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["INSTRUCTIONS"]
[1,"All questions pertaining to this funding opportunity announcement should be emailed to GDO_FOA3348@netl.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 Infrastucture Exchange within this spreadsheet."]
[4,"DOE will attempt to respond to a question within 5 business days, unless a similar question and answer has already been posted in this spreadsheet. "]
[5,"All questions should be submitted not later than 5 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-FOA-0003348 - Updated Through 10/21/2024"]
["Question #","Topic","Question","Answer","Answer Posted on:  "]
[1,"Other","Can an entity that is registered in the mainland US that has worked in Puerto Rico, but does not currently have a presence in Puerto Rico, be on the project team?","Please refer to FOA section C. Topic Areas i and ii under Teaming Arrangement. ","2024-09-03"]
[2,"Other","Where do tax credits play into this funding?","Please refer to the FOA section IV. B. v. \"Technical Volume: Topic Areas 1 and 2\", \"Technical Volume Guidance\" under c) \"Commercial and Financial Viability\". and Section V.A.ii \"Full Application Merit Review Criteria for Topic Area 1 and 2\".","2024-09-13"]
[3,"Other","Also, for Topic 1 there is a two phased decision-making process which we wanted to get a better understanding? ","Please see VI.B.xii \"Go/No-Go Review","2024-09-13"]
[4,"Technical Topics","Can you clarify what is considered a Multifamily unit? Is it a mult-family (intergenerational household) , or a unit of apartments, for instance 4-6 apartment building. ","Please refer to the FOA section I. B. v. Definitions - \"Privately Owned Subsidized Multi-Family Properties\" ","2024-09-13"]
[5,"Technical Topics","Is there a desire for these batteries to be used in the common areas for emergency?  ","Please refer to the FOA C. i. c \"Topic Area 1: Solar PV and Battery Storage Installations for Common Areas within Public or Privately Owned Subsidized Multi-\tFamily Properties\" under the section titled \"Project Examples\" ","2024-09-13"]
[6,"Application Content/Format","In identifying projects/site, what documents are required for the application submission?","See Section IV. \"Application and Submission\" of the FOA.","2024-09-13"]
[7,"Application Content/Format","Do I need to include initial design and layout with the application? If so, are there specific guidelines for this?","Preliminary engineering evaluation and designs are encouraged to be submitted with the initial application packages if they are available for targeted buildings but are not required.  Selected awardees will have time during the design phase to produce these deliverables for each of the buildings that are being proposed for installations.  Currently, the FOA does not have specific guidelines governing the design and layout but may issue additional information on this topic in the future. ","2024-09-13"]
[8,"Application Content/Format","Do I need to include a project timeline or work plan? If yes, what details are necessary?","See Section IV. \"Application and Submission\" of the FOA.","2024-09-13"]
[9,"Application Content/Format","Do I need to include a budget breakdown with the application? If so, are there specific guidelines for this?","See Section IV. \"Application and Submission\" of the FOA.","2024-09-13"]
[10,"Application Content/Format","Do I need to include a site-owner/customer executed letters of intent?","See Section IV.B.ix \"Letters of Commitment\" of the FOA.","2024-09-13"]
[11,"Other","Are there any specific qualifications or certifications required for individuals involved in the project?","Please resubmit this question with additional detail and circumstances of the individual involved. Throughout the FOA a varying level of qualifications and certifications is discussed.","2024-09-13"]
[12,"Application Content/Format","Are there any additional documents that are strongly recommended but not mandatory?","See Section V. \"Application Review Information\" of the FOA.","2024-09-13"]
[13,"Due Dates","What is the anticipated timeline from application submission to grant award notification?","See Page 1 of the FOA concerning dates related to submission deadlines and expected selection notifications.","2024-09-13"]
[14,"Other","If a grant is awarded, what is the usual timeline and triggering event for the disbursement of funds?","Depending on the entity type of the Prime Recipient the VIPERS (https://vipers.doe.gov/) or ASAP (https://fiscal.treasury.gov/asap/) system will be used for payment. The use of the different systems has varying level of payment timelines.","2024-09-13"]
[15,"Other","Are there any specific reporting requirements or documentation needed to receive the funding once awarded?","An issued award will have a Federal Assistance Reporting Checklist and Terms and Conditions for payment attached.","2024-09-13"]
[16,"Other","How are changes or amendments to the project plan handled in terms of funding and reporting?","Amendments are handled by the Federal Program Manager and administrating team assigned to the award.","2024-09-13"]
[17,"Other","If our application is approved and grant funding awarded, may I submit additional projects/site for consideration under our original application (assuming excess funding remains available)?","This may be proposed to the Federal Program Manager and administrating team assigned to the award.","2024-09-13"]
[18,"Technical Topics","If a specific project/site were approved as part of the original application but was later found to not be able to accommodate PV or Battery equipment, could those approved grant funds be applied toward alternative qualified site(s).  In that situation will there be a process to propose those alternates?","Not all of the proposed sites need to be identified with the initial application submission. Selected awardees will have time to identify additional sites for installation during the design phase.  All projects will commence in Phase 1 (Design) and may only proceed to Phase 2 (Construction) upon successful completion of a Go/No-Go review and satisfactory achievement of all decision criteria at the end of Phase 1 (Design), subject to the availability of Federal funds.","2024-09-13"]
[19,"Technical Topics","Can you please clarify the necessary number of sites for each topic area? Topic area 1 gives an example of 100-150 sites. Does this mean that we need to provide service for 100-150 facilities or 50-100 hospitals or health centers for Topic 2? ","The numbers provided in the FOA are for illustrative purposes to indicate that DOE would like to receive applications that propose installations for a large number of the eligible facilities within each topic area, versus a few.  DOE is flexible on the actual number proposed. Applicants do not have to have all facilities identified but must demonstrate a commitment and path to identify the facilities.   DOE expects that installations will occur as designs are approved on a site-by-site basis.","2024-09-13"]
[20,"Application Content/Format","In the description of the Design Phase \"planning phase\" it mentions that you may not need to have all partnerships in place until the second phase. Does this include all intended work sites?","Not all of the proposed sites need to be identified with the initial application submission. Selected awardees will have time to identify additional sites for installation during the design phase.  All projects will commence in Phase 1 (Design) and may only proceed to Phase 2 (Construction) upon successful completion of a Go/No-Go review and satisfactory achievement of all decision criteria at the end of Phase 1 (Design), subject to the availability of Federal funds.","2024-09-13"]
[21,"Cost Sharing","Additionally, can you please clarify the cost sharing parameters? When exactly does the cost sharing start? If we have volunteers who are helping us write the grant, check out sites down in PR and help with initial planning for the development of this application and relationship building, can that count towards our cost sharing responsibilities? ","Please refer to the FOA III. B. Cost Sharing, FOA IV.G. Funding Restrictions, and Appendix A: Cost Share Information. Specifics of allowable cost share will have to be discussed with the award negotiating team.","2024-09-13"]
[22,"Other","Lastly, how does profit work in the budget plan for this grant? We are a for-profit company that is committed to serving and bettering underserved communities, and we want to make sure we parce out our intentions and plans as best as possible; however, we do intend to profit from our work. Can we include profit margins in our budget? If, so what should that look like? ","Profit or Fee is typically unallowable for Prime Recipients and Sub-Recipients. Reference 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E.","2024-09-13"]
[23,null,"What are the most important / grading criteria for selection for grant? ","See Section V. \"Application Review Information\" of the FOA","2024-09-13"]
[24,"Cost Sharing","Is the intent of the program to provide 100% of the funding for each facility awarded or is the amount of grant relative to total cost of facility an element of consideration?","See Section III.B.i \"Cost Share Requirements\" of the FOA.","2024-09-13"]
[25,"Eligibility","Can DOE please confirm if organizations can apply under multiple applications/teaming arrangements? For example, can organization A apply as a lead applicant on one application, and as a subawardee on another application? Can organization A apply as a subawardee on multiple applications? ","Please refer to the FOA III. E. Number of Submittals Eligible for Review","2024-09-13"]
[26,"Application Content/Format","Can DOE please confirm if applications applying for topic 2 need to include systems to cover all 3 types of qualifying health facilities (Health Centers/Centros 330, Diagnostic and Treatment Centers/CDTs, and Dialysis Centers), or can applications focus on 1-2 types?","Applications may focus on one of the types listed in your questions.","2024-09-13"]
[27,"Other","Can DOE please confirm if applications applying for topic area 2 need to plan to install systems on all existing qualifying health facilities? ","Please resubmit this question with additional detail and circumstances concerning existing qualifying health facilities.","2024-09-13"]
[28,"Other","DOE states that one of the three strategic goals of this FOA is to support the growth of the clean energy workforce in Puerto Rico, however, there is little detail about the specific workforce development aspects of the technical volume. Can DOE please expand on what type of workforce development programming they intend on funding with this opportunity? For example, would DOE like to see applicants propose formal workforce development programs to complement installations?  "," DOE is interested in applications that clearly demonstrate a commitment to employing a local Puerto Rican workforce.  The Workplan strategy should demonstrate how the proposed project is likely to lead to increased local employment, good wages, certified installers, or apprentices and good, family-supporting careers. ","2024-09-13"]
[29,"Cost Sharing","Why is the Recipient cost share so high? ","The purpose of the cost share requirement is to ensure that financial assistance recipients have a financial stake in the results of the projects funded by the Department of Energy (DOE), thus encouraging more active engagement and management of the projects. Cost share may be provided in the form of cash or cash equivalents, or in-kind contributions. See FOA Appendix A for further infromation.","2024-09-13"]
[30,"Other","What is a Topic Area? ","Topic Areas are distinct opportunities to apply for funding within this FOA. That is, this FOA has two interrelated Topic Areas but each one has a unique sector focus.  Apart from the facilities eligible for solar and battery storage installations under each topic area, both Topic Areas have the same submission requirements and evaluation criteria.","2024-09-18"]
[31,"Other","What is the timeline for the application and review period?","Application submissions are due no later than 5 PM EST on October 22nd, 2024. Notifications of selections are expected to be made before the end of 2024.","2024-09-18"]
[32,"Other","Are there templates for the required application documents: Cover Page, 1-Page Summary, or Technical Volume?  ","There are no standard templates for the Cover Page, 1-Page Summary, or Technical Volume. However, the sections must contain the mandatory information contained in Section IV. ii Content and Form of the Full Application of the FOA.  ","2024-09-18"]
[33,"Other","Does the Davis-Bacon Act apply? ","No, Davis-Bacon labor requirements do not apply to resulting awards.","2024-09-18"]
[34,"Other","Do Build America Buy American Requirements (BABA) Apply?","Yes, BABA requirements apply to resulting awards.","2024-09-18"]
[35,"Other","Are operations and maintenance (O&M) costs an eligible expense under resulting awards under this FOA?","Yes, DOE will consider covering up to 5 years’ worth of O&M costs as part of a resulting award.  All costs must be allowable under 2 CFR Parts 200 and 910/Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) (if applicable), as determined by the DOE Contracting Officer.","2024-09-18"]
[36,"Other","Can applications include solar and battery installations for individual residential units within multi-family housing?","No.  Applications for installations that do not serve a community center or a common area within a public housing property or privately-owned subsidized multi-family project are not eligible.","2024-09-18"]
[37,"Other","What “common areas” or “community centers” in multi-family housing are eligible?","All areas and facilities within a public housing property or privately-owned subsidized multi-family properties, not specifically reserved for one occupant's exclusive use.","2024-09-18"]
[38,"Other","What types of healthcare facilities are eligible?","A Healthcare Center (330), Diagnostic & Treatment Center (CDT), or dialysis center.","2024-09-18"]
[39,"Other","What housing facilities are eligible?","Public housing properties: Housing assisted under the provisions of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. \nPrivately-Owned Subsidized Multi-Family Properties: Privately-owned subsidized properties in Puerto Rico with a project-based rental assistance contract issued under the Office of Multifamily Housing Programs, which includes 198 properties, supporting over 20,700 households. These multi-family properties contain more than 4 rental units per property and participate in HUD’s Section 8 Project Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) program under a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract, Section 202 Project Rental Assistance Contracts (PRAC), and Section 811 PRAC. The Section 202 PRAC are for elderly persons, the Section 811 PRAC are for persons with disabilities, and the Section 8 PBRA program covers all household types: families, elderly and disabled. Each property is identified by a unique HUD Property ID number, also known as an iREMS number. In addition, privately-owned USDA financed properties in Puerto Rico which includes 83 properties supporting 4,464 households of family, elderly, and disabled household types; specifically, the Section 514, 515, and 516 financed properties, along with any properties that have been restructured under USDA’s Multifamily Housing Preservation and Revitalization pilot program. These multi-family properties also participate in the Section 521 Project-Based Rental Assistance Program which currently provides rental subsidy for 3,773 households. ","2024-09-18"]
[40,"Other","What type of teaming arrangement is DOE interested in for this FOA?","Teams should include entities that have an existing, physical presence in Puerto Rico and are in financial and regulatory good standing. Multi-stakeholder teams will be best positioned to ensure efforts and objectives supported by the FOA have the necessary support from relevant partners, community members and stakeholders to be successful both during and after the project period. Partnerships in the form of multi-stakeholder teams should include:\n•\tLead organization to represent the team;\n•\tRepresentative that has official decision-making authority for the target facility or facilities, if different from the lead organization;\n•\tExpert local consultant with a demonstrated track record in the development, design, and/or engineering of solar and storage systems in Puerto Rico or, preferably, in the target community;\n•\tAll other entities and organizations that together have sufficient authority and influence to ensure overall success in applying the Federal funding within the community toward achieving the FOA’s objectives of energy resilience.\n•\tTeaming partnerships should include Puerto Rican-based entities, which may include but not limited to, the following types of organizations: non-profit organizations, community-based organizations and grassroots organizations, solar installations companies, design and engineering firms, an energy service company (ESCO), consultants, corporations or similar organizations contributing to the economic development of the community, in particular: the community’s small- to mid-size businesses that are majority owned or controlled by underrepresented persons or groups of underrepresented persons.","2024-09-18"]
[41,"Other","Can you explain the difference between the lead applicant’s role and a team member role?","Once there is an award, the lead applicant would be considered a “prime” recipient. Prime recipients are the party ultimately responsible for the performance of all work under the award  and management of the project budget, regardless of what entity (prime, subrecipient, or contractor) performs work as part of the prime recipient’s team. Being a prime recipient establishes  privity of contract with the Government.  This legal relationship distinguishes the prime recipient in their direct engagement with the federal agency. Prime recipients direct and control all engagements and communications with the Government client.  For this FOA, only the prime applicant would be responsible for submitting the necessary application documents.  Prime applicants should create and communicate a clear and streamlined process to any interested team members to ensure the development of a timely application submission meeting the FOA  requirements.  The prime applicant should clearly delineate roles in this process and establish a timeline for potential team members to provide relevant information needed to complete teaming arrangements necessary to inform the application submission process. \n\nPrime recipients routinely collaborate with other entities to enhance the team’s capabilities. The prime recipient subawards or contracts with these entities, to provide a portion of the product and/or service required under the prime recipient’s award.  These entities may be classified as subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor, depending on their relationship with the recipient and their roles/responsibilities.  See 2 CFR 200.331.\n\nSubrecipients and contractors must remember that in this role they:\n•\tHave no privity of contract with the Government, only with the prime recipient (or subrecipient/contractor, if applicable). Prime recipients communicate and negotiate with the Government, while subrecipients/contractors communicate and negotiate with prime recipient (or subrecipient/contractor, if applicable).\n•\tTake their sole direction from the prime recipient, not the Government.","2024-09-18"]
[42,"Other","Does every member of a team need to fill out an application to this FOA?","No. Only one application is submitted by the prime applicant, for the team. The prime applicant is solely responsible for submitting the necessary application documents.  Prime applicants should create and communicate a clear and streamlined process to any interested team members to ensure the development of a timely application submission meeting the FOA requirements.  The prime applicant should clearly delineate roles in this process and establish a timeline for potential team members to provide relevant information needed to complete teaming arrangements necessary to inform the application submission process.","2024-09-18"]
[43,"Other","Does every member of a team need to fill out an application to this FOA?","No. Only one application is submitted by the prime applicant, for the team. The prime applicant is solely responsible for submitting the necessary application documents.  Prime applicants should create and communicate a clear and streamlined process to any interested team members to ensure the development of a timely application submission meeting the FOA requirements.  The prime applicant should clearly delineate roles in this process and establish a timeline for potential team members to provide relevant information needed to complete teaming arrangements necessary to inform the application submission process.","2024-09-18"]
[44,"Other","What is the Teaming Partner List and how can that be accessed for this Funding Opportunity?","DOE’s Teaming Partner List allows organizations that may wish to participate on a project to express their interest to other applicants, explore potential partnerships, and facilitate the formation of project teams. On the Infrastructure eXCHANGE webpage, an interested party can enter general contact information, along with the type of entity they are, areas of expertise, and the specific role they are interested in on a potential team.  A teaming arrangement represents a common way to combine complementary capabilities and resources to compete effectively for this competitive FOA that a single entity could not perform on its own. ","2024-09-18"]
[45,"Other","Are there instructions on how to fill out the Teaming Partner List?","To submit an entry to DOE’s Teaming Partner List, click on the “Submit Entry to Teaming Partner List” button at the top or visit the Teaming Partner List Applicant Profile. In the Teaming Partner List dropdown menu, select the list corresponding to this FOA: Number TPL-0000010, Title TPL-0000010 for FOA DE-FOA-0003348: Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund.  Enter the following information into the required fields: Organization Name, Investigator Name, Investigator Title, Organization Type, Area of Expertise, Topic Area, Role, Background and Capabilities, and Contact Information. For those organizations located in Puerto Rico, “PR” is a selectable option in the “State” column.","2024-09-18"]
[46,"Other","Can I access the Teaming Partner List or Infrastructure eXCHANGE in Spanish?","While Infrastructure eXCHANGE is an English language platform, teams may submit to the Teaming Partner List in either English or Spanish. Please consult this list of translated terms used in the Teaming Partner List, provided by DOE.","2024-09-18"]
[47,"Eligibility","Can DOE confirm then if organizations can apply as part of multiple different applications to increase their odds of being included as part of a successful coalition, assuming the applications are distinct and tailored to the specific area? ","A single entity may apply as part of multiple distinct applications within a single Topic Area. ","2024-09-20"]
[48,"Eligibility","Can a teaming partner entity be named in two different submissions by two different prime applicants for the same track?","Teaming Partners do not have restrictions on being named under multiple submissions.","2024-09-20"]
[49,"Eligibility","According to the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), health facilities must meet 1 of the following requirements to qualify as an FQHC:\n•\tGet a grant under Section 330 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act or be funded by the same grant contracted to the recipient\n•\tGet a grant as an FQHC “look-alike” based on a Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) recommendation\n•\tBe treated by the HHS Secretary as a comprehensive federally funded health center since January 1, 1990, under Part B\n•\tOperate as an outpatient health program or tribe or tribal organization facility under the Indian Self-Determination Act or as an urban Indian organization getting funds under Title V of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act\n\nDo health facilities that meet any 1 of the above FQHC requirements qualify as eligible project sites for Topic Area 2: Solar PV and Battery Storage Installations for Community Healthcare Facilities? In other words, do all FQHCs qualify as eligible project sites for Topic Area 2?","Only Health Centers covered in Section 330 of the Public Health Services Act are eligible for Topic Area 2.","2024-10-01"]
[50,"Other","We have been working to submit a proposal with a Sponsor that owns and manages 14 subsidized MF projects accounting for 3,000 units.  Based on your expressed intent to make just one or two awards, it looks like you are excluding smaller projects / EPC proposals.   Is there room for smaller groups to participate within this FOA? ","Yes.  Please access our Teaming Partner List (TPL-0000010), located on DOE’s Infrastructure eXCHANGE website. The Teaming Partner List aims to facilitate the formation of project teams, allowing organizations that may wish to participate in a project to express their interest to other applicants and explore potential partnerships that can result in DOE achieving a maximum impact across the entire portfolio of public and privately owned subsidized multi-family properties. On this webpage, an interested entity can enter general contact information, along with the type of entity they are, areas of expertise, and the specific role they are interested in on a potential team.","2024-10-01"]
[51,"Other","We would like to ask if there is a minimum amount of Privately-Owned Subsidized Multi-Family Properties or Community Healthcare Facilities for this grant.","There is no minimum number of facilities. The numbers provided in the FOA are for illustrative purposes to indicate that DOE would like to receive applications that propose installations for a large number of the eligible facilities within each topic area, versus a few. DOE is flexible on the actual number proposed. Applicants do not have to have all facilities identified but must demonstrate a commitment and path to identify the facilities. DOE expects that installations will occur as designs are approved on a site-by-site basis","2024-10-01"]
[52,"Eligibility","Our small 60-bed hospital operates on a 120/208V electrical substation, which is compatible with a solar PV system. We meet all the program's requirements except for the project definitions (Centros 330, CDT, or Dialysis Center) outlined in Topic Area 2: Solar PV and Battery Storage Installations for Community Healthcare Facilities. Could you clarify whether our facility could be considered for the program, or is the agency strictly limiting consideration to the three defined projects in the announcement?","Applications including one or more of the three qualifying health facilities Health Centers/Centros 330, Diagnostic and Treatment Centers/CDTs, and Dialysis Centers will be considered under Topic Area 2. Reference eligible projects under Section I.C.ii Topic Area 2 and I.D Applications Specifically Not of Interest.","2024-10-02"]
[53,"Eligibility","I am writing to request clarifications regarding the scope of this FOA, to ensure our compliance with Section I.D. “Applications Specifically Not of Interest”.  \n\nOur team will propose a fully integrated hydrogen solution (in lieu of battery storage) with the solar PV installation at multiple community healthcare facilities in Puerto Rico.  Can you please confirm if this alternative energy storage solution meets the intended scope requirements?\n","Hydrogen solutions are not of interest for either Topic Area. Reference I.D. Applications Specifically Not of Interest.","2024-10-11"]
[54,"Eligibility","It is possible to use certified products of wind Technology, as a source of energy,  for areas where site space is limited for PV solutions?","Wind technology is currently not of interest for either AOI. Reference I.D. Applications Specifically Not of Interest.","2024-10-11"]
[55,"Application Content/Format","The Technical Volume is limited to 15 pages and also calls for pictures of all the sites. We plan to have pictures for our sites including a representative illustration of the solar installation. With 50-100 sites, the pictures will have to be extremely small for all the sites limiting their usefulness for the reviewer. Are you open to us including sample photos of several sites in the Technical Volume and then including the remaining site photos in an appendix? ","The FOA states on page 38 “required attachments will not count against the page limit. Applicants may provide graphs, charts, or other data to supplement their technical volume.”  Please include a sampling in the technical volume under the ‘project benefits’ section and then include the remaining site photos in an appendix.  The appendix file may be labeled ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_Appendix_Sitephotos.","2024-10-11"]
[56,"Other","In the FOA, you state that applications should be specifically geared for underserved communities. However, most EJ screening websites do not have data for Puerto Rico, and the Census Bureau only has data for Puerto Rico as a whole, and it is not broken down by community. How can applicants find data to identify communities of specific need? Are there any websites that you know of that have this information?","We are currently not providing a listing of websites to check. Please reference Section I.B.v Definitions for underserved communities and Footnote 3 \"Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government\". ","2024-10-11"]
[57,"Other","Are section 8 homes that are single family eligible?","Reference I.B.v Definitions, particularly Privately Owned Subsidized Multi-Family Properties.","2024-10-11"]
[58,"Other","What if it is a building where only a portion of the units are subsidized? Reference I.B.v Definitions, particularly.","-          Reference I.B.v Definitions, particularly Privately Owned Subsidized Multi-Family Properties.","2024-10-11"]
[59,"Other","Would a solar system that reduces the energy bill of individual units qualify as a system benefitting a common area since it is not exclusive to one resident?","-          Please see eligible projects for the appropriate Topic Areas.","2024-10-11"]
[60,"Other","Does PR law apply for the design and certification of solar systems?","-          Yes, local laws will apply.","2024-10-11"]
[61,"Other","In the case of community health facilities what areas can be powered through the solar and storage system?","-          Please reference I.C.ii Eligible Projects and Project Examples.","2024-10-11"]
[62,"Other","Are there restrictions in terms of types of equipment/technologies (does need to be manufactured in US, what types of batteries are eligible)?","Please reference section IV. Application and Submission Information; particularly Equipment and Supplies, and Build America Buy America Requirements for Infrastructure Projects.","2024-10-11"]
[63,"Other","What companies were selected under programa accesso solar?","Please see Solar Access Program | Department of Energy.","2024-10-11"]
[64,"Other","Can common areas include water cistern/pump?"," Please see eligible projects for the appropriate Topic Areas.","2024-10-11"]
[65,"Other","Can a property owner sign letters of commitment with multiple teams/applications?","DOE does not restrict the signing of letters of commitment by an independent entity.","2024-10-11"]
[66,"Other","When do you expect to announce awards and for the program to be formally launched?","See Page 1 of FOA for expected award date.","2024-10-11"]
[67,"Other","Does each installation need a SAM number or only the primary applicant?","Please see FOA Page 2 Registration Requirements.","2024-10-11"]
[68,"Other","Can a team be comprised of a foreign entity and a local one?","See III.A.iii Foreign Entities and Appendix B: Waiver Requests For: Foreign Entity Participation.","2024-10-11"]
[69,"Other","As an agent administering public housing, how can we coordinate on this proposal?","Please see Teaming Arrangement section for the appropriate Topic Areas.","2024-10-11"]
[70,"Other","I see DOE left out other vulnerable groups: homeless people, and those affected by domestic violence. These centers are financed by HUD but other programs have not identified them (ESG, OVW, DOJ).","This is not a question. Please reference Section I.B.v Definitions for underserved communities and Footnote 3 \"Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government\".","2024-10-11"]
[71,"Other","Will you do an RFP in order to have meetings? What about a mixer/networking event?","Neither is applicable to this FOA.","2024-10-11"]
[72,"Other","How do you anticipate the disbursement of funding under this program? i.e. Advances or reimbursement after installations are complete – important to determine the capital needs for the work to be done.","Payment will be on a reimbursement basis unless otherwise approved by the awarding Contracting Officer.","2024-10-11"]
[73,"Other","For projects that require structural modifications – does only BABA apply not the Davis Bacon Act?","Davis Bacon act does not apply to this FOA. ","2024-10-11"]
[74,"Other","For solar and battery installations, are energy audits required?","Energy Audits apply to both Topic Areas and will be an expected Phase 1 deliverable.","2024-10-11"]
[75,"Other","Webinar links only include the PowerPoint link for “how to apply”, will you include the “overview webinar”?","Please see videos posted on Funding Opportunity Announcement: Programa de Comunidades Resilientes | Department of Energy","2024-10-11"]
[76,"Other","What is the expectation for procurement compliance with respect to 2CFR and collaboration with consultants?","Awards from this FOA will be required to follow 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles concerning services.","2024-10-11"]
[77,"Other","In the case where full staff is not yet available, can we provide job descriptions in lieu of resumes?","Please see section IV.B.vii. Resume File.","2024-10-11"]
[78,"Other","At this stage, what is the expectation for key staff? i.e. is having a project director enough to meet requirements?","Key Personnel have to be proposed in a manner that meet the size and complexity of project requirements.","2024-10-11"]
[79,"Other","What environmental requirements will apply to these projects?","Please reference section VI.A.ix. Environmental Review in Accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).","2024-10-11"]
[80,"Other","What insurance will be required for these projects?","Appropriate insurance must be managed by the responsible entity. In addition, reference VI.B.xi. Indemnity and Appendix F: Technical and Operational Requirements.","2024-10-11"]
[81,"Other","What level of detail is needed regarding the strategy for monetizing tax credits?","Please refer to FOA section IV. B. v. \"Technical Volume: Topic Areas 1 and 2\", \"Technical Volume Guidance\" under c) \"Commercial and Financial Viability\". and Section V.A.ii \"Full Application Merit Review Criteria for Topic Area 1 and 2\".","2024-10-11"]
[82,"Other","Can the cost of preparing a proposal be reimbursed?","Cost of application is not reimbursable.","2024-10-11"]
[83,"Other","The construction phase lists the interconnection with LUMA as the only activity, will there be other required activities? Will the equipment installation be in phase one?","Please reference section I.C.iii Award and Project Management Approach Phase 2: Construction Section.","2024-10-11"]
[84,"Other","If using an existing contactor, what supporting documentation needs to be provided?","Please see Budget Justification Workbook instructions are followed for proposed contractual costs.","2024-10-11"]
[85,"Other","Are multifamily projects subsidized by the PR DOH eligible?","Reference I.B.v Definitions, particularly Privately Owned Subsidized Multi-Family Properties.","2024-10-11"]
[86,"Other","Can a nonprofit that only administers seven multifamily projects apply on its own? The estimated project cost would be around $250,000.","There is not a restriction on applying although please reference II.C.i. Estimated Funding, Number of Awards, and Award Size.","2024-10-11"]
[87,"Other","Who administers the funds and how is progress monitored?","All Federal cost share is administered by DOE. Progress is monitored by a combination of quarterly, annual, and as needed reporting requirements implemented as part of the issued award terms.","2024-10-11"]
[88,"Other","Will the program have project managers or inspectors to monitor progress for each site?","Each award is assigned a Federal Program Manager","2024-10-11"]
[89,"Other","Are only PR DOH properties eligible? i.e. in the case of a municipal facility that impact public housing would it be eligible?","Reference I.B.v Definitions and I.C.i Topic Area 1; Eligible Projects paragraph.","2024-10-11"]
[90,"Other","Does a team have a minimum number of facilities?","Please see posted Q&A spreadsheet row 51.","2024-10-11"]
[91,"Other","If an NGO applies with a team of 70 facilities/subrecipients is the 10% cost share distributed across the 70 facilities/subrecipients?","Cost share can be distributed between Prime and Subrecipients. Reference Appendix A of the FOA.","2024-10-11"]
[92,"Other","Can the application due date be extended to November 2024?","No extension is planned at this time.","2024-10-11"]
[null,"Eligibility","I am reaching out on behalf a youth club in Puerto Rico to inquire about the eligibility criteria for the \"Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund: Resilient Communities Program.\" Our club is a nonprofit organization that operates multiple clubhouses across Puerto Rico.\nI am wondering whether our club would be eligible to apply for funding if its clubhouses are located in low-income housing complexes, which directly serve the target populations specified by the grant.","Please see eligible projects under I.C for the appropriate Topic Areas.","2024-10-16"]
[94,"Eligibility","Do the Diagnostic and Treatment Centers CDT can be private clinics? ","The FOA does not have targeted restrictions on private clinics. All other eligibility requirements identified in the FOA apply.","2024-10-16"]
[95,"Application Content/Format","In the proposal we can’t  be included  the names of the potential installers, since should be a competitive process in Phase 1 contraction?","Teaming Arrangement under Topic Area 2 are part of the FOA process (Reference Page 17). In addition please reference IV.B Full Applications and  V.A. Review Criteria within the FOA.","2024-10-16"]
[96,"Application Content/Format","I have a question regarding the Subaward Budget Justification requirement of the Resilient Communities Program. Since we are still in the development phase and don’t plan to bid out the work to subcontractors until after the award is announced, how should we go about answering this question? ","Estimated costs of \"To Be Determined\" Subawards will still have to be provided. Reference section IV.B.x Budget Justification File, IV.B.xi. Subaward Budget Justification, and IV.B. Full Applications.","2024-10-16"]
[97,"Other","As we engage with owners and developers of low-income housing developments, we’ve run into several instances where the owner or developer would like to state their support for our team, but feels prevented from doing so because of exclusivity language contained in their letter of support for a different team. \n\nOur understanding is that the letters of support are intended to show the DOE that the Proponent and its team has “sufficient visibility, and a path” to reaching the intended beneficiaries of the FOA and to support their ability to deploy sufficient capital and resource to reach said beneficiaries. \n\nWhat we are seeing instead is certain players attempting to “corner the market”, and we are concerned that these “exclusivity” arrangements will create a distorted view of the market’s support for the FOA or for specific teams.\n\nWe would like to seek clarification from the DOE as to whether exclusivity language in the letters of support is in the spirit of the “healthy market competition” among teams which we feel the DOE has been encouraging – or whether such language is even acceptable at all by the DOE.","DOE does not specifically prohibit exclusivity agreements (noncompete). You may review 2 CFR 910.126 concerning maximum competition guidance under DOE application solicitations.  ","2024-10-16"]
[98,"Application Content/Format","In the proposal we can’t  be included  the names of the potential installers, since should be a competitive process in Phase 1 contraction?","Teaming Arrangement under Topic Area 2 are part of the FOA process (Reference Page 17). In addition please reference IV.B Full Applications and  V.A. Review Criteria within the FOA.","2024-10-18"]
[99,"Application Content/Format","I have a question regarding the Subaward Budget Justification requirement of the Resilient Communities Program. Since we are still in the development phase and don’t plan to bid out the work to subcontractors until after the award is announced, how should we go about answering this question? ","Estimated costs of \"To Be Determined\" Subawards will still have to be provided. Reference section IV.B.x Budget Justification File, IV.B.xi. Subaward Budget Justification, and IV.B. Full Applications.","2024-10-18"]
[100,"Application Content/Format","In cases where the application presents the complete pre-selection of eligible sites (for example, 110 sites), is DOE open to applications only, including sample photos in the appendix file, for example, only sites and facilities photos for Batch 1, instead of the complete photos for the pre-selected 110 sites? ","Referred to posted Q&A, Question 20 and 55.","2024-10-18"]
[101,"Application Reviews","Can you confirm if DOE will be reviewing submitted budgets using the updated Uniform Grant Guidance 2 CFR 200? The subrecipient budget justification form posted online has the old rules included. For example, the updates to the rules increase the $5,000 threshold for equipment to $10,000. ","Please follow instructions posted within the FOA. Issued awards in FY25 will implement the latest standards under Uniform Guidance – 2 CFR 200 where applicable.","2024-10-18"]
[102,"Application Content/Format","Does Exchange allow for upload of Transparency of Foreign Connections submission.","Currently the application platform allows for this submission as referenced on pagy 47 of the FOA.","2024-10-18"]
[103,"Other","What is the extent of the coordination (design, permitting, inspection, certification)?","Application submissions should include team members that have the knowledge and experience to successfully perform these tasks.","2024-10-18"]
[104,"Other","Do these installations have to be connected to Luma’s grid?","Yes, all installed systems are expected to be grid-tied but can be a part of a larger microgrid project.  During the construction phase, project teams will complete any net metering agreements and interconnection requests to the Transmission and Distribution Operator (i.e., LUMA Energy).  Upgrades to a connected microgrid in order for the solar PV and battery storage system to connect (e.g., operational management system to tie into the microgrid) can be proposed.","2024-10-18"]
[105,"Other","Can you provide guidance of the important elements of an operations and maintenance plan that must be provided in the narrative?","Information on the delivery of O&M services should include the qualifications of service providers, contractual relations, and performance guarantees related to O&M. Information on the services provided may include: asset management; monitoring; operations; preventive maintenance; corrective or condition-based maintenance (repair); and end of performance period (disposition).  Application submissions can include a sample or proposed agreement in the appendix.","2024-10-18"]
[106,"Other","Can you provide guidance of what is expected in terms of system performance and other safety and occupational items? D109","DOE will come out with further program guidance on these topics that awardees will be able to reference during the design phase.","2024-10-18"]
[107,"Other","Do projects built under Law 143 (state subsidized program) qualify?","The Law 173 Program is a Puerto Rico Government Program. Housing properties with Law 173 funding must meet one of the following definitions listed in the FOA.\n\nPrivately Owned Subsidized Multi-Family Properties: Privately owned subsidized properties in Puerto Rico with a project-based rental assistance contract issued under the Office of Multifamily Housing Programs, which includes 198 properties, supporting over 20,700 households. These multi-family properties contain more than 4 rental units per property and participate in HUD’s Section 8 Project Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) program under a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract, Section 202 Project Rental Assistance Contracts (PRAC), and Section 811 PRAC. The Section 202 PRAC are for elderly persons, the Section 811 PRAC are for persons with disabilities, and the Section 8 PBRA program covers all household types: families, elderly and disabled. Each property is identified by a unique HUD Property ID number, also known as an iREMS number. In addition, privately owned USDA financed properties in Puerto Rico which includes 83 properties supporting 4,464 households of family, elderly, and disabled household types; specifically, the Section 514, 515, and 516 financed properties, along with any properties that have been restructured under USDA’s Multifamily Housing Preservation and Revitalization pilot program. These multi-family properties also participate in the Section 521 Project-Based Rental Assistance Program which currently provides rental subsidy for 3,773 households.\n\nPublic Housing Property: Housing assisted under the provisions of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities","2024-10-18"]
[108,"Other","Do projects under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program without a section 8 contract qualify?"," The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC) is a US Department of the Treasury Program. Housing properties with LIHTC funding must meet one of the following definitions listed in the FOA. Reference I.B.V Definitions and I.C.i Topic Area 1 Eligible Projects.","2024-10-18"]
[114,"Other","Are properties that are currently under construction and expected to be completed in 2025, eligible for installation?","Yes, you may propose a property scheduled to be completed for its intended use in 2025, outside of any potential DOE Project related funding. Not all proposed sites are required to be identified with the initial application submission. Selected awardees will have time to identify additional sites for installation during the design phase.  All projects will commence in Phase 1 (Design) and may only proceed to Phase 2 (Construction) upon successful completion of a Go/No-Go review and satisfactory achievement of all decision criteria at the end of Phase 1 (Design), subject to the availability of Federal funds.  DOE expects that installations will occur as designs are approved on a site-by-site basis.","2024-10-18"]
[115,"Other","In the case of a natural disaster (hurricane) who is responsible for the disposal of damaged equipment? ","This is subject to disposition instructions from the award Contracting Officer and related terms for equipment under the award.","2024-10-18"]
[116,"Other","Uploaded documents to the Exchange system appear to have a different file name than what is being uploaded by the applicant.","The end product name created by the Exchange system is acceptable. Please initiate the upload using the naming conventions identified in the FOA. ","2024-10-18"]
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