communicating (in writing or otherwise) with applicants regarding the FOA except through the established question and answer process. Questions regarding this FOA must be submitted to LGEP@hq.doe.gov no later than three (3) business days prior to the application due date and time. Please note, feedback on individual concepts will not be provided through Q&A.\"\n\nSee Question 7 for more information on the Topic Area and Applications Specifically Not of Interest. "]
[51,"2024-04-02","Due Dates","The posted deadline (May 21) is for Prime applicants only, correct?  Is there a teaming list for interested potential subapplicant nonprofits in eligible communities?","The Submission deadline for Full Applications is May 31, 2024 at 5 p.m. ET. Any subrecipients participating in the application would need to be included with the Full Application submission. \n\nDE-FOA-0003229 is not utilizing a Teaming List. "]
[52,"2024-04-03","Technical Topics","Would an application for energy efficiency/weatherization upgrades at a City Hall be eligible?  Energy Upgrades would include façade, weatherization/windows, lighting, etc.?","See Question 7 "]
[53,"2024-04-03","Other","I attempted to go to Infracture eXCHANGE website but it said, \n\nThere were no results for your search. Please try searching again with different search criteria or select 'Funding Opportunity' to see a listing of the current opportunities.","On the main page you should be able to click the link for DE-FOA-0003229 in the table and it will take you to the FOA.\n\nIf you are experiencing issues with the website you may need to use a different internet browser and/or contact Infrastructure eXCHANGE helpdesk for further support, infrastructureexchangesupport@hq.doe.gov "]
[54,"2024-04-04","Other"," I have some questions about the program that I didn’t find answers for online. please call me ","See Question 50"]
[55,"2024-04-04","Map","I am having difficulty reading the SCEP C-SITE Map.  Is our city eligible for this grant opportunity?","See Question 1 regarding eligibility and Question 44 regarding the map data. "]
[56,"2024-04-05","Application Content/Format","At the base of this grant program, the local governments will get grants to install solar panels to power their buildings and/or provide power to the grid??  is the grant for only a percentage of the project, or potentially cover the whole cost? \n\nwhat’s all involved in the process to apply, award grant, and install?  \n\ntimelines?","See Question 1 regarding eligibility, Question 7 regarding the Topic Area information, and the FOA Cover Page regarding submission timelines. Please consult the Funding Opportunity Announcement for more information. "]
[57,"2024-04-08","Technical Topics","Our city is considering the C-SITE grant. I see in the FAQ that there are a variety of topic areas allowed. I’m curious if biochar (carbon sequestration) is included? We would also like to put solar on the roof of the facility, so in a way there would be some renewable generation onsite. Would this project qualify?","See Question 1 and 7"]
[58,"2024-04-08","Cost Sharing"," When considering in-kind match for the cost share, what is the look back period that DOE will use to allow those costs as match?","Cost share should be incurred during the proposed period of performance. See Question 15 for more information on cost share. "]
[59,"2024-04-08","Other","Should projects outside the scope of \"Allowable Activities\" list under NEPA submit an Environmental Questionnaire and Statement of Work with other grant documents at the time of submission? Or should applicants wait until a project proposal has been selected for funding?","As stated in FOA Section VI.B.vi. Environmental Review in Accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Environmental Questionnaire will be required of those recipients selected to receive an award."]
[60,"2024-04-09","Other","There seems to be quite a lot of information and links to further reading.\nHow would you recommend I best find the pertinent information I need to learn how to apply?","Recommend visiting the following websites:\nLocal Government Energy Program website - https://www.energy.gov/scep/local-government-energy-program\nClean Energy Infrastructure Exchange website - https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaId7201f0ba-65eb-46ae-a852-5b205652cdaf "]
[61,"2024-04-10","Map","Could you please assist me with the operations of the SCEP C-Suite map website?  ","The search function on the eligibility map is the quickest way to find your community on the map or the area in which you plan to build your project/program. If you feel that your community qualifies as an eligible community but is not designated as so on the map, see Question 1."]
[62,"2024-04-11","Eligibility","Our question is whether a for-profit company like us can apply to this grant on our own if we are geographically based in the listed communities? Or do we have to partner with local government? ","See Question 1"]
[63,"2024-04-11","Application Content/Format","If an organization would like to submit information using the community engagement plan template, should the community engagement plan template be embedded in the Project Narrative or should the community engagement plan template be submitted as a separate document?","If an applicant elects to use the Community Engagement Plan, this should be submitted as a separate application file, see FOA Mod 0001 for more information. "]
[64,"2024-04-11","Technical Topics","Is it allowable to ask for grant funding for a specific project, or do sub-awards need to be competitively bid? We would like to specifically request funds for this identified project as it will likely not be feasible otherwise, and we would like to ask for additional funding to subaward other downtown buildings for energy efficiency upgrades. \n","See Question 7\n\nSee 2 CFR 200 for applicable sub-award requirements. "]
[65,"2024-04-12","Cost Sharing","Would the donation of City or municipal-owned land count towards the cost share requirement in the FOA? ","See Question 15"]
[66,"2024-04-12","Technical Topics","Will our planning project to conduct a feasibility study for micro-transit service be eligible for this funding?","See Question 45 and Question 7"]
[67,"2024-04-12","Registration Requirements","A University intends to support an economically disadvantaged, underserved, unincorporated community with limited staffing capabilities. We intend to submit a grant application for FOA DE-FOA-0003229 Communities Sparking Investment in Transformative Energy for the benefit of this community. \n\nIf the University will be assisting the local community with the grant application, project management, and grant administration activities, should the university be listed as the:\na)  Prime Applicant  And/Or\nb) Prime Recipient Or\nc) Neither\n\nThe university is listed in SAM.gov; whereas, the local government is not.","See Question 39"]
[68,"2024-04-14","Technical Topics","1) On p.4, the FOA lists as a Potential Project Example a \"utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installation\", yet on p. 47 (Section B.vi), Allowable Activity #7 indicates that a solar electricity/photovoltaic system is \"not to exceed 60 kW\". Is a system larger than 60 kW allowable?\n\n2) On p. 47 (Section B.vi), Allowable Activity #9 seems to suggest that EV supply equipment installation and testing must be \"within an existing parking facility defined as any building, structure, or facility, other than an outdoor parking lot.\" Is installation of EV chargers in an outdoor parking lot allowable?","See Question 13"]
[69,"2024-04-16","Eligibility","Can eligible applicants include private companies and NGO's, or only local governments and tribes? ","See Question 1"]
[70,"2024-04-16","Eligibility","Can a small municipality  (under 71,000 population) that is neither a disadvantaged or an energy community apply?","See Question 1 and 42"]
[71,"2024-04-16","Other","It is my understanding that equipment purchased with these funds are subject to a UCC lien in order to protect the federal investment. Some of the items identified in the FOA are non-traditional assets (such as insulation, lighting, windows, etc.) I understand that traditional assets such as equipment are subject to these requirements, but are there specific procedures in place for handling non-traditional assets like insulation in the context of the grant. Additionally, would alternative forms of collateral or security stand in place of the UCC lien for non-traditional assets?","Uniform Commercial Code Financing Statements apply to for-profit entities, and in the case of this FOA, it would be applicable to for-profit subrecipients.\n\nSee Question 25 for more information on Allowable Costs and part 1 of Question 28 for more information on equipment."]
[72,"2024-04-17","Webinar","We have a potential project, but wanted to talk through some of the implications for project opportunity/community opportunity and if it would be a competitive application.\n \nDo you offer information sessions or other times to talk about the Local Government Energy Program: Communities Sparking Investment in Transformative Energy? ","See Question 12 regarding the webinars and Question 50 regarding direct communication with DOE staff"]
[73,"2024-04-18","Due Dates","Are you considering exending the deadline for full applications for this FOA? ","No, the Full Application deadline will not be extended. "]
[74,"2024-04-19","Application Content/Format","I'm reaching out on behalf of a local government with a question about the LGEP C-Site program regarding the following language in the FOA: An entity may submit only one Full Application for this FOA. If an entity submits more than one Full Application, SCEP will request a determination from the applicant’s authorizing representative as to which application should be reviewed. Any other submissions received listing the same entity as the applicant will not be eligible for further consideration. This limitation does not prohibit an applicant from collaborating on other applications (e.g., as a potential subrecipient or partner) so long as the entity is only listed as the applicant on one Full Application for this FOA. \n\nHow does the DOE define \"an entity\" here? In a government context, would this mean a team within an agency, an agency, or the government itself? For example, can two different departments from the same government agency submit separate applications if they involve different projects? Alternatively, can two different agencies from the same local government (i.e. the City of New York) submit separate applications?\n\nIf each department manages an entirely different line of service - for example, one oversees the public fleet, while the other oversees public buildings - could they count as separate \"entities\"? ","An entity is defined as having a Unique Entity Identifier. "]
[75,"2024-04-19","Eligibility","[Redacted] Our organization is considering applying to this fund for up to ten electric vehicle charging stations in public and private locations. Are electric vehicles a competitive project under this grant?","See Question 7"]
[76,"2024-04-22","Eligibility","We are a city with a population of about 16,000 and an average median income of $36,932 per working individual.   The household median income is $70,214.  The percentage of those in poverty is estimated at about 8.2% so we do not qualify as being a disadvantaged community. \n\nWill our population be considered a Medium Jurisdiction?  Is there usually a rather competitive pool of applicants that qualify in more than one area?  ","See Question 1 for more information on eligible entities, and Question 42 regarding small jurisdictions.\n\nAs a first time funding opportunity, we do not know how many applications will be submitted and this information would not be available to the public. "]
[77,"2024-04-23","Application Content/Format","We are reviewing with interest the FOA for the new C-SITE program.  On page 7, section D – Applications Specifically Not of Interest, the second bullet excludes:\n-\tApplications for proposed technologies that are not based on sound scientific principles (e.g., violates the laws of thermodynamics).\n\nWe are wondering, is this example included because you have received applications proposing technologies that do violate the laws of thermodynamics? ","This section is intended to demonstrate types of proposals that are not of interest to DOE and is standard language used across published Funding Opportunities."]
[79,"2024-04-23","Eligibility","Does DOE have any preference on if projects come from a single local government or are regional in nature? We have three counties that are interested in applying together, all of which meet the eligibility criteria.\n","See Question 16"]
[80,"2024-04-23","Eligibility","Could this funding be used to pay for replacing roofs for facilities, with the idea that it improves energy efficiency and prepares them to install solar panels?","See Question 7"]
[81,"2024-04-24","Eligibility","[Edited] Would [my program] be eligible for C-SITE funds? The City is considered an energy community along with many of the census tracts considered disadvantaged. Since the program is already in operation, the funds would be used to improve capacity of the service along with potentially adding more hours of operations to serve more employees. Would C-SITE funds support the operational costs of a program that is currently in operation, like [my program]?","See Question 1 for entity type, Question 7 for proposed topic, and part 1 of Question 11 regarding existing programs"]
[82,"2024-04-23","Eligibility","We are considering applying for this grant. I have a bunch of questions. Is there someone I can talk to about the grant program?","See Question 50 and 60 for more information"]
[83,"2024-04-25","Application Content/Format","1)\tIs this grant a reimbursement opportunity or advance payment?\n2)\tWhat are eligible and ineligible costs?\n3)\tDoes grant award need to happen before work can begin?","1) See Question 32 \n2) See Question 25\n3) See Question 2"]
[84,"2024-04-26","Eligibility","[Edited] We are an Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), could you assist me with confirming our eligibility for DOE's C-Sites FOA? How exactly are you defining ‘special districts’? . If we are not eligible, would the URA be eligible through a partnership with City?","See Question 1"]
[85,"2024-04-29","Other","Can you explain how funds will be distributed? Are they on a reimbursement basis only?","See Question 32"]
[86,"2024-04-30","Technical Topics","1.\tWe plan to power the expanded upwelling tanks with solar and back up battery micro-grid. Is the solar canopy size limited to 60kw (like listed below on pg. 51 of the Manual?\n2.\tIs the battery micro-grid limited to 1,000 kwh capacity?","See Question 13"]
[87,"2024-05-01","Eligibility","Are purchases of electric bikes to expand an existing e-bike share operation into lower income communities an eligible activity?","See Question 7"]
[88,"2024-05-02","Technical Topics","Per page 47 of the FOA, it states that a solar electricity/photovoltaic array cannot exceed 60 kW. If we have two towns involved in the application, does that mean each town could only have 30kW each? Or would the 60kW apply to each teaming partner? ","See Question 13"]
[89,"2024-05-06","Eligibility","We are contemplating working with an existing program out of a nonprofit that assists houses of worship. Do faith communities qualify as a nonprofit? Would a church need a nonprofit declaration to be considered a nonprofit? ","SCEP will not make eligibility determinations on subrecipients. See Section III.A.i Domestic Entities for more information. "]
[90,"2024-05-06","Other","1)\tIs this funding through a Cooperative Agreement? \n2)\tIf so, how involve is SCEP in the process?\n3)\tIs the typical involvement listed in 1-4 below?","This funding opportunity will utilize cooperative agreements which includes substantial involvement from SCEP. See Section II.B.i. Cooperative Agreements and Section VI.B.x. Substantial Involvement for more information. "]
[91,"2024-05-07","Other","We are looking to fund a project that will begin construction prior to selection (this award would theoretically supplement the total project). Does the \"Project Period\" in the budget template begin when construction of efficiency improvements begin or when the funding is awarded? ","The Project Period on the budget template should begin after application is selected for award negotiations."]
[92,"2024-05-07","Application Content/Format","If the project has a timeline shorter than 36 months, can we use 1 or 2 project periods (12 or 24 months) instead? Can we use increments that are not a calendar year, like 18 months?","SCEP anticipates making awards that will run from 12 months up to 36 months, comprised of one or more budget periods. Best practice for budget periods is between 12-18 months, though can vary as it aligns with the scope of work. "]
[93,"2024-05-07","Application Content/Format","I have a question regarding the lobbying activities disclosure.  The form is to be completed for federal actions, in this case a grant, for which lobbying activity has been secured to influence the outcome of said federal action.  How do we proceed if we have not engaged a lobbyist for this grant application? ","It is sufficient to enter \"Not Applicable\" when appropriate. See Section IV.C.xii. SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (required) for more information."]
[94,"2024-05-07","Eligibility","Would our transit agency be eligible to apply for this type of funding?","See Question 1"]
[95,"2024-05-08","Technical Topics","We are considering setting aside a portion of our funding request to go towards enhancing the capital in an existing revolving loan fund at a local CDFI to help pay for nonprofit energy upgrades. Would this be considered allowable and allocable? I’ve read FOA Section IV.I.i and 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E, but I am still confused.","See Question 7 and part 1 of Question 11"]
[96,"2024-05-08","Map","A number of the colors shown on the Eligibility Map are not included in the Legend.  This makes the map difficult to interpret.  Please clarify the legend.","Layers may overlap and create differing colors on the map. Please see the Legend and layers for more information, and see Question 61 on how to search for your community. "]
[97,"2024-05-08","Eligibility","Are small local public utilities considered to be local government, and thus eligible to apply?","See Question 1"]
[98,"2024-05-09","Other","Will the award come in a single disbursement or increments over the determined project period?","See Question 32"]
[99,"2024-05-09","Application Content/Format","Where a project is intending to fund grants to homeowners to perform energy upgrades to their homes, would those expenses be considered contractual or construction costs for the SF424 budget. ","Any construction work that is performed under a subgrant by a third party should be entered under the Contractual line item. Any Construction conducted by the award recipient would be included on the Construction line item."]
[100,"2024-05-09","Other","Are partial awards possible?","SCEP may choose to partially fund an eligible full application, if so, this information would be included in the written notification that they have been selected for award negotiations. SCEP and the applicant would negotiate these details as part of the award negotiation process."]
[101,"2024-05-09","Other","Can you share how frequently the rolling FAQ's are answered? I've submitted a couple in the last week. ","SCEP will attempt to respond to a question within three (3) business days, unless a similar question and answer has already been posted on the website."]
[102,"2024-05-10","Application Content/Format","The City is looking to apply for this award and pass through the awarded dollars to an organization as a subrecipient. Based on the language from the NOFA, they are not considered an \"Other Organization\" since we are not teaming up to submit one application because they are not an eligible entity to do so. \n\nI would not need to list them or their percentage in the exchange under \"Other Organizations\" due to this, correct? ","Subrecipients and their proposed percentage of work should be identified in the application documents and in the corresponding fields in Exchange."]
[103,"2024-05-10","Application Content/Format","I see on FOA that “lighting retrofits” are an allowable activity. However, we are also looking to buy light pole covers that go around the base of each pole. These cover the bolts that hold in the pole and prevent the lights from being tampered with, particularly against copper wire theft. We are wondering if that would be an allowable cost as we build out our line-item budgets.","See Question 25"]
[104,"2024-05-10","Eligibility","We have a client that is interested in adding clean energy EV charging stations at their dealership and the SCEP program is the only possible funding option in their geography location.\n\nWould this commercial business be eligible for SCEP funding?  ","See Question 1"]
[105,"2024-05-13","Cost Sharing","Can State tax credits (ex. for heat pumps) be used as a local match? What type of project documentation would be required for this situation?  ","See Question 15 and part 2 of Question 28"]
[106,"2024-05-13","Cost Sharing","The State can provide a letter regarding the availability of tax credits in 2024 - 2025 and a commitment to provide tax credits should the project meet all the eligibility requirements. Is a commitment letter from the State about the applicability of the tax credits to our project enough for the purposes of this application? The tax credits are administered through our State Energy Office and not the IRS. ","State tax credits would be required to verify that there are no federal funds involved. State Energy Offices receive significant funding from Department of Energy so the cost share commitment letter would need to include language that the state tax credits do not have any federal funding. \n\nPlease consult your own legal/tax counsel regarding federal funds being used to apply for tax credits. As all sources of cost share are considered part of total project cost, the cost share dollars will be scrutinized under the same federal regulations as federal dollars to the project, see Question 25 for more information on federal cost principles."]
[107,"2024-05-13","Cost Sharing","Can utility rebates be considered a local match? We would be able to get a letter of commitment from participating utilities that they have the allocated rebate to serve our proposed projects and that the proposed project meets the rebate or production incentive criteria.","See Question 15"]
[108,"2024-05-14","Eligibility","If we, as a city municipality, are applying for the grant above and have contracted with a contractor to construct the solar array, which entity assumes the lead organizational role in the grant application process: the contractor or the city municipality?","See Question 1"]
[109,"2024-05-15","Other","Would remediation of lead or asbestos be an allowable cost during the process of installing items like high efficiency heating/cooling equipment or home insulation to reduce energy costs?","See Question 7 for Topic Area Information, and Question 25 for Allowable Costs"]
[110,"2024-05-15","Technical Topics","Is green propane considered renewable energy ? And can I apply for it with this grant for fleet services?","See Question 7"]
[111,"2024-05-15","Cost Sharing","In regards to C-SITE, can Appalachian Regional Commission funds be used as match?","See Question 15"]
[112,"2024-05-16","Other","Our tribe is part of an intertribal program where another tribe would be the prime recipient, and we would be one of the sub-recipients. Our tribe is wondering if we could apply both with the group as a subrecipient, and as an individual tribe as the prime recipient. I watched the webinar and read through most of the NOFO and didn't see anything regarding this.","An entity may apply as a prime recipient on one application and a subrecipient on another application, so long as the entity is only listed as the applicant on one Full Application. See Section III.F. Limitation on Number of Concept Papers and Full Applications Eligible for Review for additional information. "]
[113,"2024-05-16","Application Reviews","Our entity falls within the eligible small and medium sized jurisdiction, but not necessarily low-income. I understand that we must fall within one to be eligible, but is preference given to one over another? ","Applications will be evaluated against the technical review criteria shown in Section V.A.i Full Applications, and all sub-criteria are of equal weight. The Selection Official may also consider Program Policy Factors in determining which Full Applications to select for award negotiations, see Section V.C.i.Program Policy Factors. "]
[114,"2024-05-17","Eligibility","Could a small jurisdiction government agency apply as the project lead to be a pass-through entity, where-in a privately owned company would be a sub-recipient to own and operate the project. Therefore, the government agency would not be investing or benefiting financially.","See Question 1 and 7"]
[115,"2024-05-17","Application Content/Format","To whom can we address the LOS and LOC for our grant application packets?","Letters can be addressed to \"DOE Contracting Officer\""]
[116,"2024-05-20","Cost Sharing","How should anticipated tax credits under the direct pay and transferability of tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act be included in the Budget Information SF-424A workbook? ","See Part 2 of Question 28 "]
[117,"2024-05-20","Other","Do you anticipate another round of funding in the future for this opportunity? ","You may want to monitor the Clean Energy Infrastructure Funding Opportunity Exchange website for opportunities you are interested in and eligible to apply -  https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/       \nNote that there are drop-downs near the top of the homepage that allow you to search by Program.\n\nIn some instances, DOE does accept unsolicited proposals. Information can be found here - https://www.netl.doe.gov/business/unsolicited-proposals"]
[118,"2024-05-20","Other","I would like a little more information on what constitutes a “partner.” From my understanding of the FOA section III A i, it can be either a public or private entity that works with us to implement the project. Would this include vendors hired to perform the labor and/or procure equipment involved in implementing our project?","It is up to the applicant to determine subrecipient vs. contractor status. Contractors cannot provide cost share. "]
[119,"2024-05-21","Other","Our entity is interested in applying for the LGEP C-SITE and would like more information on the role of the Community Energy Fellow and if it’s optional or required.  ","See Question 17"]
[120,"2024-05-21","Application Content/Format","It is not clear to us where the \"optional\" Community Engagement Plan and Community Benefits Plans should go if we choose to include them. Do they make up part of the page limit for the Project Narrative document, or are they additional documents that can be included in addition to required documents?","See Question 63"]
[121,"2024-05-22","Application Content/Format","In which category on the budget worksheet would weatherization and heat pump rebates fall into? What category would kWh production (and measured savings) incentives fall into? \n\nAre these allowed? ","Applicants should prepare their budgets based on the Federal Regulations, and if selected for award negotiations, budget revisions may occur to align with the cost principles. See Question 25 for Allowable Costs and Question 99 for contractual vs. construction costs. "]
[122,"2024-05-22","Due Dates","I just learned of this opportunity and realize that there is no possibility to complete application materials at this late date. Is there a way to be notified of similar opportunities in the future?","The U.S. Department of Energy - State and Community Energy Program posts funding opportunity announcements (FOA) on Clean Energy Infrastructure Funding Opportunity Exchange, at https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/. You may want to monitor the website for opportunities you are interested in and eligible to apply.  Note that there are drop-downs near the top of the homepage that allow you to search by Program.\n\nYou may also want to check out the resources and program information at the Office of State and Community Energy Programs : https://www.energy.gov/scep/office-state-and-community-energy-programs"]
[123,"2024-05-23","Cost Sharing","Even though the (5%) cost share funds must come from non-federal sources, are we able to use other federal funding to close the gap between the potential C-SITE grant and our total project cost of $5 million? We would still provide the minimum 5% cost share from City funding.","See Question 15"]
[124,"2024-05-23","Application Content/Format","I was reviewing other Department of Energy grants and saw that narratives and community benefits plan no longer had a page limit. I wanted to see if this was the case for  DE-FOA-0003229.","Each Funding Opportunity has its own application content requirements, please see Section IV.C.Content and Form of the Full Application for the requirements specific to DE-FOA-0003229."]
[125,"2024-05-23","Other","I would like to know if any organization or group from our area is applying for this incredible opportunity?  \n\nIf not, I would like to find out how to go about it.  I am a nonprofit that is working with a couple of groups in Fairbanks that would like desperately to get off of COAL for power generation to save lives.  ","Applicants to each funding opportunity are not publicly identified unless they are selected for award negotiations. "]
[126,"2024-05-23","Other","When would C-SITE funding be made available for winners of the grant?","The expected timeframe for award negotiations is September to December 2024, and the availability of funds is contingent on each individual award's terms and conditions. "]
[127,"2024-05-24","Other","The link for the following document is not opening correctly: MOD_0001_DE-FOA-0003229_LGEP_Communities_Sparking_Investment_in_Transformative_Engery","Mod 0002 was published on May 3, 2024, please ensure you are accessing the most current version of the FOA. If you are continuing to experience issues, please See Question 3"]
[128,"2024-05-24","Other","Are all costs (labor and hard) reimbursable expenses and what is the invoicing timeframe? Given the difficulty in floating hard cost dollars for building upgrades, can we submit for an exact payment amount for exact work, before the work is completed? What is the expected timeframe between invoice and reimbursement? ","See Question 25 for more information on federal cost principles, and Question 32 regarding reimbursement. "]
[129,"2024-05-28","Application Content/Format","I have a question about the Project Narrative. NOFO says a 12-page narrative limit. Is that exclusive of the Cover Page and Budget?","The 12 page limit is inclusive of the cover page, charts, graphs, maps, photos, or other graphics. See Section IV.C.iii. Project Narrative for the full requirements"]
[130,"2024-05-29","Other","I have received the an error message when attempting to open the attached two PDF forms required for the C-SITE grant application. ","See Question 3 regarding Exchange, if you're still unable to access the forms please visit Grants.gov for the standard forms. "]
[131,"2024-05-29","Registration Requirements","I am in the process of supporting a City with submitting an application to the C-SITE grant opportunity, due this Friday. Are they required to submit on both Infrastructure Exchange and grants.gov? Or just Infrastructure Exchange?","Per Section III.C. Compliance Criteria, SCEP will not review or consider submissions submitted through means other than Infrastructure Exchange. "]
[132,"2024-05-30","Technical Topics","Please elaborate on what parts of the infrastructure are eligible. Re conduction ,transformation ,substations ,poles underground power lines?","See Question 7 and Question 34"]
[133,"2024-08-10","Due Dates","According to the C-SITE FOA, the expected date for SCEP selection notifications for the program is August 2024. We would like to confirm this is still the expected timeline for notification, and if so, approximately when in August we might expect to be notified.","Decisions are now expected in September 2024"]

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["Registration Requirements"]
["Webinar"]
["Concept Paper"]
["Eligibility"]
["Labs/FFRDCs"]
["Foreign Entities/Work"]
["Cost Sharing"]
["Due Dates"]
["Application Content/Format"]
["Intellectual Property"]
["Data Management"]
["Other"]
["U.S. Manufacturing Plan"]
["Application Reviews"]
["Technical Topics"]
["Map"]